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
- 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
This is Taylor’s second year with us at Excel! She has 6 years of substitute teaching experience in the school district and 3 years as a Teaching Assistant. She also worked in the Records Department at UNR’s Police Department for three years. Taylor enjoys singing on her church’s worship team, cooking, reading, outdoor activities and coaching cheerleading. She has coached for a total of 4 years and this is her second year coaching at Excel. She has a passion for young people and learning, but more importantly, she has a passion for sharing God with them!
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 over 30 years of experience in education. She has been happily married to her husband Jack for almost 41 years, and they have four grown children and 11 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, which means that 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 four boys, but it wasn’t long before we talked her into joining our staff. She recently received her Masters in Secondary Education but loves ingraining a criminal justice theme to all of the classes she teaches. She loves teaching at Excel because we are like a family here, and it’s a place where she can bring God freely into any conversation in any class. Last year, she and her husband Jeff celebrated their 25th anniversary in Hawaii, and were later blessed with another grandson. Calvary Chapel in Reno is where she and her husband attend church. Favorite Bible verses: Romans 12: 6-13 and Matthew 5:16.
- B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing
- Association of Christian Schools International Secondary Mathematics
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 15 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 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.”
Certificates/Licenses
- LPN Licensed Practical Nurse
- Association of Christian Schools International Waiver to Teach Health
Vickie has been 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, and is now teaching Anatomy and Algebra I. Vickie has been happily married to her husband, Ted, for 26 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 students!
Education
- B.S. in Computer Science
Certificates/Licenses
- Association of 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.
Education:
- B.A. in Journalism
- B.S. in Political Science
- Classical Christian Teaching Certification
- Association of Christian Schools International Teacher Certification Qualified
This is Harley’s first year teaching at Excel Christian School. Harley is coming from The Ambrose School in Boise, ID, and is excited to continue her career in Christian Education. She was born and raised in northern Idaho and graduated from Boise State University with two Bachelor’s Degrees in 2020. Harley recently married her husband, Evan, who moved to Reno two years ago to help plant Resonate Church. Harley’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:18 and her favorite book in the Bible is Proverbs. Harley enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Education:
- B.A. Christian Education – Emphasis in Youth Ministry – BIOLA University
- M.A. Leadership – In Progress – William Jessup University
Nick serves as the Nevada State Coordinator with the National Network of Youth Ministries. In this role, he strives to develop unity between churches and provide pastoral care to youth leaders across the state. Nick has been in youth ministry since 2004 when he started interning as a high school student. He spent nine years as the youth pastor of Sparks Christian Fellowship. Nick and Heather have four daughters: Alex, Piper, Maggie, and Louisa. As a fourth-generation Nevadan, he has a passion for seeing our churches united, our communities reconciled, our schools being reached, and all students coming to know Jesus. He truly believes we are “better together.”
Education
- B.A. Elementary Education
- M.S. Special Education
- Nevada State Teaching License
- Association of Christian Schools International Teacher Certification Qualified
Lauren Forbus, Special Education Department Director, holds a Masters of Education with a specialization in Special Education. Raised in Reno/Sparks, she’s a devoted member of Summit Church. Beyond academia, Lauren cherishes moments with her two dogs, Daisy and Harley. Her passion lies in tailoring education to align with each student’s unique cognitive processes, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
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”