Cascade Christian High School and Middle School Administration
Master of Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University Mrs. Boekenoogen first joined the Grace Cascade team in 2007 as the Extended Enrichment Coordinator. In 2009 she transferred to the high school as Vice Principal, bringing with her a rich background of teaching and learning experience. In June 2016, she was appointed to the High School Principal position. She and her husband, Dave, have been married since 2002. They have three children, Dallas, Winter and Jett. One of her greatest passions is to spend time with her family. Mrs. Boekenoogen and her family attend Living Waters Church.
Autumn Boekenoogen
High School Principal
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Cascade Christian High School Faculty
Gary Bennett
Science Teacher / Head Track Coach
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Mr. Bennett has served at Cascade since 1999, after teaching in public and private schools in California for nineteen years. Currently, Mr. Bennett teaches Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Stream Ecology, Kinesiology, and Intro to Physics. Mr. Bennett is the head track and field coach at Cascade.
Hannah Bryant
English Language Arts Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in English with empahsis in Education
Master of Arts in Teaching
Oregon Intial Teaching License
Ms. Bryant has taught and subbed previously in the public sector. She attends Ashland First Baptist Church.
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 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 at 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 Volleyball program in the early 1990's. He and his wife have also held volleyball camps at Grace Christian Middle School. Mr. Croy's favorite quote is, "Significant doing flows from significant being." Mr. Croy and his family attend First Baptist Church of Medford.
Tami Fauth
Art and Yearbook Teacher
Teaching certification from The Master's College
Mrs. Fauth is married with three children and attends Grace Bible Church in Talent.
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 in 2009. He and his wife, Kim, were married in 2007. They have two sons, Jacoby and Asa, and one daughter, Caimbria. Mr. Gettman has coached several sports teams for the school and is currently the Head Football Coach. He has his family attend Trinity Presbyterian where he serves as a Deacon.
Jered Gritters
Bible and Social Sciences Teacher
Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Philosophy, George Fox University
Mr Gritters began teaching at Cascade in 2009, after teaching one year elsewhere. In addition to teaching Bible and AP World History at Cascade, he teaches an elective course in Construction. He and his wife, Caroline, a CCHS graduate, have been married since 2006. They have two awesome children, Dominic and Evelyn. Mr. Gritters likes hanging out with his family, enjoying Southern Oregon's natural playground, growing tropical plants, and skydiving. They attend First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville.
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 35 years. He has been a teacher at Cascade 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 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 became the Band Director for Grace and Cascade Christian Schools in 2013. 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. Mr. Johnson is able to share this passion with students at Cascade, as their Fly Fishing instructor. 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.
Dennis Konecny
Strength & Weight Training Teacher / Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Arts in Art with minor in Kinesiology, Cal State Hayward
Mr. Konecny joined Cascade 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 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.
Casey Mayben
English Language Arts Teacher
Bachelor's in Education, George Fox University
Mike Mayben
Bible Teacher
Pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church
Mr. Mayben previously taught Bible at Cascade Christian Middle school and coaches middle school football. 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's teaching staff in 2014. She and her husband, Zach, have been married since 2011 and have two children: daughter, Addison, born in 2012 and son, Lincoln, born in 2013. 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 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
Health & PE Teacher | Middle School Athletic Director
Master's in Secondary Education and Physical Education.
Mr. Schaan has taught in the public sector for many years. 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 Arts - Culinary
Bachelor of Arts, Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Spence has been teaching since 1996 and joined the Cascade faculty team in 2004. In 1998 she was awarded Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. She and her husband have been married 23 years and have a daughter and son who both attended Grace and 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
Bacherlor's in Spanish and International Studies
Master of Arts in Teaching, George Fox University
Mrs. Vanlandingham has taught previously at Salem Academy and Santian Christian Schools. She has relocated to the Rogue Valley from Dallas, Oregon, with her husband and children. Mrs. Vanlandingham attends Lozier Lane Baptist Church where her husband is a youth pastor.
Jordan Wine
Science Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Physics / Pre-Engineering
Master of Arts in Teaching , Southern Oregon University
Mr. Wine previously taught in the Rogue River School District. He is married with three children. The Wines attend City on a Hill Church.
Cascade Christian Middle School Faculty
Ryan Johnson
Music Director
Master of Arts in Teaching, Southern Oregon University
Bachelor of Arts in Music Instruction, Southern Oregon University
Mr. Johnson became the Band Director for Grace and Cascade Christian Schools in 2013. 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. Mr. Johnson is able to share this passion with students at Cascade, as their Fly Fishing instructor. 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.
Michele Moir
Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in History, Westmont College and Southern Oregon University
Mrs. Moir joined the teaching staff at Grace Christian in 2013. She have been married to her husband, Rick, since 1987. She previously taught high school and middle school until God gifted them with two sons, Nathan and Landon. Mrs. Moir is excited to share her passion for writing, reading, and the English language with the students of Grace Christian School. 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 to 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
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 Christian teaching staff in 2000. She is the co-director of the Board of the Southern Oregon Council for the 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
Bacherlor's in Spanish and International Studies
Master of Arts in Teaching, George Fox University
Mrs. Vanlandingham has taught previously at Salem Academy and Santian Christian Schools. She has relocated to the Rogue Valley from Dallas, Oregon, with her husband and children. Mrs. Vanlandingham attends 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 at Grace. 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) 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).
Kelly Lemley
Assistant to High School Principal / Office Manager / Registrar
klemley@gracechristian.org
Danny Miles
High School Athletic Director
Mr. Miles has been 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
Michael Schaan
Health & PE Teacher | Middle School Athletic Director
Master's in Secondary Education and Physical Education.
Mr. Schaan has taught in the public sector for many years. He is married and has two sons who attend Cascade Christian High School. Mr. Schaan and his family attend Applegate Christian Fellowship.