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.

Graziella Myers

First and Second Grade Teacher

Graziella holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the Family of Faith Christian University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She received her Montessori certification from Adrian Montessori Teacher Education Institute in Adrian, Michigan and has over 20 years of elementary teaching experience. She has traveled the world, speaks FIVE languages, and is currently training to be a certified Catechist for Selah Academy's Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. What excites her the most about Selah Academy? “Selah is daring in what it offers, and what Selah offers is what children need – play, literature, exposure to the community, CGS, exercise. Every need of the child is thought through and dared to be met. I think it’s beautiful.”

Cara Huber

Pre-K4 - Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

Cara has her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Cara also taught pre-school, has volunteered with 3–6-year-olds in her church as an assistant catechist, and helped teach and develop pre-school classes for a homeschool co-op her kids attended. Cara has administrative skills and enjoys working part time at Selah as our Office Administrator, in addition to being the Teaching Assistant for Pre-K4-Kindergarten. She attends Church of the Lamb in Penn Laird.

Sue Kirk

Music Teacher/ 2026-27 Preschool Teacher

Sue holds a B.A. in English Literature from James Madison University and an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from San Jose City College in California. Her many years of experience working with preschool-aged children include a full year spent as a Montessori classroom assistant. Sue helped to establish a childcare program for graduate students at the University of Toronto and has led after school programs at both Emanuel Episcopal Church and Valley Montessori here in Harrisonburg. One of Sue’s great loves is playing guitar and singing with children and has been Selah’s music teacher for the past 3 years. Sue shares that “Selah is a complete package that is a rare find in today’s educational setting. The time given to literature is a strong antidote to the world offered to children on screens.”

Keri Hiner

Business Manager

Keri Hiner comes to Selah with vast experience financially supervising preschools. She acted as the financial director of Bridgewater Preschool for 14 years and is excited to be able to use that experience to help Selah Academy. Keri has a passion for children and is an active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, Selah Academy’s home.

Our Board

Esther Good

Board Member | President

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.

Mike Weaver

Board Member - Treasurer

Mike Weaver comes to Selah with extensive experience as a Board Member for various non-profits, including VMMissions, Rotary Harrisonburg, Laurelville Retreat Center, Eastern Mennonite School, and Family Life Resource Center. Among his varied board member appointments, he has served most consistently in finance roles. He is currently treasurer on Selah Academy's board. He has worked in the technology and software industry for Jenzabar for 35 years, demonstrating finance software. He and his wife Rachel have three adult children.  "Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ is important and sacred work especially with children. Rachel and I desire to support organizations who have a clear mission to make disciples of Jesus. Community of faith non-profits are significant forces for good. It is an honor to be asked to help steward decisions, resources, and monies toward Christ center ends at Selah Academy.

John Hay

Board Member

John holds a Bachelor of Science from Abilene Christian University, and Lubbock Christian University, as well as a Master’s degree from Texas Tech University. He has retired from decades of work in the educational world. He has held the Headmaster Position in several Montessori Schools in TX and Hawaii. Additionally, John has served as an International Christian Education Consultant, where he led teacher training and development over much of the world, including Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. His vast experience in the educational and Montessori world makes him a valuable asset for the Selah Board. John says, “Selah’s discovery-based learning that allows God’s little children to come and play, pause, participate, and practice is in harmony with Jesus’ command.”