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. Lindley Cameron – Lower School Dean of Students

Lindley Cameron has worked in both the education and ministry field since 2005. After relocating from Texas in 2022, she enthusiastically joined the MVCA staff. Lindley has taught K-5 Elementary Music, Computers, Theater, Chapels, and Praise Band. Additionally, she has spent nearly 2 decades on staff in the church directing adult and children’s choirs and various worship ministries. Lindley has a master’s degree from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree from Arlington Baptist University.

Lindley and her husband, Matt, have been married for 19 years. They, along with their two boys, Will and Levi, are not just a part of the MVCA family, but also deeply connected to it. Lindley shares, “God’s miracles are evident each day at Miami Valley Christian Academy. The opportunity students are given to grow in core academics, extracurricular activities, and God’s Word is one of the Father’s greatest gifts to us as a school. We are blessed beyond measure!”

Lindley’s heart is to guide and mentor students, ensuring they are held accountable to Academy policies in a spirit of love and grace. Lindley believes MVCA’s values and a positive, respectful community are essential in meeting the needs of our students. Each day we are called to love others the way Christ first loved us. Scripture says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39, ESV) Lindley’s passion is bringing joy, fun, and positivity into each school day.

Educational Background
MA Music and Worship, Liberty University
Ed. Music Education, Arlington Baptist University
Cert. Church Music, Ozark Christian College

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. Hannah Smith – Upper School Dean of Students

Hannah Smith came to MVCA in the fall of 2024. She has years of experience in the classroom teaching middle school through high school math courses, bible, finance and marketing, as well as ACT prep courses. Hannah has a passion to help students become successful adults as they advanced and flourish though their time at the Academy. Hannah has a Master’s in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University. Having experience in both private and public education, Hannah is proud to call MVCA home! 

Hannah and her husband, Roger, have been married since 2019. They have two children who both attended the Academy. The Smith family is very involved in their local church where they lead a young adult’s ministry, amongst holding other leadership roles.

Philosophy
Hannah believes this role goes beyond simply imparting facts; it’s about building connections, fostering individual ideas, and guiding our students to become active contributors to society. By cultivating an environment that celebrates student’s unique talents and perspectives, we can empower them to reach their full potential. She believes in raising up the next generation to exemplify the Kingdom in all their works.

Education Background
Ed. Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University
B.S. Agricultural Business and Applied Economics, The Ohio State 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