Visiting Faculty
The visiting faculty at Preschool Academy is comprised of dedicated ministry practitioners and educators from a wide-range of backgrounds who are passionate about training and equipping leaders! This team includes some of the most respected thought-leaders and influencers in youth and family ministry.
Adam Duckworth
Teacher
Adam Duckworth is the Lead Communicator at Downtown Harbor Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He made the transition to this role in 2015, after spending nearly 15 years in family ministry. Adam recently authored two books alongside Sue Miller: Not Normal: 7 Quirks of Incredible Volunteers and Leading Not Normal Volunteers. Additionally, he is the CEO of Travelmation LLC, a cutting edge travel agency, specializing in Disney destinations, which exists to "Help Families Make Magical Memories."
Alan E. Nelson
Teacher
Alan E. Nelson, Ed.D. was a pastor for 20 years and at midlife realized that the best way to change the world is to identify God's leadership gifting in 2- to 22-year-olds. He's the founder of KidLead Inc. (kidlead.com) and author of 20 books, including The O Factor that focuses on students, gifted and talented in leadership ability. Dr. Nelson teaches at institutions such as Pepperdine University and the Naval Postgraduate School and is the Los Angeles Chair of the Institute for Management Studies. Yet his passion is to help people identify and develop future leaders, getting to them while they're moldable, not moldy.
Gigi Schweikert
Teacher
"Inspirational, encouraging and real," that's what audiences and readers across the country have to say about Gigi Schweikert, an internationally known expert on early childhood education, parenting, and work life issues. Known for her humor and practical messages, Gigi is a popular keynote speaker for education conferences, corporations, women's events, and parenting seminars. Gigi is the best-selling author of 23 books including the best-selling Winning Ways series and Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers Programs.
Jean Thomason
Teacher
Jean Thomason has been saying "Yes to the Dress" for 20 years! In her signature green jumper with a big red heart and two hands, "Miss PattyCake" has won the attention and hearts of hundreds of thousands of toddlers and preschoolers-and their parents-through DVDs, CDs, books, and high-energy live performances. The music and character of Miss PattyCake allow Jean to plant biblical truths, broken into musical, toddler-size pieces into little lives. She is excited about her new book just released, P.E.P. TALKS: a CAN DO guide for sharing God's BIG LOVE with little lives. This book will help parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers interact effectively with little ones in the process of spiritual formation. Jean says, "With practical ideas with biblical principles, you CAN teach little ones about God, Jesus, and the Bible with enthusiastic confidence"!
Jessica Bealer
Teacher
Jessica Bealer has been leading children's ministry for 16 years. Currently, she oversees standards, systems, staffing, and atmosphere for the children's ministry of Elevation Church. Jessica is a mother of three and published author. She is married to Frank, the Family Pastor at Elevation, and together they are the founders of FamilyMinistry.Church.
Josh Denhart
Teacher
Josh Denhart is a full-time children's pastor in West Des Moines, IA. He's a seasoned educator with BA in Chemistry Education, a MA in Effective Instruction, and earned National Board Certification in Young Adult and Adolescent Science. As a former high school chemistry teacher, Josh melded his love for science and Christ, creating "The Amazing Chemistry Show", a traveling gospel-centered stage show with fire, explosions, and foam. Carrying this Ministry of Chemistry even further, Josh created "Science VBS", an internationally celebrated Vacation Bible School curriculum. Josh's passion for family ministry is expressed through, "Science Devotions @ Home," a resource that equips moms and dads to be the primary spiritual leader in their homes. Josh shares his science expertise as a regular guest (or Wacky Scientist) on a morning TV program called, "Great Day." Josh is a consultant and contributing author to children's ministry magazines and books.
Karen Apple
Teacher
Karen is a licensed children's minister who developed a multifaceted children's ministry, which included an over-the-top weekday preschool. She speaks at national conferences, writes, and mentors to encourage and equip kids' ministry leaders. She adores apples, especially her husband, Steve.
Dr. Kathy Koch
Teacher
Dr. Kathy Koch ("cook") is the Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a Christian ministry based in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Kathy earned a Ph.D. in reading and educational psychology from Purdue University. She was a tenured associate professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a teacher of second graders, a middle school coach, and a school board member prior to becoming a full-time conference and keynote speaker in 1991.
Trisha Peach
Teacher
Meet Trisha Peach! She's an ordained minister with a degree in Children's Pastoral Studies and 16 years of experience as a full-time staff pastor. She recently authored two books: Your Children's Ministry From Scratch, which is now a textbook at Bible colleges and Your Children's Ministry Beyond Basics which just launched worldwide. Trisha enjoys traveling and speaking all over the county, helping churches grow a dynamic children's ministry that will last. A sci-fi junkie and sushi enthusiast, Trisha shares her life and ministry with husband of 17 years, Scott, and their two young children, Logan and Eliana.