Paula Cox began working at Destiny Christian School in the Fall of 2007. Mrs. Cox has also directed two years of summer camp for Destiny as well as serving as the Cluster Team leader within the school. Mrs. Cox graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts with a BS in Elementary Education and an AA degree in Christian Education. She has continued to hone her skills as a Kindergarten teacher through workshops and conferences and independent study. She has taught Kindergarten in Kansas City, Missouri, Ephrata, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania before relocating to Rochester with her family. On the weekends, you will find Mrs. Cox actively involved in her local church where she leads a women’s Bible study and acts as Children’s Director, teaching in Children’s Church, the midweek kids’ program and directing Vacation Bible School. Mrs. Cox felt the call to teach while in college, studying in a different field of study. She continues to fulfill her calling, teaching, guiding and striving to inspire the youngest learners and their families. Family is a priority to Mrs. Cox and her husband. They have 2 young adult children who they enjoy spending time with. They are also share their home with a dog and three cats.
Heather Austin has been Preschool Teacher at Destiny Christian School since August 2015. Prior to coming to Destiny, she was the Preschool Teacher for the Head Start Program for 14 years. Ms. Austin has had several work experiences in the childcare/educational field including working with children with developmental disabilities at Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Toddler & preschool teacher, and substitute teacher in Elementary Schools in Berkshire County Massachusetts. She holds a BA in English Literature and is a volunteer at Jonathan Child Assisted Living-Bible Study Activities, Children’s Ministry Leader & Treasurer at her home church, Destiny Preparation Church. Ms. Austin loves working with children and is mother to one adult daughter. She loves nature, relaxing, and worshipping God. “I believe that God brought me to Destiny to expand my understanding of Him and how he can touch young lives, to enrich the lives of children by learning God’s word at an early age which will enable them to change the world by sharing His word and following His commandments.”
Bette Barber began working at Destiny Christian School in the fall of 2017. Miss Barber has taught first grade for 21 of the past 22 years. She taught for 8 years at Bradford Area Christian Academy in PA and 13 years at Webster Christian School. Upon WCS’ closure Miss Barber continued her work in education by long-term substitute teaching for kindergarten at East Palmyra Christian School and for UPK at Baden Street Child Development Center in Rochester. Miss Barber graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cedarville University with a BS in Elementary Education with minors in Bible and Social Science. Miss Barber is active in several ministries at her church. She serves as an Olympian leader in the children’s program on Wednesday evenings as well as being a deaconess, VBS leader and choir member. “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl and I believe God has given me the talents and abilities to be a dedicated teacher. I look forward to sharing my love for teaching and learning with the students at Destiny.”
Regina George joined Destiny Christian School in 2010. She considers it a privilege and blessing to teach in this school as she feels it is a calling from the Lord. Mrs. George believes that “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13). She especially appreciates Destiny School because, along with the teaching of all subjects, she can teach the students the Word of God and instill in them good Christian values. It is indeed a great joy for her to see her students shining for God’s glory, both academically and spiritually. Mrs. George has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English, a Master of Arts degree in English Language and Literature, and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. During the course of her career, she has participated in the Teacher’s Efficiency Training Course. Mrs. George has had wonderful opportunities to teach diverse groups of students of all age groups since 1985 and, by incorporating a hands-on approach to learning, has been able to keep students interested and focused. “I look forward to an exciting year filled with God’s grace. It is my goal to provide all students with an educationally challenging, yet fun experience, by incorporating student-oriented activities.”
Michelle Barone began working at Destiny through BOCES #1 in 2009. Although she loved working with students at all grade levels, as well as working with many talented teachers, she began to desire her own classroom again, somewhere where she could settle down and plant her teacher-roots. Mrs. Barone had previously worked at Northstar Christian Academy, Ober Elementary (NV), Swainston Middle School (NV), Fairport Middle and Elementary Schools, McQuaid Jesuit, and Allendale-Columbia. She is dually-certified with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (pre-K to 6th -with a concentration in English Language Arts), and a Master’s degree in Special Education (K-12th). She teaches because it is God’s calling in her life for this season. She believes that God divinely appointed her here at Destiny, and she will stay here until God chooses otherwise. Many years ago, God’s word spoke to her regarding working at Destiny. (She was praying about accepting a job at RCSD Incarceration Unit –because she has a heart for all children). “The Lord told me to “plant my vineyard here” at Destiny, because I was going to “be here awhile.” I am so glad that He continues to grow us as we follow Him. We serve a mighty God! Bless the LORD!”