MEET THE FACULTY AND STAFF
All staff members at Manheim Christian Day School are fully committed to Christian education and the teachings of Jesus Christ. They incorporate Biblical principles into learning situations as illustrated in Matthew 5–7, creating an atmosphere where students can grow in Christ-like qualities to apply in their individual lives. It is our goal to provide a safe learning environment where each student can develop and nurture a belief system that evolves into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
About
Why MCDS
Faculty & Staff
School Board
FAQ
James Hubbard
Head of School
M.A. Higher Education Administration, Western Maryland College
B.S. Exercise Science, Messiah College
Messiah College, Director of International and Student Recruitment 1996-2004
Kutztown University, Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives 2004-2010
New Covenant Christian School, Principal/CEO 2010-2023
Manheim Christian Day School 2024-Present
E-mail: james.hubbard@manheimchristian.org
"My aim is to provide a well-rounded, excellent academic education that helps students become difference makers for the kingdom."
Kayla Collins
Principal
Principal Certification, CAGS
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Concordia University
B.A. Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University,
Ruth Powell Elementary School (3rd grade) - Safford, AZ 2013-2014
Willcox Middle School (5th grade science, choir) Willcox, AZ 2014-2015
Milan Village Elementary School (1st grade and Dean of Students) - Milan, NH 2015-2019
Harrisburg Christian School (elementary principal, K-12 assistant principal) 2020-2023
Middletown Area School District (5th grade) 2023-24
Manheim Christian Day School 2024-Present
E-mail: kayla.collins@manheimchristian.org
"I believe education is best when it centers on nurturing students' intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth in alignment with biblical principles. It emphasizes the development of character and wisdom, encouraging learners to view their studies as a means to understand and fulfill their purpose in God's creation. By integrating faith and learning, education becomes a pathway to cultivating both academic excellence and a deeper relationship with God."
Director of Student & Spiritual Life
B.A. in Youth Ministry, Cedarville University
B.A. in Christian Education, Cedarville University
M.A. in Christian Counseling, Dallas Baptist University
Sky Ranch Christian Camps (Outdoor Education Instructor) 2019-2021
Manheim Christian Day School 2022-Present
E-mail: jon.sauder@manheimchristian.org
Jon Sauder
"My heart is to a be a reliable, approachable mentor who fosters Christ-centered confidence and a Biblical worldview in the lives entrusted to my care...and to develop and contribute to a community and culture that does the same."
Director of Operations/Computer Teacher
B.S. in Bible; B.S. in Education/Health & Physical Education, Lancaster Bible College
Manheim Christian Day School 2008-Present
E-mail: justin.sauder@manheimchristian.org
"My mission is to prepare students for a life of service to God by guiding them in their understanding of the connection with the physical, mental, and spiritual components of life. Everyday I see students learning about God on the sports field, in the classroom, and in their relationships with each other. Being an alumnus of MCDS, I understand the importance of Christian education and its positive and lasting impact in a student’s life."
Justin Sauder
Wendy Harley
M/W/F Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Liberty University; Millersville University
Lancaster Christian Academy 1985-1986
Lititz Christian School 1987-1988
Manheim Christian Day School 1998-Present
E-mail: wendy.harley@manheimchristian.org
"I believe we are to nurture the whole child and help him/her experience God daily in every area of life."
Carolyn Kocot
T/Th Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education and Bible, Lancaster Bible College
M. Ed. in Special Education PreK-8, Edinboro University
Lititz Christian School (5th & 6th grade) 2012-2014
Manheim Central School District (first grade) 2014-2022
Manheim Christian Day School 2024- Present
Email: carolyn.kocot@manheimchristian.org
"It is my goal that each child that I am privileged to teach knows they are uniquely and wonderfully created in the image of God. I believe each child has the ability to learn in a variety of ways and I look forward to helping each little one grow spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally."
Jean Peachey
3 Day Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. in Home Economics Education, University of Georgia
Early Childhood Certification Program, Arizona State University
Montessori School of Flagstaff, Arizona 1984-1987
Newcomb Elementary, New Mexico 1987-1991
Penn State, York 1997-2003
Manheim Christian Day School 2003-Present
E-mail: jean.peachey@manheimchristian.org
"I believe that children are a gift from God. As a teacher, it is my role to help each child develop and grow in their many God-given gifts and abilities. I do this by providing a Christ-centered environment that fosters spiritual, mental, social and emotional growth."
Lexi Nauman
5 Day Kindergarten Teacher
A. A. in Early Childhood/Early Elementary Education, Harrisburg Area Community College
B.S. in Elementary Education PreK-4th/Special Education PreK-8th, Millersville University
U-Gro (preschool teacher) 2021-2023
Manheim Christian Day School 2023-Present
E-mail: alexis.nauman@manheimchristian.org
"I look forward to teaching my students and helping them grow in the academic skills, social-emotional skills, and better understand who they are in the image of our Father and utilizing their own God-given gifts."
Julia Nolt
1st Grade Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Certification, Millersville University
Manheim Christian Day School 1994-1999; 2011-Present
E-mail: julia.nolt@manheimchristian.org
"All children have within them the capacity and hunger for learning. As a teacher, it is my awesome privilege and responsibility to help each child grow toward his/her God-given potential in all areas of life."
Lori Greenly
1st Grade Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education, Misericordia University
Fairfax and Prince William Public Schools (Home Bound Instructor, Substitute Teacher) 1995-1998
ENVISIONS Enterprises (Pre-K Counts Director, Kindergarten and School Age Director) 1998-2013
Hildebrandt Learning Centers (Kindergarten and School Age Teacher/Supervisor) 2013-2017
Hempfield School District (Para Professional for Emotional Support Classroom) 2017-2023
Manheim Christian Day School 2023-Present
E-mail: lori.greenly@manheimchristian.org
"I believe each child is a miracle gift from God. It is my goal to provide a classroom environment where they are excited about coming to school every day. I believe every child is and individual and learns in different ways. It is my goal/responsibility to foster growth and independence to help them reach their potential spiritually, physically and educationally."
2nd Grade Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education, Minor in Spanish, Liberty University
Manheim Christian Day School 2022-Present
E-mail: jennifer.christner@manheimchristian.org
Jennifer Christner
"I believe that all children are created in the image of God and that all are capable of learning. It is my goal as an educator to instill a lifelong desire for learning by providing a safe and loving environment for my students to learn and grow into who God has created them to be."
2nd Grade Teacher
B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in Learning Disabilities, Grace College
Northwood Middle School, Wakarusa, Indiana (middle school learning support) 2003-2005
Wakarusa Elementary School, Nappanee, Indiana, (elementary learning support) 2005-2008
Grace International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand, (high school learning support) 2015-2018
Grace International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand, (first grade) 2019-2023
Kraybill Mennonite School (first grade long-term substitute) 2024
Manheim Christian Day School 2024-Present
Email: sarah.gerig@manheimchristian.org
Sarah Gerig
"It is my goal that each student leaves my class knowing that they are deeply loved by God and that they have unique gifts to give to the world. I hope to inspire my students to be deep thinkers, who are curious and enthusiastic learners. Most importantly, I desire to help my students to become compassionate and caring individuals, whose actions reflect Christ."
3rd Grade Teacher
B.S. in Childhood Education (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-12), Shippensburg University
Hempfield School District (5th grade long-term sub) 2021
Manheim Christian Day School 2021-present
E-mail: hannah.mcbeth@manheimchristian.org
"My goal as an educator is to show each student how they can overcome challenges and fears, to enjoy and love learning, and to help each child find fulfillment in Christ. I desire for all students to find their potential as life-long learners in the classroom."
Hannah McBeth
4th Grade Teacher
B.S. in Humanities, Fairleigh Dickinson University
M.S. in the Art of Teaching, Fairleigh Dickinson University
NJ Grades Preschool-3 & K-5 Certification
American Christian School, New Jersey 2011-2015
U-Gro Learning Centers 2015-2016
Manheim Christian Day School 2016-Present
E-mail: kerri.kinter@manheimchristian.org
"I believe God has created each one of my students in a special way and has given them a special purpose in life. As a teacher, it is my joy to help guide my students as they learn more about this world and God’s place for them in this world. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Psalm 127:3a"
Kerri Kinter
Middle School Language Arts Teacher (grades 6-8)
B.S in Music Education (K-12) and Elementary Education (PK-4), Bob Jones University
Kraybill Mennonite School, Milton Hershey School, various Lancaster County Schools (substitute teacher) 2008-2016
REYS Youth Center 2016-2019
SWAN4Kids 2019-2021
Linden Hall School for Girls 2021-2022
Dayspring Christian Academy 2022-2023
Manheim Christian Day School 2024-Present
Email: lauren.reyes@manheimchristian.org
"My goal is to foster a positive learning environment which will enable students to tackle new challenges and celebrate progress. Together we will seek to learn more about God as we study together."
Lauren Reyes
Middle School Science/Math Teacher
B.S. in Education, B.A. in Biblical Studies, Lancaster Bible College
Manheim Christian Day School 2018-Present
E-mail: rodney.zimmerman@manheimchristian.org
"My goal is to inspire my students to be curious about their world, and to seek to understand God through the things he has created. I want to help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and discover their unique God-given gifts."
Rodney Zimmerman
Middle School Math Teacher (grades 6-8)
B. S. in Elementary Education, Millersville University
M. Ed. in Differentiated Instruction, LaSalle University
PA Grades 7-9 Middle-Level Math Certification
Manheim Christian Day School 2004-2007
Manheim Central Middle School 2007-2019
Manheim Christian Day School 2022-Present
E-mail: melissa.nolt@manheimchristian.org
“My goals for my students are to build confidence in their mathematical abilities and to nurture and encourage their relationship with Jesus Christ. I consider it an honor and a privilege to connect with my students each day, walking alongside to strengthen and guide in both academics and their growing faith."
Melissa Nolt
Middle School Bible Teacher
B. S. in Bible, Lancaster Bible College
M. Div., M. A. in Ministry, Capital Seminary
Manheim Christian Day School 2024-Present
E-mail: ben.armstrong@manheimchristian.org
"My aim is to show students that the Bible is not simply a history book or even a book of rules but truly a guide to know our Creator and how He designed us to live the life He gave to us. As a teacher, I believe the one who does the talking is the one who does the learning, so I strive to ask questions that will get students engaging with the truths of Scripture."
Ben Armstrong
Rebecca Shuey
Middle School Art Teacher
B.S. in Art Education, Millersville University
John Beck Elementary School 2017
Manheim Christian Day School 2020-2021, 2024-Present
Crossroads Community Homeschool 2022-Present
E-mail: rebecca.shuey@manheimchristian.org
"As an educator, it is my job to help students to find their giftings that God has given them and to use those giftings to help them long term. My hope is that when they learn new techniques that they can find a way to create meaningful artwork."
Music Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education, Millersville University
Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, Hesston College
Ephrata Area Mennonite School (4th grade teacher) 2001-2002
Stafford County Public Schools, Virginia (5th grade teacher) 2005-2008
Rock Hill Public Schools, South Carolina (3rd grade teacher) 2009-2012
John Beck Elementary (2nd/4th grade long term sub) 2014-2015
Manheim Christian Day School 2020-Present
E-mail: christel.briggs@manheimchristian.org
"As an educator, my desire is to instill a love of learning in my students through hands-on activities and other creative opportunities. In addition, I desire my students to be respectful and responsible individuals that have an active relationship with Jesus Christ, so throughout their lives they will be productive members of society that influence others positively."
Christel Briggs
Physical Education & Health Teacher/Athletic Director
B.S. in Health and Physical Education (PreK-12), Eastern Mennonite University
Page County High School 2007 – 2009
Hildebrandt Learning Centers/Bright Horizons Family Solutions 2015-2017
Manheim Christian Day School 2019-Present
E-mail: joy.shelly@manheimchristian.org
"My goal is to educate, communicate, and engage students in life long healthy habits. Through care and providing positive feedback to encourage long, active, healthy lives. It is my prayer that students find physical activities they enjoy and want to participate in long after they graduate."
Joy Shelly
Primary/Intermediate Art Teacher
"God has created such a beautiful world around us. Art is one way to appreciate that beauty. My goal is to increase students' confidence in their artistic abilities by teaching new skills to help them express themselves and to enjoy God's creation."
Hannah Wright
Resource Teacher
B.A. in Psychology, The College of New Jersey
TW Ponessa (therapeutic support staff) 2012-2013
Lancaster Lebanon IU13 (substitute paraprofessional) 2015 -2019
Manheim Christian Day School 2022-Present
E-mail: brandi.pidcock@manheimchristian.org
"As children are created in the "imago dei," there is not a "one size fits all" teaching method, curriculum, or program; therefore, educators should facilitate an engaging environment that challenges students, incorporating all styles of learning. Above all else, when we teach children to seek TRUTH and love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30-31), then the hope is that students will continually seek after His purposes, for His glory, becoming ambassadors for the Kingdom."
Brandi Pidcock
TEACHER AIDES
Christie Nissley
Pre-K Aide
Sharon Ginder
Pre-K/Kindergarten Aide
Caitlin Gabers
Kindergarten Aide
Pam Eshleman
Kindergarten Aide
2nd Grade Aide/Custodian
Megan Wenger
Olivia Shenk
1st Grade Aide
Hannah Derr
2nd Grade Aide
2nd Grade Aide
Intermediate Aide
Madison Sauder
Librarian
Eden Barbush
Megan Zimmerman
Staff
Kris Hess
Administrative Assistant
kris.hess@manheimchristian.org
Jen Kosydar
Events Coordinator
jen.kosydar@manheimchristian.org
Kim Metzler
Enrollment Coordinator
kim.metzler@manheimchristian.org
Sandy Zimmerman
Director of Finance
sandy.zimmerman@manheimchristian.org
Nicole Wenger
Hot Lunch Assistant
Andrea McNece
Hot Lunch Coordinator
Lee Musser
Kelsey Fox
Facility Manager
Suzanna Stoltzfus
Speech Therapist
suzanna_stoltzfus@iu13.org
Katie Drakely
IU Learning Support
kathleen_drakely@iu13.org
Elizabeth Valdez
IU Counselor
elizabeth_valdez@iu13.org
Custodian
