Faculty & Staff
Committed to Student Growth and Success
Meet Our Team
At Southside Christian School, our dedicated team of educators and staff is committed to providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where students thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more about the passionate individuals shaping the future of our students.
Administration
Our leadership team guides the vision and direction of Southside Christian School, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.
Jessica Kenlein-Burns
Principal
Jessica leads Southside with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. She has a heart for children and is committed to the school’s mission and serving the SCS community.
Rebekah Szymanowski
Office Manager
Rebekah manages the day-to-day operations of the school, providing support to staff, students, and families. She ensures that everything at Southside runs efficiently.
Gretchen Richardson
Nurse
Gretchen is dedicated to the health and well-being of all the students at Southside Christian. With over 30 years as a RN, she provides on campus health care for all.
Preschool Faculty
Our preschool faculty members are committed to nurturing and educating our students in all areas—academically, socially, and spiritually.
Angela Bursch
3-Year-Olds
Angela provides a nurturing environment for our youngest learners, fostering early childhood development through play and exploration.
Sarah Rodgers
4-Year-Olds
Sarah encourages 4-year-olds to grow in both their academic and social development. She focuses on preparing students for Kindergarten and beyond.
Josie Corbett
Kinder Prep
Josie prepares students for kindergarten by focusing on academic growth, social skills, and building confidence using hands-on activities.
Elementary School Faculty (Grades K-5)
Our Elementary Faculty at Southside Christian School is dedicated to nurturing and guiding young learners in a Christ-centered environment. Each teacher fosters academic excellence and helps students build strong character and faith foundations that will last a lifetime.
Shelly Ellert
Kindergarten Teacher
Shelly provides a warm and welcoming classroom where Kindergartners develop skills in reading, writing, and math. She integrates faith-based teachings into every lesson.
Valarie Franz
1st Grade Teacher
Valarie creates a safe, nurturing environment for 1st graders to thrive. Through hands-on learning, students develop essential literacy and numeracy skills while also learning faith and kindness.
Christie Fowler
2nd Grade Teacher
Christie guides her 2nd graders in developing academic skills in reading, math, and social studies while also emphasizing the importance of empathy, cooperation, and faith in every subject.
Gabriel Ballesteros
3rd Grade Teacher
Gabriel creates a learning environment where students develop a love for learning grounded in faith. He encourages joyful exploration of God’s creation.
Evelyn Navas
4th Grade Teacher
Evelyn fosters an environment where students grow academically and spiritually. She nurtures academic curiosity while guiding 4th graders in a supportive learning community.
Alexa Grayson
5th Grade Teacher
Alexa provides a strong foundation for 5th graders, while nurturing their personal growth. Her classroom is a place of exploration, teamwork, and faith-building.
Middle School Faculty (Grades 6-8)
Our Middle School Faculty is dedicated to guiding students through these formative years, helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. With a focus on preparing students for high school and beyond, our teachers foster a love for learning while nurturing leadership, responsibility, and faith.
Kathy Mehl
Middle School ELA & History Teacher
Kathy fosters a love for literature and history, helping students develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of historical contexts through a biblical perspective.
Trinity McLaughlin
Middle School Math & Science Teacher
Trinity makes math and science engaging, helping students develop confidence in both subjects through hands-on experiments and real-world applications.
Taylor Mehl
Middle School TEAM & Chapel Leader
Taylor focuses on spiritual growth,
guiding students in leadership through the TEAM program and leading weekly chapel sessions to reinforce their faith.
Specialized Faculty & Extended Care
At Southside Christian School, our Specialized Faculty provides essential support both in and out of the classroom. From wellness services and speech therapy to extended care, they work alongside parents to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Becky O’Neel
Spanish Teacher & PE Assistant
Becky is the Spanish Teacher for K-8 students, focusing on language development and cultural appreciation, with an emphasis on fluency for 6-8 students as well as the PE program.
John Richardson
PE Coordinator & Homeroom Teacher
John oversees the school’s Physical Education program, fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits. As Homeroom Teacher, he also provides guidance and support to students.
Holli Brown
Preschool & K-5 Music Teacher
Holli teaches music to Preschool and Kindergarten through 5th grade. She helps nurturing their musical talents through singing, rhythm, and instrumental music.
Taylor Mehl
K-8 Art Teacher
Taylor fosters creativity and artistic expression in young students, guiding them through various art forms and techniques while developing their appreciation for art.
Sarah Rodgers
Support Specialist
Sarah works with students to provide individualized support. She ensures that each student receives the assistance they need to succeed academically and socially.
Kirby Cline
Speech Therapist
Kirby is a speech therapist who works with students to strengthen their speech and language skills. She provides therapy to support articulation, fluency, and clear communication.
Armida Calderhead
Extended Care Faculty
Works with students in extended care program, providing a safe and engaging environment where students can relax, socialize, and participate in fun activities before and after school.
Isaac
Comfort Dog
Isaac is a comfort dog who brings emotional support to the Southside community, visiting students at school, home, and even in the hospital.
