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Dr. Blake Little, Chairman
Frank Buchanan, Vice Chairman
Aileen Gronewold, Secretary
Frank Buchanan
Church: Peace Tabernacle
Occupation: Lead Pastor
Education: Accounting, C.P.A.; currently obtaining Master's Degree in Theology; Ordained Minister
Spouse: Angela
Goal: To help create an atmosphere for Christian learning
Theresa Calandro
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Housewife
Education: BS in Mathematics SMSU 1987
Spouse: Chris
Goal: To ensure that our foundation in Christ does not waver, and to increase opportunities for our students.
Kelly Chenoweth
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Senior Energy Services Representative, Empire Electric Company
Education: BS, Management, OSU 1982, MBA, OSU 1984
Spouse: Jodie
Goal: Financial stability, full classes, administrative continuity, expanded athletic and activity programs
Dave DeSonier
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Officer & VP, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations, Leggett & Platt Education: BS Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines; MBA, Southern Methodist University
Spouse: Roanne
Goal: Glorify God by providing the generally-acknowledged, best all-around (i.e. academic, athletic, artistic, spiritual, social) educational experience in the 4-states.
Robb Good
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Education: High School
Spouse: Lori
Goal: Provide opportunties for students to learn in a Christ-centered environment
Aileen Gronewold
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Corporate Governance Manager, Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
Education: B.A. in English & Communications, MSSU, 1998
Spouse: Roger
Goal: Increase visibility in community; improve academics and college preparation
Jim Guhr
Church: Forest Park Baptist Church
Occupation: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Education: Bachelor of Science
Spouse: Christy
Goal: Increase CHCS' visibility and increase mission emphasis
Steve Lett
Church: Christ Church of Joplin
Occupation: Professional Engineer & Surveyor
Education: BS in Civiil Engineering from the University of Rolla - Rolla
Spouse: Beverly
Goal: To serve Christ through serving College Heights Christian School
Dr. Blake Little
Church: Forest Park Baptist
Occupation: Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine
Education: BA Biology UMKC 1984; M.D. UMKC 1986
Spouse: Missy
Goal: Improve academics, tuition assistance
Rick Massey
Church: Christ's Church of Joplin
Occupation: Elder at Christ's Church of Joplin, President/CEO of Total Electronics Contracting, Inc.
Education: DeVry University, Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology. NICET, NBFAA, MBFAA, ASAA, Certified. BICI, NFPA member.
Spouse: Michelle
Goal: To improve the value of missions among our families and improved compensation for the staff.
Marie Moeller
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Speech/Language Pathologist
Education: BS in Speech/Language Pathology & Audiology; MS in Speech/Language Pathology
Goal: Increase requirements and quality of student writing
Dale Harrington
Church: College Heights Christian Church
Occupation: Asst. Director of HR- Empire District Electric Co.
Education: BSBA-Accounting, Missouri Southern State University
Spouse: Pam
Goal: Promote and support Heritage of Excellence and Bridge to the Future plans, ensuring continued high academic achievement and Spiritual development in a Christ-centered learning environment.
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The History of College Heights |
CHCS glorifies God through excellence as a Christ-centered learning environment that produces servant-leaders with a Biblical worldview.
- CHCS Mission Statement
College Heights was established in 1978 as a private, non-denominational, not-for-profit school serving grades K-8. Beginning with the 1979-80 school year, one high school grade was added annually until the first senior class graduated in 1983.
The facility has been enlarged four times. In 1980, the first addition was completed offering seven classrooms, a library, offices, and the gymnasium. By August, 1990, the church expansion was completed making available to the school four high school classrooms, kindergarten space, and more offices. In January, 1994, students moved into three new classrooms and a science lab. To meet the continued need for Christian education, two modular buildings containing four classrooms were placed east of the building in the summer of 1994, and an additional modular building was purchased in the spring of 1995. In January, 1998, an expansion which included kindergarten space, high school classes, a computer lab, a band room, and a choir room was completed to address our continued growth and improved curriculum provisions. We continued to expand to meet our growing needs in the fall of 2003. The Lord again blessed us with the addition of 6 new classrooms and a conference room.
Enrollment has increased over the years from 78 in grades K-8, to over 550 in pre-school through twelfth grade. This increase shows that a Christ-centered educational program was needed in the community. We are very pleased that College Heights Christian School has been able to meet that need.
Over seventy-five area churches are represented by our students, staff, faculty, and school board members. It has been a great advantage to the school to have so many from the community dedicate their time and services to Christian education.
The elementary and secondary programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and we have been a member of Association of Christian Schools, International (ACSI) since 1997. We have truly been blessed! |
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 Margaret graduated from Kansas University and has been teaching young children ever since. She has taught in both public and private schools, and has also taught Sunday School and children's church. Her most interesting teaching experience was teaching Bible school to children in Brazil on several different mission trips to that area. Margaret is married and has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. Presently, she is teaching the Pre-kindergarten 4 & 5 year old class at College Heights and she loves it! Margaret earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Missouri Southern.
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 Mrs. Kruse has served as the College Heights Counselor since retiring from Joplin High School spring of 2008, after 32 years in the public school system. Mrs. Kruse taught 7th grade math for 5 years at Carl Junction prior to moving to the Joplin School System. In Joplin, she served as a guidance counselor at South Junior High, Joplin Junior High and transferred to Joplin High School in 1991 where she served as the Guidance Department Chair for 12 years. Mrs. Kruse received her B.S.E. in Mathematics from Missouri Southern State University followed by her M.S.E. and Ed.S. in Guidance Counseling from Pittsburg State University. Mrs. Cruse and her husband attend Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin.
Patricia Walker Kruse
Mrs. Kruse has served as the College Heights Counselor since retiring from Joplin High School spring of 2008, after 32 years in the public school system. Mrs. Kruse taught 7th grade math for 5 years at Carl Junction prior to moving to the Joplin School System. In Joplin, she served as a guidance counselor at South Junior High, Joplin Junior High and transferred to Joplin High School in 1991 where she served as the Guidance Department Chair for 12 years. Mrs. Kruse received her B.S.E. in Mathematics from Missouri Southern State University followed by her M.S.E. and Ed.S. in Guidance Counseling from Pittsburg State University.
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 Krista graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a BA in Speech Communications. She was the Director of Admissions at Vatterott College until 2000 when she finally had the opportunity to be a full time mother. She has been a substitute teacher at College Heights for several years and is currently a Pre3 and PreK aide. Krista is married to Terry, and they attend College Heights Christian Church. Her three children Caitlin, Kyle and Avery all attend CHCS. She enjoys painting in her free time, spending time with her family, friends, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
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 Jeanne graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education in 1994. She also earned a diploma in Spanish from the Language Institute in San Jose, Costa Rica in 2004. She is married to Brock, who is the Missions Pastor at Forest Park Baptist Church. Jeanne and Brock have four boys: Luke, Caleb, Nathan and Seth. Prior to moving to Joplin the Cummins family served as missionaries to Venezuela for four years. Jeanne joined CHCS in 2009 and currently teaches Elementary and Middle School Spanish. |
 Julie graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2001 with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She also minored in music. Julie has taught fourth grade at CHCS since 2001. Julie and her husband attend Christ's Church of Oronogo. She is active in the children's ministry. She enjoys playing with her daughter, Marla. |
 Shannon earned her BSE from MSSU. She absolutely loves teaching 3rd grade here at College Heights. She and her husband Jarett have three children (Mitchell, Riley, and Hayden) who attend CHCS. They are active members of First United Methodist Church of Joplin. Shannon enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends. |
 Sonya Wilkins has been with College Heights since 2000. She teaches Kindergarten and First grade music, as well as coordinates the Missions program for the High School. In addition, she is the administrative assistant to the Guidance Counselor, Patty Kruse. |
 Nancy graduated from MSSU in 1975 and then earned a Master's degree from CMSU in 1979. She taught Kindergarten in the public school for 28 years before coming to CHCS. Teaching at CHCS since 2004, Nancy feels that "being here is an answer to my prayers." She volunteers through her church with Missionettes, Women's Ministries, choir and Prison Ministry. Nancy has two children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies are gardening and decorating. |
 Katie began teaching at College Heights Christian School in the fall of 2006. Her classes include American Government, Geography, US History, World History and Psychology. Katie coaches the middle school girls basketball team and assists with the girls high school basketball team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education at OSU with a major in social studies and minor in music. She and her husband, David, have two girls, Allison and Melanie. They attend College Heights Christian Church. |
 Charmagne has been teaching high school English at College Heights since 2006. She has a BA in English and Psychology from Pittsburg State University. She is married and has two children. |
 Sue graduated from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. She received Missouri teaching certification from Missouri Southern State University. She taught in the junior high and senior high at College Heights Christian School for 22 years and returned to team teach first grade with Cindy Cruse in 2004. She and her husband, Jim, live in Carthage and attend College Heights Christian Church. They have two children and five grandchildren. |
 Michele attended and graduated from Evangel University in Springfield, MO. Michele taught 1994-1999 and then returned home to be a full-time mother. She returned to CHCS in 2005 to teach kindergarten. Michele and her husband, Ron, have been married since 1997 and have two children, Hannah and Sarah. |
 Lisa graduated from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas with a Bachelor of Music in Applied/Vocal and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has taught 3rd grade at CHCS since 2003. Lisa and her husband, Dallas, live in Baxter Springs, KS where Dallas is the Senior Pastor at First Assembly of God. They have three children, Paige, Morgan and Drew. Paige and Morgan are both graduates of CHCS, and Drew is currently enrolled in high school. |
 Janene graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Missouri Southern State College in 1996. She began teaching at College Heights in 2003. Prior to that, Janene spent four years teaching at Diamond High School. Janene and her husband, Jim, live in Joplin with their three boys and are members of Christ's Church of Oronogo. |
 Jane grew up in Jamaica, went to college at Ozark Christian College from 1972-1976, then spent 25 years in the Caribbean (Saint Vincent, Jamaica & Saint Lucia) serving as a missionary with her husband, Jeff. She began directing extended care at CHCS in 2003, and teaching enrichment in 2004. |
 Dr. Rhea came to CHCS in 2005 after 32 years in public education. He spent 28 years as a building principal, director of curriculum or district level administrator. He and his wife, Susan, have been married since 1972 and have two daughters and five grandchildren. Dr. Rhea believes that all students are capable of success and it is our responsibility as educators to make that happen. He is excited to be a part of a school that embraces this fundamental belief. Dr. Rhea and his wife are active members at Forest Park Baptist Church. |
 Stacey graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 2001 and spent two years teaching English as a second language (ESL) in Honduras, Central America. Stacey taught 3rd grade from 2005-2007 in the Kansas City area and moved to Joplin in 2007 after getting married. |
 Carrie graduated from SMSU in 1984 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. Carrie and her husband, Philip, have three children, John, Carolyne, and Christa. She began teaching at College Heights in 1999. |
 Julie earned a B.S. in Christian Education from Cincinnati Bible College, a B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. She has taught since 1982 in both public and private schools. She is married and has two children who have both graduated from CHCS. |
 Nancy graduated from Missouri Southern State College in 1985, and now teaches 6-8 Grade Social Studies, sponsors the Middle School Scholars Bowl Team, and also sponsors, the Middle School student government. Nancy is married, has three children and one grandchild. She and her husband, Gary, have been members of College Heights Christian Church since 1981. |
 Sheryl Murray and her husband, Rob, have two grown children. They attend College Heights Christian Church. Sheryl has a B.S. in secondary education from the University of Wyoming and a M.S. from Pensacola Christian College. She has taught at various elementary and secondary schools as well as home schooling her own children. |
 Jean received her B.S. Education in Biology from Pittsburg State University and her Masters of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Missouri Columbia. She has taught High School Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Biology, and Anatomy at College Heights Christian School since 1995, and is the High School Scholar's Bowl Coach. Prior to that, Jean taught at Joplin High School, Washington High in Kansas City, and Braymer, Missouri. She and her husband, Keith, are active at Forest Park Baptist Church. Jean was honored as the 2005 Golden Apple Award recipient by the Joplin Chamber of Commerce. |
 Jane graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1988. Jane married Cliff in 1991 and they have two children, Abby and Samuel. Jane loves Sooner football, swimming, reading and Branson vacations! |
 Mr. Lewis came to CHCS in 1988 as a History teacher and coach of track and soccer. He previously taught at Moore Christian Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. Mr. Lewis became the Secondary Principal in 2006. He and his wife, Jodeana, have been married since 1983 and have seven children and three grandchildren. Mr. Lewis and his family are active members of the Scotland Church of God. |
 Christi received an Associate Degree from NEO A&M in Miami, Oklahoma. She has earned a Bachelors Degree in Education from Missouri Southern in Joplin, Missouri. Christi has 29 hours of post graduate work and has also earned a degree from Northeast Area Vo-Tech in Afton, Oklahoma. |
 LuAnne graduated from MSSU with a BA in Theater. She is married to James Hebert. Between them, they have 6 children and one grandson. She was a preschool teacher for 1 year, para educator with middle school children for two years, Parent Educator for Parents as Teachers for 9 years, and aide for speech pathologist for three years. LuAnne joined CHCS as Mrs. Cales' aide in the Fall of 2007. |
 Kim received her BA and Secondary Teaching Certificate in 1991 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She grew up in Springfield, MO, and has lived in the Webb City area since 1994. She teaches 11th grade American Literature and Composition as well as 12th grade AP Literature and Composition. She has been teaching at CHCS since December 2006. Kim believes reading the classics and learning to express oneself in writing is essential. Exploring the English language is an adventure that is different for each student and she can't wait to see where each year leads. |
 Pam graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics Education and an A.S. in Computer Science from Missouri Southern State University. She began teaching at College Heights in 2001. Pam and her husband, Lyle, are members of College Heights Christian Church. They have three daughters. |
 Michelle graduated from MSSC with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and SMSU with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has taught elementary since 1995. She and her husband John have two daughters Mikah and Mackenzie, who both attend CHCS. She and her family are very involved with their church, St. Paul's UMC in Joplin. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and many outdoor activities. |
 Thane Garnett, CHCS alum of 2002, received his B.S.E. in Mathematics from MSSU in 2008. Thane coaches cross country and track. Thane is married to Bethany and they attend College Heights Christian Church. |
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Karla Gaines attended college in Springfield, MO at Evangel University with a volleyball scholarship. While in Springfield, she began Nursing School at Cox Hospital. After Karla and her husband, Kent, were married in 1983, she transferred to MSSC to finish her Nursing degree. After graduation as a Registered Nurse, she worked in ICU, CCU, ER, and OB for 20 years. Karla continues to work as a nurse during the summer months. Since 1998, Karla has been coaching volleyball at College Heights. Her husband, Kent, is a veterinarian and has his own practice east of Carthage. They attend First Assembly of God in Carthage and are very active in leadership, teach Sunday School and are involved on the Praise and Worship team. They have two children, Cody and Lacey, a 2005 graduate of CHCS. |
 Mike received his B.S. in Biology and B.S. in Education from MSSU and his M.S. in Secondary Education from Pittsburg State. He taught in Carthage for 29 years before coming to CHCS in 2004. Mike and his wife, Marva, have two sons, Matt and Drew. Their church home is Fairview Christian in Carthage. |
 Rebecca graduated from Arkansas State University in 1972 with her Master of Science in Elementary Education and a concentration of hours in reading instruction. She has taught Kindergarten through sixth grades during her many years of teaching. Rebecca currently serves as the kindergarten half-day teacher and the elementary art teacher. She is grateful to be a part of the CHCS family. Rebecca and her husband Ed have four children and attend the First Baptist Church of Lamar. |
 Tabitha Davison graduated summa cum laude from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Speech/Theatre Education. She teaches high school speech, drama, biblical relationships, and film study. She and her husband Michael live in Joplin with their two children Isaac and Emma. |
 Leah graduated from Missouri Southern State College and Ozark Christian College with a BSE (Bachelors of Science in Education). She has been teaching at College Heights since 1992. Leah graduated from College Heights in 1987. She and her husband, John Blankenship attend College Heights Christian Church. |
 John graduated from Ozark Christian College and Missouri Southern State College with a Bachelor of Biblical Literature / Psychology. He teaches High School Bible classes and coaches High School Girls Basketball. He and his wife, Leah, are members at College Heights Christian Church. |
 Kelli and her husband, Mark, have four children. She began teaching at College Heights in 2003. Kelli and her family are members of Galena Assembly of God. In 1987, she graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. In 1997, she achieved a Master of Library Science Degree from Emporia State University. |
 Barbara received her B.S. in Education from MSSC and has earned 21 post graduate hours. She has enjoyed teaching at College Heights Christian School since 1986. Her family is dear to her. She has three super-great children and wonderful grandchildren. She gives God all praise and thanks for his mercy and grace given her and for providing all her needs. She enjoys working in her yard and bird watching. Teaching 2nd grade is awesome! |
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Margaret graduated from Kansas University and has been teaching young children ever since. She has taught in both public and private schools, and has also taught Sunday School and children's church. Her most interesting teaching experience was teaching Bible school to children in Brazil on several different mission trips to that area. Margaret is married and has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. Presently, she is teaching the Pre-kindergarten 4 & 5 year old class at College Heights and she loves it! Margaret earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Missouri Southern. |
 Tim has taught middle school Bible at CHCS since 2006. Tim graduated from CHCS in 2002 and then from Ozark Christian College (OCC) in 2006. He and his wife, Shauna, met at OCC and have been married since 2004. They had their first child, Tucker, in November of 2007. |
 Jodie graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1985 and has been teaching at College Heights Christian School since 1997. Jodie teaches the Preschool 3 class, elementary computer classes, and the High School Yearbook class. She and her husband, Kelly, are members of College Heights Christian Church. They have two children, Lindsey and Sam. |
 Mrs. Colin became the Elementary Principal at CHCS in the fall 2009. She originally came to CHCS in 2008 as a teacher, the Athletic Director and coach. Prior to her arrival at CHCS, she taught for eight years in the public schools in Carthage. Mrs. Colin, a graduate of CHCS, is married to Adam and they have two children. She and her family are active members of College Heights Christian Church. |
 Jody is originally from Denver, CO graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a B.S. in Advertising/Journalism. She is married and has two children. Jody is active in her church teaching women's bible studies, Sunday school, and biblical finance. She has also taught literature through local home school networks. |
 Cindy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University. She has been teaching at CHCS since 1978. Her husband, Jay, owns Wayside Furniture. They have two grown children, JE and Jennifer, and 4 grandchildren. Cindy and Jay have been members of College Heights Christian Church for over 30 years. |
 Tracy received a B.S. in Education, Art K-12, from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1984. She earned her M.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1994. Tracy is a studio artist with an emphasis in pottery and glass. She joined the CHCS faculty in 1999 and teaches Art to middle school and high school students. |
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 Desiree Limkeman graduated from Ozark Christian College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Christian Education and Associate Degree in Sacred Literature and again in 2005 with an Associate Degree in Bible and Elementary Education. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006. Desiree has taught school since 1991 in Indiana. She is married to Tim. Desiree is presently working on her MA with an emphasis in guidance counseling at Pittsburg State University. She and her husband attend College Heights Christian Church.
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Todd graduated with a B.S. in CIS (Computer Information Systems) in 1985 from MSSC and received his B.S. in Education in 1986. He has worked at CHCS since 1986 and during his time he has served in various positions such as part-time office assistant, teaching, coaching and technology. Todd currently teaches band, computer programming, and is the Technology Coordinator. Todd is married to his wonderful wife, Kristin, and they have two children, Claire and Luke. |
 Tandy received her Bachelor’s Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida in 2004. She received her Masters Degree in Physical Education from Pittsburg State University in 2007 and completed her teaching certification in May of 2009. Tandy joined the College Heights staff in 2008 as the Assistant Softball Coach and now returns in 2009 as the Secondary Physical Education teacher. Her prior experience includes working as a Behavior Therapist and Paraprofessional; as well as, Assistant Softball Coach at the college level for two years. Her husband, Tony, and she reside in Webb City with Tony’s two children, Delanie and Colsen. They attend Carl Junction First Baptist Church, where Tandy was born and raised and currently serves as a member of the Learning Center Board. |
 Melissa has taught music part time at College Heights Christian School since 1994. She taught Junior and Senior High Choir in the Carthage R-9 school district for 7 years prior to coming to CHCS. Melissa attended Pittsburg State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. She is married to Chris and they have two children, Evan and Hannah. The Belks attend First United Methodist Church in Joplin, where Melissa enjoys singing in choir, playing in the bell choir, reading, and working with the children's ministries. |
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 Glenda graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Master of Music Degree in piano performance. She started teaching elementary, middle school, and high school music at College Heights in 1994. In addition to school, Glenda is a musician at First United Methodist Church, accompanist for Chamber Choir and Concert Choir of Missouri Southern State University, and also active in Joplin Piano Teachers' Association, Missouri Music Teachers' Association, and Music Teachers' National Association. She is a composer of piano music and is published with Willis Music Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Glenda and her husband, Dave, are parents of Scott, a freshman at CHCS, and also of Shirley, the Shih Tzu.
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