Meet the Faculty & Staff
The faculty of Central Christian School prioritize caring relationships with students and create an excellent learning environment as their mission. Fifty-two percent of the Central faculty hold master’s degrees. Twenty-two percent are graduates of Central Christian School themselves. Thirty-three percent of Central’s experienced faculty have taught more than twenty years.

Shelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been working at Central for 21 years. Shelly appreciates Central because it is a welcoming community where the love of Jesus unites students, staff, and guests. In her free time, Shelly enjoys being outdoors, camping, mowing, gardening, reading and writing.

Lisa earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Ashland University. She has been teaching for 16 years (nine years at Central). Lisa appreciates working at Central because the CCS community is a family, and she is thankful for the opportunity to nurture relationships with Jesus in her classroom to the youngest Comets. In her free time, Lisa enjoys beach vacations and spending time with her family.

Liz earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University. Liz has been teaching for 12 years. In her free time, Liz enjoys gardening, shopping, cleaning, and going on family walks.

Tina has been working at Central for five years. Tina appreciates Central because we are not just educating students, but providing them with skills that will strengthen relationships, empower them to become leaders and nurture their spiritual growth. In her free time, Tina enjoys reading, cooking, and trying new restaurants.

Brandon earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University. He has been teaching at Central for three years. In addition to teaching, Brandon also is an assistant baseball coach and assistant softball coach. Brandon enjoys working at Central because he loves the students, saying they make teaching enjoyable and he appreciates the environment they create. In his free time, Brandon golfs, is a part of a baseball league, plays guitar in his church’s worship team, and enjoys spending time with his dog, Octavius.

Lara earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastman School of Music. She has been teaching for 27 years (16 years at Central). She appreciates working at Central because she loves the kids and her colleagues. In her free time, Lara enjoys gardening, thrifting, decorating, napping, and reading.

Sheryl earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University. She has been working at Central for five years. Sheryl appreciates working with a supportive and caring community of teachers, administrators, staff, students and families. In her free time, Sheryl enjoys reading, walking, studying history, and spending time with family and friends.

Kristan earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Malone University. She has been teaching for 16 years (three years at Central). Kristan and her husband were first drawn to Central because of the opportunities they saw available to their children- arts, science, athletics, small class sizes, and most importantly, faith formation. Within a week of beginning an internship at Central to complete her Master’s, Kristan knew she wanted to work here, noting, “Employees value their jobs, work extremely hard, and genuinely love their students. That type of atmosphere is contagious! Also, the parents are supportive and wonderful. We have the best kids here and the parental guidance they have does not go unnoticed. I'm very honored to work here.” In her free time, Kristan enjoys running, being a wife and mother, and is always up for an adventure!

Barb earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s Degree from Marygrove College. She has been teaching for 40 years, including the last three years at Central. Barb appreciates the support of the Central community, staff and parents, and how evident the faith-based learning is here. In her free time, Barb enjoys spending time with her family, and watching gymnastics, soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

Nate earned his Bachelor’s Degrees from The University of Waterloo and from The University of Western Ontario. He has been teaching at Central for 14 years. Nate appreciates working at Central because of the supportive, trusting and nurturing community, and the focus on growing well-rounded Christian leaders. In his free time, Nate enjoys jogging, gardening, woodwork, and hiking with his family.

Shawn earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University, and his Master’s Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. In his first year of teaching at CCS, he looks forward to cultivating new relationships within the Central community and learning with students as they grow in their faith. Shawn appreciates that Central is a place where we can follow the example of Jesus, walk in faith as a set apart community, while sharing God's love with the world. In his free time, Shawn enjoys adventuring with his family and collecting, preserving and restoring vintage Volkswagens.

Sara earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University and her Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching at Central for 19 years. Sara appreciates the collaboration, prayer, and sharing amongst the faculty and staff at Central. In her free time, Sara enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and crafting.

Brock earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Ashland University. Brock is also the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. He appreciates the community feel at Central; “Everyone is here to support each other, and see everyone grow! It truly makes you feel welcomed.” In his free time, Brock enjoys watching the Browns, coaching basketball, and spending time with his wife.

Nate earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Lipscomb University and his Masters of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary. He has been working at Central for five years. Nate appreciates Central because he has seen firsthand how the Christ-centered mission makes broad impacts in our community. “It is a time of transition and change which seems daunting, but I am firmly convinced that this school community is primed to define our coming years with growth, excellence, reconciliation, peacemaking and positive influences both locally and globally.” In his free time, Nate enjoys being outdoors with his family, reading, traveling, and sports.

Angela has been working at Central for 10 years. She appreciates the community at Central. In her free time, Angela enjoys riding motorcycles and watching her boys play soccer.

Jolene earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Asbury College and her Master’s Degrees from Asbury University and Mississippi State University. She has been teaching for 17 years (12 years at Central). Jolene teaches at Central because she feels God leading her here, the culture and the community Central’s staff intentionally work to create, and the students she gets to work with every day. Jolene enjoys spending time with her husband and three children as well as reading.

Zach earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University. He has been working at Central for 17 years as Athletic Director, Baseball Coach, Basketball Coach, Field Maintenance and CAD (computer-aided design) and Industrial Arts teacher. Zach loves working at Central because “Central Christian simply put is special. The community atmosphere and the care the staff have for each individual make Central a special place. Students are presented with multiple opportunities to try new things, be challenged in multiple arenas, and all done with Christ at the center.” In his free time, Zach enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, woodworking, playing and watching sports, and working on projects.

Ebeth earned her Associate’s Degree from Ohio Valley College and her Bachelor’s Degree from Kent State University. Ebeth appreciates Central because of the grace and love that is shown to students and staff members on a daily basis. Ebeth enjoys freelance writing, pool days, libraries, concerts, college football, and mountain and city trips.

Elaine earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University. She has been teaching for 19 years (15 years at Central). In addition to teaching, Elaine is also the Middle School Student Council sponsor and Snow Club advisor. Elaine works at Central because it is where God called her to be, and she feels that the community is a joy to be with each day. In her free time, Elaine enjoys walking/exercising, working outside, talking with people, quilting, and organizing things.

Lori earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Huntington College and Master’s Degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. Lori has six years of teaching experience, and has also coached volleyball at Central for 18 years. When asked what she appreciates about Central, Lori said, “The warm, supportive community. I love developing relationships with other faculty and the students. It is a joy to be able to partner with families and churches to raise the next generation of Christian leaders. As a parent of two alumni, I appreciate the opportunities that students have to broaden their worldview and practice living out their faith.” In her free time, Lori enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching sports, exercising, traveling, and eating out with her family.

Russ has been working at Central for 20 years. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and helping others.

Monica earned her Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University. She has worked at Central for two years. Monica appreciates working at Central because of the commitment to Christ in the teachers, staff and students at Central, and the daily chapels which create a wonderful rhythm to connect to God and others. In her free time, Monica enjoys learning and sharing about God, new recipes, and funny videos.

Kelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Akron and her Master’s Degree from Malone University. She has been teaching for 30 years. In addition to teaching, Kelly is also the Power of the Pen and Middle School Drama advisor. In her first year teaching at Central, Kelly looks forward to spending time with her daughter who is a freshman at Central, and sharing her experiences with Central students. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, watching movies, theater and antiquing.

Nataliia earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University. Nataliia and her family operate a non-profit that provides lunches to educational institutions in Ukraine. In her free time, Nataliia enjoys reading books and hiking.

Lisa earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Goshen College and her Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching for 21 years (16 years at Central), and she is also the Assistant Tennis Coach and National Honor Society Advisor. Lisa works at Central because she loves seeing her friends every day and watching the "aha" light come on in the classroom. In her free time, Lisa enjoys lifeguarding, watersports, photography, and hiking.

Dave earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University and Master’s Degree from Malone University. He has been teaching for 48 years (47 years at Central). Dave appreciates Central because of the way students interact with each other as well as the faculty, the school’s spiritual emphasis, and the sense of community experienced here. In his free time, Dave enjoys cooking, baking, lawn and garden work, reading, and training his puppy.

Von earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Goshen College. He has been teaching for 33 years (29 years at Central). Von appreciates working at Central because of the joy in partnering with Christian families to nurture their child’s academic and spiritual growth. In his free time, Von enjoys boating and woodworking.

Allison earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Heidelberg University and Master’s Degree from Kent State University. She has been teaching at Central for 31 years. Allison appreciates Central because it has impacted her own faith formation, saying, “I have grown through discussions and devotions with colleagues, listening to chapel speakers and sharing with and learning from my students about our faith walks.” In her free time, Allison enjoys solving the Wordle, reading, biking and kayaking, and visiting her two adult children.

Terry earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel College and his Master’s of Divinity from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He has been working at Central for four years. Terry appreciates Central for the positive environment, and the important work of the mission of the school. In his free time, Terry enjoys making pizza and pottery.

Tim earned his Associate’s Degree from Hesston College and his Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel College. He has been teaching at Central for 31 years. Tim appreciates working at Central because it is the place where he can explore the best combinations of faith and music. In his free time, Tim finds carving spoons is the perfect hobby of solitude to balance out a public life of performance.

Alex earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern University and her Master’s Degree from the University of West Alabama. She has been teaching for seven years. Alex anticipates building community and growing in her faith. In her free time, Alex enjoys running, beekeeping, thrifting, yard work, and spending time with her family.

Alex earned his Associate’s Degree from Hesston College and his Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University. He has been teaching at Central for 10 years, and has been the head varsity soccer coach for eight years. Alex finds great value and meaning in being a part of the Central community and having shared purpose, vision and experiences with others who have also been called here. In his free time, Alex enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife and three young children.

Hannah earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University and Master’s Degree from Capital University. She has been teaching for 10 years, and is also the Private Lesson Coordinator. Hannah says, “One of my favorite times of the week is our Friday All-School Worship Chapels where we gather and sing praise to God as a school community. Our worship styles vary from week to week and there are many differences among us, but we are all brought together by our love for the Lord. Those moments often bring me to tears when I see the youngest students worshiping right next to the older students that they look up to as role models. It's a beautiful picture of the body of Christ!” In her free time, Hannah enjoys traveling, playing piano, gardening, reading, and attending her children’s games, concerts, and races.

Heidi earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University. She has been working at Central for nine years. Heidi appreciates working at Central because she is encouraged daily by the school culture set by the faculty, staff and students. In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband and children and trying new recipes.

Laci earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University. She has been teaching for eight years (one year at Central). Laci looks forward to building relationships with the students at Central through making art together. “It's enriching to create with our Creator God as inspiration for our projects!” In her free time, Laci enjoys mixed media, watercolors and hand lettering, biking, time with her family and good food.

Emily earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Asbury University. She has been teaching for 12 years (five years at Central). She appreciates the supportive CCS community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Kathy has been working at Central for 18 years. She appreciates Central because of the priceless memories her daughters made while they were students here, and is she grateful for the faculty and staff. In her free time, Kathy enjoys scrapbooking, hiking, and reading.

Stacie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Heidelberg College and her Master’s Degree from Malone University. She has been working at Central for seven years. Stacie appreciates Central because of the mission and how we strive to grow Christian leaders. “It's rewarding being a part of young peoples' lives as they are working towards becoming young adults from a faith-based perspective.” In her free time, Stacie enjoys riding horses with her family.

Benita earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton College. She has been teaching for 26 years (21 years at Central). Benita appreciates Central because she enjoys the camaraderie in a community whose common goal is To know Christ and to make Him known. In her free time, Benita enjoys reading, writing, cooking, exercising and interpreting dreams.

Christal earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Bluffton University. She has been teaching for 19 years (17 years at Central). Christal appreciates working at Central because she loves her colleagues as well as the students and families that make up the Central community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Maria earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University and Master’s Degree from James Madison University. She has been teaching for 10 years. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, baking, and playing card games.