Hyrbrid Schooling for Improved Learning

Chrissy Gruell teaches the K-2 Class here at BHA. With a passion for teaching that was born from years of experience as a Sunday school teacher and a love for working with young children, she brings a plethora of experience in teaching various models. She strongly believes in the importance of intertwining Bible and academics in the educational and child development process. She described the best part of teaching as, “the excitement that comes when a student discovers something new to them and the opportunity to be a part of the developmental process of a young life and seeing that growth is so rewarding.” When Chrissy was in school her favorite subject was Literature and Writing. She enjoys being creative in the kitchen, discovering new coffee shops, walks with her 2 adopted dogs, and adventuring around Montana with her husband.

Rachelle Rodriguez provides a uniquely invested perspective for the Board, as our parent representative. She has extensive leadership experience in a variety of settings, including serving as the Secretary and Treasurer for her children’s previous school PTA. She has also overseen and conducted multiple research projects from conceptualization through publication. She describes the best part about education as being that moment when the proverbial light clicks on, which then starts the student on a journey to further explore and understand the concept. When asked what drew her to serve on the Board, Rachelle said, “My daughter is a scholarship recipient. We are so grateful for this opportunity for her, and the impact the tight community of BHA has been for her, that I wanted to give back and provide support to the team.” In her own education experience, Rachelle’s favorite subjects were Biology, English, and Spanish, though she really liked all of school and was her high school’s Valedictorian. In her free time, she loves to sew, bake and complete DIY projects of all kinds.

Mark Matthews is the 6-8th grade teacher at BHA. His resume is wide and varied, including serving in the military, working as a youth pastor, teaching reading and test taking in the Idaho Dept. of Corrections, fostering 15 children and adopting 3 with his family, and serving as a Crisis Chaplain for many years. He earned his degree at Moody Bible Institute and his Chaplain licensure at Wheaton College. Mr. Mark was drawn to the mission and vision of BHA and the Board immediately recognized his heart for the success of young people. For him, the most exciting part of teaching is having the opportunity to invest in the future of some of our young great minds, youth that have a real passion for learning. In school his favorite subjects were Literature and History. With the demands of the teaching position, continuing to serve at church and in the Chaplain ministry, and spending time with his family, Mr. Mark doesn’t often find time for hobbies, but he does appreciate the therapeutic process of chopping firewood.

Pastor Brad Rhodda is the lead pastor at Light of the Valley Church where the school is housed and was brought on for his spiritual and organizational insight. His professional experience includes being a former Sheriff’s Deputy and owning Strong Tower Security firm. While we’re not sure if enduring all the noise and chaos from his office, which shares a wall with the 6th -8th grade class, is good for him, the students and teachers so appreciate that he is on site. He loves to see children being educated with truth in a culture that denies truth even exists. When asked what drew him to support BHA and serve on the board, Pastor Brad said, “As a graduate of area public schools and watching my own kids graduate from area public schools, I saw a desperate need for a true Christian education experience for area kids.” In school, Pastor Brad’s favorite class was English. When not working you will find him out in the woods doing Motocross, mountain biking, fishing, and just enjoying God’s creation.