Delmarva Christian Schools announce new staff members

With 14 years of service to Christian families, Delmarva Christian Schools proudly educates over 500 students from 6 weeks old to 12th grade. With 14 percent growth over the previous year, an increase in school staff members became necessary. DCS is proud to announce 17 new faculty and staff members to join the Royals family for the 2017-18 school year.

Beverly Race, a special education paraprofessional and early childhood instructor for over eight years, joins the Delmarva Christian Schools Early Learning Center. Race is the lead teacher for young toddlers. She has been married for 30 years and has one son.

Brenda Van Pelt attends World of Hope Church and is a great woman of God. While previously volunteering for Eagle's Nest Christian School and owning an in-home day care, Van Pelt found her love for children. Joining Adrienne Burbage, she is an assistant teacher in the nursery.

While working on a bachelor's degree in elementary education and obtaining her training for early care and education credentials 1 and 2, Shannon Connolly has taken a position as the new lead teacher in the older toddlers classroom in the Early Learning Center.

Stephanie Setzer comes to Delmarva Christian Early Learning Center with a bachelor's degree in business administration and minor in human resources from Goldey-Beacom. With previous work experience at the Boys & Girls Club and Shell We Bounce, Setzer is familiar with young children. She is lead teacher for the 2-year-olds.

Kim Jensen, RN, BSN, a graduate of Towson University with a bachelor of science degree, is the Delmarva Christian Milton Campus school nurse. Jensen has been a nurse for 25 years with the last 10 as a school nurse.

Katie Miller, Solid Ground Church co-founder with her husband Bert Miller, teaches the 4-year-olds. Miller attended Eastern University and Evangel University, receiving a bachelor's degree in missions studies and social sciences. She is also director of children's ministries at Solid Ground in Lewes.

A graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education with concentrations in English and science, Rachael Savini is one of two first-grade teachers at Delmarva Christian. She is from Maine and has taught kindergarten, first and fifth grades.

Emilee Virdin, a recent graduate of Delaware State University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and special education, comes to Delmarva Christian teaching first grade. Virdin is from Hartly, and she attends 4 The World Ministries.

Cally McCullough was a teacher in the Philippines at a Christian school her family owns. Now she is the DCMC paraprofessional for the third-grade classroom. With a bachelor's degree in mass communication from St. Theresa's College, Philippines, McCullough started her career as a news anchor, but quickly learned teaching was the path God had chosen for her. She has been teaching students for more than 18 years.

A graduate of Eastern University, Leah Wilson teaches fourth grade at Delmarva Christian Milton Campus. She is from Rehoboth Beach and attends Solid Ground Church where her fiancé is the student pastor.

Caroline Schneck, a previous teacher at Eagle's Nest School and mother of two, teaches middle school history and Bible for Delmarva Christian Milton Campus. With a bachelor of science degree in middle level education, Schneck has nine years of teaching experience that includes teaching middle school students as well as adults.

A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in elementary education with a concentration in science and a middle school endorsement in math and science, Julie Eckels is the DCMC middle school science teacher. Prior to Delmarva Christian, Eckels taught at Red Lion Christian and Calvary Christian academies. She grew up in Pennsylvania, but spent her high school career as a missionary child in Qingdao, China. After four years, the Eckels family returned stateside with a greater love and knowledge of God and his world, and a special love for children.

Jason Evans attends Water's Edge Church in Milton and Milford where he leads worship. Earning his bachelor's degree in music from Southern Wesleyan University, Evans teaches music at DCMC. For 10 years, Evans led worship at a church in South Carolina.

Martez "Tez" Hagans, a personal trainer and founder of the Association of American Universities Delaware Elite basketball team, teaches physical education at Delmarva Christian Milton Campus. Hagans is also assistant coach for the Delmarva Christian High School basketball team.

A graduate of Delaware Technical Community College with a nursing degree and a registered nursing license, Sherry Stewart is the Delmarva Christian High School nurse. Over the past several years, Stewart has worked at a family practice that oversees pediatric and geriatric care with a focus on chronic care management. Stewart, her husband and their three children have been members of Lewes Presbyterian Church for over 20 years.

A leader for worship, youth ministry, and women's ministry, as well as the pianist for Slaughter Neck United Methodist Church, Sharon Stevens teaches psychology at Delmarva Christian High School. Stevens graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in education and a minor in psychology. While teaching and ministering in church, Stevens obtained a degree in ministry from Christian World College of Theology.

Jeff Donihue, a pastor at Denton Wayside Churches of Christ in Christian Union, starts at Delmarva Christian High School as the world history and Bible teacher. With five years of experience, Donihue previously taught history and science at Lighthouse Christian School in Dagsboro. Attending Anderson University and Ohio Christian University, Donihue received a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in practical theology.

The mission of Delmarva Christian Schools is to proclaim the gospel by preparing students spiritually, academically and physically to know and do God's will in their lives.

For more information, call Delmarva Christian High School at 302-856-4040 or Delmarva Christian Milton Campus at 302-684-4983 or go to www.delmarvachristian.com.