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Mrs. Rachel Mohler
. . . Leadership from Cairn University. Looking back, I can see how the Lord has specifically prepared me for this role, equipping and training me through a wide range of experiences.
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What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
I love helping students embrace the joy of learning while developing a biblical worldview, and I value collaborating with parents in their calling to raise children who love God and His Word. It is a joy to see our students grow in wisdom and stature, while building the skills they will use to serve the Lord in whatever area He calls them. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I love to travel and have explored 40 states and 35 countries so far. For me, the fun begins even before the trip, I really enjoy planning the details, and it continues afterward when I relax by creating photo albums that capture the memories. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
One of my favorite aspects of our school is seeing students grow and flourish. In family interviews, we hear parents and students share their goals and dreams, and it is a joy to watch those dreams take shape within our warm community. The partnership between loving, engaged parents and skilled, caring educators is a privilege to be part of, and a beautiful testimony to the Lord’s grace. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
My favorite passage is Proverbs 3:5–6. It has shaped my leadership by reminding me that true wisdom and direction come from God, not my own understanding. In seasons of decision-making, I’ve learned to pause, pray, and acknowledge the Lord first. Over and over, He has proven faithful to guide me, and that has given me peace and confidence as I serve others. |
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Mrs. Julie Phipps
. . . Association of Christian Schools Int'l and the challenges and struggles that come from parenting adopted children from hard places all combined to prepare me for this current role. My calling is to equip image bearers to become agents of restoration in light of God's larger story, and I find that Anchor gives me plenty of opportunity to do this!
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What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
I love equipping parents with tools to guide their students, and encouraging students to fully embrace the opportunities they have at Anchor to grow, learn, and make an impact wherever God leads them. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
Photography - specifically to create a family photo album each year. Sunday afternoon family gatherings with all 5 of our young adult children + spouses. And loving the littlest people of my life - 3 dear grandnieces & a grandnephew. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The parents who embrace the vision of Christian education developing the character of students rather than just acquiring head knowledge. And getting a front row seat into the process of impulsive 7th graders maturing into compassionate and articulate leaders. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
My calling is to equip image-bearers to make a Kingdom impact wherever God has placed them, so I love the passage that describes how Christians are to be ambassadors in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." |
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Mrs. Andrea Gionti
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Education Background:
BS in Middle School Education (4-8) with Science Certification (7-8) from Geneva College. I taught 6th Grade Science in Louisa, VA for 4 years. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
It is exciting to teach a class where I can weave science and faith together. It is always a special experience when I can see students interact with science and, therefore, gain a better understanding of Him. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I love baking sourdough and sipping on coffee while playing with my two toddlers. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
My favorite part is the emphasis on family and how we can all partner together to build the best educational experience for students! Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
1 Peter 1:6-7. I love this verse as it reminds me to remain joyful no matter my circumstance! |
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Mrs. Anne Marie Walny
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Education Background:
B.S. in Sociology/Criminology M.A. in Divinity What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
As a Bible teacher, I hope to help grow in students a passion for studying Scripture, equipping them with tools to rightly and humbly handle the Word of God. I share openly and frequently from my own faith journey with the hopes of life-on-life discipleship. I want my classroom to always be a place where students can ask questions, wrestle with answers, strengthen their own faith, and come to know the character and nature of God in a deeper way. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The students at Anchor are amazing. It is rare to find such a grateful group of young people. Building relationships with them year after year is definitely a highlight for me. Specifically, our discussions during Bible classes are always thought-provoking and usually a little entertaining too! Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
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Mr. Bruce Hoover
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Education Background:
Bachelors Degree, Millersville State College, Social Studies and Industrial Arts, 1976 Masters Degree, Millersville University, Early Childhood, 1983 What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
I enjoy seeing the Holy Spirit develop students into growing brothers and sisters in the Lord. Having this type of relationship with them is the most rewarding part of serving at Anchor. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I enjoy learning more about history, especially what God has done in our own nation's past and present. Any free time that I have is spent learning new skills as a member in my horn working guild. Reading is uup there, as well as yard work and spending time with the family. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
I am very thankful to the Lord for the honor and respect that the students give us as teachers, their dedication to growing in the Lord, and theirfinding a mature role in the Kingdom's work. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Psalm 126: 5-6 They who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth, weeping, shall doubtless return with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves with him. My family's background is farming, and this verse touches both my heritage and my hope. Though difficult times may come during our lives, God is faithful to take our feeble efforts for Him and turn them into fruit for the Kingdom. We never stop in His service until He calls us home. |
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Mrs. Christine Henderson
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Education Background:
I have a BA in both elementary and special education. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
Ancient History brings together Bible stories and characters that students have known for a long time and puts them in their historical context. It's exciting that examining history proves the Bible to be true! What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I enjoy cooking and baking, but most of all hanging out with my husband, five children and son-in-law, and brand new grandson. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
I love the relationships formed with my middle school students. I like to see them gain confidence in who God designed them to be and how God will use them here at Anchor. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Psalm 125:2 "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people; from this time forth and forevermore." |
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Mr. Don Mellinger
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Education Background:
M.Ed. Retired from Manheim Township School District What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
Helping them see God's design in Science and how it applies to our lives. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
Spending time with family, our pets, and enjoying the outdoors! What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The students and the positive way they approach their work! Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
2 Corinthians 4:18; The passage helps to keep the focus on what is important. |
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Mr. Galen Hershey
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Education Background:
My major in college was Environmental Science. For this major, I needed to take both first and second year Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology (which utilized a lot of chemistry), and Environmental Science courses which also required a knowledge of chemistry. I have been teaching high school chemistry to home school groups and coops for 25 years. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
An understanding of the intricate, complex, and amazing design of chemical compounds and their reactions inspire worship and a reverence of our awesome creator. I hope to instill this reverence for our creator in the students as I teach. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I love to hike and enjoy most any outdoor activity. I find it relaxing to go for a walk in the forest. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
I have always enjoyed teaching students in a setting where Christianity is taught and believed. As a general rule, in this setting, the students are respectful and eager to learn. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Mathew 4:4 Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Knowing that God desires to speak to us and lead us has been the main encouragement to me in my life. I have heard God's voice many times and greatly desire to hear Him speak to me. |
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Mrs. Heather Baehr
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Education Background:
B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion Certificate in Biblical Studies. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
It's a privilege to have the opportunity to be used by God to impact the lives of students for their good and His glory. Any small part I am given to play in their growth and development is truly an honor. As teachers and staff, we truly love and care for our students, so it's really exciting to see both when a student "gets it" in regard to academics, and to see them grow in their maturity, character, and relationship with the Lord. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
When we have the opportunity, I love getting away as a family and "unplugging" for awhile - reading books, going on hikes, and enjoying a campfire together are some of my favorite things. We have also done weekly family movie nights for more than a decade! What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The entire community - not only do we have wonderful students, but faculty and staff who are united in our care for students, working together to educate them from a biblical worldview, to the glory of God. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
There are so many verses that the Lord has used to impact my heart and life that it's difficult to choose one in particular. Most recently, I have been reflecting on Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." It's such an encouraging reminder that no matter what the circumstances of life are, we can cling to the Lord and trust in His character, namely His love, mercy and faithfulness toward us. |
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Mr. John Hostetter
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Education Background:
What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
What is your favorite part about Anchor?
Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
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Mrs. Kate Walker
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Education Background:
BA in English from Hillsdale College, MEd from Eastern University. I've taught at Valley Forge Military Academy, Veritas Academy, PHAA's AP online program, and as a homeschool mom to my five kids. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
I love seeing how classic literature so often affirms the truths of Scripture about the rewards of living virtuously and the downfalls of choosing paths of evil. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
Reading, cooking, travel, running/biking/swimming. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The pleasant students and wonderful families and culture. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Psalm 143:8: "Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in you do a trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you." This verse has been a comfort to me in situations where I haven't know how to know what to do or where to turn. |
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Mrs. Liz Peterson
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Educational Background:
B.A. in Middle Level Education with a concentration in Social Studies; B.S. in Biblical Studies (both from Lancaster Bible College). What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
I love getting to inspire students to develop a love of learning and to see every learning opportunity as a way to grow closer to our intelligent, creative, and relational Lord. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I enjoy hanging out with friends-maybe walking around a farmers market. I like curling up with my dogs to watch a movie at the end of a long day. I enjoy bullet journaling and having a cozy bible time with coffee, candles, and a blanket. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The supportive, Christ-honoring community is so uplifting. It is such a joy and a privilege to infuse academics with biblical truths, build relationships with the students and spur them on in their walk with God. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
My favorite passage of Scripture is Psalm 23. When I repeat these words, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding washes over me. How great it is to know that the LORD is with me through all things, He is my loving shepherd, He provides for me, He is all I need. |
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Mr. Michael Mante
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Education Background:
What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
What is your favorite part about Anchor?
Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
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Mrs. Nancy Hoover
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Education Background:
B.S. in Education for Elementary and Special Education (dual); Past schools include Harrisburg Christian School, Living Word Academy, Grace Christian Academy, Capital Christian School, serving in various roles of teacher and administrator. I have also been a day care director, and have been involved in the start-up of a school and a day care facility as the administrator. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
Seeing students as they begin to enjoy and appreciate learning. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
Reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, baking, spending time with family. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
I love the community at Anchor. We have supportive families and students who appreciate their opportunity to learn, their teachers, and each other. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Proverbs 3:5-6; This verse reminds me that I am not the one who makes things happen, but God has it all under control, and I just need to let Him take care of things! |
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Mrs. Renita Gerlach
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Educational Background:
B.S. English Education, M.A. in Cultural & Linguistic Diversity. Taught at Locust Grove Mennonite then homeschooled my children. I still do homeschool evaluations. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
When their academic learning can weave together with spiritual and emotional growth, they can grow more and more into the fullness of what God has for them. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
Being outside in nature - biking, hiking, kayaking - either alone or with my family. Reading a good book. Cooking healthy meals and snacks to eat and share with others. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
The relationships that grow among the teachers/staff and between us and students and their families - and make the educational process so rewarding! Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - "This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. This reminds me that my most important priority in life is to know the Lord, and that He is so much more kind, just and righteous that I can even imagine! He is TRUSTWORTHY and FAITHFUL. |
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Dr. Tim Martin
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Education Background:
PhD in Neuroscience-Zoology, Doctor of Osteopathy, retired practicing Neurologist for 35+ years What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
As a Biology teacher, it is exciting to show Gods design of life to young students eager to learn. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
I enjoy woodworking, gardening, reading history and caring for my chickens. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
A Bible centered curriculum, wonderful coworkers and students excited to learn. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
I always get comfort and reassurance from reading Psalm 121. |
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Mrs. Tina Harnish
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Education Background:
I have a B.A. in Spanish and a secondary education teaching certification from Lebanon Valley College. After college, I taught Spanish 1 & 2 at Garden Spot High School, and later, while homeschooling my girls, at our homeschool co-op. What excites you most about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith?
In the classroom, I enjoy witnessing those "aha moments," and then seeing the students apply what they have learned to deepen their knowledge and understanding. The same holds true for watching them grow in their faith. It is a privilege and joy to see young people make their relationship with Jesus their own and watch them put into action the truths and commands they are learning in God's Word. What are some hobbies that you enjoy? /How do you relax?
In my free time, I enjoy playing games, watching sports, grabbing coffee with a friend, and going to the beach or on a hike with my husband and two daughters. What is your favorite part about Anchor?
I love interacting with the students, parents and staff. Favorite verse/passage of Scripture and how it has that helped shape who you are today...
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. This verse has been a constant reminder in the midst of life's trials that I daily need the power of the Holy Spirit. Through Him, I can have hope, and be filled with joy and peace, not because of my circumstances, but in spite of them. |