JULIE O’SHEA

Julie is a co-founder of HCCA and its Head of School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Texas and graduated at the top of her class from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, with a master’s degree in Nutrition Education. Julie is a co-founder and Board Member of Alder Tree Giving - a nonprofit that provides financing and resources to educational programs. She is also a published writer, former professional technical editor, and devoted mother of children in HCCA’s elementary and middle schools. The O’Shea family attends Lighthouse Church.

NATALIE GRESH

Natalie is a co-founder of HCCA. She is also HCCA’s lower school Academic Director, Bible instructor, and language arts instructor. Natalie received her degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and has been teaching children of the Lowcountry for over two decades at well-known Christian academies, including Palmetto Christian Academy. Natalie has also been the Children's Ministry Director at Lighthouse Church and Academic Director of, and Kindergarten teacher for, a Christian academy in North Charleston. Natalie and her husband Jon live locally and have a son in high school and daughter in college. The Gresh family attends Lighthouse Church.

ANDY WELCH

Andy is HCCA’s Algebra teacher in its Middle School. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a degree in Biology and Math. He has been educating Christian teens and pre-teens for three decades, including as a math and science teacher, baseball coach, and principal. Andy most recently taught Algebra at Palmetto Christian Academy. Andy and his wife Leesa have two adult children and he is the grandfather of an HCCA student. The Welch family attends City Life Church.

SHAYLA MELSON

Shayla is HCCA's middle school science teacher. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and nurse practitioner certification. She served as a Navy Nurse and was stationed in Charleston where she met her husband Richard. Shayla was a founder of Palmetto Christian Academy and has taught middle school science, CPR, and nursing courses to a variety of students, including to homeschool students, at a mission hospital in Rwanda, and as an adjunct professor of nursing at Trident Technical College. She and Richard have two adult children and are grandparents to an HCCA student. The Melson family attends East Cooper Baptist Church.

DEMI WILLIS

Demi is HCCA’s elementary school English/Language Arts teacher. She was born and raised in the heart of Texas - Fort Worth - and is a graduate of Abilene Christian University with a BS degree in General Studies with concentrations in Child and Family Services, Communications, and Psychology. She previously taught 2nd grade in Texas and recently moved to Charleston. She has served on many Christian missions, including to Brazil, Kenya, and Zambia. She attends Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant.

SOL GREENE

Sol is HCCA’s foreign language instructor.  She is a graduate of Fermín Toro University and has lived and studied throughout the world prior to settling in Charleston.  Born in Venezuela, Sol is a native Spanish speaker and has been teaching Spanish for several years to local Christian students.  Sol is also a former professional baker and chef. She and her husband Jason have four children, one of whom attends HCCA. The Greene family attends Lighthouse Church.

NANCY RATHMAN

Nancy is one of HCCA’s instructors for grades K-1. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has been teaching children of the Lowcountry for over two decades, including, most recently, as a beloved teacher at Palmetto Christian Academy.  She recently published a book entitled The Art of Seeing God and is already working on her second book. Nancy and her husband Bill have two adult children. The Rathman family attends East Cooper Baptist Church.

BOB BARBER

Bob is HCCA’s middle school 5th/6th Grade English/Language Arts, 5th/6th Grade Math, and Young Men’s Spiritual Formation teacher. He is a graduate of Rutgers University (B.S. Business Management), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) (M.Div), and Rowan University (Ed.D.). He has served as a pastor, classical Christian school founder, headmaster, upper school principal, and teacher for several decades. Bob and his wife Ann Marie recently moved to Mount Pleasant to be near 3 of their 16 grandchildren and will be seeking the Lord’s leading to a place of fellowship and service in a good local church.

LEESA WELCH

Leesa is HCCA’s elementary school history instructor. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a BS degree in Elementary Education with graduate work at East Tennessee State University in reading. She has been teaching for over three decades, including History, Humanities, Language Arts, and Latin. She most recently taught 2nd grade for 11 years at Palmetto Christian Academy. She and her husband Andy have two adult children. Leesa is also the grandmother of an HCCA student. The Welch family attends City Life Church.

SUSAN BALLENGER

Susan is HCCA’s elementary school math and science teacher. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and German. She holds a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. For the past 7 years she has taught in the math and science department of the Porter-Gaud School. Susan has traveled extensively, including visiting over 50 countries and having lived in Italy and Greece studying marble sculpting. She has a son who is a senior in college. The Ballenger family attends Stella Maris Catholic Church.