Faculty and Staff

At Pathways Christian Academy, our educators are more than teachers—they are faith-driven mentors committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth. Grounded in biblical truth, they lead by example, guiding students to think critically, serve faithfully, and grow in their walk with Christ.

Our Academy Staff

Cassie Ramirez

Director of Family and Student Services / Middle School Coordinator

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Professional Studies, Emphasis in Christian Teacher Education
 Shasta Bible College

Professional Background

Cassie Ramirez is a seasoned educator with 20 years of teaching experience in private education. Her career spans preschool through 8th grade, both domestically and abroad. She has managed combined classrooms, served as a principal, and founded a preschool. For the past three years, she has led the middle school program at Calvary Christian School with excellence and vision.

Personal Philosophy

Cassie believes education is transformative. She is committed to creating a learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that each student is created in God’s image, with unique gifts to serve His purpose.

Community and Personal Interests

Outside of school, Cassie enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. She also plays the piano and guitar. Cassie is married to Keith Estes, and they have four children: Jayden (13), Titus (12), Cyrus (10), and Lydia (4).

Natalie Tau

Director of School Operations / High School Coordinator

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in History/Social Studies Secondary Education
 Master’s Degree in Special Education
 Boise State University
 Certified Teaching Credentials, State of Idaho

Professional Background

Natalie Tau brings 15 years of experience in public education, specializing in teaching students with disabilities and helping them achieve personalized academic success. For over a decade, she has also taught at the College of Western Idaho, focusing on pedagogy and teacher training.

Personal Philosophy

Natalie believes Christian education should be personalized to each student’s strengths. She views school as a partnership and works to help students grow in their relationship with Christ while preparing them for college and their future careers.

Community and Personal Interests

Natalie and her husband, Sifa, have three children: Lily (11), Faye (8), and Charlie (2). As a family, they love spending time at their cabin in Donnelly, Idaho, enjoying the outdoors together.

Lisa Arnold

Director of Business Operations & Development

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Business Management
 Boise State University

Professional Background

Lisa Arnold has 20 years of experience leading operational strategy and growth in companies such as Clearwater Analytics, Washington Trust Bank, and Micron Technology. She specializes in creating and improving systems that drive efficiency and impact.

Personal Philosophy

Lisa approaches challenges as opportunities for growth, guided by her faith. She values perseverance, stewardship, and trusting God’s plan through every step.

Community and Personal Interests

Lisa serves with Because International as part of their Advisor Network, mentoring entrepreneurs worldwide. She’s actively involved in her church through the children’s ministry, finance committee, and prayer team. Lisa and her husband, John, have two children: Mila (8) and Jack (6).

MaKayla Sneddon

Junior High & High School

MaKayla is a dedicated English and History teacher at Pathways, passionate about fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth in the classroom.

Creating a nurturing and faith-filled learning environment, I seek to inspire students to see God’s hand in all areas of their education as well as their daily lives.I believe in the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and Christ-centered learning to help students thrive both academically and spiritually.

I strive to support and encourage each learner, helping them grow in confidence and integrity. I hope to equip students not only with knowledge but also with the values and faith foundation to navigate life with purpose.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends, and doing anything creative!. I’m excited to be a part of the Pathways family and look forward to another year of growth together!

Cassie Ramirez

Director of Family and Student Services / Middle School Coordinator

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Professional Studies, Emphasis in Christian Teacher Education
 Shasta Bible College

Professional Background

Cassie Ramirez is a seasoned educator with 20 years of teaching experience in private education. Her career spans preschool through 8th grade, both domestically and abroad. She has managed combined classrooms, served as a principal, and founded a preschool. For the past three years, she has led the middle school program at Calvary Christian School with excellence and vision.

Personal Philosophy

Cassie believes education is transformative. She is committed to creating a learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that each student is created in God’s image, with unique gifts to serve His purpose.

Community and Personal Interests

Outside of school, Cassie enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. She also plays the piano and guitar. Cassie is married to Keith Estes, and they have four children: Jayden (13), Titus (12), Cyrus (10), and Lydia (4).

Natalie Tau

Director of School Operations / High School Coordinator

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in History/Social Studies Secondary Education
 Master’s Degree in Special Education
 Boise State University
 Certified Teaching Credentials, State of Idaho

Professional Background

Natalie Tau brings 15 years of experience in public education, specializing in teaching students with disabilities and helping them achieve personalized academic success. For over a decade, she has also taught at the College of Western Idaho, focusing on pedagogy and teacher training.

Personal Philosophy

Natalie believes Christian education should be personalized to each student’s strengths. She views school as a partnership and works to help students grow in their relationship with Christ while preparing them for college and their future careers.

Community and Personal Interests

Natalie and her husband, Sifa, have three children: Lily (11), Faye (8), and Charlie (2). As a family, they love spending time at their cabin in Donnelly, Idaho, enjoying the outdoors together.

Lisa Arnold

Director of Business Operations & Development

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Business Management
 Boise State University

Professional Background

Lisa Arnold has 20 years of experience leading operational strategy and growth in companies such as Clearwater Analytics, Washington Trust Bank, and Micron Technology. She specializes in creating and improving systems that drive efficiency and impact.

Personal Philosophy

Lisa approaches challenges as opportunities for growth, guided by her faith. She values perseverance, stewardship, and trusting God’s plan through every step.

Community and Personal Interests

Lisa serves with Because International as part of their Advisor Network, mentoring entrepreneurs worldwide. She’s actively involved in her church through the children’s ministry, finance committee, and prayer team. Lisa and her husband, John, have two children: Mila (8) and Jack (6).

MaKayla Sneddon

Junior High & High School

MaKayla is a dedicated English and History teacher at Pathways, passionate about fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth in the classroom.

Creating a nurturing and faith-filled learning environment, I seek to inspire students to see God’s hand in all areas of their education as well as their daily lives.I believe in the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and Christ-centered learning to help students thrive both academically and spiritually.

I strive to support and encourage each learner, helping them grow in confidence and integrity. I hope to equip students not only with knowledge but also with the values and faith foundation to navigate life with purpose.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends, and doing anything creative!. I’m excited to be a part of the Pathways family and look forward to another year of growth together!

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mr. Jake Clay

Head of Education and Interim Head of School

With roots tracing back six generations in the majestic Colorado landscape, Mr. Clay proudly continues his family’s legacy of service while upholding the values of Faith, Family, and Freedom. He first earned a bachelor’s degree in history and business while volunteering as a firefighter. After the tragic events of 9/11, he answered the call of duty, serving his country in the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Following this critical period of national service, Mr. Clay shifted his focus toward educating and inspiring the next generation. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and has served as an educational leader and administrator for many years at the school, district, and charter levels. Currently, he is the Head of Education at BRAVE Academy. His dedication to service continues through his contributions to educational politics and his expertise on DHS and FBI advisory committees at both state and national levels. Despite a full schedule, Mr. Clay finds joy in exploring the Rocky Mountains, working on his future novel, and cherishing time with his loving wife and three children.

Ms. Olivia Vacca

Director of Curriculum & Development

Originally from Montana, Ms. Vacca received a K-12 classical Christian education herself and firmly believes that this model helps shape intelligent, curious, articulate, virtuous, and brave students. She graduated magna cum laude from Montana State University Billings with a degree in History and Liberal Arts and is currently a Lyceum fellow completing a master’s degree in Classical Education and School Leadership. Ms. Vacca has experience directing the senior thesis program and teaching 8th – 12th grade humanities at a classical charter school. She was recently named a Claes Nobel Outstanding Educator. Her favorite part of teaching is engaging in the Great Conversation with young minds and sharing in their wonder as they explore the intricacy of Creation. Outside of school, Ms. Vacca loves music, dance, art, the outdoors, and spending time with her two children. She also loves reading; some of her favorite books are Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis, and anything written by Agatha Christie.

Mr. Nate Eberhardt

Dean of Grammar School

Mr. Eberhardt graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State University and has a master’s degree in special education from the University of Colorado. Before coming to BRAVE Academy, he taught for the Cherry Creek School District. Nate accepted Jesus as Savior in 2001 but it wasn’t until 2021, after returning from his 3rd deployment and wrestling with God about his faith, that he understood Jesus as LORD and first in his life. He fondly recalls teachers who believed in him when he was young which changed the course of his life. He prays he can do the same for his students. Nate has been married to Jessica for 15 years. They enjoy camping, hiking, teaching preparedness, and they have even completed an Ironman Triathlon together. He would say their greatest accomplishments are their children Ella and Cole.  

TEACHER STAFF

Jane doe

Head of Education and Interim Head of School

With roots tracing back six generations in the majestic Colorado landscape, Mr. Clay proudly continues his family’s legacy of service while upholding the values of Faith, Family, and Freedom. 

Jane doe

Head of Education and Interim Head of School

With roots tracing back six generations in the majestic Colorado landscape, Mr. Clay proudly continues his family’s legacy of service while upholding the values of Faith, Family, and Freedom. 

Jane doe

Head of Education and Interim Head of School

With roots tracing back six generations in the majestic Colorado landscape, Mr. Clay proudly continues his family’s legacy of service while upholding the values of Faith, Family, and Freedom. 

ACADEMY SUPPORT TEAM

Mrs. Mary Kenney

Admissions Coordinator

Mrs. Kenney is thrilled to be part of the BRAVE Academy community this year, where she looks forward to watching children laugh, play together, and forge lifelong friendships. With a degree in exercise physiology, she enjoys teaching dance and nutrition, sharing her passion for healthy living with her students. One of her favorite books is “Lone Survivor,” which inspires her with its themes of grit and unwavering hope. Her greatest accomplishment is becoming a devoted wife to her wonderful husband, Matt, and a loving mother to their four incredible children. Beyond her family life, Mrs. Kenney volunteers as the emcee for All-Stars, supporting special needs adults and children. An adventurous spirit, she has completed over 650 skydives, BASE jumps, and helicopter and hot air balloon jumps, even coaching skydiving and packing parachutes for a professional team in New York. Mrs. Kenney’s diverse experiences and enthusiasm for life make her a dynamic presence at BRAVE Academy. 

Ms. Shelby Kropp

Academy Coordinator

Originally from a small town in the Midwest, Ms. Kropp lived in Georgia before moving to Colorado, where she has spent the last six years. She cherishes her role as an aunt and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. Her love for the outdoors shines through her hobbies, which include camping, white-water rafting, and fly fishing. After graduating from the dental hygiene program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL, in 2013, Ms. Kropp worked in the dental field for 13 years. However, she felt a calling from the Lord to join BRAVE Academy, and she became part of the team this summer. Passionate about sharing God’s truth with students, she aims to help them build a solid foundation of their identity in Christ from a young age. Ms. Kropp finds immense joy in her work and is excited to see how the Lord will move in the lives of students this year at BRAVE Academy!

Mr. Todd Brock

School Security and Safety

Mr. Brock is excited about the growth at BRAVE Academy this school year, looking forward to meeting new students and reuniting with returning ones. One of his favorite books outside of the Bible is Fearless by Eric Blehm, a powerful story of a man’s journey from addiction to becoming a warrior for Christ. His greatest accomplishment is being a devoted dad, granddad, and husband. With six years of experience in electronic warfare in the Navy, Mr. Brock visited over 20 countries and grew in his relationship with God. He graduated from Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) and has worked in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. He rediscovered his passion for protecting others through the Able Shepherd program, where he has trained hundreds in self-defense. Married for 30 years, Mr. Brock enjoys the outdoors, including hobbies like hunting, camping, hiking, and golfing. He looks forward to seeing how God will continue to guide his journey and the future of BRAVE Academy and the church.

Providing individualized student pathways to excel academically, grow spiritually and thrive professionally in a rapidly evolving world through pragmatic Christian education.

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