MEET OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
At Unity Christian Academy, our administrative team is dedicated to fostering a Christ-centered learning environment where wisdom, virtue, and excellence thrive. With a heart for service and a commitment to our students, they work behind the scenes to support teachers, encourage families, and uphold the values that make UCA a special place. Whether guiding daily operations, overseeing academic programs, or nurturing a strong community, each team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students.
Meet the K-12 Administration
K-12 Principal
Mandi Stone
Hello everyone! My name is Mandi Stone, and I am honored to serve as the K-12 Principal at Unity Christian Academy. Born and raised in Chocowinity, NC, I grew up deeply rooted in the Haw Branch Church of Christ community—attending Sunday school, youth group, and church events on the same campus our school now calls home!
I graduated from NC State University as a Teaching Fellow with a B.S. in Middle Grades Education. During college, I was actively involved in Campus Christian Fellowship, serving on both the student leadership and praise teams. It was there that I met my husband, Cody. We were married at Haw Branch and will celebrate 11 years of marriage this summer. Cody serves as a deacon and leads our small group on Wednesday nights, and together we remain active members of the Haw Branch church family. We’re blessed with two children—Zoey (9) and Russell (6)—who also attend UCA.
After four years of teaching at Chocowinity Middle School, I joined the UCA family in August 2018 as an Upper School English, Science, and History teacher. I stepped into the role of Upper School Principal in June 2022 and began serving as the K–12 Principal in January 2024.
Now in my eigth year at UCA and my twelfth year in education, I find great joy in mentoring teachers, having meaningful conversations with students, coaching volleyball, and supporting families.
As I reflect on my journey, I see God’s faithful hand guiding each step. UCA is far more than a workplace—it’s my home away from home. I am humbled and grateful to serve in a school devoted to academic excellence and the formation of authentic Christian leaders.
Email Mrs. Stone at mstone@ucawarriors.com
K-12 Assistant Principal
Whitley Craft
Hi all! I’m Whitley Craft, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Principal of Unity Christian Academy. With the desire to dedicate my life to ministry, I pursued my Bachelor’s in Biblical Exposition at Mid-Atlantic Christian University, located in Elizabeth City, NC (which is also my hometown). It was there that I met my husband, Joey Craft! One of our greatest joys in life is our daughter, Holland, who is one of our Warriors Students!
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Beyond my role at UCA, my focus revolves around Haw Branch Church of Christ, where my husband serves as the youth minister and I help to lead worship during our Sunday services. Together, our aim is to deepen our community’s love and desire for Christ.
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I’ve been on staff at Unity Christian Academy for over eight years now and am wholeheartedly committed to its mission of producing Authentic Christian leaders. Every day, I wake up with enthusiasm to work here, cherishing the opportunity to minister to families, students, and staff, guiding them to Jesus in every aspect of life.
Email Mrs. Craft at wcraft@ucawarriors.com
Office Administrator
Ashley Carlson
My name is Ashley Carlson and I am from Chocowinity, NC! I attended East Carolina University and received my Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics. Before accepting the position of Office Administrator, I taught for nine years. My family attends Haw Branch Church of Christ and my husband, Nathan, is the worship leader. Together, we have three children: Noah, Lucas, and Oaklyn Kate who all attend UCA as well!
Email Mrs. Carlson at acarlson@ucawarriors.com
Meet the Preschool Administration
Preschool Principal
Laurie Dixon
Hola, from Sra. Dixon, the preschool principal and part-time preschool and lower school Spanish teacher here at Unity Christian Academy! I come from Greenville, NC, but I consider myself a Chocowinity/Beaufort County transplant since I married my husband, Tavner, over 32 years ago. God provided me the opportunity to teach in Christian education over the years from daycare all the way up through twelfth grade, and for this blessing I give Him the glory.
I have been teaching in Christian education for over 25 years, and this year marks my sixteenth year at Unity Christian Academy. I find great joy in witnessing children learn to love Jesus and showing them how much Jesus loves them.
I actively attend Union Chapel FWB Church in Chocowinity and serve in the music and children’s programs. Together with my husband, Tavner, we have two adult children, Holden and Jared, both graduates of Unity Christian Academy.
Email Mrs. Dixon at ldixon@ucawarriors.com
Meet the Athletic Director
Athletic Director
Joey Craft
My name is Joey Craft and I was born and raised in Plymouth, NC. In following my passion for leading youth to Christ, I attended Mid-Atlantic Christian University where I earned my degree in Youth & Family Ministry. Since May 2016, I've been serving as the youth minister at Haw Branch Church of Christ, alongside my wife, Mrs. Craft. Our daughter, Holland, is now a Warrior in our preschool program.
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In addition to ministry, I have a passion for athletics and I’m honored to serve as the Athletic Director here at UCA. Our athletics program is growing quickly and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for it.
Contact him at jcraft@ucawarriors.com
