Abby Upshaw is honored and expectant to be joining the ACC Academy family as the fourth grade teacher. She believes the Lord has graciously called her to teach children—not only to help them grow academically, but to know and love Jesus with their whole hearts. Abby is passionate about partnering with families to cultivate a classroom where students are challenged to pursue excellence, walk in truth, extend grace, and discover the unique purpose God has for their lives. She desires to create a classroom filled with joy, curiosity, meaningful relationships, and the freedom for every child to learn, ask questions, and grow in the gifts God has given them. She is humbled to be a part of what the Lord is doing through ACC Academy and looks forward to watching Him continue to transform the lives of students, families, and the surrounding community.

From a young age, the Lord made it clear to Abby that her life would be spent working with children. Throughout her time at Auburn University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in May 2024, that calling became even more refined. Through classroom practicums and internships, the Lord gave her countless opportunities to invest in students. While she loved helping children grow academically, He also stirred a deep desire to teach them about the hope found in Jesus. Abby spent her first year teaching in Homewood, Alabama, where she cherished the relationships she built with her students and their families. Although it was a season full of joy, the Lord continued to confirm His desire for her to teach in a place where faith could be woven into every lesson and every conversation.

After marrying her husband, Noah, in July 2025, Abby returned to Auburn and joined the team at Esperanza House, where she taught preschool and served as the assistant. Through this season, God faithfully brought her back to the heart of what He had called her to—walking closely with children and pointing them to Christ. Abby longs to see students become more than strong learners. She desires to see them grow into kind, courageous, compassionate, humble, confident, and discerning disciples of Jesus who are equipped to stand firm in a culture that often points them in the opposite direction. She believes some of the most meaningful discipleship happens through everyday moments and is committed to creating a classroom where every child is known, loved, encouraged, and challenged to become who God has created them to be.

Abby also has a deep love for missions and desires to help students see God's heart for both the local community and the nations. The Lord has given her the opportunity to serve on five mission trips to Honduras at Orphanage Emmanuel, including one six-week trip, as well as two mission trips to Quito, Ecuador. These experiences have shaped her understanding of God's global Church and strengthened her passion to raise up students who love their neighbors, serve with humility, and eagerly participate in the work God is doing around the world.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Abby moved nine times growing up while her dad coached baseball. She has two older brothers and one younger brother, who is twelve years younger than she is and whom the Lord used to deepen her love for children. Outside the classroom, Abby enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on walks, visiting coffee shops, traveling, and spending time in God's Word. Above all, her relationship with Jesus is the foundation of her life and the source of everything she hopes to pour into her students. Abby is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the ACC Academy family and is expectant for all the Lord will continue to do in and through this community!