Matt Burkhardt, M.A., LCPC

School Counselor

Education

  • B.A. Ministry -Emphasis in Youth
  • M.A. Counseling/Psychology

Certificates/Licenses

  • Clinical Professional Counselor
  • Association for Christian Schools International School Counselor Qualified

 

Matt has worked in the Mental Health field for over 10 years, working the last five as a therapist. This is Matt’s first year at Excel and his first year as a school counselor. Matt has been married to his wife, Teryn, for a little over a year. They have two young children, one son and one daughter. Matt attends Convo Church and his favorite passage of scripture is John 4. Matt loves time with his family, hiking, traveling, watching San Francisco Giants baseball, movies and learning about what others are passionate about. Matt likes working at Excel because of the connections with students and being able to walk with them through such a pivotal time in their lives.

Lisa Cross

Principal

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 almost 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!”

Mark Froese

Operations Manager

Education

  • B.S. in Computer Science

Certificates/Licenses

  • Association for Christian Schools International Teacher Certification

 

This is Mark’s third year at Excel, and he is an important part of the Excel family. He’s been happily married to his wife, Traci, for almost 30 years, and together they have 2 grown children. In his free time he enjoys gardening, archery, reading and hiking. Mark attends Outlook Christian Church and one of his favorite bible verses is Acts 4:13.

Bobby Hunter

Athletic Director

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.

Janine May

Assistant Principal Middle/High School

Education

  • B.S.Physical Education
  • Teacher Certification Program at California State University, Chico
  • Nevada State Teaching License
  • Association of Christian School’s International Teacher Certification Qualified

Janine May first started teaching at Excel in 2011. She left Excel in 2018 to pursue a career as a 5th grade teacher at a local charter school and is now back serving as the assistant principal. She has been an educator for 18 years. Janine has been married to her husband Justin for 18 years, and together they have two sons who attend Excel in High School. Janine attends Crosswinds Church and her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28. She enjoys watching and playing sports, and the company of her yellow lab, Fisher. When asked what she loved about Excel, Janine responded, “Excel is a place where students can come and feel the love, compassion and grace of God.  Every day we strive to make lasting impacts on students and help them navigate life’s situations using God’s word and principles”

Melissa Molina

Assistant Principal – Elementary

Education

  • B.S. Child Development

Certificates/Licenses

  • Nevada Registry Level 5

 

Melissa has been an integral part of Excel’s administrative 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.”