Leadership Team

Mrs. Lauren Backus – Lower School Principal

Lauren Backus started at MVCA as the Band Director in 2013 and has held multiple educational and leadership roles within the Academy. Lauren has taught Band 5th-12th grade, Discipleship, Praise Band, and AP Music Theory; She also serves as the Academy’s Fine Arts Director, where she strives to bring our students closer to God through the gifts He has provided. Lauren is very passionate about Christian Education and feels honored to serve as the Interim Lower School Principal. Lauren has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Wright State University.  She received her Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Capital University where she met her Husband, Ben, they have been married since 2014 and have 2 children who both attend the Academy. 

Lauren’s Educational Philosophy is rooted in relationships.  She believes it is the duty of Christian Educators to discover who students are as individuals which in turn helps students with social, academic, and spiritual growth. In addition, Lauren believes that it is imperative for Christian Education to produce well-rounded individuals. Academics, fine arts, athletics and other extra-curriculars are necessary for students’ development in terms of knowledge and character. Lauren is passionate about helping students find connections to God and community through activities they enjoy. Lauren knows that these spiritual and school community connections lead to improved academics, behavior, friendships, and connection with Christ. 

Educational Background
M. Ed. Educational Leadership, Wright State University
B.S. Music Education, Capital University

Mrs. Erin Conn – Upper School Principal

Erin Conn is passionate about excellence in Christian education, and since 2002, she has spent the majority of her career as an educator in the independent Christian school realm. Erin holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lee University and a Bachelor of Science in both Christian Education and Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian University. Erin first entered the classroom as a secondary English Language Arts instructor and has served as a teacher for students in grades 6 through 12. In addition to teaching, Erin has served as Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, focusing on assessment and grading best practices and identifying priority curriculum standards and alignment for K-12 students. 

Erin and her husband, Jeremy have been married since 2004 and have three children. The Conn family is active in their local church, where Erin serves as a worship leader and has served as summer arts camp director for Kindergarten through grade 6 students. Erin has worked as a web-marketing specialist and writer, focusing on customized communications strategies for local and national organizations. Erin is also an award-winning volleyball coach with a passion for quality on the court and the development of players at all stages and abilities. Similarly, Erin believes in helping all educational partners—students, parents, and faculty—thrive within the school community and, ultimately, as citizens of God’s Kingdom who seek to impact the world for Christ.

Philosophy
Erin believes school should be a nurturing environment that positively engages students every day. Students should want to come to school! Effective engagement starts with good relationships between educators and learners. Engagement continues as teachers personalize the learning experience and create multiple pathways to success for students. Students learn to thrive when they are provided a mix of opportunities to connect with the “real world.” Real world connection occurs through authentic assessments that mirror skills students will use beyond the classroom, field trips that engage students in new experiences and places, and partnerships that connect professionals and students. Erin believes that in addition to providing academic and social emotional training, Christian educators are charged with the vital task of teaching learners to love God, love others, and impact the world for Christ. 

Educational Background
B.S. Christian Education / Biblical Studies, Cincinnati Christian University
M.A. Teaching, Lee University

Mrs. Joy Swensen – Assistant Principal

Joy Swensen joined the team at MVCA in 2018 as a Middle School English and High School Discipleship teacher.  She began serving as Academy Assistant Principal in 2019. Joy received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University and her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.  She began her career in 2005 as an English teacher in Oklahoma and has since worked in schools in Texas, Arizona, and Ohio. Her educational experiences include public, charter, and private schools.

Joy and her husband, Aaron, were married in 2003 and have served in full-time ministry together their entire marriage.  Outside of school hours, you can find her at one of her kids’ many activities or at Summit Church, where her husband is the Lead Pastor. They have four children, all of whom attend MVCA and love it.

Mr. Ryan Wagoner – Spiritual Life Director

Ryan Wagoner is excited to be joining the family at MVCA as Spiritual Life Director and Head Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach.  Ryan has been married to his wife, Sarah, for 8.5 years and has two children.  Bailey, age 6, attends the Academy, and Kailey, 21 months old, are two blessings from the Lord!  The Wagoner family moved from Nashville up to Ohio this Summer in large part to be near family as Sarah’s parents live in the area and Ryan’s brother is a church planter in the Franklin/Springboro area at Gracepoint Fellowship Church.  God has been good and opened and shut the right doors every step of the way to lead Ryan to MVCA.   

Ryan has been in education for 18 years both as a teacher and a basketball coach.  For 9 years, Ryan has also worked simultaneously in church ministry in many different roles including youth pastor, college pastor, worship leader, and 5th/6th grade pastor and service coordinator. Back in 2010 Ryan also spent 1 year overseas doing mission work in China coaching college basketball and teaching middle school English while getting an opportunity to share the Gospel and seeing the Holy Spirit lead many of his new friends in China to the Lord.   

Ryan’s overall philosophy in life is connecting with people wherever they are. Throughout Ryan’s life God has used what He has given him passion for- from singing and playing the guitar, to coaching basketball, to teaching in the classroom, to ministering inside the church- and allowed Ryan to share God’s love, particularly with students along every turn.  Ryan is excited to get to do all of these things in one singular place at MVCA.  Ryan knows God wants to do something new inside of our students at MVCA and is excited to be partnering with all of the faculty, staff, and families as we seek the Lord for his Spirit to move in the lives of our students throughout His campus here at MVCA. 

Educational Background
B.S. General Studies, University of Central Oklahoma 
M.B.A., Oklahoma Christian University 

Mrs. Erica Buehler – Academic Support Director

Erica Buehler joined the MVCA community in 2021, stepping in as the Academic Support Director. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati. She has secondary training & certification in Orton-Gillingham, a Multi-Sensory approach to literacy. She began her career in Christian Education as a Support Teacher serving students in grades 6 through 8. 

Erica and her husband John have been married for 8 years and have two children who both attend the Academy. Erica has been actively involved in leading Women’s ministry and attending Bible study. The Buehler family has helped lead a church small group and opened their home and hearts to build upon God’s kingdom. Erica and her family enjoy traveling during school breaks and living life through experiences.

Erica’s philosophy comes from the strong mentors she’s had since entering the Student Support Profession. Her goal is to meet the students where they’re at and support the learning needs of all students. She has a heart for giving every student, regardless of ability level, the opportunity to succeed by offering tools, time and strategies across all subjects. She has a servant’s heart and a relentless pursuit of Christ through the work He does in and around the Academy.

Educational Background
B.S. Special Education, University of Cincinnati
M. Ed. Special Education, University of Cincinnati