WCCS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Administrative Assistant
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- Upper School Lunchroom Assistant
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- High School Spanish Teacher
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- Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
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- Upper School Science Teacher
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- Educational Therapist & EXCEL Teacher
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- 1st Grade Teacher Assistant
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- Maintenance Technician
- Lower School Facilities Director / Transportation Director
Charles Hedrick, WCCS's maintenance technician, provides students with the quintessential example of how one can take God-given gifts and talents coupled with a servant's heart to bless others around him through one's career. His training and experiences in construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems and EPA certification have prepared him well to address the needs of our facilities, and he takes great joy in creatively approaching a challenge. "If you dream it, he can build it!," remarks Sarah Mitchell, Lower School Receptionist.
Job Titles:
- Middle School ELA Teacher
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- Middle School Social Studies Teacher
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- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
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- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
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- Bible & Instrumental Music Teacher
Dr. Furrow has a Ph. D. in Christian School Leadership and an M. Ed. in Administration from Columbia International University where he received the Roy W. Lowrie Jr. Educational Leadership Award. He received his undergraduate degrees in Bible and Music from Philadelphia Biblical University in Philadelphia, PA. Professional memberships include the National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association for Music Education, South Carolina Band Director's Association, and the National Band Association. Dr. Furrow has also served as a lecturer at teacher's conventions and accreditation visiting team member for AdvancEd and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He is also a member of the ACSI Southeastern Accreditation Commission. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at Columbia International University and Cairn University. Along with his wife Beverley, Dr. Furrow is the proud parent of three children and 3 grandchildren. They attend Westminster Presbyterian Church where they serve in the nursery. Dr. Furrow is also involved with the Magnify Music Ministry in Cornelius, NC. His hobbies include playing golf, reading, and attending events at WCCS. His favorite thing to do is play with his grandchildren!
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Principal
Dr. Sandi Jolly and her family joined the WCCS community in 1990 so that her own children could have a Christian education. While at WCCS, God revealed His plan for her ministry and opened the door to continue her education. Graduating from Columbia International University (CIU), she holds a PhD in Christian School Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum, a M.Ed. in Educational Administration, a MAT in Teaching Early Childhood Education, and a BS in Bible/General Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.
Dr. Jolly's ministry at WCCS began as a parent volunteer and teacher's assistant. Over the years she has served WCCS as a pre-school teacher 8 years, preschool director 4 years, Interim Head of School 2 years, and Lower School Principal for 16 years. In her current role as Early Childhood Principal, she serves the age group she most enjoys - infants through Kindergarten.
Dr. Jolly is passionate about Kingdom education and preparing the next generation to impact the world for Christ. She has served as an accreditation chair and conference speaker for the Association of Christian Schools International. She is an adjunct professor in the graduate school of education at CIU teaching Chinese education students online. She recently wrote a chapter in the book Distinctively Christian: A Christ-centered Approach to Early Childhood Philosophy and Principles.
Dr. Jolly and her husband, Clete, have three married children who were educated at WCCS. They are also the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, Landon, Zoey, Aspen, Ruby, Henry, Sadie, and Christian. Her two youngest grandchildren are students at WCCS. Her hobbies are spending time with family and teaching. She and Clete are active members of Lake Wylie Christian Assembly. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Director
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- Lower School Receptionist
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- Lower School Teaching Assistant
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- Director of Fine Arts, High School Theatre and Digital Multimedia Teacher
Hali Christopher is the Director of Fine Arts, High School Theater Director and Multi-Media Teacher. Mrs. Christopher has a rich history working in the community through theater. She serves as the President of the Board of Directors with Rock Hill Community Theatre, is active with Showtime Theatre Company, is an ex-officio member on the Board of the South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association and serves on Board of the York County Arts Council. Additionally, she has been involved with applied theater applications through the Teen Institute, Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division D.A.R.E. program. Through all of these activities, Mrs. Christopher has gained extensive experience as a performer, director, choreographer, costuming, lighting, set design, and make-up. Mrs. Christopher received her Master of Arts in Theater Production and Design from Southern Oregon University and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South. Her professional memberships include International Thespian Society, Metrolina Theater Association, South Carolina Theater Association, and Educational Theater Association. She is also active in her church, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Christopher lives in Rock Hill, SC with her husband Joe, and is the mother of a WCCS alumna.
Job Titles:
- Early Chidhood Teacher Assistant
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- Extended School Care Director
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- Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
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- Middle School Bible Teacher & Social Studies Teacher
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- Middle School Language Arts Teacher
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- High School English & EXCEL Teacher
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- Communications Coordinator
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- High School English Teacher
Mrs. Towler has a true passion for Christian Education. She started as a substitute teacher at WCCS, and now we are blessed to have her full time.
Job Titles:
- Upper School Science Teacher
Job Titles:
- Upper School Security Officer
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Assistant
Job Titles:
- Upper School Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Business Office Assistant
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood & Elementary Music Teacher
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- World Language & Computer Lab Teacher
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- Associate Director of Development
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- Director of Business Operations
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- 1st Grade Teacher Assistant
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- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
- Members of Westminster Presbyterian Church
Job Titles:
- Upper School Facilities Director
Job Titles:
- 1st Grade Teacher Assistant
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- Upper School Band Teacher
Job Titles:
- High School Science Teacher
At Westminster Catawba Christian School, one of the things that makes learning so unique for our students is that our teachers are not only highly trained and qualified, but they have specifically chosen to teach at our school because they believe they are called by God to reach our students for Christ and point them towards the unique purpose that He has for each of them.
We'd like to introduce you to Mr. Bernie Cooke, who teaches chemistry, physics, anatomy, and weight training at our upper campus. Mr. Cooke has Masters Degree in Biology from Winthrop University. You'll see that he has a multitude of gifts, and that he truly strives to use those gifts to relate to students and help them discover their place in the world and who they are in Christ. We are so grateful to have him as part of the WCCS family!
Mr. Bernie Cooke has been teaching in the WCCS family since 2010. He is married to Nicole, and they have three children at WCCS at the lower school. Mr. Cooke is a Rock Hill native and enjoys a variety of hobbies in his free time! Did you know that in his past, he used to dance ballet? He has also practiced, competed in and trained others in boxing, muay thai, jiu jitsu, and kung fu. In addition, he also has a published comic book! No doubt, his variety of interests makes him relatable to our WCCS students.
When asked to share why he feels called to teach at WCCS, Mr. Cooke states, "I love that I have the freedom to shape my curriculum to an ever-changing student body." Learning didn't always come easy to Mr. Cooke as a student himself. In fact, he admits that he was never a student that immediately understood difficult concepts. "I had to figure out ways to learn beyond just attending lecture. This has helped me tremendously in connecting with students that struggle with complex physics and chemistry concepts. I am able to share the way I worked through and thought of things to better understand them." Getting to know each student personally is on the top of his priority list. "Students aren't just numbers passing on from one grade to the next [….] I love that I am able to establish strong relationships with students. It allows me the opportunity to really know their needs, and I have the freedom to teach according to their needs and interests. Most importantly, I am able to share the Gospel with every student I meet."
Mr. Cooke is indeed known at the Upper School for the special way he is able to connect with students. Abby Epperly, WCCS Alumna from the Class of 2019, shares that during her time at WCCS, "Mr. Cooke [was] there for me in times of hardship in my personal life and faith. He always had time to listen and help with words of encouragement and usually a Bible verse or story to help." Alumnus, Jeremy de los Santos, from the Class of 2018, agrees that Mr. Cooke impacted him in an important way as well. "He helped me solidify my faith. I am blessed beyond measure […] and forever grateful for [him] to be by my side."
We leave you with a statement from Mr. Cooke about how he feels WCCS prepares students for the life to which God has called them beyond high school. "Students leave WCCS with a Kingdom Education. They are not only prepared with the prerequisite knowledge to be successful in college and beyond, but they are also equipped with an understanding that Christ is the center of everything."
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher
- Lower School Physical Education, Upper School Cross Country & Soccer Coach
Ian McKeown has been teaching at WCCS since the 2018-2019 school year. He has a B.S. Biology & Health, Winthrop University; Master's Certification in Physical Education.
Mr. McKeown is married to Anne, our Upper School Spanish Teacher! He developed an interest in teaching at WCCS by attending student games and events with Anne, and getting to know our faculty and students. One of his favorite things about his job is the fact that he gets to know students from both the upper and lower school, teaching for our younger kids and coaching and attending events with Anne at the upper school. In their free time, Ian and Anne love to play soccer, workout, and play with their dog. They currently attend Ebenezer ARP and are both youth leaders in the middle and high school youth group.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Upper School Principal
Mr. Joe Zambrano is our WCCS Upper School Principal. He has worked in private Christian and in Title I urban schools (after serving in the Marines for several years). He has been a Middle School Special Education Teacher, a High School Teacher, a Coach (including swimming and mountain biking), a Dean of Students, and an Upper School Principal! Most recently, he led an upper school of 400 middle and high school students at Jupiter Christian School in Florida and was credited with a significant growth in school culture seen in an improvement in school spirit, the attraction and retention of incredible faculty, as well as academic success exemplified in increased AP exam pass rates.
We took a few minutes to ask him some questions about why he is so excited to be a part of the WCCS family. Check it out in the story below!
Rusty Fleming has been teaching at WCCS since the 2018-2019 school year. He and his wife, Jennifer, have five children and currently attend Central Baptist Church of York where Rusty serves on the worship team, leading, singing, and playing the keyboard. Mr. Fleming education includes B.A., History, Mary Baldwin College, Hampden-Sydney College; M.A. in Teaching, The Citadel; and MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Oxford University. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, running, lifting weights, watching TV, writing and singing songs, camping, and taking his wife on dates!
Mrs. Browder holds a B.S. in Education from Baylor University. Read more of her story below!
Job Titles:
- College & Career Counselor
Ashley Sapp has been working at WCCS since the 2011-2012 school year as the College & Career Counselor for grades 6-12. She is married to Stephen, and has three children, Taylor, Lauren, and Derek. Her family attends Calvary Baptist Church where she serves in the youth ministry and sings in the choir and Stephen serves as a deacon. Mrs. Sapp earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Reading from Winthrop University.
Job Titles:
- Lower School Lunchroom Assistant
- Lunch Director
Belinda McCarley has worked at our school now for 8 years. Currently, she serves as the Lower School Lunchroom Assistant. Her son, Aaron McCarley, is a graduate of the Class of 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Catawba College. Matthew is a WCCS student in the 10th grade, hoping to play college baseball and study sports management and coaching. Belinda is married to Mac McCarley, a retired firefighter/police officer of 24 years for the City of Rock Hill. Their family likes to watch Matthew play baseball on the weekends at different tournaments, and the boys all love to hunt and fish together. A little-known fact about Belinda is that she was a florist for 20 years and enjoys being creative! Her favorite Bible verse is "with God, everything is possible." (Mark 10:27).
Job Titles:
- Admissions Director
- Admissions Director & Lower School Admissions ( Infants - 5th )
- Email Director of Admissions
Job Titles:
- NILD Program Director & EXCEL Department Chair
Mrs. Janice Carter has been married to Leon Carter for 35.5 years. Together, they have two grown sons, our oldest, Jared, in business management in Columbus Ohio, and our youngest, Zachary, an engineer in Orlando, Florida. Janice and her husband are active members and servant leaders at Transformation Church, and on mission with the Lord - as they believe all of life is worship.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School Principal
- the Exceptional Education Director
Joanna Swofford joined WCCS as the Exceptional Education Director in 2011, working alongside faculty and staff in meeting the specific needs of students supported by our Exceptional Education Program, EXCEL. She has also served as Assistant Principal at the Upper School, and is currently serving as Elementary Principal for grades 1st-5th.
Mrs. Swofford has earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, and a Bachelor's degree in Special Education. Joanna and her husband, Adam, have been raising their three boys in Rock Hill since 2007 and have been blessed with the opportunity to enroll them at WCCS for most of their schooling years.
Job Titles:
- Elementary Art & Gifted Teacher
- Elementary Art Teacher
Job Titles:
- Lower School Media & Curriculum Specialist
- LS Media Specialist & Curriculum Director
Mrs. Katina Shackelford is one of our outstanding 4th grade teachers at the lower school! Previously, she served as a Parent Educator and Tutor for Clover School District. She also taught Pre-Kindergarten in Georgia for 6 years. Read more of her story below!
Mrs. Kim Watts is a beloved second grade teacher at Westminster Catawba Christian School. She holds an associates degree from Anderson University and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University.
Monica Monigold has been teaching in our Early Childhood program as an Infant and Twos teacher for several years. Check out what she has to say about being both a parent and a teacher at WCCS!
"What led me to WCCs, was my daughter starting part-time preschool. Little did I know God would open the door for me to go to work full-time doing what I love, and McKinley would be able to go to school at Westminster. She is thriving in kindergarten and loves learning about Jesus! This is my 12th year working in preschool. I am currently a full-time student and looking forward to graduating in May! After graduation, I look forward to doing what I love most, spending time with my family. I have a husband, 3 children, 2 dogs, and a kitten. Life is fun! God is good!"
Job Titles:
- Middle School Dean and Teacher
- Middle School Dean of Students & Teacher
Olivia Gregory has been working at WCCS since the 2015-2016 school year. She has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Education in Literacy from the American College of Education. She is passionate about Jesus, her family, building literacy in students, promoting community in our school, being outside, exercise, coaching girls' basketball, taking naps, and eating chocolate. Olivia has been very happily married to her best friend Richard for 22 years and has four incredible children she loves with her whole heart. In her role as Middle School Dean, Olivia's goal is to invest in our culture of community and encourage students to thrive as they navigate their middle school years.
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
Paige Crosby and her family joined WCCS in 2016 when her oldest daughter started 4K. She shares that she knew their family's story would continue at our school. Her youngest daughter started 3K the following school year, and shortly after, Paige started teaching at our school! As a family, they enjoy going to church, riding around their farm, reading a good story, playing board games, playing outside, movie night snuggles, family fun days and Clemson football! "Mrs. Paige" is well-loved by all her Early Childhood students and is also a welcoming smile to the children as they enter the classroom each morning. Check out more of her story below!
Job Titles:
- Government / Economics, US History, & Human Geography English, Model UN Sponsor
Ms. Deanne Regier has been a beloved part of the WCCS family for many years! She first started teaching at our school in March of 1999. Some little known facts about Deanne is that she is a pastor's child, has visited all states except Alaska and Hawaii, and served as a missionary in Japan for two years.
Ms. Regier enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out at the gym, facilitating Bible studies at Westminster Presbyterian Church, grading papers at Starbucks, wearing Chacos, reading anything that is not historical, and watching PBS (especially Masterpiece Theater and Newshour)! Ms. Regier has a B.A. in Social Science from Biola University, and a M.A.T. in Social Science from Winthrop University.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Language Arts Teacher
With a B.A. in English Literature and Theatre from Vanderbilt University, Ms. Olivia Edge has been teaching at WCCS since the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. She is the youngest of five children who grew up outside of Atlanta in a little town called Oxford, Georgia. She has lived in New Hampshire, Tennessee, and North Carolina as well, but has called Rock Hill her home for the last 12 years, where she lives with her two children, Eli and Julia, and her dog Lola Claire.
Ms. Edge has worked as a professional musical theatre actress for the past 20+ years, but is thrilled with her new vocation as a teacher of English/Language Arts and Middle School Theatre here at WCCS. Her family attends church at Ebenezer ARP, where she sings in the choir and with the praise team. She has served as the President of Women's Ministries at Ebenezer, as well as a circle and Bible study leader. She still performs theatre as her schedule allows, and she enjoys watching her children in all their activities.
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
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- Elementary Administrative Assistant
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- Business Office Assistant
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- Athletic Director
- Director of Athletics
Rich has 25 years of experience in school leadership and administration, and 27 years of coaching experience ranging from the collegiate level through grade school. Most recently, he served as the Director of Athletics & Advancement for Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois. Please join us in welcoming Rich to the WCCS family! He has a true passion for leading students to use their athletic abilities as an instrument to point others to Christ. Read more about it below!
Job Titles:
- Lower School Security Officer
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
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- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development / Education
Steve, and wife Mary, have 5 children - all WCCS alumni (1995 - 2009), and 10 grandchildren! Steve has served in various capacities at WCCS as a parent, parent alumni, volunteer; Board Trustee and recently Board Chair for approximately 18+ years.
An avid outdoors kind of guy, Steve enjoys golf, running, college football, travel, family activities, and grandkids! He cherishes his passion for WCCS and felt called to serve as Director of Development - connecting with our WCCS Family, tri-county community, and affiliated partners. Mary is an RN with Atrium Health in Orthopedics.
Steve and Mary are active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church - PCA. Steve serves as a Ruling Elder, and both lead in Men's and Women's Discipleship ministries.
Job Titles:
- EXCEL Resource Teacher & Lower School EXCEL Chair
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- Upper School Science Teacher
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- Upper School History & Bible Teacher
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- High School History & Computer Teacher
Job Titles:
- Middle School Language Arts & Bible Teacher