Marilyn K. Dayton served as President of the Hampton Roads Association for Christian Schools in the coastal Virginia area. In addition, she has been a principal, assistant principal, and teacher at Hampton Christian Schools where she served as the Superintendent and Principal at the middle and high school levels. Before she became a dedicated proponent of the Christian school movement, she was an assistant principal, elementary teacher, middle school teacher, and teacher of gifted instruction in Newport News Public Schools. While employed by NNPS, Mrs. Dayton was selected as a Teacher of the Year in 1997.

A graduate of The George Washington University School of Education, Mrs. Dayton was awarded the Master of Education Administration degree and was endorsed as a school administrator by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Association of Christian Schools International.

Mrs. Dayton has over 30 years of experience in both the public school and private Christian school settings. She is a strong supporter of Christian schools and has completed over 20 years of experience as an educator and a leader of Christian schools. She has served on school accreditation teams for ACSI and AdvancED (SACS).

Together, Mr. and Mrs. Dayton founded Kingdom Productions, a youth and world missions outreach ministry and traveled extensively to the United Kingdom, Latin America, and China. Together they served on the CrossWalk Church planting team, and in 2012, Mrs. Dayton traveled to Israel with CrossWalk members to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles.

Jennifer Harris has worked with children in education for 9 years.  She homeschooled her own children using the A Beka method and has worked at GCA for two years. She graduated from Camden County College with a degree in Computer Sciences.

Tara Sagman, a Williamsburg native with 3 children, is in her second year at GCA and loves working with children. She has a degree from Kaplan University, has a background in coaching both softball and soccer, and was a Girl Scout troop leader for 3 years. Tara feels very fortunate and blessed to be a part of the Greenwood family. 

Diana Peterson has been married to her husband, Scott, for 30 years, and they have two sons. She grew up in Kentucky and is a pastor’s daughter. She holds a degree from Liberty University and has 17 years teaching experience. Her experience includes 12 years as a Kindergarten teacher, as well as additional time teaching elementary and preschool. She has been at GCA for 8 years.

Marilyn Ryerse has a passion for training the hearts and minds of young children. Her three years at GCA has continued her 20 year career as an educator and administrator. She earned her B.S. in Bible with an emphasis on Christian Education from Baptist Bible College in Summit, Pennsylvania. In 2004, she received her Master’s in Education from Regent University. She has taught 1st and 2nd grade, served as Curriculum Director at Williamsburg Christian Academy, and served as Preschool & Elementary Principal at Alliance Christian Academy. From 1987-2000, she also worked as a caseworker for Child Protective Services in Chenango County, New York and James City County, Virginia. Marilyn values children and is committed to ensuring her students are not only prepared to take the first steps in their long academic journey, but that they go forward with a knowledge of God and His steadfast love.

Samantha Welcher received a B.S. in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1990. She worked in public affairs and public relations for several years. Her career began to shift toward children when she was hired to work on special youth programs with the City of Newport News and the YMCA. In 2006, she began teaching at an accredited Christian school. As a result of teaching various grade levels from preschool through 8th grade, she has a broad knowledge of scope and sequence and curriculum design. She has served as a Sunday School teacher in her church and a board member with the Little League Baseball Association. She recieved her ACSI teacher certification in 2009.

Hannah Valle graduated with a Bachelor’s in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. She has worked as a translator for Humanitarian Aid representatives from Spanish speaking countries. For the past 4 years, she has worked at GCA teaching Spanish, Music, PE and Bible Club.