TCA - TOP Christian Academy
TOP Christian Academy is a private Christian school coming soon to Raleigh, NC. More information to come as it is made available.
TCA Startup Advisory Team
Bryan & Christy Ballestero
Temple of Pentecost Sr. Pastors
Pastors Bryan and Christy Ballestero serve as the Lead Pastors of Temple of Pentecost (TOP) and have faithfully dedicated over 33 years to full-time ministry. Their service spans Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, Assistant Pastoral leadership, and now Lead Pastoral ministry. Pastor Ballestero has served as a Presbyter and Board Member for the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), North Carolina District, since 2013.
Pastor Ballestero holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Jackson College of Ministries.(JCM) Christy studied formal musical training at JCM along with an Administrative Certification at Wake Tech Community College and holds a Certification in Counseling – Congregational Care through Wilson University.
Beyond ministry, Bryan and Christy have been committed homeschooling parents, along with blended education, since 2006, raising their five children. They have one beautiful granddaughter.
Pastor Ballestero holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Jackson College of Ministries.(JCM) Christy studied formal musical training at JCM along with an Administrative Certification at Wake Tech Community College and holds a Certification in Counseling – Congregational Care through Wilson University.
Beyond ministry, Bryan and Christy have been committed homeschooling parents, along with blended education, since 2006, raising their five children. They have one beautiful granddaughter.
Bryan & Christy Ballestero
Dr. James Douglas
Principal
Education: B.A. Marketing Education, Marshall University; Master of School Administration (MSA) North Carolina State University; Ed.D. Educational Leadership, North Carolina State University.
Work Experience: Dr. Douglas spent 25 years working in public schools as a high school teacher and elementary school administrator. Before retiring from the public school system, he served as an elementary school principal for 12 years, including at a Title I school and a multi-track year round school. After retiring from the public school system, he has taught at a private Classical school, where he also has served in an administrative capacity.
Connection to the TOP: James and his wife Carolyn have attended the TOP since they moved to the Raleigh area in 1984. During that time they have served in many capacities, including working in Children’s Ministries for the last 31 years. They have 4 grown children, and 8 grandchildren.
Work Experience: Dr. Douglas spent 25 years working in public schools as a high school teacher and elementary school administrator. Before retiring from the public school system, he served as an elementary school principal for 12 years, including at a Title I school and a multi-track year round school. After retiring from the public school system, he has taught at a private Classical school, where he also has served in an administrative capacity.
Connection to the TOP: James and his wife Carolyn have attended the TOP since they moved to the Raleigh area in 1984. During that time they have served in many capacities, including working in Children’s Ministries for the last 31 years. They have 4 grown children, and 8 grandchildren.
Dr. James Douglas
David Johnson
Attorney
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Campbell University, where he also earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Work Experience: David Johnson is a licensed attorney in the State of North Carolina and has served as legal counsel for multiple governmental municipalities across North Carolina, providing guidance on matters of public administration, compliance, and governmental operations. In addition to his legal practice, he has contributed at the federal level through service on a Presidential Committee supporting the implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), assisting with policy development and oversight during a critical period of national recovery. In recognition of his professional excellence and public service, Attorney Johnson was honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence in 2022, one of the State of North Carolina’s highest awards for state and public service achievement.
Connection to TOP: Attorney Johnson is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). He has been a member of TOP since 2024, where he and his wife, Zaria Johnson actively evangelizes and serves in ministry.
Work Experience: David Johnson is a licensed attorney in the State of North Carolina and has served as legal counsel for multiple governmental municipalities across North Carolina, providing guidance on matters of public administration, compliance, and governmental operations. In addition to his legal practice, he has contributed at the federal level through service on a Presidential Committee supporting the implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), assisting with policy development and oversight during a critical period of national recovery. In recognition of his professional excellence and public service, Attorney Johnson was honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence in 2022, one of the State of North Carolina’s highest awards for state and public service achievement.
Connection to TOP: Attorney Johnson is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). He has been a member of TOP since 2024, where he and his wife, Zaria Johnson actively evangelizes and serves in ministry.
Attorney David Johnson
Dr. DeeDee Allen
Dr. DeeDee Allen holds a PhD in Chemistry from North Carolina State University (2003) and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (1999). She has over 20 years of experience teaching college-level chemistry at a local community college and has been actively involved in educational research aimed at increasing student participation and success in STEM fields. Dr. Allen and her husband have been faithful members of the Temple of Pentecost since their marriage in 1999, and she has served for many years as a teacher within the church’s Christian Education department. As a parent of three school-aged children with varying 504 and IEP needs, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight into the importance of meeting students where they are academically, socially, and spiritually. Dr. Allen is a strong advocate for high-quality education and is committed to supporting the mission and growth of a new Christian school grounded in faith and excellence.
Dr. DeeDee Allen
April Thomas
Education:Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Masters of Arts in Education in Instructional Technology, East Carolina University; Masters of School Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Work Experience: With 27 years of experience across public and private education, April Thomas has held diverse roles including Elementary Teacher, Instructional Facilitator, Technology Specialist, and Assistant Principal. April is also a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and North Carolina Principal Fellow.
Connection to the TOP: For over 12 years, April and her family have been devoted members of the Temple of Pentecost, serving faithfully in a variety of roles.
Work Experience: With 27 years of experience across public and private education, April Thomas has held diverse roles including Elementary Teacher, Instructional Facilitator, Technology Specialist, and Assistant Principal. April is also a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and North Carolina Principal Fellow.
Connection to the TOP: For over 12 years, April and her family have been devoted members of the Temple of Pentecost, serving faithfully in a variety of roles.
April Thomas
Jamika Knypstra
Education: Jamika has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from East Carolina University and is a graduate of the Human Lactation Program from North Carolina A&T State University. She holds a certification as a lactation educator within the WIC nutrition program and is BLS certified for adults, children and infants.
Work Experience: Jamika has over a decade of nutrition education experience, that expands from hospital in-patient nutrition care to community nutrition education. Jamika's current role is a Lead WIC Nutritionist and Vendor Coordinator for Piedmont Health Service.
Connection to the Top: Jamika and her daughter Lillyana have attended the Temple of Pentecost since 2019, after moving from Washington State. Jamika is a choir member, helps with TOP connect, and faithfully serves in many volunteer roles.
Work Experience: Jamika has over a decade of nutrition education experience, that expands from hospital in-patient nutrition care to community nutrition education. Jamika's current role is a Lead WIC Nutritionist and Vendor Coordinator for Piedmont Health Service.
Connection to the Top: Jamika and her daughter Lillyana have attended the Temple of Pentecost since 2019, after moving from Washington State. Jamika is a choir member, helps with TOP connect, and faithfully serves in many volunteer roles.
Jamika Knypstra
Courtney Chance
Education: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Meredith College and a Secondary Licensure from East Carolina University.
Work Experience: Courtney has over a decade of professional experience in public service, including administrative leadership within Wake County Government and prior experience in education. She currently serves as an Administrative Coordinator for the Homeless Prevention Division, where she manages grant programs, budgeting, procurement, compliance monitoring, staff supervision, and internal communications. Her background also includes eight years as a Family and Consumer Science Educator with Wake County Public Schools, where she developed curriculum, managed budgets, coordinated programs, and ensured regulatory compliance.
Connection to the TOP: Courtney and her husband, Brandon, were both raised at the Temple of Pentecost, where they faithfully served in various ministries throughout their lives. The Chances currently serve as Wednesday Night teachers in the preteen class. Courtney has also served as the Temple of Pentecost’s TBC Administrator for the past six years. Courtney and Brandon are the proud parents of two boys.
Work Experience: Courtney has over a decade of professional experience in public service, including administrative leadership within Wake County Government and prior experience in education. She currently serves as an Administrative Coordinator for the Homeless Prevention Division, where she manages grant programs, budgeting, procurement, compliance monitoring, staff supervision, and internal communications. Her background also includes eight years as a Family and Consumer Science Educator with Wake County Public Schools, where she developed curriculum, managed budgets, coordinated programs, and ensured regulatory compliance.
Connection to the TOP: Courtney and her husband, Brandon, were both raised at the Temple of Pentecost, where they faithfully served in various ministries throughout their lives. The Chances currently serve as Wednesday Night teachers in the preteen class. Courtney has also served as the Temple of Pentecost’s TBC Administrator for the past six years. Courtney and Brandon are the proud parents of two boys.
Courtney Chance
Grant Wicker
Education: Bachelors in Information Technology and Security, Campbell University.
Work Experience: Grant has spent 5 years working in the professional technology field for a mid sized publicly traded company. Grant has spent time in a number of roles including Support Manager and Infrastructure Manager for over 3 years of his experience. Grant has taken part of a specialized leadership training program and is seen as a future leader of the organization.
Connection to the TOP: Grant has attended the TOP since he was 2 years old and has been raised in the church. Grant has served as a Sunday School teacher for the last 12 years and has served in other capacities and is currently pursuing his Ministry License with the UPCI. Grant and his wife Erin currently have a 2 year old child.
Work Experience: Grant has spent 5 years working in the professional technology field for a mid sized publicly traded company. Grant has spent time in a number of roles including Support Manager and Infrastructure Manager for over 3 years of his experience. Grant has taken part of a specialized leadership training program and is seen as a future leader of the organization.
Connection to the TOP: Grant has attended the TOP since he was 2 years old and has been raised in the church. Grant has served as a Sunday School teacher for the last 12 years and has served in other capacities and is currently pursuing his Ministry License with the UPCI. Grant and his wife Erin currently have a 2 year old child.
Grant Wicker
Johnathan & MaKayla Moore
Johnathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Trust and Wealth Management from Campbell University and is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) through the American Bankers Association. MaKayla holds a High School Diploma, has completed coursework through Texas Bible College Excell, and has pursued additional training in social media management, graphic design, and church leadership and organizational development.
Johnathan has extensive experience in financial services, trust administration, and relationship management. He currently serves as an Account Executive with a national warranty and reinsurance organization and previously spent over 10 years in private wealth management as a Vice President and Trust Officer within major national banking institutions, overseeing trust operations and regulatory compliance for high-net-worth clients.
MaKayla has over 8 years of experience in branding/marketing and operations across faith-based and secular organizations. Her work includes managing digital and print communications, supporting large-scale church and district-wide events, and helping oversee systems that support scheduling, communication, and coordination across ministries.
Johnathan and MaKayla share a multi-generational connection to the Temple of Pentecost (TOP). Johnathan has served on the church’s Audio/Visual team for over 20+ years. MaKayla was raised in ministry through a daughter work affiliated with TOP and began attending the Temple of Pentecost directly as a teenager. Together, they serve on the church’s Core Leadership team and support organizational systems, planning, and ministry coordination, including shared oversight of Planning Center, and serve as support staff for the Young Adults College & Career Ministry (The Bridge). Johnathan and MaKayla have been married for 11 years and have three young children; they have been homeschooling for the past 3 years. They remain actively engaged in the life and long-term vision of the TOP.
Johnathan has extensive experience in financial services, trust administration, and relationship management. He currently serves as an Account Executive with a national warranty and reinsurance organization and previously spent over 10 years in private wealth management as a Vice President and Trust Officer within major national banking institutions, overseeing trust operations and regulatory compliance for high-net-worth clients.
MaKayla has over 8 years of experience in branding/marketing and operations across faith-based and secular organizations. Her work includes managing digital and print communications, supporting large-scale church and district-wide events, and helping oversee systems that support scheduling, communication, and coordination across ministries.
Johnathan and MaKayla share a multi-generational connection to the Temple of Pentecost (TOP). Johnathan has served on the church’s Audio/Visual team for over 20+ years. MaKayla was raised in ministry through a daughter work affiliated with TOP and began attending the Temple of Pentecost directly as a teenager. Together, they serve on the church’s Core Leadership team and support organizational systems, planning, and ministry coordination, including shared oversight of Planning Center, and serve as support staff for the Young Adults College & Career Ministry (The Bridge). Johnathan and MaKayla have been married for 11 years and have three young children; they have been homeschooling for the past 3 years. They remain actively engaged in the life and long-term vision of the TOP.
Johnathan & MaKayla Moore
Abigail Ballestero
Education: B.A. Telecommunications, Education Consecration, University of Florida; Worship Studies Degree, Indiana Bible College; Classroom Management Certification, STEDI
Experience: Abigail Ballestero has established 2 private music instruction institutions (Cornerstone Studio, Ocala, Florida; TOP School of Music) that are still in operation, and specialize in teaching children, K-12, in vocal and instrument performance. Since moving to Raleigh in 2022, she travels part time to teach and train churches and regional church districts in vocal and choir technique. After graduating from the University of Florida, Abigail completed STEDI Classroom Management to work at Marion County Public Schools located in Ocala, Florida. Abigail has a passion for children’s music instruction and promoting excellence in Christian education.
Connection to TOP: Abigail and her husband, Huntley Ballestero, serve the Temple of Pentecost as music directors, TOP School of Music instructors and directors, and as the Young Adult directors.
Experience: Abigail Ballestero has established 2 private music instruction institutions (Cornerstone Studio, Ocala, Florida; TOP School of Music) that are still in operation, and specialize in teaching children, K-12, in vocal and instrument performance. Since moving to Raleigh in 2022, she travels part time to teach and train churches and regional church districts in vocal and choir technique. After graduating from the University of Florida, Abigail completed STEDI Classroom Management to work at Marion County Public Schools located in Ocala, Florida. Abigail has a passion for children’s music instruction and promoting excellence in Christian education.
Connection to TOP: Abigail and her husband, Huntley Ballestero, serve the Temple of Pentecost as music directors, TOP School of Music instructors and directors, and as the Young Adult directors.
Abigail Ballestero
Rev. Jeremy and Tiffany Moore
Rev. Jeremy and Tiffany Moore are the Executive Pastors at Temple of Pentecost (TOP), where they have devoted over 25 years to ministry and leadership. Their contributions include roles in Sunday School Ministry, Youth Pastoral Ministry, and Administrative Pastoral duties. Pastor Moore holds a General ministerial license from the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and served as the Youth President for the UPCI North Carolina District from 2013 to 2017. He currently serves as the Sectional Director for the Sunday School Department within the same district.
Pastor Moore has earned certifications and diplomas in Theology and Leadership Studies from several institutions, including Jackson College of Ministries, Kent Bible College, Texas Bible College, and Indiana Bible College. He also holds an Administrative Certification from Wake Tech Community College and a Coaching and Christian Counseling Certification from the International John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, being a licensed John Maxwell Team Coach. Tiffany majored in Christian Education at Indiana Bible College and then went on to work as a full-time nanny for over eight years. After adopting their daughter, Analiese, in 2012, she began homeschooling her, both in blended and full-time formats. They also have a son, Lucas Jeremy, through adoption.
In addition to their ministry work, Jeremy and Tiffany have operated small businesses in the Clayton and Wendell communities since 2005. Jeremy is also a Boy Scouts of America member, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager.
Pastor Moore has earned certifications and diplomas in Theology and Leadership Studies from several institutions, including Jackson College of Ministries, Kent Bible College, Texas Bible College, and Indiana Bible College. He also holds an Administrative Certification from Wake Tech Community College and a Coaching and Christian Counseling Certification from the International John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, being a licensed John Maxwell Team Coach. Tiffany majored in Christian Education at Indiana Bible College and then went on to work as a full-time nanny for over eight years. After adopting their daughter, Analiese, in 2012, she began homeschooling her, both in blended and full-time formats. They also have a son, Lucas Jeremy, through adoption.
In addition to their ministry work, Jeremy and Tiffany have operated small businesses in the Clayton and Wendell communities since 2005. Jeremy is also a Boy Scouts of America member, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager.
Jeremy & Tiffany Moore