Meridith Allen
Elementary Principal*
Art, Elementary Computers
kbalatgek@faith-christian.org
Mrs. Balatgek has been a joy to have as part of our staff with the many God-given talents she brings. She has always had a passion and a gifting in the arts and has been blessed to see how God ordained her steps in preparing her for a position as a teacher; a job she loves. She enjoys getting to know the kids and watching them grow in different art skills, but mostly loves being able to help the students see God’s beautiful world through art. Kirsten graduated from Pacific Union College with a B.S. in Graphic Design and a B.S. in Photography.
Mrs. Balatgek joined the Faith Family in 2016.
Kirsten Balatgek
Art, Elem. Computers
STEP Aide
bbecker@faith-christian.org
Bette joined the Faith Family in 2020, and we are so glad to have her as part of our staff.
Bette Jo Becker
STEP Aide
Administrative Assistant
lbierlein@faith-christian.org
Lisa works as the assistant to the secondary principal at Faith and is responsible for various administrative tasks that allow Mrs. Smith to continue doing what she loves: teach! Lisa is a devoted wife to Drew and loving mother to 3 children Ella, Micah, and Justin (FCS class of ’18) who all attend(ed) Faith. She loves the opportunity she has to work alongside such wonderful teachers and staff. Lisa studied Finance and Accounting at Northern Arizona University and Western International University and has over 20 years of experience in administration and customer service, the last several years in education.
Mrs. Bierlein joined the Faith Family staff in 2016.
Lisa Bierlein
Administrative Assistant
Administrator, Bible
dbuckingham@faith-christian.org
Dick Buckingham has been in the Christian school arena for over 30 years as both a teacher and administrator. He has a love for the Lord and the Truth and a passion for sharing both with the next generation. He is a graduate of Reformed Episcopal Seminary and has served on staff in several churches both in the Valley and the greater Philadelphia area. He is the father of three godly men, all who are graduates of Faith Christian School. Dick has been married to his best friend, Gwen, for 4o years. Together they attend Redemption Church Gilbert. The blessing of his life is being “papa” to grandchildren Lilly, Issac, Zeke, and Judith.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Mr. Buckingham, one of the founders of Faith, has been part of the Faith Family since 1988.
Dick Buckingham
Administrator*
Director of Development
cbuller@faith-christian.org
Chuck Buller
Director of Development
Director of Marketing
hcarbone@faith-christian.org
Hayley Carbone is a graduate of Faith Christian School (Class of 2017), and we are so blessed to have her on staff as our Director of Marketing.
Hayley Carbone joined the Faith Family in 2021.
Hayley Carbone
Director of Marketing
HIP Coordinator
kcartwright@faith-christian.org
Kimber has used her various God-given talents and servant’s heart to assist the school in many ways over the years. She currently serves the school as our Homeschool (IN)richment Program (HIP) Coordinator. She loves being on campus with all of her coworkers and students who she considers to be “family”. Kimber has 2 children, David and Brooke, and together they attend Sun Valley Community Church.
Ms. Cartwright joined the Faith Family in 2012.
Kimberlee Cartwright
HIP Coordinator
1st Grade
mchristy@faith-christian.org
Miss Christy has taught various grades at the elementary level at Christian schools for 9 years, and she has been an incredible blessing to our first-grade classroom. She cherishes the opportunity to combine her love for teaching with her love for the Lord. Prior to teaching, she traveled all around the country as part of her full-time ministry work.
Mary Christy joined the Faith Family in 2021.
Mary Christy
1st grade
Elementary STEP Director
edavis@faith-christian.org
Elizabeth Davis joined the Faith Family in 2021.
Elizabeth Davis
Elementary STEP Director
STEP Aide
sfritzsche@faith-christian.org
Shawna joined the Faith Family in 2020, and we are so glad to have her as part of our staff.
Shawna Fritzsche
STEP Aide
Elementary Director of Curriculum and Instruction
agregg@faith-christian.org
Angel Gregg
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
JH/HS English & Music
jorgregg@faith-christian.org
Jorgen Gregg is a graduate of Faith Christian School, and we are delighted to welcome him to the faculty this year! He and his family have been part of the Faith Family for over a decade. We are confident that God will use Mr. Gregg to bless and enrich the lives of our students this year.
Jorgen Gregg joined the Faith Faculty in 2022.
Math, Science, Worship Team
bjames@faith-christian.org
Bethany is a graduate of Faith Christian School who joined the staff to direct the Worship Team. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. She loves being able to pass on the knowledge of what she learned as a student at FCS and to teach new concepts to her classes. She has taken advantage of many opportunities to participate in worship teams and to foster leadership in others. She attends The Rock Church.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 because it serves as a constant reminder that everything happens for a reason and that there is no need to worry about what will happen because we are all right where God wants us to be right now.
Miss James joined the Faith Family faculty in 2016, and she is an FCS alumni (Class of ’13).
6th Grade Teacher, Drama Director
pjames@faith-christian.org
Pam has served in many areas of ministry over the years, and we are thrilled to have her teach our 6th grade students. She has directed our drama program as well as our Student Leadership Council for many years, so we were so blessed to have join the teaching staff in 2016. She and her husband are the parents of Bethany James, an FCS alum who is now part of the staff as well. They attend the Rock Assembly of God Church. Her favorite part of teaching is recognizing the moment a student understands a new concept she has taught.
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”
3rd Grade
sjozwiak@faith-christian.org
Mrs. Jozwiak is an award-winning gem of a teacher with over 20 years of experience in Christian education. She loves working with children and fosters a love of learning in her students; especially in the area of science. She and her late husband, Bennie, have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. Shirley received BA and M.Ed from Arizona State University. She attends Skyline Fellowship church.
Isaiah 40: 31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Shirley Jozwiak
3rd Grade
STEP Aide
clerner@faith-christian.org
Carol Lerner has a passion for teaching. She homeschooled her five children for 16 years. Her youngest son, Uriah is an FCS alumnus. She and her husband Bill have been married for 30 years. She loves music and plays the violin from time to time at her church, Hi-Way Baptist in Mesa, where she also teaches the ladies Bible study. Her favorite subjects to teach are Bible, science and reading.
Mrs. Lerner joined the Faith Family faculty in 2017.
Carol Lerner
STEP Aide
5th Grade Teacher
omatthess@faith-christian.org
Owen was born in England, raised in Northern Ireland, and schooled in the states. For the past five years he has been working in Seoul, South Korea as an English teacher. Owen is best at teaching English and Math, but he’s excited to teach all of the other subjects this year. He’s currently training online through Moreland University for his Masters in Education, and by November he will be fully qualified as a teacher in the state of Arizona. Owen was blessed to be raised in a Christian home and has been thankful for Christians in his life who have shown him the love of Christ. Owens goal in life is to honour and glorify God so that others can know Christ too.
Owen Matthess joined the Faith Family in 2022.
Owen Matthess
5th Grade
Financial Bookkeeper
cmillsaps@faith-christian.org
Christine Millsaps is one of the bright, friendly faces that may greet you when you step into the office at Faith Christian School. She has a professional background in banking, office management, and real estate, was a stay-at-home mom for many years, and enjoyed a season of homeschooling her daughter. Christine is married and has three adult children. She attends First Southern Baptist Church in Glendale where her husband serves as worship leader.
Mrs. Millsaps joined the Faith Family in 2017.
Christine Millsaps
Financial Bookkeeper
Elementary Music and PE
amoore@faith-christian.org
Mrs. Moore loves Jesus with her whole heart and is thrilled to teach our elementary students music as well as physical educaction. Amanda Moore is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a Bachelor’s in Music Education and also a holds a Master’s of Art in Education from Cornerstone University. She has over 5 years teaching experience in a general music and choral classroom. She is married to her best friend, Jared Moore, who is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Church. She is the mother to three wonderful kids. Amanda is a fitness enthusiast and marathoner.
Mrs. Moore joined the Faith Family in 2018.
Amanda Moore
Elementary Music, PE
JH/HS STEP Coordinator, PE
emutambay@faith-christian.org
Ester is an energetic, gifted, experienced, and hard-working teacher, who has a deep love for the Lord and a desire to help all students. She comes to us from Namibia in Africa as part of a teacher-exchange program and will be bringing her husband and 1st grade daughter.
Mrs. Mutambay joined the Faith Family in 2019.
Office Staff
sortiz@faith-christian.org
Stacy Ortiz has been part of the Faith Family in variety of ways for many years along with her husband Russ. They have three children, Grace (FCS Alumni), Lily, and Hudson. We are delighted to welcome Stacy to our office staff in 2020. When you are greeted by Stacy in the front office or hear her voice when you call the school, know that you are in good hands with a fellow FCS parent.
Stacy Ortiz
Office Staff
4th Grade Teacher
mpronozuk@faith-christian.org
Meagan Pronozuk started at FCS as a substitute teacher, and we are delighted to see how God will use her as our 4th grade teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. Her passion for education and her love for the Lord are evident.
Meagan Pronozuk joined the Faith Family in 2022.
Meagan Pronozuk
4th grade
Kindergarten Aide
dramirez@faith-christian.org
Dina Ramirez joined the Faith Family in 2022.
Dina Ramirez
Kindergarten Aide
STEP Aide
mrichards@faith-christian.org
Michelle and her husband Glenn have been part of the Faith family for many years. Each of their 4 children have attended FCS and 2 are now alumni. Michelle’s servant heart has been a blessing to our staff and students alike. She loves seeing the smile on a student’s face when they finally understand a concept with which they have been struggling. Her education from Christian schools and her years spent homeschooling her children have uniquely prepared her for current role.
Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Michelle and her family attend HiWay Baptist Church.
Mrs. Richards has been part of the Faith Family since 2012.
Michelle Richards
STEP Aide
Creative Writing
jrogers@faith-christian.org
Mr. Rogers is a veteran educator, fulfilling both teaching and administrative roles in California, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Arizona. He is very much looking to help students “bump into Jesus” everywhere possible during their career at Faith Christian.
Jeff Rogers joined the Faith Family in 2020.
Jeff Rogers
Creative Writing
Receptionist
ksalley@faith-christian.org
Kyra Saley
Receptionist
2nd Grade Teacher
cscholz@faith-christian.org
Cora Scholz began at Faith Christian School as a STEP aide, and we are delighted to see how God will use her as our full-time second grade teacher for the 2022-2023 school year!
Cora Scholz joined the Faith Family in 2021.
Cora Scholz
2nd grade
Junior High and High School Principal, Guidance, Math, English
jsmith@faith-christian.org
Mrs. Smith loves Christian education, not just because her kids go to a Christian school, but because she experienced it herself. She is a graduate of FCS and loves every minute of being a teacher here. Her life is enriched by her husband, Brent, and her three sons: Levi, Caleb, and Drew. Their family attends New Hope Community Church. Jennie received her Bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University and has also completed her Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Teacher Leadership.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Mrs. Smith joined the Faith Family faculty in 1996, but is an FCS alumni. (Class of ’92).
Jennie Smith
JH/HS Principal*
Art, Handbells
estern@faith-christian.org
Mrs. Stern has served our students for many years as a beloved art teacher. In addition, she now teaches handbells as well as music for our junior high and high school students. She has many years of experience as a Christian school teacher and we are blessed to have her on our staff. She is a talented artist and musician with a love for the Lord that shines through in all she does.
Emily Stern
Art, Handbells
Graphics Director
mszymkowski@faith-christian.org
Michelle, along with each of her 3 siblings, is a graduate of Faith Christian School. Upon graduating, she began pursuing her college degree while serving as a TA for the Worship Team. She was thrilled to later become the 5th and 6th grade teacher and Lead Elementary Teacher. She and her husband, Erik were married in 2013 and have two beautiful children, Cooper and Riley. She has spent the last several years managing the school’s website, producing weekly publications, marketing materials, event planning and promotion, and more. She received a BS in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University.
Mrs. Szymkowski is an FCS alumni (Class of ’08) joined the Faith Family faculty and staff in 2008.
Michelle Szymkowski
Graphics Director
Assistant Administrator, JH/HS Math & Science, Athletic Director
stunnicliff@faith-christian.org
Mr. Tunnicliff is a passionate teacher and an excellent role model to his students. He loves science and math, but his favorite part of teaching these subjects is that he gets to show students the incredible beauty and design that is shown in God’s creation. He has been married to his wife Lauren for over 5 years and they have 2 children, Julia and Nathan. His favorite verse is James 1:2 which shows that God uses trials in our lives to help build us into the people that He wants us to be. He has a Bachelors degree in biochemistry from Northern Arizona University and a Masters in Divinity from Phoenix Seminary.
James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Mr. Tunnicliff joined the Faith Family in 2016.
Kindergarten (K4/K5)
jtyler@faith-christian.org
Jamie Tyler has been teaching in various capacities for nearly 10 years. Her passion for education and her love for the Lord are evident.
Jamie Tyler joined the Faith Family in 2020.
Jamie Tyler
Kindergarten
Spanish
rvallejo@faith-christian.org
Rafael Vallejo served as a beloved Spanish teacher for our students in the past, and we were delighted to welcome him back to the Faith Family in 2020. He and his wife Cheryl have 3 sons who are all graduates of Faith Christian School. Mr. Vallejo has said that he “credits their experience at this school with their successful careers. A Christian education is invaluable, especially during these times. The sacrifice of sending our children to a Christian school was well worth it.”
Rafael Vallejo
Spanish
STEP Aide
swalton@faith-christian.org
Sherry Walton (MAEd) is new to Faith Christian School, but not new to teaching. As a retired teacher of thirty-four years, we are blessed to have her as an aide to our STEP students this year.
“With God in my heart, it is my desire to see your child be successful at school so I will do my best using strategies and methods that have worked my students over the years.”
Mrs. Walton joined the Faith Family in 2022.
Sherry Walton
STEP Aide
Elementary STEP Teacher
cwarwick@faith-christian.org
Cherée Warwick joined the Faith Family in 2021.
Cherée Warwick
Elementary STEP Teacher
School Board President
Diral Tyler has been involved in Christian Education for over 25 years as home educator, facilities manager, athletics coach, counselor, chapel speaker and school board member. He has followed the Lord for many years, serving as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Youth Group leader, and has fought against doctrines that do harm to the Gospel. The Lord had made Erin specially for him and they were married in 1987. They have raised four boys to deny ungodly lusts and to fix their eyes upon Christ. All are graduates of Christian schools.
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5
Mr. Tyler joined the Faith Family in 2010.
Attends Grace Covenant Church.
Diral Tyler
Board President
School Board Vice President
Justin Gregg and his family have been part of the Faith Christian family for over 12 years. He has been married to Angel Gregg for 23 years and has three children who have attended and currently attend Faith Christian School. Justin has devoted countless hours volunteering for various activities with both the elementary and secondary students. He has faithfully served FCS on multiple levels. Justin also serves as a senior leader in the Arizona Army National Guard for over 20 years and brings substantial leadership to our school. Justin and his family attend Missio Dei-Community Church in Chandler.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Justin Gregg
Board Vice President
School Board Secretary
dbierlein@faith-christian.org
Drew Bierlein a technology lead for Salt River Project (SRP) and manages a high security network team for SRP’s generation and power services. He and his wife Lisa live in Mesa and have three children, including an FCS graduate. They are active members of OneLife Church in Mesa.
Drew Bierlein
Board Secretary
School Board Treasurer
gharstick@faith-christian.org
Ganeen Harstick
Board Treasurer
Board Member
bspecht@faith-christian.org
Brenda has been an important part of the FCS office staff for many years, and we are grateful for all of the professionalism and expertise she brings. She and her husband Jeff have been married over 30 years. They have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. Her favorite part of her job is being part of a “family” that truly cares about each student’s education and worldview. She has over 30 years of experience in business operation management with a focus on account management, compliance, business development, and project management. She and her husband attend Redemption Church in Gilbert.
2 Chronicles 16:9a, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.”
Mrs. Specht joined the Faith Family in 2012.
Brenda Specht
Board Member
Board Member
krumowski@faith-christian.org
After moving to Arizona in 2005 from Chicago we started attending Spring of Life Church. While the kids were young, I served at Spring of Life on the MOPS leadership team. At MOPS, I met a dear friend who I started a business with. We ran a successful business for 7 years which gave us the flexibility to be home with our kids and continue working. As the kids grew, we eventually sold the business to a competitor.
Our church hit difficult times during the housing market crash, and I became part of the church board to determine what to do. We eventually transferred our beloved church to Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). It was a difficult decision but, an incredible opportunity. At CCV I have served in a variety of ministries. I am currently with the K-1 children’s ministry.
Just a about 3 years ago I decided to go back to work full-time. I work as an Assistant Practice Manager at a MedSpa. I love being a light to the women I get to work with daily and who walk through our doors as clients. My amazing husband of 23 years took a new job in 2021 with a start up after 20 years with his previous employer. He is back to traveling! Our son Zac graduated high school this past May. He plans to attend Gilbert-Chandler in the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program. Morgan is a Senior at Faith this year. We became part of the Faith family in 2018. She has made incredible friends and grown in her faith through the years with the leadership of her wonderful teachers at Faith Christian School.
Kristen Rumowski
Board Member
*School Board Member