Welcoming Gabe and Dana Pethtel to Layton Christian Academy

Layton Christian Academy warmly welcomes our new Athletic Director, Gabe Pethtel, M.Ed., and his wife, Dana Pethtel, who will be serving as our Science Teacher and Science Department Chair. The Pethtels bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their respective roles, enriching our school's athletic and academic programs.

Gabe's extensive career in Christian school leadership and athletics is complemented by Dana's profound expertise in science education. Together, they aim to foster environments where students can thrive both in sports and academics. Their family, including Logan and Caleb, both serving in the military, Emma, a student at Utah State University, and Hudson, who will join LCA as a 4th grader, are excited to be part of our community.

Gabe Pethtel: Charting a New Course for LCA Athletics
We are excited to announce Gabe Pethtel as the new Athletic Director at Layton Christian Academy. With a wealth of experience spanning over 27 years in both public and private educational settings, Gabe brings a robust background in Christian school leadership to our community. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance athletic programs and school culture.

Most recently, as the Head of School at Intermountain Christian School, Gabe successfully managed a substantial school-wide vision plan and fundraising campaign, and played a pivotal role in transitioning their athletics from UHSAA 1A to 2A classification. His leadership saw the school achieve unprecedented success in regional championships and state tournaments, setting a high standard for athletic achievement.

At LCA, Gabe is committed to fostering a holistic approach to student athletics. His philosophy emphasizes developing the whole student-athlete, nurturing their growth across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Under his guidance, LCA's athletics will focus on not just competing but cultivating character, discipline, and integrity—qualities that prepare our students for success beyond sports.

Gabe believes that athletics serve as a crucial platform for promoting values such as faith, family, service, and accountability. These principles resonate deeply with our mission at LCA making him a perfect fit for our community:

“I am thankful for the great time, care, and faith that LCA Head of School, Chris Crowder, and High School Principal AJ Schrader have put into the interview and hiring process to bring me on board as the new Athletic Director at LCA. They and the rest of the LCA team are a class act, and have made it easy for myself and my family to see the great energy and positive atmosphere that exist on campus as they move the school in a highly positive and momentous direction. I am eager to work with our LCA coaches, faculty, students, and families to honor to the Eagle athletics legacy of excellence while helping to usher in a new season of brilliance.”

Dana Pethtel: Leading LCA's Science Forward
Dana Pethtel will serve as the Head of the Science Department, bringing her expertise and passion for science education to LCA. In her role, Dana will oversee the curriculum development for all science courses, ensuring they are rigorous and meet the highest educational standards.

As Department Chair, Dana will also mentor and support the science faculty, encouraging professional development and the adoption of innovative teaching methods. Her goal is to cultivate a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their interests in various scientific fields, from biology and chemistry to environmental science and physics.

Both Gabe and Dana are excited to contribute to the academic and extracurricular landscape at LCA, bringing their professional expertise and personal dedication to elevate our programs. Their leadership roles are poised to make a significant impact on the LCA community, enhancing both our athletic prowess and scientific inquiry.

Their arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LCA. With Gabe's strategic leadership in athletics and Dana's innovative approach to science education, we are confident that our students will be inspired to reach new heights. The Pethtels' commitment to fostering a nurturing and challenging environment aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate not only academic and athletic prowess but also strong moral and spiritual character.

Please help us extend a warm welcome to the Pethtel family!