Faculty & Staff
Emily Baker, English Teacher
Miss Baker was born and raised in Cary, NC, with the blessings of Christian parents and a faithful church community. She believed in Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and is learning to know him more each day! She was homeschooled through 12th grade and has always loved studying languages and literature. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish, where she also enjoyed working as a writing coach and Spanish tutor.
Before joining Academy 31, Miss Baker gained experience in diverse educational settings, including working as a tutor, homeschool co-op teacher, and Literature/Spanish teacher at Thales Academy. She is also actively involved in the children’s and college ministries at her church, where she loves walking with younger and older women as they seek Christ side by side. At Academy31, she is most excited to share with her students the joy of reading and communicating well about ideas that matter, and especially about God’s Word! Miss Baker also has experience teaching piano and playing for her church. She loves cooking, hiking, and enjoying good music, food, and conversation with friends and family.
Greg Baker, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Baker was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, but has spent most of his life in Richmond, Virginia. He received his undergraduate degree from Tennessee Temple, a B.A. in History. He also has a M.A. in Organizational Leadership and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.
Mr. Baker was saved at a young age but did not understand what it meant to be a disciple of Christ until age 23. After college he felt the Lord was leading him to overseas missions, and he went to serve as a teacher and school administrator at Christian schools in four different countries: Bolivia, the Philippines, Paraguay, and Haiti. He also has experience teaching at Christian schools in both Virginia and North Carolina.
Mr. Baker has a passion to see students become lifelong learners who are following Christ. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and watching baseball.
Kathryn Bowser, Bible Teacher
Miss Bowser is from Buies Creek, NC, and was blessed to grow up in a Christian home with faithful parents. By God’s grace, she came to faith at a young age and cannot remember a day when she did not know herself to be a sinner and Christ to be her Savior. She was homeschooled K-12 before attending Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, where she graduated with a B.A. in English. Desiring to be better equipped for service both inside and outside the church, Miss Bowser pursued a M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, where she later served on staff at her local church as their Director of Women’s Ministries. As she regularly taught women’s Bible studies, youth Sunday school, catechism classes, and discipled middle school and high school girls, the Lord made clear both a desire and an ability for teaching and discipleship. She then began pursuit of a Th.M. in Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, and is still in the process of completing that degree, now from NC.
Miss Bowser loves seeing the students of Academy31 grow in their knowledge of God and His Word, but more than that, seeing them grow in their love for Christ, the Word, and the church. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching too much Duke Basketball, and leading women's Bible studies at her church.
Rachel Hensel, Math & Bible Teacher
Mrs. Hensel is originally from Minnesota, but moved to Wake Forest in 2022. Having grown up in a Christian home, she learned to love the Bible from an early age. By God’s grace, the faith of her family and church became her own, and she has spent her adult years pursuing a life devoted to Jesus.
Mrs. Hensel holds a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Finance from The University of Alabama. Prior to joining Academy31, she spent two years serving overseas, followed by several years completing an M.A. in Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. With her varied academic background (and many years in school) she brings a passion for learning of all kinds as a means of glorifying and enjoying God, and is excited to put this into practice within the discipleship-focused setting of Academy31.
In her free time, Mrs. Hensel enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, attempting to expand her cooking and baking repertoires, and reading good books.
Michel Manzi, Social Studies Teacher
With thanks to the Lord, Mrs. Manzi considers it a joyous opportunity to serve the students and families of Academy 31. After being born, raised, educated, married, and welcoming two daughters in sunny Southern California, Mrs. Manzi and her family moved to Raleigh in 2015, where their church communities, school groups (homeschool and Academy31), and neighborhood have been significant blessings to them. She is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a B.A. in Geography and has many years of experience working with children in both educational and recreational settings. A “creative type,” some of her favorite things include tea, camping, art and architecture, and vintage design.
Recalling that she had a child-like faith at six years old regarding Christ being God’s Son, it may be that Mrs. Manzi was born again as a young girl, but access to gospel information was limited until her high school years. Ultimately, the Lord used the prayers and witness of her faithful extended family and a local youth pastor’s unabashed gospel preaching to call her to follow the Savior. Baptized at 17, she has been trusting in the merit of Christ’s righteousness for nearly twenty years and is always on the lookout for souls the Lord is calling to himself. In teaching social studies, her aspirations include honoring the Lord by searching out his purposes and dealings throughout history, prayerfully and practically building up the student body as they learn, and living out each day as women to the praise of his glory.
Madison Moore, Math Teacher
Miss Moore is from Fernandina Beach, FL. She was born of the Spirit on September 21st, 2021. Having grown up in a Christian home, she was a false convert whom God chose to save in His perfect timing at the age of 23. Following her dramatic conversion, the Lord sovereignly blessed her with a deep, passionate love for the doctrines of grace. Acutely aware of her deep sinfulness before the Holy Creator of the universe, she is thankful that God’s unconditional election stands secure for eternity, completely undeserved and unmerited by any of her own doing. The Lord has been particularly kind and patient with her.
Miss Moore received her B.A. in Economics and International Affairs at Mercer University and is a published author with Post Hill Press. Having taught in public school, she became keenly aware that God-centered teaching is a necessity for a child’s moral and spiritual development. Madison loves the Lord. She desires to see others come to understand their security in Christ and the profound benefits that come from trusting Christ’s completed work on calvary. Her main purpose in life is to glorify God in all that she does. She is a Catan fanatic and an experimental cook who measures with her heart. She is also learning guitar at a painstakingly slow pace.
Samantha Moschella, Athletic Director & Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Moschella was baptized as an infant but came to truly know Christ as an adult, experiencing a profound deepening of her faith. Her journey has developed in her a servant's heart, gifts in teaching, and a passion for health and fitness that she now brings to her role at Academy31. After serving her country in the United States Air Force, Ms. Moschella spent ten years in the classroom and five years as a business manager, honing her leadership and organizational skills. Her diverse background also includes owning two businesses--one as a women's health and fitness coach and another as a workplace wellness consultant. Though not an NC native, she has spent nearly half her life here and now calls Raleigh home.
Ms. Moschella holds a B.S. in Management and an M.A in Education from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her students about the importance of caring for the bodies God has given them. Ms. Moschella sees her role at Academy31 as an opportunity to combine her love for Christ, her passion for teaching, and her expertise in health and fitness to mentor young women in developing habits that honor God with their minds and bodies and enable them to grow in Christ in every way. When not in the classroom or gym, she enjoys spending quality time with her three children as they grow into young adulthood, hiking, paddleboarding, baking, traveling, and simply being in nature to experience God's diverse creation.
Autumn Nootbaar, Science Teacher & Athletic Coach
Miss Nootbaar was raised in a Christian family in a small town in Northern California. She heard the gospel from a young age and came to know the Lord personally when she was eleven years old. Since then, the Lord has grown her in many ways and provided abundantly throughout her life. She was homeschooled up until high school and then attended a small private Christian school. There, she discovered a love for studying God’s design in creation through the field of science. Miss Nootbaar has a B.S. in Biological Science with an emphasis in Life Science Education and is currently working towards an M.A. in Biblical Counseling, both from The Master’s University.
Prior to joining the faculty of Academy31 for our school's launch in 2023, Miss Nootbaar spent the previous five years gaining experience as a tutor, Teaching Assistant, and homeschool Co-Op Teacher, while also competing as a college athlete and serving in student leadership as a Resident Assistant. She has a heart for mentoring young women because of the many older women who have mentored her throughout her walk with Christ. In addition to teaching Science at Academy31, Miss Nootbaar has helped develop our STEM curriculum and also coaches our Cross Country team. She enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, running, baking sweet treats, and playing board games.
Rynn Ott, Financial Coordinator & Registrar
Ms. Ott is a Raleigh native whose life has been filled with God’s kindness, community, and a joyful desire to serve others. She came to know Christ at a young age and continues to delight in seeing His faithfulness woven through every season of her life. A proud Meredith College graduate, she spent 23 years at SECU in a variety of administrative and financial roles, where she developed her love for people, organization, and creating smooth, supportive systems. With more than two decades of experience in administration and operations, Ms. Ott brings energy, warmth, and a cheerful spirit to her role at Academy31.
Ms. Ott is also grateful for the opportunity to serve in local ministries, gently walking alongside refugee families and women in her community through organizations such as LoveLife and Refugee Hope Partners. She treasures the relationships formed through simple acts of encouragement, practical support, and shared life. One of her greatest delights is traveling and serving on international mission trips with her mother and her son, Thomas—adventures that have shaped her faith, broadened her perspective, and deepened her love for the global church. When she’s not traveling, Ms. Ott can often be found at sporting events with Thomas, especially cheering on the Wolfpack, their favorite tradition. She also enjoys cooking, sharing good food, and bringing people together through meaningful conversation and warm hospitality. Ms. Ott is grateful for the privilege of serving the Academy31 community and hopes that every interaction reflects Christ’s joy, compassion, and steadfast love.
Sarah Poole, Math & Social Studies Teacher
Miss Poole is a Raleigh native who has lived here her entire life. She was raised in a Christ-centered home, came to know the Lord at a young age, and was actively involved in church life alongside her family, which continues today. These years laid a strong spiritual foundation which was deepened in college through the discipleship and guidance of a close friend and mentor. Miss Poole began her studies at NC State University as a Mathematics major before discovering a deep love for the study of people and ideas, ultimately earning a B.A. in History.
While in college, Miss Poole was contracted with the United States Marine Corps and attended Officer Candidate School. Following a medical withdrawal, she gained experience in healthcare by working in a children’s emergency department and the American Red Cross, earning certifications as a Nurse Aide, Emergency Technician, and Phlebotomist. Miss Poole grew up participating in both gymnastics and dance, and it was coaching gymnastics in high school and college that sparked her passion for teaching and walking alongside girls as they grow into confident, capable young women. At Academy31, she looks forward to helping students grow in wisdom and wonder, connect what they’re learning to the world around them, and be encouraged to pursue lives rooted in Christ. She also loves spending time outdoors, whether hiking and backpacking, relaxing at the beach, or doing handstands in the sand.
Allyson Smith, English Teacher
Miss Smith grew up in the church and came to saving faith in Jesus as a young girl. In college, she experienced many challenges to her worldview and belief that God graciously helped her through and used to strengthen her faith in Him. Miss Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing from Augusta University with a Minor in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Before joining Academy31, Miss Smith spent six years instructing middle and high school students in English, Reading, and Writing through small group instruction, while also gaining experience as a counselor. She brings a lifelong love of reading, writing, and studying the Bible to the classroom. One of the reasons Miss Smith most values the opportunity to work with the students of Academy31 is the chance to learn what makes each student one-of-a-kind in God's eyes through their personality, their gifts, and their perspectives. She is excited to shepherd her students with the understanding that every subject in school is a unique way in which God reveals His creativity and that spending time developing new skills in these subjects is an expression of their worship of Him.
Bernice Wilson, Operations Coordinator
Mrs. Wilson enjoyed growing up the youngest of five children on a dairy farm in rural North Carolina. Though she regularly attended church with her family and joined as a member at age 12, the Lord gave her His gift of saving faith and repentance unto salvation years later as an adult when a testimony of a changed life and the simple truth of John 3:16 shared at a women’s luncheon brought conviction to her heart. By God’s grace, He began cultivating within her a love for His holy character as revealed in the Bible, a hatred for her own personal sin, and a desire to live for His glory!
Mrs. Wilson is blessed to have been happily married to her husband, Duane (who volunteers his time to serve Academy31 in the areas of facilities and maintenance), for over 46 years. After receiving a B.S. in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, she worked as a Registered Nurse before becoming a full-time mom to her two children, Jerry and Kimberly, and later serving alongside her husband and son as a licensed Real Estate Broker/Realtor in their family business. Having volunteered for many years in children’s, youth, and women’s ministries in her local churches, Mrs. Wilson was excited to begin serving alongside her daughter in a similar capacity at Academy31 when our school launched in 2023. In her role as Operations Coordinator--first as a volunteer and now as a staff member--she sets the tone for a warm, welcoming school environment, helps logistical aspects of the school day run smoothly, and loves caring for our staff as a “bonus mom” and our students as a “bonus grandma!" Outside of Academy31, she enjoys growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through Bible studies, prayer, worship, and participating in discipleship and biblical counseling opportunities and continual training. Some of her favorite pastimes are being with family, reading, playing board games, and visiting the beach and mountains.
Kimberly Wilson, Founder/Head of School
Ms. Wilson is a North Carolina native who came to know and love Christ as a young teenager and has come to know and love Him more through many trials and unexpected seasons of her life. Her journey has included over 20 years of experience in formal ministry roles in the areas of teaching, counseling, missions, mentoring, administration, and curriculum development, both in the Raleigh-Durham area of NC, and elsewhere in places such as New Orleans, Haiti, and Southern California--most recently serving as the Dean of Women and Director of Student Care at The Master's University. She has had the great joy and privilege of ministering to children, teenagers, and women of a wide range of ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds and is particularly passionate about making disciples of young women and preparing them to lead lives of eternal impact for God's glory.
Ms. Wilson holds a B.A. in Exercise & Sport Science from UNC Chapel Hill, an M.A. in Counseling, and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University, in addition to being a Certified Teacher with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and a Member of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). Aside from her labor of love in launching Academy31 and pouring her heart and life into our precious students in partnership with their parents and churches, Ms. Wilson enjoys deepening her relationships with family and friends, growing in Christ and serving alongside fellow believers in her local church, following her favorite sports teams, being outdoors at sunset, playing mini golf, eating ice cream, and celebrating the present and eternal realities of God reigning on His throne!