Staff Spotlight: Kalee Roberson

How did you know God was calling you to be a teacher?

God called me into teaching less than 10 years ago when I was in college earning my master’s degree. While I did complete my internship and soon graduated, the stress and isolation I faced during my first year was enough that I wanted to get as far away from teaching as I could. God blessed me with a new opportunity as an environmental education specialist at a wildlife reserve. During my four years there, I became a mother, and my enthusiasm for my work began to falter and wane as I felt sidelined and stuck without a purpose. At my lowest point, God spoke to me, saying, “Go back to teaching.” Heeding God’s call, I applied to Cornerstone Christian Academy; I spent three weeks completing my application because I wanted it to be thorough. The day after I submitted my application, I received a phone call asking me to come in for an interview. I knew from that moment that this was God’s plan for me all along. Since then, God has taught me that, like Elijah, He allows us to rest when we are distressed.

What’s a worship song you can’t help but sing along to?

Anything from For King & Country. Every one of their songs is so uplifting! I’ve seen them in concert twice and I’ve gone hoarse from singing every song they played.

Tell us about your family. How do you all grow in faith together?

My husband, Tanner, and I met in college 12 years ago, and will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary this October. We have a five-year-old son, Daniel, who was diagnosed with autism a few years ago. While this diagnosis was hard in the beginning, it doesn’t define who Daniel is. He is a smart, sweet, silly boy who is loved by His Creator and loves to go to church. While we may not know exactly what he’s thinking, we know that God has an incredible plan for him. We also have another son, Jonathan, who is due in November. Proverbs 22:6 says to train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it. We pray every day for our boys, and strive to raise them as godly young men who will reflect the love of Jesus out into the world. 

What’s one way you see God’s faithfulness in your everyday life?

The fact that my husband is able to go to work and support our family; he was let go from his job last year. 2025 was a year of patience and faithfulness for us as we trusted in His plan. Even without Tanner’s income, and despite the constant frustration and rejection, God took care of us. Exactly one year after he lost his job, the same company hired Tanner back as a contract worker, which then turned into a full-time position this past July. Even though he works second shift, neither of us can complain; God has blessed us and continues to take care of us every day.

Staff Spotlight: Brian Pennington

What’s your favorite Bible verse and why does it speak to you?

When I was 14, God used Romans 10:13-15 to call me into ministry (specifically into missions). This has remained one of the most significant passages throughout my life.

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

What’s a worship song you can’t help but sing along to?

Thank You Jesus for the Blood- by Charity Gayle

What’s your prayer for your students this year?

My prayer for CCA students this year is that they would move from knowing about Jesus to knowing Jesus personally. That is why I chose “Knowing Jesus” as our theme for chapel this year.

What’s one piece of encouragement from Scripture you’d give to CCA parents this year?

My encouragement for parents is to take seriously the mandate given to them in Deuteronomy 6:4-7. Parents have the weighty responsibility of discipling their children in the home. Do your children know Jesus better from listening to you at home and observing your life?

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.