Mrs. Susan Alonso holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian education from Southeastern FWB College. She hopes to inspire a love for foreign languages in her students that might develop into a passion for spreading the gospel. Mrs. Alonso taught Spanish for five years in an elementary setting before transitioning to Southside to teach high school Spanish.
Mrs. Bennett is a Raleigh native with a Bachelor of Arts in Business from NC State University. For 16 years, she was a business owner and coach for a competitive all-star cheerleading gym with her husband. Their children have attended SCS since 2017. Mrs. Bennett has a love for children and is blessed to have joined the SCS team!
Mrs. Lois Bergman has served with her husband in full-time ministry for the last 12 years. She holds an associate degree from Pensacola Christian College, and is excited to serve at Southside!
Mrs. Shelah Bowers holds a Bachelor of Arts in Missions and Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. Mrs. Bowers’ teaching experiences and service in Brazil bring excitement to her elementary classes.
Mrs. Cari Braswell holds a Bachelors in Education from McKendree University and a Masters in Education from Walden University. She is a former public school teacher and left teaching 5 years ago to stay home with her son who is attending SCS this year. Mrs. Braswell is happy to be a part of a Christian school where Jesus is the focus of every aspect of the students’ education.
Mrs. Crystal Braxton holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor in Elementary Education from Liberty University. She creates a loving, nurturing environment in her first grade classroom.
Ginny Brown serves as the Art Teacher for the elementary and upper school. Mrs. Brown has a BA in Art and Psychology from Wake Forest University. She gives credit to her high school art teacher for inspiring her to pursue a career in art. Mrs. Brown worked as an artist for licensing firms, magazines, and has taught art to students in the home school community since 1990. She and her husband have three grown daughters and live in Clayton.
Mrs. Emily Cain has studied Business Administration at NC Wesleyan College and Medical Office Administration at Nash Community College where she earned multiple certifications in Medical Finance Administration. In addition to her cheerful and professional disposition, Mrs. Cain brings over 12 years of experience in Executive Administrative Assistance to the Upper School.
A North Carolina native originally from Charlotte, Ms. Cureton has been in the Cary area now for many years. She received a degree in Business from ECU. In the past, Ms. Cureton worked at another Christian school as the business manager where she began realizing her love of children. In addition to online ESL classes, she has taught second grade at a small, private school for one year, and has been teaching elementary kids at church for several years.
Mrs. Jenene Davis holds a Bachelor of Science in Religious Education from Faith Theological Seminary and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. Mrs. Davis’ love for children of all ages and dedication to mentoring her staff is rooted in her unyielding love for her Savior, which is evident in her servant’s heart. Mrs. Davis serves as the Head of School.
Mr. Chris Dentel has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in History from Toccoa Falls College, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University, and a M.B.A. from the University of Mississippi. He has been working in education since the 2004-05 school year and has filled different roles in schools in North Carolina and Qingdao, China.
Mrs. Dentel has a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Math and Science from Toccoa Falls College and has seven years of teaching experience. Mrs. Dentel has a passion for soccer and organization. She spent thirteen years coaching soccer both at Clayton Middle School and the International School of Qingdao in China.
Mr. Doyle attended Liberty University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Since graduating, he has been working as a real estate agent where he continues to work serving his clients. His passion is serving and considers it an honor to be able to teach students about God and His character. Mr. Doyle lives in Clayton with his wife, Brittany, and their three kids!
Mrs. Jessie Faris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Campbell University. Her passion for Life Skills stems from a personal goal to live well in the common life of common days and a passion to equip young adults for the practical aspects of everyday life. Employed since the age of 14, Mrs. Faris has experience in a myriad of skills ranging from administration to the art of making the perfect snowball! She is delighted to have the opportunity to share with young adults the joy of simple disciplines and private glories.
Mrs. Fleeger holds a Bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Florida. She has spent the last 20+ years homeschooling her children, who have now graduated.
Mrs. Forster has a Bachelors degree in Child Development from Meredith College and Masters degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. She loves to create a fun and nurturing environment for her students so they can learn and grow to the best of their abilities. Mrs. Forster loves meeting the students and families of SCS and serving with the SCS Team.
Mr. Gatewood has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in History from Campbell University. He spent eleven years teaching individuals with disabilities in the Wake Tech Community College system. Mr. Gatewood enjoys being part of the Christian school environment that places God’s teaching at the forefront of educating children.
Mrs. Jessica George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College. She has a passion to teach children to love Jesus and holds Psalm 43:11 as her priority when teaching in the classroom. Mrs. George is thrilled to be able to teach with Southside and invest in future generations.
Mrs. Katherine Graver loves the Lord and returned to teaching after a few years as a stay at home mom. She graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She loves being part of the Southside team and teaching first grade.
Mr. Brad Grizenko is a follower of Christ, a father of two boys, and a husband to Makayla. After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, he began his Master of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shortly after finishing that program, God led him toward teaching as he loves helping students follow Christ in every area of life, including English, which he now teaches at SCS.
Mrs. Stephanie Haithcock is proud to serve and support SCS and the families who want to help their children know, love and serve Jesus as Savior. She is thankful for the solid Christian education provided to her son and all the kids attending SCS. Mrs. Haithcock received her BA in Liberal Studies from Westfield State College in MA, with concentrations in English, Psychology and Business. She has served in many facets of children’s ministry at her church throughout the years.
Mr. Justin Harrell holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University and a Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He loves the Bible, and, more importantly, the God of the Bible! Mr. Harrell anticipates sharing this love with his students. Plus, having lived abroad for two years (Israel), he looks forward to sharing those experiences with others. He also enjoys sports and the great outdoors.
Mrs. Kayla Hazel holds a bachelors degree in Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her true passion is teaching children about Jesus. After graduation from UTSA, Mrs. Hazel started working in the public school system as a special education teacher. This is where the Lord called her into children’s ministry through elementary education. She loves to create a fun and loving environment to help kids learn and grow into who the Lord is calling them to be.
Mr. John Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership Cognate, both from Liberty University. He has served in Christian Education for 25 years in California, 8 of those as a teaching principal. He and his wife moved to Clayton 4 years ago in order to help raise their two precious grandsons. Mr. Hernandez is eager to resume his calling at Southside where he hopes to continue molding young lives for Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Holley has a BS in Science Education and a BA in chemistry from East Carolina University. She taught chemistry and physical science to high school students. After being a stay-at-home mom, she taught at a church preschool and was a preschool director for 8 years. Mrs. Holley loves the Lord and serving to help others in their work. Both of her children attended SCS.
Mrs. Christa Honeycutt received her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Mount Olive College. For the past 5 years, she has worked in the Johnston County Public School System in positions ranging from reading resource to elementary teacher assistant. She is a part of the praise team at her church, enjoys leading others in worship, and loves to be an encouragement to others. She grew up in Zebulon and now lives in Four Oaks with her husband and two daughters where they attend Anthem Church.
Mr. Kelley has been in full time youth ministry since 2002 and during that time he has taught at Heritage Christian Academy and at Carolina Bible Institute and Seminary. Mr. Kelley believes the Lord called him back to teaching high school students in a Christian school setting. He is extremely excited to be a part of SCS and looks forward to what our amazing God can do through the school and our students.
Mrs. Karen Khamis holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing Arts and a Master of Education from the State University of New York at Oswego. Mrs. Khamis has more than a decade of experience in Christian education and teaches 3rd grade at SCS.
Jessica is a native of Johnston County and currently resides in Clayton with her husband, two children, and goldendoodle Hattie Mae. She has a BS in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. Having worked in a variety of public and private classroom settings she is excited for the opportunity to be teaching 2nd grade at Southside.
Mrs. Krauss received both her BA in Foreign Language and her MSEd from the State University of New York in Oswego. She has been in Christian education since 1994, and she has been teaching at Southside Christian School since 2011. Mrs. Krauss has coached the swim team and her husband has coached both boys and girls basketball. Her son, Daniel, graduated from SCS in 2018 and currently attends Liberty University. Her daughter works for Liberty University’s Online Academy.
Mrs. Rebecca Lambert has a Bachelor of Art in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education from Cedarville University. She brings over 30 years of experience in teaching Math and Science from a Biblical perspective. She looks forward to fostering a love of learning in her students at Southside Christian School.
Mrs. Sherry Lattin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Music degrees in music history and violin performance from Bowling Green State University. Her teaching experiences include elementary and high school ensembles, private lessons, and AP Music Theory. Mrs. Lattin is excited to share her love of music and the Lord with the students at Southside.
Mr. Lott holds a double bachelor’s degree from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS, in both Mathematics and Biblical Studies, as well as a minor in English. Called by God to serve the local church faithfully, Mr. Lott also has his Masters of Divinity degree in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He loves to teach others, understanding teaching to be a lowly position of service for the students’ betterment and Christlike development. Mr. Lott is a current student of both mathematics and Biblical Greek, desiring to pursue his Ph. D. in Greek and New Testament studies. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Tonya, a fellow seminarian, since 2017, and he considers this to be God’s greatest measure of grace toward him.
Mrs. Lott holds a bachelor’s degree from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS in Mass Communications, as well as a minor in Religion. Having a desire to serve the local church, do missions, and make disciples, Mrs. Lott also has her Masters of Arts degree in Ministry to Women and Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. She ultimately seeks to know God, make Him known to others, and considers it God’s grace that she has the opportunity to teach bible to students at Southside! She has been married to her best friend, Ryan, since July 2017, and she considers this to be the greatest blessing the Lord has given her on this earth. Mrs. Lott is also blessed that she gets to work at the same school as her husband and serve the Lord together, as this was their ultimate desire when they got married.
Mrs. Love holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from N.C. State University. She has 20 years of accounting experience in various for profit and nonprofit organizations.
Mrs. Jennifer McLean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration from Bob Jones University. Mrs. McLean enjoys reading and is excited to share that joy with her middle school students. She has three children that have graduated from SCS and now attend BJU.
Miss Laura Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in History from
Champion Christian College and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education through Grand Canyon University. Miss Mendoza has been teaching since 2017. She is excited that the Lord has opened up the doors at SCS and is looking forward to building forever relationships with her students!
As a senior in high school, Mr. Moreno was called to make a difference in the lives of young people. He has been a youth pastor for 13 years and is stepping into a new area of life as a Christian school teacher. Along with teaching Bible, health and PE, Mr. Moreno organizes chapel, coaches soccer, and is the head of the athletic department.
Mrs. Park has been an educator for more than 20 years and at SCS for more than 7 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Purdue University and a Master of Arts in TESOL from the University of South Florida. She enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking. She also enjoys reading and making delicious desserts. Her desire in her classes is for the students to know more of who God is through the study of His creation and for her students to love Him more and more each day!
Mrs. Beth Purdum serves as the Upper School Substitute Teacher and on those days when a substitute is not needed, she provides office support in the US Program.
Mrs. Seaton is an Illinois native. She moved with her family to Clayton in 2021. Mrs. Seaton has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Teacher Education from The University of Illinois at Springfield. She also has a Master of Science in Reading from Illinois State University. While working on her Master’s degree, Mrs. Seaton spent a semester abroad at the University of Brighton in England. Mrs. Seaton has taught both middle and high school English for over 20 years. The Seatons have one son, Augie, who attends SCS.
Mrs. Cherie Settle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Human Resources from the University of Phoenix and made a lateral entry into the field of education. She gained her teaching certification through ACSI. As a life-long learner, Mrs. Settle continues to take classes through East Carolina University. Mrs. Settle moved from the ES Classroom the summer of 2019 to join the SCS Leadership Team and now serves as our Human Resource Coordinator and other areas of support within the SCS Business Office.
Ms. Slaton is thrilled to be joining the Southside team! She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Music from Campbell University. Ms. Slaton is excited to infuse a Gospel perspective into every aspect of the classroom, sharing with students the joy of learning about God’s Word, world, and heart! She is a member of The Shepherd’s Church and loves being a Bible study leader, helping lead worship, and participating in service trips across the US and overseas. In addition to traveling and singing, her hobbies include reading, musical theater, listening to podcasts, writing, crocheting, and being in God’s creation!
Mrs. Lori Smoot studied fine art and received her BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. She specializes in painting and drawing. She studied art for a semester abroad in Italy during college and has also served as a missionary with her husband and four children in South Asia and South Africa. The Smoot family relocated to Wendell in 2021, where her husband serves as a pastor and all four kids are students at SCS.
Mrs. Snow is a Virginia native. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University. She believes in creating a fun, safe, loving classroom environment where students can flourish at becoming kind, confident, independent learners. She enjoys sharing the love of God with her students and watching them grow in their walk with Jesus.
Mrs. Sheena Steinhoff holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bellevue University and a Master of Human Resource Management from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. She is excited for the opportunity to serve Southside!
Mrs. Meredith Stewart is a Garner native and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from NC State University in Mass Communications. She has worked much of her professional career in real estate and is the proud mom of 4 beautiful children. She and her family have been a part of Southside since 2016 and she is excited to join the mission of SCS by serving as a teacher while helping equip future disciples and leaders by providing a strong Christ-centered education in a loving and nurturing environment.
Mrs. Stovall was raised in a pastor’s home and attended a Bible College in Florida, where she met her husband. She has been serving in some sort of Christian ministry for over 30 years beside her husband. Mrs. Stovall moved to NC in 2014 to get out of the cold Northeast! She has 2 married children who have given her 4 beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Stovall loves to travel with her husband, be with her children and spoil her grandchildren.
Mrs. Jenny Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Meredith College and Master and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Elon University. Mrs. Williams has worked with all ages ranging from children to seniors and is excited to use her knowledge of child development and education in her classroom.