Board of Directors

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  • Kristen serves as Board President and Co-Founder of Mercy Christian Academy. She brings a deep love for the Bible and a heart for prayer, consistently pointing the board toward God’s goodness and provision. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (2006) and completed her Dietetic Internship and Post-baccalaureate training at Louisiana Tech University (2007). Kristen has been a member and leader at Norris Ferry Community Church for 19 years, where she also serves as a Community Group Leader. She also spends time in other areas, with over a decade of involvement in Bible Study Fellowship and as a volunteer and leader on the Ascension Classical School Parent Council since 2015. She is also a sponsor of Wycliffe Bible Translators’ Bible Projects. Kristen’s areas of interest include leadership, community engagement, human resources, strategic planning, and discipleship. She has been faithfully serving as a founding board member of Mercy Christian Academy since 2021. She has a passion for displaying God’s mercies by serving all people- especially the forgotten and mistreated.

    “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who lived me and gave his life for me.” - Galatians 2:20

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  • Judy Milam brings a lifelong passion for education and ministry to her role as Board Secretary. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education and Library Science and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University, along with an M.A. in Library Science and a Specialist Degree in Reading from Louisiana State University.

    With a career spanning more than 33 years as an elementary teacher and librarian, Judy has devoted her life to fostering learning and literacy. She later served as a School Improvement Specialist for the Louisiana Department of Education for 6 years and worked an additional 10 years with a School Improvement company in Mississippi. Even in retirement, she continues to invest her talents, serving as a part-time Librarian at Broadmoor Baptist Church. Beyond her professional career, Judy has given over 30 years of service as a Sunday School teacher, teaching students from PreK through high school. She has also faithfully volunteered in her church library and local schools, reflecting her deep commitment to education and ministry. She is an active member of the Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana, Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority, and Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport. Since joining the board in 2022, Judy has continued to live out her calling: connecting people of all ages with books and resources that help them grow spiritually.

    Areas of Expertise: Leadership, Community Engagement, Human Resources, Strategic Planning, and Discipleship.

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  • Jason Monarch has served on the MCA Board of Directors since 2023, currently holding the position of Board Treasurer. In this role, he applies his financial background to steward the school's resources and support its long-term growth.

    A graduate of Texas Christian University, Jason holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Professionally, he works alongside his brother at Monarch Realty. Jason and his wife, Jennifer, are proud parents of four children. The Monarch family are active members of Norris Ferry Community Church.

  • Heather was born and raised in Central Louisiana and met her husband Michael at Louisiana Tech University where they graduated in 2002. They will celebrate 25 years of marriage this year with their children, Paige and Andrew, both in college at ETBU and Louisiana Tech. Heather spent a decade in publishing before moving to the classroom to teach writing and rhetoric at a classical Christian school. She then continued studying Classical Education at the University of Dallas. She has a passion for helping people, especially those with learning differences. She is a member of Broadmoor Baptist church where she serves in her B Group, the Foster and Adoption Ministry, and Heart for the Unreached. Her favorite place is her back porch with family and friends.

  • Jessica Elston is the Founder and Head of School, bringing a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and community development. She earned her B.A. in Literature from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and a Master of Education from Salem State University in Salem, MA. As a lifelong advocate for education and literacy, Jessica has designed and implemented curriculum for children and adults, including a phonics program to strengthen early literacy and adult reading workshops that promote lifelong learning. Before founding Mercy, she worked in education for eleven years in public and private schools in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, as well as Beverly, MA.

    She has a passion for discipleship and teaching. When asked about the thing that encourages her most about the school, she said, “Mercy Christian rests in the hands of a Good Shepherd who directs and protects the school.” She was a founding board member in 2021.

    “How precious is your steadfast love, O Lord. The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.” - Psalm 36:7

Advisory Board Members

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Daniel Hernandez

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Matt Ponder

Daniel Robinson