Todd Clingman, Head of School

Original hometown: Springfield, MO

Todd graduated in 1992 from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance.  In 1997 he received a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.  He holds an ACSI Administrator's certificate and is a certified accreditation team member.

Todd has 22 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Christian education and has served at NCCS since 2007.  Prior to joining the staff at NCCS, he was the Head of School at McKinney Christian Academy in Texas and the High School Principal and acting administrator of Prestonwood Christian Academy.  Todd also served at his alma mater, Dade Christian School, where he was a student from K-4 through 12th grade.  During his time on staff at Dade Christian, Todd taught math, Bible, business and P.E., as well as served as Dean of Students and Director of Development.  

Todd and his wife, Kathleen, married in 1992 after meeting at Liberty University.  In 2003 Todd and Kathleen welcomed triplets who attend NCCS.  The Clingmans attend West Ridge Church.

Todd enjoys football, basketball, baseball, reading and his family.  

His favorite Scripture verse is Romans 12:1-2   "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Funny Moment in Teaching:
One of my funniest stories is when I came out of the gym having announced the basketball game at Dade Christian School. Some of my students had moved my 1975 rust-colored Toyota Corolla that had sheepskin seat covers to the other side of the parking lot and toilet papered it!

Why I love my job:
I love seeing kids grow and mature, becoming the individuals God created them to be.

Why I Chose NCCS:
NCCS is a most unique community with a very diverse student and parent body.  Our program is broad across all areas. It is an exciting time to be here as we are becoming one of the top schools in the country!

Keith Bollinger, Assistant Head of School and Director of Athletics

Original Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Keith earned his Bachelor of Science degree in History education from Clearwater Christian College and a Master of Science degree from New England College in Nonprofit management.

Keith joined NCCS in 2012 as our Assistant Head of School and Director of Athletics. He has been in Christian Education his entire 24-year career, including the past twelve years in the Dallas, Texas, area where he served in various roles as coach, teacher, Athletic Director, High School Principal and Head of School. Prior to his years in Texas, Keith taught in three different Christian Schools in South Florida. Keith has coached both girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball over the years and earned a state title with his girls team in 2004.

Keith has been married to Karen for the past 23 years and has two children. His daughter Kayli is attending college at the University of Oklahoma and his son, Zachary, attends NCCS.

In his spare time, Keith enjoys all things sports-related – especially watching college sports.
His favorite scripture verse is Joshua 1:9  - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Why I work at NCCS:
Christian Education has been my passion. It has allowed me to work through Christ and mentor students through the years by building relationships so they may continue to walk in the path that God has intended for them. I know that I will have that same opportunity at NCCS.

Dr. Carolyn Ware, Academic Dean, Director of Academy of Counseling, Ministry & Education

Original hometown: Memphis TN

Carolyn graduated from John Brown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, summa cum laude.  In 1995, she received a Master of Science degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.  She defended her dissertation in 2006, completing the requirements for a Doctor of Education degree in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University of Atlanta.

Carolyn holds Lifetime Teaching and All-Levels Principal certificates from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). She is the current chairperson for the ACSI Southeast Regional Accreditation Commission.

Carolyn has twenty-six years’ experience as both a teacher and administrator.  Prior to joining the NCCS staff in 1998, she was Principal of The King's School in Bolton, Connecticut and taught in both public and Christian schools for nine years prior to that.

Carolyn and her husband, who also works part-time at NCCS, have two adult children and three grandchildren, who are continuing the family tradition of attending Christian schools.   They are active members of Grace Community Church in Marietta.

Carolyn enjoys reading historical fiction, sewing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 103, which begins and ends with:  "Bless the LORD, O my soul." Another favorite is 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Why I love working at NCCS:
I appreciate being a part of the NCCS family because it gives me daily opportunities to impact young lives for eternity.  Some of my most treasured memories of the past twenty-six years, are the times I was able to lead students to faith in Christ.

Debbie Long, Lower School Principal

Original hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Debbie graduated in 1985 from Toccoa Falls College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.  In 2002, she received a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from State University of West Georgia. She holds an ACSI Professional Certificate.

Debbie joined NCCS in 2005 and she has 20 years teaching experience.  During her twenty years in the classroom she taught third and fourth grade. Prior to joining the staff at North Cobb Christian School she taught in the Cobb County School system.  

Debbie and her husband have one child who attends North Cobb Christian School.  They attend Summit Baptist Church.

Debbie enjoys scrapbooking, crafts, watching sports and spending time with her family and friends.

Debbie's favorite verse is 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 hope and a future."

Why I love my job:
I love my job because each day is filled with new situations.  I love supporting the teachers and providing the tools they need so they are equipped to teach their students. I love the Lower school because of the students - their smiles and spontaneous hugs brighten my day!  Most of all, it is amazing to see God mold and shape these young lives for His purposes.

Golden Moment at NCCS:
For me, every day is filled with golden moments.  As I walk the halls of the school, I hear children singing praises to God, reciting verses, showing kindness classmates, and laughing as they play with their friends. Knowing that children are grasping new concepts and learning from God’s Word are the things I treasure.

Megan Strange, Middle & Upper School Principal

Original hometown: Memphis, TN

Megan graduated in 2000 from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  She completed a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Liberty University in 2009 and has begun work on a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, also from Liberty University. Megan holds an ACSI All Levels-Principal Lifetime Certificate.

Megan came to North Cobb Christian in 2005 as the Director of Student Life.  She has also served as a teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal prior to being named Upper School Principal.  Before joining the staff at NCCS, she served as the Director of Student Ministries at Acworth United Methodist Church and before that as the Director of Sports and Special Events at a church in Memphis, Tennessee.  She has also served in leadership for the Atlanta-Marietta District of the United Methodist Church and on the board of directors for One Goal Sports in the Atlanta area.

Megan and her husband, who also teaches part-time at NCCS, have one daughter, who will be starting at NCCS during the 2012/13 school year. They attend Cedarcrest Church in Acworth where they both teach Sunday school.

Megan enjoys hanging out with her family, reading, writing, anything having to do with Apple computers, and all sports.  She also blogs regularly at www.meganstrange.com and is active on Twitter as @MeganStrange.

Megan's favorite Bible verse is I Timothy 4:7-8- "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales, but rather train yourselves to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness holds value for all things, both the present life and the life to come."

Why I love my job:
I love my role as the Principal of the Middle School and Upper School because it gives me the opportunity to support our faculty and staff, our students, and our families.  I am so grateful to serve with some of the brightest and most gifted educators around.  We love the chance to speak truth into the hearts and minds of our students everyday.  The partnership we have with parents is one of the greatest blessings in the NCCS community.

Golden Moment at NCCS:
As a principal, one of the highlights is when a student comes back to say thank you. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to deal with a variety of discipline situations that come up when working with middle and upper school students.  My goal has always been to focus on the "disciple" part of discipline.  It is very exciting when a student realizes that and shows their gratitude for the time that was spent talking with them and helping them learn through a "teachable moment".

Why I work at NCCS:
I work at NCCS because I can't imagine doing anything else.  I genuinely love driving into the parking lot every morning excited about what God has in store for us that day.  Our faculty, staff, and students are a blast to be around and it is my pleasure to serve them each and every day.

Matthew Hendrix, Director of the Arts

Original hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Matthew graduated in 2001 from Erskine College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. He is a member of the Rho Psi chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Honorary Theatre Society. He holds an ACSI Teaching Certification.

During his ten years at NCCS, Matthew has led the theatre program to three first place finishes in the GISA One-Act Play Competition in addition to one State Championship. In 2006, Matthew was named Director of the Year in the Georgia Independent School Association Region 3AAA. In 2010, NCCS' production of "SEUSSICAL: The Musical" won its first Shuler Hensley Award under his direction. Prior to joining the staff at North Cobb Christian School, Matthew was the High Adventure Coordinator at Camp Buc, in Sapphire, NC. Here at NCCS, he teaches Academy Acting Classes, Upper School Theatre Classes, and Technical Theatre. As an actor himself, Matthew has also won multiple awards and nominations for both lead and supporting roles in the Atlanta area as well as in North and South Carolina.

Matthew and his wife have one daughter, who will be starting at NCCS in the 2012/13 school year. They attend Midway Presbyterian Church.

Matthew enjoys reading and fishing.

Matthew's favorite Scripture verse is Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Why I love teaching:

I believe that helping to lay the foundation of our future is the most rewarding thing I can think of.

Golden moment in teaching:
Several years ago, I taught a student with some fairly severe social adjustment issues, as well as some pretty significant learning differences. He came in and out of my classroom and I did the best I could to help him along, but never felt as if I was terribly successful or ground-breaking in any of my interactions with him. One year later he graduated and during the graduation ceremony he thanked me for being the most influential teacher he had at NCCS, as well as thanking me for being a "man of integrity." I'll never forget that...it taught me that you can never underestimate the impact you can have on these kids.
 
Why I chose NCCS/why I work at NCCS
I choose to work at NCCS because I believe without an ounce of doubt that this is the place God has ordained that I should be. He has prepared me to be here just as much as he has prepared this place for me.

Kristin Cook, Director of Finance

Hometown: Topeka, KS

Kristin attended West Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University with further education at Liberty University.  She is a Montessori certified teacher at the Early Childhood level.

Kristin has 23 years experience in the field of education as a teacher, Administrative Assistant and most recently the Director of Operations for three privately owned Montessori schools.  Kristin has been a part of the NCCS community since 1998 as a parent and volunteer and also served as the NCCS Admissions Assistant for four years.  In 2011, Kristin re-joined the staff as the Director of Finance.

Kristin and her husband have 2 children, who both graduated from NCCS. They are members of First Baptist Church of Woodstock.
Kristin enjoys scrapbooking, couponing and spending time with her family.

Kristin’s favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."

 
Why I love my job at NCCS:
From the moment we walked into the NCCS Admissions office back in 1998, our family knew there was something different about this school.  We felt so comfortable and just knew NCCS was the school for our children.  The teachers truly love and want the best for their students.
 
Working as a staff member at NCCS is such a blessing.  Everyone supports each other and works together as a team to accomplish the tasks at hand.  I love having the opportunity to give back to others what many staff members have given to our family through the years.  It brings joy to my heart to have the opportunity to serve others through the ministry of NCCS.

Chuck Surdi, Director of Operations

Original hometown: Buffalo, NY

Chuck served in the US Army and graduated from the US Army Electronics School with an AA in Electronics.  He also attended St. Petersburg Jr. College, University of Maryland, and Oglethorpe University.  Chuck holds several certifications in various business practices and IT industry related areas such as telecommunications, networking and training.

Chuck has 31 years of IT-related experience.  Twenty-three years were dedicated to Wang Laboratories, Inc/Getronics in which he held many positions, the last of which was Field Level Director responsible for integrating new business practices for Fortune 100 companies.  Chuck has been at NCCS for 8 years.

Chuck and his wife have two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.  They attend Marietta Refuge West Church where Chuck serves as a Deacon.  He also enjoys serving with the BreakFree Ministry, which has worship and counseling services twice a month at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Marietta.

Chuck, enjoys reading, gardening, woodworking and spending time with his wife and family.

Chuck's favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 


Why I chose to work at NCCS:

I did not choose NCCS, NCCS chose me as a result of what I believe was a 
God-led encounter with a past Head of School during a Men’s Christian retreat.  I remember the day I came to interview, walking across the parking lot and thinking this is where I will spend the next 10 to 15 years of my working career.

Why I love my job at NCCS:      
I enjoy working in a Christ-centered environment where we are encouraged to think outside the box, and have the freedom to express ourselves. I have always felt that God put me at NCCS to complete my fulltime working career.

Beth Wright, Director of Admissions

Original Hometown: Marietta, GA

Beth has been on staff at North Cobb Christian School since 1998 and has been the Director of Admissions since 2007. Beth also very successfully manages the Eagles Ambassador program, which is made up of 70 middle and upper school students. This program supplies student representatives for the many different activities at NCCS, including Open Houses, Grandparents Days, and special meetings. These students also host visiting prospective students.

Beth and her husband have 3 children, one currently attending NCCS and two who graduated from NCCS. They are members of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church where they all serve in a variety of ministries.

Beth enjoys scrapbooking, reading and spending time with her family watching UGA football and basketball.
One of Beth's favorite Scripture verses in Philippians 4:7, "and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Why I work at NCCS:
When I was searching for a school for my boys, I fell in love with NCCS and wanted to be a part of the ministry here. I feel very blessed to have a job that I love. I am surrounded by such wonderful co-workers, families and students!

Why I love my job at NCCS:
I love getting to share all of the great things about NCCS with prospective families.