Meet Our Staff

Steve Bowers: Head of School

Hello, my name is Steve Bowers and I am the Head of School for Cooper Christian Academy.  This is my 29th year in Christian education and I am so excited to be a part of starting a brand new Christian school in Shelbyville, TN and Bedford County!  Through the years I have served in Christian schools in St. Louis, MO, Peoria, IL, Scranton, PA, Greenville, TX and Elbing, KS.  The Lord has provided me with many experiences and blessings in my time in Christian education.  I look forward to the opportunity to partner with Christian families at Cooper Christian Academy and be a blessing in their lives.

This summer I will celebrate 32 years of marriage to my best friend, Stacie!  I have three adult boys (ages 29, 27 and 24) all located near Little Rock, AR.  In my free time I enjoy hanging and traveling with Stacie, the beach, sports (any kind – especially my St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs), enjoying the beautiful Tennessee country side in my convertible, and working in the yard around the house.

 

Jana Jacobs: Administrative Assistant

Hello, My name is Jana Jacobs and I am the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager/Social Media Coordinator/Marketing Team/IT Director at Cooper Christian Academy. I wear many hats, but my favorite part about working for CCA is watching God work in our student’s lives.

I attended a Christian school in Murfreesboro for most of my childhood, but transferred to Cascade High School my sophomore year. I received my bachelor’s degree in business from MTSU where I met my wonderful husband. We have been married for three years and have three adorable cats. We live near the lake and enjoy, boating kayaking, hiking and trying new restaurants in our free time.

I feel blessed to be a part of the founding of Cooper Christian Academy. It is so exciting to watch the school grow and I know God has big plans for the future of CCA!

 

Becca Zwart: Kinder 4 Director 

Hello, my name is Becca Zwart! I am the K4 Director and teacher. I am so excited to be going back to my roots of teaching 4 year olds!!!

My husband and I live here in Shelbyville and we have 4 rowdy dogs that are spoiled rotten!!! I have been teaching in a private Christian school for 11 years. Most of my teaching career has been teaching preschool aged children and I LOVE it!!! I have been teaching 2nd grade at Cooper for the last 3 years and while I will miss the big kids, I can’t wait to get back to the littles!! Can’t wait to see how God grows our school in the future!!!

 

 

Becca Wilson: My name is Becca Wilson. I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Cooper Christian Academy in the fall! Teaching is my passion and I can't wait to see your children grow and learn! In August, I will be starting my 10th year of teaching. Before coming to CCA I taught Kindergarten for 8 years in Bedford County schools. I graduated from MTSU in 2014, with an Early Childhood Education Degree and I am almost finished with my Special Education Endorsement from TSU. I grew up in Christiana and went to school in Rutherford county. My husband and I have been married for 9 years and moved to Bedford County in 2015. We have completely fallen in love with the area, and could not imagine living anywhere else. We have a five-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes as well. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading a good book, singing in the praise band at Midland Heights Baptist Church, and teaching dance classes in Murfreesboro. I believe that CCA is going to bring something wonderful to Bedford County. I can’t wait to start this journey with all of the new CCA families this year.

Becca Wilson: Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Becca Wilson. I love teaching Kindergarten at Cooper Christian Academy! Teaching is my passion, and I can’t wait to see your children grow spiritually, academically, and socially at CCA. In August, I will be starting my 12th year of teaching. Prior to joining the staff at CCA,  I taught 1 year of private Pre-K and then spent 8 years in Kindergarten in Bedford County schools. I graduated from MTSU, with an Early Childhood Education Degree and also hold an endorsement in Special Education Intervention from TSU.
I grew up in Christiana and went to school in Rutherford County. I married my high school sweetheart in 2014, and we moved to Bedford County in 2015. We live in the Unionville/Bell Buckle area with our daughter and could not imagine living anywhere else. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading a good book, singing in the praise band at Midland Heights Baptist Church, and teaching dance classes in Murfreesboro.
It is truly a joy to be on staff at CCA. CCA provides a unique experience for students in our community, and I look forward to seeing where God leads us in the future.

 

Shonta McBride: 1st Grade Teacher

I am truly honored and grateful to join the school family as the First Grade teacher. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to combine my passion for education with my faith in Christ.
I am also a proud mother, and my son will be attending the Pre-K 4 program this year. Being both a parent and a teacher gives me a unique perspective on the trust families place in those who care for their children each day. I understand that our students spend a large part of their day in the classroom, and I believe that time should be filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ.
My philosophy is simple: I strive to teach, encourage, and love each child the way I would want my own child to be taught, encouraged, and loved. I believe every child is wonderfully made by God, created with unique gifts, talents, and a purpose. My desire is to create a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their God-given potential. I want our classroom to be a place where kindness, grace, respect, and joy are evident in everything we do, and where Christ remains at the center of our learning and relationships.
I consider it a privilege to partner with families in laying a strong academic and spiritual foundation for their children. It is my prayer that each student leaves our classroom not only with a love for learning but also with a deeper understanding of God’s love for them and the confidence to shine His light wherever they go.
I look forward to the wonderful year God has planned and am excited to walk alongside each family as we learn, grow, and celebrate His faithfulness together.

Karen Cook: 2nd Grade Teacher

Hello Cooper Christian Academy families! I’m beyond excited to officially be joining the CCA family! My teaching experience started way back in 1981 at Eakin Elementary School here in Shelbyville. I spent 34 years teaching second grade. Same school, same grade for all years! After I retired from Bedford County Schools in 2015, I took a break and simply enjoyed life and all the wonderful things the Lord had to offer me. In 2022, I became a tutor for BCS and continued with that up until last year. I started subbing at CCA while I was still tutoring but I felt my heart being pulled to Cooper Christian. This school year I have been a substitute in all grade levels and our after care program. In the beginning of April, I became the interim for kindergarten. Now I can proudly proclaim I will be the second grade classroom teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Not only do I feel blessed for this opportunity, but I truly feel like I’ve been chosen for this. This is absolutely a God thing. My heart is so full of love for children. I know the children can’t wait for summer, but I can not wait until the first day of school in August!

 

Lynn Angus: 3rd Grade Teacher

Hello, my name is Lynn Angus. I am originally from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where I grew up and married an American serviceman. I later moved to California, where I have spent the past 18 years teaching at a Christian school.
I have taught both second grade and a combined second- and third-grade class, where I introduced students to writing pen-friend letters to students living in Scotland.
I am excited about moving to Tennessee to join Cooper Christian Academy as a third-grade teacher, where I can share my passion for guiding students to explore the natural world from a Biblical worldview.

 

 

 

 

Riley Padgett: 4th Grade Teacher

My name is Riley Padgett, and I will be Cooper Christian Academy’s first 4th -grade teacher! I am married to Chandler, and we have two precious daughters, Sadie and Evelyn. I am originally from Shelbyville, but I’ve spent the majority of the last 8 years in McKenzie, TN after moving there for college and falling in love with the community there. God has recently called our family back to the Shelbyville area, and we are thankful to be back!

I’m overjoyed to be the newest member of the CCA family. Cooper Christian is a school where Christ is magnified daily, and I am excited to join Him in His work there. I can’t wait for a year of learning, laughter, edifying conversations, and growth with my fourth graders!

 

 

 

Joy Kollars: 5th Grade Teacher

My name is Joy Kollars, (I go by Mrs. K). And here’s a little ditty about me! I have a husband and two beautiful daughters. I have taught all over the world, in public schools, private schools, day camps, youth groups, and church camps.  I’ve taught Kinders up to Highschool, but 5th grade has my heart! The lord gives us children as a heritage and a blessing, and I don’t take this job lightly, as I know that God has a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, plans for hope and a future. Your kiddos will enjoy learning about Jesus and Academics in a fun and safe environment, filled with love and laughter. I have a military background as well, so we shall take great pride in our beloved country. I will encourage field trips and outside the box learning activities. And as most teachers, I survive on coffee, chocolate, and carbs!
God bless each of you on your academic journeys, I encourage parents to participate in their child’s educational pursuits, so please email me with any and all concerns and ideas!

Victoria King: Art & P.E. Teacher

Hello! I’m the Art and P.E. Teacher at Cooper Christian, and I absolutely love helping students express their God-given creativity while also focusing on their physical health and wellness.

I attended a Christian school from kindergarten through my senior year, and then went on to graduate from Southwest Baptist University with a degree in Christian Ministry. I have had the joy of working with children and youth for well over a decade through schools, churches, sports camps, and coaching tennis. My husband and I have been happily married for over 14 years, and we are blessed with three beautiful children through adoption. We also have the privilege of being an active foster home for sibling groups. Additionally, I am the owner of a Christian-based Art & Apparel business. In my spare time, I love to go hiking with my family, play escape games, and travel to theme parks to ride all the roller coasters!

I’m so excited that God has blessed me with the opportunity to be part of the CCA family! I truly believe that Art and Physical Education play a vital role in a child’s development, and I can’t wait to inspire and guide your children through their creative and physical education journeys in a Christ-centered environment.

 

Carolyn Reed: Music Teacher

Hello, my name is Carolyn Reed and I am so excited to be teaching Music at Cooper Christian Academy!

I am originally from the Northeast and the youngest of three and a daughter of Grand Opera singers. After graduating high school I enlisted to serve as a musician in the United States Navy. After graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music I served as a vocalist in the United States Navy Band. I married Danny Reed, a seminary student, in 1982. I left the military and he graduated from seminary in June of 1983. We were blessed to raise two wonderful children while he pastored and we served together in churches in middle Tennessee.

From 1991 to 1995 I taught 3 year old preschool at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy. From 1995 to the present I have been traveling both nationally and internationally in full time ministry as a Music Evangelist, a concert soloist and a Christian recording artist. I have also served as a part time missions volunteer ministering twice in Brazil and once in Venezuela.

After my husband’s passing in 2017, my son and I moved from Nashville to join my daughter and her family in Bedford County. My son graduated from Cascade High School and we have both fallen in love with this area.

I believe that music is a necessary and vitally important component of a child’s well rounded education. What a privilege and blessing it will be for me to not only introduce children to the basics of standard elementary music, but to also include a large repertoire of music that will glorify God and desirably point each of them toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

I can’t wait to begin this ground breaking journey with CCA. I truly believe that this school has already brought, and will continue to bring, something wonderful to Bedford County!

 

Jennifer Elliott: Business Manager 

Hi! I’m Jennifer Elliott. I am super excited to join Cooper Christian Academy as the Business Manager.
I currently reside in Lynchburg with my husband and daughter, but I have been part of the Shelbyville community my entire life. I have had the opportunity to work with other local businesses in this role & am excited to now do so for CCA.
I look forward to being a welcoming face for students and parents as we all strive to provide a Christ-centered learning environment. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for CCA & am thrilled to be a part of the journey!