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 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 Kathleen married in 1992 after meeting at Liberty University.  In 2003 Todd and Kathleen welcomed triplets, Anneka, Kayla and Riley, 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."

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).

Carolyn has twenty-four 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 37 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 Women'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. Megan Strange, Upper School Principal, Interim Middle School Principal

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 Education, also from Liberty University, focusing on Educational Leadership.  Megan holds an ACSI All Levels-Principal Professional 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 Clint have been married since 2003.  They have one daughter, Emma, who was born in 2008.  The Stranges attend Cedarcrest Church in Acworth where Megan and Clint 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."

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 joined NCCS in 2005 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."

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."

Mrs. Kristin Cook, Director of Finance

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, Benny have been married for 25 years.  They have 2 children, Brittany (NCCS Class of 2006) and Lauren (NCCS Class of 2011).  They are members of First Baptist Church of Woodstock.

Kristin enjoys scrapbooking, couponing and spending time with her family.

Kristin’s favorite Bible 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."

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 8 years.

Chuck and his wife, Susie, have been married 30 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."

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 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. 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 6 years and 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?

Terry Luck, Director of Marketing

Terry graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1976 with a degree in Physical Education.  He was a member of the University of Nebraska football team that won a national championship in 1971 and the Big Eight Championship in 1975.  After graduation, Terry played with the Cleveland Browns for a couple of years.  After his playing days were over, he coached at North Texas State University and Washington State University before accepting a job with a national advertising agency.  Terry worked for Nationwide Recruitment Communications, a division of the international agency, McCann Worldgroup, for 30 years serving as a Senior Vice President for the Southeast Region, as well as heading up its Healthcare Division. His experience in this position encompassed sales, marketing, advertising, branding and business acquisition.

God called Terry out of corporate America in 2008 to accept a position as the head football coach and Athletic Director at a local Christian school, utilizing his love and knowledge for athletics, as well as his desire to teach God's word, in fulfilling that calling.  Terry joined North Cobb Christian School in June of 2011 as the Director of Marketing.  He also serves as the Offensive Coordinator in football and as an assistant baseball coach.

Terry and his wife Janice have five children, Chase, Adam, Leigh Ann, Tess and Madison.  He also has two grandchildren, Makayla and Layna.  Terry and Janice attend First Baptist Church in Canton where Terry teaches a couples class.

Terry enjoys spending time with his family.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Joy House, a ministry for troubled teens, as well as, serving on the Advisory Board for Eddie Middleton Ministries.

Terry's favorite Bible verse is: James 5:16..."Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The intense prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Mike Timms, Interim Director of Athletics

Mike graduated in 1994 from Lee University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Mike has 18 years of experience teaching math, PE, and coaching basketball.

He came to North Cobb Christian in 2008 and served in the Middle School as a math teacher and boys basketball coach. Since then, he has enjoyed coaching several sports on the varsity level including basketball, football, and soccer, while currently overseeing the girls basketball program. In 2011, he accepted the position of Middle School Athletic Assistant. Prior to joining the faculty at NCCS, Mike taught middle school math and served as assistant coach to a state-runner up boys basketball team at Faith Christian Academy, and before that as the Athletic Director at Conway Christian School in Orlando, Florida.

Mike and his wife Amber have been married for 10 years. They have two children, Zachary and Lauren, who attend North Cobb Christian School. They currently attend Cedarcrest Church in Acworth.

Mike enjoys fishing, riding his motorcycle, coaching, and spending time with his family.

Mike's favorite Scripture verse is Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."