Staff
Mrs. Marquita Carter – Principal
Mrs. Carter’s formal education began with the Coahoma County school system in Clarksdale, Miss. She attended LeMoyne Owen College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English and received a Master’s of Arts in Education from Union University in 2011. Born with an innate sense of inquisition and observation, Mrs. Carter has uniquely utilized her characteristics in the educational arena. Having experienced success as both an eighth grade Language Arts teacher (Memphis City Schools) and as a middle school Reading & Language Arts teacher (BCA), Mrs. Carter’s teaching accomplishments are not by chance. She has relentlessly practiced and honed her teaching aptitude and pedagogical knowledge for 11 years. During her tenure, Mrs. Carter has had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and improving student interpersonal skills. She holds an uncompromising belief that all students can learn given a positive learning environment, effective leadership, a focused educational team, and committed stakeholders.
She is a devoted wife to Marcus and the mother of two boys, Jeremiah, age 16, and Q’Maree, age 3. She has a passion for molding young minds into bright futures. She believes that in order to be an outstanding educator, one first must teach in the “fear of the Lord” as it alone is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).
Annie Bechtel – Office Manager and Facilities Manager
Ms. Bechtel earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Memphis. As a former teacher, Ms. Bechtel taught 7th grade language arts and social studies for Shelby County Schools. Ms. Bechtel enjoys spending time with her two daughters, being outdoors and practicing yoga and Pilates.
Shelley Alley – Director of Development and Communications
Shelley Alley has more than 16 years of experience in marketing, communications and fundraising. She is a graduate of Union University in Jackson, TN where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with an emphasis in public relations and advertising. She comes from a family of educators and enjoys continuing their legacy using her own passion for connecting supporters to the mission of BCA.
Keonna Dawson – Administrative Assistant
Ms. Dawson was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn. She recently graduated from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn. where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. During her collegiate studies she held several internships including working alongside Mayor Strickland and at the City of Memphis Office of Diversity and Compliance as well as an accounting internship with Local Seed Company. Ms. Dawson is a proud alumna of BCA having graduated from the school in 2010. She is very happy to be welcomed back as part of the administrative team. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle Stanley – Pre-Kindergarten (K4)
Miss Michelle is a native Memphian and a graduate of Overton High School. She is currently achieving her Childhood Development Associate at Southwest Community College. She has been in the childcare field for more than 6 years. Miss Michelle is a firm believer that children learn best through play and mindful experiences. Her favorite bible verse is Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”
Tonya Johnson – Kindergarten (K-5)
Mrs. Johnson is a native of Memphis and has her B.L.S in Children and Adult Behavior Management from the University of Memphis. As a wife and mother of two, she believes that just as God has given to every man a measure of faith, He has given to every child the ability to learn. She feels it’s her God-given assignment to nurture the abilities God has placed in each of them. She daily encourages the children to not only believe in God, but to believe in themselves.
Maria Nicolas – 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Nicolas is a native of Puerto Rico and B.A in English Literature with a concentration in Communications and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. As an educator, Mrs. Nicolas believes that all children have the capabilities to learn and grow to be everything God has called them to be. She encourages her students to try their best and to believe in their abilities.
Doris Thornton – 2nd Grade Teacher
Miss Doris is the only faculty member that has been with the school from almost the beginning – 1995. Her love for her children in her class is evident. She moved here to teach at the school from Hamilton, OH. Because of her, children transition into better students. Miss Thornton encourages parents to be more involved with their children’s homework and school activities. In addition to her work at the school, she also assists parents of our Sudanese children with English as a second language. As the parents learn English, they are better able to assist their children with their school work. She is an avid reader and loves music. Both of these interests are on display in her classroom. Like all of our staff, she thinks of her work at the school as her ministry. She has her B.S. in Elementary Education from Bryan College, Dayton, Tennessee. Additionally, she is certified by the Association of Christian Schools International.
Raven Williams – 3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Williams is a native of Memphis. She earned her B.A. in Social Work from the University of Memphis and her M.A. in Social Work from Union University. She has always enjoyed her experience of working with inner-city youth and serving in organizations that are committed to helping their community. She values every opportunity to help youth reach their full potential and share the love of God.
Erin Godfrey-Smith – 4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Godfrey-Smith is a native of Madison, Miss. but has lived in Memphis for the last three years. Ms. Godfrey-Smith is as passionate about teaching Reading and Language Arts as she is to be working at BCA. Ms. Godfrey-Smith has 5 years of experience in the lower elementary setting, but is loving the challenges and rewards that middle school brings! One of her favorite scriptures is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Cydnei Bogard – 5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Bogard has been working with children for more than a decade. She began her educational career as a preschool classroom assistant and was promoted to preschool director after obtaining proper certification and experience. She later pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Memphis.
Jonathan Page – 6th Grade Homeroom – Middle School Math Teacher
Mr. Page is passionate about Christian education and finds joy in helping students discover and grow in their God given talents and gifts. He desires to help every student learn to love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to grow in loving their neighbors well. Mr. Page spent the past four years teaching at a private Christian school in North Memphis. There he coached basketball, soccer, and math teams. He holds Masters of Education degrees from Columbia University, Teachers College and Union University and is a graduate of the Memphis Teacher Residency. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Page comes from a big family and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and cooking. Each day Mr. Page tries to remind students daily to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Alegra Bouie – 7th Grade Homeroom – Middle School English/Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Bouie was born in Bronx, New York, but raised in Memphis, Tn. She earned her B.A. in English from Lane College. Her educational philosophy entails setting students up for growth, success, and victories. She is a firm believer that we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13), and she is dedicated and committed to crafting young minds.
Selisa Murff – 8th Grade Homeroom – Middle School Science Teacher
Selisa Murff is a wife, mother, prayer warrior, and native Memphian. Selisa obtained her Associate’s degree from Southwest Tennessee Community College and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she gained practical classroom experience through the Tigers Teach Program. The program allowed her to teach in an elementary, middle school, and high school setting. Selisa believes that you should “train up a child in the way that he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) and that all children can be successful. She is a member of Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where she serves as a Sunday school teacher and choir member. Selisa enjoys cooking, singing, scripture writing, and spending time with her husband, son, and their rescue dog, Tank.
Rachel Jackson – Golightly Girl’s Dorm Parent
Ms. Jackson is a graduate of Victory University (formerly Crichton College) earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. She is a strong believer in integrating faith and learning to equip our children to be positive leaders. In addition, she believes this is a call on her life and is grateful to be a part of a ministry where she can impart Christ’s love to each child. Ms. Jackson has worked as a preschool teacher for over 10 years, in group homes with children and adults with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, and in the health care field as well. She has volunteered as a Team Member at Breath of Life Christian Center teaching children biblical principles and learning. Ms. Jackson enjoys mentoring children of all ages and engaging in positive mentorship for young girls and is passionate about teaching them the love of God, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Kasuw Sillah – Golightly Boy’s Dorm Parent
Mr. Sillah is from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and lived in the United States for the past twenty years. He is a graduate from Mississippi College with a Kinesiology major and was a high school graduate of French Camp in French Camp, Mississippi. He sees himself as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ and finds great joy in serving the Lord by giving back to the community. He believes the Lord has entrusted him with a gift to train and equip students to love and trust God.
Shelia Stanley – Computer Teacher
Mrs. Stanley is a longtime Memphian and proud graduate of Melrose High School. She later graduated from Crichton College (Victory University) with a Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in education and social studies/history.
She has taught for thirteen years in various grades in 3rd through 8th and served as an Assistant Principal for three years. She is a mom to two beautiful daughters, with whom she shares her love of reading, music, and playing board games.