Welcome 2025-26 New Faculty & Staff!

We’re excited for you to meet our new teachers and staff for the 2025–26 school year. When you see them on campus, be sure to give them a warm NRCA welcome! 

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Gary Cushman | High School Geometry 

I am a retired international manufacturing executive who has a passion for mathematics and reaching students in a unique way. My wife, Bev, and I have been married for 46 years with two children and six grandchildren that keep us young. I enjoy all outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating. We enjoy participating in our grandkids’ activities. 

I was blessed with the opportunity to teach math in Florida at a charter school and loved the experience. My wife and I recently moved to the Raleigh area to be closer to our grandkids and become more involved with them, especially at NRCA, where they attend. 

I am a long-term Christian and have been attending Woodland Baptist Church since moving here recently. Bev and I plan on joining there this fall once we’re settled. I am excited to be a part of NRCA and look forward to our students’ growth in knowledge and faith. 

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Damian Dorta | Video Technology Coordinator  

Hey all, my name is Damian Dorta, and I am blessed to serve our school as the Video Technology Coordinator. I graduated from Appalachian State University (Go ‘Neers) in 2018. Since then, I have worked in both the medical field and church ministries. The last few years I have served my church, Vision Church, as the Creative Arts and Worship Director. I am excited, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to equip the youth of our generation in video and AV to grow and magnify the Kingdom of God.   

A couple of things about me:  I was born in Venezuela, my two favorite sports teams are FC Barcelona and Miami Heat, and the top three days of my life in the last three years have been marrying my wife Miranda, the birth of my daughter Camila, and baptizing my best friend Allen.  

I’m looking forward to living out the steps that God has ordered for me at NRCA! 

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John Soemer | 7th and 8th Grade Physical Education  

Hello, my name is John Soemer, and I’m excited to be joining the team as the new seventh and eighth grade Physical Education teacher and after-school strength and conditioning coach. 

I’ve been teaching PE for 25 years, and I’m passionate about helping young people develop a love for fitness—not just for health, but as a way to serve Jesus Christ with strength, discipline, and joy. I’m also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and have held that certification for the past 20 years. 

This summer was a special one for me—not only did I get married, but my wife and I blended our families, giving us eight wonderful children between us. I have three boys of my own, and now five more amazing kids through marriage. Family means so much to me, and I love spending as much time with them as I can. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy working out, running, riding my bike, playing soccer and basketball—really anything that keeps me moving. I also love working with young people and building relationships that last well beyond their time in school. 

I’m truly grateful to be here and look forward to growing with this community—both in fitness and in faith. 

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Kirsten Solle (Bearinger) | Elementary Spanish 

Hi! My name is Kirsten Solle (soon to be Bearinger), and I am so excited to teach kindergarten through fifth grade Spanish this year at NRCA. I am a recent graduate of Liberty University with degrees in elementary education and Spanish. During my time at Liberty, I spent a few months in both Ecuador and Spain immersed in the Spanish language as I love to travel! I’ve visited about 15 countries so far and many US states, with North Carolina being the newest addition.  

I’m originally from Wisconsin, but in August I moved to the area to be near my fiancé who is stationed in Goldsboro for the Air Force. We’ll be getting married this August 30 when I’ll officially become Señora Bearinger! I’m looking forward to joining the Christian community here at NRCA and sharing my love of the Spanish language and different cultures with my students. 

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Laura Stavlas | High School English 

Hi everyone! I’m Laura Stavlas, and I’m thrilled to join NRCA as a high school English teacher. I’ve spent over 25 years in education, teaching 7th–11th grade English—including Honors, IB, and AP Language—in public, private, and homeschool settings. My experience includes teaching at Jordan and Enloe High Schools, Trinity Academy of Raleigh, and directing Classical Conversations’ Challenge I program. I also served as a visiting lecturer at UNC-Chapel Hill, mentoring future educators in their Master of Arts in Teaching program. Most recently, I completed homeschooling my children from kindergarten through 12th grade. 

My journey began in full-time youth ministry, until God called me into the classroom to redefine my job as my mission trip. I’ve continued serving in youth ministry and co-founded two nonprofits: one trains student entrepreneurs from elementary through high school to do good through business, and the other is a faith-based initiative equipping believers to bring Kingdom purpose into the workplace. 

Outside the classroom, I’m an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, worship leader, and singer/songwriter. I’ve been married to Mihali for 20 years—and yes, our life often feels like a scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding! I’m also a proud wrestling mom to Tyler (NRCA junior) and Kaylee (UNC-Chapel Hill freshman). Most importantly, I just love Jesus. I want to see this next generation ignited with a revelation of their identity in Christ, equipped with a biblical worldview, and empowered to impact their campus and world—knowing revival can start now, in and through all of us. I’m excited to partner with NRCA families in making Jesus famous and heaven crowded. 

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Lilly Wooten | Christian Life Director 

Hello! My name is Lilly Wooten, and I am so excited to join the NRCA family as the Christian Life Director! 

I’m originally from Beulaville, North Carolina, where I’ve spent the past three years serving at Liberty Christian Academy—one year teaching high school Bible and the last two years as the Christian Life Director. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with Charity Mission Center, through Baptists on Mission and the Eastern Baptist Association. 

I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. I am currently continuing my studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing an MDiv in Ministry to Women. 

Discipleship, God’s Word, and missions are central to my heart, and I’m excited to share that passion with students, staff, and families. 

I also love the game of soccer, watermelon Sour Patch Kids, people, traveling, and spending time with my family. I am eager to see what the Lord has in store and am overjoyed for the opportunity to serve at NRCA! 

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Mallory Young | 7th Grade Pre-Algebra 

Hello! My name is Mallory Young, and I’m thrilled to be joining the NRCA community as the seventh grade Pre-Algebra teacher this year! As an NRCA alumna, it’s incredibly special to return to the place that played such a meaningful role in my own education. I’m honored to now be part of the faculty and invest in students just as my teachers once invested in me. 

I recently graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics education, and I’m so grateful that the Lord has led me back to my hometown to begin this exciting new chapter. I’m also a member of Bay Leaf Baptist Church in Raleigh. 

Outside of the classroom, I’m a big baseball fan and love spending quality time with family and friends. I look forward to a fantastic year full of learning, growth, and connection!