Meet Our Team

Marsha Wendels, TEACHER

I am so excited and grateful to begin this new journey as the teacher of Rolla Christian Academy, serving students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. After teaching high school mathematics for five years and spending the past two years substituting at my own boys' elementary school, I have been blessed with the opportunity to continue doing what I love—teaching and investing in the lives of children.

My desire to teach began when I was just seven years old, when I experienced firsthand how deeply a teacher's words and actions can affect a child's confidence and development. An experience that should have been discouraging ultimately helped shape the teacher I hope to become. I want to be the kind of teacher who encourages rather than discourages, who sees potential when a child may not yet see it in themselves, and who helps students believe they are capable of learning and growing, even when they encounter challenges or limitations.

Over the years, I have seen children struggle in many different ways, and I have felt the Lord place a desire on my heart to be one of the caring adults in their lives who offers love, encouragement, guidance, and, when appropriate, a little wisdom. I believe this calling extends beyond my own two boys, ages 10 and 8, to the children God has placed in our school community.

Most importantly, I want every student to know that they are precious, valued, and created by God with a unique mind and gifts that can be used to bless and serve others. In Matthew 18:1–10, Jesus speaks of children with such great love and significance, reminding us that they belong to the Kingdom of God and that we should aspire to have hearts like theirs. That truth is something I hope to reflect in my classroom each day.

I am thankful to be surrounded by a school board and committee who support this mission, and I am especially grateful for the support of my husband of 17 years and our family at home. I feel truly blessed to begin this chapter and look forward to partnering with parents as we encourage, educate, and nurture these precious children together.

It is my hope that our classroom will be a place where students feel loved, challenged, encouraged, and confident that there are possibilities before them—because God has uniquely created each one of them for a purpose.

Judi Aaron, board treasurer

Judi Aaron brings decades of financial management and servant leadership experience to her role as Board Treasurer at Rolla Christian Academy. Her extensive background includes serving as Phelps County Public Administrator, where she acted as guardian and/or conservator for 175 individuals over seven years, as well as holding positions as Office Manager for medical and psychiatric clinics, deputy clerk for the Phelps County Circuit Clerk and Recorder, and various roles in banking and business administration.

Judi's involvement with Rolla Christian Academy began with a calling to provide families with a Christian education option. Present since the organization's first formative meeting, she remains committed to a vision of Christ-centered learning in small classroom settings where teachers partner with parents to help students discover their God-given purpose and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Active in ministry and community service, Judi has led women's Bible studies, served in grief ministry, and participated in mission trips to Peru and Cambodia. She has held positions as both Deacon and Elder in her church. Within the Rolla community, she has served on the boards of NAMI and Habitat for Humanity, volunteered at Birthright and Rolla Pregnancy Resource Center, helped bring the Perspectives course to Rolla, and co-founded a church daycare.

Judi and her husband Bill, high school sweethearts married for over 58 years, have raised four children and now celebrate a family "clan" of more than 40. They are members of Greentree Christian Church. When not serving her community, Judi enjoys game nights with family and friends, reading, quilting, and camping. She recently authored a memoir for her family titled "Life is What Happens After Making Other Plans," reflecting her life verse: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

Board of directors

denise McClanahan, board chair

Denise McClanahan brings decades of educational experience and a lifelong passion for faith-based learning to the effort of establishing a Christian school option for the Rolla community. Denise earned her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in the 1970s. Her professional career includes teaching positions at two preschools and kindergarten at Ritenour School in St. Louis County. Following the birth of her first child, she dedicated herself to homeschooling her three children through high school, occasionally welcoming other students into their home learning environment. After her children reached adulthood, she returned to preschool education and private tutoring. Throughout her career, Denise has championed the philosophy that children should learn at their own pace, with emphasis on building strong foundations before advancing.

A believer since age 8, Denise has made her faith in God a cornerstone of her life and family. Her heart for ministry began in her early teens through Vacation Bible School, bus ministry, church camps, and mission trips. She has continued this calling through Sunday School, VBS, and Children's Church at Grace Church of Rolla, where she remains an active member. Denise is also committed to community-wide prayer initiatives, believing firmly in the power of prayer to advance God's purposes.

Her vision for Rolla Christian Academy stems from a deep conviction that children should be nurtured with the knowledge that they are created by and deeply loved by God and protected from influences contrary to biblical teaching.

Denise and her husband Ron have been married for 48 years, having met in Rolla while Ron attended what was then the University of Missouri–Rolla. They have three adult children and a daughter-in-law, each pursuing God's calling in their lives—one in Rolla, one in Alabama, and two in Tokyo. The McClanahans have also opened their home to host children for families in need throughout the years.

Felecia Myers, Teacher aide

I am so excited to be the teacher's aide for RCA this year!

I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Nick, for 20 years, and together we have four wonderful children: Cole, Mason, Aisha, and Emmett. Our family moved to Rolla from Licking in 2021 because we felt God calling us to serve at our church, Mosaic, where we stay very involved in ministry and serving others.

While I don't have a formal teaching degree, teaching has been a huge part of my life for many years. I've homeschooled for the past 9 years, taught Sunday school and children's church, and coached volleyball for several seasons. I first discovered my love for the "one room schoolhouse" style of teaching while leading children's church classes with kids ages 3–12 all learning together! Last year, I also gained valuable experience as a teacher's aide at a microschool.

While I'm a strong supporter of homeschooling, I also truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. That's one of the reasons I'm so excited about the community and collaboration at RCA. My heart is to help children grow both academically and spiritually in a fun, loving, and encouraging environment where they feel seen, supported, and discipled.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse has carried me through many seasons of life and reminds me daily that God equips us for the things He calls us to do.

A few of my favorite things: spending time with my family and church family, playing and coaching volleyball, serving the Lord, reading, playing card games, and making people laugh!

I cannot wait to get to know each student and family this year!

nancy harrop, board vice-chair

Nancy is a retired Registered Nurse with certification in Psychiatric Mental Health. She joined Rolla Christian Academy after recognizing that her oldest great-grandchild had reached school age, prompting her desire to contribute to the education and formation of young students. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she holds a deep and abiding concern for the wellbeing and future of our children.

Nancy brings many years of experience working with children and has a genuine passion for doing so. Her volunteer service includes serving as a Girl Scouts of America Brownie leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a participant in Vacation Bible School. She looks forward to the opportunity to meet and work with your children.

marsha Robbins, board secretary

Marsha Robbins is a passionate Christian school educator with over 30 years of experience across Classical Christian, Traditional Christian, and University-Model® Christian school environments. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Columbia International University, as well as Head of School certification through the Association of Christian Schools International. 

Throughout her career, Marsha has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to school administration, including Head of School, with a consistent focus on institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and equipping teachers to deliver curriculum through a biblical worldview. 

Before entering education, she brought valuable professional experience from executive support roles with the Florida Governor's office and the U.S. Senate. A lifelong musician, Marsha has faithfully served her church community as director of children's, youth, and adult choirs and as a congregational worship leader. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, reading, and traveling.

Joshua vroman, board member

Joshua Vroman brings a background in public service, community involvement, and a strong commitment to his Christian faith to the Board of Rolla Christian Academy. He currently works in the Missouri House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant, serving two state representatives and helping serve approximately 75,000 Missourians. In this role, Joshua works with constituents, state agencies, legislation, and community leaders to help address issues affecting families and communities across Missouri.

Joshua previously served on the Rolla City Council and has remained involved in the Rolla community through public service, local organizations, his church, and other community efforts. These experiences have strengthened his belief in the importance of serving others, building strong communities, and investing in the next generation.

Joshua's involvement with Rolla Christian Academy is rooted in his Christian faith and his desire to see young people receive an education that develops them academically while also encouraging their spiritual growth and character. He believes Christian education can play an important role in helping students understand their God-given purpose and preparing them to serve their families, communities, and others throughout their lives.

Joshua and his wife, Anna, call the Rolla area home. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Rolla Christian Academy during its formative years and looks forward to helping establish a strong foundation that can serve students and families for generations to come.