New Staff
Darren Boyd
Athletic Director
I graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in Sports Studies: Human Performance, and have been heavily involved with athletics for most of my life. I have eleven years of gymnastics experience, and have worked as an assistant kids gymnastics director and high school gymnastics coach. As athletic director, I hope to use my experience to allow students to improve their skills and have fun. Additionally, I would like to create a Christ-centered environment within the department that teaches students how to have fun, and compete in a healthy way.
Perla Castillo
Assistant Girl's Dean
Hello my name is Perla Adelai Castillo. I recently moved from Fort Worth, Texas to this beautiful state of Arkansas. The past three years I taught for two different schools: El Paso Adventist Jr. Academy and Burleson Adventist School, as an Elementary school teacher. I have always loved being involved with children of all ages. Not only did I teach, but I have also coached basketball, volleyball and soccer and worked at summer camp for 6 years.
After graduating from Southwestern Adventist University, I have had a desire to work for an academy as a Dean. Now that God has given me this opportunity to work as an assistant dean at OAA, I am more than excited to start building relationships with the staff, students and the community.
I strongly believe that God has placed me here for a greater purpose and can not wait to begin this journey!
"Delight yourself in the light of the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Pslam 37:4
Storie Giddings
Chaplain
I am excited to move north from Texas and join the Ozark Adventist Academy family. I have taken the last 11 years off from teaching to stay home with my four children and now that they are all school age, I am excited to get back into education! The greatest joy of my life is to see "that my children walk in the truth." 3 John 1:4. I feel this joy as I see my own children grow in their walk with Christ, as well as my extended family, the students I am privileged to work with. I anticipate the Lord has great plans for the spiritual lives of the Ozark family this year. It is my honor to be a part of His plans. To God be the glory, great things He has done, and will do!
Cecilia Simmons
Music Director
Greetings! For those who don't know me, my name is Ms. Cecilia Simmons and I am pleased as punch to introduce myself as your new music director. I am passionate about God, music, and striving for excellence. In fact, that is my personal motto, "Strive for Excellence". I believe God blesses our endeavors when we determine to cultivate our talents and abilities through diligent effort and use the resulting skills for His glory. I cannot wait to meet you all and see what great things we can accomplish together.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink,
or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Michael Smith
Boy's Dean
Michael Smith is a 38 year old family man from the Texas side of Texarkana and is very enthusiastic about becoming the OAA boys' dean and teaching Bible classes. He remembers well the experience of being an Adventist teen and is thrilled with the opportunity to share Jesus with the young people of OAA. He and Martha recently celebrated their 13th happy year of marriage. They, along with their 9 year old daughter Elizabeth will be residing in the Dean residence of the Boys' Dorm. Michael has spent the last seven years on his undergrad in History and is currently wrapping up a Master's in History and Old Testament. Since coming back to Christ in 2003, he has spent many Sabbaths at the pulpit and in teen/young adult Sabbath school rooms. He and Martha are excited about working in unison to continue the Christ-centered ministry of excellence in the OAA Boys' dormitory.