Board of Directors

  • Kristen Thomas

    Co-Founder, Board President

    Kristen@mercychristianacademy.com

    Kristen is from Haughton, LA. and currently lives in Shreveport.

    She brings many gifts to the Mercy Christian team, but her most important quality is her love for the Bible. She often wants to pray for the school and continues to direct our team to the goodness of God and his provision for us.

    She has a passion for displaying God’s mercies by serving all people- especially the forgotten and mistreated.

    She is excited to tell others about Mercy Christian Academy and watch the school grow.

    “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who lived me and gave his life for me.” - Galatians 2:20

  • Daniel Hernandez

    Board Member, Secretary

    Daniel is pastor of Broadmoor Espanol and has been faithfully teaching God’s Word for over 20 years. When asked what most excites him about MCA, he said, “I like the mission and vision of MCA. It is an accessible, high-quality education- based on the principles of the Word of God. This makes the school one of a kind, and in a practical way it resembles the kingdom of God: a people bought by Christ from all over the world, regardless of nationality, language or background.”

  • Jessica Elston

    Board Member, Founder

    Jessica is a native of Louisiana and raised right here in Shreveport.

    She went to LSU in Baton Rouge and earned a BA in Literature and Salem State University in Salem, MA where she got a Masters in Education. She has been teaching off and on for the past 14 years. She has seen many children struggle in school, but she is hopeful God’s church can make an eternal difference in the lives of children. She is happy to serve alongside a great Board of Directors, and thanks God daily for them. Mercy Christian rests in the hands of a Good Shepherd who directs and protects the school.

    She is the wife of David and the mother of three young children and a hyper dog.

    “How precious is your steadfast love, O Lord. The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.” - Psalm 36:7

  • Matt Ponder

    Board Member

    Matt is a member of Norris Ferry Community Church where he serves in leadership there. He is the father of 3 active boys and the husband of Leslie. He has a passion to see young students grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God and has years of experience in teaching and coaching. With his current career in finance, he is eager to help MCA grow into a vibrant, Christ-centered organization.

  • Jason Monarch

    Board Member, Treasurer

    Jason is a native of Shreveport and an active member in the community. He and his wife Jenn are members of Norris Ferry Community Church. They have a large family and are committed to helping more children in Shreveport hear the Gospel of Christ and grow in God’s grace. When asked what he is most excited about regarding MCA, Jason said, “To help families receive a hands-on Christian education for their children from teachers that genuinely love them.”