PODCAST EPISODE

Grafted Together Ep 27: Spiritual Formation Network Wrap-up: ESOs & Assessment

December 17, 2025

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SHOW NOTES

Douglas Campbell hosts an episode with three major contributors to ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network meetings: Laurie LaFon, Sean Englert, and Sam Farinacci.

Laurie LaFon received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and has been part of the Lucas Christian Academy community for over 22 years, with three of her four children graduating from LCA. Before becoming Director of Student Life eight years ago, she served in many volunteer roles and has spent more than 15 years in youth ministry. Laurie oversees the spiritual formation of students in grades 7–12 through chapel, retreats, small group discipleship, and leadership development programs such as student council and cross-grade mentoring. She also coordinates many of the fun events that shape student life throughout the year. Laurie’s greatest joy is seeing students grow in their relationship with the Lord, discover their God-given gifts, and step confidently into the next season of life—passionate about pursuing Jesus, loving Him deeply, and loving others well. 
Digital Resources: Https://lucasca.com/   -- https://www.instagram.com/lcawarriorssl/ 

Sean Englert serves as the Interim Co-Head of School and Director of Spiritual Life at Northlake Christian School in Covington, Louisiana. He is passionate about seeing communities flourish as God’s people love and serve their neighbors. Believing that Christian education is a powerful means of equipping the next generation for this calling, he is committed to advancing God’s kingdom by faithfully stewarding that opportunity. 
Digital Resources: northlakechristian.org, FB - @Northlake Christian School, IG - @ncscovington 

Samantha (Sam) Farinacci received her bachelor's degree in English at California Lutheran University and her master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.  She loves her job at Oaks Christian Online School where she develops online spiritual formation and Christian education for 6-12th grade students and provides online chaplaincy care for the faculty and staff.  She has been at OC Online since the program's genesis in 2011.  Outside of work, Sam is into her pet llamas, hiking, reading, and swimming in Bass Lake, CA near where she lives with her husband, who is a pastor. 
https://www.oakschristianonline.org/

Grafted Together

Grafted Together with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate in everyday Christian education. Jerry Nelson joined the ACSI family in 2020 as the Special Assistant to the President and currently serves as ACSI's Chief Ministry Officer. He previously spent 11 years as the Head of School at Northwest Christian Academy in Florida. While there, Nelson created a Teacher Development Program, a Student Leadership Development Program, and Parent Education Program, and wrote three books. He earned his master's degree in Educational Leadership from St. Thomas University.