Faculty & Staff

Grew up mostly in the DC metropolitan area and has lived near Winchester since 2001.

Joanie has over 25 years of experience working in the field of education. She attended Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, OK, where she majored in Biblical Education and Teaching. After graduating from college, she moved to Botswana, Africa, where she continued her studies in the field of education by correspondence, worked in a local Christian school, and taught discipleship classes to American college aged students. Prior to joining the Lower School faculty of ECA in the fall of 2015, Joanie served as a tutor and program director in the Classical Conversations community of Winchester. She is currently working to complete her doctorate.

She and her husband Paul have five children. In her spare time Joanie likes to bake, decorate, explore new terrain, and read (especially if a warm blanket and a cup of coffee are involved!). She accepted the role as Principal in June 2017 and became Executive Director of Eukarya Family Center in 2024. She is excited about all that God is doing at Eukarya!

She was born and reared in Los Angeles and a few years after college moved to rural Wisconsin. That's where she married her husband and started a family. In 2015, their family moved to Winchester.

After graduating from high school, Mrs. Proffitt graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Education and a minor in Art.

In her free time, Mrs. Proffitt enjoys playing games with her family. (She is *slightly* competitive.) She also likes to craft and spend time in the kitchen baking. And a must for her is a Sunday afternoon nap.

Rae Cromeens is a veteran Academic Language Therapist who has moved here recently from Dallas, Texas to be with her daughter and two grandchildren. Rae is also a veteran of marriage having celebrated her 52nd anniversary to her high school sweetheart Gary last May. She began her journey in education with a BS of Elem. Ed from North Texas State University and then a Masters of Education from Dallas Baptist University. Over her career, she has served students as a teacher, administrator, and educational therapist in more settings than we can list! And she has also earned certification in more types of educational therapy than we can list! As a co-leader in our Eukarya Academy Learning Center, we value her vast professional knowledge and deep passion for helping struggling students to achieve their best! Most recently, she has completed Level II certification of Equipping Minds cognitive therapy, and is helping the teaching staff to implement the concepts in all the classrooms.

Rae’s hobbies include working in the yard, knitting and crocheting, reading, taking classes, attending webinars and conferences that deal with the brain and how students learn.

Laine was raised in Fairfax County, VA and moved to Stephens City in 2001 with her family. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from Virginia Tech and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Shenandoah University. Laine has over 30 years experience working with young children, including teaching preschool and kindergarten (her favorite!), running a home day care business, being a summer camp director and TDT counselor. After retiring from teaching, she knew in her heart she wanted to continue helping students and families, so The Learning Center position was a wonderful fit.

Laine has been married for 26 years to Sean, who is an attorney. They have three grown sons and four grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, walking, traveling, cross-stitching, and volunteering with her church.

I live in Frederick County, I was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, my family moved to Winchester, Virginia when I was 10 years old . I met my husband Gary in high school (James Wood) we have been married 52 years. When we married he was in the Army and we were stationed in Asmara, Ethiopia for 2 years our daughter was born there. After we came home, I started working in the Frederick county school system and was a teacher and office aid for 6 years. Our daughter is married and has 4 children, They live in Richmond, Virginia. My husband and I have owned two businesses and sold those, after, I sold residential real estate for Caldwell Bankers (4 yearsI. I work now with Eukarya Christian (I am so happy and blessed to be working here) I am an Art teacher, a Tutor, and have recess and lunch. My hobbies are horseback riding, golf, and swimming. God Bless!

Robert was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in Southern California. He earned his B.A. in History and M.S. in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) at California State University, Fullerton. Robert has over 30 years of teaching experience in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. He also taught for 9 years at Sylvan Learning Center in Winchester. He is a licensed Washington, D.C. tour guide, Army veteran, has visited all 50 states and seen home games at all 30 MLB stadiums. Robert is starting his 12 year teaching at Eukarya Christian Academy.

Kathy was raised in Ohio and North Carolina. She attended the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She has a BA in Education with concentrations in Psychology and Ministry. Kathy homeschooled both of her children through High School graduation. She is a Pastor's wife and has been married to Don for over 40 years and they serve Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Front Royal, VA. Kathy has been on staff at Christian Broadcasting Network and Teen Challenge and served as Director and Assistant Director in two local preschools.

Mrs. Coffman has over 40 years’ experience as a classroom teacher. She has worked in many Christian schools in Virginia as well as founded several private schools – still in operation today. Mrs. Coffman and her late husband Lewis were blessed with 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Chrystal was born and raised in Ohio (GO BUCKEYES!). After graduating high school, she studied at Liberty University for a year, then transferred back to Ohio where she finished her degree in Psychology. She moved to the Winchester area at the end of 2009 after marrying her husband.

She began nursing school in the fall of 2011 and graduated in 2013. She practiced as a Labor and Delivery nurse, LDRP, and Postpartum nurse for close to ten years before coming on staff at Eukarya.
She and her husband have three children. She loves Jesus, her husband, three kids, soccer, and all things beaches! In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, find/make new recipes, and read a good book.

Kim grew up in the DC metropolitan area and has been a very happy resident of the Shenandoah Valley since 2010. (She is definitely more country than city mouse.)

Kim graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Child Developmental Psychology. But her real education was the process of homeschooling her six children for over two decades.

After her last child graduated, Kim was surprised to discover her love for teaching had taken hold and she wanted to continue teaching as it further justifies her love for knowledge as well as her habit of collecting books and occasionally reading them all the way through.

Daniel Kolansky's journey at Eukarya Academy began not out of a deep-seated passion for teaching, but rather from a desire to meet a need within his community. However, his experience at the Academy has been transformative. Immersed in an environment of care and dedication, he has grown to cherish his role as a STEM teacher. The commitment and enthusiasm of his fellow staff members have left an indelible impression on him, inspiring him to strive for excellence in his own teaching practice.

Dan's extensive background in technology and IT, dating back to 2002, has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and experience that he now imparts to the students of Eukarya Academy. His career has spanned various technical fields, from web development at Hoskin Megabyte Products to serving as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Virtual Administrator. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his ventures, including running his own IT business and a web development agency, Champions Of The Web.

In recent years, Dan has expanded his repertoire to include photography, videography, and live streaming, and has ventured into app development, creating powerful AI-driven software. His diverse experiences and self-taught skills are invaluable assets in his current role, enabling him to provide a rich, well-rounded education to his students.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dan is a devoted family man. He is the proud father of three children, Rechelle, Boaz, and Lily, who are all students at the Academy. His love for his family extends to his wife, Kristin, to whom he has been happily married for over 17 years.

Mary Lou Nagel, a seasoned kindergarten teacher at Eukarya Christian Academy, is a passionate educator with an impressive teaching journey that spans over 45 years, 17 of which have been in kindergarten. Her love for teaching, particularly the art of reading, is deeply rooted in her belief that it is a treasured life skill. Mrs. Nagel's teaching career began in Ohio and Pennsylvania after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She then moved to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where she taught briefly before embarking on an 11-year international teaching experience in five different countries.

Upon returning to Virginia, Mrs. Nagel dedicated eight years to teaching English as a Second Language in Frederick County before joining the former Winchester Academy. There, she continued to nurture her passion for teaching kindergarten. Today, she is an integral part of the Lower School division at Eukarya Christian Academy, where she has spent the last eight years.

Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Nagel cherishes her personal life, which is filled with the love and support of her family. She and her husband are blessed with two daughters, their husbands, and six grandchildren who all reside in the area. The joy of having her family nearby is a source of constant happiness and motivation for her. Mrs. Nagel's life is a beautiful blend of her professional dedication to teaching and her personal commitment to her family. She considers herself fortunate to be surrounded by her loved ones and the wonderful kindergarten children of Eukarya Christian Academy, who she regards as an extended family.

Mr. Peck was born and raised in a wonderful Christian home near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 2011 from Cedarville University in Ohio. In his free time, Mr. Peck loves spending time with his four nieces and nephews, as well as rooting on his Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers.

Steve Peterson is the go-to person for Facilities Management and Maintenance at Eukarya Christian Academy, where he has been ensuring the smooth operation of our campus since 2023. Originally from South Dakota, Steve began his career in construction before transitioning into a successful career in development. After retiring and moving to Winchester, Steve joined Eukarya, playing a crucial role in helping the academy adjust to its new campus. Steve's transition from construction and development to facilities management has been a valuable asset to our school community.

Dawn Rooney, has a rich and varied background that has shaped her into the educator she is today. Born and raised in Marshall, VA, Dawn's journey began with her working as an administrative assistant in radiology while simultaneously attending college classes in Manassas, VA. Her pursuit of knowledge and experience led her to Radford, VA, where she continued her education and work in radiology. A brief sojourn in Colorado Springs, CO, further broadened her horizons before she returned to her home state.

Dawn's personal life has been equally fulfilling, with her role as a homeschool mom to her daughter Abigail being a source of immense joy. This experience, coupled with her four-year tenure at Homespun Schoolhouse in Stephens City, where her daughter attended 5th-9th grade, paved the way for her career in education. Dawn's expertise extends beyond traditional teaching; she was a certified Arrowsmith instructor at Eukarya for five years, a role that allowed her to assist in strengthening the brain through cognitive exercises.

In addition to her Arrowsmith role, Dawn has been imparting knowledge in middle school literature, history, geography, logic, and Christian studies. Her decade-long journey with Eukarya Christian Academy has been marked by her favorite aspect of teaching - the joy of laughter with her students and watching them revel in the process of learning. Celebrating her 10th anniversary with the academy this year, Dawn continues to be a vital part of the Upper School division. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students' growth embodies the spirit of Eukarya, making her a cherished member of the academy's family.

Aurelie Schmid, a native of France, embarked on a transformative journey at the age of 18 when she relocated to Spain. The vibrant culture and the melodic language of the country captivated her, shaping her future in ways she had never anticipated. She completed her high school education in Madrid, a city that would leave an indelible mark on her life and career.

Her academic pursuits led her to explore the field of Landscape Architecture, a discipline she studied in both Madrid and Paris. The duality of her education, spanning two distinct cultures, enriched her perspective and honed her skills. As a trilingual individual, Aurelie found herself drawn to the world of language teaching when she embarked on the journey of homeschooling.

Aurelie's journey took a new direction when she joined Eukarya, where she has been imparting knowledge in the Spanish program for the past six years. Her trilingual capabilities, coupled with her personal experiences in different cultures, have shaped her into an effective and empathetic educator. Her passion for languages and her commitment to education continue to inspire her students at Eukarya, making her an invaluable asset to the institution.

Tatiana Skinner, a dedicated Teacher Aid and Spanish teacher at Eukarya Academy, hails from the vibrant country of Ecuador. Her journey in education began as a homeschool mom, a role that cultivated her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Tatiana's dedication to education extends beyond her own family, as she takes immense pleasure in teaching Spanish, her native language, to lower class children.

In addition to her professional commitments, Tatiana is a devoted mother to her daughter and two sons, aged 14 and 13 (at the time of writing). Her personal interests are as diverse and enriching as her professional life. She finds solace in knitting, an activity that allows her to weave her creativity into tangible forms. Her love for nature is evident in her gardening pursuits, where she nurtures life from the soil. Cooking, another of her passions, allows her to explore and express her cultural heritage and love for her family. Tatiana Skinner is not just a teacher at Eukarya Academy, but a lifelong learner, a nurturing mother, and a passionate individual who brings her whole self to everything she does.

Mrs. VanDerLinden grew up in HoneyBrook, PA, which sits on the eastern edge of the Lancaster Co. Amish area. She has lived in Berryville, VA, for the past 26 years, where she and her husband have raised their family.

Mrs. VanDerLinden graduated from Grove City College in 1992, with a double-major B.A. in Sociology and Christian Ministries (with youth concentration).

Mrs. VanDerLinden spent over 19 years as a homeschooling mother to her 5 children - Emma, Kate, Seth, Grace and Heidi. For 12 of those years, the family participated with Classical Conversation in Winchester (Lorri served as a Foundations Director for 3 yrs, and a Challenge B Director for 3 yrs.) Following the graduation of the first 3 siblings, the VanDerLinden family transitioned to the educational community at Eukarya, where Mrs. V. first served as an Omnibus teacher, and now teaches Upper School Math. She has also taken on the part-time responsibility of assisting the Athletic Director in administrative tasks. (Lower school students may recognize Mrs. V. from the morning Drop-off line and Lunchtime!) Her husband, Mike, is a retired air traffic controller, and now serves as the pastor of Timber Ridge Christian Church in High View, WV.

Amy is from Springfield, VA in Fairfax County. She studied Developmental Psychology at Liberty University. Amy taught Pre-K prior to joining the team at ECA. She has been with ECA since 2022 and absolutely loves working with students of all ages.