Administration

Mr. Todd Clingman, Head of School

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 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Christian education and has served at NCCS for 3 years.  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 Kathleen married in 1992 after meeting at Liberty University.  In 2003 Todd and Kathleen welcomed triplets, Anneka, Kayla and Riley.  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."

Mrs. Megan Strange, Middle and Upper School Interim Principal and Director of Student Life

Megan graduated in 2000 from the University of Memphis with a BS degree in Education.  She completed a Master's degree in Christian Leadership from the seminary at Liberty University in 2009.  She holds an ACSI Professional Certificate.

This is Megan's fifth year at North Cobb Christian School.  Prior to joining the staff at NCCS, she served as the Director of Student Ministries at a church in Acworth, Georgia 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 a community sports organization.  

Megan and her husband Clint have been married for six years.  They have one daughter, Emma.  The Stranges attend Freedom Church in Acworth where Megan and Clint serve in a variety of ministries.

Megan enjoys reading, writing, anything having to do with Apple computers, and all sports.

Megan's favorite Scripture 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."

Mrs. Debbie Long, Lower School Principal

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 is beginning her fifth year at NCCS where she has began as Lower School Assistant Principal. 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 Brian have been married for 19 years. They have one child, Heather, who attends North Cobb Christian School.   They attend Summit Baptist Church.

Debbie enjoys scrapbooking 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."

Dr. Carolyn Ware, Academic Dean

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 currently a member of the Association of Christian Schools International southeast region Accreditation Commission.

Carolyn has twenty-three 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, John, have been married for 36 years.  They have two adult children and three grandchildren.  John and Carolyn are members of Grace Community Church in Marietta, where Carolyn serves in the Children's Ministry.

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."

Mrs. Beth Wright, Director of Admissions

Beth has been on staff at North Cobb Christian School for 11 years. She worked as Administrative Assistant in the Head of School's office for 9 years before becoming the Director of Admissions. Beth is also the coordinator of the NCCS cheer program and oversees 7 squads and 5 coaches. Beth very successfully manages the Eagles Ambassador program, which is made up of 66 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, Jeff have been married for 23 years. They have 3 children: Nathan, Nick, and Avery. Nathan and Nick are alumni of NCCS and Avery currently attends 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."

Mr. Matthew Hendrix, Director of the Arts

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 nine 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. Prior to joining the staff at North Cobb Christian School, Matthew was the High Adventure Coordinator at Camp Buc, in Sapphire, NC.  At NCCS, he teaches Academy Acting Classes, Upper School Theatre Classes, and Technical Theatre.

In 2006, Matthew was named Director of the Year in the Georgia Independent School Association Region 3AAA.  In his personal acting career, 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, Liza, have been married 5 years.  They have one daughter, Anhalise Marie. The Hendrixes 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?"

Mr. David Dorsey, Director of Athletics

Dave graduated in 1995 from Samford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Communications. In 2004, he received a MS Ed degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds an ASCI teaching certificate.

Dave has been at NCCS for a total of 6 years. He has eight years teaching experience and four years of athletic administration experience. Prior to joining the staff at North Cobb Christian, he taught History, Journalism and Physical Education at another private school in Marietta, GA. He has taught History, English, Journalism and PE in addition to holding the position of Assistant Athletic Director in previous years at NCCS.

In addition to his position as the Director of Athletics, Dave currently coaches Varsity Football and Varsity Boys Basketball. In the past, he has coached Varsity Volleyball, Soccer and Baseball. From 2000-2005, Dave led the varsity boys basketball team to three region championships and one state championship. In 2002, he took over the varsity volleyball program and led the Lady Eagles to two consecutive state championships and one state finalist in three years. Dave has been named State Coach of the Year three times and Region Coach of the Year four times.

Dave and his wife Tara have been married for five years. They have one child, Luke, and they are expecting their second child next year.  They attend Buckhead Church in Atlanta.

Dave enjoys competing in triathlons, playing tennis and attending UGA football games with his family.

Dave's favorite verse is James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word...Do what it says."

Mrs. Barbara Sandidge, Director of Finance

Barbara attended Stephens College and the University of Mississippi with further education at the University of Indiana.  

Barbara has been affiliated with NCCS since 1985.  She served on the Building Committee as a volunteer and was on the Board of Directors for 7 years.  In 1996 Barbara joined the staff as the Business Manager.   Barbara has 25 years prior experience in the accounting field working in various industries including construction, public accounting and advertising.

Barbara and her husband, Butch, have been married for 10 years and attend Northwest Christian Church.  Barbara's two children both attended North Cobb Christian through 8th grade in the early years before the high school began.   Barbara had retired in 2006, but returned to work as the Director of Finance in the fall of 2008. Barbara says she returned because "NCCS is a part of me and the calling of service to this school will always be in my heart".   NCCS has always been an important part of the lives of both Barbara and her children and this year she has two granddaughters at NCCS.

Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband and her growing "grand-family".

Barbara's favorite Scripture verse is 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."

Mr. Dennis Marrow, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement

Dennis graduated in 1981 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in both communication and economics.  In 1989, Dennis received a Master of Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Finance from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Most recently, Dennis received his certification as a Managerial Coach from Kennesaw State University.

Dennis joined the staff at North Cobb Christian School during the 07-08 school year.  Prior to joining NCCS, Dennis served in a number of corporate marketing, human resource and business analysis roles at The Coca-Cola Company, Wachovia Bank and (Kraft) General Foods.

Dennis and wife, Carmelita, have been married 21 years and have two children:  Shani, who is attending Spelman College in Atlanta and Akil, a senior at NCCS.  The Marrows are members of Overcomers World Church in Marietta where Dennis sits on the Leadership Council and is a musician on the praise team.

Dennis enjoys landscaping, woodworking, playing jazz guitar and cooking for his kids and their friends.   Dennis has also coached basketball and soccer but currently has no coaching responsibilities at the school.

Dennis' favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 -  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. "

Mr. Chuck Surdi, Director of Operations

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 7 years.

Chuck and his wife, Susie, have been married 29 years and enjoy their two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.  They attend 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 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."