Electives
Opening doors for all of life.
At Gateway Christian Academy, our electives don’t just supplement the core—they open doors to leadership, creativity, and real-world readiness in a Christ-centered environment. With options that reflect the evolving interests and futures of our students, we marry strong academic foundations with flexibility and relevance.
Heather Asimos
Mrs. Asimos, a native of Alberta, Canada, holds a diploma in Jazz Piano with a focus on teaching. She began teaching piano at just 16 years old and now brings over 30 years of experience to her students, along with training in voice. At 22, Heather began leading worship and has since served in churches across Canada, Africa, India, and the United States. Her musical journey has also included roles as musical director for a Christian theater, a local summer theater camp, and a choir director for a Worship and Arts summer camp. Passionate about both music and ministry, Heather finds joy in helping students discover their God-given talents while growing in skill, confidence, and love for the arts.
Elective: Choir trains students in vocal performance while developing musical literacy, harmony, and ensemble skills. Rehearsals emphasize proper technique, blend, and expression as students prepare sacred and traditional choral works. In addition to classroom instruction, the choir provides opportunities for ministry and performance, allowing students to use their musical gifts in worship services, school programs, and community events
Bob Langston
Mr. Langston is a multi-talented artist whose creative journey began with a bachelor’s degree from VCU’s School of the Arts. His work spans murals, commissioned paintings, animation, sculpture, and iconic designs like posters and t-shirts for the East Coast Surfing Championships. He has taught at Regent University, developed academic syllabi, and created pieces for local favorites such as Egg Bistro, Hair of the Dog, and the Norfolk Zoo. Earlier in his career, he worked as a caricature artist at Kings Dominion, served as a graphic designer (civil service) for the U.S. Navy from 1989–1993, and later spent five years as a stage set designer for CBN. Married with six children, Bob now brings a great wealth of experience—and a passion for sharing his faith along with his creativity—to our art program, inspiring students both artistically and spiritually. To explore more of his work, visit thebobzone.com.
Elective: High school art provides instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, with emphasis on the elements and principles of design, color theory, and composition. Students also gain an introduction to art history and critical analysis through hands-on projects and evaluation.
Jennifer Russell
Ms. Jennifer Russell brings a rich blend of scholarship, creativity, and faith to Gateway’s upper school. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in English Literature and Criticism, she specializes in Science Fiction, African American literature, and the intersection of literature with film, play studies, and even video games. An award-winning scholar and published author, she also shines outside the classroom as a decorated master’s swimmer and a bell choir performer.
Electives: At Gateway, she equips students through English, Speech Communications, Digital Skills, and Yearbook, inspiring them to think critically, write persuasively, and communicate with integrity—all while learning how literature, media, and storytelling reveal God’s truth in everyday life.
Hayden Voeller
Mr. Voeller has extensive live production experience, including work with artists such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tauren Wells, and Anne Wilson, he brings both creativity and technical expertise to the classroom. Having served in live audio engineering, lighting design, and video production for concerts and corporate events, he equips students with real-world skills in digital media.
Electives: These cover photography, videography, and audio editing, using industry-standard tools like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite. Students leave his class with a strong foundation in digital production and the ability to create professional-quality projects for any setting.
Ariel Culpepper
Mrs. Culpepper is both an artist and educator whose work is deeply shaped by her faith and a passion for inspiring creativity in young learners. Her art has been recognized by academic institutions and cultural landmarks, including Ivy Tech Community College’s permanent collection and the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center. Beyond the gallery, she has created live paintings at weddings and worship services, where art becomes an extension of connection and praise. At Gateway, she teaches art guiding students to explore a variety of mediums, build confidence, and see creativity as a reflection of God as our Creator.
Electives: Students explore drawing, painting, pottery, and clay work while learning design, form, and texture. The course emphasizes creativity, craftsmanship, and expression through hands-on projects.
Krista Fasciocco
Ms. Fasciocco earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Virginia Wesleyan College and has over 11 years of teaching experience in private school settings. She has taught a variety of English and elective courses, developed new curricula, and served as PSAT/SAT coordinator to help students prepare for college admissions.
Electives: At Gateway Christian Academy, she teaches Career Planning for juniors, guiding students as they explore future pathways and build practical skills for life beyond high school. She also leads the GCA Intern program, where students gain hands-on experience across school departments while developing responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills.
Sophia Tirle
Mrs. Tirle brings over 30 years of piano experience and a deep passion for worship to the School’s music program. Her classes integrate the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) with biblical teaching, providing students with a solid foundation in music theory and performance. In her private piano lessons, Mrs. Tirle uses the Faber Piano Adventures series to guide students through repertoire and technical development, culminating each year with a recital that celebrates their progress. In addition to piano, she shares her gifts in acoustic guitar and multilingual singing, inspiring students to pursue musical excellence and to use their talents to glorify the Lord.
Electives: Private Piano
Jeanette Ringerburg
Mrs. Ringenberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Virginia and completed an apprenticeship at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, CA. She taught drama at Frank W. Cox High School from 2007–2014, directing over 25 one-act and full-length productions while also sponsoring the International Thespian Society and Falcon Theatre. In addition to teaching and directing, she managed the school’s drama budget and mentored students in every aspect of theatre. More recently, Jeanette co-directed productions at Tabernacle Baptist Academy and Veritas Collegiate Academy. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings a passion for performance, production, and developing students’ artistic gifts.
Electives: Introduction to Theatre Arts, which provides an overview of theatre history, performance, and design; Performance Theatre, which builds on acting and communication skills; Technical Theatre, which offers hands-on study of stagecraft and production; Studio Theatre, which focuses on advanced acting, directing, playwriting, and production; and Cinema Studies, which explores film through acting, scriptwriting, and production.
Zach Richards
Mr. Richards, a former U.S. Navy Sailor who served aboard the historic USS Constitution, brings unmatched real-world expertise to our Industrial Arts program. A certified mechanic with experience in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and facilities maintenance, he not only helps keep our campus running—including the 100 toilets on property—but also passes along practical skills to students.
Electives: In Shop Class, students gain hands-on training in areas like changing oil and tires, woodworking with professional tools, and understanding the fundamentals of mechanical and trade work. Under Mr. Richards’ leadership, Gateway students are equipped with essential life skills that go far beyond the classroom.
Electives: Private Piano
Emily Speelman
Ms. Speelman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in violin from Old Dominion University. While at ODU, she won first place in the Concerto Competition, performed as a soloist with the Old Dominion Symphony Orchestra, and placed in Virginia’s Arts Alive competition. As an orchestral and chamber musician, Emily served as concertmaster of the ODU Symphony Orchestra and was first violinist in the university’s scholarship Stanger String Quartet. She has also performed with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Before joining Gateway, Emily taught in the Community Music Division at Old Dominion University, working with students of all ages and skill levels. She brings her passion for performance and teaching to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Electives: Private Violin
