Early Education

Althea Penn, Ed.D., PDS, ODP
Director of Early Education

Althea is passionate about serving Christian early education teachers and leaders and has over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership and as a primary and secondary instructor. She is certified as a professional development specialist, early childhood educator, and administrator. As Director of Early Education, she provides consultation and professional assistance to early educators supporting them with a Christ-centered focus and helping in the development of biblically-based resources and professional development. Althea’s favorite children’s book is The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Jan Berenstain and her favorite verse to teach children is Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeannie Forrest, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Early Education

Jeannie serves as Assistant Director of Early Education. With over twenty-five years of experience in Christian education, she considers herself a lifelong learner for early childhood. God has blessed her with a passion for both the early childhood years of a child and connecting with educators. She counts it a privilege to support and guide early education leaders and teachers for high-quality practices woven with God’s truth and love. Jeannie’s favorite children’s author is Eric Carle and her favorite verse to teach is “Let your light shine…” from Matthew 5:16. 

Cindy Barnum, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Eastern Division

Cindy counts it an honor and privilege to serve early educators in their Kingdom call. With over 30 years of educational experiences, Cindy pours into educators by providing resources, support, and encouragement from the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given her in Christian early education leadership. Cindy’s favorite children’s book is Sir Maggie the Mighty by Michael P. Waite and her favorite verse to teach children is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Kim Brucker, B.S.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Central Division

God has given Kim a deep passion to serve him and those who serve children and young families as well as a desire to mentor, disciple, and call out giftedness in leaders. With over 20 years of educational experience, Kim serves members who work with young children by listening to them, praying for them, and equipping them. One of Kim’s favorite children’s book is Adam Raccoon at Forever Falls by Glen Keane and one of her favorite verses to teach children is John 14:6.

Suzie Mohler, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Western Division

Suzie has served in the field of education for over 30 years and loves Christian education and building relationships with educators. She encourages and mentors leaders, promotes membership and accreditation, consults with programs, and helps facilitate connections with EE staff. Suzie’s favorite children’s book is Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and one of her favorite verses to teach children is Ephesians 1:4.

Beth Lantz, MA
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Central Division

Beth Lantz is a passionate educator with over 23 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She is deeply committed to supporting educators through intentional coaching, fostering communication, and building strong relationships, all rooted in prayer and her faith in Jesus Christ. Beth believes that children can reach their fullest potential when given developmentally appropriate environments and play-based learning opportunities. A dedicated advocate for both children and educators, Beth finds joy in helping others grow. One of her favorite Bible verses, 1 John 4:8, reminds her that "God is love," and she strives to reflect that love in all she does. When not working, Beth enjoys curling up with her favorite children's book, Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos. 

Rebeca Rosa, BA, FL Director's Credential
Early Education Coordinator 

Rebeca provides consulting and member support as ACSI’s Early Education Coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology, numerous certifications and almost forty years of experience in early childhood education and program administration. She served as the Early Education Director of Parkridge Christian Academy in Coral Springs, FL for 17 years; where she led her staff and facilitated the accreditation process with excellence. Over her many years of leadership, she has proclaimed Romans 1:16 as her life verse. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Rebeca has served on mission teams around the world; facilitated training and coaching in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), PATHS social and emotional learning strategies, and provided consultation and technical assistance for Christian early education program leaders as a Florida Approval Program inspector, professional development trainer, school readiness coach, and certified life coach. Rebeca’s passion for kingdom education is evidenced by her desire to grow in and share her knowledge of God's Word by serving others. Her favorite child’s book is: “Love you forever” by Robert Munsch.

Raevin Mahaney, AA
Early Education Administrative Assistant 

Raevin has the honor of supporting the Early Education team with her 17 years of administrative expertise, which has been greatly influenced by her passion to serve God and others. Out of tremendous zeal for educating children and learning about their development, she has earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Early Childhood Education and Development and credentials for Early Childhood Administration. One of her favorite children’s books is “Thank You, Lord, for Everything” by P.J. Lyons, and Matthew 22:37 is a verse she enjoys sharing with children. 

Tammy Hicks

Field Director for Florida Approval Program | ACSI

Tammy currently serves as the Field Director for ACSI’s Florida Approval Program and as the Director at the Gonzalez UMC Child Enrichment Center in FL. Tammy has over 20 years of early childhood experience and enjoys pouring into the children, families, and staff in her program. As Field Director, she mentors, assists, and equips other EE Directors in the Florida Approval Program.  Tammy’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and her favorite verse to teach children is Psalm 139:14.