Arnold Christian Academy

Mrs. Hurd, ACA’s principal, joined our staff in 2014. In addition to her administrative duties, Mrs. Hurd teaches language arts to our upper school students. Prior to joining ACA, Mrs. Hurd taught for two years in the private sector and five years in the public. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Towson University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Mrs. Hurd holds a Maryland Educator Certificate in the areas of early childhood education (Pre K – 3), generic special education (1 – 8), and elementary education (1 – 6). She also holds an Elementary Teacher Certificate with the Association of Christian Schools International. Kelly and her husband, Greg, have been married since January of 1999. The couple has two children: one in college and one in high school.

Ed O'Mara is the Lead Pastor of CrossPointe Church. Ed serves the school in various ways including providing vision, oversight, staff and family care, and chapel services. Ed studied engineering at Messiah College (undergraduate) and Drexel University (graduate), worked as a Radio Frequency Engineer, then moved into pastoral ministry in 2006. He has also studied at the Sovereign Grace Pastors College and is completing his Masters of Divinity from Southern Baptist Seminary. He and his wife, Robin, have been married since 1998 and have been blessed with three children (who also love ACA!). As a family, the O'Maras love soccer, reading and spending time together. 

Mrs. Colebrook joined ACA in 2012. She teaches Bible to students in grades 4 – 8. She also leads Bible study for the girls in the upper school. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park.

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Miss Friedhoff joined ACA in 2018. She is a teacher’s assistant.

Elaine Lewis joined ACA in 2010. She teaches upper school Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Prior to joining ACA, Mrs. Lewis taught in the public sector for 16 years. In addition to teaching STEM, Mrs. Lewis is an Education Specialist at NASA. She earned her bachelor's degree from UMBC and her master's from Loyola.

Jamie Nykiel joined ACA in 2010. She teaches band and music. In addition to teaching at ACA, Mrs. Nykiel teaches private music lessons and directs the hand bell and general choirs at Friendship Church of the Brethren. She earned her bachelor's degree from Messiah College.

Dr. Wendy Olson joined ACA in 2015. She teaches math and lower school history. Prior to teaching at ACA, Dr. Olson taught at local colleges for 10 years. She earned her bachelor's degree from Frostburg State and her doctorate from University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Kelsey Peacock joined ACA in 2019. She teaches students in kindergarten and first grade. Prior to joining ACA, Mrs. Peacock taught in both Canada and Hawaii. She earned two bachelor's degrees from Simon Fraser University and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Kathleen (Kat) has been the office manager for CrossPointe Church since 2011. As such, she has provided administrative support for ACA in a variety ways since then. Currently, she serves the school through bookkeeping and website management. Kat holds a BS in Business Administration from UMUC.

Joyce Spring joined ACA in 2013. She teaches lower school Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Prior to joining ACA, Ms. Spring taught for 43 years in the public sector. She earned her bachelor's degree from Salisbury University and her master's degree from Towson University.

Eddie, the worship leader for CrossPointe Church, serves as the school’s worship leader during Chapel and the facilitator of an upper school boy’s Bible study.

Miss Sykes joined ACA in 2016. She serves as an interventionist and a specials teacher. Miss Sykes also leads the school’s dance club.

Mr. Young joined ACA in 2018. He is the school’s office manager.