Meet Our Team

Faculty and Staff

Pastors Jarrod and Kristi Dugger

CVO- Chief Visionary Officers
Update Coming Soon

Linda Merriott

Head of School
Linda Merriott is an educator with 38 years' experience as a teacher and an administrator.
She has taught Kindergarten through college students. She spent eight years in Asia working with
students from around the world in Youth with a Mission (YWAM) while leading mission teams
in ten different countries. Christian education became her passion and ministry. Throughout her career, Linda has helped to start and grow five Christian schools. For many years, Linda has been a student of brain research, endeavoring to discover how God designed the brain to best learn. She is fervent in her dedication to bringing relevant innovations to Christian schools and she hopes to inspire and consult with churches and fellow Christians to influence Christian schools to begin or continue to teach a Biblical Worldview to students and families. Linda has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Texas Tech University, attended
graduate school at Texas A&M, Commerce to receive her teaching certificate, and earned a Master of Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Seth Conger

Teacher
Seth Conger, a Lubbock native with a passion to see the youth of this generation flourish in education and the word of God. Growing up in the church she realized just how important it is for children to learn about God’s love, and his character. Not only to have knowledge of him, but to walk in his purpose and plan for their lives.
 With an active love of music, art and history, she plans on sharing these gifts with our youth to help them exercise their own gifts and use them for the glory of God. She believes the coming generations should have a firm identity in Christ and she finds so much joy in having the privilege to be a part of being a positive Christian impact on these young warriors.

Cassandra Crayne

Administrative Assistant
Cassandra Crayne is a proud alumna of Texas Tech University, having earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Human Sciences. For over two decades, she has dedicated herself to Christian education, wearing multiple hats as a parent, volunteer, and administrative staff member. In her role, Cassandra has championed fundraising efforts, meticulously managed attendance records, served as a proficient SIS administrator, and expertly directed admissions procedures. Her passion lies in fostering meaningful connections with students and parents, providing invaluable support in the intricacies of school life.
In 2008, Cassandra embraced her faith wholeheartedly, publicly professing it and marking the occasion with baptism.

Kali Daniels

Teacher
Media and Communications
Kali began her art education journey at Oral Roberts University where she discovered what truly fuels her creativity. All students need is a little time and freedom to explore their ideas and the gifts God has given them to bring them to life. One of her favorite teachers provided several hours of studio time, gently guiding dreams into reality. When we delve deep into our hearts and recognize how uniquely God has designed us, we can produce something truly beautiful to glorify the Lord. Now, Kali teaches with the same fervor, aiming to inspire rather than impose expectations. Kali also enjoys being outside, especially in the garden, time with her husband and two daughters, and playing piano. She is excited to teach at FFCA, feeling a strong calling to encourage students as they begin to uncover the gifts God has given to them in the arts

Jarrod Dugger

CVO- Chief Visionary Officer
Teacher
Update Coming Soon

Joseph Dugger

Teacher
Media and Communications
Joseph Dugger, born and raised in Lubbock Texas and brought up in church, has always had a passion to serving his community. Being called to ministry from a young age, Joseph has served in children’s and youth ministry at Fresh Fire Fellowship going on 5 years.
Having a strong belief that everyone can have a personal relationship with God, he desires each child to hear from God for themselves, to have an intentional relationship with Holy Spirit and make God the Lord of every aspect of their life. When they know who God is, only then will children know who they are.
As children’s director at Fresh Fire Fellowship, Business Owner and Graduate from Texas Tech University, Joseph is excited to be partnering with a school that honors God above all else and teaches Children how to do the same.

Kristi Dugger

CVO- Chief Visionary Officer
Teacher
Update Coming Soon

Carissa Mathews

Teacher
Carissa Mathews was born in Lubbock, Texas, and has spent most of her life here. She is married and has two adult sons. Her journey with children started at the age of 18, teaching from Pre-K to 2nd grade. Additionally, she is involved in the children's ministry team and volunteers at her church, aiming to share the Father's love with young ones. Carissa firmly believe that each child has a divine purpose, and is thrilled to be part of FFCA, nurturing the next generation in God's love. 

Michael Mathews

Teacher
Update Coming Soon

Gwen Morgan

School Counsel
Graduating from Lubbock Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, Gwen dedicated five years to teaching high school in Lubbock ISD. Subsequently, she embarked on a unique 24-year career in interior design, specializing as a wallpaper hanger and faux painter under the business name PenGwen Wallpapering.
Gwen's commitment to community service led her to serve as the education director for My Father's House before venturing into mission work in Thailand. Her passion for teaching remained steadfast, and she returned to education, devoting 11 years to teaching at an alternative school where she worked with "at-risk" students.
A true advocate for the underprivileged, Gwen's heart is particularly drawn to helping children understand their God-given identity. Her profound dedication to this cause stems from her experience working with "at-risk" students, further emphasizing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on young lives.

Bryanna  Smith

Teacher
The journey of becoming a teacher began early on for Bryanna when she was first diagnosed with being dyslexic. Being labeled as dyslexic left a negative impact on her educational experience. She felt compassion towards children who learned differently. Bryanna knew she wanted to be an advocate for children who didn’t have a voice and knew that becoming a teacher would accomplish that goal.
Bryanna graduated from Lubbock Christian University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Childhood Education. She taught for five years in Midland  then felt God’s calling to stay home with her four girls.
To her surprise the Holy Spirit has called her back to this ministry of being in the classroom again.  She is excited to guide, teach, and advocate in a new way through Fresh Fire Christian Academy.