As a team of educators, we are passionate about implementing discovery-based, multi-sensory methods of learning to teach to each child's individual learning style. We are committed to meeting best practice standards for teaching each core subject and providing curriculum that exceeds state requirements to allow students to both acquire AND apply the knowledge presented to them. We strive, above all, to help students realize their aptitude for excellence and to come to know through our lives and our partnership with each family the "love that surpasses knowledge" and the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Richard Nix
Principal
Richard has a BSE from Oklahoma Christian College and a Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He was an educator for 24 years in the Yukon and El Reno public schools. He has also held the roles of coach and principal/director. He came to Yukon Cornwell Drive Church of Christ in 1974. Richard has three children and nine grandchildren.
Abby Lyman
Pre K Pathways Teacher
Abby is new to CVCA this year! Abby has a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Bible, Business, and Psychology and has over 10 years of experience working with young children and those with developmental disabilities. She and her husband, Calvin, have been married for four years and have a cuddly cat (Tigger) and an energetic black lab (Lily) . They live in Piedmont, OK and attend the South Yukon Church of Christ. Her current favorite Bible verse comes from Isaiah 30:21, which reads “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Abby loves working with young children and seeing them progress throughout the year. She is so excited to be working with the Pre-K Pathways class this year!
Kelly Binkley
Kindergarten Teacher
Kelly Binkley is a Kindergarten Teacher at CVCA and has been teaching at CVCA since 2018. Kelly graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Teaching Professionalism and is state certified in Early Childhood. She is a member at the Mayfair Church of Christ in OKC and lives in Edmond with her husband Ben. Kelly loves working with children and learns from them every day! Her current favorite bible verse is “The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Hayley Furr
Odyssey Teacher
Jennifer Onderek
1st Grade Teacher
My name is Jennifer Onderek and I teach 1st grade here at CVCA. I am originally from Texas but went to college in Oklahoma. First, attending Western Oklahoma State Junior College where I played softball and then I continued my education at Oklahoma State University where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. My husband Josh and I have been married for 16 years and we have two children. Jackson (12) and Addison (10). We have lived in Yukon for 3 years and we love it. We are members of the South Yukon Church of Christ and this will be my third year to teach at CVCA. I teach 1st grade now but In previous years I have taught second grade and worked in Special Education. I love to hangout with my family outdoors, painting and running. We love all sports and are kept really busy with our kids activities. My teaching philosophy is to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and I will do everything I can to help your child learn. I look forward to teaching every year and meeting new faces! I have been truly blessed to work here at Canadian Valley Christian Academy!
Favorite Bible Verse:
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10
Adeline Nix
2nd Grade Teacher
Adeline has a BSE in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Christian, MA degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico and MEd in School Administration from University of Central Oklahoma.
She taught for a year at Albuquerque Christian School, and 33 years with the public schools of Yukon, Albuquerque, El Reno and Putnam City. She has worked with students in grades 1st through 8th, as well as working in after school programs and summer schools.
In her extra time she enjoy reading, crafts, camping, watching their grandchildren participate in sports, and just spending time with their three children and their families.
Rosealyn Byrd
3rd Grade Teacher
Shana Pettigrew
4th Grade Teacher
Ardith Shaeffer
Music
We are very fortunate to have friends who are willing to volunteer their time and abilities helping our students grow in their learning experience. Each week, Ardith Shaeffer comes and spends 30 minutes with each class teaching the value of music. We are looking forward to this part of our education curriculum to grow as our students grow.
Julia Wilhite
Spanish
Julia Wilhite is a retired teacher with 42 years of teaching experience. She was born, raised and educated in Puerto Rico. She holds a teaching degree from the University of Puerto Rico and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Among many other awards and accolades, Mrs. Wilhite was the 2002-2003 Yukon School District Teacher of the Year and Oklahoma Teacher of the Year runner-up.
A consummate learner, an avid reader, and a world traveler, Mrs. Wilhite loves God, life, family, country and people. She is involved in many church, family, and community activities. She is involved with the South Yukon Church of Christ’s Prison Ministry and she is a translator for the Ecuador Mission field team. She is, also, a member of CVCA school board. She is a member of Beta Beta, a local chapter of Gamma State and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a society for women educators. Mrs. Wilhite is a member of NAMI Oklahoma (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and she is a presenter and trainer for their Family-to-Family Education program. She was also involved with the organization’s Parents and Teachers as Allies program as a trainer and presenter. In her spare time, Mrs. Wilhite loves to be with her five grandchildren and her family.
Karley Smith
Aide
Karley has worked at CVCA as an aftercare provider, teachers' aide, and substitute teacher. She is a valuable asset to our CVCA teachers.