Meet the Faculty & Staff

Shelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been working at Central for 22 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 17 years (ten 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 13 years. In her free time, Liz enjoys gardening, shopping, cleaning, and going on family walks.
 

Tina has been working at Central for six 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.
 

Maggie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. In her first year at Central, Maggie says she is "looking forward to not only growing alongside my co-workers and students, but also in my faith while starting a new journey in education at a school that is Christ centered and passionate about their students.” In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, being active, and making memories with her family. 

Brandon earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University. He has been teaching at Central for four 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 28 years (17 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 six 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 17 years (four 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 41 years, including the last four 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.
 

Victoria is a 2019 CCS graduate. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Malone University. She is excited to see a child’s face light up in excitement when they learn something new, and is excited to be back at Central and share her joy of learning and discovery with young students. Victoria enjoys singing, exercising, teaching dance, learning about nutrition and fitness, and spending time with her family and friends. She also teaches Sunday School and is involved in the children’s music ministry at her church. 

Kelsey earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Rivier University. Kelsey has experience as a special education paraprofessional and long-term sub for special education teacher/case managers, and most recently taught middle school math the last four years. Kelsey appreciates being part of a Christian community where conversations about Jesus and faith are encouraged rather than suppressed. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys writing middle grade and young adult novels which focus on themes of friendship and self-discovery, and songs which tell stories about real life or from her imagination. 

Sherah-Leigh earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University and her Master’s of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide support for Central so others can experience the blessing of Christian education. Sherah-Leigh is married to BJ Gerber (CCS Class of 2000), and they have two children who are in middle school at CCS. Sherah-Leigh is an ordained minister and serves as a spiritual director and caregiver coach. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and writing. She is currently working on an advent devotional to be published in 2024.

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 15 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, woodworking, and hiking with his family.
 

Olivia graduated from Wayne County School Career Center and received her nursing license. She has been a nurse for 10 years, working in multiple different fields including oncology, pulmonology, urgent care, and family practice. Olivia highly values and appreciates the level education and Christ-centered community that Central provides, and is grateful to be able to contribute to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Olivia and her husband, Joseph, have a son, Landon, who attends Central. In her free time, Olivia enjoys trying new recipes, volunteering at their church, gardening, and camping.

Shawn earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University, and his Master’s Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has been teaching at Central for two years. 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 20 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. He is in his second year teaching and coaching Varsity Girls basketball at Central. Brock 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 six 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 11 years. She appreciates the community at Central. In her free time, Angela enjoys riding motorcycles and watching her boys play soccer.
 

Curt earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University. He has been teaching at Central for 13 years, and is also the Middle School Soccer Coach. Curt works at Central because he feels God has called him here to positively impact students’ lives. In his free time, Curt enjoys being with family, playing disc golf, soccer, and hunting.
 

Jolene is a 2001 Central Christian School graduate.  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 18 years (13 years at Central).  Jolene teaches at Central because she feels God lead her here, the culture and 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. 
 

Scott is a 2001 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Toledo. Scott is married to Jolene (Gerber) Jaquet, CCS class of 2001, and they have three children who attend Central. In his free time, Scott enjoys playing games with his kids, golfing, reading, and playing video games.

Zach is a 2000 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University. Zach has been working at Central for 18 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.
 

Joann earned her Bachelor’s degree from Goshen College. She served in Vietnam working in handicrafts and job creating, teaching English as a second language, and preschool-grade 12 art. She is excited to work at Central because she loves kid’s art, working with children and getting their perspective on life. In her free time, Joann enjoys renovating her house and studio space, working on large watercolor and acrylic paintings, and dying silk. 

Craig is a 1991 Central Christian School graduate. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Mennonite University and Master's degree from Shenandoah University. He has over 29 years of experience in education teaching in both middle school and high school, and serving in administrative roles since 1995. This is Craig’s ninth year as Principal at Central Christian School. He also serves as the Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach at Central Christian School. Craig appreciates that Central is a school where each student has multiple opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and they are known and recognized for their individual and unique abilities by teachers, staff, and our school community. Central teachers and staff create a challenging but supportive environment that helps students thrive within a meaningful faith context for their educational experience. Outside of school Craig enjoys spending time with his family and attending and watching sporting events.  
 

Joanna earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Goshen College and her Master’s Degree from the University of Akron. Joanna taught two years at the college level before teaching middle school and high school science the previous 19 years. She is grateful for the opportunity to educate students about the wonders of science, serving them and their families through shared faith and values. In her free time, Joanna enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, hiking, biking and traveling.

Lori earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Huntington College and Master’s Degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. Lori has seven years of teaching experience, and has also coached volleyball at Central for 19 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 21 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 three 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 31 years. In addition to teaching, Kelly is also the Power of the Pen and Middle School Drama advisor. 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 is a 1986 Central Christian School graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Goshen College and her Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching for 22 years (17 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.  
 

Logan is a 2019 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Houghton University. Logan enjoys building relationships with students while promoting their academic and spiritual journey at Central. In his free time, Logan enjoys spending time outdoors exploring and hiking, watching and playing different sports and spending time with friends and family.

Von earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Goshen College. He has been teaching for 34 years (30 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 32 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 five 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 32 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 eight years (two years at Central). In her free time, Alex enjoys running, beekeeping, thrifting, yard work, and spending time with her family.
 

Priscilla earned her Associate’s Degree from Kent State University. In her free time, Priscilla enjoys spending time and traveling with her daughter, Joanna (CCS Class of 2017), reading, being outdoors, and she continues to be involved with Central’s volleyball team. Priscilla is also an active member of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, where she is the Youth and Young Adult Ministry leader, a youth sponsor, and mentor.
 

Alex is a 2008 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Hesston College and his Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University. He has been teaching at Central for 11 years, and has been the head varsity soccer coach for nine 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 11 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 is a 2008 Central Christian School graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University, and has been working at Central for ten 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.
 

Angie is a graduate of Central Christian School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Goshen College. When asked what she appreciates about Central, she said, “Central is such a special place!  I'm so thankful for the caring community and the opportunities students have to try new things. I'm excited to see the ways God moves and grows all of us this year!” In her free time, Angie enjoys spending time with her family, whether it's cheering them on in their activities, playing games, traveling or just hanging out together. 

Laci earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Mennonite University. She has been teaching for nine years (two years at Central). Laci appreciates teaching art at Central because, “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 is a 2006 Central Christian School graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Asbury University. She has been teaching for 13 years (six 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.
 

Bob is a 1981 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his Master's Degree from Walden University. Bob has been teaching at Central for 34 years. Bob appreciates working at Central because of the supportive community in which we work together to make each other successful. In his free time, Bob enjoys walking in the woods with his wife, Leora, drinking coffee with his friends, working with his hands (especially carpentry), and reading a good book.

Stacie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Heidelberg College and her Master’s Degree from Malone University. She has been working at Central for eight 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 27 years (22 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 is a 1996 Central Christian School graduate. Christal earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bluffton University and Master’s Degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching for 20 years (18 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 11 years (2 years at Central). In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, baking, and playing card games.