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

Choir

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

Melissa Gomes

High School Art

Ms. Melissa Gomes brings a dynamic blend of education, creativity, and leadership to Gateway’s upper school. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Curriculum Development and Special Education, she is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that help students of all abilities grow and succeed. Beyond the classroom, she contributes to Gateway’s school community as a Student Council sponsor and competitive cheer coach, encouraging leadership, teamwork, and school spirit.

Elective: At Gateway, Ms. Gomes teaches Yearbook, guiding students in developing their creativity, communication, and storytelling skills while capturing the people, events, and memories that make the Gateway community special.

Jennifer Russell

Language & Technology Arts

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.

Jeanette Ringenberg

Theatre

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.

Ariel Culpepper

Visual Arts

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

Career & Technical Education

Dr. Moore brings a wealth of educational experience and a passion for student growth to Gateway’s upper school. She earned her B.A. in English and Master’s in Teaching from James Madison University before completing her Ph.D. in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020. With more than 16 years of classroom experience as an English teacher, she is dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. In 2023, she co-founded a nonprofit in Norfolk focused on personal growth and community flourishing, an experience that deepened her passion for helping students develop essential life skills.

Electives: At Gateway, Dr. Moore teaches Financial Literacy and Career Planning for juniors, as well as Career and Life Readiness for seniors. Through these courses, she equips students with practical skills, self-awareness, and confidence to navigate life beyond high school. Students explore their strengths, identify their goals, and develop plans for the future that reflect their individual gifts and aspirations.

Sophia Tirle

PIANO

Mrs. Tirle began studying piano at the age of four and was recognized as the youngest award recipient in a regional children’s classical piano competition in South Korea at the age of seven. She brings over thirty years of experience in piano music and a profound passion for the integration of theology and the arts. Throughout her career, she has performed and taught music across multiple countries in various Christian institutions. Mrs. Tirle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Med) from Simpson University and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology (Interdisciplinary) from Regent University.

Electives: Mrs. Tirle offers private piano lessons that nurture students’ musical abilities, technical proficiency, and artistic expression. Using the Faber Piano Adventures series, she guides students in developing their skills while fostering an appreciation for music. Each academic year culminates in a recital celebrating students’ growth and accomplishments.

Danielle McCraney

MUSIC

Mrs. Danielle McCraney brings more than 30 years of music teaching experience and a lifelong passion for music to Gateway. She began playing piano in second grade and has since served as a choir accompanist, taught piano and music, and founded Gracenotes Music Academy in Colorado, a school for young children that was nominated as one of Denver’s best music schools. A graduate of Welch College with a degree in Business Administration, Mrs. McCraney has shared her love of music in many places throughout her life. This is her second time teaching music at Gateway, and she is passionate about helping students discover and develop the musical gifts God has given them.

Electives: At Gateway, Mrs. McCraney teaches music, introducing students to the fundamentals of music theory and performance while encouraging creativity and a deeper appreciation for God’s gift of music. Her classes align with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and incorporate biblical principles, helping students understand not only how music works but also how it can be used to glorify God.

Zach Richards

SHOP

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.

Emily Speelman

violin

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

Greg Holestin

Technology & Communication

Mr. Holestin, who holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from Old Dominion University, owns two insurance agencies in Hampton Roads and is also active in real estate and private equity ventures. At Gateway, he teaches electives focused on real-world skills in technology, communication, and financial literacy, while serving as Director of Advancement and a School Board Member.

Electives: Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail); Apple Productivity Suite (Pages, Keynote, and Numbers); and Typing Instruction.

Hayden Voeller

Digital Production

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.