2024-2025 New CRA Faculty & Staff
We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of our CRA family! Please help us warmly welcome them!
Jenn Conn, 1st Grade
My name is Jenn Conn, and I am so excited to start this new adventure at CRA as a first-grade teacher. I have a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Arkansas State University, and I completed my undergrad at Harding University. I’ve been married to my husband, Tyler, for 11 years and we have four children Maks (9), Laci (9), Grayson (7), and Josephine (4). We are active members at Valley View church of Christ. I enjoy reading, gardening, canning, and watching my chickens. I am looking forward to starting this school year!
Stephanie
Dewitt, Kindergarten Teacher (Part-Time)
My name is Stephanie DeWitt, and I am ecstatic to help teach the Kindergarten class at CRA this year. I grew up attending CRA. I graduated from Crowley's Ridge College and completed my degree at Arkansas State University. Following my graduation, I began my career as a kindergarten teacher at CRA. It has been amazing to see life go full circle as God has pulled our family back home this year. My husband, Steven DeWitt, and I will also be dorm parents at CRC, along with our two adventurous children Adalee (7) and Radie (3). Adalee is so excited to start her journey in 1st grade at CRA as well. Our family has been living in Fort Worth, TX for years. However, we are eager to be back, surrounded by the incredible community at Crowley’s Ridge Academy and College. I’m so excited to see through my children’s eyes the environment I was able to experience as I grew up.
Deedra Watts, 5th Grade Teacher
CRA is proud to announce the hiring of Mrs. Deedra Watts as a fifth-grade teacher. We look forward to getting to know her better as she joins the CRA Family this year.
She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Harding University, and has nine years of experience in the classroom. She and her husband are members of the Osceola church of Christ. She sought out CRA because she wants to teach at a school that supports her personal Christian values, and we feel blessed to add someone with her experience and education to our team. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our students and school community.
Katie Maynard, Secondary Math
"My name is Katie Maynard and I am excited to be joining the CRA family this year as a 7-12 math instructor. With my dad being military, I've lived many places including Texas, Georgia, and Germany. However, my parents both grew up in Jonesboro. When they decided to move back for retirement 3 years ago, I decided to follow them and have loved the area. I taught public school in Georgia for five years and one year in Jonesboro. I have a masters in Secondary Mathematics Education from Georgia State and continue to love growing as a mathematics instructor. I am so happy to join CRA where Christ is the focus and talking about faith is encouraged!"
Darrah Watson, Media Specialist & Secondary Teacher
My name is Darah Watson, and I consider it a blessing to be serving as the Library Media Specialist for Crowley's Ridge Academy. I'll also be teaching a girl's Bible class and a couple of high school/college level English courses. A lifelong resident of Jonesboro, AR, I completed my undergraduate studies at Harding University, then a Master's of Education from Arkansas State University before earning a library media Master's degree at the University of Central Arkansas. My husband David and I have been married 23 years and enjoy biking and traveling with our daughter Lilah, who will be a ninth grader this fall. Several teachers have already shared encouraging words about my becoming the library media specialist and have made me feel welcome and appreciated. I look forward to getting to know everyone better and spending time in devotion with the faculty and students during chapel.
Lilly Niedermeier, PALS Teacher
My name is Lilly Niedermeier, and I am thrilled to return to the CRA family this year as the PALS “Purple Room” Pre-K teacher. I am a 2014 CRA graduate. After leaving CRA, I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree at Arkansas State University. I have been happily married to my husband, Chase, for 8 years, and we are blessed with one sweet son, Beckham (1). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am excited to begin this school year! I am confident that we will have a great year as we prepare these precious kiddos for their journey over to the “big school.”
Amanda Pulliam, Teachers’ Aide
"My name is Amanda Pulliam and I am looking forward to a great year with the CRA family as a Teacher's Aide. I was raised in Farmington, Missouri. I've earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Williams Baptist College and a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. I love art, hiking, and learning other languages. I have participated in a number of mission trips and community outreaches within the United States. I am eager to be a part of CRA because it is a wonderful opportunity to help our young people grow not only in education but also in the Word of God."
Savannah Carlton, Administrative Assistant
My name is Savannah Carlton, and I am so happy to be joining CRA as an Administrative Assistant. I was born and raised in Jonesboro and graduated from CRA in 2017. I graduated from Harding University in 2021 with a bachelor of social work degree. My family are long-time supporters of CRA: my sister graduated in 2019, my mom worked in the cafeteria, and my dad is a former board member. I love reading and spending time with my cat. I am excited to be part of CRA because I believe this is a school that prioritizes both a quality education and a spiritual education.
