Carla Tibbetts
Grammar/Preschool Principal
Carla has a long-standing history with the Academy. Beginning her tenure in 1999 as director of Train Up A Child preschool, she eventually transitioned into the classroom of the growing Academy. Over the years, she taught both single and combined grade classes. In June 2024, she was appointed Grammar Principal. Prior to her work at the Academy, Carla owned and operated Little Saints Children’s Center, a licensed daycare/Montessori preschool. She is the founder of Sioux Falls Rocks, begun in 2017 to spread encouragement and kindness throughout the community. She has a heart for critters and is an avid friend of nature. In 2023, she began Ratty Friends of Sioux Falls, a community group created to highlight the joys of rats as pets. Beyond her many “in home” critters, Carla delights in caring for her “backyard critters.” An advocate for CCE, Carla emphasizes nurturing the heart, mind, and soul of children to shape lifelong learners who love truth, goodness, and beauty. Carla and her husband, Ted, have three children and eight grandchildren.
Elise Knobloch
Director of Communications/Upper School Teacher
Elise grew up just across the border in northwest Iowa and has lived in Sioux Falls since 2005. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies before heading to Pennsylvania State University where she obtained a Master’s degree in Rhetoric. Following graduate school, she attended Hamline University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2006. She became involved in Abiding Savior Academy first as a parent and school board member in 2012 but has since joined the faculty teaching argumentation classes and serving as the Communications Director.
She loves exploring new places with her husband and family and reading good books.
Toby Bryant
Facilities & Activities
Toby earned his bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from South Dakota State University. He lettered on both the SDSU wrestling baseball teams. While earning his master’s degree in Teaching and Learning at Northern State University, he assisted with the University’s wrestling program. He also earned his master’s degree in Secondary School Leadership and Administration from NSU. Toby and his family moved to the Sioux Falls area in 2010 where his passion for education led him to become the Activities Director at two different local schools. In 2020, he completed national certification as a Master Athletic Administrator. Toby works with both athletics and fine arts in the K-12 setting while aiming to elevate students through hard work, fundamental skill advancement, character growth, and leadership development. He started at the Academy in 2022. He currently resides in Sioux Falls with his wife Amber and their four daughters, Tevan, Dessa, Autumn, and Hadley.