Faculty and Staff

List of 72 members.

• Lindsay Adkins '97 

  Science; Math

  Virginia Commonwealth University - BS
• 

  Aaron Alter 

  Senior Associate Director of Admission; Director of Global Education

  804.542.6844

  Yale University - BA

  Bio

  CCS Aspiration # 6 – to be aware of and actively engaged with the international community. To this end, we are committed to buiding curricular and co-curricular programs that foster a global understanding of learning and living.

   

  World traveler Aaron Alter epitomizes CCS aspiration #6 - to be aware of and actively engaged with the international community - and aren’t we lucky that he is making Christchurch his home base for further global exploration!  The son of beloved former faculty members Bett and John, Mr. Alter spent his childhood in four countries, on three different continents – the US, India, Mauritania and Senegal.

   

  Previous to joining the CCS faculty, Mr. Alter was running his own business, Baobab Educational Adventures (BEA). BEA was built to present a model for sustainable resource use built around outdoor education and recreation. Mr. Alter ran trips – fly fishing expeditions and educational adventures – and headed up trip-funded conservation efforts, which involved subsidizing alternative energy in remote areas of the Himilayas, promoting proper fisheries management, diversifying livelihoods and generally aligning business interests with conservation initiatives.

   

  It was as the owner of BEA that Aaron realized the CCS was the place for him. In 2013 and 2014, he organized and led our international Immerision Trips to India and Senegal. His interactions with our students and the CCS mission and curricular goals sold him on the school’s potential to build an incredibly unique international program. The opportunity to continue working with our remarkable students as well as to play a role in our International Immersion program caused him to jump at the opportunity to be a Seahorse!

   

  When it comes to education, Mr. Alter believes that “students are always best off when they are curious about what they are learning and when they can see a link between themselves, the subject matter and the rest of the world. Confidence and discipline are important tools in the lifelong pursuit of curiosity and understanding – our duties as educators is to equip students with these skills while pushing them to be more curious and connected.”

   

  Mr. Alter is a passionate outdoorsman whose favorite pastimes include exploring, hiking, camping and fishing. He likes to read and think about international relations and politics, and is an avid basketball player.

   

  Special Awards – “Though I have won many academic and athletic awards during my life, the one that holds the most value to me was presented in recognition of the conservation and livelihood diversification work I completed in rural India.  The people of Agora village, where my efforts were based, presented a simple award as a public display of appreciation.  It was a humbling experience.”

   
• 

  Ellie Armistead 

  Admission Associate; Head Softball Coach; Hall Leader 2nd Murrell

  University of Georgia - BS

  Bio

  Ellie Armistead was born in Williamsburg and grew up in Mathews, VA. She attended the University of Georgia on a full softball scholarship. At UGA, she started four years at shortstop, was in the Leadership Program, and was an honor roll student.
  
  

  Armistead is excited to be at Christchurch. "I love the atmosphere and community here! I look forward to giving back to the game of softball and helping the players become strong, successful people."
  
  

  Ellie lives on Second Murrell with her golden retriever, Scout. She loves sports, working out, being outside in nature and the sun, spending time with family and friends, and staying active. 
• 

  Scott Barker 

  Head Boys Basketball Coach and Program Leader

  University of Delaware - BS
  St. Joseph's University - MS

• Carolyn Bell 

  Health Services

  Old Dominion University - BSN
  Pennsylvania State University - MEd

  Bio

  It is wonderful to have Carolyn Bell back on campus! Her husband, Franklin Bell, returned to Christchurch last year as our Science Department Chair. The Bell family lived on campus years ago, in the 80s and early 90s, when Franklin taught marine science. 
  
  

  Originally from Summit, NJ, Carolyn worked for three years as a nurse in the Mercersburg Academy health center and most recently cared for the elderly at Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury.
  
  

  Carolyn says, "I've been so reminded of the supportive sense of community that we took for granted when we were here from 1985-1994. I never found that same sense of belonging and community in any of the other five schools we were involved with over the years."
  
  

  When it comes to a personal philosophy, Carolyn believes that "outlook determines outcome," "being fair isn't treating everyone the same, being fair is giving everyone what they need," and "success isn't how high you jump, success is how high you bounce." 
  
  

  Mrs. Bell loves swimming, staying active, traveling, camping, crocheting, sewing, reading, and teaching. She is a 5x All-American swimmer and is training to compete in the Master's Swimming Nationals next April. 
  
  

  The Bells have three grown children, all of whom were born while they were at Christchurch the first time! They live nearby with their two doodles. 
• 

  Franklin Bell 

  Science Department Chair

  The College of William & Mary - MA
  The Ohio State University - BS
• 

  Jimmy Bristow 

  Groundskeeping
• 

  Terry Brooks 

  Accounting Manager

  804.542.6854
• 

  Mollie Brumfield 

  Director of Learning Skills Program; Advisory Coordinator; River & Outdoor

  Dickinson College - BS

  Bio

  Ms. Brumfield has taught in the Learning Skills Program for more than 20 years. She spends her afternoons in or on the river as a co-leader for the River Immersion co-curricular offering.  She is an immersion trip leader, is passionate about Chesapeake Bay issues and wants students to carry that understanding and commitment back to their local watersheds.  She also enjoys helping CCS students find success in school, so you can often find her in the Learning Skills Center.  Ms. Brumfield is most excited when a student gains the skills to make a huge turn around on his or her own, when she is exploring or traveling with someone who is learning something new, and when she is eating something that she has grown in the garden and sharing it with her family and friends. Ms. Brumfield has three children. Abigail graduated in 2023, and Owen will be a senior this year.
• 

  William Burlee IV 

  Director of Admission

  804.542.6806

  Hampden-Sydney College - BS
• 

  Joel Carlin PhD 

  Science

  UNC Wilmington - BS
  Louisiana State University - MSc
  University of Florida - PhD

  Bio

  Joel Carlin grew up in the Amish country of northern Indiana, where there were horse hitches at the grocery store! He attended a small public school and was one of only four in his graduating class to leave the area. 

   

  Joel comes to Christchurch from a small, private school - Springdale Preparatory in New Windsor, MD - where he taught middle and high school science. Before that, he was at The Ross School in East Hampton, NY. Joel has also taught at the college level, including 13 years as a professor of aquatic biology at Gustavus Adolphus College. He served on the advisory council for Ecologists Without Borders for six years. 

   

  When Joel interviewed, he thought this is the place for me when he met our students. “I really appreciate people who are polite and genuine. Genuine doesn’t mean happy all the time, it just means presenting yourself to others in a genuine way.”

   

  Joel has visited or lived in over 20 countries and once came in second place at a chopsticks competition in China. He loves music, anime, manga, hiking, watching wildlife, and drawing. The Carlin family lives in the Wilton Faculty Village.
• 

  Taylor Carter 

  Assistant Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars
• 

  Meghan Cavanaugh 

  Director of International Student Programs; English Language Learning Department Chair

  804.542.6853

  Kent State University - BA
  The Pennsylvania State University - MA

• Thomas Chafey 04

  Design and Technology Department Chair

  Frostburg State University - BS
• 

  Charlotte Charlton 02

  Learning Specialist

  University of Mary Washington/University of Delaware - BA
• 

  Wesley M. Charlton JD 01

  Senior Director of Strategic Advising, Business Development & Major Grants; Humanities

  804.542.6805

  College of William & Mary - BA
  University of Richmond School of Law - JD

• Chandra Claussen 

  World Language

  University of Delaware - BS Ed
  Harvard University - MEd

• Robert Claussen JD 

  Math; Science

  Oregon State University, - BS
  Pace University - JD
• 

  Timothy Cloud 

  Marketing and Communications; Head Lacrosse Coach

  Queens University of Charlotte - BA
• 

  Abigail Cola 

  Science; Immersion Trip Leader

  Hood College - BA

  Bio

  Abigail Cola and her husband Dave, our Outdoor Educator, came to us straight from Tangier Island, where they spent three years teaching Bay culture, history and ecology to middle, high school and college level students for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at Port Isobel Island Education Study Center. Before that, Mrs. Cola taught art in the Tangier School. She believes strongly that every child is unique, and holds the right to learn, explore, play and succeed. Mrs. Cola was a Learning Specialist in LSP for years, and this year she will teach in the Science Department. Mr. and Mrs. Cola live on campus with their children, Teal and Wade.
• 

  Dave Cola 

  Director of Place-Based Education; River & Outdoor; Head Swim Coach

  804.542.6835

  Washington College - BA, MA

  Bio

  LEARN OUTSIDE!” Mr. Cola believes passionately that connection with the natural environment can enrich lives, increase academic achievement and make communities stronger. “The Rappahannock River watershed and Chesapeake Bay can provide an ideal setting for these accomplishments,” he says. Mr. Cola came to us from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Port Isobel Island Education Center in the Tangier Sound, where he was an education program manager. Before that, he was the education program manager for the Foundation’s Clagett Farm. Mr. Cola was an award-winning swimmer (he is in the Washington College Hall of Fame), and has kayaked the Grand Canyon! Mr. Cola is passionate about teaching, whitewater paddling, fishing, and traveling. He especially likes to hike and explore with Mrs. Cola and their children, Teal and Wade. 
• 

  Billy Coyle 

  Head of School

  804.542.6849

  Central Connecticut State University - BS, BS-ED
  Palm Beach Atlantic University - MS
• 

  Floyd Crouch Jr. 

  Groundskeeper; Assistant Baseball Coach
• 

  Rob Deane 

  Associate Dean; Waterfront & Sailing Program Director; Senior Head Sailing Coach

  University of Phoenix - BS
• 

  Sandy Etherington 94

  Annual Fund Manager.

  804.542.6856

  University of Richmond - BAS
• 

  Joey Fitchett 

  Head Baseball Coach
• 

  M. Huntley Galleher 

  Associate Director of Development

  804.542.6838

  Elon College - BA

  Bio

  One of Christchurch School’s most ardent spokesmen, Huntley Galleher is a graduate of the Blue Ridge School. Before stepping into his current role as Associate Director of Development and school historian, Galleher was an eleven-year mathematics teacher, physical science teacher, a thirteen-year dorm parent, the Director of Operations and Business services, Director of Alumni Relations, football coach and he tallied a 117-82 record in eleven years as the varsity tennis coach. For ten years, he developed and directed the school’s unique and successful Summer Camps on the River. When not on the road touting the good news about Christchurch, Mr. Galleher enjoys golf and fishing, whenever time allows. His son is a 2010 Christchurch School graduate and a graduate of his parents' alma mater, Elon University.
• 

  Kelly Goodrich BA, BSN, RN 

  Student Wellness Educator; Health Services

  University of Richmond - BA
  VCU School of Nursing - BS
• 

  Peter Goodrich 

  Director of Community Life; Humanities

  804.542.6820

  Rhodes College - BA
  The College of William and Mary - MEd

• Sheryl Goodspeed 

  Associate Director of College Counseling

  University of North Carolina, Wilmington - BA

• Thomas Goodspeed 

  Science

  Williams College - BA
  University of New Mexico - MS
• 

  Amanda Gravatt '93 

  Director of Culture and Engagement

  Emory and Henry College - BA

  Bio

  Amanda Gravatt '93 grew up across the river, in Kilmarnock, VA. She graduated from Christchurch School in 1993 and regards being a Seahorse as a highlight of her life. "One of the best decisions my parents ever made was gifting me the opportunity to go to Christchurch School. It has always been a place where I have felt inspired and fully engaged."

  
  

  Amanda previously served Christchurch as summer camp director and then Dean of Students. "I know the impact of the Christchurch experience. I believe that every student who joins our community has an opportunity to grow and experience learning in a way that will inspire them to become the best versions of themselves. I consider it a privilege to be part of this experience with them and their families. I am excited to return to Christchurch and do everything I can for the students here now." 

  
  

  Before and following her previous employment at Christchurch, Amanda was a youth development professional with local and nationally known youth agencies and nonprofits, including the YMCA, Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Services, Inc. 

  
  

  Amanda loves everything about the water, especially fishing and kayaking. She enjoys history and all things vintage. She cares for a family home built in 1741 and loves spending time on the road in her 1967 Volkswagen Beetle. 

  
  

  Amanda lives on campus with her family. She has three children. Her youngest, Lyla, will be a 9th grader at CCS. Her family includes a 17-pound black cat, a three-pound shorkie, and a 2.5-foot bearded dragon. 

  
  
• 

  Glenn Harper 

  Director of Operations; Head Girls Basketball Coach

  Virginia Commonwealth University
• 

  Molly Harper 

  Operations Assistant - Logistics
• 

  Michael Heath PhD 

  Humanities Department Chair

  James Madison University - BA
  Magdalen College, Oxford University - MLitt
  Edinburgh University - PhD
• 

  Dido Heath 

  Academic Dean and Director of College Counseling

  804.542.6830

  Oxford University - MA
  University of Edinburgh - MEd
• 

  Mrs. Gracejean Hennigar 

  Learning Skills Program

  University of Bridgeport - BA
  College of New Rochelle - MS
• 

  Edward Homer 

  Humanities

  Middlebury College - BA

  Bio

  Coach Homer teaches Humanities and coaches the JV lacrosse team. For thirty years he was the CCS football coach, coaching an NFL signer, two high school football All-Americans, 25 college scholarship recipients, and more than fifty college ball players. He was named a U.S. Army All-American coach in 2007, and he coached the offensive line on the 2008 ESPN/Under Armour Team White to a 17-14 victory. In 2006 he was ODFC Coach-of-the-Year. He was inducted into the VISAA Hall of Fame in 2018, and will be inducted into the CCS Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement in 2023. Prior to CCS, Homer started the Potomac School (McLean, VA) football program. Coach and Mrs. Homer live on Faye Dormitory. Their son is a 2012 CCS graduate.

• Jennifer Homer 

  Communications Assistant; Hall Leader Faye Dorm

  Middlebury College - BA

  Bio

  Mrs. Homer is the Hall Leader for Faye Dormitory and works in the Communications Office. Her husband, Ed Homer, is a CCS humanities teacher. Their son, Win, graduated from CCS in 2012.

• Patricia Jessee 

  Math Department Chair

  Hobart and William Smith Colleges - BA
  Univrsity of Richmond - MEd
• 

  Joel Jorgensen 

  Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars; Head Football Coach

  St. Anselm College - BA
  Goucher College - MEd
• 

  Kristin Kiland 

  World Language; NHS Advisor

  Miami University - BA, BS
• 

  Jennifer Kimball 

  Chaplain

  Wheaton College - BA
  The Catholic University of America - MSLIS
  The Protestant Episcopal Seminary of Virginia - MDiv

  Bio

  The Rev. Kimball was born in central Illinois and raised on a farm. She is a product of both public and private schools, and graduated from a private Christian college, Wheaton College in Illinois. She holds a Masters in Library Science from The Catholic University of America and a Masters in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, at which she received the prize for the Public Reading of Scripture and Liturgy. 

   

  Jennifer lives in Gloucester with her husband the Rev. Sven VanBaars. She has worked in various churches and schools in her 20 years of ordained ministry, always focusing on children and youth. Jen previously served as advisor to the lay Chaplain of Christchurch School John Alter and is looking forward to being a part of daily life on campus and knowing students better. She serves part time, leading chapel services and teaching one elective class called the Bible and Controversy. 
• 

  Christopher Little PhD 

  World Language Department Chair; River & Outdoor;

  University of Virginia - BA, MA, PhD

  Bio

  A Virginia native, Dr. Little came to Christchurch School from Richmond, where he taught at Collegiate School for ten years. Previous to Collegiate, Dr. Little taught at Berry College, Old Dominion University, The College of William & Mary, and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

   

  Dr. Little is a Fulbright Scholar, and was the principal designer of the U.S. Border Patrol Language Program.

   

  This accomplished member of our faculty believes that learning should be fun! “The things I remember most from my years of study are those things I learned from people with great insight, lively conversation, and intriguing ideas.”

   

  Dr. Little’s wife, Martha, works for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation as Director of Stewarship, protecting over 500,000 acres of open space in conservation easements throughout the commonwealth. They have two daughters, a dog named Rosie and a cat named Velvet.

   

  When not inspiring his students, Dr. Little enjoys reading, technology, fishing, travel, writing, poetry, cooking and gardening.

   

   

   

   
• 

  Sarah McCormick 

  Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair; Art

  Radford University - BS

• Andrea Mapes 

  Admission Office Manager; Financial Aid and Database Manager

  804.542.6843

  University of Alabama at Birmingham
• 

  Joshua Miller 

  Associate Dean; Campus Security Coordinator

  804.542.6803
• 

  Jessica Miller 

  Dean of Students

  804.542.6802

  West Virginia University - BA
  Marist College - MEd

• Bettie Lee Moore 

  Math; Hall Leader 3rd Murrell

  Sweet Briar College - BA
  Johns Hopkns University - MD, MS

• Charles Murrell III 

  Football Coach
• 

  Ashley Myers 

  Registrar and Administrative Assistant

  804.542.6832

  Rappahannock Community College - AAS
• 

  Kerry O'Grady PhD 

  Math

  Connecticut College - BA
  Tufts University - MAT
  University of Massachusetts, Amherst - MFA
  Johns Hopkins University - PhD

• Jay O'Leary 

  Science; Athletic Trainer

  University of North Carolina Wilmington - BS
  California University of PA - MS

• Trish O’Leary 

  Learning Specialist

  Eastern Connecticut State University - BA
• 

  Tasha Parrish 

  Accounting Associate

  804.758.2306 ext. 560
• 

  Evan Pausic 17

  Learning Specialist

  Randolph College - BA
• 

  Emma Payne 

  Housekeeping

• Maggie Pontiakos 

  Director of Mental Health and Performance Counseling

  Clemson University - BS
  Boston University - EdM
• 

  Mary Pryor 

  Assistant Director of Admission

  804.542.6807

  Sewanee: The University of the South - BA
• 

  Donald Pyles III 

  Senior Director of Curriculum and Program; Humanities

  804.542.6846

  Roanoke College - BA
  The College of William and Mary - MEd

  Bio

  From a family of educators, Mr. Pyles is passionate about and dedicated to excellence in teaching. He is a true outdoorsman, and loves fly-fishing, hiking, gardening, cooking and furniture making. He lives on campus with his wife and their son, Jackson '24.
• 

  Michelle Schroeter 

  Chief Development Officer

  804.542.6850

  Randolph-Macon Woman's College - BA

• Peter Samaranayake 

  Math; Science

  Bangalore University - BSc, MSc
  Mysore University - BEd
  Madurai University - MEd
  Sardar Patel University - PhD
  Teachers College, Columbia University - EdD

• Caroline Smith BSN, RN, NCSN 

  Health Services

  William Jewell College
• 

  Desmond Smith 

  Math; LSP; Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging; Hall Leader 2nd Scott

  Averett University - BA

• Victoria Sosa 

  Director of Health Services
• 

  Regan Sprenkle 

  Choral and Performing Arts

  Virginia Commonwealth University - BA

  Bio

  Regan Sprenkle comes to us from our sister school, St. Catherine’s, in Richmond, VA where she was a music educator for seven years. 

  
  

  As a music teacher, Regan strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and accepting environment where trust is of the utmost importance and each student gains a sense of belonging and importance. A place where their needs and goals can be met while also knowing they will have full support when facing challenges. She believes that when this is provided, learning thrives and outcomes are taken to an extraordinary level, especially in the area of music education where being creative and openly making mistakes can be a vulnerable experience for some. However, in a supportive environment, students can, and will, grow into confident, well-rounded musicians, performers, writers, and music connoisseurs. 

  
  

  Regan splits her time between an apartment on campus and her home in Richmond. Her son, Max, is a 9th grader at Christchurch. 

  
  
• 

  James Sterling 14

  IT Director

  804.542.6804

  University of South Florida
  Florida Southern College
• 

  Esther Stitt 

  Community Life Assistant

  Frostburg University - BS

  Bio

  Esther Stitt is a dynamo who, though new to her role as Community Life Assistant, is already very familiar to Christchurch students, parents, and faculty. 

  
  

  Born in Frederick, MD, Esther enrolled at Saint James School in Hagerstown. She immediately fell in love with the school’s environment and decided to become a boarding student despite the proximity to her home. She describes her time at Saint James as transformative, shaping who she is today with its emphasis on character, accountability, and hard work. 

  
  

  Esther’s journey took a hard turn toward Christchurch when she met Seahorse JP Stitt ‘92 while summering at Deep Creek Lake. When JP’s high school roommate and family relocated to Christchurch, the Stitts had an opportunity to spend a good deal of time on campus and re-connect with the school. Very quickly they realized that Christchurch would be the perfect school for their children. With their children boarding, JP and Esther spent more and more time on campus, always asking “How can we serve the community?” Esther was quickly appointed President of the Parent Council.

  When the position in CL opened, Esther didn’t hesitate to jump at the chance to add “employee” to her roles. The Stitts happily moved into the First Scott apartment, where JP will serve as Hall Leader. 

  Esther cherishes outdoor activities and time spent by the water socializing with friends. She loves family time on their boat and dreams of a retirement journey along the Intracoastal Waterway. She and JP are passionate about travel and adventure, and live by the philosophy of treating others as they would like to be treated, working hard, and maintaining integrity. 

  
  

  Cole graduated in 2024, and Jennianne is a senior this year. The family includes Murphy, their mini Aussi. 

  
  
• 

  John Stitt 92

  Hall Leader 1st Scott

  Shepherd University - BS

  Bio

  JP Stitt was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and adopted by the Stitts at three months old. He grew up in Fairmont, West VA, and the family’s vacation home at Deep Creek Lake, MD. JP was diagnosed with dyslexia and struggled in traditional schools until his family found Christchurch. CCS was an ideal fit for JP with its one-of-a-kind Learning Skills Program and team sports. Skills learned in LSP  had a lasting impact on him, as did the lifelong relationships that he formed. 

  
  After seven years in Colorado, JP returned to West Virginia to manage the family business, Royal Resources. For twenty years, he managed mineral holdings in the US and abroad. JP and Esther married in 2004 and raised their two children in West Martinsburg. When the Stitts found that their children’s school no longer met their needs, they discovered that Christchurch and its Learning Skills Program was - once again - the right choice for their family. JP and Esther spent a great deal of time on campus serving the community, and Esther was appointed Parent Council President. Eager to spend even more time at CCS, Esther jumped at the chance to take on the role of Community Life Assistant this year, and JP happily agreed to the role of Hall Leader. Their son, Cole, graduated in 2024, and their daughter, Jennianne, is a senior. 
  
  

  The Stitts live in the First Scott apartment with their mini Aussie, Murphy. JP enjoys golf, boating, and traveling with friends and family.   
• 

  Orleita Taylor 

  Payroll Manager

  804.542.6857
• 

  Chris Werner 

  Chief Financial Officer

  804.542.6851

  University of Virginia - BA

• Eben Yonnetti PhD 

  Humanities

  Siena College - BA
  University of Colorado Boulder - MA
  University of Virginia - PhD