Cascade Christian High School and Middle School Administration
Pepperdine University Dr. Townsend brings to Cascade Christian High School over 30 years of experience working in the education industry. He served as the Northwest Regional Director of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), one of the organizations that GCCS receives its’ accreditation through. He brings exceptional training and experience in Christian schools including many years as a Christian school principal and five years as Superintendent at Nampa Christian Schools in Idaho. Following this, he accepted a position in 2005 as Associate Director of the before-mentioned ACSI. He retired from ACSI in 2017, after serving the final eight years in the Regional Director position and spent the past year as an executive coach/consultant to ACSI member schools. In addition, Dr. Townsend served 28 years as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve, entering as a chaplain candidate in 1978 and retiring as a colonel in 2008. He is a lifetime member of the Military Chaplains Association. He and his wife, Vicki, recently relocated from Vancouver, Washington, to be closer to his family; one of which is an identical twin! Dr. Townsend enjoys golf, has climbed over 14,000', jumped out of a plane, dived the Pacific Ocean, rafted 225 miles of the Colorado River (with his wife), and traveled to Australia, Asia, Southern America, Europe, Central America and numerous islands in the Pacific. He and his wife are attending Cornerstone Church. Master of Science in Education, Southern Oregon University Before joining Grace Cascade Christian Schools' administrative team as the Principal for Cascade Christian Middle School in fall 2017, Mr. Dexter served as Principal in the Prospect School District for four years. For the 2019-20 school year, Mr. Dexter's duties have expanded to become CCHS Principal as well. Prior to that Mr. Dexter was a Physical Education/Health teacher, Athletic Director, and coach for seven years in the Eagle Point School District. He and his wife, Vanessa, have two children. IAL, Southern Oregon University Mr. Fennell first joined Grace and Cascade Christian Schools in 2004 as the Athletic Director. His current role is Director of Advancement, as well as the high school fly-fishing instructor. He and his wife have been married since 2004 and they have three boys. Mr. Fennell enjoys reading, fishing, martial arts, camping, surfing and spending time with his family. He and his family attend Jacksonville Presbyterian Church where he is also involved in the Mega Sports Summer Camp and a weekly core group. Bachelor's in Education, George Fox University Mrs. Mayben joined Cascade Christian High School as an ELA teacher in winter 2016. In fall 2016 she was also appointed the Association of Student Body (ASB) Adviser and in 2017 she began teaching a course in Leadership for all students who are a part of the ASB and for class officers. Mrs. Mayben and her husband have two daughters, of which one currently attends CCHS. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Mayben enjoys watching her daughters play sports: volleyball and soccer. Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary (Business/Education), Corban University Mr. Mayben attended Grace Christian School his pre-kindergarten through Grade 6 school years. Mr. Mayben brings years of experience in coaching, teaching and as dean. Mr. Mayben and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married since 2006. They have two children. Mr. Mayben enjoys golfing and attending sports events. He enjoys spending time with extended family whenever possible. He is currently the Manager for the Medford Mustangs. He and his family attend Cornerstone Christian Church.
Ken Townsend
Head of Schools
Talbot Theological Seminary
Grace College
Tim Dexter
Secondary Principal
Dave Fennell
Director of Advancement
Master of Arts in Exercise, Azusa Pacific University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, San Diego Christian
Casey Mayben
Secondary School Advisor
Nate Mayben
Athletic Director/ Secondary Dean of Students
Cascade Christian High School Faculty
Ken Rensi
Worship Team- Middle/High School
University of Dayton, Bachelor of Science
Southern Oregon University, 5th year
Mr. Rensi came to Cascade Christian in the fall of 2018 to become a teacher, mentor and coach to students aspiring to serve in music ministry- specifically corporate worship. Mr. Rensi has served as worship leader at Trail Christian Fellowship. His passion for music extends to teaching guitar, and playing just about anywhere there is an opportunity. He has two adult children- Matt and Shannon- and has six grandchildren. Mr. Rensi often travels to visit them in San Jose and Seattle. In the past two years, Ken has had the opportunity to travel to Israel.
Kayla Crenshaw
English Language Arts
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Arts in English Education, Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Crenshaw came to GCCS in the Fall of 2019, after teaching in China. She has co-authored a book, enjoys discussions about the Bible, studying the Scriptures with friends, and singing. Mrs. Crenshaw and her husband Adam have two children- Sheridan and Evelyn. The Crenshaw's attend Rogue Valley Church.
Jerry Wood
Music Teacher
Master of Music, University of Oregon
Bachelor of Music Education, Drake University
Casper College
Mr. Wood becomes our new music teacher this year. He has been married for 38 years, with 4 adult children, and 4 grandchildren. The Wood's attend Living Waters Church. He loves gourmet cooking and baking, wood carving, musical theater, movies and reading. Most of all, Jerry loves being with his family.
Jesse Everett
Teacher/Coach- English, Social Studies, Weights
Multnomah University- MA, Teaching
Multnomah Biblical Seminary- MA, Biblical Studies
Multnomah Bible College- BA, Biblical Studies
Mr. Everett comes to CCHS filling a number of roles, from English to Economics to wrestling coach. His wife Frankie is an administrator at Rogue Community College, and the couple has four children: James, Ronald, Hayden, and Isaiah. The Elliott's attend Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church. He enjoys coaching football (he is an assistant with the Challengers football program), and wrestling, as well as the outdoors, serving in the church, and spending time with the family.
Gary Bennett
Science Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Mr. Bennett has served at Cascade Christian since 1999, after teaching in public and private schools in California for nineteen years. Currently, Mr. Bennett currently teaches or has taught Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Stream Ecology, Kinesiology, and Intro to Physics at Cascade Christian High School. Mr. Bennett is the head track and field coach at Cascade Christian High School.
Hannah Bryant
English Language Arts and AP World History Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in English with emphasis in Education, Southern Oregon University
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Oregon Intial Teaching License
Miss Bryant joins the ELA team at Cascade Christian High School this year (2017) and has taught and subbed previously in the public sector. She has been enjoying guitar playing since age 13 and has even picked up the banjo and ukulele in the past few years. Miss Bryant attends First Baptist Church of Ashland where she is involved as a worship team member, high school youth group leader, and young adults small group leader.
Emilio Chavez
Second Language Teacher
Doctorate in Veterinary Science, SFL (Spanish as a Foreign Language), and ESL (English as a Second Language), Universidad Michoacian de San Nicolas de Hidalgo and Baden-Powell Institute
Mr. Chavez has been teaching all levels of Spanish at Cascade Christian High School since 2004. He was born in Mexico and moved to Medford in 2003. In the evenings, he works for Head Start teaching an adult education program. Mr. Chavez worked for a year as an ESL Assistant at McLoughlin Middle School in Medford and fourteen years as a Spanish and English Teacher at Barden Powell Institute in Morelia, Mexico.
Daren Croy
Bible Teacher / Chromebook Project Manager
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Master's in Pastoral Studies, Multnomah Seminary
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Biola University
Mr. Croy was a teacher on the Grace Christian School campus for nine years before transferring over to Cascade Christian High School where he teaches Bible and Video Production courses. Prior to being an educator, Mr. Croy served as a College and Singles Pastor at First Baptist Church of Medford and as an Associate Pastor at Ruch Community Bible Church. When he is not at school, Mr. Croy and his wife, Heidi, are busy raising their four children and many pets. An avid volleyball player and coach, Mr. Croy has coached many different teams at several different levels, including head coach of the Cascade Christian Volleyball program in the early 1990's. He and his wife have also held volleyball camps at Grace Christian Middle School (now Cascade Christian Middle School). Mr. Croy's favorite quote is, "Significant doing flows from significant being." Mr. Croy and his family attend Heritage Christian Fellowship.
Jennifer Garrett
High School Fine & Visual Arts and High & Middle School Yearbook Teacher
jgarrett@gracechristian.org
Jonathan Gettman
Math Teacher / Head Football Coach
Master of Arts in Teaching, Concordia University
Bachelor of Science in Business/Math, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Gettman began teaching at Cascade Christian High School in 2009. He and his wife, Kim, were married in 2007. They have three children. Mr. Gettman has coached several sports teams for the school and is currently the Head Football Coach. He and his family attend Trinity Presbyterian where he serves as a Deacon.
Chris Hillis
Social Sciences Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Bridgewater
In addition to earning his B.A., Mr. Hillis has attended several universities, taking graduate courses in history and political science. Mr. Hillis has been teaching and working with young people for over 36 years. He has been a teacher at Cascade Christian High School since 2000. He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Signe, have been married since 1984 and have two adult children: Peter and Sean. Mr. Hillis enjoys sports (you will find him at almost every Cascade Christian sporting event), reading, history, playing golf and traveling. They attend River Valley Community Church.
Mike Mayben
Bible Teacher
Pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church
Mr. Mayben previously taught Bible at Cascade Christian Middle School and currently is teaching Bible at Cascade Christian High School. He is also a coach for the middle school football team. He is married and has two grown sons.
Heidi Merritt
Math Teacher
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, Western Governor's University
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Cal State Bakersfield
Mrs. Heidi Merritt has been an educator since 2009 and joined Cascade Christian High School's teaching staff in 2014. She and her husband, Zach, have been married since 2011 and have three children: daughter, Addison, Lincoln and Emmelyn. Mrs. Merritt's favorite thing to do is spend time with her family - both immediate and extended. She especially loves Holiday get-togethers and family vacations. Mrs. Merritt and her family attend Heritage Christian Fellowship, where Zach is junior high pastor.
Jeff Olson
College & Career Counselor
In 2005, after twenty-four years at Southern Oregon University, Jeff Olson left his position as Head Football Coach and Assistant Professor to spend more time with his family. Making his way to public secondary education, Mr. Olson spent eleven years as a teacher, academic advisor and the Coordinator of the College and Career center. Mr. Olson joined the Cascade Christian High School staff in 2016 as the College & Career Counselor. He is married to his wife, Linda, and enjoys spending time with family - especially watching his son, Dante, play D-1 football. Dante is a CCHS class of 2015 graduate.
Michael Schaan
Trades - Building & Construction and Weights & Strength Training Teacher
Masters in Secondary Education and Physical Education.
Before joining the Grace Cascade Christian School's staff, Mr. Schaan taught in the public sector for many years and previously was a substitute teacher for Grace Cascade Christian Schools. In spring 2017 he was appointed the Cascade Christian Middle School Athletic Director. He is married and has two sons who attend Cascade Christian High School. Mr. Schaan and his family attend Applegate Christian Fellowship.
Amy Spence
Applied & Visual Arts - Culinary, Furniture Restoration, Photography Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Spence has been teaching since 1996 and joined the Cascade Christian High School faculty team in 2004. In 1998 she was awarded "Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year". She and her husband have been married 24 years and have a daughter and son who both attended Grace Cascade Christian Schools. In her free time she enjoys gardening, playing the piano, sewing and baking cookies. Mrs. Spence and her family attend Morning Star Baptist Church where she is the pianist and Sunday School teacher.
Drew Waits
Trades Academy Instructor
Associate of Arts
Mount West Community College
Mr. Waits has been introducing Cascade Christian students to trades such as plumbing, welding and electrical since 2017. He is also agent organizer for Local #290. He's been married 20 years to his wife Mandy, and has three boys: Austin, Colton, and Bowen. The Waits family also has quite a collection of animals- two dogs (Aspen and Paul), nine chickens, three sheep, and two turkeys.
The Waits family attends New Life Nazarene, where Mr. Waits serves on the missions board, and is also an usher. He likes to hunt, fish, and backpack.
Jordan Wine
Science Teacher
Master of Arts in Teaching , Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Wine joined Cascade Christian High School's faculty in 2017 to teach Physics, Chemistry and Engineering. He began his teaching career in 2013. He has been happily married to his wife, Janine, since 2007 and they have three daughters: Gertie, Ginger and Gwenevere. Mr. Wine is a huge Portland Trail Blazers fan and enjoys basketball, backpacking, sci-fi movies, music and traveling in his spare time. The Wines attend City on a Hill Church where he has been a part of the worship team since he was twelve years old, playing trombone and bass guitar.
Cascade Christian Middle School Faculty
Ken Rensi
Worship Team- Middle/High School
University of Dayton, Bachelor of Science
Southern Oregon University, 5th year
Mr. Rensi came to Cascade Christian in the fall of 2018 to become a teacher, mentor and coach to students aspiring to serve in music ministry- specifically corporate worship. Mr. Rensi has served as worship leader at Trail Christian Fellowship. His passion for music extends to teaching guitar, and playing just about anywhere there is an opportunity. He has two adult children- Matt and Shannon- and has six grandchildren. Mr. Rensi often travels to visit them in San Jose and Seattle. In the past two years, Ken has had the opportunity to travel to Israel.
Tony Fortier
Math Teacher
George Fox University- Master of Arts, Teaching
Western Washington- Bachelor of Arts, History
Mr. Fortier joined the CCMS staff in 2019, after teaching previously in Reedsport and in Louisiana. He is married to Erin Anderson Fortier, and the couple has three daughters who attend GCCS schools, plus they have a dog named Beauregard (aka Beaux Beaux). The Fortiers attend Table Rock Fellowship. Mr. Fortier- who also advises our middle school chess club- loves chess, and is an avid reader: reading the entire Frank Herbert Dune series twice and Dune five times. He also likes going on two week wilderness excursions.
Jared Holden
Science Teacher
Goldenwest Community College
Calvary Chapel University- Biblical Studies
Calvary Chapel University- MA, Christian Education- Curriculum & Instruction
Jared and his family moved to southern Oregon from California in late 2019 to come on board at GCCS. For a number of years, he was staff at a Bible college, and he also served in youth ministry. Jared has also participated in a number of short-term mission trips.
Mr. Holden and his wife Robin are parents to two boys, Josiah and Hudson. For recreation, he enjoys fishing, camping with his family, backpacking, and woodworking.
Jerry Wood
Music Teacher
Master of Music, University of Oregon
Bachelor of Music Education, Drake University
Casper College
Mr. Wood becomes our new music teacher this year. He has been married for 38 years, with 4 adult children, and 4 grandchildren. The Wood's attend Living Waters Church. He loves gourmet cooking and baking, wood carving, musical theater, movies and reading. Most of all, Jerry loves being with his family.
Cynthia Gehlhar
6th Grade Teacher
Masters of Education, Concordia University-Irvine
Bachelor of Arts, Concordia University- Irvine
Mrs. Gehlhar is one of our newest additions at GCCS in 2020, moving to southern Oregon from Pueblo, Colorado, by way of southern California. She attends Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Gehlhar has a son- Paul- who lives in Costa Mesa, California. She enjoys bike riding, hiking, walking, and kayaking.
Fred Alexander
Physical Education Teacher
Masters in Education - Educational Leadership, University of Portland
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - Physical Education Concentration
Mr. Alexander joined Cascade Christian Middle School's faculty as a part-time Physical Education teacher in 2017. He brings with him 35 years of teaching experience, 26 of which he was a teacher and coach for the Shady Cove School District. He and his wife, Kathy, have been married since 1983 and they have three adult children and one who currently attends Cascade Christian High School. When Mr. Alexander has free time, he enjoys hanging out with his family, sports, physical fitness, basketball and pointing others to Jesus! (Psalm 16:11). He and his family attend Applegate Christian Fellowship. Mr. Alexander has been invited as a guest speaker at local churches and has served as a Vacation Bible School leader at Colegio Cristiano El Padul (sister school to Grace Cascade Christian Schools) in Managua, Nicaragua.
Jennifer Garrett
High School Fine & Visual Arts and High & Middle School Yearbook Teacher
jgarrett@gracechristian.org
Erin Preszler
7th & 8th Grade English
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, Minor in Bible, Elementary Education Credential, Simpson Univesity
Serving in a number of ways at GCCS since 1997, Erin this year becomes an ELA teacher to our middle school students. She and her husband Dave have been married since 1995, and have three children: Sam, a 2019 graduate of CCHS now attending Gonzaga University, Lily -who is a sophomore at Cascade, and Ike- who is a freshman here as well.
The Preszlers attend Jacksonville Presbyterian. Mrs. Preszler enjoys reading, photography, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Debby Swope
Middle School Teacher
Master of Science in Geography
Bachelor of Science in Education and Bible, Faith Baptist Bible College
Miss Swope began teaching in 1983 and joined the Grace Cascade Christian Schools teaching staff in 2000. She is the co-director of the Board of the Southern Oregon Council for Social Studies. She enjoys wood carving and travel. Miss Swope was able to spend three weeks during the summer of 2013 on the Trans-Siberian Railroad (across Russia, Mongolia, and China) with "Wilson the Cow". A favorite verse of Miss Swope's is 1 Thessalonians 5:24. She attends the First Church of the Nazarene in Medford.
Elissa Vanlandingham
Spanish Teacher
Master of Arts in Teaching, George Fox University
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies, George Fox University
Mrs. Vanlandingham joined the Grace Cascade Christian Schools faculty in 2017, having taught previously since 2007 at Salem Academy and Santiam Christian Schools. She has been married since 2011 and they have three lovely girls. Mrs. Vanlandingham and her family recently relocated to the Rogue Valley from Dallas, Oregon. She loves to travel and has been to Europe and South America. The Vanlandinghams attend Lozier Lane Baptist Church where her husband is a youth pastor.
Karin Wegner
Grade 6 Teacher
Master's in Education, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Science in Communication, Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Wegner has been in the teaching industry for over fifteen years, with all but three years teaching for Grace Cascade Christian Schools. She has been married since 1993 and has two children. Mrs. Wegner became a Christian when she was sixteen and loves the Lord with all her heart. She enjoys activities that involve her family such as camping, playing games and going to Disneyland. She also enjoys reading and having coffee with friends. Mrs. Wegner is known for her obsessive love for the color purple (how appropriate to be working for Grace Cascade Christian!) and for Tinkerbell. Her family attends Bear Creek Church where she assists in a Sunday School class.
Cascade Christian Support Staff
Anita Mayben
Assistant to Athletic Director/Dean of Students
Mrs. Mayben returned to Cascade Christian in 2018, having served previously with GCCS from 1988-1996. She has previously served in youth ministry for over 30 years at Cornerstone Christian Church. Anita and her husband Pastor Mike Mayben have been married for 47 years, and have two sons- Mike and Nate- plus four grandchildren. She enjoys watching her grandchildren's sporting activities, and traveling with the Southern Oregon University softball team when time permits. Pastor and Mrs. Mayben attend Cornerstone Christian Church.
Tiffany Clark
Middle School Aide
Certificate- Massage Therapy, Rogue Community College
Mrs. Clark has been serving with Grace Cascade Christian Schools since 2011. She also has the distinction of being a graduate of Cascade Christian in 1999. Mrs. Clark serves in nursery care at Mountain Christian Church, where she and her family attends. She is the mother of three children: Rebecca, Joshua, and Amanda, and a Jack Russell named Izzy. Tiffany enjoys camping with her family, and being by the water- whether it be a river, lake or an ocean- especially the ocean.
Daniel Konecny
Custodian
Rogue Community College
Mr. Konecny began working at GCCS in 2020. He attends Community Bible Church in Central Point, where he is involved with AWANA, and is also a helper with the first through fourth graders on Sunday mornings. He is father to four children, ranging in age from 15 to 5. Daniel has a dog and two cats. His hobbies include creating music and playing the keyboards.
Ray Cuellar
District Campus Security / School Security Officer
Mr. Ray Cuellar (“Kway-ahr”) is the campus security person for the Cascade Christian campus, which is home to our middle and high schools. A graduate of the Oregon Police Academy, Ray has extensive experience and training in public safety. Ray has recently relocated to the valley after a successful and lengthy career in law enforcement with the Prineville Police Department. He and his wife are pleased to move where they can be nearer to family (and grandchildren).
Janey Hoffman
Student Office
Mrs. Hoffman has the busy task of keeping things going in the Cascade Christian student office: whether it's helping students, helping parents, or answering questions for teachers and staff. She also prepares our daily announcements. You might say she's the eyes and ears for the Cascade Campus.
She and her husband Dave both work at GCCS. They have two married sons and five grandchildren. The Hoffman's attend Mountain Church. Mrs. Hoffman enjoys reading mystery novels, watching old movies, cooking and baking.
Jim McCoy
Communication Coordinator, Broadcasting Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Southern Oregon University
Mr. McCoy brings to Cascade Christian High School over four decades of experience in media. Prior to joining the GCCS staff, he had been the play-by-play announcer on the radio for Challenger athletics since 2009. He is a proud Cascade Christian High School graduate from the class in 1982. When he is away from broadcasting he enjoys being outdoors, making music, and watching his kids sporting and musical events. Mr. McCoy and his wife, Lynnae, have been married since 1995 and they have two daughters and one son- who is a CCHS student. Their family attends Community Bible Church - Central Point, where Mr. McCoy is involved in various capacities of worship: singer, guitarist, percussionist, and worship leader.
Joni Mitchell
Assistant to Secondary Principal
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Western Baptist (now Corban) University
Mrs. Mitchell has a long and deep connection to GCCS as a 1984 graduate of Cascade Christian, and her sister Nancie works in our print shop. She and her husband Joe have two children: Jace and Joezi. Jace is a Cascade Christian graduate, and Joezi is currently a CCMS student.
Mrs. Mitchell began working at GCCS in 2010. She and her family attend New Life Nazarene Church in Medford.