our staff
We have a great group of people who are committed to serving the students at GCS. Learn a little more about them here.
Kelly Glisson
Principal
I started at GCS in 2016. Before that I taught at Christian schools in Hawaii and Arizona. I’m originally from Northeast Ohio (go Buckeyes!) and got my degree in History and Secondary Education from Geneva College. I’m currently working on my Master’s in School Administration from Liberty University.
I loved teaching history and seeing kids make connections from the past to the modern day. I’m very excited to be able to interact with all of the students at our school and lead this incredible staff that GCS has been blessed with. In my free time I enjoy reading a good mystery novel, spending time with my niece and nephew, and making myself suffer by cheering on Cleveland sports teams.
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Holly Hedges
Administrative Assistant
I began working at GCS in 2015 in the PK program. A few years later, I moved to the office to work in admissions. I grew up in Athens, Georgia in a private Christian school very similar to GCS. After graduating, I traveled with Life Action Ministries for 3 years. I’m married to a pastor and have 4 children. One of the highlights of working in the school office is interacting with students and their families and helping to meet their needs. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing on my church worship team, and spending time with my family.
Jeff Kreider
Technology Program Director & Librarian
I spent the first 13 years of my teaching career at Elkhart Community Schools. I came to Granger Christian School in 2017. My first five years I spent teaching 5th grade. I studied Elementary Education at IUSB and received my Bachelors with a minor in Middle School Social Studies.
I live in South Bend, Indiana with my wife, Amber (who is really cool and talented) and two kids, Lucy and Leon, who attend GCS. My goal is to create a classroom environment where students can work collaboratively while integrating technology throughout the curriculum. In my free time I like to disc golf, read, and play board games.
Kristi Littrell
Athletic Director & Physical Education
I started at GCS in 2018 as the hot lunch administrator. In 2020, I moved to teaching Physical Education. I graduated from Defiance College with a Bachelors degree in Wellness and Athletic Training. After undergraduate school, I received my Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Siena Heights University. I am married to David Littrell and have four wonderful children Savannah, Alivia, Charlotte, and Noah all who attend GCS. In all our free time, you will find our family on the softball diamond.
Elaina Abbott
Art Teacher
I joined GCS staff in 2021 but I attended GCS from 9th grade until I graduated. I then went to Bethel University where I received a degree in Liberal Studies with concentrations in writing, digital photography and communications. My favorite thing about teaching is being able to see the students get excited about doing new projects. In my free time I enjoy painting, crocheting, and hanging out with my family.
Trisha Emswiler
Behavioral
Intervention Specialist
I joined the staff in 2019 as Athletic Director and Lay Counselor and am excited for my new role as Behavior Intervention Specialist. I majored in Elementary Education with an Emphasis on Child Development. I trained as a lay counselor and have completed additional training in Adolescent Psychology, Trauma Counseling, Behavior Modification Techniques, and Positive Behavior Support. I have a passion for helping students succeed in the classroom, overcome obstacles, and grow spiritually.
I have been married for almost 30 years to my husband Brad and have been blessed with three children whom we were privileged to homeschool. You will find us at the lake weather permitting, cheering on our Irish at Football, Hockey and Basketball games, or hanging out with family and friends. I love to scrapbook, read, cook and watch old movies. I also love to sing along loudly to musicals (my family just loves that)!
Eunice Thomas
Paraprofessional
I graduated from Bob Jones University with my degree in Early Childhood Education. My journey with GCS began in 2010 when we moved from Vermont to Indiana. For two years I filled in as a substitute teacher as well as After-Care Director. I then returned in 2018 as a Special Education Paraprofessional. I absolutely love the “A-ha” moments when something finally clicks into place. This never grows old! My heart's desire is to bring out God's very best in every student that He brings my way.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family - my husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, and especially my three grandsons!
Mary Fairchild
Paraprofessional
As a learning support paraprofessional, I love seeing students master concepts that used to be hard for them. I also enjoy building relationships with the students. I graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in elementary education. I taught first and second grade before staying home with my children. I started as a paraprofessional at GCS in 2019 and am so glad to be a part of this ministry.
My husband Aaron and I have two children - one is still attending GCS and one is a graduate. Our family enjoys hiking, especially to waterfalls. Many evenings I can be found cheering my children on in soccer. I also get the privilege of working in children’s ministry at my church.
Flor Acevedo
Preschool Director & Teacher
I became part of the GCS family in 2017. I received a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in 2018 and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2021. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Being part of GCS has been a blessing to my family. My two daughters love the school environment and the freedom to pray and learn about Jesus. Seeing young children praying and worshiping the Lord is the best part of my job. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, reading, and learning about other cultures.
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Jacklyn Earl
Morning Preschool Teacher
I grew up in NY state where I attended Corning Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Science. I also took several education courses at Houghton College. I have been working in the GCS Preschool Program since 2016. In the classroom, I love to share great books and create fun projects about the stories we read. One of my favorite parts of the day is singing songs together that help us learn God's word and remind us how much he loves us.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, and hiking.
Jessica Tonkin
Afternoon Preschool Teacher
I have been a staff member at Granger Christian School in various capacities since 2016, working as a substitute teacher and Preschool Aide in that time. I’m looking forward to working with our Pre-K children this year. Sharing Jesus with them and creating a fun and creative learning environment are what I’m most excited for this school year. I have 3 children of my own, all of whom are enrolled for another great year at GCS. In my spare time I love running, reading, baking and spending time with my family and our Labrador Retriever, Governor.
Kandi Bernhard
Kindergarten Teacher
I joined GCS in 2019. I received a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in December 2020, a TC (Teachers’s Certificate) and then graduated Dec 2021 from Ivy Tech with an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I attended Granger Christian from Kindergarten thru 9th grade when it was Grace Baptist and located in South Bend, many years ago.
I have 2 children.
I am excited to teach this year and transition from being an aide! I am looking forward to growing with my students. I love seeing the excitement on students faces when they really understand something that they have struggled with or that they just learned! I love that I can teach my students about God and pray with them daily!
I love to go ice fishing, geocaching, hiking, camping, spending time with my children and family!
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Angela Vega
First Grade Teacher
I was blessed to join the GCS family in 2017. I attended Bethel College and received my Master’s Degree from Indiana University. I live with my husband, Daniel, and our two daughters attend GCS.
I love teaching kids and building relationships with my students. Watching first graders grow as readers is so exciting! I enjoy teaching students to love God and others as well as tackle STEM challenges. In my free time I enjoy playing games, reading, and scrapbooking.
Debbie Stevens
Second Grade Teacher
I started at GCS in 2021 as a substitute teacher after moving to the South Bend area and have been teaching second grade since January 2022. I have a B.A. in education from Anderson University. Watching children reach their God-given potential and seeing the sense of awe and “A-ha” moments are what I enjoy most about teaching. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter as well as our two dachshunds.
April Geibe
Third Grade Teacher
I started at GCS in 2015 teaching Kindergarten, though I transitioned into 3rd grade in 2019. Before coming to GCS, I taught Kindergarten and First Grade in Title 1 Schools with the South Bend Community School Corporation. I grew up in Edwardsburg, Michigan and got my elementary education degree from Bethel College. My husband Josh and I live in South Bend with our dog Moose.
I love teaching children as well as coming alongside beginning teachers to help them get acclimated to this rewarding profession. It has been a wonderful blessing to teach at GCS where I can help point children to Jesus. In my personal time, I love taking walks with my husband and dog and spending time with family and friends.
April also serves as a Teacher Representative on the GCS Board
Stephanie Olesen
Fourth Grade Teacher
I started working at GCS in 2015 as one of the office secretaries. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University. My husband, Tim, is a GCS alumni and we have 2 children attending. My favorite part of teaching is helping students build confidence in themselves. I love spending time with my family, baking, crocheting, and reading (not all at once, of course!)
Emily Stump
Fifth Grade Teacher
I attended GCS from fifth grade until I graduated and then received my Bachelor’s in Sport Management from Cornerstone University in 2021. I have been coaching basketball here since 2020 and joined the teaching staff in 2022. I am excited for the opportunity to educate and empower students from a Christian worldview, reminding them they are capable, competent, and created in God’s image. I enjoy attending and participating in sporting events, walking my dog Trudy, and spending time with friends.
Audrey Meert
Secondary History, Science & Drama
I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary History Education, and I have been teaching in Christian schools ever since! I joined the team here at GCS in 2018 as the Middle School History teacher, but my role has expanded since then to include teaching high school classes, coaching volleyball, and directing drama. One of the reasons that I became a teacher was to help students see the world outside of themselves. I love seeing the light in their eyes as they realize the beauty found in the variety of God's creation both in nature and the people He created.
Audrey also serves as a Teacher Representative on the GCS Board
Jena Stevenson
Secondary Math, Science & Yearbook
I have been teaching secondary mathematics and yearbook at Granger Christian School since 2017. I graduated from Grace College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. Granger Christian School has always been home for me, as I attended school at GCS for 12 years and graduated in 2013!
I enjoy teaching middle and high school students and building their confidence in mathematics, as well as helping students creatively capture the school year in our yearbook. A favorite project of mine is creating origami dodecahedrons with my Geometry classes! When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy my time watching movies and reading!
Julie Abbott
Secondary Math & Science
I started teaching at GCS in the fall of 2014. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Wheaton College and a Master of Science degree in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. My husband, Kevin, and I have 3 daughters, 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law. Our four youngest children have all graduated from GCS. I love teaching math and science to students and enjoy seeing their sense of accomplishment when they understand new concepts. Outside of school, I enjoy baking and spending time with my family.
Rhonda Cheney
Secondary English
I started at Granger Christian in 2021. My degree in Education is from Indiana University South Bend, and I have also completed some graduate work with Ball State and Liberty University. Previously, I worked for several area school systems as both a paraprofessional and a classroom teacher. I also have experience with homeschooling, teaching Sunday School, and leading Youth Group. Loving God and loving people is at the heart of everything I do.
My husband, Craig, and I have two girls that fill our days with laughter and fun. We live on a farm with lots of chickens, ducks, geese, and dogs. In my free time, my mom and I also have a furniture-refinishing and sign-painting business. I love to be creative!
Adam Willis
Secondary Bible & Chapel
I Graduated with a B.S. in Youth Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2003. I started teaching Bible at GCS in 2018. I worked as a Youth/ Student Ministry Pastor for 14 years in the local church in the Grand Rapids & Mishawaka areas before coming on board as the Bible teacher here at Granger Christian School.
I have always had a heart for students to know, understand and grow in their knowledge and understanding of God's word. I want them to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and develop a faith that is their own so that when they graduate from High School they not only have a personal relationship with Christ but desire to grow and impact the world for sake of the Gospel where ever they go. I also absolutely love to plan and run trips and retreat for students and especially look forward to the High school trips we go on each year.