Our Values

At Happy Hill Farm and NCTA, we strive to engage the mind, body, and heart in order to plant the moral and spiritual seeds that lead to lifelong success. That’s why our leaders, across the Board, administration, and faculty, strive to uphold biblical values in every action. And we approach every decision through a Christian worldview, modeling the values of service and kindness.

Meet Our Leaders

After four decades of life-changing ministry, Ed Shipman (1932-2016) passed the mantle of leadership to a group of talented, diverse men and women who are just as passionate about the mission of Happy Hill Farm and the children we serve. These dedicated leaders include the next generations of the Shipman family.

MR. C. EDWARD SHIPMAN (1932-2016) and MRS. GLORIA M. SHIPMAN
Founders

MR. TODD L. SHIPMAN
President & Chief Financial Officer

As President and CFO, Todd works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and the COO to lead North Central Texas Academy at Happy Hill Farm consistently toward becoming a more mature organization capable of delivering on our long-term vision.  Specifically, he ensures that our fiscal, operations, fundraising, marketing, human resources, technology, and programmatic strategies are effectively implemented across all segments of the organization.

MR. CHARLES E. SHIPMAN, JR.
Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Chuck works closely with the President/CFO.  Chuck leads our management team to develop a high-performance culture.  In addition to keeping the staff mission-focused and process-minded, he oversees the daily campus operations and the 500-acre physical plant.

MRS. AMANDA SCHWAUSCH, M.Ed.
Dean of Faculty

Amanda grew up at Happy Hill Farm and attended NCTA from kindergarten through 12th grade.  Upon graduating, she attended Texas Christian University and majored in political science with the intent of pursuing a career in child advocacy.  Then, she earned her Masters of Education and spent several years in a teaching position.  Amanda and her family came to serve at NCTA in 2011.

As Dean of Faculty, Amanda brings her experience with both education and child advocacy to lead our NCTA educators and staff.  She believes care and consistency are essential to success in the classroom and the development of every child.

MR. LUCAS SHIPMAN
Chief Development Officer

Lucas grew up on the campus of NCTA and attended the Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade.  He is a graduate of Liberty University with a B.S. in Religion and is currently completing a master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He and his wife, Natalie, have two children.

As the Director of Development, Lucas shares the crucial work of NCTA and HHF with caring donors.

MS. JENNIFER SMITH, M.Ed. 
NCTA Principal

Jennifer is a veteran of teaching and administration.  Serving NCTA since 2012, she leads with high expectations, constantly evaluating curriculum and programs to make sure they are world-class.  Mrs. Smith strives to create an empowering, welcoming learning environment for students and staff.

Board of Directors

MR. TRUITT B. GARRISON, Retired

MR. JOHN C. GESEK, Optimus Capital Advisors

MRS. GEORGE W. GILES, Right Management Consultants

DR. O. Z. HELMER, JR., Dentist

MRS. GRAHAM HOLLOWAY*, Retired

MR. GARY C. MARTIN, Vice Chairman, Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc.

MR. R. T. MILLER, Retired, Interstate Battery System of America

MR. DALE C. ROGERS, Chairman & CEO, Rogers Wealth Group, Inc.

* Advisory Member