Ms. Allen was born in WA state and is the eldest of 7 siblings. She served in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman for 13 years. Though not raised as a Christian, Ms. Allen was radically saved through seeking God in prayer and Bible reading in late 2016. Christ then led her out of the Navy and to Clayton, NC where she and her daughter have been living since 2019. She values the opportunity to serve the students of SCS and learn from their humility.
Mrs. Susan Alonso holds a B.S. 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.
Mr. Bagwell, a native of Clayton, NC, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, where he also pursued coursework in youth ministry. With a calling to serve the local church faithfully, he has served as an associate pastor for youth and is actively involved in a local church plant. Currently completing his master’s degree in Biblical Studies at Liberty University, he finds great joy in teaching young minds about the profound truths of God. Mr. Bagwell sees teaching as a humble act of service, aiming to foster the spiritual growth and Christlike development of his students. He and his wife, Mandy, have been happily married since 1995, cherishing their partnership in ministry and family life.
Mrs. Bennett is a Raleigh native with a B.A. 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. Yisfalem Birtu, born and raised in Ethiopia, brings over a decade of rich expertise in the realm of data engineering, cloud technologies, and database administration. With a robust background in designing, implementing, and optimizing data pipelines, she has spearheaded numerous projects focusing on enhancing data accessibility, quality, and efficiency. Mrs. Birtu holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from HILCOE School of Computer Science and Technology, complemented by Associate degrees in Project Management and Secretarial Science and Office Management from Alpha University and Addis Ababa Commercial College, respectively. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she continues to drive innovation and efficiency in the field of data engineering, making her a valuable asset to any organization she serves.
Mrs. Shelah Bowers holds a B.A. 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 bachelor’s degree in education from McKendree University and a M.Ed. from Walden University. She is a former public school teacher and left teaching five years ago to stay home with her son who is attending SCS. 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 B.S. in early education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Liberty University. She creates a loving, nurturing environment in her classroom.
Ginny Brown serves as the art teacher for the elementary campus. Mrs. Brown has a B.A. 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 has served the SCS community for over six years and brings over 17 years of experience in executive administrative assistance and organizational support to the Upper School.
Andrew Coffman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, FL and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Bob Jones University. He brings over a decade of education and coaching experience from both public and Christian schools. Mr. Coffman has also served as the Youth Pastor at his local church for 11 years. The most exciting part of working at Southside Christian School for Mr. Coffman is the opportunity to serve the Lord by impacting students for Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Coffman earned a B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University and a M.S. in Nutrition Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has served in Christian school ministry for eight years and is excited to be a part of the Southside team. Outside of school, Mrs. Coffman enjoys cooking, sourdough baking, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Pastor Stuart Coffman was born and grew up in central Ohio. It was during his middle school years that he came to Christ as his Savior. Later in his teen years, he responded to God’s leadership to pursue serving in ministry. For over 40 years Pastor Coffman has served in 3 churches as a youth pastor and lead pastor. Pastor Coffman has a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He is married to his wife Diana and God has blessed them with two children and nine grandchildren.
Molly Corl studied Cross Cultural Studies at Toccoa Falls College. Molly and her husband, Dan, have served in the Christian and Missionary Alliance for the past 18 years. Mrs. Corl serves along side Dan as he pastors their church. Mrs. Corl has been in the public, charter and private school system in some sort of capacity for the past 10 years. She is excited to dive into the STEM program for the elementary students.
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 East Carolina University. 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 B.S. in religious education from Faith Theological Seminary and a M.Ed. in administration and supervision from Liberty University. Mrs. Davis’s 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 B.S. in business administration with a minor in history from Toccoa Falls College, a M.Ed. 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 B.S. 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 13 years coaching soccer both at Clayton Middle School and the International School of Qingdao in China.
Mrs. Ashley Fannin is a military wife and a 2005 graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked as a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse for 14 years before staying home full time with her 3 children. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve, as her children attend SCS.
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 bachelor’s degree in child development from Meredith College and master’s 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 B.S. degree in history from Campbell University. He spent 11 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. Gentry has over 10 years of experience in the early childhood education field and a passion for creating engaging and supportive learning environments. She is a proud Navy wife and has a 6 year old daughter.
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.
Mrs. Cindy Green holds a BA in history from California State University, M.Ed. from Louisiana Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a further graduate degree in the field of history at Liberty University. Mrs. Green is married and has two sons, whom she homeschooled and are now in college. With over 25 years of educational experiences, Mrs. Green is excited to be back full-time in the classroom, sharing her love of history and Jesus with the students of Southside.
Mr. Brad Grizenko is a follower of Christ, a father of two boys and a girl, and a husband to Makayla. After graduating with his B.A. in Biblical studies, he began his MDiv 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.
Mrs. Kayla Hazel holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is currently working on pursuing a M.Ed. with a specialization in elementary education. Mrs. Hazel’s 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 B.S. in elementary education interdisciplinary studies and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, leadership cognate, both from Liberty University. He has served in Christian education for 25 years in California, eight of those as a teaching principal. He and his wife moved to Clayton four years ago in order to help raise their two precious grandsons. Mr. Hernandez continues in his calling at Southside where he molds young lives for Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Emily 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 college. After being a stay-at-home mom, she taught at a church preschool and was a preschool director for eight years. Mrs. Holley and her husband have been married over 24 years and both of their children graduated from SCS. She loves the Lord, meeting and working with new prospective SCS families, and serving to help others in their work.
Mrs. Christa Honeycutt received her B.S. in therapeutic recreation from Mount Olive College. For five years, she 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.
Benjamin Hood completed his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2022. He has been serving on staff at Pearce Baptist Church as a student pastor since May 2022. He and his wife, Emily, live in Wake Forest with their cat, two birds, and his excessive library of history books. He is thrilled to be able to impart to the next generation his passion for history, and the manifold ways in which knowing the past can help glorify God in the future.
Mrs. Creesha Jones was born in Southern, California and has been in North Carolina since 1996. She is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Jones is currently serving as a Children’s Ministry Director at her local church. One of her greatest blessings has been to serve children as the Lord has led. It is her hope to show Christ’s love in all that she does and she finds it an honor to do so at Southside Christian School After School Care.
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 continues to be excited to be a part of SCS and looks forward every year to what our amazing God can do through the school and our students.
Mrs. Karen Khamis holds a B.A. in English/Writing Arts and a M.Ed. from the State University of New York at Oswego. Mrs. Khamis has more than a decade of experience in Christian education and teaches third grade at SCS.
Mrs. Jessica Knott is a native of Johnston County and currently resides in Clayton with her husband and two children. She has a BS in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. Before joining the Southside family, her previous experience included public education, homeschooling her own children, and working in the preschool setting. Jessica and her family are members of Cross Point Community Church of Knightdale. There she serves on the Women’s Ministry Team, helping to plan and facilitate events for the women of the church and surrounding community. She also serves their First Time Guests.
Mrs. Colleen Krauss received both her BA in foreign language and her MEd from the State University of New York in Oswego. She has been in Christian education since 1994 and has been at Southside Christian School since 2011. Mrs. Krauss has been both a teacher and swim team coach. Her son graduated from Southside in 2018 and is currently working and pursuing his master’s degree at Liberty University. Her daughter is a school counselor at Harris Creek Elementary School in Raleigh.
Mrs. Rebecca Lambert has a B.A. 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 each year at Southside Christian School.
Mr. John Larry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with a minor in Health Education, from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. Coach Larry started his education and coaching career in 2003. He and his wife Joanna have two children, Isaac and Hannah. He is excited about serving families at Southside Christian School. His goals are athletic excellence and developing Christian character to impact the world for Christ.
Mrs. Sherry Lattin holds a B.M. degree from the University of South Carolina and a M.M. 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.
Ms. Long is currently a senior at Clayton High School and plans to attend Liberty University in the fall of 2025 to pursue a degree in elementary education. Ms. Long has always loved working with kids particularly through her involvement in children’s church, where she believes she has found the path that the Lord has set for her. At school, Ms. Long actively participates in clubs and organizations. She serves as the Vice President of the Student Government, as well as the editor-in-chief of the yearbook. Additionally, she is a student leader for First Priority and a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school and work, Ms. Long cherishes spending time with family and friends and enjoying a good book!
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 MDiv 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, with a minor in religion. Having a desire to serve the local church, do missions, and make disciples, Mrs. Lott also has her M.A. 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 B.S. degree in accounting from N.C. State University. She has 20 years of accounting experience in various for profit and nonprofit organizations.
Mrs. Jeanmarie Masters received her B.S.B.A. in marketing from Coastal Carolina University. She is currently a graduate student at East Carolina University and is working towards her M.Ed. in Mathematics Education with a focus on middle school mathematics. She was raised in Myrtle Beach, SC and moved with her husband and two children to the Clayton area in 2019 where they joined the Southside family. Mrs. Masters has a strong passion for serving the Lord by instructing and loving on students. She strongly believes in using the classroom for not only education, but training and raising up new disciples for Christ. In her free time, Mrs. Masters enjoys spending time with her family, serving in her church’s youth ministry, fitness, and any activity that can get her outdoors.
Mrs. Jennifer McLean holds a B.S. 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.
Mr. Josh McLean studied sports management and business at Bob Jones University. Mr. McLean graduated from Southside Christian School in 2019 and was married in the fall of 2023.
Ms. Esther Mununga loves being a part of the Southside family. She is a Wake county native and the youngest of three siblings. Her educational background includes a B.A in psychology and French and Francophone studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Having taught overseas for a few years, Ms. Mununga’s love and passion for teaching have only grown stronger. In her free time, Ms. Mununga is an active member of Summit Church, where she serves and leads on the worship team and guest services. Beyond her dedication to her church, she finds joy in singing, exploring new places through travel, immersing herself in books, learning new languages, and even watching videos of street preaching. Ms. Mununga is eager to foster meaningful relationships and is excited to share the gospel in the classroom!
Mrs. Kellie Nothstine has a B.A. of Arts in Political Science & History from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Mrs. Nothstine also has her Masters in Education Policy from the University of Loyola-Chicago and previously worked for the United States Department of Education auditing schools to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
Mrs. Nothstine served as a founding board member for Carolina Charter School in Fuquay Varina and was a chief policy writer on their board for years. Mrs. Nothstine also holds her Juris Doctorate from University of Loyola Chicago School of Law. Mrs. Nothstine worked at Campbell University as Associate Vice President for a decade overseeing compliance, was a chief policy writer for the university, and coordinated human resources for the division of student life.
Mrs. Nothstine brings years of experience in staff management, employment rights and responsibilities, and education best practices with her to serve at Southside Christian School. Mrs. Nothstine and her husband have three young boys, two of which attend Southside, James, Henry, and Charles.
Mrs. Park has been an educator for more than 20 years and at SCS for more than eight years. She holds a B.S. in biology education from Purdue University and a M.A. in TESOL from the University of South Florida. She enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking. She also enjoys reading and making delicious desserts. Her desire is for students to know more of who God is and for her students to love Him more and more each day!
Mrs. Seaton is an Illinois native. She moved with her family to Clayton in 2021. Mrs. Seaton has a B.A. in English and teacher education from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She also has a M.S. 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. She has taught both middle and high school English for over 20 years. The Seatons have one son, Augie, who attends SCS.
Ms. Slaton earned her B.S. 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. Elizabeth Thomas has a B.S. in early childhood education and a MDiv in Christian education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She served as a Director of Children’s Ministries for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Mrs. Thomas and her husband of almost 16 years have four children. She has experience in homeschooling and has taught Pre-K at the weekday preschool at The Church @ Clayton Crossings. She is actively involved in her church, The Church @ Clayton Crossings, and currently serves as the Director of the Special Needs ministry. During her free time, Mrs. Thomas loves spending time with her family, camping, and hiking.
Originally from Michigan, Mrs. Holly Valovick holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Albion College. She worked for over 20 years as a business writer and editor, while also serving as a full-time substitute teacher in Michigan and as a K-5 music and art teacher at a Christian school in North Carolina. She sees it as an incredible blessing to be able to blend her passions for English and teaching at Southside, and to have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with her students in doing so. Mrs. Valovick has four children – two attend Southside, one is a teacher at Southside, and the oldest is married to a young man who was in the first class of Southside when it opened!
Ms. Valovick teaches upper school art and elementary 3D design. She received her B.A. from Longwood University in 2022. She previously taught in a charter school and a pottery studio and is excited to teach in a Christ-centered school. Ms. Valovick’s love for God’s creation and for learning is something she strives to instill in all her students. In addition to teaching, Ms. Valovick creates and sells her own pottery online and at local craft sales. She attends Amplify Church with her family. In her spare time, she likes playing with her three kitties, riding her horse, gardening, and kayaking.
Jacqueline has an abandoned love for Christ and a passion for seeing people, especially children, come into the knowledge of their identity in Christ. Mrs. Walker is grateful for the opportunity to glorify the LORD while sharing her gifts, knowledge, and experiences at Southside Christian School.
Mrs. Jenny Williams holds a B.A. 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.
