Faculty & Staff

Allyson Bethune

Aide

Coming soon!
Denise Brooks

Middle School Math

Denise has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2023. She was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and was blessed to grow up with two Christian parents who actively involved their family in their local church. It was through her church, West End Baptist, that Denise responded to Jesus’ call and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Central Florida in 2002 and a master’s degree in Math Education K–12 from the University of Georgia in 2006.

Denise and her husband, Roger, have been married for 28 years and share their home with their beloved dog, Daisy Mae. Outside of school, Denise is an avid reader who especially enjoys historical fiction. She also enjoys taking walks with her husband and Daisy Mae, playing the piano, and cross-stitching. What she loves most about the SSCS community is its sense of family. She appreciates being surrounded by people who love God and one another, share each other’s burdens, celebrate blessings together, and are committed to guiding students toward a saving relationship with Jesus Christ while encouraging academic excellence, character, leadership, and service.

Brenda Clifton

1st Grade

Brenda grew up on St. Simons Island and attended St. Simons Elementary, where she developed a love for first grade after being inspired by her own first grade teacher. She has taught first grade for 37 years. Brenda earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Georgia College and University in Milledgeville, followed by a master’s degree and Educational Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education from West Georgia College and University.

Brenda and her husband, Don, have been married for more than 50 years. They have two sons and a daughter, along with three grandsons and one granddaughter. Outside of school, Brenda enjoys walking on the beach, gardening, reading, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. One of the greatest blessings of her life has been the opportunity to share Jesus and minister to children in war-torn countries and orphanages in China, Russia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and especially Romania. She has also had the joy of personally delivering Christmas shoeboxes in Russia, Nicaragua, and Romania.

Brenda has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2017. She considers it a tremendous blessing to teach the Bible and share Jesus with children, teaching them the power of prayer and the importance of hiding Scripture in their hearts. She is deeply grateful for the SSCS staff and families, whom she considers her family and community.

Caryn Curry

Aide

Aimee DeHaven

Elementary Music, MS Aide & Advancement Team

Aimee has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since August 2022, serving on the Advancement Team as well as teaching music and assisting in the middle school. Born in Binghamton, New York, Aimee grew up moving frequently across New York, Minnesota, and Colorado due to her father’s work with IBM. These experiences taught her how to quickly build relationships and appreciate the importance of staying connected with others. Raised in a musical family, she first sang in church at age four alongside her sister, and music has remained a central joy in her life ever since.

Aimee and her husband, Shane, have been married since 2003. They have three children: Parker, Titus, and Lyric, who each bring energy and creativity to their family life. The family enjoys spending time together at home, playing board games, watching movies, and spoiling their dog, Molly. Aimee also shares her love of music with the wider community as the pianist at Jekyll Island United Methodist Church, leading worship and special musical events.

She treasures being part of SSCS, where colleagues and families have become like an extended family. Aimee values the opportunity to serve God daily, both in her classroom and through music, and finds joy in guiding students to explore and celebrate their gifts while growing in faith.

Rochelle Dukes

Middle School ELA

Rochelle has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2025, teaching a range of subjects across upper elementary and middle school, including ELA, history, Bible, and Latin. She grew up in Glennville, Georgia, and attended Long County High School. Raised by her father, a dedicated single parent, Rochelle learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and personal responsibility—lessons that continue to shape her both personally and professionally.

She and her husband, David, are raising two children, Revere and Dahlia Belle, who inspire her daily. Outside of teaching, Rochelle enjoys exploring local history, visiting museums, and bringing those experiences into her classroom. She also loves spending quality time with her family at the beach, trying new restaurants, and creating memories at theme parks.

Rochelle treasures SSCS for its Christ-centered community and the support and encouragement of her colleagues. She feels especially blessed to have the opportunity to teach her son Revere, blending family and faith in her daily work.

Mary Ellen Etheridge

Aide

Mary Ellen grew up in Macon, Georgia, and attended Brenau University. She also had the wonderful opportunity to live in Hawaii for nearly three years, an experience she considers one of the greatest blessings of her life. She loved calling Hawaii home and would return in an instant.

Mary Ellen is the mother of Charlotte, who attends SSCS, and she also has a beloved dog who is enjoying her twilight years. Outside of school, Mary Ellen enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, practicing embroidery, and fostering dogs through animal control.

Mary Ellen has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2021. What she loves most about SSCS is the close-knit, family-like community and the relationships she has built with the students, families, and staff.

Allyson Garrison

2nd Grade

Allyson has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2021, teaching second grade. She grew up moving to various places across the United States and spent part of her childhood in South America, which exposed her to diverse cultures and communities. Attending Catholic, private, and public schools throughout her youth fostered a deep appreciation for education in all its forms and inspired her lifelong passion for teaching. After retiring from public school, she felt called to SSCS to continue serving students and families in a Christ-centered environment.

Allyson and her husband, Dave, have a daughter, Grace, who is currently in pharmacy school, and a white lab named Maggie. Originally from Atlanta, they moved to St. Simons Island about twenty years ago to enjoy a smaller community, excellent educational opportunities, and a faith-filled environment.

Outside of work, Allyson enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with nature, and enjoying quality moments with family and friends. She also loves reading, gardening, and decorating her home. She treasures SSCS for the opportunity to integrate biblical values into every aspect of learning, from Bible history lessons to weekly memory verses and chapel, and she especially values programs like Bible Buddies that help students grow in faith and build meaningful friendships.

Kristee Glace

Middle School Science

Kristee grew up in a military family and moved frequently throughout her childhood. She has called Brunswick home since 1982, when she began high school. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from the College of Coastal Georgia. Two of the most significant experiences that shaped her life were meeting her husband and coming to know Christ as her Savior, an experience she credits to the influence of her husband and mother-in-law.

Kristee and her husband have been married for 33 years and have three grown sons, along with two young grandsons. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, bike riding, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Kristee has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2017. One of the things she loves most about SSCS is the strong sense of family among the faculty and staff. She is grateful for a community where colleagues share in one another’s joys and support each other through life’s challenges.

Hannah Gray

Middle School Math & Resource Aide

Hannah grew up in Ringgold, Georgia, just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education from the University of West Georgia. During college, Hannah was involved in Campus Outreach, where she experienced the fullness of God’s love in a profound way and grew deeper in her faith.

Hannah has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2026. She has been married to Bryant since 2024. Outside of school, Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, needlepointing, and attending sporting events with her husband.

Hannah especially appreciates the family-like bonds among the faculty, staff, families, and students at SSCS. She considers the close-knit, Christ-centered community one of the greatest joys of being part of the school.

Deborah Hawthorne

3rd Grade

Deborah has served at SSCS since 2003 and has 36 years of teaching experience. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is ACSI certified and Orton-Gillingham trained. She previously served as TSS Specialist and K-2 Resource Teacher in Glynn County and has received Teacher of the Year honors both at SSCS and C.B. Greer. She attends Community Church.
Pat Jenkins

Director of Student Services

Pat was born in Atlanta and graduated from high school in St. Augustine, Florida. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Emotional and Behavior Disorders from Georgia College and University. Several significant life experiences have shaped Pat’s faith and perspective, including the loss of her older sister to breast cancer and, years later, the tragic loss of her sister’s oldest son to suicide following struggles with addiction. Her experience with Walk to Emmaus was another meaningful part of her spiritual journey.

Pat grew up in a Christian family, with parents who were committed believers and active in their church. Although the denomination of her childhood was very legalistic, she remains grateful for the biblical foundation she received. Over the years, Pat’s faith grew to include a broader and more loving Christian community. She and her husband have three grown daughters, and she is grateful that all three daughters, their husbands, and their children are Christian believers.

Pat has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2015. Outside of school, she enjoys working in the yard, reading, baking, watching good movies, and spending time with her “grand-dog,” Jagger. What she loves most about SSCS is the strong Christian relationships and supportive community that surround the school.

Diana Josey

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Diana grew up in Brunswick, Georgia, where her heart for education and ministry began taking root early in life. As a student, she participated in short-term mission trips that had a lasting impact on her faith and worldview—first to Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, where she taught local elementary students, and later to Seoul, South Korea, where she spent ten weeks leading conversational English classes and Bible studies for college students. Those experiences solidified her passion for serving others through both education and discipleship.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Diana has been faithfully serving at Saint Simons Christian School since 1994, where she now serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Over her many years at SSCS, she has played a vital role in shaping the school’s commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered education.

She and her late husband, Kevin, were married for 39 years and have been blessed with three adult children—JR, Bekah, and Wade—and three treasured granddaughters. Diana loves a good walk on the beach and rarely goes a week without finishing at least one or two audiobooks. She also cherishes time spent with friends, especially the spontaneous, laughter-filled kind.

Kevin Kavanaugh

Physical Education

Kevin has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since the 2025–26 school year. He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where he received a strong Catholic education from kindergarten through high school. His experiences playing college football and nearly 40 years of competitive rugby, along with 48 years of teaching and coaching, have played an important role in shaping his life. Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami University in Ohio in 1976 and a master’s degree in Education and Supervision from Ball State University in 1983.

Kevin and his wife, Tammy, have four wonderful children. Tammy works with the St. Simons Recreation Department and has served as a dedicated Girl Scout troop leader. Their two sons have both earned the rank of Eagle Scout, with one serving as a Marine and the other as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Outside of school, Kevin enjoys working out, playing touch rugby, and traveling with his wife, especially to Memphis to visit their first grandchild. He particularly appreciates the SSCS community for its spirit of sharing, caring, and love.

Mark Kok

Headmaster

Mark has served as Headmaster at SSCS since 2014. He brings 31 years of teaching experience and 18 years in educational leadership. He holds a B.A. in Secondary Education (World and American History and Psychology) from Dordt College and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He holds a Lifetime Certification with ACSI and attends The Coastal Church.
Allison Masters

Aide

Allison grew up as a military child and moved frequently, but she considers Montana home. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2010. One of the most significant experiences in her life was attending college, where she first came to know Jesus.

Allison has been married to her husband for 16 years, and they have lived in the Golden Isles for 14 years. They have a son in ninth grade, a daughter in Pre-K, and a chiweenie named Penny. As a family, they especially enjoy spending time together during family movie nights.

Allison has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2026, after spending the previous two years as an SSCS parent. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, cooking, and creating dishes from unexpected ingredients. She also loves Christmas movies, especially when paired with popcorn and hot chocolate. Allison is honored to now be part of the SSCS staff and looks forward to loving and encouraging students as they grow into who the Lord has called them to be. She especially appreciates the way this school community loves and supports every student.

Dan Moore

Athletic Director

Dan grew up in Southern California, where his love for athletics and teamwork began early. He played college basketball and competed in the long jump, experiences that instilled in him discipline, perseverance, and a deep respect for mentorship. His greatest coaching influence came from his father, who taught him the importance of putting others first—an approach Dan (or "Coach Moore") carries into his leadership as Athletic Director.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Ergonomics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University. Dan has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2018, where he enjoys mentoring students, building strong athletic programs, and helping young athletes grow in both skill and character.

Dan’s wife, Helen, taught at SSCS for 25 years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren who bring great joy to their lives. Outside of work, Dan enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with Helen—they’ve visited 49 states and ten countries together. He especially values being part of the SSCS community because it gives him the opportunity to give back while staying connected with and investing in young people.

Leigh Noonan

Aide

Leigh has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2018, serving as a first-grade assistant. She grew up in North Carolina, enjoying the beauty of both the coast and the mountains, and cherishes the blessing of being raised in a Christian home by godly parents. Those early experiences shaped her faith and her approach to nurturing children in both academics and character.

Leigh and her husband, Roger, have been married for 23 years and are proud parents of three children: Hank and Caroline, who are attending the College of Coastal Georgia, and Max, a sophomore at Glynn Academy. Outside of work, Leigh enjoys spending time with her family, going on cruises, attending football and baseball games, reading by the pool, and fully enjoying life in the beautiful coastal community she calls home.

She loves being part of SSCS because it allows her to talk about God with her students, guide them through challenges, and end each day in prayer. For Leigh, serving God through her work at the school and sharing each day with faith-filled colleagues is a true joy.

Brandy Pollette

Director of Academic Programs

Brandy brings 18 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership. She holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and an MPA from Valdosta State University, as well as a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She has a gifted endorsement, is Orton-Gillingham trained, and attends Community Church – St. Simons.
Stephanie Ramage

Director of Middle School & Resource / Middle School Math

Stephanie has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2014, teaching Middle School Mathematics. Over the years, she has also taught Middle School ELA and Social Studies, bringing a well-rounded and faith-centered approach to her classrooms.

She grew up in Forsyth, Georgia, and two defining experiences have shaped her journey. At age 14, during a Challenge Weekend with her church, Stephanie surrendered her life to Christ while the band played “Here I Am to Worship.” That moment marked the beginning of her walk with the Lord. Later, in college, she felt God redirect her path from becoming a nurse anesthetist to pursuing a career in education—a calling that continues to inspire her passion for teaching and mentoring students today.

Stephanie married her high school sweetheart, Steven, and together they’ve built a life centered around faith and family. Married for nearly 17 years, they have three children—Dawson, Coleman Tate, and Everlee—all of whom have attended Saint Simons Christian School since Pre-K. Their greatest hope is that their children grow to love and serve Jesus with all their hearts.

Outside of school, Stephanie loves spending time with her family—whether they’re at the beach, traveling, or simply making memories together. She also enjoys reading and finding quiet moments to recharge.

What Stephanie loves most about Saint Simons Christian is seeing the long-term impact of a Christ-centered education. Having taught at SSCS for over a decade, she finds great joy in watching her former students grow into faithful young adults who now serve as examples in the community—and even role models for her own children.

Misty Ricks

School Nurse

Misty grew up attending Christian schools, an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for faith-based education and a Biblical worldview. From her early years in New England through high school in Georgia, she was surrounded by teachers and mentors who helped her understand what it meant to be known, loved, and rooted in God’s truth. After high school, Misty participated in several mission trips with organizations like Youth With A Mission (YWAM), experiences that broadened her global perspective and strengthened her identity in Christ.

Misty earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from the College of Coastal Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University. She joined Saint Simons Christian School in 2020 and serves as the school nurse, where she cares not only for students’ physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being.

She and her husband, David, have been married for more than twenty-five years and have three lively teenagers, along with two cats and a dog who, as Misty jokes, “thinks she’s one of the teens.” When she’s not at school, Misty enjoys spending time with her family—often at games, events, or simply laughing together at home. In her quieter moments, she loves getting lost in a good book.

Austin Ross-Stewart

4th & 5th Grade

Austin grew up in San Diego, California, and attended San Diego Christian College. One of the most significant experiences shaping his life was being baptized and serving at Pathways Community Church in Santee, California. That church community transformed his life and helped guide him toward the path God had planned for him, ultimately leading him to Saint Simons Christian School. Austin is grateful for the loving and supportive church community that played such an important role in shaping who he is today.

Austin comes from a close and supportive family. His parents, Caren and Alex, and his brother, AJ, have been constant sources of love, wisdom, and encouragement throughout his life. His family played an important role in his journey to St. Simons Island, as God led each of them there before calling Austin to follow. He is deeply grateful for their support and for the way God faithfully guided each step of his journey.

Austin has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2025. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking, running, walking on the beach, working out, watching movies, and reading. He especially enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciating God’s creation. Austin considers it one of his greatest blessings to share God’s Word with his students and help them grow not only academically but also in their relationship with Christ. He is grateful for the loving, supportive, and faith-filled SSCS community and feels blessed to serve alongside its staff, students, and families.

Justin Simmons

PE Assistant

Rachel Staffins

Computers

Coming soon!
Mindy Stewart

Art

Mindy joined SSCS in 2021 and brings 8 years of experience teaching in Christian schools. She holds a B.A. in Missions from The Baptist College of Florida and an Art Certification from FACCS. She attends First Baptist Brunswick.
Ginger Strehle

Business & Operations Coordinator

Ginger grew up in the small farm town of Remington, Indiana, about 30 miles north of Purdue University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Business. One of the experiences that has shaped Ginger most has been witnessing the Lord’s faithfulness through the ups, downs, and uncertainties of owning a family business. Through the challenges and growth of the business, she has seen God’s provision and learned to trust that He is always present, even in uncertain times.

Ginger and her husband, Ted, have been married for 29 years. They have three children, all of whom attended Saint Simons Christian School from Pre-K through eighth grade. Their daughter, Taylor, is now part of the SSCS staff, while Landon lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where he works as a band manager and booking agent, and Hayden works as a diesel mechanic for the family’s custom cabinetry business. Ginger and Ted have called the Golden Isles home for 27 years and enjoy life with their four dogs.

Ginger has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2011. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, walking on the beach, crocheting and crafting, traveling, and watching college basketball, especially her beloved Purdue Boilermakers. She especially enjoys serving on the PTA Leadership Team, where she has the opportunity to plan and facilitate events and activities that bring SSCS families together and strengthen the school community.

Taylor Strehle

4th & 5th Grade

Taylor was born and raised in the Golden Isles and attended The Whitefield School/Saint Simons Christian School from Pre-K through eighth grade from 2003–2013. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from the College of Coastal Georgia and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Georgia. Her years as a student at SSCS had a profound impact on her, as she was surrounded by teachers who invested in her life, encouraged her goals, and helped her grow academically and spiritually. She is especially grateful for her parents’ dedication to her education and the way God used both her family and teachers to shape her journey and ultimately lead her back to the school that helped form who she is today.

Family is a very important part of Taylor’s life. She is the oldest of three children and has two younger brothers, Landon and Hayden, who also attended SSCS from Pre-K through eighth grade. Her parents, Ginger and Ted, have always been her greatest supporters. Ginger is also part of the SSCS staff, while Ted owns a custom cabinetry business. Taylor appreciates the example her parents have set through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others. The family also stays busy with their four dogs and their shared enthusiasm for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Taylor has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2026. Outside of school, she enjoys searching for sand dollars and seashells on Jekyll Island, reading, cheering on Purdue basketball, and making memories with her family. She especially values the genuine sense of community and care at SSCS and is grateful for the lasting relationships she has with teachers who invested in her as a student, including many who have since retired. Taylor hopes to create the same encouraging, Christ-centered environment for her students and make a lasting difference in their lives.

Carmela Tucker

Middle School Spanish

Carmela was born and raised in the small town of Tunkas, Yucatán, Mexico. After meeting her husband, AJ, in 2007, she immigrated to the United States on a fiancé visa in December 2009, and they were married just 30 days later. Three years later, she became a U.S. citizen. When Carmela first arrived in the United States, she spoke very little English, and she has continued to grow in her language skills ever since. Her own experience learning another language gives her a unique perspective and fuels her desire to help students learn Spanish with confidence.

Carmela and AJ have been married for more than 16 years. AJ is a St. Simons Island native and the founding veterinarian of Coastal Animal Hospital in Brunswick. They have two children, Eliana, a graduate of SSCS who is now in ninth grade at Frederica Academy, and David, who attends SSCS. Carmela is the youngest of ten children and has a large extended family in Mexico. Her family is the most precious part of her life.

Carmela has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2026. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, traveling, caring for plants, crocheting, cooking for her family, and spending time with friends. She has also volunteered as a translator and counselor at Skylark and recently began resistance training with a friend. Carmela is especially grateful for the Christ-centered, Christian worldview-based education her children have received at SSCS and for the love and care shown to them by the teachers and staff. She is excited to now be part of the community that has meant so much to her family.

Amanda Tully

K4

Amanda joined SSCS in 2024 and brings over 8 years of teaching experience. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and is Orton-Gillingham trained. She attends Community Church.
Laura Westberry

Administrative Assistant

Laura joined the SSCS team in 2024. She studied Community Health Education and Human Services at Georgia College and State University. She attends First Baptist Church Brunswick.
Heather Wills

K5

Heather grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where she attended Calvary Baptist Day School throughout her childhood. Being raised in a Christian school surrounded by teachers and faculty who consistently poured the love of the Lord into her life had a lasting impact on her faith and shaped the person she is today. She attended Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Heather and her husband, Josh, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters and one son. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing, and traveling.

Heather has been part of the Saint Simons Christian School community since 2022. She especially loves having the freedom to talk about God each day and being surrounded by staff and administration who love the Lord and encourage one another in their faith. She is grateful to be part of a community where Christ is at the center of daily life.

Nick Zichettella

Middle School Social Studies

Nick Zichattella joined the SSCS staff in the summer of 2025 with a strong background in both education and ministry. He has over two years of classroom teaching experience and spent more than 15 years serving as a youth minister. Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Armstrong State University and was named Paraprofessional of the Year at Winterville Charter Academy for the 2022–2023 school year. He is passionate about guiding students academically and spiritually through authentic relationships and servant leadership.