Our Team
Paula Cook
Founder | Director | Lead Teacher
Paula holds a M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership from the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University as well as a B.S. in English Education from Liberty University. She is a certified and practicing Level 1 Catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Church of the Incarnation in Harrisonburg. She taught high school and middle school English and has a wealth of experience interacting with children in school, church, and school co-op settings. She has served on two church-planting launch teams and two nonprofit boards in the Harrisonburg community.
Mary Fisher
Business Manager | Teacher
Mary holds a certification from U.S. Career Institute, is a Certified CGS Level I Catechist and has completed courses through Pearson Accelerated Pathways. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children through homeschooling her own two kids in their elementary years as well as organizing and teaching creatively in a local co-op. She also has 10 years of experience managing the financial operations of a non-profit as well as 20 years in several businesses, including Integrity Custom Builders, LLC, which she owns with her husband.
Our Board
Zoe Hanson
Board Member | Vice President | Secretary
Zoe holds a B.A. in History and International Studies from Taylor University and is currently working on her M.A. in Christian Ministry from Gordon Conwell Seminary. She has worked in local private Christian schools as an elementary school teacher and as an Events and Volunteer Coordinator. Zoe is a creative thinker and a fan of Charlotte Mason’s teaching methods, some of which she incorporated in her elementary classroom.
Esther Good
Board Member | Treasurer
Esther holds a B.A. from Taylor University in Christian Education. She taught as a preschool teacher in several settings and was the Children’s Director at Community Bible Study. She wrote curriculum for King’s Kids, a Sunday School program. Esther has also served on 3 church-planting launch teams and served as a member of the board of directors for Mercy House for 12 years.
Jim Kidd
Board Member
Jim holds a B.A. in Biology from Olivet Nazarene University as well as a doctorate in Counseling and Guidance from Marshall University and a certification for Special Education from the University of Virginia. He is retired from Associate Professor of Special Education for James Madison University after 25 years. Having held the titles of Science Teacher, Elementary School Principal, and School Psychologist, Jim brings great insight to the Selah team. Additionally, he served as a founding member of People Places and past board member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Mercy House.