Dr. John Song
Chancellor & Founder
BA, BS, M. Div, DD, STD, DD

In addition to the vision of founding Centennial Christian School, Dr. Song has been active in numerous missionary activities to Korea, the U.S., and Russia. He has been involved with chaplaincy in prison ministry, 1988 Olympics, and the 2004 Athens Olympics.He has pastored churches both in the U.S. and in Korea and currently serves as Vice-President of Torch Trinity Grad School of Theology in Seoul.

Dr. Glenn A. Jent
Chairman of the Board
AA, BSE, M. Div, Ed D

Dr. Jent comes from Neosho, Missouri originally but now lives in Suwon, Korea. He has had numerous adjunct Professor assignments in a number of Colleges and Universities and currently serves at Torch Trinity Grad School of Theology. Dr. Jent's heart is to build up the kingdom of God and to help CCS become a great tool for Jesus Christ.

e-mail: gajent1@yahoo.com

Samuel Song
Director
MBA, BS, BA

Mr. Song started life in Seoul but his home is in California. He has taught Algebra and Spanish for five years in addition to 20 years of business experience.

e-mail: office@ccslions.com

Jennifer Dyck
Principal
B. s. in Elementary Education

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mrs. Dyck has lived in Seoul with her husband since 2007. Mrs. Dyck taught for 5 years in Guam and for 1 and 1/2 years in Ilsan, Korea before coming to CCS. She has been at Centennial Christian School since 2009. One of Mrs. Dyck's favorite verses 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."

e-mail: principal@ccslions.com.

Sunny Kang
Admissions Director

e-mail: admissions@ccslions.com

Megan Napier
Resource Manager
Bachelor of Arts from Bennington College

Ms. Napier grew up in Uijeongbu, Korea before moving to Hawaii and on to the mainland. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bennington College in Vermont. Upon returning to Korea she completed the Korean Language Program at Seoul National University. She has worked as the head teacher in an academy as well as a secretary here at CCS. She now serves as our Resource Manager. One of her favorites passages from the Bible is Psalm 27:4, "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."

e-mail: rm@ccslions.com

Mira Ahn
School Secretary
B. A. in Biblical and Theological Studies

Ms. Ahn grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with four sisters. She has teaching experience with PreK, Kindergarten, and Elementary students and enjoys spending time with (and helping) CCS students in the School Office. One of her favorite passages in Scripture is Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (ESV)

e-mail: secretary@ccslions.com

Larry Nickel
Chaplain, Bible, and Jr. High Computer Applications
B. A. in Bible, Minor Philosophy & Psychology

Mr. Nickel, born in South Dakota has lived mostly in Salem, Oregon which he calls home. He has been a pastor for 30 years and has served as administrator at Liberty Gardens Christian School for 20 years. This is Mr. Nickel's 8th year as chaplain and Bible teacher at CCS. Mr. Nickel's prayer is that every student at CCS will know the Savior very personally.

e-mail: larrynickel@ccslions.com

Norma Sullivan
Guidance Counselor
B. a. in Education

Mrs. Sullivan was born in Emo, Ontario, but grew up in Steinbach, Manitoba, and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Education degree. Currently she considers Seoul to be her home where she lives with her husband Ben and  their daughter, Evanesce. Mrs. Sullivan has 12 years of teaching experience, teaching a variety of subjects, including HS/MS Math, HS English, Biology, MS Science, Geography, Drama, Bible, and more. She also has 2 years of experience as a guidance counselor at CCS.

e-mail: collegeadvisor@ccslions.com

Becky Elie
Kindergarten
B. a. in Elementary Education

Michigan is Becky's home state and was born in Ypsilanti, MI. She has done subtitute teaching since 2007 in Michigan and has taught Pre-School and Kindergarten age children in church for many years. While in University Becky has had the opportunity to teach young children from all over the world. "I am at Centennial Christian School because I believe that children need to know Jesus and I am blessed to be a part of helping them know Him!" Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

e-mail: beckyelie@ccslions.com

Tricia Smith
First Grade
B. A. in English Education

Mrs. Smith was born in Korea but grew up most of her life in Manila. She has her Bachelor's Degree in English Education. She taught English for 5 years in different institutions before coming to CCS in 2007. She says, "It's a joy to be here at CCS! I believe each child is a precious gift from God. I'm so glad that I can be a part of their lives, as I teach and share God's truth and love!! Teaching children is my God-given passion!
Isaiah 38:19 "It is the living who give thanks to You, as I do today; A Father (teacher) tells his sons (their students) about Your faithfulness."

e-mail: triciasmith@ccslions.com

Kathleen Barth
Second Grade
B. a. in Curriculum & Instruction - Interdisciplinary Studies

Miss Barth was born in Iowa in the United States and currently calls Georgetown, Texas her home. She has served as an English teacher at Wesley Mission Language School for one year and ESL preschool teacher at DL Youth Program for a year.

e-mail: kaybarth@ccslions.com

Bonnie Nickel
Third Grade
B. a. Christian Education (Summa Cum Laude)

Canadian born, Mrs. Nickel has lived in Salem, Oregon for the past 30 years. She has taught music for most of those years at Liberty Gardens Christian School. She has also taught 2nd Grade for one year and 3rd grade for 4 years prior to this year. "Teaching precious children all the wonders of God's world through the curriculum, in the light of the Scriptures, is the joy of my life!" "...from a child you have learned the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation..." 2 Tim 3:15

e-mail: bonnienickel@ccslions.com

Bethany Kirkpatrick
Fourth Grade
Bachelors in Elementary Ed. and Christian Studies, Masters in Religious Ed.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved back to Korea with her husband Rusty in 2010. She has taught for 13 years at the elementary and high school levels. She is certified in Ohio, California and ACSI. She has taught in public, Christian, and international schools in Oakland, California, Detroit, Michigan, Ohio, Korea and Afghanistan. She has traveled in 38 countries. Mrs. Kirkpatrick loves her students and loves teaching them about Christ.

e-mail: bethanykirkpatrick@ccslions.com

Stephen Firebaugh
Fifth Grade

Originally from Kokomo, Indiana, Mr. Firebaugh has taught 5 year olds through 5th graders, volunteered for 6 years in AWANA programs, and worked at a daycare teaching and leading 3rd through 5th graders.  He was the intramural program coordinator at his university and enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee, ping pong, and reading mystery novels.   His favorite verse is Romans 5:8 which says “But God demonstrates His own love towards us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

e-mail: stephenfirebaugh@ccslions.com

Beth Iliff
Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Iliff has 20 years of experience as a substitute teacher, classroom TA, Speech and Language Aide, Resource and Special Ed Aide, Preschool, KG and 2nd grade teacher. She was born in Richmond, California but calls Libby, Montana home. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:8,  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

e-mail: bethiliff@ccslions.com

Josh Smith
Middle School English
B. S. in English Education

Josh came to CCS from Decatur, Indiana and various work experiences throughout Seoul. He has taught in an academy, a private Korean elementary school, and another international school in Seoul. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Christian Education at Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology. His favorite passage in Scripture is Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

e-mail: joshsmith@ccslions.com

Rusty Kirkpatrick
Middle School and High School Math
Bachelors Degrees in Secondary Math Education and Psychology Education

Mr. Kirkpatrick has over 20 years of experience teaching Mathematics is public and Christian schools in Ohio. During that time he served three years as a school principal as well. He holds a teaching certificate in Ohio and is certified by ACSI. He came to Seoul in 2010 with his wife Bethany. Mr. Kirkpatrick loves working with and teaching young people. He wants his students to grow in Christ. His favorite verse is I Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

e-mail: rustykirkpatrick@ccslions.com

Chris Thibeault
Middle School Social Studies

e-mail: christhibeault@ccslions.com

Michael Blais
Middle School English, WASC Coordinator
B. s. (Summa Cum Laude), M. Ed.; EFL Cert.

Mr. Blais was born and raised in Rhode Island, but he now considers South Carolina his stateside home. He completed his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Columbia International University and received a certificate in teaching English as a Foreign Language from Hamline University. In addition, Mr. Blais holds a Bible endorsement from the Association of Christian Schools International. He has been in Korea since 1997 and taught at Central Christian Academy in Suwon before coming to CCS. His favorite Bible passage is Habakkuk 4:12: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”

e-mail: michaelblais@ccslions.com

Ben Sullivan
High School Social Studies, HS Computers
B. s. Sociology; Certificates in Broadcasting & TESOL, MA in Education

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota Mr. Sullivan has taught at CCS since 2005. He has worked in youth ministry for over 10 years and has experience in TESOL. Mr. Sullivan desires "to glorify God by advancing His kingdom in the lives of the next generations."

e-mail: bensullivan@ccslions.com

Russael Johanys
High School Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Geometry, Physics, Math Workshop
B. s.; MBA; M of Education (Secondary Math)

Mr. Johanys was born in Tokyo, Japan and has taught High School in Fairfax County, Virginia and in Japan before coming to CCS. He says "I love teaching at CCS, where we have such fine students and a Christian community."

e-mail: russaeljohanys@ccslions.com

Nancy Kim
Middle and High School Sciences
B. A. in Physical Therapy

Mrs. Kim was born in Korea, but grew up in New Zealand.  She says she was always passionate about teaching and so after receiving her physical therapy degree she decided to go back to university to study education.  Mrs. Kim says “you can always come to me if you have sore backs or sprained ankles.”  Her favorite verse is Deuteronomy 31:6:  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

e-mail: nancykim@ccslions.com

Janine Phillips
High School English
B. A. in Specialized Honors English; Bachelor of Education Teachable

Ms. Phillips calls Toronto, Ontario, Canada home but enjoys living in Korea.  She says that she is not athletic but loves to play rugby.  Her favorite verses are Philippians 4:6-7:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

e-mail: janinephillips@ccslions.com

Erick Swallows
K-12 Physical Education, Athletic Director
B. S. in Physical Education

Mr. Swallows is also from Old Fort, Tennessee.  He has taught boy’s middle school PE, was a boy’s soccer coach, and has been involved in multiple extracurricular activities. Prior to coming to Korea he attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. During university he was a youth director/teen Sunday school teacher, coached American football, and worked in a hardware store.  Mr. Swallows  loves working with students and student athletes. He says he feels very blessed that God has called him to a position in which this is possible. In his free time he enjoys fishing and volunteering at youth camp and churches. His favorite verse is Mark 1:17 – “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

e-mail: erickswallows@ccslions.com

Hayejin Paik
Elementary and Upper School Music
Bachelor of Music, Masters of Music

Originally from, Korea, Ms. Paik has been studying at the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.  She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music Education at Peabody Conservatory as well.  She has been a music instructor at a private school as well as a local church music director.  Ms. Paik not only loves music but also baseball and soccer.  Her favorite verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

e-mail: hayejinpaik@ccslions.com

Michele Bigney
Visual Arts and Yearbook
BA in Theatre Arts and Interior Design Certification

Ms. Bigney was born in Santa Ana, California and calls Laguna Niguel, Orange County, California home. She has been a make-up artist for university productions, scene painted for independent projects, and interior design consultant. Her greatest work has been for the Lord.  God has given her the gift of mercy and service to reach out to those who have no hope.  She has been blessed to serve and talk about Jesus to several Asian countries.  Her hope is "to spread God's Word and Love to all at CCS, and that Christ would be the center of their lives."  Her favorite verse that has brought her through many trials 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."

e-mail: michelebigney@ccslions.com

Yves Marie Donval
French
Master's Degree in Sociology

Mr. Donval is from a small city near Brest, France. He has been living in Korea for 5 years now and has taught French to many students.

e-mail: yvesdonval@ccslions.com

Jaime Riesco
Spanish

Mr. Riesco was born in Medellin, Colombia and has both Spanish and Colombian citizenship. He studied Chemical Engineering for 2 years and Pharmaceutical Chemistry for 2 years. He is currently studying to obtain a degree in Touristic Marketing and Communication. One verse he remembers from his high school days is James 2:18 – “But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds,' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

e-mail: jaimeriesco@ccslions.com

Calvin Govender
Librarian, and Chapel Worship
Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology

Mr. Govender was born and raised in Durban, South Africa and has lived in South Korea since July 2000. He has served at Centennial Christian School as a K-12 librarian and elective teacher since the summer of 2006. He currently resides in Seoul with his wife and two children and continues to serve CCS in various other areas of school life such as photography club director, international mission coordinator and school peer counseling coordinator. His favorite verse is, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6.

e-mail: calvingovender@ccslions.com

Cory Dyck
IT Coordinator
BA in Missions/Cross Cultural Communication, TEFL Certificate

Mr. Dyck was born and raised in Derby, Kansas. He taught elementary students in Guam for 3 years before coming to Korea in 2007. He is currently working towards his Masters Degree in International Relations. One of his favorite verses is Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

e-mail: corydyck@ccslions.com

Brittany Swallows
Kindergarten Teacher's Aide; Elementary Substitute; Administrative Assistant
B. s. in Elementary Education

Mrs. Swallows is from Old Fort, Tennessee.  She has been a library assistant, kindergarten volunteer, soccer assistant coach, and a girl’s discipleship leader in Korea before coming to CCS.  She also went on a mission trip to Manila in October 2010 to work with children and local churches. In Tennessee, she was the youth leader of her church for 4 years.  She says that “God has really blessed me with the opportunity to do my dreams by working in missions and working with children.”  Her favorite verse says  “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

e-mail: brittanyswallows@ccslions.com

Scott Gingerich
Student Teacher - 4th Grade
Indiana Wesleyan University