Our Staff
Leslie Solliday
Executive Director and Art Teacher
Executive Director and Art Teacher
I grew up in Southern California. My family and I were members of a Christian Church and I was baptized when I was ten. In 1988 my family moved to Mariposa near Yosemite National Park when I was in high school. I attended Christian Heritage College in the San Diego area. The college had a good missions program. I went with teams to do mission work in Mexico often. In 1994 I went to Indiana, I got married and we moved to Abilene, TX were I worked as an aircraft technician for five years. I felt like the Lord was leading us to work with youth, so I became a youth minister for a church in Virginia and later for a church in Kentucky and Georgia. Eventually, I became the Associate Minister at Dayton Christian Church in Oregon. In the summer of 2012, I became the Director of AICM. I manage the mission, promote the mission at churches and Bible conferences and work with the Board of Directors regarding future plans for AICM. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to help Native Americans know Christ.
Angela and I met in Indiana and got married in 1995. We have two children, Daniel and Rachel. They were born in Texas and are now teenagers in high school. They help with the mission when they can, like going out on the bus to work with kids. We have been involved in ministry for many years. We worked with youth at churches and camps before we arrived at AICM. We feel that the Lord has sent us here to work with Native Americans. We believe God has given us the talents and opportunities that have prepared us to work in missions.
Angela and I met in Indiana and got married in 1995. We have two children, Daniel and Rachel. They were born in Texas and are now teenagers in high school. They help with the mission when they can, like going out on the bus to work with kids. We have been involved in ministry for many years. We worked with youth at churches and camps before we arrived at AICM. We feel that the Lord has sent us here to work with Native Americans. We believe God has given us the talents and opportunities that have prepared us to work in missions.
Angela Solliday
Business Manager & Ministry Team Coordinator
Business Manager & Ministry Team Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon!
Jeff Cline
Human Resources, Operations Director, Interim Principal
Human Resources, Operations Director, Interim Principal
Bio Soon!
Cindie Alkire
Director of Child Sponsorship Program
Director of Child Sponsorship Program
Bio Soon!
Lorraine Pierce
Grades 7-8
Grades 7-8
In 1998 the Director of AICM did a presentation at our home church, Emmanuel Christian Church, in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania. My husband, Willie Pierce, wanted to help the children at AICM in some way. I was a certified teacher in Physics and General Science. I thought a design for the new science lab might help if it came from a teacher, and sent one, along with a mention that I would be available if they needed a science teacher. The Principal contacted me, and I found myself on the way to Arizona while Willie was selling our home and small farm.
I have witnessed countless blessings, both large and small since that day. I wouldn’t know where to begin. We have been blessed by meeting some fantastic people who have come here to AICM to serve the Lord, some of whom are very dear to us. Perhaps the greatest blessing of all, though, is almost daily watching our students grow and learn. Some of them have graduated from high school, married and have had children of their own. Others are working to graduate and move on to productive lives. That is just a huge blessing that lifts me up to the mountain top. I know of one who is on track for a degree in medicine. Others have joined the military.
Favorite Verses: Isaiah 40:31, I Peter 5:7, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Philippians 4:13
I have witnessed countless blessings, both large and small since that day. I wouldn’t know where to begin. We have been blessed by meeting some fantastic people who have come here to AICM to serve the Lord, some of whom are very dear to us. Perhaps the greatest blessing of all, though, is almost daily watching our students grow and learn. Some of them have graduated from high school, married and have had children of their own. Others are working to graduate and move on to productive lives. That is just a huge blessing that lifts me up to the mountain top. I know of one who is on track for a degree in medicine. Others have joined the military.
Favorite Verses: Isaiah 40:31, I Peter 5:7, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Philippians 4:13
Amanda McGinnis
Grade 5 & 6 Teacher
Grade 5 & 6 Teacher
Hi, my name is Amanda McGinnis and I teach the fifth grade class. This is my first year teaching here at AICM. I graduated from Cincinnati Christian University in December of 2016, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am originally from Richwood, Ohio, but have spent the past five years studying and living in Cincinnati. In 2012 I came on a mission trip to Arizona and then spent the next two summers serving the people of the White Mountain Apache Reservation as an intern with another local ministry. During this time, I was able to work alongside AICM in various ways. From a young age I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, I did not have any idea as to where I would end up teaching. Last spring while driving home from work one day, God reminded me of my heart and passion for the Apache Children, and laid it on my heart to return long-term to teach. Over the next few months God opened a lot of doors and I was offered the teaching position here at AICM. I am so excited to be a part of the AICM family and to be able to teach these students both academically and spiritually.
The highlight of my time here has been building deep relationships with all of my students as well as several others from the school.
The highlight of my time here has been building deep relationships with all of my students as well as several others from the school.
Susie Hixenbaugh
Grades 3 & 4 Teacher
Grades 3 & 4 Teacher
My name is Mrs. Susie Hix (Hixenbaugh). I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I'm Choctaw, Lakota Sioux, and Irish. I gave my life to Christ during the Jesus Movement in the 70's and it stuck! I have a BA in Social Science with an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education (K-3). I've taught in both public and private schools for a total of 17 years. I worked here at AICM in 2008 for a short time and i fell in love with the Arizona countryside and the beautiful children. God allowed me to return with my husband Dennis in August 2017. since then we have served as volunteers as a maintenance worker, kitchen helper, laundry worker, tutor, and office helper on the AICM campus. I'm the language arts and History teacher for the lower grades. I really enjoy teaching our students the ABC Bible Scriptures, History and Phonics, as well as seeing my kids enjoy reading! I'm looking forward to a great school year.
My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11-13 "God has a hope and future for His people" :)
My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11-13 "God has a hope and future for His people" :)
The Holloway Family
Apache Christian Connection(Blue Bus Ministry)
Apache Christian Connection(Blue Bus Ministry)
Leslee and James Holloway are the new Director's of the ACC Blue Bus Ministry. The Holloway's came here in October of 2016 from Fort Worth Texas with their three boys, Christian, Nicholas and Benjamin. Prior to coming to AICM, both James and Leslie worked on the staff at a church in Richland, Texas. At the Church, James was on the maintenance staff and Leslie
was the Director of their bus ministry.
"During this time God gave us a passion for sharing God's work through the bus ministry and we're excited to be here at AICM, bringing God's word to the people of the reservation". "Please pray that we will form a lasting relationship with the Native American's there".
-The Holloway Family
was the Director of their bus ministry.
"During this time God gave us a passion for sharing God's work through the bus ministry and we're excited to be here at AICM, bringing God's word to the people of the reservation". "Please pray that we will form a lasting relationship with the Native American's there".
-The Holloway Family
Girls Dorm
Jeff & Jeanne Curtis
Jeff & Jeanne Curtis
Jeff is a 1989 graduate of Johnson Bible College and has served in churches as Youth, Associate and Sr. Minister positions in churches in Indiana, Georgia and Virginia. Jeff served as Minister of Community Christian Church in Dublin, VA for the last 5 1/2 years. Jeanne served as Children's Minister at the same church for two years. Jeff and Jeanne have always wanted to devote their lives to full time missions and after a mission trip to AICM for their 20 year wedding anniversary, they fell in love with the mission of AICM and with the Native American people. They recently accepted the position for the girls dorm parents at AICM (started in Sept.) and they hope to show the girls Jesus in a deeper way.
Boys Dorm
Thomas Brown
Thomas Brown
I am in my fourth year as the boy’s house parent at the American Indian Christian Mission. Some of the boys in my care have been here for three years, with the rest now starting their second year at the school and in the boy’s dorm. Before coming to AICM, I worked for over 3 years with men that had drug and alcohol addictions. Prior to that I was a national speaker, filmmaker and educator on the subject of school bullying. I’ve also been a feature documentary filmmaker, a radio announcer, a published film critic and I worked with court-ordered children in residential care for 12 years. Combined I now have 17 years experience working with children in residential care. I have seen a lot of growth in the boys I have worked with, and not just physically, but academically, emotionally and spiritually. Some boys have done dramatic turn-arounds both academically and in their behavior at school in the dorm and at their homes. I am truly blessed to have witnessed these changes first hand. In addition to my responsibilities as the boys house parent, I also produce various video's for the Mission.
Scott Alkire
Maintenance Director
Maintenance Director
Scott and Cindie Alkire, came to American Indian Christian Mission, December 28, 2016, from Covington, IN. They have three beautiful daughters Siarrah, Mykaylah, and Emylie.
Scott comes to AICM as the new Director of Maintenance. He had a strong history of welding/machining and maintenance and is looking forward to bringing everything he knows to helping AICM and the Apache Reservation.
Cindie has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 16 years. She enjoys caring for others, singing, reading
and loving on her family. She will be the new Director of the Child Sponsorship Program and helping as the school nurse when needed.
AICM is their first missionary opportunity. They know that God has lead them in this direction for a purpose! They have already fallen in love with the children, staff and Arizona environment!! God has truly blessed them and they look forward to growing with God and their new AICM family.
Scott comes to AICM as the new Director of Maintenance. He had a strong history of welding/machining and maintenance and is looking forward to bringing everything he knows to helping AICM and the Apache Reservation.
Cindie has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 16 years. She enjoys caring for others, singing, reading
and loving on her family. She will be the new Director of the Child Sponsorship Program and helping as the school nurse when needed.
AICM is their first missionary opportunity. They know that God has lead them in this direction for a purpose! They have already fallen in love with the children, staff and Arizona environment!! God has truly blessed them and they look forward to growing with God and their new AICM family.
Milt Hendrix
Maintenance Assistant
Maintenance Assistant
I grew up in the Phoenix, AZ area with two sisters and one brother. I became a Christian when I was a teenager. I graduated from Chandler High School in 1976. I have worked at a lumber yard, done landscaping, and was a locksmith for many years. I have been doing maintenance at AICM since 2008.
Timothy Hill
Janitor and Maintenance Assistant
Janitor and Maintenance Assistant
I am a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. I grew up in Whiteriver. I got baptized in 2013 and attend the White Mountain Apache Christian Church. I use to work at Sunrise Ski Resort on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation for a year in the area of lift operations. I now work at AICM as the Janitor and Maintenance assistant. I clean the office, school etc. and help with projects. I got married in 2013. My wife's name is Frieda, and we have a son named Treavon. I am glad to be apart of the family at AICM.
Daniel Cline
Maintenance Assistant, IT Guy, Computer Lab Assistant, Website and Social Media Manager
Maintenance Assistant, IT Guy, Computer Lab Assistant, Website and Social Media Manager
God called me and my family to AICM in early summer of 2018. Jesus Christ saved me in 2017 and I got baptized on February 11, 2018. I do IT work, manage this website, help at the school, and work with the maintenance crew. I enjoy working with the staff here and the kids can’t wait to see what God has in store for AICM for the years to come!
Margaret Whittlesey
Kitchen Supervisor
Kitchen Supervisor
I grew up in Springfield, Missouri. My brother and I were raised by my grandmother. We attended Grandview Church of Christ and later Southview Christian Church. I accepted Jesus into my life and was baptized when I was ten. I attended a Jr. College and then went to a vocational school to get nursing training. I worked at medical centers for 30 years as a nurse’s assistant. I helped with the hospitality ministry and the youth department at our church for many years. I also helped at two church camps during the summer. I came to AICM in 2007 as a dorm parent and later worked in the kitchen. I am currently the chief cook in the kitchen. The kids that AICM work with need love so much. The reason I came to AICM was to give my love to these kids and share the love of Jesus with them.
Faith Kee
Kitchen Cook
Kitchen Cook
I am a Navajo and grew up in Pinon, AZ with four brothers and five sisters on the Navajo Reservation. I attended Tuba City High School. At home I was taught the traditional Navajo beliefs but began to attend church in 2008 and was baptized in 2011. I was a housekeeper at a resort in the Show Low for a few years. I have been at AICM since 2011 working in the kitchen as a cook’s assistant. I enjoy cooking and being with the kids from the school and camps.
Florabel Packard
Kitchen Helper & Librarian
Kitchen Helper & Librarian
I am starting my 32nd year at AICM. I was born and raised near Bertha, Minnesota. I received a degree in education from Westmar College in Le Mars, IA. The Lord called me to missions when I was sixteen. I taught in New Mexico for 2 years. Then I worked at a mission near Holbrook Arizona. After several years there the mission closed for a year. The Lord then led me to AICM, where I have ministered as a teacher, cook, librarian and at times helped in other areas. I am now the librarian at the school and volunteer as a cooks helper and help put together food boxes for needy families.
Hayden Anderson
Outreach Director
Outreach Director
Hello, my name is Hayden Anderson. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of AICM's ministry. I was recently hired as the Outreach Director for AICM. Being a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and living in the community of Canyon Day on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, gives me a better understanding of the living conditions and needs of the people. In addition, my educational background and work experiences will provide additional knowledge of the infrastructure of the governmental system. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in political science and justice studies. I also have certificates of participation from the University of Michigan in the graduate summer session in Epidemiology, and Oxford Round Table at the Oxford University.
My work experience include: current board of directors; White Mountain Apache Timber Company, former school board member/president; White River Unified School District #20, former Sales & Marketing Director; Fort Apache Timber Company, President Apache Cornerstone, LLC; president Cornerstone Telecommunications, Inc., owner; Cornerstone Wood Products, former Program Coordinator; Healthy Nations, former president/member; White Mountain Apache Alumni Association and fellow Indian Health Services Injury Prevention Fellowship Program.
I'm very thankful for being blessed for my background; physically, mentally and spiritually. Now, I'm honored to provide assistance for my family members, friends and others. I know it is all God's plan. I will definitely continue my Christian walk. I'm a member of the White Mountain Apache Christian Church. I'm absolutely appreciative of my current position with AICM. It offers me the opportunity to serve the Lord and try to make a difference on the Reservation. I intend to do my best to fulfill all of the expectations.
My work experience include: current board of directors; White Mountain Apache Timber Company, former school board member/president; White River Unified School District #20, former Sales & Marketing Director; Fort Apache Timber Company, President Apache Cornerstone, LLC; president Cornerstone Telecommunications, Inc., owner; Cornerstone Wood Products, former Program Coordinator; Healthy Nations, former president/member; White Mountain Apache Alumni Association and fellow Indian Health Services Injury Prevention Fellowship Program.
I'm very thankful for being blessed for my background; physically, mentally and spiritually. Now, I'm honored to provide assistance for my family members, friends and others. I know it is all God's plan. I will definitely continue my Christian walk. I'm a member of the White Mountain Apache Christian Church. I'm absolutely appreciative of my current position with AICM. It offers me the opportunity to serve the Lord and try to make a difference on the Reservation. I intend to do my best to fulfill all of the expectations.