LCA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Dr. Cheryl Cavanaugh and her husband Jody are the founders of Liberty Christian Academy and New Beginnings Child Care Centers. Dr. Cavanaugh earned a Bachelors in English Language Arts from Meredith College, a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University, and her Educational Doctorate from Liberty University.  Dr. Cavanaugh has worked in the education field for over 20 years. She serves LCA as Head of School, ensuring the vision of the school is administered in all aspects. Dr. Cavanaugh has served her community on local boards, and she is currently serving on a state level as a Board Member of the NC Partnership for Children. She enjoys traveling, reading, singing, and spending time with family. She is the wife of Jody Cavanaugh, and the mother of four children: Landon, Logan, Luke, and Lexi Cavanaugh.

Mrs. Jessica Pierce Marshburn was born and raised in Richlands, NC. She graduated from University of Wilmington with a Bachelors of Elementary Education. Mrs. Marshburn has worked in the Onslow County School system as a substitute and a title I tutor. She loves singing in the choir and is excited to try to fulfill God’s will in her everyday walk.

Since the age of five, I have been driven by a passion for education. In 2005, I earned a BA in English with a Minor in General Science from East Carolina University. Although I initially considered pursuing a law degree, I was reminded of my childhood dream to become an educator. Thus, in 2005, I embarked on my journey as a teacher in North Carolina. Starting with middle school language arts and science, and later transitioning to high school science and English, my dedication to education deepened.
In 2016, I pursued my goal of becoming an administrator and obtained a Masters in School Administration from my alma mater, East Carolina University. Over the next four years (2018-2022), I served as an assistant principal in Onslow County Schools before assuming the role of principal from 2022 to 2024, overseeing elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Throughout my career, my commitment to fostering learning environments where students thrive has remained unwavering.

Ms. Courtney Kilpatrick Tieman was born in Duplin County, NC and graduated from James Kenan High School in Warsaw, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics and Technical Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). Ms. Tieman earned her Master's Degree from Liberty University. After living many years in Garner, she has returned home to Duplin County where she attends Pathway Church with her husband, Shane, and three children; Livvy, Hudson and John Grant. She also looks forward to building a strong sisterhood among Upper School students as the cheerleading coach. 

Mrs. Taylor grew up in northern California but has lived most of her adult life in Onslow county.  She and her husband, Dennis, currently live in Kinston. They have a beautiful blended family of 5 children, 3 married with wonderful spouses. Mrs. Taylors pride and joy are her beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Taylor feels blessed in all that the Lord does for her daily. He has turned her ashes into beauty in the way only God does.

Mrs. King was raised in Duplin County, NC.  Upon graduating East Duplin High School, she earned a Bachelor of Music at Meredith College followed by a Master of School Administration at UNC-Wilmington.  After 13 years of pursuing an educational career as a teacher and administrator, she felt God calling her to be a full-time mother in order to train up her own children and develop a strong spiritual foundation in their earliest years.  Once her children entered school, she began working part-time as a preschool teacher and then an interventionist for elementary students. She is now happy to serve at LCA where she counts it all joy to be a part of this wonderful school where Christ is glorified and His Word is taught daily.  Mrs. King is a member of Sandy Plain Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill, NC where she is actively involved in the music ministry.  She has been happily married to her husband Darryl for 24 years. They have two children, Evan and Meredith, who are students at LCA.  Mrs. King is a member of Sandy Plain Original Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill, NC where she is actively involved in the music ministry.

Mrs. Willaford was born in Oceanside, CA but has lived in Jacksonville, NC most of her life. She is a graduate of Jacksonville High School and married her high school sweetheart. She taught six years in Onslow County Schools and one year Metro Nashville Public Schools. Mrs. Willaford recently moved from Nashville, where her husband had the opportunity pastor a local church. Mrs. Willaford is a proud mom of three amazing children – Rylan, Asher, and Harper. Her passions are serving the Lord, spending time with her family, and teaching young minds.

Mrs. Tarkenton was born and raised in Maryland. She graduated with a bachelors degree in early childhood education and a masters degree in Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University. Mrs. Tarkenton taught 1st grade and 3rd Grade special education in Florence, South Carolina. She is the girls head soccer coach and the boys head soccer coach. She loves sports and spending time with her three children. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7.

Mr. Shawn Richmond is married to Mrs. Kelly Richmond. They have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.  He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and is currently pursuing his Masters in Sports Management from Liberty, as well. Mr. Richmond retired from the Marine Corps in 2014 after a 20 year career and is the Youth Pastor at Love, Grace and Mercy Church in Richlands, NC.  Along with teaching at LCA, he is also the Athletic Director, the Junior Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach and Baseball Coach.  Mr. Richmond has a calling for young people and has a desire to see this generation have a Christ-driven life in academics and sports.

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Mrs. Ginnie Postlethwaite feels so blessed to have been called to be a part of the LCA family. God has been so faithful to guide her and direct her in the way she should go (Prov. 3:5-6) and continues to impress upon her to be God-honoring in all she does. Mrs. Postlethwaite has earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a certification in the field of Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) from UNC Wilmington. She is currently working on a Master’s degree in AIG from UNC Wilmington. Mrs. Postlethwaite has worked in education as a general education teacher for over 22 years and enjoys traveling, running, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She is the wife of Rick Postlethwaite, the mother of Richard and his wife Rebecca and Ryan and his wife Gabrielle, and the Grammy of 6 precious grandbabies: Kalani, Kalia, Felicity, Koa, Lear and Kaimana.

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Lilly Wooten is a resident from Beulaville, North Carolina. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts, where she studied Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. She plans to study at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the spring. Wooten serves as LCA's Christian Life Director and has a burning passion for missions, people, and the Word of God. She has participated in both domestic and international mission trips. Her heart is to see her students succeed, be challenged, and encouraged in their faith.

Ciarra Kennedy graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in December of 2022 with a Bachelor in Arts, majoring in Communication Studies and a minor in Business. She is driven by a deep passion for working in collaborative environments, where like-minded individuals come together to achieve common goals. Currently, Ciarra is using her education to serve as a vital team member at LCA. Here, she utilizes her communication skills to help LCA effectively convey its mission and values to the surrounding communities. Ciarra's commitment to facilitating genuine and transparent communication aligns seamlessly with LCA's mission to connect with and positively impact the people it serves.