Transforming Lives

Billy Hutchinson (M.Div., Christian Apologetics) is the Director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center. Before joining the Colson Center, he spent over a decade in Christian education as both a classroom teacher and an administrator, focusingon academic excellence, digital education, and the worldview formation ofteachers and students. He is passionate about equipping others to engage andshape today’s culture for Christ. To learn more about Colson Educators, visit https://colsoneducators.org/TL.Connect with us!

Chad Dirkse is in his third year as Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) in Severn, Maryland. Before joining AACS, he served for 14 years as President of Chattanooga Christian School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and for five years as Superintendent of Westminster Christian School in Illinois.Across more than three decades in Christian education, Chad has served in a wide range of leadership and instructional roles, including middle and high school teacher, principal, athletic director, and high school basketball and soccer coach. He is also a Senior Fellow with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), where he supports schools nationwide through board governance, operational guidance, and strategic planning.Chad holds a bachelor's degree in education from Covenant College and an MBA with a specialization in school leadership from LeTourneau University. He and his wife, Heather, have been married for 32 years and have three children. Together, they enjoy hospitality, the outdoors, Premier League soccer, and an active lifestyle.Connect with us!

Dr. Lynn E. Swaner is the President, US, for Cardus. A public scholar and organizational strategist, Lynn joined Cardus after two decades of executive leadership in non-profits and educational institutions. Lynn holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a diploma in strategy and innovation from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.Lynn’s professional experience spans several sectors and encompasses roles in academia, sponsored research, associations, and independent schools. As a result, she is passionate about building bridges within and across fields. Lynn’s work brings thinkers, researchers, funders, and doers together to shape paradigms and practices for greater flourishing.Her own research is interdisciplinary and focuses on how individuals, organizations, and communities can better thrive together. Lynn is the editor or lead author of several books, including “Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education” and “Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools”. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Educational Development, Eton Journal for Innovation and Research in Education, and Liberal Education, as well as featured in multiple book chapters and monographs.Lynn also serves as a non-resident scholar at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership, is a senior fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and a trustee or advisor for several non-profit boards.Connect with us!

Becky Hansard serves as the head of school at Silverdale Baptist Academy, a PreK-12 school in Chattanooga, TN. She has been in this role for over 25 years and has been instrumental in the school's leadership for nearly its entire 26-year history, guiding the institution from its early years to its current status with approximately 1,300 students. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for her undergraduate and Trevecca University for her Master’s Degree.Since 1999, Silverdale has partnered with families to help their children impact the world. Becky’s son is a 2015 graduate of Silverdale, and because of the investment that the Academy’s faculty and staff poured into him, he is a thriving young adult. Becky and her husband knew that a Christian education would be a foundation that they wanted for their child before he was even born. Now more than ever, it is crucial to have strong Christian leaders pouring Truth into our children.Connect with us!

Dr. S. L. (“Doc”) Sherrill founded North Raleigh Christian Academy in 1996, serving as its only Superintendent for 22 years and assisting Dr. Kevin Mathes for 2 years. He stepped down in 2018, honored as Superintendent Emeritus. Under his leadership, NRCA grew to 1478 students, over 1400 for 12 years, and now nearly 1600 under Dr. Mathes.Doc’s 55-year Christian education career began in 1971 as Youth and Bus Pastor at Neuse Baptist Church. He served as youth pastor, teacher, camp director, and principal at various churches and schools, including Greenwood Baptist, Twin City Christian Academy, Lima Baptist Temple, and Central Fellowship Baptist Church, where he grew the church to 500 and school to 700.He became Head of School at Temple Heights Christian School in 1990, with 900 students, then returned to Raleigh as Administrator of Friendship Christian School, where enrollment doubled. In 1996, he founded North Raleigh Christian Academy, which grew to 1478 students, and reached nearly 1600 under Dr. Mathes.Retired in 2018, Sherrill now serves as ACSI Field Director for Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, aiding 240 schools. He was Interim Head of Cresset Christian Academy in 2023 and served Bethesda Christian Academy as Interim Head from 2023-2025, overseeing accreditation, program expansion, staff growth, and school finance. He is also a Senior Consultant for NACS and Renewanation and has worked with Herzog Foundation.A strong advocate for Kingdom education linking family, school, and church, he served as ACSI District 3 Representative for 20 years. He has been president and board member of Joshua Expeditions and the National Alliance of Christian Schools for over 10 years. He consults on governance, accreditation, and curriculum through KingdomEd101, NACS, and Renewanation.Doc Sherrill has led Christian School 101 seminars for 18 years, establishing 76 schools, and helped create over 300 via SchoolBox by Herzog Foundation.He holds Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Christian Education degrees, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Tennessee Temple University.Married to Debbie in 1974, they have two daughters, Joy and Jennifer, and four grandchildren. Debbie passed away in 2025.  Connect with us!

Stephanie Shafer is the CEO and Head of School at NorthStar Academy, a global online Christian school serving students in grades 4 through 12 in over 80 countries. She is passionate about helping students be known, supported, and launched with purpose, integrating faith, learning, and real-world impact.Stephanie has been part of the NorthStar community for over 16 years and now leads the school through a season of growth, innovation, and renewed mission clarity. With a background in business and an MBA, she brings a practical and mission-focused perspective to her work, helping shape systems and opportunities that serve students and families around the world.At the heart of her leadership is a desire to honor God in all things, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve in this work each day.Connect with us!

Paul Matthews is a third-generation educator on a mission to bless others through education. He serves as the Head of History and Christian Studies at Calvin Christian School in Tasmania, Australia, and is also a Fellow at Baylor University. Paul works with schools and organisations across Australia and North America, helping leaders and teachers navigate AI wisely through training, speaking, and practical support. He’s written several books, including A Time to Lead and Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy, and in 2024 he had the opportunity to speak at TEDx Hobart. Paul and his wife, Elbie, are blessed to have three sons, Moses, Solomon, and Phineas, with another child due in mid-2026. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing golf badly and reading old books. | Connect with us!

Dr. Kevin Brown began serving as Asbury University’s 18th president on July 1, 2019, bringing to the role a deep commitment to Christ-centered higher education, academic excellence, and faithful institutional stewardship. His leadership reflects both a long-standing connection to the Asbury community and a clear vision for guiding the University in a rapidly changing cultural and educational environment. Before he was appointed president, Dr. Brown served from 2013 to 2019 as a professor and associate dean in Asbury’s Dayton School of Business. A highly regarded educator, he was consistently recognized by students for his engaging teaching and mentorship, and in 2016 received Asbury’s highest teaching honor, the Frances White Ewbank Excellence in Teaching Award. Connect with us!

Maggie Novak is a 2004 alumna of Covenant Christian High School and a 2008 graduate of Gordon College (Wenham, MA). She later also pursued both associate’s and bachelor's degrees in nursing.Maggie began her career as a fellow in the office of then-Governor Mitch Daniels, where she developed a passion for delivering health and social supports. For the past decade, she has been working as a public-sector consultant with states across the US. Maggie lives in Indianapolis with her husband, seven-year-old daughter, a dog, and a cat, and for the past 12 years has been part of a volunteer team planting a church in Fountain Square.  Connect with us!

This is Mike’s 13th year working at Covenant Christian High School and eighth year as department head. He grew up in Northern Kentucky and went to undergrad at Cincinnati Christian University. Then he went on to do a dual Master's at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. He has been married to his wife, Kim, for 17 years, and they have two kids, Leo and Remy, who are 12 and 11. Those three people are his achievements in life! Connect with us!

David Pfeifer A Hendricks County native, David returned to his roots after a successful collegiate career. A graduate of Tri-West ('09), where he played both soccer and basketball, David went on to play and coach soccer at Taylor University while earning his degree in Exercise Science. It was during his time at Taylor that he first connected with the academic advising team at CCHS, a providential meeting that eventually led to his current role.David’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the CCHS athletic program; he coached the boys' soccer team to back-to-back State appearances in 2017 and 2018 and has served as Athletic Director for State Championship wins in both football ('20) and boys' soccer ('24). David and his wife, Jordyn, are the proud parents of three daughters: Charlie, Ryann, and Leigh.Greg Jones Greg Jones brings nearly twenty years of experience in student ministry to his role as Associate Athletic Director. A 2001 graduate and member of the third-ever graduating class at CCHS, Greg’s return to his alma mater is a true homecoming. He holds a youth ministry degree from Indiana Wesleyan University as well as a Master’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry from John Brown University.Outside of his professional life, Greg is a devoted husband to Erin, a 6th-grade teacher at Indy West Christian School, and a father of four: Nolan, Macy, Claire, and Hallie. Their lively home includes children ranging from a first grader to a high school freshman, the eldest of whom is now a CCHS student. An avid sports fan, Greg has an "unhealthy" love for the Chicago Cubs and completed his goal of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium. When he isn't at the ballpark, you can often find him cycling across the beautiful landscape of Indiana..Connect with us!

Mike Allen is an organizational leader who is passionate about culture, communication, and connection. Having worked in education for over 20 years and in educational administration for over a decade, Mike's ultimate vision for his leadership is to help other leaders move their people and organizations forward...positively. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Evansville Christian School, a multi-campus school system providing a Christ-centered education to 1,100+ students, PS-12, where he has served since 2013. This summer, Mike will transition to his new role as Senior Director for the Central Division of ACSI where he looks forward to advancing Christ’s kingdom through building authentic relationships with Christ-centered school leaders. Mike earned his master’s in educational administration from Purdue University and his master’s in business administration from the University of Southern Indiana. He was also the 2024 recipient of ACSI’s Flourishing Practitioner Award. Mike is married to his wife, Kim, with whom he shares four incredible children. He also moonlights as the Parody Principal on YouTube for snow days and other special school seasons.Connect with us!

Mark and Betsy met at Covenant Christian High School, where they began dating during their sophomore year and graduated in 2012. From the very beginning, their relationship has been grounded in a shared love for Christ and a desire to follow Him faithfully. Following their time at Covenant, Betsy attended Olivet Nazarene University, where she completed nursing school and was a three-time All-American soccer player. Mark attended Purdue University before attending dental school in Indianapolis, where he also completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency.Mark and Betsy were married in 2017 and are now parents of two young children. After the birth of their first child, Betsy stepped away from nursing to devote herself to being a stay-at-home mom, joyfully embracing the calling of raising their children in a Christ-centered home. Mark currently practices at Avon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In this season of life, you will find the McDonough family exploring the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, or any local park.Connect with us!

Keith Ogorek, president of the Author Learning Center, brings a unique perspective to communications, having worked simultaneously in ministry and the marketplace for virtually his whole career. Using his experience as a marketing and communications professional for banks, as an ad agency creative director, and at the world’s leading self-publishing company, he has worked with several ministries to vastly improve their communication and development efforts by crafting a message that is compelling, differentiating, and true. Keith has cultivated unique opportunities for independent authors to have their work pitched to Hollywood. He has authored four books. Along with pursuing excellence in the marketplace, Keith is passionate about discipleship and has led multiple men’s groups through a two-year discipleship process at his local church. His book, A Clear View, which addresses how a person’s worldview is formed, is now used in select high schools and at a biblical institute in Italy. When his schedule allows, Keith speaks at conferences on the topic of marketing communications for ministries, as well as at men’s retreats and family camps. Keith also serves on the board of Fort Wilderness Ministries and the advancement committee for Camptown, which is led by a Covenant Christian High School graduate. He has been married to Becky for 41 years; they have two married daughters (both graduates of Covenant) and five grandchildren.Connect with us!

Naomi Oliver is the Director of Academics at the Wheaton Group of Schools and one of the Directors at Changing Destiny. She holds a master’s degree in literature, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and an MBA, and is currently undertaking the Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services qualification in the UK.With over 13 years of experience in education across India and the United Kingdom, Naomi has led curriculum development, teacher training, and school leadership initiatives in both traditional and online learning environments. She has worked extensively with children rescued from human trafficking and with persecuted Christian children, shaping a deep commitment to creating safe, high-quality, and accessible education for vulnerable communities.Her work reflects a passion for strengthening Christian schools, empowering educators, and championing global initiatives that place faith, dignity, and learner well-being at the centre.Naomi has been married to her husband, Vinay, for 12 years, and together they have two children, Ziona and Zeph.Connect with us!

Kelly M. Kapic holds the Honorary Chair of Theology and Culture at Covenant College, where he has taught since 2001. With a PhD in Systematic and Historical Theology from King’s College, University of London, Kapic has authored or edited over fifteen books. His newest book, "You Were Never Meant to Do It All: A 40-Day Devotional on the Goodness of Being Human" (Brazos 2025), was based on his earlier work, "You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News," published in 2022. That book received several awards, including Christianity Today’s Book of the Year in the Theology (Popular) category and The Southwestern Journal of Theology’s award in Applied Theology/Ethics. His earlier works include "Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering," which also won Christianity Today's Book of the Year Award in Theology and Ethics, as well as World Magazine’s Short List award for Accessible Theology Book of the Year.A few years ago, he completed two volumes with economist Brian Fikkert titled "Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn’t the American Dream" and "A Field Guide to Becoming Whole: Principles for Poverty Alleviation Ministries." In 2014, Kapic received a Templeton Grant to participate in The Center for Christian Thought, focusing on Psychology and Spiritual Formation. He has also been part of the Core Research Teams for the Templeton-funded studies, including “Project Amazing Grace” and “Christian Meaning-Making, Suffering, and the Flourishing Life.”Kapic often speaks at churches and conferences, aiming to help God’s people better understand their faith so they can grow in their love for God and neighbor. Kelly and his wife, Tabitha, live on Lookout Mountain. They have two adult children: Jonathan and Margot.Connect with us!

Mallory (Huff) Puckett is a 2013 Covenant Christian High School alumna. She attended Purdue University to study industrial engineering but now finds herself in a full-time technology sales role. While at Purdue, she met her husband, Ethan, and they have been married for eight years. In that short time, they became adoptive and biological parents to four children, ages thirteen to two. She claims that she is too young to be keeping eight living things alive, if you also count their two dogs, cat, and lizard, but God had plans beyond her imagination when he knit their family together. Mallory grew up in Christian education (grades K-12) and is now pursuing that path for her own children as well.Connect with us!

Amanda graduated from Covenant in 2009. She then attended Franklin College, where she double majored in Psychology and Spanish. Finally, she earned her MA from Indiana Wesleyan University, with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. Initially, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after college. Her first job was with Indiana First Steps, a company that provides developmental therapy for young children. There, she worked with Spanish-speaking families and helped get them started with the program. She wanted to improve her Spanish by fully immersing herself in the community. She lived in Costa Rica for three months and volunteered at a children’s home. It was there that she started listening to all of the kids’ stories. This inspired her to pursue graduate school after returning to the U.S. after earning her degree, Amanda’s first role was as a school-based therapist. She later transitioned to private practice. Amanda currently works at Northside Mental Health, located in Broad Ripple, where she provides individual, couples, and family therapy, kind of like what you see in the movies! Amanda’s family includes parents (Mike and Dianne), brothers (Brad and Cody, class of 2008 and 2014), sister-in-law (Sydney), and nephew (Auggie). Oh, we can’t forget the German Shepherd, Dodger, too!Connect with us!

Follow the Transforming Live podcast!Check out the recommended books from our Transforming Lives guests.Connect with us!

Jacob and Mia McCall are missionaries at Freedom International Ministries in the Dominican Republic (itisforfreedom.com). Freedom's primary ministry is a Christian school just outside of one of the largest sugar cane plantations on the island, providing Christian education to a population of underserved Haitian immigrant students and local Dominican students. The heartbeat of the ministry is to disciple students throughout the time they attend the school, both inside and outside of the classroom. Jacob is in charge of the English department and the intern department, continually training local teachers and ESL teachers from the states in how to love tough students and serve the Lord with their lives. Mia is a trained nurse who is a jack-of-all-trades and serves in many areas of the school behind the scenes. Together they have 3 beautiful children: Zion, Izzy (Israel), and Solomon, who are growing up bilingual. Connect with us!

Rachel Shaughnessy is enthusiastic about intentional, Christ-centered community through Christ-centered education. She is a witness, along with two of her siblings, to how Covenant prepares students for an excellent Christian college education. Christian education has the opportunity to provide a unique lens to everyday responsibilities: our studies, work, and habits are redeemed through Christ. By learning from Christian teachers, Rachel has experienced firsthand that mentorship of students is key in Christian education. Rachel is a 2022 graduate of Covenant Christian High School and a 2025 graduate of Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in History/Social Studies and Secondary Education. She began her teaching career at Covenant Christian in the fall semester of 2025. Connect with us!

Abby Andrietsch is CEO at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy (“Aug Prep”), a K4-12 Christian school on Milwaukee’s south side founded in 2017. Serving over 2,350 students today, Aug Prep’s vision is to develop its students to be leaders of tomorrow known by their strength of character, courage, intellect, impactful contributions, and their faith. Aug Prep is launching a second K4-12 campus on Milwaukee’s north side in fall 2026.Before joining Aug Prep in 2019, Andrietsch served as the cofounder and executive director of Schools That Can Milwaukee (now City Forward Collective) for eight years. She has also served in leadership positions at Husco as well as the Doris & Donald Fisher Fund.Abby is a graduate of the University of Virginia and has an M.B.A. and M.Ed. from Stanford University. She serves on the boards of All-In Milwaukee and Aug Prep. She lives in the Milwaukee area with her husband Omar and two daughters, both of whom are proud Aug Prep Lions!Connect with us!

Dr. Cy Smith is the Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School and a national leader in Christian education. He has served in key roles with ACSI and other organizations in Ohio, helping schools and school leaders strengthen their effectiveness in biblical worldview and mission.  As host of the Clearly Christian Podcast, he challenges cultural drift, highlights the importance of Christian education to turn that tide, and argues that the only way we're going to change directions in our country is to increase the number of people who hold a biblical worldview.  Dr. Smith is passionate about expanding the reach and success of Christian schools, while inspiring leaders to train the next generation to stand strong for what is right and true. Dr. Smith is a Colson Fellow and has degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo and Ashland University.  He is a conference speaker, executive coach, and school board consultant in addition to his role as superintendent of his alma mater.  Dr. Smith has served at Mansfield Christian [MCS] for 34 years; he and his wife, Joy, have two grown children who are both graduates of MCS and Cedarville University. Connect with us!

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Brian Clemons grew up in a strong Christian home and attended Valley Christian Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade.After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Brian combined his passion for science and entrepreneurship by building, owning, and operating a local aquarium shop for 15 years. In 2008, he followed God’s call into education, beginning his teaching career as a junior high science teacher.In 2012, Brian returned to his alma mater, Valley Christian Schools, as a junior high science teacher and chaplain, where he also founded the high school marine biology program. Before stepping into administration, he earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, equipping him to strengthen both teaching and learning practices.Over the next seven years, Brian served as Junior High Vice Principal and Principal, and he now serves as President and CEO of Valley Christian Schools, leading the K–12 system with a heart for Christ-centered excellence, innovation, and community impact. He is currently completing his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Liberty University, focusing his research on strategic frameworks that sustain Christian education in an evolving educational landscape.Brian has been married to his incredible wife for 31 years, and together they cherish two beautiful daughters, a wonderful son-in-law, and the sweetest granddaughter imaginable. He finds joy in family time, working out, swimming, walking, and leading worship each week—continuing to live out his calling to serve God through faith, family, and leadership.Connect with us!

Ben Thomas and his wife, Susie, co-founded B2THEWORLD in 2017. B2THEWORLD helps develop schools in countries recovering from war. Ben and Susie’s experience of serving 10 years in Kigali, Rwanda, and leading the Kigali International Community School (KICS), Ben’s doctoral research in Global Christianity & Development, and seeing God heal Susie of an incurable brain tumor have brought the vision of B2THEWORLD to life. Today, B2THEWORLD serves over 10,000 children across 28 schools in Rwanda, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Cameroon and is in the legal process of beginning development in Iraq. Together with a team of global partners, they desire to make education possible for each of the four hundred seventy-three million children impacted by war. Ben and Susie now make their home near a forest outside the greater Philadelphia area. ECHO Prayer App Sign up for more information about B2THEWORLDConnect with us!

Matt Lundberg is the Director of the DeVries Institute for Global Faculty Development and Professor of Religion at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his de Vries Institute role, he administers Calvin’s Faith & Learning Fellowship program for newer faculty members and the DeVries Postdoctoral Teaching Fellows program. Since 2004, Matt has taught a range of courses at Calvin in theology and Christian ethics. He is the author of Christian Martyrdom and Christian Violence: On Suffering and Bearing the Sword (2021) and co-author of An Introduction to Christian Theology (2nd edition, 2023). He and his wife, Kelly, have three children, ages 22, 20, and 17.Connect with us!

Todd R. Marrah, Ph.D., is Superintendent of Tree of Life Christian Schools in Columbus, Ohio, and Executive Pastor at Rock City Church, one of the fastest growing churches in America. Todd also serves as the Executive Director of the United States Christian Education Network. He sits on the board of the Columbus Dream Center and is the recent board chair of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).Dr. Marrah’s experience as a middle and high school teacher, a middle and high school principal, and school superintendent, combined with over 30 years of pastoral ministry as a children’s pastor, youth pastor, preaching pastor, and executive pastor provides unique insights into issues facing education and the church. Dr. Marrah has the privilege of consulting with Christian schools and churches and frequently speaks on a variety of topics including board governance and leadership, strategic planning, spiritual formation, and Christian parenting.His research focused on the spiritual formation of middle and high school students, and his dissertation initiated research on spiritual formation in Christian schooling.He is a father of six, grandfather of nine, and husband to his lovely wife, Jana.Connect with us!

Principal Zac Sawyer and his family have served at Morrison Academy Taipei in Taiwan since 2012, and Zac has been the campus principal for the last five years. Morrison Academy Taipei is a Christian, K-12, college-preparatory international school with about 300 students that is focused on supporting missionary work in Taiwan. A native of Julian, California, Zac’s academic credentials include a B.A. in Management and Organizational Communication, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies, and an M.B.A. Zac leads the school in its mission to provide a quality, biblically-immersive educational environment so that each student may be equipped to impact the world dynamically for Christ.Zac's leadership at Morrison Academy Taipei includes promoting excellent education, providing pastoral care, casting a vision for God’s work inside and outside of the school, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with students, parents, and other members of the community. Zac loves spending time with family and friends, especially while surfing, biking, and exploring God’s creation.Connect with us!

Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde is the Engagement Lead for the Racial Justice Unit in the Church of England, and Schools Project Lead for Reconciliation at Lambeth Palace. Her distinguished career in education spans over 15 years, encompassing senior leadership roles across the U.K., West Africa, and South America. Ayonrinde brings unique, evidence-based perspectives that supportively challenge conventional norms to enable greater interfaith and intercultural understanding in schools, communities, and churches. Alysia-Lara is deeply committed to creating a culture of belonging, evident through her transformative contributions to learning environments globally. She pioneers innovative strategies that empower clergy, leaders, teachers, and students from all backgrounds to flourish.Connect with us!

In one way or another, Noah Brink has been immersed in Christian education his entire life. He grew up at a Christian school in Memphis, TN, where his father served as a Bible teacher, and he has spent the past twenty-three years serving in a wide range of roles within Christian schools. Currently, Noah serves as Head of School at Franklin Christian Academy in Franklin, TN. Noah is also the founding director of Renew Education, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing Christ’s Kingdom by helping schools align more deeply with the gospel. He is also the author of Jesus Above School, host of “RenewCast” - a podcast about and for Christian education, and he also coaches and speaks through the Herzog Foundation. Noah is married to Katie, and their three "Brinklings" attend FCA in the Nashville area. Noah is an avid sports fan who also loves the outdoors and books, especially anything by C.S. Lewis or his favorite author, G.K. Chesterton. He attended Wheaton College and holds post-graduate degrees from Reformed Theological Seminary, Middlebury College, and Covenant College.Connect with us!

Dr. Jeff Mattner has been in the ministry of Christian school education since 1982. He was a Christian school administrator for 26 of those years in the states of New Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois. Dr. Mattner became Regional Director of ACSI Mid-America in July 2011 and Senior Director of the Central Division of ACSI in 2017. He considers it a privilege to partner with Christian schools, assisting his brothers and sisters working together in this Kingdom work called Christian school education. Married to his wonderful wife Wendy since 1982, they have three daughters who are walking with the Lord and using their talents for Christ. They have eleven grandchildren who are a special blessing to Jeff and Wendy. Their daughters went through Christian school from Pre-K through college and they are grateful for the partnership that they've had with Christian schools and the church in training up their children in the way they should go. Jeff’s professional credentials include earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Nyack College (1981); a master’s degree in administration and supervision from William Paterson College (1987); and his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University (1996). Connect with us!

Steve Blom has served as the Executive Director of Bright Promise in Chicago since July 2019. Bright Promise is committed to Christ-centered education that counters fear and isolation, fostering hospitality and humility. Steve has over two decades in church and nonprofit leadership. In the past decade, he focused on expanding Christian education access for historically excluded families due to socio-economic, religious, or financial reasons. Bright Promise, founded in 1989 by community leaders, connects 14 Christian schools across Chicagoland, serving over 2,800 students in underserved communities. Steve also served as Chairman of the Board for Unity Christian Academy (2014-2019) and now sits on the Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools board, advocating for families statewide. Believing all children should discover their identity as beloved image bearers and contributors in God’s story, Steve emphasizes making Christian education accessible to those traditionally excluded. Steve holds a BA in Theology from Dordt University and an MA in Missions from Calvin Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sally, live in South Holland with their three children, all shaped by Bright Promise schools.Connect with us!

Dr. Joey Morecraft has been in Christian education since kindergarten. He continued that Christian education through high school and into a Christian liberal arts college: King University in Bristol, TN. Upon graduation, Dr. Morecraft spent the next 15 years in Christian schools in and around metro-Atlanta, accumulating an MA and PhD from Georgia State University in the process. Currently, Dr. Morecraft serves as the Chief Academic & Innovation Officer at Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, GA, a flourishing growth-centric community, where he can realize his passion: loving Jesus and getting people to think differently about the things they think about every day. Dr. Morecraft is one of the very few native Atlantans left in the metro and has been married to his beautiful wife, Jennifer, since 1997. Both of their sons are students who are thriving at Fellowship with him. Connect with us!

Erik Ellefsen serves as the Director of Networks and Improvement at Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership and as a Senior Fellow with both Cardus and CACE. He also hosts the Digical Education podcast and is a lead collaborator of the Mindshift project. With nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, coach, dean, counselor, principal, and board member, his work centers on strengthening school leadership, cultivating networks of educators, and advancing student flourishing.Connect with us!

Marc Popovici is the Head of School at Shaumburg Christian School in Shaumburg, IL. Schaumburg Christian School is accredited by Cognia, AACS, and the Illinois Association of Christian Schools. Prior to his current role, Marc was a Technology Specialist at John Hersey High School. He also served as the Boys Water Polo Head Coach at Township High School. Marc taught History and Social Studies at Wheaton North High School and Gage Park High School. Marc’s undergraduate degree is in Secondary Education from Northeastern Illinois University, and his Master’s degree is from National Lewis University in Secondary Education and Teaching.Connect with us!

Curtis and Tabatha are parents of three Covenant Christian High School alumni—Sydney, Aubrey, and Nolan— who also attended Kingsway Christian School (now Indianapolis Christian Schools) through 8th grade. Upon graduating from Covenant Christian High School, all three also attended Purdue University.Curtis, born in Texas near Galveston Island, met Tabatha during a summer between his college years. He transferred from Abilene Christian University to Western Michigan University to be close to her, earning a double major in mathematics and secondary education. He started as a high school teacher and coach, then attended Valparaiso University Law School, graduating near the top. He worked two years at the Indiana Supreme Court before joining Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, as a business litigator and mediator. Curtis sees himself as a peacemaker and problem solver, serving on boards like Hope Healthcare Center and Indianapolis Christian Schools, where he was Board Chair. He’s also coached baseball at CCHS for five seasons, including a 2023 state championship run.Tabatha, raised in Michigan in a Christian home, earned a biology degree from Western Michigan University. She married Curtis, started teaching at a Michigan high school, then moved to Indiana. She worked at Chesterton High and later at IUPUI on her master's in science education. She’s taught biology and chemistry at Apologia Academy and joined CCHS in 2015, teaching science and serving as HOSA advisor, growing the group to 23% of students.The Joneses are active at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, IN. They enjoy baseball, softball, and racing in Spartans, ToughMudders, and Triathlons.Connect with us!

Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski is the President of ITS. Before this position, he worked with juvenile offenders and taught on the faculty at Crossroads Bible College and the Washington Christian Academy, a K-12 Christ-centered school in Olney, Maryland. Dr. Piotrowski earned his PhD from Wheaton College in 2013. He has been part of ITS's leadership since its inception in 2015. He spearheads fundraising, leads the staff, and teaches Greek, Hermeneutics, and New Testament courses.He has written for several publications and has also authored books, including: Matthew’s New David: A Socio-Rhetorical Study of Scriptural Quotations (Brill, 2016) and In All the Scriptures: The Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics (IVP Academic, 2021).Dr. Piotrowski has two boys with his wife, Cheryl. They are members at Castleton Community Church.Connect with us!

A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Jen Pollock Michel is an award-winning author and speaker living in Cincinnati with her family. Her most recent book is In Good Time: Eight Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry, and Practicing Peace. In September 2026, she will release her next book, tentatively titled A Rule for the Rest of Us. Jen holds a B.A. in French from Wheaton College, an M.A. in Literature from Northwestern University, and an M.F.A from Seattle Pacific University. Her writing has appeared widely in print and online outlets including Christianity Today, The Dispatch, The Gospel Coalition, and Comment.Connect with us!

Estuardo “Stuart” Salazar is a Guatemalan Christian educator and ministry leader, serving as the Director for ACSI Latin America since 1990. A former prodigal turned Bible teacher, he transformed after years of rebellion, addiction, and jail. Restored by God’s grace, he returned to the Christian school that expelled him, this time as a teacher. He graduated from seminary, earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Regent University, and is completing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Alongside his wife Sheny, Stuart pioneered ACSI’s first office outside North America, developing a regional network serving schools across Latin America through teams in Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Paraguay. Their ministry has impacted thousands of teachers and students through training, resources, and conferences. Stuart and Sheny have two grown children, Andy and Sareth, both active in Christian education. Stuart’s life reflects a story of redemption, vision, and commitment to biblically centered education.Connect with us!

Mark Hamstra, Superintendent of Chicago Christian Schools, leads a three-campus system serving nearly 900 students across Chicago’s Southland. A husband, father, veteran, coach, and educator, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders.  He graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in history, where he played football and participated in Army ROTC. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Mark has over 14 years of military service, including two overseas tours and a combat deployment advising the Afghan Army in Southern Afghanistan. He also obtained a master’s degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso during his active duty.  After military service, Mark pursued a career in education, spending 12 years in Chicago’s public charter schools. He held various roles, including dean, teacher, football coach, and high school principal at Noble Network of Charter Schools, which serves 12,000 students.  Mark returned home two years ago to lead his alma mater, Chicago Christian. He and his high school sweetheart, Sandy, whom he met 25 years ago, cherish their life together and their four children at Chicago Christian. Both Mark and Sandy have deep-rooted connections to the Chicago Christian community. Connect with us!

Steve Carr has been married to Lisa for 27 years, and they have 4 wonderful, mostly grown children together. Originally from Columbus, Indiana, Steve holds a BA from Taylor University, an MBA from Loyola University - Chicago, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He is a principal and portfolio manager at Peloton Capital Management in Indianapolis and hosts the Generous Investor Podcast. Steve admits to being a national park nut and would almost always rather be backpacking with his kids in God's cathedrals than doing anything else. Connect with us!

Sam is a 2011 Covenant alumnus and a 2015 Anderson University alumnus, where he majored in psychology and minored in family science and Spanish. He is currently an assistant coach for the Covenant boys soccer team and has been with the program for the past five years. He played soccer and baseball at Covenant and played soccer at Anderson.He is married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor (Stoner) Schinderle, who is also both a Covenant and an Anderson alumna. This year they will celebrate their 10-year anniversary, and they have two boys: Braxton (4) and Liam ( 5 months). Sam has worked with Towne Park for the last 10 years and is the Vice President of Business Development, specializing in luxury hospitality sales.Above all, he is passionate about mentorship and finding ways to show the Lord's genuine love to all those around him. Connect with us!

Matt Davidson is in his fifteenth year leading Timothy Christian Schools the largest Christian school in Illinois. He and his team raised over $70 million for improvements, real estate, programs, and initiatives. The school has earned a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education and increased enrollment to full capacity, creating waitlists.Davidson frequently consults for private schools, nonprofits, and businesses and speaks at Christian school conferences on leadership, team-building, parenting, client engagement, and more. Matt has dedicated his career to Christian education, starting as a U.S. History and Bible teacher and coaching basketball and baseball. He transitioned to administration, becoming a dean and principal, and then took his first head position at the largest private school in Arizona before joining Timothy Christian Schools. Matt serves on several nonprofit boards, including Reclaim13, which fights child sex trafficking, and Coaches vs. Cancer with the American Cancer Society. Davidson chairs the Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools board, representing all private schools in the state, and acts as the state representative in D.C. for the Council for American Private Education. Matt is also the lead elder at his church and a board member for the Timothy Foundation.He has been married for thirty-two years and has three married children. He is a proud grandfather of four, with two more on the way.Connect with us!

Ryan Hyde is married to Cari Hyde and together they have 2 daughters, Kiara (7) and Rose (5). Ryan is in his 16th year at Calvary Christian School. Before becoming the Head of School in 2017 he taught social studies and Bible for eight years as well as serving as the athletic director. He's a graduate of Wellington High, Cedarville University, and Fort Hays State University. Connect with us!

Nathan and his wife Kacy have been married for 27 years and have three daughters: Adria (23), Hannah (21), and Harper (12). He is in his 26th year in education and 19th as an administrator, with experience at Shiloh Hills Christian School, Hilton Head Preparatory School, Grace Christian Academy, and Whitefield Academy. Currently, he serves as the head of school at Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, VA.Nathan holds a bachelor’s degree in history education from Maranatha Baptist University, a master’s in educational administration from the University of South Carolina, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Johnson University, where his research focused on leaders' epistemological beliefs and team reflection. He has held various roles, including administrator, teacher, advisor, and coach, and recognizes the unique contexts in which leaders serve while honoring God and their communities.Connect with us!

Vincent Bacote (Ph.D., Drew University) is a Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He is the co-creator of the documentary Black + Evangelical, the author of the books Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology (2020), and The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life. He has also contributed to books such as Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues (2019), The Church’s Social Responsibility (2015), and Black Scholars in White Space (2015).Vince is a Fellow at the Center for Public Justice and a senior fellow for the Trinity Forum. He has served as an assistant theology editor for Christianity Today, has been a columnist for Comment (wrf.ca/comment), and has published articles in magazines including The Banner, Books and Culture, Christianity Today, Think Christian, and re:generation quarterly, as well as in journals such as The Journal of Markets and Morality, Christian Scholars Review, Urban Mission, and the Journal for Christian Theological Research. An avid tennis player, occasional bass guitarist, and endlessly curious person, he lives in the Chicago area with his family.Connect with us!

John Noel is currently retired after 43 years in ministry. He and his wife Gayle will celebrate their 48th anniversary this August. He graduated from Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University) and served in youth ministry for 12 years, first in Martinsville, IN, then in Winston-Salem, NC.John was then called into children’s ministry in Indianapolis, first at Chapel Rock Christian Church, then at Kingsway Christian Church for 27 years. He moved into care ministry, at Kingsway and then at Connection Pointe Christian Church, after which he retired from vocational ministry. John and Gayle now live in Plainfield, IN. They have three children and three grandchildren and love spending time with all of them. John also enjoys working as a handyman in his retirement.Notably, John was instrumental in the birth of Covenant Christian High School almost 30 years ago and still firmly believes in its God-ordained mission.Connect with us!

Chris Schoenleb has served in the world of education for 22 years, after having worked in the military and business worlds for 16 years. He taught in the classroom for several years before moving into education administration. He has served as a principal and an executive director, and has now been the head of school at North Valley Christian Academy (Phoenix, AZ) for almost seven years.Chris has a bachelor’s degree in history, an MBA, and additional master’s degrees in international management and secondary education.He is an active member of Desert Foothills Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ. Chris continues to work toward his mission of helping Lutheran schools grow and sharing the gospel message with young people throughout the world.Connect with us!

Dr. Dean is the Director of Kigali International School in Rwanda, inspiring a new generation of learners. Dean is a dedicated educational leader in the South African schooling system with over 40 years of experience. He has built and led seven diverse schools, including Christian, government, and private institutions. His commitment to education includes founding and pastoring three congregations.Dean holds a BA Hons, PGCE, and PGDEM, along with a Master’s degree and PhD in Theology, an MBA, and a Diploma in Strategic Management. As a Certified Business Leader and Property Broker, he possesses extensive knowledge. His experience as an Air Force Physical Training Instructor underscores his diverse skills in leadership.A humble servant of Christ, Dean believes his righteousness is worthless without Him. With over 32 years of studying God's Word, he embodies servant leadership modeled after Jesus, believing that faith and service yield unparalleled joy.He has been married for 35 years and is a proud father, with children in the Netherlands and South Africa, and one grandchild.Connect with us!

Dave is a passionate educator with over 25 years of experience in Christian education. From classroom teaching he moved into IT leadership and management, spending 10 years (of a 21-year tenure) as Director of ICT at Covenant Christian School - Sydney, Australia.In 2018 Dave created Navigate Education Services to support Christian schools as they endeavor to use digital technologies in a way that is effective for teaching and learning, yet remains faithful to the vision and mission of the school.Over the following years, Navigate Education has provided a range of services to Christian schools including ICT Strategic Planning and advice, staff leadership and development, ongoing staffing, and specialist support services.Dave loves working alongside school leadership and IT departments to unpack and refine their approach to digital technologies, shaped by the saving gospel of Christ.Connect with us!