Administrators & Board
Who We AreAbout CCA
Our Story
Thank you for your interest in Central Christian Academy (CCA). We are very excited to greet and introduce you to what God is doing to establish our Christian school that teaches all aspects of learning through the Biblical world view.
Choosing the right school for your student is a very important decision. We care deeply about developing the whole child through our strengths in faith, academics, leadership, and service. Central Christian Academy Board of Education members look forward to following up with you and answering any questions you may have.
CCA Board of Education acknowledges that the key to a successful school is its faculty and staff. Our teachers will be professionally qualified, love students, and who, by the pattern of their lives, are Christian role models (Luke 6:40).
Our Bible-based curriculum will be taught through the lens of Teaching for Transformation (TfT).
Teaching for Transformation classrooms integrate opportunities for learners to live the story.
TfT provides a common language and common tools that help teachers and staff bring faith integration to a deeper level. We are excited to incorporate this throughout all our educational instruction and activities.
We understand many questions are soon to be answered. It is with God’s grace and guidance we continue to move forward to see Central Christian Academy become a reality in our community. Thank you for your desire to “grow” and move forward with us. With joy we say, “Go Golden Eagles!”
Together,
Central Christian Academy Board of Education
Lead Co-Administrators
Renee Papelian
Co-Administrator
Renee Papelian serves as co-lead administrator for CCA. Renee has a rich history of over 45 years in the field of education. Certified in secondary as well as elementary education, Renee taught 23 years in K-12 public education. Renee transitioned to Central Michigan University obtaining the position of Director of Pre-Student teaching within the College of Education and Human Services. After extensive field work experience, Ms. Papelian was appointed as Director of Professional Education & Assistant to the Dean in the College of Education. Upon retirement, Renee continued to teach education classes and oversee student teachers as a University Coordinator in the Office of Field Experiences. A passionate educator, administrator, and advocate for excellence in education, Renee is excited about Central Christian Academy and the educational option this brings to our community.
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Certification, Central Michigan University
- Elementary Certification, Central Michigan University
- Master of Arts in Education Administration, Central Michigan University
- K-12 Public Education Teacher – 23 years
- Director of Pre-Student Teaching, Central Michigan University
- Director of Professional Education & Assistant to the Dean, Central Michigan University, (Emeritus)
- Adjust Professor, Central Michigan University
- University Student Teaching Coordinator, Central Michigan University
Susan Renaud
Co-Administrator
Susan Renaud serves as co-lead administrator for CCA. Susan has been involved in all facets of education for over 30 years. Beginning her teaching career at Beaver Island Lighthouse School, her science background was put to immediate hands-on application. Susan’s experience includes teaching at a parochial school in the Detroit area, and a myriad of science classes at Mt. Pleasant high school. Ms. Renaud transitioned into administration serving as an Assistant Principal, Alternative Education Principal and retiring as the Principal of McGuire elementary school in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Ms. Renaud brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Central Christian Academy. Susan is excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of launching Central Christian Academy in our community.
- Bachelor of Science, Biology and Chemistry, Alma College
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Central Michigan University
- Master of Arts in School Principalship, Central Michigan University
- Charlevoix Residential Alternative Education School, Beaver Island, MI
- Gabriel Richard Parochial School, Riverview, MI
- High School Science Teacher, Mt. Pleasant, MI
- Assistant High School Principal, Mt. Pleasant, MI
- Alternative Education Principal, Mt. Pleasant, MI
- McGuire Elementary School Principal, Mt. Pleasant, MI
CCA Board of Education
Gene Brownson
Trustee
Gene was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and except for time spent away at college, has lived in the Isabella County community his entire adult life. After retiring from a 30-year career with a technology company, he served another 13 years as Facilities Manager for a multi-site corporation in Michigan. Gene and his wife Marjie have two married children and four grandchildren. He and Marjie have served as leaders of several church small groups and led several sessions of Grief Share. Gene also served on a church deacon team assisting local families in need with minor home repairs. He is passionate about supporting Christian Education after witnessing the growth of all his grandchildren who for serval years, attended Christian schools in Michigan.
Marjie Brownson
Treasurer
Marjie Brownson has been a lifelong resident of Isabella County, attended Rosebush Elementary School, graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, and obtained an Associate Degree in Food Service Management from Ferris. After graduation she began her life’s work at a church office in Mt. Pleasant. She has participated in group ministry at her church, with involvement in Grief Share, marriage groups, and leading small groups. She and her husband Gene enjoy spending time with family, including four grandchildren, and are thankful for the opportunity to join others as we work together for Central Christian Academy.
Amy Durfee
Vice President
Amy Durfee grew up in Monroe Michigan and transitioned to Mt. Pleasant in 1989 while attending Central Michigan University. After graduating with a teaching degree in Biology and German, Amy taught at Alma High School for 5 years. Amy is married with 3 children, whom she homeschooled until they began attending Mt. Pleasant public schools for middle and high school. Amy also taught German at Mid-Michigan Community College for 15 years and is currently the Children’s Ministry Director at Community Church where she ministers to children and families. Amy loves all things nature and science related and has a great interest in other cultures. Amy is an avid birder, loves to read, enjoys spending time with her adult children and traveling with her husband. Amy is passionate about providing children with an excellent learning environment through the lens of a Biblical worldview.
Pastor Ron Ives
Trustee
Pastor Ron Ives served as a youth pastor for 5 years before becoming the Founding Pastor of The Potter’s House Family Worship Center in Mt. Pleasant, MI. He has been the Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House Family Worship Center for 36 years. Over those years he has served on the Executive Council for Calvary Ministries International, Messenger Fellowship International, and the Strategic Prayer Network for Michigan. As a visionary for the development of Central Christian Academy, his desire is to provide the option of a Biblically based education for the children in our community. Pastor Ron and his wife Carla also oversee The Potter’s House Global Network that ministers to leaders, families, and children around the world. Pastor Ron and his wife Carla have 3 grown children and 20 grandchildren.
Amy Loomis
Trustee
Amy Loomis is the children’s ministry director at Victory Christian Center, overseeing a staff of several volunteers. A graduate of Ferris State University in public administration and an associate degree in business, Amy has been a vital part of our community by organizing and participating in outreach events within the Mt. Pleasant area. Amy and her husband Terry have three wonderful sons. Amy is passionate about serving others and spreading the love of Christ. Her zeal, enthusiasm, and organizational skills are gifts to the Central Christian Academy board.
Renee Papelian
President
Renee Papelian serves as board chair for Central Christian Academy. Her passion to see the best for every student is deeply embedded in her experience and work in the field of education. Renee has been a member of the Mt. Pleasant community for the past 50 years. Renee enjoys serving in her local church, reading, music, and engaging in a good game of pickleball or ping pong.
Pastor Adam Reid
Trustee
Pastor Adam Reid has extensive experience working with youth in church, camp, and school settings. He was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant where he attended a private Christian school before graduating from Central Michigan University with a major in Community Recreation. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Central Church and also serves on the Sex Education Advisory Board for the Mt Pleasant School District. Pastor Adam is committed to seeing CCA provide students with the opportunity to gain a solid educational foundation with a Biblical worldview, in a caring environment. Adam and his wife, Katie, have five children.
Susan Renaud
Secretary
Susan Renaud has been a longtime resident of Mt. Pleasant. Along with a 30 plus year career in education, she has been active in her church and community. Susan is a past board member for Life Choices of Central Michigan and United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties. She is honored to be part of the founding board for Central Christian Academy. Susan has been involved in children’s ministry at Community Church, Mt. Pleasant for over twenty years and enjoys her time as a Kid’s Hope mentor, helping with Community Kids large group and working with the drama team for Vacation Bible school. Susan has a compassionate heart to see the children of our community come to know God, grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, and put their hope in Him.
Adrienne Snyder
Trustee
Adrienne Snyder is the Connections Coordinator/Groups Administrator for Community Church, Mt. Pleasant. Adrienne grew up in Isabella and Mecosta Counties and attended Central Michigan University. She, along with her husband Derek and three highly active daughters that keep very busy within their church and community. Adrienne loves to read, write, and travel. Adrienne is excited about the option CCA brings to our community. Adrienne’s deep hope and dream is to see revival in our children and throughout our community.
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Non-Discrimination Policy
Central Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.