Certifications/Licenses

• Ordained minister

Linda has been working at Excel for over 10 years now, and is happy that 2 of her 4 grandchildren attend school here. She is passionate about Jesus and worship, and she attends Reno Assembly of God. Her favorite Bible passage is Ephesians 1:3-8. She has been happily married to her husband Michael for 43 years, and together they have 3 grown children. Linda enjoys reading, hiking, and golfing in her free time. Being at Excel allows her to fulfill God’s calling on her life through worship and teaching, and she loves being able to teach His Word to the students. It’s a blessing to see them grow in their faith and step into the call that God has for them.

Education

• B.S. Speech Communications
• M.B.A. in progress

Lindsay is new to Excel this year, and she comes to us with a passion to walk alongside them and develop a relationship that will allow her to share the great love and miracle of Jesus. She has experience as a youth pastor, and is currently serving as a Director for Young Life. In her free time Lindsay enjoys spending time with friends, riding her horse and going on adventures with her Golden Retriever puppy. She attends Outlook Christian Church and her favorite bible verse is Joshua 1:9.

Education

• Fire Science
• B.A. in Education (in progress)

Certificates/Licenses

• Licensed Minister (Trinity Bible College)

Ruben, a father of three, has over 10 years of experience in youth ministry and served as a youth pastor through the Assembly of God. He is currently in his 3rd year at Excel, and when he’s not teaching he enjoys the outdoors and coaching & playing baseball. His favorite bible verse is Philippians 1:6, and his favorite thing about Excel is the staff and the amazing students.

Education

• B.A. in Criminal Justice
• B.A. in Psychology

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian School International Teacher Certification

Taylor is a new hire this year, and she comes to us with 6 years of substitute teaching experience in the school district. When she isn’t lesson planning and teaching, Taylor enjoys singing, cooking and outdoor activities. She has a passion for young people and learning, but more importantly, she has a passion for sharing God with them. Welcome to Excel, Taylor!

Education

• B.S. Education
• M.S. Education

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian Schools International All-levels Principal Certified
• Nevada State Administrator License Qualified
• Nevada State Teacher License Qualified
• Association of Christian Schools International Secondary Teacher Certification

Lisa Cross was one of the founding teachers at Excel Christian School in 2003, and she has been the Principal since 2011. Lisa has almost 30 years of experience in education. She has been happily married to her husband Jack for 40 years, and they have four grown children and 9 grandchildren so far. Lisa attends Outlook Christian Church and one of her favorite Bible verses is Psalm 13:5-6. She enjoys the ocean, traveling, and time spent with friends and family. Why does Lisa love Excel? “Whether I’m with students or employees, I know that God has brought each and every one, and I can expect great things!”

Education

• A.A. English and Criminal Justice
• B.A. Criminal Justice with a minor in English
• M.A. in Secondary Education

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian Schools International Secondary Teacher Certification in English

Jackie first came to Excel in 2013 as a mom enrolling her own children, but it wasn’t long before we talked her into joining our staff. She has been happily married to her husband Jeff for 24 years, and together they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Her favorite Bible verses are Romans 12: 6-13. She attends Grace Community Church. Jackie loves teaching at Excel because it’s a family, and it’s a place where she can bring God freely into any conversation or lesson.

Education

• Degree in Theology

Certificates/Licenses

• Licensed and ordained minister

Pastor Craig is the senior pastor at Convo Church. He has been happily married for 22 years and is the father of 3 children, one of whom is a senior at Excel this year. When he is not teaching at Excel or his church, he enjoys working out and traveling. His passion for preaching is often enjoyed at school chapel.

Hi! My name is Ellen Glavin. My admiration for Excel began with my husband. He is an Excel Alumni that graduated in 2006. Excel helped add to the foundation of my husband’s faith in the Lord. When our son reached the age of kindergarten, it was a unanimous decision to have him attend Excel. After just one year of our son attending this school, I realized all the amazing things God is doing here. I knew I wanted to be a part of it, too! After much prayer and seeking the Lord, He led me to go into education.

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian Schools International Waiver to Teach in the Arts Department

David has been a part-time employee at Excel for over 13 years. He’s part-time because he’s a working entertainer with decades of stage experience. He is also an accomplished visual artist and local painting instructor. David has been happily married to his wife Karen for almost 34 years, and together they have two grown children. He attends Outlook Christian Church and his favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13. When David isn’t on a stage or at school, he enjoys busking (street entertaining) and bringing joy and happiness to people. He is a variety musician who plays the alto saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, piano, drums, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Why he is at Excel: “I love inspiring and motivating the young people to find their talents and develop them!”

Education

• A.A. Arts & Science
• B.A. Communications & Sociology

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian Schools International Athletic Director Certification

This is Bobby’s second year at Excel. He was formerly a Personal trainer/JAG instructor for the Washoe County School District. He also started his own basketball program, More to the Game, and has run basketball skills camps in various parts of the west. Bobby played college basketball for Illinois State and was part of the NAIA D2 National Champion team. He has a giant ring to prove it! His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 19:26 and he and his family are currently looking for a church home. Bobby and his wife Allison have been happily married for 7 years. He enjoys spending time with their daughter Nye who is in the PreK program at Excel, and he also enjoys hiking. Why does he like Excel? He loves the family environment, and looks forward to building a strong athletic program.

Education

• B.S. Child Development

Melissa has been an integral part of Excel’s team  since she joined us in 2012 to start a Pre-K program here at Excel. She has been happily married to her husband Ron, for 4 years, and together they share 1 daughter, Amelia Joy. Melissa attends Outlook Christian Church and her favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 2:9. When Melissa isn’t working with children she enjoys community events, outdoor activities, and adventures of any kind. When asked why she loves Excel, she replied, “I enjoy being a part of a faith based community. I like that we get to walk with and disciple students Pre K through 12th grade. I love the ability to instill within each child a thirst for knowledge and our Lord that they will carry for the rest of their lives.”

Education

• B.S. Civil/Environmental Engineering
• M.S. Math Education

Certificates/Licenses

• Association of Christian Schools International Secondary Teacher Certification in Mathematics
• Nevada State Teacher License Qualified

Dave Ryan serves as the middle and high school assistant principal and teaches high school chemistry and math. He has been working in education for 19 years. Dave has been married to his beautiful bride Fran for 25 years and together they have 1 teenager and 2 grown children. He attends Summit Christian Church and his favorite Bible verse is Philippians 2:3-8. Dave shared that he loves working with the Godly, humble servants God has brought to Excel’s staff. He loves being a part of what God is doing in our students as they grow in the truth and knowledge of Jesus.

Education

• B.A. Education; Spanish & English

Certificates/Licenses

• Nevada State Teacher License Qualified
• Association of Christian Schools International Secondary English & Spanish Teacher Certification

April Sovey has been teaching for Excel since 2013. She has been an educator for 12 years. She has one child and some sea monkeys. April attends Horizon Christian Church and her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 16: 5-11. She enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, and reading both prose and poetry. When asked what she loved about working at Excel, April stated, “It’s a family atmosphere centered in Christ.”

Certificates/Licenses
• LPN Licensed Practical Nurse
• Association of Christian Schools International Waiver to Teach Health

Vickie has been involved at Excel since 2013, when Legacy Christian School merged with Excel. She started here as our school nurse, but it wasn’t long before she was teaching Health and other electives. She was pulled into teaching English and Speech and Debate when the administration noticed her strong writing skills and her love for literature. Vickie has been happily married to her husband, Ted, for 24 years and together they share 4 grown children, 2 of whom are Excel alumni. She attends Harvest Family Fellowship and her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 11:27. She enjoys needle crafting, genealogy and reading. The best part about being at Excel for her is the kids!