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NBA STAFF

	Rev. Jim Peper –  NBA Senior Pastor Jim Peper grew up on the mission field of South Korea.  Upon graduation from high school, he attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. and later became a teacher, youth pastor, and associate pastor. He was senior pastor of  Wachusett Baptist Church in Massuchusetts before becoming the athletic director for American Christian Academy and Prep School in 2003. Jim was responsible for taking American Christian from a one sport program for boys, to a six sport (boys and girls) program and building the boy’s basketball program to a nationally ranked prep team in just 4 years.  Jim and his wife Anita founded New Beginnings Church in Toughkenamon, PA in  October of 2005. He is the author of the book Uncovered Truth: A Pastor’s Life Exposed.
	Mrs. Vicki Conteh – NBA Administrator Vicki Conteh graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. in May 1995.  Upon graduation she accepted a junior high teaching position with American Christian Academy and Prep School where she taught all subjects.  She later taught various high school classes until becoming principal of American Christian in 2000.  After 3 years she was promoted to school headmistress.  She received her Masters in Education Administration from Baptist Bible College, Clark Summit PA in 2005 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Mrs. Conteh is currently pursing her doctorate in Education. She is married to Abdul Conteh who is a liaison for Salt and Light for Sierra Leone, Africa.  She attends New Beginnings Church, Rev. Jim Peper, Pastor.
	Miss Jill Wingert – NBA Principal Jill Wingert graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. in May 1995.  Upon graduation she accepted a position with American Christian Academy and Prep School teaching fifth grade.  She taught various junior and senior high classes but specialized in teaching high school English.  After ten years of teaching, she accepted the position as American Christian’s disciplinarian in 2004 and then principal in 2005.  Miss Wingert is pursing her masters in Education Administration.  She attends New Beginnings Church, Rev. Jim Peper, Pastor.
	Mrs. Anita Peper – Registrar Mrs. Peper, NBA’s First Lady, is Admin Manager/Registrar.  Mrs. Peper worked for American Christian Academy and Prep School from 2005 – 2008 in the Administrative/Athletic Offices.  Previous to ACAPS, Mrs. Peper, was a successful business owner for 13 years in the healthcare industry.  She joined her husband in the vision for New Beginnings Church in October 2005.  She is involved in the multimedia ministry, various women’s ministries, and the coffee café ministry of NBC.  Mrs. Peper continues her ministry within the school by counseling with students and founding NBA’s Praise Dance Team.
	Mrs. Deserie Zakorchemny – 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher Deserie Zakorchemy (Miss Zak to her students) has always had a love for teaching.  She home schooled her children for seven years before returning to school to pursue her degree.  In 2006 she graduated from Widener University with a Bachelors Degree in early childhood and elementary education. Mrs. Zakorchemny joined the American Christian Academy and Prep School faculty for the 2007/2008 school year, where she taught second grade.  She is currently teaching fifth grade for NBA. Mrs. Zakorchemny plans to pursue her master’s degree in reading.  She attends Woodlyn Baptist Church, Rev. Steve Dyson, Pastor.  During her time at Woodlyn Baptist she has been involved with  Women’s Bible Study, Children’s Choir, Heart to Heart Girl’s Mentoring Program, VBS, and was a leader in the Youth Department.
	Mrs. Joan Thompson – Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher Mrs. Thompson attended Cheyney University.  She taught first grade at American Christian Academy and Prep School for 18 years.  She has two daughters who graduated from ACAPS and currently has a son enrolled in NBA.  During her time at ACAPS she was a supervising teacher, as well as, elementary disciplinarian, and elementary speech meet event coordinator.  In addition to teaching NBA’s 1st and 2nd grade, Mrs. Thompson is also NBA’s elementary disciplinarian.  Mrs. Thompson is a life-long resident of Chester, PA and is excited to be able to give back to her community.  She attends Temple Baptist Church, Rev. Jeremiah Witherspoon, Pastor.
	Mr. Gary Daniels – Athletic Director Gary Daniels was born and raised in the city of Chester. He was a 1996 high school graduate of American Christian Academy and Prep School. Mr. Daniels attended Pennsylvania Institute of Technology before accepting a position at American Christian Academy and Prep School as Computer teacher.  During his time at ACAPS, Mr. Daniels was the assistant athletic director and coached boy’s varsity basketball, soccer, and baseball.  He has over five years of coaching experience and will coach boy’s varsity basketball for NBA this season.  In addition to his athletic responsibilities, he is also the current junior high history teacher and P.E. instructor.  Mr. Daniels attends New Beginnings Church, Rev. Jim Peper, Pastor.
	Miss Brianne Zawaski – 4th & 5th grade teacher Miss Zawaski graduated from  Bob Jones University with Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a minor in English.  She has been a classroom teacher for the past twelve years at American Christian Academy and Prep School. During her third year of teaching, she spent the summer teaching English as a second language in the country of Taiwan.  Miss Zawaski was a supervising teacher for the past five years. Additionally, she directed Summer Day Camp and the Extended Care Programs, directed upper elementary Christmas/spring plays, and was coordinator for the elementary Science Fair, Family fun night, and Field Day.  She is currently beginning her thirteenth year of teaching at New Beginnings Academy.  She is pursuing her master’s degree in reading/children's literature.  She is a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
	Miss Natricia Granger – Science Miss Granger attended Baber-Scotia College and graduated with a degree in Biology.  She is mother of two children, both of whom attend New Beginnings. She previously taught Science at American Christian Academy and Prep School for eight years, where she was also the supervising teacher for junior and senior high.   Miss Granger was involved in summer day camp at ACAPS for 8 years, and also worked for Chester Boys and Girls Club in after school programs. She coached cheerleading for six years and was involved in the ACAPS Drama/Choir. In addition to her teaching duties at NBA, Miss Granger is head cheerleading coach, Volleyball coach, Praise Dance Director, and Jr./Sr. supervising teacher. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum Development. She attends New Beginnings Church, Rev. Jim Peper, Pastor.
	Mr. Ray Rocha – Spanish Mr. Rocha, husband and father of two, began his teaching career in 1987 shortly after finishing all of his English courses at the Brazil/United States Language Institute.  He graduated from college in 1994 with a major in Portuguese, English, and Literature.  He earned his master’s degree in Applied Linguistics in 2005.  Mr. Rocha also has a degree in Spanish and can communicate in five languages. He joined the staff of American Christian Academy and Prep School in 2006 and currently teaches Spanish for all of NBA. He has been a Christian since 1997 and has been actively involved in his home church in Brazil. He is a member of New Beginnings Church, Rev. Jim Peper, Pastor and is actively involved in the music ministry.
	Mr. Walter Rounds – ESL/Economics Mr. Rounds was student adviser and director of the English Second Language Program from 2002 – 2008 at American Christian Academy and Prep School.  Mr. Rounds graduated in 1965 from Lincoln University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business Administration. Additionally, he received his masters in Business Administration from Howard University.  Following his education, Mr. Rounds served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.  He has worked in marketing management for General Electric and was a Business Administration Instructor for Delaware County Community College.  He is currently teaching Economics, English Second Language, and is student tutor/advisor for New Beginnings Academy.
	Mrs. Diane Peper – Curriculum Director Mrs. Diane Peper is the wife of Dr. Mike Peper, missionary to Sierra Leone, Africa.  Mrs. Peper graduated from Baptist Bible College with a degree in  Education and Business. Following graduation she and her husband ministered at  Westgate Baptist Church where Mrs. Peper helped to start Westgate Christian School.  Following God’s direction for their lives, the Pepers became missionaries to Korea for thirteen years, before arriving back in the U.S. and taking the pastorate of First Baptist Church in Aston, PA.  Mrs. Peper ministered with her husband for 27 years at FBC.  During that time, she and her husband started American Christian School in 1983.  Mrs. Peper taught various elementary grades throughout the years and was principal for three years.  Mrs. Peper is a master teacher, mentor, and counselor.  Her wealth of experience enriches the staff of New Beginnings Academy.  She is director of curriculum and staff development.
	Miss Natalie Nolt – English Miss Nolt is a 2008 graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Secondary English.  She was a member of the Dean’s List, NEAC Scholar Athlete, and graduated Cum Laude.  She has teaching experience in both public and private school settings.  Additionally, she spent two months at the International Christian School of Budapest where she taught British Literature, Yearbook, and Fundamentals of English, as well as, assuming  the regular responsibilities of a classroom teacher.  She was a Youth Group Leader, Preschool Sunday School Teacher, Church Nursery Volunteer, Head Start Tutor Volunteer, Coordinator of PBU Red Cross Blood Drive and a volunteer at Summer Camp in Skopje, Macedonia.  Miss Nolt joined NBA this fall teaching jr. and sr. high English. She has a sincere desire to invest in her students and to influence them as positively as possible in order to instill in them a desire to learn and to work hard.  She looks forward to working with each of her students in order to spur them on in their life-long educational career. She is a member of New Song Fellowship, Rev. Jamey Mitchell, Pastor.
	Jim Peper, Jr. – Bible Teacher Jim Peper is a 2010 graduate of Liberty University where he majored in Biblical studies. Jim has a tremendous heart for God and has been involved in many ministry opportunities.  He volunteered at L.I.F.T. camps where he worked as a Christian summer camp counselor for two years. During these camps over 400 teenagers gave their lives to Christ.  Additionally, Jim volunteered for Salt and Light for Sierra Leone in 2009. Jim spent five weeks ministering to the people of Sierra Leone, Africa during which time he saw over one hundred fifty people come to know Christ as their Savior. Feeling burdened for people his own age, Jim introduced a "college ministry" in Sierra Leone. He created a "coffee house" atmosphere that made the college students feel at ease while he introduced them to God. Jim joins the 2010 New Beginnings Academy Staff as Bible teacher.