Get to know the heart of Avant—educators who love Christ, love learning, and love the students they are called to serve.
Our Guides
Alexis Gallegos
Academic Guide Assistant
Co-Founder
Academic Guide
Cassandra Galbier
Co-Founder
Academic Guide
Stacey Clark
4th - 8th Academic Math Guide
Stacey Clark
Stacey Clark is a follower of Christ, wife, mother of four, educator, and photographer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
After six years in the classroom, Stacey stepped away from public education to focus on raising her family while continuing to dream about creating a different kind of educational experience—one where children are known, valued, and encouraged to grow.
At ACLC, Stacey serves as a primary Mathematics Guide for levels 4th–8th while partnering throughout the learning experience in Bible, history, geography, science, art, physical education, and hands-on learning.
2/3 Academic Guide
Cassandra Glabier
Cassandra Galbier holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Penn State University and brings experience teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. Her time in the classroom deepened her passion for helping children learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences that nurture their academic, creative, and personal growth.
As a mother and follower of Jesus, Cassandra believes every child is uniquely created by God and deserves to be known, loved, encouraged, and challenged. She is passionate about creating a learning environment where children can grow in faith, discover their strengths, and develop a genuine love of learning.
At Avant, Cassandra serves as a primary Language Arts and Mathematics Guide for 2nd–3rd grade while also partnering in enrichment areas including science, history, geography, art, movement, and hands-on exploration.
K & 1st Academic Guide
Alexis Gallegos
Alexis Gallegos brings more than two decades of experience caring for, mentoring, teaching, and investing in children and youth. Her passion for working with children began at age 12 and has continued through children’s ministry, youth mentorship, Vacation Bible School, and today serving as the director of Praise Fellowship Wonder Kids.
Alexis was ordained in 2014 and earned her Associate Degree in Biblical Studies through ISOM in 2025, with additional coursework in child growth and development, communication, writing, and linguistic anthropology.
At Avant, she is excited to combine her love of children, creativity, hands-on learning, and Christ-centered mentorship to help students grow in confidence, character, and faith while learning with their mind, heart, and hands.
Belinda Brohn
Creative Collective Guide
Creative Collective Guide
Julie Blick
Academic Guide
Karen Donovall
4th-8th Academic LA Guide
Karen Donovall
Karen Donovall (“Mrs. D.”) is a follower of Jesus Christ who finds great joy in studying God’s Word and walking alongside students as they grow academically, personally, and in faith. A certified Special Education teacher, Karen holds degrees from Mansfield University and Gannon University and has completed all doctoral coursework at Grand Canyon University, with only her dissertation remaining.
Karen believes learning is a lifelong journey and loves learning alongside her students. She is passionate about meeting each child where they are, recognizing their unique strengths, and helping them grow in confidence, character, communication, and a love of learning within a Christ-centered community.
At Avant, Karen serves as the primary Language Arts Academic Guide for 4th–8th grade and also partners in enrichment areas including Bible, history, geography, science, art, physical education, and hands-on learning.
Creative Collective Guide
Julie Blick
Julie Blick brings a lifetime of creativity, faith, and hands-on learning to Avant Christian Learning Center. A Christian wife, mother of five, and grandmother of ten, Julie has years of experience homeschooling, serving in youth ministry, and creating meaningful learning experiences for children.
With more than 20 years as a floral designer, Julie has a natural gift for creating beauty and inspiring creativity. She believes creativity is a gift from God and that children thrive when given opportunities to explore, imagine, and create with their hands.
At Avant’s Monday Creative Collective, Julie is excited to help students discover new skills, appreciate God’s creation, and grow in confidence as they learn with mind, heart, and hands.
Creative Collective Guide
Belinda Brohn
Belinda brings a lifetime of professional art, design, and hands-on creativity to Avant Christian Learning Center. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, and her artwork has been featured in galleries and national art shows.
Her creative career includes serving as an Art Director, working in home décor and design, teaching DIY seminars, and creating everything from advertising campaigns to large-scale murals. She also has extensive experience working with children through mentoring and art programs in Warren County.
At Avant’s Friday Creative Collective, Belinda is excited to give students the freedom to explore, experiment, and create while developing their skills and discovering their own creative voice.
Bri McTavish
Academic Assistant Assistant
Worship Guide
Katie Short
Creative Collective Guide
Keenan Chadwick
Creative Collective Music Guide
Keenan Chadwick
Keenan brings a lifetime of music and a deep love for the Lord to Avant Christian Learning Center. With a father who spent 40 years as a music teacher, music has been part of Keenan’s life from the very beginning. He began formal piano lessons at age six and has continued singing, playing, and exploring instruments ever since.
While guitar, piano, and trumpet are his primary instruments, Keenan also enjoys playing Irish tin whistle and has experience with clarinet, woodwinds, and oboe. He believes music is a gift from God—something that can move us, connect us, and resonate deeply within us.
At Avant’s Friday Creative Collective, Keenan is excited to help students explore, create, and discover the joy of making music together.
Worship Guide
Katie Short
Katie brings a lifelong love of music, worship, and children to Avant Christian Learning Center. She began learning guitar at 14, writing music soon after, and leading worship by age 17. For the past five years, she has served as Worship Leader at Youngsville Free Methodist Church, where she joined the church staff full-time in 2024.
With a heart for children and a growing call toward pastoral ministry, Katie is passionate about helping young people discover their gifts and use them to glorify God. At Avant, she will help lead music and worship experiences, including Wednesday’s live worship gathering where students and families can worship together.
Katie is excited to create an environment where students can experience the joy of music, grow in their faith, and discover how God can use their unique gifts.
Academic Assistant
Bri McTavish
Bri McTavish brings 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings to Avant Christian Learning Center. A certified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Bri has taught in both rural and inner-city schools, worked with students in a Montessori environment, and supported children with emotional and behavioral needs.
Bri has a heart for creating nurturing, compassionate environments where children feel supported as they learn and grow. At Avant, she serves as an Academic Assistant, helping support classrooms and students throughout their daily learning experiences.
Her faith is at the foundation of her life, and she is grateful for the opportunity to encourage students through God’s Word, nature, creativity, and real-world learning. Outside of Avant, Bri enjoys photography, cooking, spending time in the woods, and being an aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Board Members
Director
Cassandra Galbier
Director
Stacey Clark
Director
ERIC BROWN
President
Wendy Spencer
Treasurer
Diana Sherry
Secretary
Lauren Hinkle
Vice President
Tyson Martin