CHRIS DAVIS // Senior Pastor
Pastor Chris has been serving as our senior pastor since being called to Northside in 2020. With a deep passion for discipleship, he has led our church by renewing our vision and purpose, helping us impact our community.
Chris is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Church Planting.
He and his wife, Sheri, have a loving family, blessed with two daughters and one grandson. Outside of his pastoral duties, Pastor Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, and keeping up with sports.
NICK BURKE // Worship Pastor
Pastor Nick Burke joined our team in July 2024, bringing more than 25 years of ministry experience, most of which has been dedicated to leading worship. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music and Religion with an emphasis in Pastoral Leadership from Liberty University, where he also met his wife, Alicia. Together, they have two daughters, Madison and Ella.
Throughout his years in ministry, Pastor Nick has been deeply passionate about guiding others in worship and helping them grow spiritually. Beyond leading worship he enjoys teaching the Bible and encouraging and strengthening families through pastoral counseling.
When he’s not serving at church, Pastor Nick enjoys working in his yard, taking family trips to Disney, and unwinding at home with his wife and daughters. We are grateful to have him as part of our team and church family.
GARY UPCHURCH // NCA Campus Pastor
Pastor Gary Upchurch joined our team in 2022, bringing nearly three decades of ministry experience. After serving in churches across North Central Florida since 1996, Gary now serves as the Campus Pastor for Northside Christian Academy, where he leads our chapel services and provides pastoral care for our students and their families.
Gary holds a BA in Ministry Studies from the Baptist College of Florida. He has a desire to help the next generation grow in their faith both inside and outside the classroom.
He is married to his wife, Stacie, and together they have three adult children.
HUNTER DAVIS // Youth Director
Hunter Davis joined our staff in the summer of 2025 as the Youth Director and is the most recent addition to our team. He is married to Morgan, and together they have one child. Hunter is a gifted teacher of the Word, known for his powerful testimony and his genuine passion for serving the Lord. His energy, authenticity, and heart for discipleship make him a strong and enthusiastic leader. We are excited to see how God will use Hunter to impact the lives of our students and grow the next generation in faith.
RICK PRICE // NCA Headmaster
Rick Price joined the Northside Christian Academy leadership team in 2020, bringing with him a distinguished career in both education and military service. A former U.S. Air Force officer and ROTC leader, Rick’s extensive experience in leadership, discipline, and education has made a significant impact on our academy. His dedication to fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth sets him apart as a leader who cares deeply about shaping the next generation.
Rick is not only committed to academic success but is also passionate about helping students grow in their faith and character. His vision for Northside Christian Academy is to create an environment where students thrive academically while also developing a strong, Christ-centered foundation.
Rick is married to his wonderful wife, Joan, who also serves on staff as the event coordinator for NCA. Together, they have one daughter, Makayla, who is currently a senior at NCA. We are incredibly blessed to have the Price family as part of our church and school community, and we are grateful for Rick’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
AMANDA STEWART // Preschool Director
Amanda became Director of Northside Preschool in 2025 after serving faithfully on staff at Northside for several years. She has a heart for both children and families and is committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment where students can grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Amanda leads with both warmth and intentionality, supporting her staff and partnering with families, while she and Wayne remain actively involved in the life of the church and the wider community.
Amanda is a Florida native and is married to her husband, Wayne. Together they have seven children. Family has always been at the center of her life, and she treasures the blessings and challenges that come with a large household. She finds joy in the simple comforts of home—sharing coffee and conversation, spending time with loved ones, and creating spaces where others feel welcome and cared for.
Her life is deeply rooted in faith and gratitude, with a clear calling to nurture and encourage those around her. Amanda has a particular passion for teaching young children, helping families grow in their walk with Christ, and building connections that have eternal impact. Through each season of life, she continues to trust God’s leading and seeks to serve Him with dedication and joy.
DEE DEE // Administrative Assistant
Dee Dee joined our staff in 2025 and brings 27 years of ministry experience, having served in youth and children’s ministry, young adults ministry, and as a pastor’s assistant and children’s director. Today, she and her husband dedicate much of their time to guiding churches through their interim seasons, offering stability, support, and leadership wherever they are called.
A longtime homeschool mom, Dee Dee has educated both of her children from home, an opportunity she considers one of her greatest blessings. Serving as the heart of her home has shaped her approach to ministry, family, and community.
Outside of ministry, Dee Dee is an avid homesteader who grows and raises the majority of her family’s food. When she’s not working with churches, you can usually find her in the garden or milking her cow, her favorite way to unwind and stay connected to God’s creation.
ASHLEY ALVAREZ // Part Time Assistant
Ashley joined our staff in 2023, but her connection to Northside runs much deeper. She began attending with her family in 2002 and grew up within our church community. It was in the youth group where she met her husband, Thomas. Both Ashley and Thomas graduated from Northside Christian Academy and were married in 2014. Together, they are blessed with three children: Liam, Lincoln, and Juliet, all of whom attend our academy and preschool.
Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from the University of North Florida and previously worked at both our Preschool and Academy before transitioning to the church in 2021. Her dedication shines through in the many roles she fills, always serving with grace and care. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys reading and playing cards, tabletop, and video games with her family and friends. We are truly grateful to have her as part of our team, and her contributions continue to bless our church family.
WAYNE STEWART // Facilities Manager
Wayne joined our team in 2024 and has been an essential part of keeping our campus running smoothly as our Facilities Manager. Leading a dedicated maintenance and facilities team, Wayne ensures that everything on campus operates efficiently and safely, contributing to the welcoming environment we all enjoy.
Wayne is married to his wife, Amanda, who also serves on staff at Northside Preschool. His humble, hardworking nature and willingness to help wherever needed make him a valued and appreciated member of our team. We’re truly grateful for Wayne’s leadership and the heart he brings to our church community.