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Head of School
Randall Ball is currently in his 7th year as head of school at Covenant and has thirty years total experience in Christian education, having taught 4th through 11th grades and served as principal at all levels: elementary, middle, and high school. He has the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education from Columbia Bible College (Now Columbia International University), Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University, Master of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University, and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Liberty University. Randall is originally from Bristol, Virginia and moved to Conyers, Georgia as a teenager. He currently resides in McDonough with his wife, Deborah, who he has been married to for thirty-six years. He teaches an adult Sunday school class in his church, and interests include hiking, reading, travelling, and just being a student.
Director of Admissions and Curriculum/Instruction
Barbara Hines is a graduate of Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education of the Deaf. After working with hearing impaired students in Spartanburg, she moved to the Atlanta area in 1985. She began a fourteen career with Sylvan Learning Centers, owning and managing several centers in Macon and the Atlanta area. Barbara has been married to Smyrna native, Rob Hines, for 25 years. They met at Smyrna Presbyterian Church where they are members, and have two daughters, Lindsay Kate and Tori. Both girls attended CCS from K4/K5 through 8th grade. Over the last eighteen years Barbara has worked with CCS as a substitute teacher, a Board member, a teacher, and Head of School. She is currently the Director of Admissions and Instruction. Barbara counts being at CCS as a huge blessing in her life and is very thankful to be a part of His special ministry here. Barbara enjoys spending time with family and friends at home or while traveling, and reading.
Office Manager
Connie Cameron is currently in her 4th year as the office manager at Covenant Christian School. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from the University of Georgia. She is a certified notary with the state of Georgia and has been a member of the Junior League of Atlanta for 20 years. Connie is originally from Southern California, moved to Macon, Georgia as a teenager and currently resides in Smyrna with her husband, Sean, and their two children, Elizabeth (8th grade) and Colleen (5th grade). Other interests include event planning, design, movies and theater.
Director of Development
Mary Denson is new this year in the position of Director of Development at Covenant Christian School. She obtained an AA degree in liberal arts at Columbia College in Columbia, MO and attended The University of Central Oklahoma seeking a degree in business. Mary brings many years of fundraising experience in the independent school world from both large and small schools, including Pace Academy and Atlanta International School. Her most recent experience was in beginning a development office at another local classical, Christian school. Originally from Oklahoma, Mary has lived with her husband, Bill, and three sons in the Atlanta area for 26 years. Other interests include running, gardening, and her two grandchildren.
Bookkeeper/Technology Coordinator
Debra Ashton is now in her 9th year at Covenant as the Bookkeeper/Technology Coordinator. She graduated High School in Wellington, Florida, where she is originally from. She enjoys watching NASCAR with her husband Joe, and their two boys Austen (9th grade) and (Cody 7th grade).
Preschool Director
Phenette Pugh is in her seventh year at Covenant and serves as the Preschool Director and middle school Latin teacher. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and holds a Master’s degree in elementary education from Liberty University. She served as a Petty Officer, Torpedoman's Mate, in the United States Naval Reserve for approximately ten years. Mrs. Pugh is married, and they have three lovely daughters; two attend Georgia universities, and the other is a student at Covenant. Mrs. Pugh enjoys learning about insects and arachnids, photography, and playing competitive tennis.
Teachers
Kathy T. Ganey has been with the Covenant family for the past eight years and currently is a K4 teacher and teacher’s aide. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary education from Francis Marion College in Florence, S.C. Mrs. Ganey was born in Mullins, S.C., and has been married for twenty-nine years to Rev. George F. (“Gef”) Ganey, senior pastor of Smyrna Presbyterian Church. They are blessed with three daughters who are all Covenant graduates: Ashley (26), Lesley (22), and Caroline (17), and they also have a new son-in-law, Chris. When Mrs. Ganey is not involved with working with children, she enjoys reading, music, Braves baseball, and flower gardening.
Joy Harrison is in her eighth year of teaching at Covenant, but her connection with CCS began twelve years ago, when she enrolled her only daughter as a Covenant Pre-K student. Ms. Harrison currently teaches half-day, in the mornings, in the Pre-kindergarten program. Ms. Harrison earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from San Francisco State University and her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in California. Originally from Chicago, Ms. Harrison spent most of her adult years as a resident of San Francisco. Although she misses the bay area, Ms. Harrison has made Georgia her home. Along with her husband and teenage daughter, Ms. Harrison enjoys travelling, music and antiquing.
Paris Garrett has worked nearly fifteen years at Covenant Christian School enriching students in her roles as After School Supervisor and mentor, Director of the K-4 Program, appointed to lead that division in compliance with the Georgia Accreditation Committee, and teacher. Her daughter, Iris, attended Covenant from 1994-2004 as a student from K-4 through eighth grade. Paris attended both Ohio State University where she majored in Communications and the University of Phoenix studying Education. She is presently working on a Bachelor of Arts in Early Elementary education. She is GACE (Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators) as a child development associate, as well as a Gesell Developmental Observation Examiner. When she is not at work, Paris continues to educate children in phonics and reading; however, she has always enjoyed relaxing, spending time with family and her dog, Paco, reading, shopping, and staying up on current events.
Maggie Galbraith is in her 2nd year at Covenant Christian School and teaches K-5. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from Georgia State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in elementary education from American College of Education. Mrs. Galbraith is originally from Jonesboro, Georgia and enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their two pets, Knox (a Golden Retriever) and Jekyll (a fluffy cat)! In her spare time, Mrs. Galbraith loves to travel. Her favorite vacation spot is Costa Rica.
Samyra Setrana teaches K5 and has been at Covenant for 4 years as a parent and 2 years as member of the faculty. She studied art and design at The Art Institute of Chicago and has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary education. She is certified with the state of Georgia in elementary education. Mrs. Setrana is from Chicago, Illinois and moved to Georgia with her husband Freeman and their two children Delali (3rd grade) and Michael (1st grade). Mrs. Setrana’s interests include singing/song writing, fashion design, painting, dancing and sewing.
Garron Bothe is in her 2nd year at Covenant and teaches 1st grade. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from the University of Buffalo and a Master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Phoenix. She is certified with the state of Georgia. Mrs. Bothe is originally from Buffalo, New York and now lives in Mableton with her husband, Jason, and their two children, McKenna (4th grade) and Collin (2nd grade). Other interests include reading, running, and cooking.
April Wehunt is now in her 2nd year at Covenant and teaches 1st grade. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. She is a certified educator in the state of Georgia. Miss Wehunt is originally from Cartersville, GA and moved to the Atlanta area to teach Pre-Kindergarten at The Goddard School, before coming to Covenant. In her free time, she likes to sing at local events, play tennis and spend time with her family.
Shannon Jones is now in her fourth year at Covenant and teaches second grade. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky and a Master’s degree from Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia. She is certified in Early Childhood Education with the state of Georgia and is originally from Conyers, Georgia. Mrs. Jones was married in December to her husband, Ben, and she enjoys exploring interests in the outdoors, photography, and the arts.
Crystal Johnson is now in her 2nd year at Covenant Christian School. She teaches 2nd grade. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Public Relations and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. She is a member of the Georgia School Counselors Association and has received extended training from the Georgia Accreditation Commission. Her professional experience also involves working with the Atlanta Board of Education and Marietta City Schools. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Atlanta and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. While her passion is working with children, she also loves reading, traveling, and attending sporting events.
Becky Van Ameringen is now in her 10th year at Covenant Christian School and teaches 2nd grade. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a certified teacher with 24 years of experience. Mrs. Van Ameringen is originally from Maryville, Tennessee, but spent her "growing-up" years in Illinois. She enjoys hiking, reading, and watching old classic movies with her husband Marcus of 29 years and their daughters when they're available. She also enjoys spending time with her 94 year old mother and 4 brothers and their families in Tennessee.
Robbin Fowler, an Atlanta native, has taught in several Christian schools and is presently teaching third grade at Covenant Christian School. After receiving a degree in Biblical Education from Florida Bible College, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Baptist University of America in Decatur, Georgia. Mrs. Fowler is certified with the state of Georgia and the Association of Christian School’s International. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have been married twenty-seven years and are the parents of four and grandparents of four. Mrs. Fowler sings in her church choir and enjoys Christian drama.
.jpg) Micah Francis is now in his 5th year at Covenant and teaches 3rd grade. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Covenant College. He is certified with the state of Georgia and the Association of Christian School’s International, with both certifications in elementary education. Mr. Francis is from Mableton, Georgia. His interests include reading and traveling.
Renee Campbell is currently enjoying her seventh year at Covenant Christian School and teaches fourth grade. She has studied elementary education at Nyack College and has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree. She received her Master of Education degree at Liberty University. She holds a CDA and is certified with the Association of Christian Schools International. Mrs. Campbell enjoys reading God’s word, spending time with family and friends, and creating crafty items.
Sharon Chunn is in her 3rd "tour of duty " here at Covenant Christian School. In 1984, Covenant was her first teaching position. She taught first grade from 1997 - 1999 and has returned this year to teach fourth grade. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She holds a Georgia teaching certificate and has 22 years of educational experience. Mrs. Chunn is a native Georgian, living in Cobb County from birth. She and her husband, Mark, have two grown children, Kristen and Michael. Mrs. Chunn enjoys reading, traveling, singing, and most of all cruising.
Mary Louise Davis is in her ninth year at Covenant and teaches 5th grade. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Colorado Christian College, a BA in Christian Education from Bryan College, and a Master of Education in Learning Disabilities/Interrelated Disabilities from Georgia State University. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and is working on Orton-Gillingham Certification. Being single, she has 13 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. Her interests are traveling in the US and abroad, missions, reading and history.
Kathy Registe began teaching at Covenant Christian School for the school year 2014-2015 in the 5th grade. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University with courses in Elementary Education and Middle School curriculum taken at the University of Rhode Island. Mrs. Registe has a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education and Urban Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Currently, she is preparing to complete requirements to be a Certified teacher in Georgia. She has been teaching in Christian schools since 1999 with experience in 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades as well as Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten. Mrs. Registe is originally from Rhode Island and relocated to Atlanta in 2006 when she married her husband, Bernard, who is originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica. Her other interests and experiences have included serving as a missionary with Mercy Ships and Youth with a Mission. She presently is involved in the children’s ministry and local missions department of her church. Kathy and her husband Bernard love to travel visiting family and friends and looking for historical places of interest on their journey.
Edward (Ned) Holcombe is in his seventh year at Covenant and presently teaches Middle School Bible, history, logic, and geography. He received a BA in Political Science from the Citadel and a BA in History/BS in Social Sciences from Kennesaw University, graduating as a Summa Cum Laude. He is certified by both the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Association of Christian Schools International, with both certifications at the 6-12 grades covering history, social sciences, economics, and geography. Originally, from Charleston, S.C., he has been married forty years to Carolyn. Together, they have two children. Mr. Holcombe enjoys reading, debating both religious and political issues, and teaching.
Steve Hudson joined the CCS faculty in 2005. He holds a B.A. in journalism from Asbury College (now Asbury University), a Christian liberal arts college in Kentucky, and an M.F.A. in acting from the University of Louisville. In 2003, after several years of private tutoring in New York City, he began teaching full time at The Geneva School of Manhattan, another classical Christian school. Although he loved the school there, he decided it was time to return to his Southern roots and enjoy being close to family once again. In 2005, he relocated to the Atlanta area, where God brought him here to CCS.
Cynthia Ray is in her 4th year at Covenant Christian and teaches middle school math and science. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in French and a Master of Science in Child Development with an emphasis on children’s programs. She is also a certified PECS instructor for communication disorders and completed training in neurology and learning efficiency. Mrs. Ray grew up in McDonough, Georgia, but has lived in Smyrna for 27 years. She has been married to Scott Ray for 30 years, and they have three daughters: Katie, Sydney and Jesse Lynn. Mrs. Ray enjoys reading, completing crossword puzzles, and watching baseball.
Jennifer Bain is in her first year at Covenant, teaching K-8th Art. She has a B.A. in Studio Art and certification in both Art and Early Childhood Education for Pre-K through 5th grades from Limestone College and from USC Upstate. She lives with her husband, Brett, and daughter, Brenna, in Smyrna, where they are members of Smyrna First Baptist Church. She enjoys painting, spending time with family, visiting the beach, bicycling, and walking.
Angela Bumgarner is now in her 3rd year at Covenant and teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade computers. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Programming: Information Systems from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is also pursuing certification with the Association of Christian School’s International. Mrs. Bumgarner is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Phillip, and their four children, Hannah (10th grade - CCS Alumni), Alexandrea (8th grade), Sophia (5th grade), and Victoria (K5). Other interests include music, being outdoors, and a good cup of coffee!
Julie Elrod has been teaching at Covenant for 7 years and currently teaches music to K5-3rd grade. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Samford University. She has taught elementary music for 12 years and has Orff level 1 certification. Mrs. Elrod is originally from Rome, Georgia and enjoys spending time with her husband, Luke, and their three children, Lucy Belle (age 9), Jesse (age 4) and Lily Cate (2 weeks). She also enjoys leading worship at Smyrna First Baptist, spending time with friends and cooking.
Cynthia Temple is in her 2nd year at Covenant and teaches 4th-8th grade music. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Berry College and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Liberty University. She is certified with the state of Georgia and the Association of Christian School’s International, with both certifications in music education for grades K-12. Mrs. Temple is an Atlanta native and enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Scott, and their four children, Austin (Music Educator in Georgia), Ian (Junior at Truett-McConnell College), Lindsey (Sophomore at Liberty University) and Kathryn (High School Senior). Other interests include reading, theology, mentoring, and the dramatic arts.
Zandra Oatis-Bell is now in her 4th year at Covenant and teaches Physical Education. She has a B.S. degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Health Science Administration from Central Michigan University. She is certified in the states of Georgia and Florida, with a certificate to teach K-12. Ms. Oatis-Bell is originally from Atlanta, GA and enjoys
Librarian
Heidi Shaw is in her second year as Librarian at Covenant Christian School. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida State University, where she participated in collegiate athletics as a synchronized swimmer. She also has a Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Athens Technical College, and while working at St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta was Clinical Coordinator for Education in the Rehab Department. Mrs. Shaw is originally from Sarasota, Florida. She is married to Michael Shaw and has a daughter, Madison, who is in 1st Grade at Covenant. Mrs. Shaw enjoys competing in road races and triathlons, doing Tae Kwon Do with her daughter, and is an avid reader.
Teacher Assistants and/or Day Care Workers
Brenda Gilbert-Dumas is now in her 8th year working at Covenant as a substitute teacher, librarian and after-care worker. She has three certifications in nursing, medical office and business management. She enjoys swimming, reading, chess and fishing and has a daughter who is a senior at Whitefield Academy.
Leanza Gilbert is a former CCS student from K5-8th grade and is now in her first year of working at CCS. She is a senior in high school at Whitefield Academy. Her hobbies and interests include playing the violin and piano and spending time with her friends. Her mom Brenda works at CCS as well.
Anthernett Greenway is in her 1st year as before care supervisor and teacher assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Valdosta State University. Mrs. Greenway and her husband Keith have one daughter, India, who keeps them actively involved in walks for charity. The Greenways enjoy camping and hiking in the North Georgia mountains.
Talia Jeanty-Hilaire has been at CCS for 3 years, working as a substitute and now as a full time paraprofessional. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Architecture from Pratt Institute. She is LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) certified in the state of Georgia and also is certified as a Project Management Professional. She is the mother of 3rd grader, Coralie-Anne, and a Preschooler, Sidney Marissa Hilaire. Mrs. Jeanty-Hilaire’s hobbies include reading, playing the piano and drawing. She also has an avid interest in construction, renovation, interiors and childhood education.
Shannon Horne is now in her ninth year at CCS in After-Care (this being her first as after-care supervisor), yearbook designer and teacher aide. She was homeschooled and graduated from Christian Liberty Academy. She was born and raised in Georgia and lives with her parents and younger brother. She enjoys music, video games, traveling, art, photography, cooking and spending time with her boyfriend, friends and family.
Elnor Woods is in her fourth year at CCS as an After-Care teacher. She began her career in early child development as a volunteer at her daughter’s daycare center in Chicago. Miss Woods accepted a teacher’s aide position at the daycare center and returned to school to receive her Child Development Associates. Miss Woods worked in the same center her daughter attended for more than twelve years. Miss Woods is the mother of two. She has a son who is 30, Taji Woods and a 22 year old daughter, Alia. Her four grandchildren are the loves of her life. Miss Woods loves the word of God and is a teacher of four and five year olds at her church. She loves music, party planning, movies, and children.
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