Administration and Office
Pastor Paul Sand
Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church
Pastor Paul Sand began serving at Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2011 as the Bible teacher. He became the Associate Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in 2016 and was called to serve as Senior Pastor in 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a double major in Bible and Secondary Education (History and Linguistics) from Northland Baptist Bible College, and a Master of Divinity from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.
What first drew Pastor Paul to the Tabernacle community was a verse posted on the school’s website: “that in everything He might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18). That truth continues to shape his ministry, as he sees Christian education as an opportunity to tell the full truth about all of reality through the lens of God’s Word.
He and his beloved wife have four daughters—all of whom have attended TCA since kindergarten. In his free time, Pastor Paul enjoys hiking, fixing cars, woodworking, playing guitar, and reading.
His favorite Bible verse is John 1:14.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Nicole Smith
Principal
Nicole Smith graduated from Tabernacle Christian Academy in 1992 and has been faithfully serving at the school since 1997. Throughout her years at TCA, she has taught grades 1 through 4, as well as library classes and private piano lessons. She also brings valuable experience from her time serving as a head teacher in a preschool setting. Nicole held the role of Assistant Principal at TCA for five years before officially stepping into the position of Principal in April 2025. As a second-generation TCA teacher, she continues a family legacy—her mother was dedicated to the ministry of TCA, teaching Spanish for 22 years.
Nicole holds a degree in Elementary Education with minors in Bible and Music from Cedarville University, and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Reading from SUNY New Paltz. With 28 years of classroom experience, she has developed a deep love for teaching—especially Bible class, where she has often had the privilege and responsibility of introducing students to stories in the Bible for the very first time. She finds great joy in witnessing the magical transformation of a non-reader becoming a reader.
Nicole is passionate about the fine arts. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, playing the piano, and expressing her creativity through watercolor and colored pencil painting. She also loves listening to audiobooks, spending time with family, going to the beach, and watching movies—but especially delights in the energy and beauty of live performances such as plays, concerts, and theater productions.
She lives with her three grown children—all of whom attended TCA—and her cat, Aslan. Nicole has also faithfully served for many years as a choir member and pianist at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Her favorite verse is John 16:33.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jessica Reidy-Roy
Office Manager
Jessica Reidy-Roy joined Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in retail management and five years in the finance industry. A graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, she went on to earn her Associate's degree in Liberal Arts and Education from Dutchess Community College.
Jessica’s favorite part of being at TCA is hearing the laughter of children in the hallways and watching them grow—not only academically but spiritually. She considers it a blessing to be a godly witness to each student who walks through the doors.
Outside of school, Jessica enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. In her younger years, she traveled to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Italy. She loves engaging with the TCA community in three languages—English, Spanish, and Italian. Jessica is married and has one son, whose presence in her life beautifully reflects the truth of her favorite Bible verse, Samuel 1:27–28.
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."
Norma Lewinson
School Nurse
Norma Lewinson joined Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2022 and brings over 27 years of nursing experience to her role. She studied at Bethlehem Teachers College, BOCES, Ulster County Community College, and Dutchess Community College.
Norma loves being part of the TCA family, where the warm atmosphere and Christ-centered environment make every day meaningful. She is the proud mother of three adult children and enjoys singing, cooking, and traveling to different countries in her free time.
Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5–6.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
Faculty
Shanon O’Hearn
Art Teacher, PM Kindergarten Teacher
Shanon O’Hearn, a second-generation teacher, has been a dedicated member of the Tabernacle Christian Academy staff since 1997. With a lifelong passion for the performing and fine arts, she has served as a dance instructor, choreographer, and assistant director at Pinewood School of Dance for over 30 years.
Mrs. O’Hearn brings creativity and enthusiasm into her classroom, using her artistic gifts to inspire students to explore, create, and appreciate the beauty of art. Her favorite part of teaching at TCA is the opportunity to share the love of Jesus while learning and growing alongside her students. She finds great joy in working with students each day, discovering new ideas together, and having fun through the creative process.
Outside the classroom, Shanon enjoys crafting, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and their three children.
One of her favorite Bible verses is Joshua 1:9.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Christine Carhart
Middle School Math and Science Teacher
Christine Carhart first joined the faculty of Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2011 and was thrilled to return in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY Geneseo with a major in Chemistry and Computer Science, a minor in Mathematics, and additional background in Physics. She also earned a Master’s degree as an Educational Technology Specialist from Nazareth College of Rochester. Christine holds permanent New York State certification in Chemistry and General Science for grades 7–12.
Her favorite part of teaching at TCA is that God is truly the center of everything. She cherishes beginning each day with Scripture and prayer and values the close fellowship among staff—teachers who pray for one another, for their students, and care deeply as a true family in Christ.
Christine has been married to her husband for 18 years and is a proud mother of three, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of one. Her hobbies include collecting seashells, berry picking, bicycling, and spending time with her grandchildren. A lifelong lover of the water, she has served as a lifeguard at Disneyland, a homeschool swimming instructor, a Girl Scouts water safety instructor, and has enjoyed boating, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Kim Spewak
Middle School Math Teacher, Grades 1-4 Physical Education Teacher, Financial Secretary
Kim Spewak has been faithfully serving at Tabernacle Christian Academy since 1999 in a variety of roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master’s in Education from Mount Saint Mary College. Kim is permanently certified by New York State to teach grades Pre-K through 6 and is also CPR and First Aid certified.
Kim’s favorite part of teaching at TCA is the opportunity to integrate core academic subjects with biblical principles—fostering spiritual growth and helping students see how God’s truth intertwines with every aspect of daily life. A lover of all things creative (and an unabashed fan of pandas), Kim is as passionate about music, singing, and the creative arts as she is about teaching. She serves as a worship team singer and is the designer and builder of elaborate Vacation Bible School sets at her home church.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Kim has served as the school's Financial Secretary and has coached both varsity and junior varsity soccer as well as varsity volleyball. She is married with two children and is also the owner of Crafter’s Corner NY, where she creates handmade crocheted items, fabric accessories, and home décor.
Her favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Betsy Valentin
Middle School Spanish, Study Skills, and ELA Teacher
Betsy Valentin has been a valued member of the Tabernacle Christian Academy staff since 2010 and brings 17 years of teaching experience to the classroom. A graduate of Bloomfield College, she also offers the unique strength of being a lifelong fluent Spanish speaker, enriching her students’ learning through language and cultural insight.
Betsy has been married to her beloved husband for 43 years. Together, they have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and are proud grandparents to two grandsons and two granddaughters. Some of her favorite hobbies include cardmaking and spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren.
She is known around TCA for her creativity and enthusiasm, often going all-out during Spirit Week by crafting elaborate costumes and leading classroom projects with a joyful, hands-on approach.
Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Jason Oyler
Middle School Social Studies, ELA, and Physical Education Teacher
Jason Oyler has been faithfully serving at Tabernacle Christian Academy since 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies from Grove City College. Jason deeply values the Christ-centered environment at TCA and the opportunity to share his faith each day alongside a team of dedicated and like-minded coworkers. He is married and has a grown son who attended TCA from Kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 2018. His son is now married and has a one-year-old son—Jason’s beloved grandson.
In his free time, Jason enjoys reading, playing soccer, and running.
His favorite Bible verse is John 16:33.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Kerry O’Brien
Elementary Teacher
Kerry O’Brien joined Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2023 and brings over 25 years of teaching experience, including many years as a dedicated homeschool mom. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz.
Kerry loves being part of a school where students are taught to pursue excellence both in academics and in Christian character. She is married and has four adult children.
In her free time, Kerry enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:8.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Joy Osterhout
Kindergarten Teacher
Joy Osterhout has been part of the Tabernacle Christian Academy community since 2011, faithfully serving both as teacher assistant and Kindergarten teacher. Joy studied Developmental Psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Her educational background and her previous experience teaching Pre-K has equipped her with a deep understanding of how young children grow and learn.
Joy loves the close-knit, family atmosphere at TCA—not only among the staff but also within the wider school community of students and their families. Joy is married and has two grown children, both graduates of TCA. In her free time, she enjoys reading (and more reading!), spending time with her family, traveling, and playing games.
One of her favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 2:8–9.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Carol Phillips
General Music and Band Teacher, Private Lessons Instructor
Carol Phillips began serving at Tabernacle Christian Academy in the fall of 1998 as a piano teacher and accompanist. In 2011, she launched the school's band and instrumental program, and in 2017, she began teaching general music, which she continues to do with great joy.
Carol has been teaching for 35 years, including 8 years as a fourth-grade teacher in public school and 27 years at TCA. She is now in her ninth year leading general music at the Academy.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Spanish, with a Minor in Music from Houghton College (now Houghton University), and a Master of Science in Education from SUNY New Paltz.
Carol’s favorite part of teaching at TCA is being with the kids! She delights in encouraging her students to “sing joyfully” and “play skillfully” for the Lord, inspired by Psalm 33:4. She also treasures the joy of working, laughing, and praying alongside her Christian colleagues.
Carol has been married for 32 years and is the mother of three adult sons, all graduates of TCA. Outside of school, Carol enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading, gardening, playing piano, leading music at VBS, and arranging music. A few fun facts: she can ride a unicycle and loves crafting whimsical “pinecorn” people out of pinecones and acorns.
Carol’s favorite verse is Isaiah 12:2.
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Erik Stubbs
Middle School Bible, Technology, and Health Teacher
Erik Stubbs has been teaching for 10 years and joined the faculty at Tabernacle Christian Academy in 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Political Science from Rutgers University, and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Luther Rice Seminary. He has also completed additional training through Light University (AACC) in Professional Life Coaching (101, 201, and Hope 101), as well as an Addictions and Recovery Certificate Program.
Erik’s favorite part of teaching at TCA is encouraging students toward their purpose in God’s plan—both academically and spiritually.
He has been married to his wife since 2008, and has four children and one grandchild. Outside the classroom, Erik enjoys playing guitar and bass, motorcycling, attending live concerts, and watching Star Wars and comic book movies.
His favorite verse is Titus 3:3-7.
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”