Faculty and Staff

List of 59 members.

• 

  Mr.  Aaron Alter 

  Admission Associate; Director of Global Education; Student Leadership Coordinator

  804.758.2306 ext. 401

  Yale University - B.A. Political Science, African Studies/Env.Policy

  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.”

   
• 

  Mr.  Basil Arafat 

  Math Instructor

  804.758.2306 ext. 529

  University of Richmond - BS
• 

  Mr. Scott Blankenship 

  Director of Publications; Yearbook Advisor

  804.758.2306 ext. 158

  Virginia Commonwealth University - B.F.A.

  Bio

  This experienced and talented designer and photographer runs the Publication Office and is our yearbook advisor. Before coming to Christchurch, Mr. Blankenship was the owner of “Blankenship By Design,” a graphic design firm. When not designing, Mr. Blankenship enjoys fishing and playing tennis. His three children are proud graduates: twins Kyle and Caitlin graduated in 2014 and Abby graduated in 2017. 
• 

  Ms.  Mollie Brumfield 

  Learning Specialist

  804.758.2306 ext. 403

  Dickinson College - 1998
• 

  Mr. William Burlee IV 

  Director of Admission

  804.758.2306 ext. 136

  Hampden-Sydney College - B.S. Political Science
• 

  Mr. John E. Byers 

  Head of School

  804.758.2306 ext. 123

  Washington & Lee University - B.A. Classics
  Virginia Commonwealth University - M.A. English

  Bio

  As the son of a graduate, Jeb Byers knew at a very early age what a special place Christchurch is. A student of the classics, he came to Christchurch School as a Latin teacher in 1989, following a ten-year career in hotel and restaurant management. Subsequently working in many different departments (Publications, Student Life, Admission), Mr. Byers learned all the ins-and-outs of a small boarding school. Mr. Byers and his wife, Lexi, live in the Headmaster’s Residence, with their Welsh corgis. Mrs. Byers is an accomplished gardener -the Residence has been featured on the Middlesex Historical Garden Club Tour. A true academician, Mr. Byers also enjoys the finer points of Christchurch athletics, and can be found at regattas and games, in his orange cap.
• 

  Mr. Michael Carey 

  Science Department Chair; Drama Tech Director

  804.758.2306 ext. 578

  Yale University - B.A. Geology, Geophysics
  The College of William and Mary - M.A.Ed. Resource/Collaborative Teaching

  Bio

  Mr. Carey loves teaching at Christchurch School because he can take his students outside for fun science on campus - in the woods and at the waterfront! He believes, wholeheartedly, in the power of the scientific method and what we can achieve with our brains. 
  
  Before coming to CCS, Mr. Carey taught math, special education and Earth Science for 10 years at the local high school, where he was named Teacher-of-the-Year in 2006. 
  
  Mr. Carey lives in a 100-year-old farmhouse nearby with his wife, Kate, their two daughters, dogs, horses, chickens and a goat. 
  He loves hiking, biking, canoeing and is especially passionate about music - guitar, drums, keyboard, bass. harmonica - writing and recording his own music in a variety of styles from folk and bluegrass to rock and rap. 
  
  A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy Carey brings with him the unique and invaluable insights of a savvy, former boarding school student!
• 

  Mrs. Charlotte Charlton 02

  Learning Specialist; Day Student Coordinator

  804.758.2306

  Christchurch School
  University of Mary Washington
  University of Delaware - B. A.
• 

  Mr. Wesley M. Charlton 01

  Assistant Head of School for Advancement

  804.758.2306 ext. 160

  College of William & Mary - B.A. Literary & Cultural Studies
  University of Richmond School of Law - J.D.
• 

  Mrs. Abigail Cola 

  Learning Specialist

  804.758.2306 ext. 585

  Hood College - B.A.

  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. Mr. and Mrs. Cola live on campus, with their daughter, Teal, and son, Wade.
• 

  Mr. Dave Cola 

  Director of Place-Based Education; River/Outdoor; Swim Coach

  804.758.2306 ext. 443

  Washington College - B.A., M.A.

  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, their daughter, Teal and son, Wade.
• 

  Mr. Brendan Cole 13

  Dir. of Athletics/Co-Curr. Programs; Head Basketball Coach; Advancement Assoc; Hall Parent 2nd Scott

  804.758.2306 ext. 537

  Hampton University - B.A. Communications/Political Science
  Hampton University - M.S. Sports Administration
• 

  Mrs. Carol Conti 

  Accounting Manager

  804.758.2306 ext. 141

  Rappahannock Community College - A.A.S.
• 

  Ms. Kate Crittenden 

  Health Services
• 

  Mrs.  Rosemary Curro LPN 

  Director, Health Services

  804.758.2306 ext. 143

  Norfolk General School of Practical Nursing - L.P.N.
• 

  Mr. John Dehm 

  Senior Associate Director of Admission; Head Boys Lacrosse Coach

  804.758.2306 ext. 129

  St. Mary's College of Maryland - B.A.

  Bio

  John Dehm knows a lot about private school and private school students! He is so savvy because he attended junior boarding school at Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, NH and then high school at Middlesex School, in Concord, MA. Working with young people is in Mr. Dehm’s DNA – his father is a retired high school biology teacher. His mother is an oncology nurse coordinator at Yale Hospital.

   

  Mr. Dehm knows his way around the athletic field, as he was a high school three-sport athlete/captain in football, hockey and lacrosse. He went on to play lacrosse at St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, MD, where he was captain of his team.

   

  When he first visited the Christchurch campus, Mr. Dehm was instantly inspired by the beauty of the setting and the same, intimate prep school feel that he loved as a student. He is especially passionate about coaching the Seahorses and says, “coaching is very rewarding when kids come together and buy into something bigger than themselves. The experience is truly rewarding, every day.”

   

  Coach Dehm loves grilling, fantasy football, reading, time at the beach with old friends, and playing indoor lacrosse. He lives on campus with his bulldog, Hogan. 

   

   

   
• 

  Mrs. Elsie Delva-Smith 

  Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging

  804.758.2306 ext. 441

  Florida State University - B.S. Psychology/Criminology
  Florida International University - M.S. Criminal Justice
• 

  Mrs. Catherine Fletcher 

  (804) 758-2306, Ext. 581

  University of Arizona - B.A.
  Regis University - M.S.
• 

  Mr. M. Huntley Galleher 

  Associate Director of Development

  804.758.2306 ext. 135

  Elon College - B.A.

  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. 
• 

  Ms.  Kelly Goodrich 

  Life Skills

  804.758.2306

  University of Richmond - B.A. Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
  VCU School of Nursing - B.S.
• 

  Mr.  Peter Goodrich 

  College Counselor

  804.758.2306

  Rhodes College - B.A. History
  The College of William and Mary - M.Ed.
• 

  Mr. Dennis Gunn Sr.  

  Director of Operations; Head Baseball Coach
• 

  Larry Hammer 

  Network Administrator

  804-758-2306 ext. 181

  Old Dominion University - BS
• 

  Dr. Michael Heath 

  Humanities Department Chair

  804.758.2306 ext. 121

  James Madison University - B.A. English, History of Art
  Magdalen College, Oxford University - M. Litt. Modern History
  Edinburgh University - Ph.D. Moral Philosophy, Theology
• 

  Mrs. Dido Heath 

  Director of College Counseling

  804.758.2306 ext. 138

  Oxford University - M.A. Literae Humaniores
  University of Edinburgh - M.Ed. Special Ed, Classroom Learning, Counseling
• 

  Mrs.  Rebecca Hogge 

  Accounting Clerk for Business Office

  804.758.2306 ext. 560
• 

  Mr. Edward Homer 

  Humanities; Head Football Coach

  804.758.2306 ext. 587

  Middlebury College - B.A. Political Science, Religion

  Bio

  In his twenty-ninth year at Christchurch, Coach Homer has been a head football coach for thirty-nine years. He has coached one NFL signer, two high school football All-Americans, eighteen college scholarship recipients, and more than forty 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 ArmourTeam White to a 17-14 victory. In 2006 he was ODFC Coach-of-the-Year. Coach and Mrs. Homer live on Faye Dormitory. Their son is a 2012 CCS graduate.

• Mrs. Jennifer Homer 

  Communications Associate; Hall Parent, Faye Dorm

  804.758.2306 ext. 119

  Middlebury College - B.A. History, English

  Bio

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

  Mrs. Connie Jessie 

  Studies Office; Registrar

  804.758.2306 ext. 132

  Bio

  Following her graduation from Middlesex High School in 1974, Mrs. Jessie came to Christchurch School under the direction of Mrs. Doris Hunt, Administrative Assistant to then-Headmaster Lou Randall. Her daughter, Evelyn, graduated from CCS in 2006, and The College of William & Mary in 2010. Mrs. Jessie lives in nearby Gloucester County. in honor of her 40th year at CCS, Mr. Byers designated August 4, 2014 as "CONNIE JESSIE DAY."
• 

  Dr. Neal Keesee 

  Associate Head of School; Humanities

  804.758.2306 ext. 124

  The College of William and Mary - A.B. Government and Religion
  The University of Chicago - M.A. Religious Studies
  The University of Chicago - Ph.D. Theology

  Bio

  After twenty-four years in education and seventeen at Christchurch, Neal Keesee is more convinced than ever of the value of face-to-face education and in the mission of Christchurch School.  He believes that a satisfying life, whether spent playing, working, or teaching, is one rooted in creativity: "appreciating the creativity of others and discovering your own is what makes life meaningful and jobs worth doing well."  He enjoys woodworking, cooking, reading, and thinking about how best to live in our world of accelerating change. His three children are all CCS graduates.
• 

  Mr. Peter Kempe 

  Librarian; Humanities

  804.758.2306 ext. 534

  Messiah College - B.A.
  Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A.

  Bio

  After teaching for five years at the largest private school in New Jersey (Paramus Catholic High School - 1500 students!), Peter Kempe is thrilled to be working at a much smaller school, because he believes that personal interactions with students create some of the best learning environments and are the most rewarding aspects of any teacher's day.
  
  Although Mr. Kempe grew up in New Jersey, he writes "Christchurch's proximity to the Chesapeake is a big draw. After first teaching sailing on a small lake in the Adirondacks, I spent several summers on the waterfront of a camp in Maryland, at the very top of the Bay. That's where I learned to read nautical charts, eat softshell crabs and raw oysters, and avoid sailing too close to the bleach bottles that mark crab traps - especially when the crabbing boat is nearby! So, even though I'm from New Jersey and love the mountains, there's something about the Chesapeake that quickens my blood."
  
  Mr. Kempe loves backpacking, camping, biking, photography, reading, and cooking. He lives on campus with his wife, Angela Showalter, their two children, Sam and Jude, and Baker, the cat.
• 

  Mrs. Kristin Kiland 

  Spanish

  804.758.2306 ext. 571

  Miami University - 1996 B.A. Spanish, Latin Am Studies B.S.
• 

  Mr. Jason Kincaid 

  Science

  ITT Technical Institute Dayton, OH - A.A. Computer Network Systems Technology
• 

  Dr. Christopher  Little 

  World Languages Department Chair

  804.758.2306 ext. 430

  University of Virginia - B.A. Spanish, Economics, Art History
  University of Virginia - M.A. Spanish
  University of Virginia - Ph.D. Spanish

  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.

   

   

   

   
• 

  Dr. Liping Liu 

  Foreign Language (Chinese)

  804.758.2306 ext. 525

  Anhui University - B.A.
  Dartmouth College - M.A.
  Beijing Normal University - M.Ed.
  Harvard University - Ed.D.
• 

  Mr. Mitchell MacDonald '13 13

  Admission Associate; Hall Parent 1st Scott

  Randolph College - B.S. Communications
• 

  Mrs. Sarah  McCormick 

  Art Instructor

  804.758.2306 ext. 505

  Radford University - B.S. Art Education
• 

  Mrs. Tina McCurry 

  Admission Office, Administrative Assistant

  804.758.2306 ext. 122

  Rappahannock Community College - A.A.S. Office Systems Technology

  Bio

  Mrs. McCurry joined the admission staff in the fall of 1998. She is the first person to greet our visiting families – both on the phone and in person – and you will get to know her well. Tina’s two children graduated from Christchurch in 2001 and 2003. Tina and her husband Jeff enjoy spending time together and with their three granddaughters.
• 

  Ms.  Meghan McNeill 

  Director of Learning Skills Program; Learning Specialist; Head Model UN Advisor

  804.758.2306 ext. 162

  University at Buffalo - B.A. Spanish, Psychology, Sociology
  University at Buffalo - M.Ed. Foreign and Second Language Education
  University of Nottingham - PGCEi Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• 

  Mr.  Michael McNeill 

  Instrumental Music; Chapel Organist

  804.758.2306

• Mr.  Josh Miller 

  Campus Safety Manager; Strength and Fitness
• 

  Mrs. Jessica  Miller 

  Science; Assistant Dean of Instruction

  804.758.2306 ext. 208

  West Virginia University - B.A. Chemistry
  Marist College - M.Ed.
• 

  Mrs. Ashley Myers 

  Development Office Administrative Coordinator

  804.758.2306 ext. 134

  Rappahannock Community College - A.A.S.
• 

  Mr.  G. Kieran O'Connell 

  Waterfront and Sailing Director

  804.758.2306 ext. 538

  Bio

  A lifelong sailor who grew up in New England, Kieran O'Connell was captain of his high school sailing team at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, MA. He went on to attend St. Joseph’s College of Maine, where he captained the swimming and diving teams, and then Boston Architectural College.

   

  Coach O’Connell was the Junior Programs Director of the Annisquam Yacht Club (MA) and Head Varsity Sailing Coach at Manchester Essex High School (MA). Under his direction, Manchester was the only New England public school to qualify for the prestigious Mallory Cup Fleet Racing National Championship. The team went on to be 2015 MA State Champions and 2015 Mass Bay League Regatta Champions. O’Connell was the Mass Bay League Rep to the New England School Sailing Association Executive Committee, and Chair of the NESSA Herreshoff Championship Regatta.

   

  Coach O’Connell was Junior Sailing Program Director at Eastern Point Yacht Club (Gloucester, MA) for eight years. He also coached at Swampscott High school (MA), Endicott College, Pleon Yacht Club (Marblehead, MA) and Lake Lanier Sailing Club in Georgia.

   

  Certifications:

  US Sailing Level 1 Certification

  Red Cross CPR First Aid Life Saver Certified

  USCG Limited Masters

  US Sailing/US Powerboating, Safe Powerboat Handling, Safety & Rescue Boat Handling, Certified Instructor Trainer 
• 

  Mr. Mark Parsons 

  Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair; Music and Theatre

  804.758.2306 ext. 575

  Tennessee Temple University - B.A.
  Eastern Michigan University - M.A. Vocal Performance/Choral Studies

  Bio

  In an academic career spanning more than 25 years, Mark Parsons has taught at every level. Though his experience in K-12 classrooms,  both private and public, Mr. Parsons developed a keen appreciation and expertise for nuturing the whole child. As a college music professor and head of our Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Mr. P draws from a rich supply of cultural, musical and international experiences that fuel and enhance his teaching. Mr. Parsons' interest in and passion for environmental education stems from writing curriculum at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont and working closely with the owners and directors of the historic Spier Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The intrinsic connections between the arts and the natural world provide a wonderful canvas on which to create connection and inspiration. Mr. Parsons lives on campus, and can frequently be seen giving haircuts to teachers and students alike on the front lawn of Wilton House. 
• 

  Ms. Jessica Perkins 

  Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing; Hall Parent 2nd Murrell

  Old Dominion University - B.A. Communication
• 

  Ms. Theresa Perry 

  Dean of Community Logistics and Support

  804.758.2306 ext. 177
• 

  Mr.  Donald Pyles III 

  Dean of Instruction; Humanities

  804.758.2306 ext. 128

  Roanoke College - History, American Literature
  The College of William and Mary - M.Ed.

  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, who is in the 9th grade. 
• 

  Mr.  Matthew Schaefer 

  Math; Head Boys and Girls Soccer Coach

  804.758.2306 ext. 589

  Pennsylvania State University - B.S. Biological Engineering
  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - M.S. Biological Systems Engineering

  Bio

  Before he came to Christchurch, Mr. Schaefer was employed by the USDA, on a USDA-sponsored fellowship at Penn State University for the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, working on a project in food engineering. Mr. Schaefer was also head coach of the PSU Mens’ Club Soccer team (which won the national championship in 2000), coaching assistant for the PSU Women’s Varsity Team, and coach of a U-14 girls classic travel soccer team. Mr. Schaefer loves the beach, water sports, hiking the mountains, nature, dogs, and cooking. He is a favorite dorm parent, as he is always willing and ever-patient in helping students with their math! Mr. Schaefer lives on campus with his wife, Betsy, their daughters Skyla, Allie, Lyra and their dogs, Mel and Schaef.
• 

  Mrs. Rebecca Schomburg 

  Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropic Engagement

  804.758.2306 ext. 127

  Christopher Newport University - B.A. Psychology
• 

  Mrs. Sandy  Scott 

  Chief Financial Officer

  804.758.2306 ext. 146

  University of Georgia - B.A. Journalism
  University of Georgia - M.B.A.
• 

  Ms.  Angela Showalter 

  Humanities

  804.758.2306 ext. 523

  Goshen College - B.A. History
  New York University - J.D.
• 

  Mr. Nicholas  Smith 

  Humanities

  James Madison University - B.A. History/Economics
  Marquette University, Sensenbrenner School of Law - J.D.
• 

  Mrs.  Orleita Taylor 

  Payroll/Payables Manager

  804.758.2306 ext. 130
• 

  Ms. Melissa Taylor 

  8047582300

  Dartmouth College - 1996
  Dartmouth College - B.A. Linguistics and Psychology
  Teachers College, Columbia University - Ed.M. School Psychology
• 

  Mrs. Graciela Wessinger 

  Director of Guidance Services

  804.758.2306 ext. 164

  Lynchburg College - B.A. Sociology and Religious Studies
  Lynchburg College - M.Ed. Counseling Education

  Bio

  Our new Director of Guidance is a native of Tucson, Arizona and comes to us via Savannah, GA, where she was one of four school counselors for Godley Station School, the largest school in the Savannah-Chatham County school system. Mrs. Wessinger, who also spent a year in Pittsburgh volunteering with AmeriCorps, is married to CCS alumnus and certified athletic trainer Will Wessinger ’04. They live on dorm with their son, Noel, who will be one in August, and their dog, Jake.
• 

  Mr. William Wessinger 04

  Athletic Trainer

  804.758.2306 ext. 168

  Lynchburg College - B.S. Athletic Training
  California University of Pennsylvania - M.S. Athletic Training
• 

  Ms. Haley Wilbanks 

  Science; Aquaculture Director; Hall Parent 1st Murrell

  804.758.2306 ext. 588

  Sewanee: The University of the South - B.S. Biochemistry, Env. Studies/Psycholog
• 

  Ms.  Emily Wilkinson 

  Admission Associate

  804.758.2306 ext. 133

  University of Virginia - Bachelor of Science
  John Hopkins University - Master of Administrative Science