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. 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. 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 Head Baseball Coach for the Medford Mustangs. He and his family attend Cornerstone Christian Church.
Ken Townsend
High School Principal
Talbot Theological Seminary
Grace College
Tim Dexter
Middle School Principal
Nate Mayben
High & Middle Schools Athletic Director / High School Dean
Cascade Christian High School Faculty
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.
Jillian Frakes
English Language Arts Teacher & Spark Literary Magazine Advisor
jfrakes@gracechristian.org
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
Bible and 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.
Ryan Johnson
Music Director
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Arts in Music Instruction, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Johnson was appointed as the Band Director for Grace Cascade Christian Schools in 2013. He directs 6th grade, 7th/8th grade, and high school symphonic bands, and has introduced jazz band and a percussion course to the high school. In 2016, he also assumed the role as Choir Director for Cascade Christian High School. He has his wife, Natalie, have been married since 2011. They currently reside in Ashland with their two dogs. When Mr. Johnson is not playing music, his biggest passion is fly fishing. Spending time with God's creation, surrounded by nature, is one of his favorite things to do in this world. He and his wife currently attend Heritage Christian Fellowship where he sometimes plays bass on the worship team.
Casey Mayben
English Language Arts and ASB Leadership Class Teacher
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.
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.
Jim McCoy
Broadcasting Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Southern Oregon University
Mr. McCoy brings to Cascade Christian High School 28 years of experience in media. Although this is his first year teaching Broadcasting at CCHS, he has been the play-by-play announcer on the radio for Challenger athletics since 2009. He is proud to be a Cascade Christian High School alumnus, having been a part of the second graduating class in 1982. He is a four-time OAB "Sports Announcer of the Year, Non-commercial Division" recipient. 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, Lynne, have been married since 1995 and they have three children. Their family attends Community Bible Church - Central Point, where Mr. McCoy is involved in various capacities of worship: singer, guitarist, percussionist, and worship leader. He is also involved in the men's ministry.
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 Lampman Road Baptist where she is an assistant worship leader.
Clint Ritchie
Social Sciences Teacher
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Science in History, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Ritchie has been teaching since 2012 and joined the Cascade Christian High School team in 2014. He and his wife have been married since 2001 and they have five children. Three of their children attend Grace Christian School, one is homeschooled, and one is out of school. Mr. Ritchie has a wide variety of interests, but predominately, he is an avid sports fan and you will often see him at a Challengers event cheering on the teams. He grew up near Houston, Texas, so still follows all of the Houston sports teams. Mr. Ritchie and his family attend Applegate Christian Fellowship where he volunteers in the children's ministry.
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.
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.
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
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
Ryan Johnson
Music Director
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Arts in Music Instruction, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Johnson was appointed as the Band Director for Grace Cascade Christian Schools in 2013. He directs 6th grade, 7th/8th grade, and high school symphonic bands, and has introduced jazz band and a percussion course to the high school. In 2016, he also assumed the role as Choir Director for Cascade Christian High School. He has his wife, Natalie, have been married since 2011. They currently reside in Ashland with their two dogs. When Mr. Johnson is not playing music, his biggest passion is fly fishing. Spending time with God's creation, surrounded by nature, is one of his favorite things to do in this world. He and his wife currently attend Heritage Christian Fellowship where he sometimes plays bass on the worship team.
Todd Killmeyer
Bible Teacher
Degrees: BA, MAT, MACE, MABS
Dallas Theological Seminary
Marshall University
Miami University
Pastor Killmeyer serves as the Student Pastor for FBC Medford where he works with middle and high school students, as well as college and young adults. He and his wife, Jordan, are newlyweds, having just married in August 2018. He has served our Lord in ministry for five years. He enjoys watching sports and movies, reading, and spending time with his beautiful wife. Interesting facts about Pastor Killmeyer: he was a cheerleader in college, he bowled a perfect game when he was 16, and he has successfully taken off in and landed an airplane on his own.
Michele Moir
Middle School Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in History, Westmont College, and Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Moir joined the teaching staff at Grace Cascade Christian Schools in 2013. She has been married to her husband, Rick, since 1987, and previously taught high school and middle school until God gifted them with two sons. Mrs. Moir is excited to share her passion for writing, reading, and the English language with middle and high school students at Cascade Christian. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Moir enjoys gardening, reading, and having fun with her family. She and her family attend Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Moir is also a speaker at moms groups and Bible studies in the Rogue Valley, encouraging moms in their God-given role of motherhood.
Mychal Sha
Grade 6 Teacher
Bachelor's Degree in Early Education & Teaching Credentials, Southern Oregon University
Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development, Rogue Community College
Mr. Sha joined the Cascade Christian Middle School faculty as 6th grade teacher in 2016. Mr. Sha is a CCHS alumnus and he and his wife are brand new parents, with their first-born child arriving in October 2017.
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
Ray Cuellar
District Campus Security / School Resource 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).
Dennis Konecny
Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Arts in Art with minor in Kinesiology, Cal State Hayward
Mr. Konecny joined Cascade Christian High School in 2010 as a personal trainer and in 2012 began serving as the strength and weight training instructor. His extensive background in sports conditioning includes six years at the Ather Sports Training Center in Castro Valley, CA. His firsthand knowledge of plyometric training and his credentials as a Certified Personal Trainer, an aerobics instructor, and a massage therapist provide an extra level of care for Cascade Christian athletes. His work with professional basketball, tennis, and football athletes gives him a valuable perspective on athletic potential. Mr. Konecny is an artist and loves to draw and paint. He also enjoys singing and playing the guitar. He and his wife, Linda, have two adult boys, Danny and Ryan, and five grandchildren. They attend Heritage Christian Fellowship.
Danny Miles
Athletic Advisor
Mr. Miles joined the Cascade Christian High School athletic department as a part-time Athletic Director and mentor to coaches in 2016. He assumed the role of High School Athletic Director during the 2017-2018 school year. Previously he was the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) Owls Men’s Basketball coach for 45 years, and is one of the four winningest coaches in the nation, having reached his one thousandth win on February 1, 2014. Mr. Miles’ accomplishments are impressive, including:
- 3x NAIA National Basketball Coach of the Year (2004, 2008, 2012)
- National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year (2012)
- National winner of NAIA’s Champion of Character award for all sports in 2009
- A.T. Slats Gill All-Sports Coach of the Year (2004)
- DNA Award at the Oregon Sports Award show (2013)
- Guardians of the Game Pillar Award for Advocacy from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (2013)
- 3x NAIA National Championships
- Received the Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award at the Athletes in Action Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast (2015), held each year during the Final Four
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.
