PCA DE

Mrs. Kristie Riess is the principal of Providence Christian Academy DE and a vibrant leader who brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of personality to everything she does. She’s a devoted wife, proud mom to four busy boys, and the caretaker of a small zoo—also known as her home. With a love for Christ-centered education and a flair for keeping things lively, Mrs. Riess leads with both wisdom and fun. Her big heart and unforgettable presence make her a true cornerstone of the PCA community.

Mrs. Kimberly Pereira serves as our Upper School Advisor and Teacher, bringing a strong passion for Christian education and student mentorship. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she is actively involved in the children’s ministry at her home church, where she pours into the next generation with love and purpose. She and her husband are entrepreneurs who own multiple businesses, yet she remains deeply committed to helping students grow both academically and spiritually. Mrs. Pereira’s heart for service, leadership, and faith makes her an invaluable part of the PCA community.

Mrs. Melissa VanLeer serves as our Enrollment Specialist and Executive Administrative Assistant. A devoted wife and mom to one daughter, Melissa brings over seven years of experience in enrollment and administrative support. She is passionate about helping families feel welcomed and informed as they begin their journey at PCA. Melissa loves meeting new students and their families and considers it a joy to be part of their first steps as Griffins!

Dr. Joanne Lombardi serves as our Academic Advisor, Senior Class Advisor, and teaches multiple classes at PCA DE. She holds a doctorate in Analytical Chemistry and previously taught chemistry labs at Florida State University. Dr. Lombardi was awarded a NASA research grant to pursue her dissertation topic and has also worked as a technical writer. A devoted wife and mother of three, she homeschooled her children for 15 years and taught chemistry at a homeschool co-op. Her passion for Christian education and strong academic foundation make her a valuable part of our team.

Sarah McAndrews is a dedicated elementary teacher at Providence Christian Academy DE with a big, bright heart straight from Texas. A proud mom of six, she brings energy, wisdom, and just the right amount of crazy to keep her classroom full of laughter and learning. Sarah’s Texas roots shine through in her bold spirit and love for life, and her passion for teaching makes a lasting impact on every student she meets. She’s a vibrant and beloved part of the PCA family.

Meet Mrs. Karen Raser, one of our amazing elementary teachers at Providence Christian Academy DE! A loving wife and proud mom, Mrs. Raser brings a whole lot of laughter and joy to her classroom every day. Now in her 24th year of teaching, she’s known for her silly, creative spirit and endless energy. She loves turning lessons into unforgettable adventures — and if there’s a spontaneous dance party, you can bet she’s leading it! Mrs. Raser’s passion for teaching shines in everything she does, inspiring kids to learn, laugh, and grow in their love for God.

Meet Mrs. Michelle Starkey, one of our dedicated Upper School teachers at Providence Christian Academy DE! A loving wife and proud mom to three boys, Mrs. Starkey brings patience, creativity, and warmth to her classroom. When she’s not inspiring students, you’ll find her tending her garden, getting lost in a good book, or working on her latest fiber arts project. Mrs. Starkey’s love for learning and her gentle, encouraging spirit make her a wonderful role model, helping students grow both academically and in their faith.

Mrs. Jenn Wilson is a beloved Specials teacher at Providence Christian Academy DE. As a wife and mother of three, she brings warmth, patience, and a nurturing spirit to her classroom. Jenn loves to cook and bake, often incorporating her creativity into fun classroom moments. She also has a special love for birds and enjoys sharing that interest with her students. Her favorite color is lime green—bright, cheerful, and full of energy, just like her!

Mrs. Samantha Piccone is one of our wonderful elementary teachers at Providence Christian Academy DE. She is a loving wife and mother who brings creativity and joy into everything she does. Samantha has a passion for hands-on, imaginative activities that make learning fun and engaging for her students. Outside the classroom, she runs a small business and has a deep love for Tennessee, where she finds inspiration and peace. Her warmth, creativity, and dedication make her a treasured part of our PCA family.

Mr. Luke Silva teaches Spanish, History, and Physical Education in the Upper School. A Towson University graduate (Class of 2022) and recent graduate of Kaggeholm Folkhögskola in Sweden (Class of 2024), he brings both local roots and global perspective to the classroom. Whether he is bringing history to life, helping students master Spanish, or getting everyone moving in PE, Mr. Silva is passionate about making learning exciting and practical. He loves helping students see how their studies connect to everyday life and always keeps class engaging along the way.

Ms. Rachel VanLeer serves as our Social Media Director, bringing creativity, insight, and a strong understanding of digital engagement to the PCA team. She is currently a double major in Speech Pathology and Spanish at Towson University. Having grown up in a Christian school environment, Rachel deeply values faith-based education and is excited to contribute to PCA in this new chapter of her life. Her passion for communication and community shines through every post, helping us connect and grow as a school family.