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 two elementary school children who attend HCCA. 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. She most recently served as the Academic Director of, and full-time Kindergarten teacher for, the Lowcountry Christian Community School. Natalie and her husband Jon live locally and have a son in high school and daughter in college. The Gresh family attends Lighthouse Church.

RAINEY DINKINS

Rainey is HCCA’s Literature, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts teacher in its middle school. She graduated from North Greenville University with a passion for the intersection between foundational theology and education. Rainey has lived and studied all over the world, including Kenya, and speaks Kiswahili, in addition to English. Rainey and her fiancé Blake attend Citadel Square Baptist 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.

JENNI THOMPSON

Jeni is HCCA’s kindergarten teacher.  She is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a teaching degree in early childhood education and also has studied and is passionate about foundational art and design. Jeni also volunteers with the Special Olympics. She and her husband recently moved back to Charleston from Williamston, SC and attended Temple Baptist Church.

LINDA SCHUMACHER

Linda is HCCA’s pre-Algebra teacher in its middle school. She’s a graduate of Pepperdine University, a former attorney, a former college Adjunct Professor, and has taught courses to wide ranges of ages in many different subjects. While living in California prior to moving to Charleston, Linda filled various other roles in her community, including as a Training Sergeant for the Chula Vista Mounted Police and Board Member at Rancho Vista Covenant Church. Linda attends Seacoast Church.

NANCY RATHMAN

Nancy is HCCA’s instructor 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.

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 – two older boys and two sons attending HCCA.  The Greene family attends Lighthouse Church.

LEESA WELCH

Leesa is HCCA’s lower 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.