Faculty

Our teachers are the heart of our school.

Home 5 Faculty

Primary School Faculty

Abby Hoffmann

Abby Hoffmann

PreK

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Hoffman attended the University of West GA where she received a degree in Early Childhood Education and a certification in Special Education. She resides in Woodstock with her husband and two child children. When not teaching, she loves reading, knitting, and traveling with her family. They attend Momentum Church where she and her husband are small group leaders.

Education:  B.S. Ed., Early Childhood Education, University of West Georgia

Dawn Hultstrom

Dawn Hultstrom

Kindergarten

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Hultstrom grew up in Michigan and while attending her Christian high school realized teaching was her calling. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College and subsequently taught in Christian schools for six years – three in kindergarten, and three in first grade – prior to joining the faculty of CCS as a Kindergarten teacher in 2005. She worships at Sojourn Woodstock and has a daughter (Alexandra) who graduated from CCHS. Her husband, David, has a wealth management firm in Woodstock. Dawn is also an avid runner and has competed in numerous marathons including the prestigious Boston Marathon.

Education:  B.S., Elementary Education, Pensacola Christian College

Julie Garland

Julie Garland

1st Grade

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Garland graduated from Concordia University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She taught first grade at a Christian school in Texas for seven years until her first daughter was born. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, Mrs. Garland resumed her teaching career at CCS in 2017. She and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kassandra.  Both daughters were blessed to attend CCS since Kindergarten. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, camping and jeeping. The Garland family worships together at Living Hope Church in Kennesaw.

Education:  B.S., Elementary Education, Concordia University

Shelly McCulley

Shelly McCulley

2nd Grade

Teacher Bio

Mrs. McCulley graduated from Union University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Learning Foundations. Her family moved to Georgia in 2014. Mrs. McCulley has previously taught in the Fulton County and Cherokee County school systems. After staying home with her three children, Mrs. McCulley returned to full-time teaching in 2022. She enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family, especially at the lake! Her family attends Hope Church Union Hill.

Education: B.S. Elementary Education & Learning Foundations, Union University

Lecia Anderson

Lecia Anderson

3rd Grade

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Anderson was born and raised in Georgia.  She grew up in the Alpharetta area and attended college at Kennesaw State University, where she received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education.  She taught in the Fulton County School system for 6 years.  After her first child was born, she made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom.  Lecia returned to full-time teaching at CCS in 2014.  Her family has lived in the Canton area for 20 years, and she has two children, both of whom graduated from CCS.   She enjoys hiking, horseback riding and participating in other outdoor activities with her family.

Education:  B.S., Early Childhood Education, Kennesaw State University

Madeline Hamilton

Madeline Hamilton

4th Grade

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Hamilton is an Atlanta native and has lived in Georgia most of her life. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education (with Honors) from Western Governors University in 2021. Her husband, Scott, is a teacher and coach, and they have three children – Zach, Madison, and Benjamin. In her free time, Mrs. Hamilton enjoys attending football games, playing with her dogs (Harley and Sugar Magnolia), spending time with her family, and serving in her church’s food pantry ministry. She and her family attend His Hands Church in Woodstock.

Education:  B.S., Early Childhood Education, Western Governors University

Mindee Young

Mindee Young

Asst. Principal & 5/6 History

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Young grew up in Texas and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University.  She later earned her Texas State Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education and Special Education. In May 2021, Mrs. Young also earned her Masters of Education in Reading from Kennesaw State University. In Dallas, she taught Special Education classes in the Dallas ISD for a couple of years before deciding to stay home and raise her family.  She resumed her teaching career at CCS and is loving every minute of it.  She and her husband, Jeff, have two boys, Thomas and Ryan.  She and her family have lived in Georgia for over 10 years now and they love hiking, camping and being outdoors.

Education:  B.A., Texas A&M University; M.Ed, Kennesaw State University

Emily Goff

Emily Goff

5/6 ELA

Teacher Bio

Miss Goff has been a part of the CCS family since she began attending the school as a 3rd grade student. After she graduated from our high school in 2016, she went on to attend Covenant College on Lookout Mountain. While she was a college student, Emily served as a summer intern, working on curriculum development in our high school. She also assisted the Athletic Department with various sports camps and practices. Emily graduated from Covenant with honors in 2020, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching 4th grade, she is the head coach for the Middle School Lady Warrior volleyball team. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, drinking Dr. Pepper, and playing with her dog, Luna. She is a member of Faith Community Church in Woodstock.

Education:  B.A., Elementary Education, Covenant College

Heather Akins

Heather Akins

5/6 Math

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Akins has been teaching since 1994 and joined CCS in 2013. She has taught math from 5th grade through 12th grade levels while at CCS. She is married and has four children, two of whom attended CCS. She and her family attend Faith Community Church and are active in various ministries there, including the young adults College and Career ministry, where they lead small groups. When not working or serving, she enjoys watching football, playing board games or cards and taking care of her family.

Education:  B.S., Education, Kennesaw State University

Vinny Loccisano

Vinny Loccisano

5/6 Bible

Teacher Bio

Mr. Loccisano was born and raised in Acworth, Georgia. He began his studies at Georgia Highlands College where he earned an A.S. Degree. He continued his education at Liberty University where he earned a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Education. In his spare time, Mr. Loccisano enjoys playing sports and musical instruments. He and his wife, Ashleigh, are members at Faith Community Church in Woodstock.

Education:  A.S., Georgia Highlands College; B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies –  Education Concentration, Liberty University

Titus Hanham

Titus Hanham

4/5/6 STEM

Teacher Bio

Joining CCS in 2016, Mr. Hanham currently serves as our STEM Lab Instructor in our Exploratorium as well as serving in our IT department. Mr. Hanham began teaching computer science in 1986 at a Christian school in Miami, Florida, the city where he was born and raised. He has a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Bryan College and an MA in Biblical Studies from Dallas Seminary. He is fluent in Russian, having served overseas with his family during his 22 years of student ministry. He enjoys camping, travel, music, fitness, languages, and time with family. He is married to a designer/florist/seamstress and together they have three sons, one now attending CCS and two who previously graduated from CCS. They also have a lovely little siamese. His family attends New Covenant Bible Church in Canton, Georgia, where they actively support the youth program.

Education:  B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science, Bryan College; M.A. in Biblical Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary; Computing Technology Industry Association A+ Certification

Savannah Holloway

Savannah Holloway

Visual Art

Teacher Bio

Coming soon.

Amy Hanenburg

Amy Hanenburg

Music

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Hanenburg is the Primary School Music Teacher. She grew up in Minnesota and married her high school sweetheart, Travis, who also teaches at CCS. She graduated from Dordt College in 1995 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in music. She taught in Louisiana, and Texas, for three years before coming to CCS in 1998. After teaching fifth grade for one year, she spent 22 years homeschooling and raising her four children. She rejoined CCS in 2021 as the part-time music teacher. During her “time off,” Amy held the position of music teacher and administrator at Grace Classical Academy, a homeschool co-op, for sixteen years. She also enjoyed musical pursuits in the Cherokee Chorale, American Patriot Winds, piano, organ, trumpet, giving piano lessons, and leading the praise team at church. In her spare time, she is a volleyball/soccer mom and enjoys digital scrapbooking, reading, singing, and playing piano.

Education:  B.A., Elementary Education/Minor in Music, Dordt College

Ally Sears

Ally Sears

Physical Education

Teacher Bio

Coach Ally is new to CCS this year and joins us after previously working at The King’s Academy where she assisted in Preschool, Middle School and High School. She serves as a Primary School P.E. teacher as well as Co-Cheer Coach for the Varsity Girls Team. She attended Chattahoochee Technical College where she graduated in 2014 with her Medical Administrative Assistant Certification. Coach Ally loves working with children and has a desire to watch them learn new things. She and her family have resided in Cherokee county most of her life and she has been a Sunday School teacher at Faith Community Church for 17 years.

Education:  Medical Administrative Assistant Certification,  Chatahooche Technical College

Grayson Rogers

Grayson Rogers

Physical Education

Teacher Bio

Coach Rogers came to CCS in 2016 and serves as the Physical Education teacher for both the primary and secondary schools. He attended Georgia Southern University and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Business Management. Grayson has always had a passion for sports and has always seen them as a great tool for mentoring, discipleship, and growing relationships. His current coaching duties include Varsity Football Assistant Coach, JV Boys Basketball Head Coach, and Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach. He married his wife, Brooke, in 2016 and they now reside in Woodstock with their sons, Henry and Levi. They are members of Revolution Church in Canton.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Georgia Southern University

Katrina Wingertsahn

Katrina Wingertsahn

Bridge Instructor

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Wingertsahn grew up in S.E. Florida where she attended Christian school for 12 years. She then earned  a B.A. in Elementary Education/ Deaf Education from Flagler College, and a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Language Pathology) from Alabama A & M University.  She has worked in a variety of roles which include both special education and general education since 2003. She has been married for 20 years to her husband Paul, and they have two children who attend CCS. Her family worships together at Revolution Church. In her free time she enjoys reading, crafting, playing board games and hiking in the great outdoors with her family.

Education:  B.A., Elementary Education/Deaf Education, Flagler College; M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Alabama A&M University

Secondary School Faculty

Heather Akins

Heather Akins

Mathematics

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Akins has been teaching since 1994 and joined CCS in 2013. She has taught math from 5th grade through 12th grade levels while at CCS. She is married and has four children, two of whom attended CCS. She and her family attend Faith Community Church and are active in various ministries there, including the young adults College and Career ministry, where they lead small groups. When not working or serving, she enjoys watching football, playing board games or cards and taking care of her family.

Education:  B.S., Education, Kennesaw State University

Grace Akins

Grace Akins

Visual & Fine Art

Teacher Bio

Miss Akins is a passionate educator and artist with a diverse background in art, business, and community outreach. She graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Digital and Studio Art, complemented by a minor in Business. Her career began in marketing, where she honed her skills in visual communication and brand strategy. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Grace transitioned to working with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta as an art instructor, specializing in nurturing creativity among underprivileged youth. Her experience there strengthened her belief in the transformative power of art education. Beyond her professional endeavors, Grace finds joy in spending time with her nieces and nephews, engaging in creative pursuits, and exploring new culinary adventures. She is also an avid podcast listener, always eager to discover new ideas and perspectives.

Education:  B.A. in Digital & Studio Art, Liberty University

Dr. Shreyas Athavale

Dr. Shreyas Athavale

Science

Teacher Bio

Dr. Athavale joined the faculty at Cherokee Christian Schools in 2015. He teaches chemistry and biology at various grade levels. Dr. Athavale earned his Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from the University of Mumbai, India in 2005. He then moved to the United States and earned his PhD in chemistry from Syracuse University in 2010. He was involved in higher research at Georgia Tech (2010-2014) and University of California Santa Barbara (2014-2015). Much of his work was published in renowned scientific journals and some of his work was featured in a NASA press release. Shreyas and his wife Rachel have three daughters, Alisha, Abigail, Aviva and one son, Luke. They are members at Faith Community Church. He is an avid follower of the sport, cricket, and enjoys reading.

Education:  Bachelor of Technology, Chemical Engineering, University of Mumbai, India; PhD, Chemistry, Syracuse University

Jamie Basso

Jamie Basso

Science

Teacher Bio

Mr. Basso began his teaching career in 1988 and joined the team at CCS in the fall of 2016. He teaches science and Bible courses in our Secondary School. After graduating high school in Georgia, he attended Auburn University and graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree in 1985. He then changed his career plans to education and obtained an additional degree in education with an emphasis on chemistry and math education in 1986. He remained at Auburn to work on his Masters in Chemistry Education which he completed in 1987.  He later went on to obtain an Education Specialist degree (Education Leadership and Curriculum) in 2000 from Lincoln Memorial University. He resides in Waleska, Georgia with his wife, Laurel, and four of his five children., with one now in the military. His family attends New Covenant Bible Church in Canton, Georgia where he serves as a deacon. His interests include walking, golfing and working out in the yard with his kids.

Education:  B.S., Chemical Engineering, B.S., Education, M.Ed. Chemistry Education, Auburn University

Andrew Bundrum

Andrew Bundrum

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mr. Bundrum graduated from Truett McConnell University with a degree in Education and minors in History and Theology. He then earned a Master’s from Liberty University in History and Secondary Education. He has been teaching since 2017 in History, Economics, Government, and other Humanities courses at the Secondary School level. He attends services at Northstar Church where he is an active member in several small groups and also occasionally sings with the choir at Picketts Mill Baptist Church. He enjoys billiards, hiking, traveling, and reading.

Education:  B.S., Education, Truett McConnell University; M.A. Secondary Education and History, Liberty University

Mark Carver

Mark Carver

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mr. Carver is Northern-born and Southern-bred, having spent his early childhood in New York City before moving to the Atlanta area. After graduating from Toccoa Falls College in 2005, he taught for nearly a decade in China as a university English language teacher, and later continued in the same role at Kennesaw State University. Mr. Carver has a love of literature and is eager to share it with his students. He is an enthusiastic sports fan, an experienced Realtor, and a published author. His hobbies include reading, writing, studying sculpture and medieval architecture, gardening, grilling, and enjoying the outdoors. He lives in Woodstock with his wife and three children, and they attend Community Bible Church in Kennesaw.

Education: B.A, English, Toccoa Falls College

Travis Hanenburg

Travis Hanenburg

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mr. Hanenburg has been teaching at CCS since 1998, serving in many different capacities. His primary areas of teaching are history, Bible, and our senior year Worldview class.  Originally from Minnesota, he graduated from Dordt College in 1995 with a degree in elementary education and coaching.  He and his wife, Amy, have four children – Alexis, Seth, Danielle, and Mackenzie – and they attend Grace Presbyterian Church in Canton.  In his spare time, he enjoys knife-making, handyman work, playing sports, and making music with his family.

Education:  B.A., Elementary Education, Dordt College

José Hechavarría

José Hechavarría

Science

Teacher Bio

Coming soon.

Savannah Holloway

Savannah Holloway

Visual & Fine Art

Teacher Bio

Coming soon.

Thomas Jenkins

Thomas Jenkins

Academic Counselor/Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mr. Jenkins graduated from Samford University with a B.A. in History and went on to get his Master’s in the same field from the University of Alabama. He currently teaches humanities classes in our Secondary school and also serves as Academic Counselor. Previously, he taught history classes at the high school and college levels in Alabama. Mr. Jenkins resides in Kennesaw with his wife and two children. In his spare time he enjoys reading, watching basketball, and spending time with his family. Mr. Jenkins worships with his family worships at Rivercliff Lutheran Church in Sandy Springs.

Education:  B.A., History, Samford University; M.A., History, University of Alabama

David Jennings

David Jennings

Mathematics

Teacher Bio

Mr. Jennings teaches secondary-level Math classes and serves as the Math Department Chair for CCS and the Lead Teacher for the Secondary School. Mr. Jennings grew up in nearby DeKalb County. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he earned a B.S. from the School of Engineering, completing a double major in Computer Science and Math.  He then received an MBA at Indiana University, majoring in Marketing with a concentration in Decision Sciences.  During 15 years in the corporate world, Mr. Jennings did work in Systems Support, Economic Forecasting, Market Research, New Product Development, Pricing, Sales, Revenue Management, and Corporate Planning.  Since coming to CCS in 2002, Mr. Jennings has taught math classes ranging from 6th Grade Math to AP Calculus, as well as Business and Computer classes. He attends Perimeter Church and enjoys traveling in his free time.

Education:  B.S., Computer Science & Math, Vanderbilt University; MBA, Indiana University

Kimberly Johnson

Kimberly Johnson

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Johnson has over 32 years of private school teaching experience.  She graduated in 1987 from Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-8).  Spending time with her family, reading, scrapbooking, and enjoying her grandchildren are how she likes to spend her free time.  She is a member of First Baptist Church in Woodstock. A favorite scripture verse is Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Education:  B.S. in Elementary Education (K-8), Maranatha Baptist University

Vinny Loccisano

Vinny Loccisano

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mr. Loccisano was born and raised in Acworth, Georgia. He began his studies at Georgia Highlands College where he earned an A.S. Degree. He continued his education at Liberty University where he earned a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Education. In his spare time, Mr. Loccisano enjoys playing sports and musical instruments. He and his wife, Ashleigh, are members at Faith Community Church in Woodstock.

Education:  A.S., Georgia Highlands College; B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies –  Education Concentration, Liberty University

Kelsey McKernie

Kelsey McKernie

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Coming soon.

William Norman

William Norman

Mathematics

Teacher Bio
Mr. Norman joined the CCS faculty after a long and successful teaching career with Cherokee County Schools. He has a passion for math and a love of sports, so in addition to teaching, Mr. Norman is one of our football coaches and the head coach of our Varsity Girls Basketball team. He and his wife, Dawn, have 4 children and 2 grandchildren who attend Woodstock City Church. Mr. Norman graduated from the University of Georgia in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematical Education. In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing on the lake and visiting Athens to watch the Dawgs. 
Education: B.S. in Secondary Mathematical Education, University of Georgia
Areli Nuñez

Areli Nuñez

Humanities

Teacher Bio

Mrs. Nuñez joined CCS in 2017 and began teaching Spanish to 9th-12th grade students. She has been a teacher since 2002 in various school settings, primarily in middle and high schools. She was born in Mexico City, making Spanish her first language, but grew up in Rhode Island. Mrs. Nuñez is married and has three children who all attend CCS. Her family worships at First Baptist Church of Woodstock and she and her husband serve in the children’s department. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and photography.

Education:  B.A., Linguistics with a Teacher Endorsement in Spanish and TESOL

Grayson Rogers

Grayson Rogers

Physical Education

Teacher Bio

Coach Rogers came to CCS in 2016 and serves as the Physical Education teacher for both the primary and secondary schools. He attended Georgia Southern University and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Business Management. Grayson has always had a passion for sports and has always seen them as a great tool for mentoring, discipleship, and growing relationships. His current coaching duties include Varsity Football Assistant Coach, JV Boys Basketball Head Coach, and Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach. He married his wife, Brooke, in 2016 and they now reside in Woodstock with their sons, Henry and Levi. They are members of Revolution Church in Canton.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Georgia Southern University

Ally Sears

Ally Sears

Physical Education

Teacher Bio

Coming soon.

Jim Sweeney

Jim Sweeney

Humanities/Administration

Teacher Bio

As Director of Finance & Advancement, Mr. Sweeney is responsible for all aspects of financial oversight and fundraising for the school. He works closely with the Head of School and the Senior Leadership Team to develop and drive the school’s financial strategy and planning. He also develops and implements fundraising initiatives that advance the school’s mission and strategic plan. Mr. Sweeney practiced law in both the public and private sector for more than 30 years and founded a successful law firm that represented churches, private schools, and nonprofit organizations across the United States. He earned the highest professional peer-review ratings as a non-profit and religious institutions lawyer. Mr. Sweeney is an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in North America. With more than 35 years of legal, political, and business experience, He brings particular expertise to the business and advancement operations of the School.

Education:  B.A. in History and B.S. in Physics, University of San Francisco; J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law; M.T.S. in Historical Theology, Nashotah House Theological Seminary

Eric Tochterman

Eric Tochterman

Culinary Arts/Executive Chef

Teacher Bio

Chef Tochterman is a graduate of the Philadelphia Restaurant School. Over the years, he has worked in golf clubs and TV retail where he was a food stylist and guest who collaborated with many celebrity chefs. More recently, Chef Tochterman had the opportunity to work with championship sports teams which included the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Atlanta Braves! He and his family attend both Passion City and Journey Christian Church. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, looking at cookbooks, and watching cooking related shows for inspiration.

 Education:  Philadelphia Restaurant School, Philadelphia, PA

Julia Watts

Julia Watts

Humanities

Teacher Bio
Miss Watts was born in New York State and moved to Georgia while  in Elementary School. She is a member of Faith Community Church and enjoys serving in children’s Sunday school and youth ministries. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling. She and her sister have the goal to hike the 46 Adirondack “high peaks” in Upstate New York. Miss Watts started her undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University then transferred to Liberty University for her senior year where she earned her Bachelor of Science in History.

Education:  B.S., History, Liberty University (Dec. 2023)

Megan Wesely

Megan Wesely

Physical Education

Teacher Bio

Coach Wesely is new to CCS this year and joins us after previously working at the Atlanta Speech School where she taught 3&4 Pre-K. In addition, she coached volleyball at Whitefield Academy.  Coach Wesely will serve as a part time Athletic Assistant which includes administrative support, teaching P.E. and coaching volleyball.  She attended Kennesaw State University and graduated in 2015 with a degree in English and a minor in Film Studies. She loves working with children and has a passion for volleyball. Coach Wesely and her husband, Ross, reside in Woodstock and are members of Sojourn Church where they currently teach 5th grade Sunday School.

Education: B.S., English with a Minor in Film Studies, Kennesaw State University