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
Courtney Frazier
Principal
Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree, Millersville University
PA Grades 4-8 Social Studies Certificate
Fauquier County Schools, Virginia 2003-2004
King George County Schools, Virginia 2004-2007
Manheim Central School District 2007-2020
Manheim Christian Day School 2020-Present
E-mail: courtney.frazier@manheimchristian.org
"I believe teachers have the ability to change lives. We can shine the love of Jesus through our words and actions and we have the privilege to help children grow in their faith."
John George
Dean of Students
B.A. Family Studies, Messiah College
M. Ed. School Counseling, Lancaster Bible College
Ed. D. Educational Leadership, Widener University
PA School Counseling and K-12 Principal Certifications
Manheim Central Middle School (school counselor) 2004-2021
Manheim Christian Day School 2022 - Present
E-mail: john.george@manheimchristian.org
"I believe our responsibility is to teach the love of Christ and model the fruits of the spirit as well as help our students develop their God-given spiritual, academic, and emotional gifts by encouraging and exemplifying a love of learning."
Wendy Harley
M/W & T/Th 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."
Trish White
Fun Friday Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
B.S. in Bible and Certification in Early Childhood Education, Lancaster Bible College
Reidenbaugh Elementary School (Envision/Kindergarten Enrichment Teacher) 2001-2002
Dayspring Christian Academy (1st Grade Teacher) 2002-2003
Linville Hill Christian School (2nd Grade Teacher) 2003-2005
Manheim Christian Day School 2015-Present
E-mail: trish.white@manheimchristian.org
"I believe Christian education is a partnership between teachers and families that helps point children to Christ, By teaching the Bible as absolute truth and by centering education on Christ, children are taught to see God’s hands in all areas of learning and life."
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."
Jordi Gawne
5 Day Kindergarten Teacher
B. S. in Early Childhood Education, Minor in Special Education, Penn State University
PA Grades PreK-4 Teacher Certification
KinderCare (PreK Counts Teacher) 2020-2021
Calvary Preschool (Preschool Teacher) 2021-2022
Manheim Christian Day School 2022-Present
E-mail: jordi.gawne@manheimchristian.org
”I believe that students thrive in knowing that others have “total faith in them” to achieve their individualized academic goals. As a teacher, I love using positive reinforcement to instill this confidence in students so that they can perform to the best of their abilities, therefore, allowing God’s gifts within them to shine.”
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."
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."
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.fisher@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 Fisher
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 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
M. Ed. in Differentiated Instruction, LaSalle University
B. S. in Elementary Education, Millersville 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/Intermediate & Middle School Art Teacher
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."
Music Teacher/5th Grade Math 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
Director of Operations/Computer Teacher/Middle School Lead Teacher
B.S. in Bible and 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
Physical Education & Health Teacher/Athletic Director
B.S. PreK-12 Health and Physical Education, 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 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
Teacher Aides
Sharon Ginder
Pre-K/Kindergarten Aide
Ashtyn Hess
Kindergarten Aide
Christie Nissley
Pre-K Aide
Brandi Pidcock
2nd Grade Aide
Rachel Tann
Librarian
Olivia Shenk
1st Grade Aide
Alicia Redcay
Intermediate Aide
Staff
Kris Hess
Administrative Assistant
kris.hess@manheimchristian.org
Jen Kosydar
Events Coordinator; Fun Friday Aide
jen.kosydar@manheimchristian.org
Kim Metzler
Enrollment Coordinator
kim.metzler@manheimchristian.org
Rebecca Nissly
Finance Manager
rebecca.nissly@manheimchristian.org
Lee Musser
Facility Manager
Rachel Miller
Hot Lunch Assistant
Andrea McNece
Hot Lunch Coordinator
Kelsey Fox
Kerry Geib
Custodian
Suzanna Stoltzfus
Speech Therapist
suzanna.stoltzfus@iu13.org
Katie Drakely
IU Learning Support
kathleen_drakely@iu13.org
