Early Education

Althea Penn, Ed.D., PDS, ODP
Director of Early Education

Dr. Penn brings over four decades of distinguished expertise as an accomplished author, speaker, and organizational development practitioner. Her multifaceted career spans roles as an educational consultant and educator in both primary and secondary settings. With remarkable visionary leadership, she has successfully launched and provided strategic guidance to more than a thousand EE-12 schools and franchises. Althea holds certifications as a professional development specialist, PLC facilitator, trauma-informed practitioner, early childhood educator, and EE-12 school administrator, renowned for delivering impactful training and fostering leadership development. Her extensive experience includes providing vital director training and Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing to thousands of school leaders, board members, and teachers globally. In her role as ACSI's Director of Early Education, Dr. Penn leverages this extensive background to offer targeted coaching, consulting, and resources for educators and administrators. She is passionate about supporting Christian early educators through Christ-centered approaches, developing biblically-based opportunities for professional growth and organizational strengthening.  Her favorite children’s book, Window on the World: An Operation World Prayer Resource by Molly Wall, reflects her passion for instilling global awareness in young learners. Her favorite verse to share with children, Jeremiah 29:11, captures her dedication to inspiring hope and purpose in the hearts of those she serves.

Jeannie Forrest, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Early Education

Jeannie serves as Assistant Director of Early Education. With over twenty-five years of experience in Christian education, she considers herself a lifelong learner for early childhood. God has blessed her with a passion for both the early childhood years of a child and connecting with educators. She counts it a privilege to support and guide early education leaders and teachers for high-quality practices woven with God’s truth and love. Jeannie’s favorite children’s author is Eric Carle and her favorite verse to teach is “Let your light shine…” from Matthew 5:16. 

Cindy Barnum, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Eastern Division

Cindy counts it an honor and privilege to serve early educators in their Kingdom call. With over 30 years of educational experiences, Cindy pours into educators by providing resources, support, and encouragement from the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given her in Christian early education leadership. Cindy’s favorite children’s book is Sir Maggie the Mighty by Michael P. Waite and her favorite verse to teach children is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Suzie Mohler, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Western Division

Suzie has served in the field of education for over 30 years and loves Christian education and building relationships with educators. She encourages and mentors leaders, promotes membership and accreditation, consults with programs, and helps facilitate connections with EE staff. Suzie’s favorite children’s book is Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and one of her favorite verses to teach children is Ephesians 1:4.

Beth Lantz, MA
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Central Division

Beth Lantz is a passionate educator with over 23 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She is deeply committed to supporting educators through intentional coaching, fostering communication, and building strong relationships, all rooted in prayer and her faith in Jesus Christ. Beth believes that children can reach their fullest potential when given developmentally appropriate environments and play-based learning opportunities. A dedicated advocate for both children and educators, Beth finds joy in helping others grow. One of her favorite Bible verses, 1 John 4:8, reminds her that "God is love," and she strives to reflect that love in all she does. When not working, Beth enjoys curling up with her favorite children's book, Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos. 

Rebeca Rosa, BA, FL Director's Credential
Early Education Coordinator 

Rebeca provides consulting and member support as ACSI’s Early Education Coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology, numerous certifications and almost forty years of experience in early childhood education and program administration. She served as the Early Education Director of Parkridge Christian Academy in Coral Springs, FL for 17 years; where she led her staff and facilitated the accreditation process with excellence. Over her many years of leadership, she has proclaimed Romans 1:16 as her life verse. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Rebeca has served on mission teams around the world; facilitated training and coaching in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), PATHS social and emotional learning strategies, and provided consultation and technical assistance for Christian early education program leaders as a Florida Approval Program inspector, professional development trainer, school readiness coach, and certified life coach. Rebeca’s passion for kingdom education is evidenced by her desire to grow in and share her knowledge of God's Word by serving others. Her favorite child’s book is: “Love you forever” by Robert Munsch.

Raevin Mahaney, AA
Early Education Administrative Assistant 

Raevin has the honor of supporting the Early Education team with her 17 years of administrative expertise, which has been greatly influenced by her passion to serve God and others. Out of tremendous zeal for educating children and learning about their development, she has earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Early Childhood Education and Development and credentials for Early Childhood Administration. One of her favorite children’s books is “Thank You, Lord, for Everything” by P.J. Lyons, and Matthew 22:37 is a verse she enjoys sharing with children. 

Tammy Hicks

Early Education Florida Approval Coordinator  | ACSI

Tammy currently serves as the coordinator for ACSI’s Florida Approval Program.  Tammy has over 29 years of experience in early childhood education and has served as the director of a faith-based early education program. As the FAP Coordinator, she mentors, assists, and equips EE Directors and leaders in the Florida Approval Program.  Tammy’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and her favorite verse to teach children is Psalm 139:14.