First Presbyterian Day School is excited to welcome these new faculty and staff members for next school year.

Mrs. Tara Anderson joins FPD as the International Host Coordinator and ESL Teacher. Mrs. Anderson grew up in Hawkinsville and has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Georgia Southern University. She worked as a missionary overseas in China from 2016 to 2017, sharing the Gospel and hosting English corners (English language practice sessions) and seminars. She has also served as a private tutor to Chinese international students in Atlanta, adjusting to private schools. Mrs. Anderson is a familiar face at FPD as she’s spent two semesters filling in as an ESL Teacher. She and her husband Christopher have three daughters: Rebecca Claire is 4, Caroline Rose is 3, and Mary Katherine is 10 months. She enjoys baking, especially breads and twirled baton for Georgia Southern University. She is excited to bring her love for students and Christ to FPD. “I love FPD’s desire to glorify God and pursue excellence in the classroom and all of life,” she said. “I love the international program here, and the chance to share the good news of Jesus with students coming from other nations to study. I have also seen my daughter in 3K thrive this year from the intentional and Christ-centered care her teachers have shown her.  I am so excited to do the same for the host families and the international students while helping them to assimilate well in American school and home life.”

 

Mr. Micah Harden joins TEAM FPD as a Middle and Elementary School PE teacher as well as a football and track coach. Originally from Richmond Hill, Mr. Harden has most recently lived in Hoschton. He and his fiancé, Elizabeth, will get married in November. Mr. Harden has taught History and coached football and track at Bethlehem Christian. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in all competitive sports, specifically pickleball and basketball. He also enjoys cooking and working out. “I am excited to teach in a place where I can talk about Jesus and teach young athletes the importance of physical fitness through a Biblical Lens,” Mr. Harden said. “I’m also excited to coach, learn, and contribute to the success of FPD athletic programs.”

 

 

Mr. Christian Kelley will join our faculty as an Upper School Math teacher. Mr. Kelley is originally from Sodus, New York, and currently calls Bonaire home.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education Mathematics/Science from Hyles Anderson College, and his Master of Arts in School Administration from Hyles Anderson College. Mr. Kelley has worked as a math teacher and school administrator at Calvary Christian Academy, in Turner, Maine. He and his wife Jennifer celebrated their 30th anniversary in December. They have three adult children and three granddaughters.  He enjoys any activity involving fresh air, dates with his wife, discussing books with his children, and time with his grandchildren. He has officiated basketball, soccer, and lacrosse at the youth, high school, and college levels and loves to connect with athletes and coaches. He is excited to join TEAM FPD. “I am impressed with the respect of the students, the quality of the education, and the spiritual emphasis at FPD,” Mr. Kelley said. “I love to teach and wish nothing more than to direct the natural reach for knowledge towards Truth and excellence… and school breaks.”

 

Mr. Avery Zebell will serve as an Upper School Mathematics, AP Computer Science, and AP Physics Teacher. Mr. Zebell is from Macon and graduated from FPD. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Mercer University and is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Zebell has worked as a software developer at Georgia Tech Research Institute for six years, he volunteers judging collegiate programming competitions and volunteers with FIRST robotics competitions. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, automotive repair, electronics design and fabrication, and programming. Mr. Zebell looks forward to coming to teach at a place that has meant so much to him. “As an alumnus of FPD, I am excited to take part in building up the character of the next generation, as I was built up not so long ago,” he said