Headmaster/Upper School

I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been given for the personal mentoring of young men and women as they grow through challenging and formative years. Having studied youth ministry during my undergraduate studies, I have a deep desire to serve the spiritual needs from which stem all future points for growth and development. My personal education philosophy is to help young people learn how to address the most important need of their individual lives in learning to foster a genuine and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Out of this relationship, I am excited to help students recognize the beauty of addressing real local community problems to love our neighbors in a way that glorifies God. After filling head administrative roles for many years, I am excited to focus my attention on the development of Port Haven International Academy as it serves to personally and purposefully build loving leaders who are disciplined in body, soul, and mind.

Headmaster/Elementary School

Mr. Parker has dedicated his life to education and mentoring young people. From being a foster parent, host parent for international students, coaching wrestling, teaching, administrating, and being a dad, he has extensive experience in working with students and children. He earned his Master of Education from Shenandoah University and has worked as a teacher in public, private, and international settings as well as administration in International and private schools. His philosophy in education includes preparing students for life and not just tests. This includes teaching students to think critically, problem solve, and master a wide variety of skills other than just school subjects. As a follower of Christ he hopes to train and prepare students to put their hope and faith in Jesus Christ and “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Office Manager

Mrs. Parker began teaching in 2017. She has taught everything from kindergarten to highschool math and science. Her educational background is in math and science with a Bachelors of Science in Applied Mathematics. While living in China, she was the foreign principal over Agape English /kindergarten.

Mrs. Parker and her husband have two beautiful children, one of which attends the middle school at Port Haven International Academy.

With the addition of their second son, Mrs. Parker has changed from teaching to office manager. She has been putting her organizational and administrative skills to good use as the school secretary.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Carol May had this to say about teaching at Porthaven International Academy:

I have the privilege of teaching young minds as they develop an understanding of basic concepts. I have an awesome viewpoint as each child learns something new. Children have always had a special place in my heart. I took a childhood development class in my early years of education. During my military travels, I had visited children being ministered to in the Philippines. I have been involved in children’s ministry for many years. I have taught Sunday School for ages 4-6 and had the privilege of ministering to children through the Wednesday night Pioneer Club. It is my desire that each child will know Christ, will develop a love of learning, and will know that they are special.

1st/2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Mary Jordan is a proud Navy wife of 17 years and a mother to three wonderful children. Mary started her educational career teaching pre-k 4 for Norfolk Public Schools and then became a mother and stayed at home for 14 years. Living as a Navy wife, she has traveled through many states and overseas. Throughout that time, she taught 4 th grade and two-year-olds. This past year she was a full-time substitute teacher for Chesapeake Public Schools.

Since all her children are now in full-time school, she is ready to teach full- time and is excited for the opportunities that will arise at Port Haven.

Mary received her bachelors in Elementary Education and minor in Bible from Welch College in 2007. She is currently pursuing her master’s from Liberty University in Early Childhood Education.

Matthew 19:14 says, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mary is excited to engage her students through learning centers and small groups. She is excited to teach math and reading and have dedicated time to teach them about Jesus and how they can have a personal relationship with Him.

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

I love the Lord Jesus and I love children. I am thankful for the privilege of teaching children about Jesus and His love for them. I have been teaching them all my life. Even as a teen, I taught craft classes in my mother’s craft store and children’s church. After I received a BS degree in Elementary Education at a Bible college in Nyack, New York, I taught at Christian schools in New York for three years.

Then I became a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled my three children. I loved homeschooling: I learned SO MUCH! All three of my children finished their last few years of high school at the local community college taking college level courses. Both daughters graduated as valedictorians of their respective classes and transferred to four-year colleges to earn their degrees.

When my youngest was 16, I started teaching at a Christian school on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I taught second grade for nineteen years. In January 2025 God started drawing my heart to move to Chesapeake to live closer to my daughter and grandchildren.

When I interviewed in March, for a position at Port Haven International Academy with Dr. Chris Pearson, I was thrilled to hear about the mission and focus of the school. I thought, if God said yes, I would love to be a part of this ministry. It has been quite the journey with the Lord to get here! It took a long time for my house on the Eastern Shore to sell. I finally moved into my new home in November. I am settling in and feeling at home.

I am thankful for the privilege of teaching 3 rd and 4 th Grade at Port Haven. I am learning so much right along with my students. Most importantly we are learning to be like Christ by following His example as a servant leader. It is amazing to see servant leadership demonstrated by our headmaster, principal, office administrator, the teachers, high school students, all the way down to our kindergartners. My students vie for a chance to vacuum the classroom, wipe the tables and take out the trash! I marvel at how the younger students learn this type of leadership by observing the older students, our leaders and ultimately Christ. I am so thankful that God has placed me here with people who exemplify Christ Jesus!

Middle School/Highschool Teacher

Mrs. Pearson has been a faithful educator for over thirty years and has poured her heart and expertise into public, private, homeschooled, and ESL students in a variety of settings. Having taught all levels and most subjects, she says that English and the Humanities are her favorites. She loves teaching children to read and teaching them to love reading! Her résumé and legacy can be summed up in her four children, all of whom she homeschooled from Kindergarten-12th grade. All four graduated with academic honors from their undergraduate studies, the first as Salutatorian. Her two sons have continued their education and finished up their doctoral studies and her youngest is still finishing her master’s degree. The most important prayer of her heart has been answered in all four children walking with and serving Christ.

Throughout her 21 years as a Pastor’s wife, she has worked for many years with teenagers and young adults and her heart is for them to know Christ personally, have confidence and success academically, and be useful in accomplishing God’s glory on this earth. Mrs. Pearson is extremely excited to join the AIA staff and have an opportunity to see more young men and women educated and discipled, to be lights that so shine before men that they may see their good works and glorify their Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

Algebra/US History & Computer Teacher

“Mr. O” Has been teaching for four years and we are blessed to have him join us a Port Haven this year. He brought with him his 4 children ranging in age from 4th-10th grade. He fits in well with our male educators who can really relate to the students but are also respected in the classroom.

He is always up to talk about the Dodgers (or sports in general), to help out the wrestling team, lead the yearbook club or start up a Secret Santa for the high schoolers. His favorite part about teaching is having the opportunity to impart knowledge and to observe the students’ growth.

Art/ Upper level Science Teacher

Mrs. Eckenroth graduated from the University of Washington with a General Biology degree. She served four years as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. After her time in service, she has worked as a substitute teacher, an English as a second language teacher, and an art teacher. Mrs. Eckenroth is studying to obtain a Masters in Education at Regent University through the Career Switcher program.

Mrs. Eckenroth’s belief in God, His gifts, and His perfect love shapes her educational philosophy (Romans 12:6-8; 1 John 4: 7-8). She is passionate about teaching and working with students of all ages. Additionally, she believes that fostering creativity in students through art will serve students in many subjects and in solving modern world problems.

She is happily married to her husband of 11 years, and they are blessed with two wonderful daughters who bring them joy every day. Mrs. Eckenroth enjoys working on all types of art projects and home improvement projects, reading, and spending time with her family.

5/6 English Teacher

Spanish Teacher (all grades)
Hello! Hola! My name is Señorita Romero, and I am the Spanish teacher. This is my first year teaching in a school setting, although I have previously—and continue to—teach at my church and at gatherings. I chose the path of teaching because I truly enjoy working with children, and I believe that the school years have a powerful impact on a student’s life.

I hope to be a positive and encouraging teacher for each and every one of my students, and I hope to make a difference in their lives just as my teachers did for me when I was growing up. I believe that every child is born with a special gift—one given by God—and I am committed to working together with families to help guide students so they can use that gift for good.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful school community, and I look forward to a year full of learning, growth, and joy. Espero que podamos trabajar juntos para el bien de cada niño.

Chinese Teacher (all grades)