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Pastor Sean O’Conner – Lead Pastor & Mission Director

Pastor Sean serves as the lead pastor of First Nations Gathering and mission director at Nizhóní Christian Academy. A U.S. Army veteran with a heart for outreach and discipleship, he’s passionate about creating a Christ-centered environment where students are seen, known, and equipped for life.

Fun fact: Sean rides a Road Glide and once dyed his hair pink and beard purple to motivate students. He and Amber love hitting the road on their Harleys whenever they get the chance.

Amber O’Conner – Administrative Leader & Student Support Coordinator

Amber serves as the administrative leader and student support coordinator at Nizhóní Christian Academy. With a background in education, counseling, and school leadership, she brings structure, heart, and vision to everything she does. Amber is passionate about helping students thrive emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

Fun fact: Amber rides a Sportster and lived in Germany with Sean and their children while serving in the Army community—their daughter was even born there. She and Sean enjoy riding their Harleys together as a way to unwind and reconnect.

School Administrator, Worship Leader & Youth Pastor

Originally from Pennsylvania, Betsy has served as a missionary since the age of 19, dedicating her life to sharing the love of Christ through education, worship, and youth ministry. As the school administrator at Nizhóní Christian Academy, she brings a steady hand, deep compassion, and decades of experience to our students and staff. Betsy also leads worship at First Nations Gathering and serves as the youth pastor for the mission’s teen ministry.

Fun fact: When she’s not leading worship or mentoring youth, Betsy enjoys raising chickens and bunnies—and her students love hearing updates about her fluffy little farm.

Middle School Teacher

Cristina Bundy serves as the middle school teacher at Nizhóní Christian Academy, where she brings a thoughtful, globally-minded approach to the classroom. Born in Spain to missionary parents, Cristina spent most of her life overseas and carries a deep love for both culture and service. In addition to her work at the academy, she also teaches English as a second language to students online, helping learners around the world grow in confidence and communication.

Fun fact: Cristina’s heart for the mission runs deep—her grandparents once served as the Directors of the very same mission she now serves on.

High School Teacher

Debbie Bernhardt has been faithfully serving at the mission for many years, bringing wisdom, grace, and dedication to every classroom she enters. After many years of teaching K–2, Debbie now serves as the high school teacher at Nizhóní Christian Academy, where her love for Scripture and learning continues to inspire students.

Fun fact: Debbie loves singing hymns a cappella on Sunday mornings, often filling the chapel with timeless melodies. She also crochets washcloths by hand and shares them with mission teams—her handmade gifts are in use all over campus and are a quiet reminder of her servant’s heart.

Middle School Aide

Lovingly known as “Grandma Carol,” Carol Foster serves as the middle school classroom aide at Nizhóní Christian Academy. Her heart for children is evident in everything she does, and she’s been a beloved part of Sean’s family for years—even helping raise his kids in church long before joining the mission. Carol is a quiet force of kindness and consistency on campus.

Fun fact: Every morning before school, Grandma Carol walks 2–3 miles and picks up trash along the roadside—serving her community with each step. The students absolutely adore her.

K–2 Teacher

Scarlett Manuelito serves as the K–2 teacher at Nizhóní Christian Academy. She began her journey as a part-time aide and quickly discovered a deep love for working with children. A Navajo woman local to the community, Scarlett brings both cultural richness and gentle leadership to the classroom. She is especially gifted with the younger students, helping them grow in both academics and identity.

Fun fact: Scarlett knows how to weave and has been teaching her students the art as part of their cultural learning. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her on the farm working cattle—living out the same values of hard work and care that she instills in her students.