Elementary Faculty

Kindergarten: Marcy Davis

Education Background: Patriot University, Del Norte, Colorado; Bachelors of Arts in Christian Counseling

Teaching Experience: Coordinated and taught art/drama for grades 1st-6th at Valley Forge Baptist Temple in Pennsylvania for 10 years. Taught 1st grade  Sunday School for 7 years and 3rd grade Sunday School for 3 years. Marcy was also a middle school and high school summer camp counselor for many years.  Marcy has been teaching with USCS since the fall of 2010.

1st Grade: Julie Brierton

Education Background: Northern Illinois University – M.S.  Ed. University of Iowa – Graduate Coursework in Education.    University of Northern Iowa –  B.A. Recreation Therapy.

Teaching Experience:

Substitute teacher K-12 District 38 (Monument, CO) – 4 years.  Directed three  K-12 school accreditations in CO and CA through ACSI, WASC, AALE involving establishing school mission, school-wide learning goals, administrative policy, faculty training and support, facility evaluation, student services,  curriculum standards, and organizing and publishing self-study documents at Bradshaw Christian School (Sacramento, CA) Victory Christian School (Carmichael, CA), and Monument Charter School (Monument, CO) – 10 years.  Taught “Leadership in Christian Education” at Capital Bible College (Sacramento, CA).  Developed and implemented model childhood nursery program at Capital Christian Center (Sacramento, CA) – 5 years.   Developed and marketed community based education programs  in sports, music,  business, education  (Rockford College in IL and Northern Illinois University) -8  years.  Taught in Early Childhood Education Center and an ESL class during graduate school  (University of  IA) – 1 year.   Taught special needs youth at children’s residential facility at Lawson Children’s Home (Rockford, IL) – 1 year.  Organized multiple school fundraisers, student events, sports camps, community events, employee training programs, market focus groups, and character-based school assemblies in public and private schools (IA, IL, CA, CO) – 10 years

2nd Grade: Nancy Holaday

Education Background: California State University in Fullerton, California; Bachelors  in Liberal Studies

Teaching Experience: A credentialed teacher in the state of California. Nancy has taught for a total of 20 years. Her teaching experience includes teaching at private and public schools and home education.  She has taught at Stetson Hills Elementary Special Education Department in Colorado Springs and has been teaching elementary at USCS since 2006.

3rd/4th Grade: Amy Mientka

Education Background: Colorado University; Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies

Teaching Experience: A credentialed teacher in the state of Colorado and has taught for 4 years in District 20, Colorado Springs as a 2nd Grade and Spanish K-5 teacher. Amy has been teaching at USCS since 2007.

5th Grade: Kimberly Hoekert

Education Background: Taylor University; Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Christian Education; University of Michigan; Masters of Social Work: Interpersonal Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families, Minor in Community Organization.

Teaching Experience: Kimberly Hoekert has been involved in Elementary home education in Art and has educated her own children (K-4grade and 8th grade). She was also the Girls Basketball coach for 5th-8th grade students for CSCS and has worked as a Counselor/Social Worker for Chipeta Elementary school, District 11. Kimberly Hoekert has been working with USCS since the fall of 2010.

6th Grade: Charissa Maust

Educational Background: Bachelors of Arts degree from Bethel College

Teaching Experience: Charissa has taught in a variety areas of public middle school since 2006. Her educator experiences include long-term substitute teaching, interventionist, ESL reading, ESL social studies and high school Social Studies. Charissa has been teaching with USCS since the fall of 2011.

Elementary Art: Lisa Tsiao

Education Background: Covenant College, Lookout Mountain; Radiological Technologist Certification through St. Luke’s School of Radiology, Denver, CO.; American Heart Association BLS Instructor (Credentialed from 2007 – present).

Teaching Experience: Worked as a Health Assistant for Colorado Springs Christian Elementary School for 6 years. For 4 years, Lisa Tsiao instructed all age groups in loom knitting, origami, craft demonstration for the general public and more at Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store. Lisa Tsiao has been teaching with USCS since the fall of 2010.

Elementary Spanish: Maria Lackey

Teaching Experience: Taught Spanish at Colorado Springs Christian Schools (Elementary and Middle School) for 2 years and home educated her children for several years. Maria has been teaching at USCS since 2006.

Secondary Faculty

Mathematics Department: Department Head – Tracey Hess

Tracey Hess – Algebra 2, Study Skills/SAT prep, Personal Finances, Introduction to Statistics

Education Background: University of Houston, Texas with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, Minor in Education; ACSI certified teacher

Teaching Experience: Tracey has been teaching for a total of 8 years; her teaching experience includes mathematics at Colorado Springs Christian Schools (CSCS). Tracey has been teaching at USCS since 2007.

Fred Smith – Math 7, Pre-Algebra

Education Background: United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, Bachelors of Science

Teaching Experience: Fred Smith has been teaching mathematics and involved in student athletics since 1988. In his experience with teaching mathematics for grades 6-12th, he has won the Outstanding Teacher 2001-2002 award from Ripley High School in Mississippi and his most recent teaching position included teaching a number of mathematic classes at Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy, Colorado Springs. He also coached men and women’s cross country teams for Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, MS. Fred has been teaching at USCS since the Spring of 2012.

Lisa Danforth – Geometry

Education Background: Northwestern University, Louisiana; Bachelors of Science in Electric Engineering

Teaching Experience: Lisa has home educated her children and has been teaching upper level literature/English and Geometry at USCS since 2006.

Kim Brackett – Algebra 1, Pre-Calculus

Education Background: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Bachelors of Science in Mathematics

Teaching Experience: Kim has been a volunteer tutor, home educator, and has taught at USCS since 2007.

Jeff Cooper – Calculus

Education Background: A graduate of Carson-Newman College with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science; Received his M.Div from Golden Gate Seminary in 2006.

Teaching Experience: Before working for USCS, Jeff worked as a youth pastor for Pacific Church of Irvine for 8 years. Jeff had also been teaching advanced math and outdoor leadership for a total of 8 years (in California and in Colorado). He has been trained with Alpine Training Services for rock climbing and canyoneering. He is also a certified instructor for the Red Cross in CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness First Aid. Jeff has been teaching at USCS since 2006.

Science Department:

John Sullivan – Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science

Education Background: Michigan State University; Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, Minor in Biology Ethics and Public Health.

Teaching Experience: John Sullivan’s life experience includes studying at a pre-medical student at the Michigan State University and receiving a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and a minor in Biology Ethics and Public Health. He has been teaching for USCS since Spring of 2011.

Lisa Tsiao – Biology

Education Background: Covenant College, Lookout Mountain; Radiological Technologist Certification through St. Luke’s School of Radiology, Denver, CO.; American Heart Association BLS Instructor (Credentialed from 2007 – present).

Teaching Experience: Worked as a Health Assistant for Colorado Springs Christian Elementary School for 6 years. Worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver providing Radiographic services in a hospital setting, including; portable radiography, surgical and fluoroscopic radiography, veni-puncture, contrast studies, and patient care.

Jonathan Smith – Life Science

Education Background: Graduate of Moody Bible Institute from the Christian Education Department; Emphasis in Missions

Teaching Experience: Raised in Mexico by his American Missionary parents and worked as a counselor, teacher, leadership trainer for a variety of schools in Mexico and in Oklahoma. He is very experienced in teaching biblical studies and has also taught high school science at ITESM (Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (an exclusive school for Mexican, gifted students) and at Markoma Bible Academy. He has 30+ years of working with students of all ages in the USA and in Mexico. In 1994, Jonathan became a certified under the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the outdoor disciplines and has been instructing in outdoor leadership for many years. Jonathan also became certified as a EMT-B and worked in the Emergency room of Tahlequah City Hospital and was certified as a swift water rescuer in 1998. Jonathan has also led many expeditions in Mexico in caving, mountaineering, rock climbing and more.

English Department:

Becky Fulcher – Literature 9, Literature 10

Education Background: Graduate of University of Texas with a Bachelors of Business Administration; Graduate Studies at University of West Florida in English Literature.

Teaching Experience: Becky has taught Sunday School, AWANA and Bible Studies to all ages (preschool through 12th grade) and has been a youth worker for 5 years. Becky Fulcher has been teaching for USCS since the spring of 2010 (English/Literature for 9th grade).

Lisa Danforth – British Literature

Education Background: Northwestern University, Louisiana; Bachelors of Science in Electric Engineering

Teaching Experience: Lisa has home educated her children and has been teaching at USCS since 2006.

Mandy Houk – Creative Writing, Excellence in Writing (Grades 7-12)

Education Background: University of California, Irvine; Bachelors of Arts in Social Ecology

Teaching Experience: Mandy Houk has taught a number of writing classes at USCS since 2006. She has written and assisted in producing adapted children’s plays for Irvine, California’s summer children’s theater program (including Pinocchio and Winnie the Pooh). She was listed in the top ten finalists in the “Worldview Fiction Contest”, sponsored by Westbow Publishing and World Magazine in 2004 and wrote newsletter articles for Write On, the monthly newsletter for the Orange Country Christian Writers Fellowship. She has served as the editor for Pikes Peak Writers NewsMag and currently serves on the board of Pikes peak Writers and Pikes Peak Writers Steering Committee. She is also a regular contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and Kyria.com and is under contract as Copy Editor for What Matters Legal Magazine.

History Department: Department Head – Lessie Cooper

Fred Smith – Civics/Economics

Education Background: United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, Bachelors of Science

Teaching Experience: Fred Smith has been teaching mathematics and involved in student athletics since 1988. In his experience with teaching mathematics for grades 6-12th, he has won the Outstanding Teacher 2001-2002 award from Ripley High School in Mississippi and his most recent teaching position included teaching a number of mathematic classes at Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy, Colorado Springs. He also coached men and women’s cross country teams for Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, MS. Fred has been teaching at USCS since the Spring of 2012.

Heather Sullivan – World Studies/Geography (7th Grade), American Republic (8th Grade), U.S. History

Education Background: Northland International University; Bachelors of Arts in History Education.

Teaching Experience: Worked as a camp counselor at Camp Eden, Wheat Ridge in Colorado from May 2008-2009. Heather’s experience includes substitute teaching for Lansing and Holt School Districts and basketball coaching for Irish Elementary. Heather has been teaching with USCS since the fall of 2010.

Jonathan Smith – World History

Education Background: Graduate of Moody Bible Institute from the Christian Education Department; Emphasis in Missions

Teaching Experience: Raised in Mexico by his American Missionary parents and worked as a counselor, teacher, leadership trainer for a variety of schools in Mexico and in Oklahoma. He is very experienced in teaching biblical studies and has also taught high school science at ITESM (Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (an exclusive school for Mexican, gifted students) and at Markoma Bible Academy. He has 30+ years of working with students of all ages in the USA and in Mexico. In 1994, Jonathan became a certified under the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the outdoor disciplines and has been instructing in outdoor leadership for many years. JJonathan Smith has been teaching at USCS since the Spring of 2011.

Biblical Studies:

Derick Hull – Biblical Studies

Education Background: Currently attending courses at New Covenant School of Theology

Teaching Experience: Derick Hull is currently the Senior Pastor of Reverence Bible Church of Colorado Springs. Derick has gained years of experience as a youth pastor and has worked in the mission field with Safe Harbor International in countries such as Uganda, Sudan and Romania. He has also taught 7th grade mathematics, life science, biology, and bible classes at USCS since the fall of 2009.

Jonathan Smith – Biblical Studies

Education Background: Graduate of Moody Bible Institute from the Christian Education Department; Emphasis in Missions

Teaching Experience: Raised in Mexico by his American Missionary parents and worked as a counselor, teacher, leadership trainer for a variety of schools in Mexico and in Oklahoma. He is very experienced in teaching biblical studies and has also taught high school science at ITESM (Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (an exclusive school for Mexican, gifted students) and at Markoma Bible Academy. He has 30+ years of working with students of all ages in the USA and in Mexico. In 1994, Jonathan became a certified under the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the outdoor disciplines and has been instructing in outdoor leadership for many years. Jonathan Smith has been teaching at USCS since the Spring of 2011.

John Sullivan – Missions

Education Background: Michigan State University; Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, Minor in Biology Ethics and Public Health.

Teaching Experience: His life experience includes studying at a pre-medical student at the Michigan State University and receiving a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and a minor in Biology Ethics and Public Health. John Sullivan has been teaching for USCS since Spring of 2011.

 

Foreign Language

Maria Lackey – Spanish 1; Spanish 2; Spanish 3

Teaching Experience: Maria has taught Spanish at Colorado Springs Christian Schools (CSCS Elementary and Middle School) for 2 years. Maria has been teaching at USCS since 2006.

 

Leadership: Department Head – Jeff Cooper

Doug Rykerd – Adventure Leadership I

Teaching Experience: Before working for USCS, Doug Rykerd had tremendous life-experience  in the outdoors through hiking, orienteering and through hunting. Doug has organized and led many outdoor leadership trips for USCS for students and families and has a great passion to encourage students in their pursuit in Christ Jesus. Doug has been teaching at USCS since the fall of 2009.

Jonathan Smith – Introduction to Adventure; Adventure Guide Program

Education Background: Graduate of Moody Bible Institute from the Christian Education Department; Emphasis in Missions

Teaching Experience: Raised in Mexico by his American Missionary parents and worked as a counselor, teacher, leadership trainer for a variety of schools in Mexico and in Oklahoma. He is very experienced in teaching biblical studies and has also taught high school science at ITESM (Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (an exclusive school for Mexican, gifted students) and at Markoma Bible Academy. He has 30+ years of working with students of all ages in the USA and in Mexico. In 1994, Jonathan became a certified under the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the outdoor disciplines and has been instructing in outdoor leadership for many years. Jonathan also became certified as a EMT-B and worked in the Emergency room of Tahlequah City Hospital and was certified as a swift water rescuer in 1998. Jonathan has also led many expeditions in Mexico in caving, mountaineering, rock climbing and more. Jonathan Smith has been teaching at USCS since the Spring of 2011.

Charissa Maust – Institute for Cultural Communicators (ICC)

Educational Background: Bachelors of Arts degree from Bethel College

Teaching Experience: Charissa has taught in a variety areas of public middle school since 2006. Her educator experiences include long-term substitute teaching, interventionist, ESL reading, ESL social studies and high school Social Studies. Charissa has been teaching with USCS since the fall of 2011.

Electives:

Heather Sullivan – Secondary Art: Water Color/Acrylic

Education Background: Northland International University; Bachelors of Science in History Education.

Teaching Experience: Worked as a camp counselor at Camp Eden, Wheat Ridge in Colorado from May 2008-2009. Heather later worked as a substitute teacher for Lansing and Holt School Districts. Heather was a lettered athlete in Basketball and Track. She has been a member of the Colorado State University Track Team and was on the Northland International University Basketball Team for 3 years. She received the Mary Award for teach ability in Athletics and was the basketball coach for Irish Elementary School. Heather has taught at USCS since the fall of 2010.

Melonie Eastham – Greek Mythology

Education Background: Regent University; Bachelors of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development

Teaching Experience: Melonie Eastham’s experience includes former administrator and teacher at Cross and Brown Christian Academy, Technology Administrator/Business Teacher for Park County School District and has taught as a Adjunct Faculty at Colorado Mountain College. She has been a home educator for her own children and has been teaching for USCS since the fall of 2011.

Melonie Eastham – Microsoft Office

Education Background: Regent University; Bachelors of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development

Teaching Experience: Melonie Eastham’s experience includes former administrator and teacher at Cross and Brown Christian Academy, Technology Administrator/Business Teacher for Park County School District and has taught as a Adjunct Faculty at Colorado Mountain College. She has been a home educator for her own children and has been teaching for USCS since the fall of 2011.

Heather Sullivan – Physical Education

Education Background: Northland International University; Bachelors of Science in History Education.

Teaching Experience: Worked as a camp counselor at Camp Eden, Wheat Ridge in Colorado from May 2008-2009. Heather later worked as a substitute teacher for Lansing and Holt School Districts. Heather was a lettered athlete in Basketball and Track. She has been a member of the Colorado State University Track Team and was on the Northland International University Basketball Team for 3 years. She received the Mary Award for teach ability in Athletics and was the Basketball coach for Irish Elementary School.

Derick Hull – Adventure Conditioning

Education Background: Currently attending courses at New Covenant School of Theology

Teaching Experience: Derick Hull is currently the Senior Pastor of Reverence Bible Church of Colorado Springs. Derick has gained years of experience as a youth pastor and has worked in the mission field with Safe Harbor International in countries such as Uganda, Sudan and Romania. He has also taught 7th grade mathematics, life science, biology and bible classes at USCS since the fall of 2009.

Nancy Holaday – Drama Production

Education Background: California State University in Fullerton, California; Bachelors of Arts in in Liberal Studies

Teaching Experience: A credentialed teacher in the state of Colorado. Nancy has taught for a total of 10 years. Her teaching experience includes teaching at Stetson Hills Elementary Special Education Department, Colorado Springs and as an elementary teacher at USCS since 2006.

Jonathan Puckett – Yearbook, Photoshop

Education Background: Currently enrolled at Pikes Peak Community College.

Teaching Experience: Very talented with artistic photography and Adobe Photoshop and has been teaching Photoshop and Yearbook classes for 4 years. Jonathan has been teaching for USCS since 2008.