Meet Our Lion Leadership

At the heart of Northshore Christian Academy beats a team of passionate, prayerful, and slightly coffee-fueled leaders who make every day a mission-driven adventure. From hallway high-fives to powerful Chapel messages, our leadership team doesn’t just manage—they minister, mentor, and model Christ-like character. So, buckle up as we pull back the curtain and introduce just a few of the incredible people who keep our school thriving, joyful, and anchored in a foundation of faith! 

Meet Lane Beasley: Head of School 

What's it mean to YOU to be a lion? 

"I love that a lion is our mascot. Christ is the Lion of Judah, and so what better, more powerful mascot to have a lion, which represents Christ and shows a restrained kind of strength. Jesus has all the capacity and power, but he still restrains that aspect. Jesus is not weak; He is strong and capable, and He is not incapable of addressing things. In the Bible, we are symbolized as the sheep, but who wants to be that? Ha! That is why we look up to the Lion to symbolize that powerful, restrained strength."

What's on your current playlist?

"Lately, my two boys and I have been really going for playlists that get us super pumped up. Forrest Frank has been a staple; it's just feel-good, Christ-centered music that puts you in a good mood. We also love 'The Greatest Showman' soundtrack, a total hit in our household! No one in my family likes country music, but I'm from Mississippi, and I've got to admit, there are times I'm in the car, and I turn the dial to country, and then the next time the whole family gets in the car, they go… 'what is this?'. Man, I don't know, there's just something about it every now and then that makes me feel connected, being from the South, I feel that connection."

Favorite book of THE Bible and why?

"Lately, I've been reading back through Joshua and entering the promise land, crossing the Jordan, and relating that to the season here at NCA that we are currently in with our theme of 'God is faithful.' I really have been thinking about that season in Joshua and the journey they were on, and waiting on the promise of the Lord. I love seeing the actionable obedience that they are moving through and how much that encourages me as a reminder to be obedient to the Lord."  

Favorite grade when you attended school and why?

"For me, it was both 5th and 6th grade. You start to get offered various electives to take, and more athletic choices are offered. I got to play basketball and soccer….you started to really learn your strengths within taking those different sports or electives, and learn more about yourself and what you enjoy and what you're good at. I started to understand better that the more work I put in, I can actually be better and grow in these. I was also a drummer, and so that was super fun for me, being in the marching band and getting to see all that come to fruition."

Meet Heather Shaw: Upper School Principal 

What's it mean to YOU to be a lion? 

"Being a Lion means showing kindness, courage, and strength every day. It’s about standing up for what’s right, caring for others, and working hard to be your best. Lions lead with both bravery and love, and that’s the kind of Lion I want to be!"

What's on your current playlist?

"I listen to a lot of Christian music that encourages me, like Elevation Worship, Phil Wickham, and Maverick City Music. I also enjoy fun, upbeat songs that make me smile and some jazz instrumental music when I need to focus."

Favorite book of THE Bible and why?

"My favorite book is Philippians because it teaches us about the joy that comes from Jesus, no matter what we’re going through! Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite verses."

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Philippians 4:13

Favorite grade when you attended school and why?

"My favorite grade was 5th grade. That’s when I started feeling more confident, I had teachers who made learning exciting, and I made some great friends. It was a year full of fun and growth for me!"

Meet Sarah Leighow: Lower Elementary Principal 

What's it mean to YOU to be a lion? 

"When I think about being a Lion, I think about the biblical connection that Christ is the Lion of Judah, and He is our bold and powerful leader. The almighty.  When I think of lions as a pack, they are so committed and connected to their Pride. Both of these qualities of a lion I associate with how we are connected as an NCA family in that same way, like a pack walking together under the same bold and powerful leadership of Christ. I truly believe that our Christ-like culture at NCA is our core DNA."

What's on your current playlist?

"The last few weeks, I've been listening to David Crowder Band's 'essentials playlist,' and I'm loving it. It's a great combination of hymns and songs that are strong in faith. It gets me focused on the Lord and ready for my day."

Favorite book of THE Bible and why?

"Wow, that's a tough one! I am having a hard time picking just one book of the Bible as my favorite. I have narrowed it down to 2 books. John- because I love his account of Jesus’ life and the deep heart truths John shares from Christ. John speaks to the sovereignty of Christ and how He was at the beginning, co-creating the earth, and how our future hope of eternity completely relies on His finished work on the cross. The other book would be Romans because of the strong spiritual truths of our need for Jesus and His powerful atonement for us. Paul speaks with such authority into the sovereignty of Jesus and our need to be unified as His church and as one body."

Favorite grade when you attended school and why?

"My favorite grade to go through was kindergarten because I LOVED my teacher so much, in fact, I can still remember her name! One of the things I loved most was feeling like I was entering into 'big kid school' now and really understanding that I was starting into my academic journey."

So, there you have it, just some of our fearless, faith-filled, coffee-fueled leadership! Whether they're leading chapel or praying over parking lot logistics, they do it with grace, grit, and the Holy Spirit. So, if you see them around campus, give them a wave and a smile! Our team knows how to laugh, love, and, of course, occasionally misplace their spreadsheets. We are so blessed to have the leaders that God has brought us here at NCA.

To learn more about our school, or to take a personal tour of our campus, go to NCA.school. Go Lions!