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.
Keri Hiner
Bookkeeper
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.