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-four percent of the Central faculty hold master’s degrees. Twenty-three percent are graduates of Central Christian School themselves. Forty-four percent of Central’s experienced faculty have taught more than twenty years.
“My favorite thing about Central is the relationships I have with my teachers. I love being able to talk with them about things happening in my life and also listen to the advice they have for me. They have taught me many things and I will definitely miss them all next year!”
-Claire Yost, Class of 2023
Leadership Team
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 seven 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.
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 30 years of experience in education teaching in both middle school and high school, and serving in administrative roles since 1995. This is Craig’s tenth year as Principal 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.
Stacie earned her bachelor’s degree from Heidelberg College and her master’s degree from Malone University. She has been working at Central for nine 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.
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 six 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.
Other Administration
Shelly earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Akron. She has been working at Central for 23 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.
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 19 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.
Bryce earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Akron. He has over 17 years of accounting experience. Bryce is grateful to work at Central with godly people to provide a place to educate godly people. In his free time, Bryce enjoys woodworking, board games and traveling.
Support Staff
Lori earned her STNA license from the Wayne County Schools Career Center. She feels right at home at Central and enjoys being a part of young people's lives in such a positive and Christ-centered community. In her free time, Lori enjoys spending time with her five children and three grandchildren, her pet ducks, and the pond in her backyard.
Sheryl earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She has been working at Central for seven 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.
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.
Monica earned her bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University. She has worked at Central for four 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.
Priscilla earned her associate’s degree from Kent State University and is currently a student at Hesston College studying Missional Leadership. In her free time, Priscilla enjoys traveling with her daughter, Joanna (CCS Class of 2017), reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Priscilla is a member of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church.
Heidi is a 2008 Central Christian School graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University, and has been working at Central for 11 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 out 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.
Elementary Teachers
Liz earned her bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University. Liz has been teaching for 14 years. In her free time, Liz enjoys gardening, shopping, cleaning, and going on family walks.
Kelsey earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rivier University. Kelsey taught middle school math for four years and also has experience as a special education paraprofessional and long-term sub for special education teacher/case managers. Kelsey appreciates being part of a Christian community at Central 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.
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 21 years. Sara appreciates the collaboration, prayer, and sharing among the faculty and staff at Central. In her free time, Sara enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and crafting.
Abby earned her bachelor's degree from The University of Akron. She appreciates the joy that is found in the Central community, the welcome that is extended to everyone, and that the workplace is an enjoyable experience. In her free time, Abby enjoys traveling, coaching, sleeping in, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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 21 years (19 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.
Middle School Teachers
Kristan earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Malone University. She has been teaching for 18 years (five 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 42 years, including the last five 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.
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 three 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.
Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron and her master’s degree from Malone University. She has been teaching for 32 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.
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.
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 nine years (three years at Central). In her free time, Alex enjoys running, beekeeping, thrifting, yard work, and spending time with her family.
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 12 years, and has been the head varsity soccer coach for 10 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.
Bob is a 1981 Central Christian School graduate. He earned his bachelor's degree from Malone University and his master's degree from Walden University. Bob has been teaching at Central for 35 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.
High School Teachers
Wyatt earned his bachelor's degree from The University of Akron. He appreciates the devotion to God and the mission of Christ that can be found throughout the Central community, and says since beginning his work at Central everyone has been a complete joy. In his free time, Wyatt enjoys listening to music and hiking.
Maggie earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She appreciates the long lasting relationships that are built at Central, the value in integrating academics and faith in our curriculum, and the constant support from the administration and colleagues. 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 five years. In addition to teaching, Brandon is also an assistant baseball 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.
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 16 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.
Brock earned his bachelor’s degree from Ashland University. He is in his third 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 and spending time with his wife.
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 19 years (14 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 reading and spending time with her husband and three children.
Joanna earned her bachelor’s degree from Goshen College and her master’s degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching 22 years (two years at Central). 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 eight years of teaching experience, and has also coached volleyball at Central for 20 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.
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 23 years (18 years at Central), and she is also the girls varsity and boys assistant tennis coach. 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.
Von earned his bachelor’s degree from Goshen College. He has been teaching for 35 years (31 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 33 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.
Tim earned his associate’s degree from Hesston College and his bachelor’s degree from Bethel College. He has been teaching at Central for 33 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.
Emily is a 2006 Central Christian School graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Asbury University. She has been teaching for 15 years (eight 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.
Benita earned her bachelor’s degree from Bluffton College. She has been teaching for 28 years (23 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.
Specials Teachers
Lara earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastman School of Music. She has been teaching for 29 years (18 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.
Christa earned her bachelor's degree from The University of Akron. She has been teaching for 15 years. Christa appreciates the Christ-centered community at Central where we work to honor and worship Jesus, how helpful and kind people are, and the high interest the Central community has in the arts. In her free time, Christa enjoys painting, drawing, ceramics, ballroom dancing, west coast swing dancing, camping, kayaking, and hiking.
Corinne earned her liberal art's degree from Santa Monica College. She is grateful to be involved in a Christ-centered community and for the opportunity to help students cultivate a love for music through cello. In her free time, Corinne enjoys making food from scratch, including sourdough bread and kombucha.
Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Mennonite University and master’s degree from Capital University. She has been teaching for 12 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.
Academic Support
Hannah is a 2023 Central Christian School graduate. She appreciates the faculty and staff at Central, feeling blessed to first get to know them as a student, and now as a colleague. In her free time, Hannah enjoys gardening, baking, hiking, making pottery, playing games and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree from Ashland University. She has been teaching for 18 years (11 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 to the youngest Comets. In her free time, Lisa enjoys beach vacations and spending time with her family.
Victoria is a 2019 CCS graduate. She received her bachelor’s degree from Malone University. She loves to see a child’s face light up in excitement when they learn something new, and is grateful 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.
Lily earned her bachelor's degree from Bluffton University. She appreciates working at Central because of the comradery, the Christian environment, and how everyone is so welcoming. In her free time, Lily enjoys spending time with her husband, hiking, camping, traveling, pickleball, being on the worship team at church, and finding the best taco places in NE Ohio.
Operations
Russ has been working at Central for 22 years. He loves the support and encouragement from everyone at Central. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and helping others, and spending time with his wife, their three children and three grandchildren.
I love the support and encouragement from everyone here at central. Russell and his wife Mary have 3 grown children. And 3 grandchildren that they love spending time with.
Nathan is in his second year at Central. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a Christ-centered environment for the youth of this community. Nathan and his wife, Joy, have four children who attend Central. In his free time, Nathan enjoys hiking, fishing, and almost any outdoor activity he can do with his family.
Charity is in her second year as head cook at Central Christian. She appreciates the people she works with and the support that everyone gives each other. Charity and her husband, Gabe, have two children. In her free time, Charity enjoys going to her children’s cross country, volleyball, track and baseball events, traveling with her family, and working on their hobby farm.