Leisha Bonine - Math, Physical Education, Health

Ms. Bonine teaches at both the high school and junior high at CCS, teaching high school Algebra 1, Health, Physical Education, and Weight Training. Ms. Bonine started at CCS in 2008. She holds her bachelors in Physical Education and masters in Education both from the University of Idaho. She loves basketball and has coached for 10 years at NBC Camps.

Her favorite thing about teaching at CCS is working with fun and energetic students. "I love watching students be successful in activities they have not tried before or 'think' they are not good at. I also love it when students come together and work as a team to complete the same goal. Smiles light up on their faces and they create new relationships with their classmates," says Bonine.

Matt Bracher - Math

Mr. Bracher teaches Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and AP Calculus. He received his bachelors degree in Computer Science from Western Washington University and has teaching certification endorsements in Math, English, and Computer Science from Central Washington University. Mr. Bracher started teaching at CCS in 2001.

When asked what he loves most about teaching math Mr. Bracher says, "Mathematics reflects the infinite creativity of God. It’s said that we create mathematics, but I believe it’s more accurate that we discover mathematics. It’s already written, and we continue to discover relationships and ways of thinking. The material is the same, as are the names and faces, but the perspective of whence it came is altered."

Samantha Bratz - World History, ASB

Mrs. Bratz  teaches ninth and tenth grade World History. She is the ASB advisor and the assistant girls' basketball coach. She holds her bachelors degree in Education with a major in History from Pacific Lutheran University. She came to back to CCS to teach in 2008 after graduating in 2004. She married fellow alum, Evan Bratz, in 2010.

Her favorite thing about teaching at CCS is "the ability to incorporate God's Word into everything and seeing young people reach their potential."

Lucy Cole - Science

Mrs. Cole teaches Physical Science, Zoology, Botany and Applied Art. She is also the girls' golf coach. She has been teaching since 1985 and joined the Cascade Christian faculty in 2004. She received her bachelors degree in Agriculture Education from Oregon State University.

Mrs. Cole always liked school and wanted to be a teacher since she was in the second grade. Her experiences include spending five years living in Indonesia, and in June of 2010, she was part of a primate conservation study in Borneo. She believes that science is fun and enjoys the hands-on application of lessons. Mrs. Cole and her husband have college-age twin sons.

Mandy Curry - English, Drama

Mrs. Curry teaches senior English, Advanced Communications, Creative Writing, and is also the Drama Director. She has been teaching since 2000, and joined the Cascade Christian faculty in 2005. She holds her bachelors degree in English and Drama from Western Washington University and her masters in Educational Technology from City University.
 
"I love literature! You can bring out so much from one piece of writing and find something in it to attach to your life. It’s a great jumping off point to begin some hard conversations with the students – especially the seniors. Literature allows me to talk to them about the real world in which they are about to embark," says Curry.Her favorite thing about teaching at CCS is being open about her faith, the ability to pray with students, and having a relationship with the students. Mrs. Curry and her husband have two girls who attend CCS at the Puyallup Elementary campus.

Mike Farnsworth - Science, Team Sports

Mr. Farnsworth teaches Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy, Environmental Science, and Team Sports. He is also the boys' golf coach. He has been teaching since 1996 and joined the CCS team in 2004. He received his bachelors degree in Science Education from Oklahoma Christian University.

Kelli Findlay -  Language Arts

Mrs. Findlay teaches eighth and ninth grade Language Arts. She began teaching at CCS in 2007. Mrs. Findlay received her bachelors degree in English from Western Washington University.

Mrs. Findlay loves teaching Language Arts because it allows her to delve into a variety of areas (short stories, poetry, drama, etc.) with students while incorporating “real life” and biblical principles. She is married and has two boys who attend Cascade Christian Schools. In her spare time Mrs. Findlay enjoys teaching cycling classes at the YMCA, various types of fitness (including everything from triathlons and fun runs to playing baseball in the backyard with her kids), scrapbooking, Bible studies, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

Brandon Jacobsen - Spanish

Mr. Jacobsen teaches Spanish 1, 2, and 3. He holds his bachelors degree in Global Studies with a minor in Hispanic Studies from the University of Washington. Mr. Jacobsen joined the CCS team in 2010.

Mr. Jacobsen chose to become a teacher because in many ways it's what he believes God has shaped him to do. "I love having the freedom to build relationships that are Christ-centered with the students, faculty and staff. I love that there's an emphasis on building that relationship," says Jacobsen. He lived in Cairo, Egypt, studying Arabic for a year, he enjoys playing the guitar and singing, and currently leads worship in his church.

Anne Kelly - EXCEL

Mrs. Kelly oversees our Excel program for junior high and high school. She has been teaching since 1998 and joined the CCS team in 2008. She holds her bachelors degree in Psychology and her masters in Education (including Special Education) from the University of Washington.

"It’s gratifying to see my students learning and achieving better grades. It’s also gratifying to be able to help put programs in place to assist students with learning challenges so they are able to succeed in school," says Kelly.  Mrs. Kelly served as a missionary in Portugal for three years before she married. She and her husband have two children, a daughter who is in college and a son who attends CCHS.

Janine Lawrence - English, Creative Writing

Mrs. Lawrence teaches Junior English, Creative Writing, Honors English, and English Skills. She has been teaching since 1990 and joined the CCS faculty in 1997. She earned her bachelors degree in English from Westmont College.

Mrs. Lawrence says her favorite thing about teaching at CCS is the students, seeing them succeed and watching them grow spiritually. "Literature has something to say to each student and I enjoy helping them discover it," says Lawrence. She has two daughters, Cally who graduated from CCS in 2010, and Sierra who is currently in high school.

Lori Lidyard - Art, Yearbook

Mrs. Lidyard teaches Painting, Commercial Painting, Studio Art, Pottery, and Advanced Art. She has been teaching at CCS since 2000. She holds her bachelors degree from the University of Washington Tacoma.

Mrs. Lidyard loves teaching high school students "because they are creative and think outside the box. They are not afraid to try new things." She also leads the yearly I-term trip to the Las Vegas Dream Center. When asked why she chose to become a teacher she said, "I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people, and to raise up the next generation." She and her husband have three sons, two who have graduated from CCS and the youngest is in high school.

Kali McCrady - English, Psychology

Mrs. McCrady teaches Freshman and Sophomore English, Honors English, Intro to Psychology, Advanced Psychology and Debate. She has been teaching since 1983 and joined the CCS faculty in 1996. She holds her bachelors degree in English and masters in Psychology from Eastern Washington University.

"I love sophomores because they are all at once grown-up and child-like. It’s fun to be a part of the very important transitional year," says McCrady. Mrs. McCrady has participated in or led the praise team at her church for eighteen years and is also involved in various high school and adult mission trips. She also leads our I-term group to New Orleans.

Steve McCully- Math

Mr. McCully teaches Algebra and Geometry. Mr. McCully comes to us with over thiry years of math teaching experience.

Cathy Miller - Science

Ms. Miller teaches Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Physics. She received her bachelors degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina and her masters in Teaching from Western Oregon University. She has been teaching since 2000 and started at CCS in 2006.

Ms. Miller says her favorite thing about teaching at CCS is the "integrity of the students." She enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and generally exploring different people, cultures, places. She has visited 15 different nations.

Katie Miller - Band Director, Bible

Mrs. Miller teaches Senior Bible and is the band director for Concert Band, Jazz Band, Junior High Band, and is also the head track and field coach. She is a graduate of Geneva College with a bachelors degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance. Mrs. Miller has been teaching at CCS since 2007.

Mrs. Miller says, "I chose to be a teacher because I wanted students to experience the 'musical' moment when everything comes together and fits. It's hard to explain, but you just know that there’s something incredibly special occurring and you’re a part of it. You feel God’s joy in the moment of playing. I also knew that God had given me a passion for teaching people and music, and I wanted to share that."

Ray Ossman - College Guidance, Intro to Law, Cougar News, Computers

Mr. Ossman teaches Introduction to Law, College Guidance, Cougar News. and Basic Computers. He has over 22 years teaching experience and has been with CCS since 2001. He has held just about every position from a classroom assistant all the way to administrator. Mr. Ossman holds his bachelors degree from Northwest University with a major in Business Management and minor in Biblical Studies. He also earned his masters in Business Administration from Seattle Pacific University with an emphasis in Technology Management.

He has taken students to England and the Philippines on outreach and mission trips. He often facilitates the Introduction to Firearms Safety course during I-term as well. Mr. Ossman and his wife, Jeanne, have two boys that attended Cascade Christian Schools through graduation.

Bryan Peterson - History, Bible

Mr. Peterson teaches American Government, Current World Problems, Bible, US History, and AP US History, and is the head girls' varsity basketball coach. He has been working in education since 1980 and joined the CCS team in 2010. Mr. Peterson holds his bachelors degree from Simpson University majoring in Bible, History and Psychology. He also received his masters from Seattle Pacific University with a major in Educational Leadership.

His favorite things about teaching at CCS are "the students and their vitality for life, and that the school that has a clear and strong vision for education," says Peterson. He and his wife, Ruth, have two grown children.

Joe Ramos - Bible

Mr. Ramos teaches Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Bible. Mr. Ramos holds his bachelor of arts degree in Biblical Studies and his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mr. Ramos began teaching at CCS in 2002. 

Mr. Ramos says, "I really love high school students because I feel like I can relate to them and develop a relationship with them. I’ve taught long enough that I see students return after college and the friendship we formed in high school is still there."

Brook Sikora - ELL, Leadership, English Lab

Mrs. Sikora has been with CCS since 2007 and began teaching in 2011. Mrs. Sikora teaches our Junior High ELL class, and Leadership as well as English Lab for both Junior High and High School. Mrs. Sikora holds her bachelors degree from Sterling College in Language and Literature in addition to Secondary Teaching Preparation.

Mrs. Sikora says "I think I've always known I wanted to be a teacher. After teaching seventh grade English for several years, I left my field to focus on mothering my three beautiful daughters. Now that my youngest is in preschool, I've returned to teaching here at CCS and I love it."

Michele Suiter     - Effective Communication, US History, Leadership

Mrs. Suiter teaches US History, Effective Communication, and Leadership. She received her bachelors degree in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and her masters in Teaching from the University of Phoenix. She has been teaching since 1995 and joined the CCS team in 2009.

Mrs. Suiter says her favorite things about teaching at CCS are "my students and my colleagues. I love that I get to pray with my students, speak God’s love into their lives and mentor them as they draw closer to Him. I love that I can look at everything through 'God’s lens' – integrating Biblical Worldview into my subject area. I love chapel – being able to gather together to worship and hear from the Lord on a weekly basis."    

Wes Swarthout - English, TOEFL

Mr. Swarthout teaches English and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to our international students, and is also the head high school soccer coach. He attended Northeastern State University and holds his degree in Spanish, ESL, and Health.

Mr. Swarthout says what he likes most about his job is "working with the students to help them find their purpose before God." He lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, for 20 years as a missionary. He and his wife, Malena, have three daughters that all attend CCS.

Paige Wescott - German, Choir Director

Mrs. Wescott teaches German 1, 2, and 3, and is the choir director for "Shades of Blue", Concert Choir, and Junior High Choir. She began her teaching career in 1989 teaching German at the University of Washington and has been with CCS since 1999. She received her bachelors degree in German and Vocal Music Performance from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and her masters in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Education at Seattle Pacific University.

She is currently an assistant track coach and formerly coached throwers for PLU Track & Field for 8 years; trained and sang with the Portland Opera Company, and studied and sang opera in Germany.  Mrs. Wescott loves her job because, "I am equipping the saints to destroy barriers between people (created by language and culture) and teaching them how to bridge the gap." 

Joyce Blum - Administrator

Mrs. Blum joins the administrative team at our Junior High/High School after having served at our Puyallup Elementary since 1995. She has worked in education since 1978. She received her masters in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University.

Mrs. Blum's favorite thing about CCS is the alignment with its core purpose and mission in all we do. "I love being a part of a system that trains up teacher-leaders and student-leaders," says Blum. She and her husband have two sons who attended CCS from preschool through graduation.

Suzanne Keil - Associate Principal

Mrs. Keil is part of the CCS administrative team. She has worked in Christian education since 1984 and joined the CCS team in 1998. She received her bachelors degree in Secondary Teaching and masters in Education from Central Washington University.

Mrs. Keil loves to see students reach their God-given potential. "I love working with teachers to develop a positive learning environment," says Keil. She and her husband have been married over 28 years and have two children who have graduated from CCS.

Dave Peterson - Associate Principal

Mr. Peterson joined the CCS administrative team in 2007 and has worked in education since 1983. He holds his bachelors degree from Seattle Pacific University and masters in Education from City University.

Mr. Peterson's favorite thing about his job at CCS is getting to know the kids and watching their growth over the years. "Coming to CCS was an amazing God thing the way it worked out, I am blessed to be a part of the CCS family," says Peterson. Mr. Peterson enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, and their two children. He also enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and watching soccer.

Keith Patefield - Athletic Director/Administrator

Mr. Patefield is the Athletic Director and part of the administrative team. He has worked in education since 1991 and joined the CCS team in 2005. He holds his bachelors degree from Azusa Pacific University.

Mr. Patefield is a member of the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association), WSSAAA (Washington State Athletic Administrators Association), West Central District III Board, and is working toward his CAA (Certified Athletic Administrator). Mr. Patefield says his favorite thing about leading at CCS is "the ability to impact our community and state through an athletic program that believes in Spiritual Development and Leadership Training." He and his wife have three daughters who all attend CCS.