In the months leading up to the 2025–26 school year, Loganville Christian Academy transformed a portion of the Upper School Building into what we now call The Mane Space. This space is home to our first-year Upper School Director of Academic Support, Heather Upchurch; Director of Discipleship, Maranda Joynes; and Guidance Counselor, Monica Landress. The Mane Space’s mission is to be a place “where students are seen, supported, and steered.”
There are three core aspects of The Mane Space: Academic Support, Discipleship, and Counseling.
Academic Support
The Mane Space serves as the hub of our Academic Support Learning Lab, where students receive individualized guidance to help them thrive. This area supports students in developing executive functioning skills—organizing, planning, and completing work—while helping them set and achieve personal goals.
Mrs. Upchurch provides learning assistance, facilitates peer-to-peer tutoring, and equips students with strategies that promote independence and confidence.
Technology also plays a significant role in The Mane Space. Tools such as AI text-to-speech readers, writing support programs, and other innovative resources help students overcome a variety of learning challenges. Mrs. Upchurch works closely with both students and teachers, carefully evaluating learning needs to ensure each student is equipped with the tools necessary to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Another key element of Academic Support is comprehensive academic evaluations. These assessments—similar to those used by public schools and psychologists—identify deficits in areas such as processing, working memory, and specific learning disorders. The results guide the development of a personalized Plan of Action, which outlines classroom accommodations and supports. Every aspect of Academic Support is designed to help students reach their full potential.
Discipleship
Mrs. Joynes leads the discipleship efforts at LCA from within The Mane Space, which serves as the central base for all spiritual activity on campus.
At the heart of this effort are our Upper School Chapel sessions. Mrs. Joynes oversees every aspect of Chapel—from scheduling speakers to praying over students in advance. In her office, she hosts regular prayer meetings with staff and students, particularly during the lead-up to major spiritually focused events like Alpha Camp in August.
Each week, she leads our Upper School in prayer, the pledge, and announcements—often with help from our high school Student Government Association.
Beyond organized spiritual activities, Mrs. Joynes offers students a listening ear and wise counsel as they navigate personal situations.
The Mane Space also supports student leadership and involvement. It’s where many high school students bring their ideas for events and clubs to life. Staff and volunteer parents are welcome to collaborate on student clubs, activities, and the overall spiritual life on campus.
Counseling
A vital part of The Mane Space is its focus on students’ social and emotional well-being. Mrs. Landress provides a supportive environment where students can pause, reset, and work through challenges—whether it’s managing stress, navigating friendships, or building self-confidence. She is intentional about walking alongside students to help them develop healthy coping strategies and feel supported throughout their LCA journey.
In addition to one-on-one check-ins, Mrs. Landress oversees two key programs: J-Term and Student Ambassadors.
J-Term offers hands-on learning through Explorations, Engagements, and Expeditions, while the Student Ambassadors program features student leaders who represent LCA with hospitality and school spirit.
Mrs. Landress said, “The Mane Space serves as the central hub for all of these things—mentoring, leadership development, academic and emotional support, and connection—which makes it a place where students know they can come for guidance and growth in many areas of their school experience.”
“My hope is that every student who steps into the Mane Space feels encouraged, connected, and equipped—not only to succeed academically, but also to thrive personally and spiritually.”