Seventh Grade Humanities - Kathryn Stafford
Kathryn received a BA in History and Secondary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2007. She has been married to her husband Matt for 16 years, and together they’ve had four children, one of whom is with our Lord. Kathryn taught 11th grade history before leaving public education to homeschool for five years. She and her kids now all attend CCCS together, where she's taught middle school humanities for the past six years. Kathryn loves sharing her passion for learning and helping students make connections between history, literature, and the God who created them all. The Staffords joyfully attend PCC.
Eighth Grade Humanities - Suzy Shirk
Suzy is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, with a BA in Communication Studies. She and her husband, Drew, spent the first few years of their marriage in Colorado, where he was stationed with the US Army. There, they enjoyed abundant time in the outdoors, hiking every chance they got with their (first) rambunctious but lovable Labrador retriever. They decided to return to Newport News when it was time to leave active duty and are raising their three children here. Suzy still enjoys time in the outdoors, hiking with her family and their (second) rambunctious but lovable Labrador retriever, Kal, and summer gardening. Additionally, she delights in good books, music, art, and in studying the intersections of creativity and faith. She believes there is truth in the saying, “we become what we behold,” and is therefore passionate about sharing truth, goodness, and beauty with the next generation. Suzy has served in various capacities at CCCS, including board member, parent volunteer, substitute teacher, and is excited to step into this new role as the 8th grade humanities teacher. She and her family are members of Peninsula Community Chapel, where they regularly worship and serve.
Seventh & Eighth Grade Math and Science - Windsor Philipps
Windsor graduated from Montana Tech in 1985 with an BS in engineering. She began working at Newport News Shipbuilding as an engineer building aircraft carriers. In this stage in her career she holds a Virginia teaching license to teach Middle School Math and Science. Windsor married Steven in 1985 and together they raised 4 children, 2 goats, trained 3 horses, hatched an array of chickens, became overrun by a hoard of bunnies, acquired a few fish, and provided a home for their children's dogs, cats and bird. She has 4 grandchildren and 2 of them attend CCCS along with their many cousins. Her family has hosted international students for 10 years. Windsor is a third generation Peninsula resident and attends New Covenant Church. She loves to study God’s marvelous creation with young people and inspire them to enjoy mathematics.
Ninth Grade Humanities - Shelby Scott
Shelby is a graduate of Hollins University and Virginia Commonwealth University. She is entering her third year on staff at CCCS, but taught in the Poquoson School System for 11 years before transitioning to other full-time ministry and motherhood roles, including serving as the CCCS Board Chairwoman. Shelby is passionate about studying history and energetically teaches her students. She married her high school sweetheart, Bobby, in 2000. They have two children who attend CCCS at the upper school. If she’s not hanging out with her family, you’d likely find her in her garden. Shelby, Bobby, and the kids faithfully serve and worship at Liberty Live in Hampton.
Tenth Grade Humanities - Shanna Slovinsky
Shanna received a BS in History in 2001. She married her college sweetheart, Marty, and they now have four kids, three of whom attend CCCS. They are a military family, so she’s particularly empathetic to new students! Shanna loves to read biographies, drink Dr. Pepper, eat Chick-fil-A, and watch The West Wing. She does not love coffee, licorice, or the sound of gum being chewed. Shanna’s family worships at Peninsula Community Chapel.
Eleventh & Twelfth Grade Humanities - Michele Reed
Michele is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with both her B.A. and M.A.Ed. She is married to David, and they have two boys, Will, a 2022 homeschool graduate, and Ben, who is a 2025 CCCS graduate. She served in the classical homeschool community for several years before joining the faculty at CCCS. They joyfully worship and serve at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church. In her spare time she loves to cook, play the violin, garden, run, hike, and play with her dogs.
Marine Biology, Physics, Algebra II - Renee McKelvey
Renee loves sciences…she graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in physics and the University of Southern Maine with a degree in nursing! She and her husband, Kevin, have been married for over 15 years. They have three boys, all of whom attend CCCS. In her spare time Renee enjoys gardening, baking, and doing anything outdoors. She also has two adorable golden doodles! Renee and her family worship and serve at Coastal Community Church.
Geometry & Calculus - Savannah Blackwell
Savannah graduated from James Madison University (GO DUKES!) with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She’s married the love of her life, Stephen, in 2018 and they have three precious daughters (5, 3, almost 2). Savannah loves to teach math AND instructs in Pilates! She’s a certified coach and loves the practice. A natural on stage, Savannah sings on the praise team at First Church Ministries where she and her family regularly worship and serve.
Biology & Advanced Biology - Melanie Mitchell
Melanie graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Melanie comes to CCCS after a beautifully long career in medicine. She has been married for 30 years and together they have two married sons. This summer, Melanie joyfully welcomed her first grandchild! In her spare time she enjoys beekeeping, downhill skiing, running, racing (cars), and gardening (flowers).
Rhetoric: Speech & Research - Dr. Jeff Mingee
Jeff is the founding pastor of Catalyst Church and currently is a regional strategist for the SBCV. He is a graduate of Christopher Newport University and has his Master’s and D.Min. from Southeastern Theological Seminary. He’s currently working on his Ph.D. in Christian Leadership at Southeastern. Jeff is the author of several well-received books including Digital Dominion and Called to Cooperate. Married to Lauren for 19 years, they have two high school aged boys at CCCS. In his spare time, Jeff likes to go to concerts and amusement parks with the boys. Jeff and his family faithfully worship and serve at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown.
Biblical Survey & Church History - Dr. Joey Tomlinson
Joey is the pastor of Deer Park Fellowship (location of our upper school). He is also a graduate of Liberty University, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Seminary with a multitude of degrees. He has been married to the very lovely Brayden for over 15 years and together they have three young sons, two of them are at the lower school at CCCS. In his spare time, Joey enjoy spending time with his family, reading, and eating sandwiches from Taste Unlimited.
Systematic Theology & Apologetics - Dr. Ryan Davidson
Ryan is the pastor of Grace Baptist Chapel (Reformed) in Hampton. He is married to Christie, our School Director, and they have four children that all attend CCCS. He graduated from Samford University (BA-Spanish, Music), The College of William & Mary (M.Ed.- Counseling), Southern Seminary (Th.M.) and the Free University of Amsterdam (Ph.D.- Early Christianity/Pastoral Theology). He enjoys playing & watching soccer with his kids, reading, and eating dutch chocolate ice cream.
Personal Finance - Tyler Neese
Tyler is a graduate of Christopher Newport University. He is a financial planner by trade and is passionate about personal finance. He and his wife Jess welcomed their first child this past spring. They also have two boxers, Piper and Arlo. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys fishing and and playing board games. Tyler and his wife worship and serve at By Grace Community Church.