Flourishing Schools Institute (FSi) 2027

Dr. Larry Taylor is the President & CEO of ACSI. He previously spent 20 years as head of school at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, TX. During this time Dr. Taylor co-launched a national training institute for schools, the "Becoming a Kingdom School Institute," and developed a training program for parents titled, "Becoming a Kingdom Family." Dr. Taylor authored the book, Running with the Horses, which helps parents raise children to be servant-leaders for Christ and helps to build a family plan. ​

Whole-Part-Whole: Living the Worldview We Teach

Developing a Worldview Plan

Kristen Ainsworth is an experienced educator and leader. She spent the first 12 years of her career in public school education as an elementary teacher and school administrator. She currently serves as an adjunct professor, focused on training future public and Christian school educators to live and teach from a Christian worldview. Kristen holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and is a Colson Fellows alumnus. She lives in Dallas with her husband and 15 year old son.

When Worldview Changes Everything

Megan Almon, a former University of Georgia gymnast, worked as an award-winning journalist until 2008, when she decided to pursue a career speaking and teaching about Christian apologetics — especially in the areas of pro-life apologetics, bioethics and aesthetics. She joined Life Training Institute in 2009 and was awarded a M.A. in Christian apologetics from Biola University in 2011. She worked with Scott Klusendorf at LTI until 2024 when she began working with the speaking team at Apologetics, Inc. In 2025 she started an exciting new chapter as a Stand to Reason speaker. Megan and her husband, Tripp — Stand to Reason’s Outpost Coordinator — have been married since 2003 and have two children, Neely and Rogan. Though she was born and raised in Georgia, she and Tripp family spent seven years in Manitou Springs, CO where Tripp ran Summit Ministries’ Gap Year. Megan enjoys spending time with her family on the road (when she and Tripp have opportunities to speak together) and at home in Colorado, and is still known to practice handstands in her living room. She has spoken to high school-and-college assemblies and classrooms, conferences, youth organizations, women’s groups, pregnancy care centers, congregations, and legislators both nationally and internationally.

How Worldview Shapes Culture

Tripp Almon is the Outpost Coordinator and a speaker with Stand to Reason. Tripp’s passion for educating students of all ages in the areas of Christian theology, worldview, and apologetics is driven in large part from growing up in a Christian home and then struggling profoundly with the tidal wave of cultural ideas that engulfed him as he entered a secular university. Originally from Newnan, Georgia, and now residing in Colorado with his wife, Megan, and their children, Neely and Rogan, his diverse background includes more than 20 years as an elite gymnastics coach, 10 years in pastoral ministry, and 7 years as Gap Year Director at Summit Ministries. Beyond ministry, Tripp embraces adventure and competition, enjoying outdoor activities, off-road motorcycling, and rally racing. As co-driver for the Almon Brothers Racing Team, he helped secure (along with his brother) the 2017 NASA Rally Atlantic Cup Series championship, and he especially values opportunities to serve and speak alongside his wife at events.

Why Worldview Matters: Battle of Ideas

Jay Ferguson is the Head of School of Grace Community School in Tyler. Grace Community School is the largest private school in East Texas, serving nearly 1000 students in grades kindergarten through 12th. He has served in that position since June 2003. Grace’s mission is to assist Christian parents in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ. Jay was a practicing attorney in Dallas and Tyler for ten years before joining Grace Community School in 2002 as its Director of Development. After the departure of the school’s long-time Head in summer 2003, Jay became Interim Head of School. He assumed the full-time Head of School role in fall 2003. Since that time, Jay has worked to build a flourishing culture at Grace, a vibrant educational community that has been awarded Blue Ribbon Exemplary status by the U.S. Department of Education in 2015 and 2017. Jay has written extensively on Christian education and related issues. He also writes a weekly blog on spiritual, education, cultural, and parenting issues. He is an adjunct professor in school law and governance at Covenant College in Georgia, at Gordon College in Massachusetts, and at Baylor University. Jay holds a Bachelors’ Degree from Baylor University, a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law, and a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Covenant College. He earned his PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Ashley, are members of Grace Community Church, and have served over 20 years in small group and children’s ministries. He currently serves as an elder of Grace Community. He and Ashley have three teenage daughters, Emma, Annie, and Ellen. He has taught them to love Jesus and football, in that order, which he considers his gift to future sons-in-law, Lord willing. 

Beyond Knowing: Forming Hearts, Minds, and Lives

Head, Heart, and Hands: Forming Whole-Life Disciples

Jon has worked as a speaker with Stand to Reason since 2019. A former atheist, Jon used to think belief in God was unwarranted and irresponsible. Then, after examining the evidence for Christianity, he was faced with the fact that Jesus is who He says He is and that the Christian worldview tells the true story of reality. Ever since, Jon has been passionate about engaging the culture with honest, well-thought-out reasons why people should trust the Christian worldview. Jon brings a unique perspective to his audiences and the Stand to Reason team, having more than ten years’ experience in the legal field. In 2013, Jon earned a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, graduating with honors. Jon is a founding pastor at Soli Deo Gloria Church. He also serves on the board of directors for Life Without Limbs and Bible Thinker. More than any of this, Jon is the father of four daughters and the husband of Rheanna. They live in Ventura County, CA.

Equipping & Sending Students as Worldview Ambassadors

A public scholar and organizational strategist, Lynn Swaner joined Cardus after two decades of executive leadership in non-profits and educational institutions. Lynn holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a diploma in strategy and innovation from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. 

Lynn’s professional experience spans several sectors and encompasses roles in academia, sponsored research, associations, and independent schools. As a result, she is passionate about building bridges within and across fields. Lynn’s work brings thinkers, researchers, funders, and doers together to shape paradigms and practices for greater flourishing. 

Her own research is interdisciplinary and focuses on how individuals, organizations, and communities can better thrive together. Lynn is the editor or lead author of several books, including Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education (ACSI and Cardus, 2022) and Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools (Eerdmans, 2021). Her work has been published in the International Journal of Educational Development, Eton Journal for Innovation and Research in Education, and Liberal Education, as well as featured in multiple book chapters and monographs. 

Lynn also serves as a non-resident scholar at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership, is a senior fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and a trustee or advisor for several non-profit boards. 

Beyond Knowing: Forming Hearts, Minds, and Lives

Head, Heart, and Hands: Forming Whole-Life Disciples

Jamie Canterbury serves as the Director of Accreditation–USA for ACSI, where she provides national leadership for accreditation initiatives that advance excellence in Christian education. With more than 30 years of experience in Christian schools, she has served as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and accreditation leader, equipping schools to strengthen their mission and improve student outcomes. Jamie is passionate about helping school leaders build flourishing, Christ-centered learning communities through biblically grounded accreditation and continuous improvement. She also serves on several state and national accreditation boards, contributing to the advancement of quality assurance in private Christian education.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Lisa Chubbic serves as the Director of Assessments for ACSI, bringing over 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, assessment specialist, and program leader. She oversees student and flourishing assessments, along with training and support for K–12 schools, helping educators use assessment data to strengthen instruction and support school flourishing. Lisa earned her B.A. in English and M.S. in Education with a specialization in Faith-Based Leadership from California Baptist University. She and her husband have three children and reside in Colorado Springs.

Leveraging Assessments Data for Greater Results

Jared Clark serves as Head of School at Westminster Christian Academy in Watkinsville, GA. Under his leadership, Westminster has experienced great numerical, spiritual and academic growth. He has also served as a Principal, Dean of Students, Athletic Director and Teacher in various Christian schools for the last 23 years. He and his wife Sara are parents to three amazing daughters.

Leading the Small School with Significant Impact

Dr. Keith Curlee serves as Head of School at Eagle's Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, Georgia, where he leads a diverse, Christ-centered school community committed to academic excellence and spiritual formation. Throughout his 34-year career, he has served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and head of school. His experience also includes service at ACSI member schools, including Morrison Academy in Taiwan and High Point Christian Academy in North Carolina. Dr. Curlee is passionate about equipping faculty and staff to grow spiritually and lead students with wisdom and purpose. He is committed to helping Christian educators integrate faith into daily practice in ways that advance the mission of Kingdom Education.

Spiritual Formation Strategies for Faculty & Staff

Darryl De Ruiter serves as Head of School at The Master's Academy in Oviedo, Florida. With 40 years of experience in Christian education, he has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and educational leader in seven school settings across four states and one international location. Darryl is passionate about cultivating healthy school cultures, strengthening board-governance partnerships, leading organizational change, and equipping Christian educators to flourish in their calling. Known for his collaborative "from the middle" leadership style, his deepest desire is that the people within his school community are seen, known, and loved as they grow into the individuals God created them to be. Darryl and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 39 years and are blessed with three married children and two grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and all things birds.

Rhythms of Leadership for the Head of School

Mallory Everitt, M.A. serves as Director of Membership of ACSI, where she supports member engagement, higher education partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen Christian education worldwide. Prior to joining ACSI, she spent nearly 20 years serving in ACSI Christian schools in a variety of roles, including school counseling, college and career advising, student services, academic programming, and executive leadership. Most recently, she served at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, Florida, an ACSI Exemplary Accredited school, where she oversaw academic programming and college and career counseling initiatives. Her professional expertise includes program development, accreditation, and creating systems that help schools thrive while advancing their mission for Christ.

Building a Christ-Centered College & Career Program

Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan is the Director of Clinical Practices in the School of Education at Regent University. With more than three decades of experience in K–12 and higher education, she is dedicated to preparing future educators through innovative clinical experiences, mentoring, and research in science education and teacher development. Her scholarship focuses on scientific inquiry, the development of science process skills, and effective instructional practices, with a commitment to integrating faith and learning in teacher preparation.

High-Impact Teaching Strategies Every Christian Educator Should Know (EE-12)

Kristin Graves, M.Ed., is a High School Counselor at Seffner Christian Academy with a background in both higher education admissions and college counseling. Before entering school counseling, she spent seven years working in university admissions at institutions in Tennessee, Idaho, and Florida. Now in her sixth year as a high school counselor, she is passionate about helping students navigate the college admissions process while encouraging students to pursue the path God has for their lives. Kristin holds a Master of Education from Saint Leo University and a College Counselor Certification through NACCAP.

Building a Christ-Centered College & Career Program

Tyra Harnishfeger has served at Evansville Christian School since 2011 in a variety of leadership roles and currently serves as Interim Co-Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer. In these roles, she provides leadership for academic programs, strategic initiatives, and faculty development, helping advance the school's mission of spiritual and academic formation. With more than two decades of experience in education, Tyra is passionate about cultivating flourishing school communities where students, educators, and families thrive through a biblical worldview. She enjoys collaborating with fellow Christian school leaders and sharing practical strategies that strengthen mission alignment, instructional excellence, and organizational health.

Growing Great Teachers: Coaching that Builds Capacity

Dr. Erin Hart is the Superintendent of Three Rivers Christian School in Longview, Washington, where she spends her days juggling budgets, accreditation reports, strategic plans, student needs, and the occasional mystery only a school administrator could appreciate. A passionate advocate for Christian education, she believes schools should be places where students experience wonder, curiosity, and God's love through deep relationships. Erin has a particular love for helping organizations navigate big challenges and avoid some of the dumb things she learned by doing them herself first. When she's not at school, she's usually reading, traveling, tinkering with her century-old house, or spending time with her husband and two nearly grown daughters (because, as every parent eventually discovers, time is fleeting).  She is grateful for every opportunity to learn from and encourage fellow educators.

Academic & Student Success Strategies

Chris Loncar is the VP of Human Resources at ACSI. He spent the first 10 years of his calling as a pastor before transitioning to the human resources field, a blend that has given him a versatile and thoughtful approach to leading the HR function of an organization. He has a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society of Human Resources Management. His passion is fostering environments and creating opportunities for employees to thrive in what they are gifted to do by coming alongside to advise, train, encourage, and inspire.

Hiring & Retaining Top Talent

Andy Lynch is the President & CEO of Tassel, a marketing firm dedicated to helping independent and faith-based schools pursue Healthy Enrollment. With a team spanning 13 states and four countries, Tassel brings a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to support schools in an increasingly competitive landscape. Since founding the company in 2000, Andy has worked with schools to strengthen their positioning strategy, branding, website engagement, inquiry generation, and messaging. At the close of play, Andy enjoys time with his wife, daughter, and two sons. He’s an avid soccer fan (and sometimes player), a sold-out Liverpool supporter (YNWA!), and always up for talking a little smack on the pickleball court.

Best Practices to Growing Enrollment with Purpose: Proven Strategies

Marketing Your Mission: Building a Brand that Matters

Dr Debbie MacCullough, a graduate of Christian schools and a former teacher in these institutions, has been training educators for over twenty-five years. She has guided undergraduate, postgraduate, and practicing teachers from around the world in exploring methods that help students develop a biblical worldview. Debbie has co-authored three books and developed school leader and teacher training materials used in multiple countries. Currently, she serves as the Senior Advisor of Global Credentialing and Professional Development for ACSI.

Living the Mission: The Marks of an Authentic Christian Educator 

Dr. Mark Mayfield is a former pastor, award-winning author, speaker, certified master Christian coach, and licensed mental health counselor who serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. He is the founder of Mental Health Made Simple, a platform that strips away clinical jargon and trendy "hacks" to deliver research-backed, practical tools that equip adults, students, parents, and leaders for navigating mental health. The author of seven books—including HELP! My Teen is Self-Injuring, The Path Out of Loneliness, and the forthcoming HELP! My Ministry is in Crisis (Fall 2026)—he draws much of his work from his own suicide survival story. His work has been featured by WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post, FOX News, Woman's Day, NBC, Reader's Digest, and more, and in 2019 he was invited to the White House to speak on national mental health initiatives. Dr. Mayfield lives in Texas with his wife of 18 years and their three children, and can be reached at www.mentalhealthmadesimple.life or www.drmayfield.com.

Leading Without Running Empty: Preventing Burnout & Compassion Fatigue

Tammie Mihet serves as Program Manager for ACSI’s Student Leadership & Learning team, where she designs research-driven programs that create meaningful learning experiences and foster student growth. With more than 16 years of experience in education and over a decade in Christian school classrooms, she has mentored educators and trained teachers in Biblical Worldview Integration. Tammie is passionate about developing a classroom culture that challenges students to apply God’s truth to every area of life. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Baldwin Wallace University. Her work is driven by a commitment to Christ and a desire to equip teachers and students to serve as faithful ambassadors for Him.

Practical Behavior Strategies that Support Learning

Lainie Montgomery is the Director of Spiritual Formation and oversees ACSI's internal staff care through the elevation of God's Word, prayer, and community engagement. She works alongside school leaders, spiritual life directors, and teachers to develop comprehensive internal and external spiritual formation plans. As part of a wholistic Christ-centered education mindset, she is passionate about ACSI's Flourishing Families initiative which seeks to assist schools in making "family" a core value while promoting a school partnership elevating parents and guardians as the primary disciple-makers of their children.

Partnering with Parents to Help Students Flourish

Dr. William R. Mott is an experienced educational leader who has served as Head of School at six independent schools, including his last three appointments as Interim Head. He is the author of four books on governance and leadership in independent and faith-based schools, including the updated edition of Healthy Boards, Successful Schools. A frequent conference and workshop presenter, Dr. Mott holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University.

Healthy Boards & Successful Schools

Jerry Nelson is the Chief Ministry Officer at ACSI. He oversees all Spiritual Formation-related initiatives focused on the elevation of God’s Word, prayer, biblical worldview development, initiatives related to biblical unity, diversity, and social engagement, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission for all of ACSI’s stakeholders. Jerry served a brief stint on the ACSI Board before joining ACSI. And prior to that he served as Head of School at Northwest Christian Academy in Miami, FL, for 11 years. He holds a B.A. in History and M.A. in Educational :leadership from St. Thomas University in Miami.

Living the Mission: The Marks of an Authentic Christian Educator

Emily Pigott serves as VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs at ACSI and is dedicated to equipping educators and students to utilize culturally relevant and impactful experiences to enable them to think critically, vision-cast, solve problems, serve others, and lead with intentionality and influence. She has traveled the globe training student leaders and educators and is committed to ensuring that as many as possible can understand their value, worth, and capacity to accomplish their dreams. Emily believes that today’s students are full of potential, and she holds the firm belief that they are more than capable of greatly impacting our culture for Jesus. Before her time at ACSI, Emily served as a high school principal, the Executive Director of Student Leadership University, and the co-author of The School of Leadership curriculum.

Engaged Leadership & Learning Methodology

Nathan Stevens serves as Head of School at Immanuel Christian School near Washington, D.C., providing leadership for all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, operations, and financial management. With more than 25 years of experience in education and over two decades in leadership, he has guided school improvement initiatives, accreditation processes, and leadership development efforts across Christian schools. Nathan holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and has contributed to the field through research, publications, and presentations on leadership and reflective practice in Christian education. He is known for fostering strong organizational culture, developing leaders, and advancing mission-driven excellence.

Strategic Planning that Drives Results

Dr. Josh Thomason, CPA, MBA, is the Founder & CEO of Trek Learning, the company behind TrekAI, an agentic learning platform designed to personalize education, reduce teacher workload and burnout, and restore what matters most: human connection in the classroom. Since launching in 2023, TrekAI now operates across six continents and is on pace to grow 10x this fall. Prior to the launch of TrekAI, he spent over 15 years in Christian education, including serving as CFO of one of the largest Christian schools in the United States. In addition, in 2016, he founded an online school that now serves nearly 2,000 students globally. Dr. Thomason holds a BS in Management and an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from Georgia Tech, and an EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

AI for Christian Schools: Practical Tools, Wise Decisions, and Time-Saving Strategies

Becky Tubergen serves as Executive Director of All Belong, where she leads the organization’s work alongside Christ-centered schools to cultivate learning communities for students of all abilities. With close to 30 years of experience in inclusive education as an educator, consultant, and advocate, Becky is passionate about helping students feel known, valued, and welcomed as children of God. She partners with school leaders and educators to strengthen inclusive cultures and systems that invite every learner’s meaningful contribution. Becky knows that building communities of belonging is meaningful work that takes time, learning, and partnership, and she finds deep joy in walking alongside schools in that journey. Becky holds a teaching certificate with a cognitive impairment endorsement from Calvin College and an M.A. in Emotional Impairment from Grand Valley State University.

Helping Every Learner Thrive: Effective Strategies for Student Engagement