Academic Administration
Chris Crowder
Head of School
Pastor Chris Crowder is a seasoned executive leader, pastor, and community advocate with over two decades of experience in operations, education, and public administration. As Head of School at Layton Christian Academy and Associate Pastor at Christian Life Center Church, he oversees a dynamic community of over 600 students from more than 50 nations, helping shape a campus that reflects global diversity, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education.
Chris oversees over $25 million in assets and a $10 million annual budget, leading more than 100 employees with a passion for empowering both staff and students to live with purpose and impact. His commitment to public service includes appointments by Governor Gary Herbert to the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice and service on the Layton City Planning Commission and interfaith committee.
Chris holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, and a B.S. in Communications from Weber State University.
He is married to Kathleen Tesori-Crowder and is the proud father of three children. Chris is known for his strategic vision, his heart for the next generation, and his belief that Christian education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming families and communities.
He has never met a challenge he didn’t want to outwork. But give him a Red Bull, a prayer, and a deadline? Consider it done.
Chris oversees over $25 million in assets and a $10 million annual budget, leading more than 100 employees with a passion for empowering both staff and students to live with purpose and impact. His commitment to public service includes appointments by Governor Gary Herbert to the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice and service on the Layton City Planning Commission and interfaith committee.
Chris holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, and a B.S. in Communications from Weber State University.
He is married to Kathleen Tesori-Crowder and is the proud father of three children. Chris is known for his strategic vision, his heart for the next generation, and his belief that Christian education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming families and communities.
He has never met a challenge he didn’t want to outwork. But give him a Red Bull, a prayer, and a deadline? Consider it done.
Gabe Pethtel
High School Principal | Athletic Director
Gabe Pethtel brings over two decades of leadership in Christian education to his role as High School Principal at LCA. After previously serving as K–8 Principal and Athletic Director, Gabe now leads a thriving high school community known for its academic rigor, athletic excellence, and spiritual growth.
With a background in school administration, teaching, and pastoral ministry, Gabe is passionate about creating a culture where students thrive spiritually, academically, and socially. Under his leadership, LCA has launched a new college and career readiness program, expanded guidance services, and strengthened student support.
What makes Gabe’s approach unique is his heart for diversity and discipleship. “LCA is one of the most amazing schools in the world,” he says, “because of its global student body and its unwavering commitment to Christ.” Gabe’s warm leadership style, paired with his high standards for excellence, make him a beloved figure among students and faculty alike.
His favorite part of the job? Building a high school culture where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead with purpose.
His favorite Dad joke? "Why did God create man before woman? ... Because everyone needs a rough draft."
With a background in school administration, teaching, and pastoral ministry, Gabe is passionate about creating a culture where students thrive spiritually, academically, and socially. Under his leadership, LCA has launched a new college and career readiness program, expanded guidance services, and strengthened student support.
What makes Gabe’s approach unique is his heart for diversity and discipleship. “LCA is one of the most amazing schools in the world,” he says, “because of its global student body and its unwavering commitment to Christ.” Gabe’s warm leadership style, paired with his high standards for excellence, make him a beloved figure among students and faculty alike.
His favorite part of the job? Building a high school culture where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead with purpose.
His favorite Dad joke? "Why did God create man before woman? ... Because everyone needs a rough draft."
Ann Long
K-8 Principal
With more than 20 years of experience in both private Christian and public charter education, Anna Long returns to Layton Christian Academy as the K–8 Principal with a mission to strengthen both faith and academic excellence.
Anna previously served as a teacher at LCA before moving into administrative roles at two prestigious Utah Charter schools, Good Foundations Academy and Monticello Academy, where she worked as Academic Director and District Literacy Director.
In addition to developing curriculum and leading teacher training programs, Anna also worked as a published curriculum writer for ACSI’s Purposeful Design series, helping shape Bible education for Christian schools worldwide.
What sets Anna apart is her ability to combine research-based academic leadership with a heart for spiritual formation. She believes in data-informed instruction, teacher empowerment, and creating a safe, inclusive culture where every child is known and valued.
Anna describes her leadership in three words: Faith. Excellence. Community. She’s passionate about building strong partnerships with families, developing Christ-centered teachers, and nurturing a school culture where joy, prayer, and academic achievement go hand-in-hand.
"Faith. Excellence. Community." These three words guide Anna's leadership—and her dogs, dressed to impress, would definitely approve.
Anna previously served as a teacher at LCA before moving into administrative roles at two prestigious Utah Charter schools, Good Foundations Academy and Monticello Academy, where she worked as Academic Director and District Literacy Director.
In addition to developing curriculum and leading teacher training programs, Anna also worked as a published curriculum writer for ACSI’s Purposeful Design series, helping shape Bible education for Christian schools worldwide.
What sets Anna apart is her ability to combine research-based academic leadership with a heart for spiritual formation. She believes in data-informed instruction, teacher empowerment, and creating a safe, inclusive culture where every child is known and valued.
Anna describes her leadership in three words: Faith. Excellence. Community. She’s passionate about building strong partnerships with families, developing Christ-centered teachers, and nurturing a school culture where joy, prayer, and academic achievement go hand-in-hand.
"Faith. Excellence. Community." These three words guide Anna's leadership—and her dogs, dressed to impress, would definitely approve.