7 Questions with Christian school leaders
Read insights and thoughts on leadership from Christian school leaders around the world.
Thank you to the amazing leaders of Christian schools who have answered our 7 questions so far, we hope you find their answers helpful for you in your leadership journey!
7 Questions with Kimberly Miller
Name: Kimberly Miller, M.Ed.
Current title: Psychometrist & 504 District Coordinator
Current organisation: Hattiesburg Public School District
Hello! My name is Kimberly Miller and I’m from Hattiesburg, MS. I am the proud mother of two beautiful children, Victoria Reagan (22) and Braxton Reid (17). I’m also the dog mommy to Deuce (1). I attended the University of Southern MS where I revived a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, K-12 Mathematics and K-12 Remedial Reading. After ten years of educating Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, gifted, day treatment, transitional, Geometry and 3rd grade Science students in Hattiesburg Public School District, I decided to return to William Carey University where I obtained a Master’s degree in Special Education: Mild & Moderate Disabilities. I also obtained an add-on degree in Psychometrics. I was blessed to obtain a position of Academic Coach/MTSS Coordinator at Thames Elementary in HPSD in Hattiesburg, MS. After leading and coaching educators for three years, I applied for a Psychometrist position at our district office and was blessed to receive the position. I have currently been their Psychometrist & 504 Coordinator for eight years. I absolutely love educating children, educators and my colleagues. I’m very passionate about education and I’ll forever be a learner myself. I truly believe that an educator is the most influential role-models for our children and I’m very passionate about making sure that ALL children learn and that we educate the whole child.
7 Questions with Katherine Abraham
Name: Miss. Katherine Abraham
Current title: Teacher-Trainer
Current organisation: TC Global Pvt. Ltd
Katherine Abraham is the Author of Yesterday Once More, Silenced by Love and Some Days are Forever. An Adventist, Katherine is a Teacher by profession, who has the singular distinction of teaching and training students from 2yrs to 65 yrs of age. She has studied Law, Literature and Journalism. She writes poetry and prose for various online publications as well as International Anthologies. She is also the host for a New International Christian Podcast Series entitled, Chasing Hope. Her first work of non-fiction on the History of Christianity in India is currently underway.
Twitter handle - @katie_abraham
7 Questions with John Derry
Name: Dr. John Derry
Current title: VP for Academic Affairs; President Emeritus
Current organisation: Dallas Christian College; Hope International University
Dr. John Derry has over 40 years of experience in Christian higher education and service on the boards of numerous faith-based non-profit organizations. Upon his retirement, he was named President Emeritus of Hope International University in California where he had served for sixteen years as president. He also has served as president at Dallas Christian College in Texas and vice-president at Milligan University in Tennessee. He holds a B.A. and M.A in ministry and theology from Lincoln Christian University, M.S. in educational foundations from Western Illinois University, and Ed.D. in higher education administration from East Tennessee State University. He currently is assisting the ABHE as a board governance coach and Dallas Christian College as interim VP for Academic Affairs.
7 Questions with Kory Hicks
Name: Kory Hicks
Current title: Junior High Principal
Current organisation: Grapevine Faith Christian School
Dr. Kory Hicks has worked in Christian education for 18 years. He has taught in the junior high and high school levels, both mathematics and Bible, and is currently in his 11th year as the junior high principal at Grapevine Faith Christian School. With a summer counselor background all through college, he loves using recreation to connect with students, such as grade-level retreats. He earned his Ed.D. in School Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Kory enjoys playing disc golf, mountain biking, BJJ, gardening, and SCUBA diving. He and his wife, Ashley, have two elementary aged children, Addy and Kash.
7 Questions with Ryan Berens
Name: Dr. Ryan Berens
Current title: High School Principal
Current organisation: Cypress Christian School
Ryan started out as a high school history teacher and moved into the world of instructional technology. He also spent time in the public schools sector as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Kennesaw State University, Coordinator of Instruction for Georgia Virtual School, Education Program Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education and Director of Instructional Technology for Clarke County Schools. He then moved into private schools spending time as a Director of Technology, Middle School Assistant Head and now as High School Principal.
Ryan earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia and produced research about the effect of 1:1 technology integration on the role of independent school leaders.
7 Questions with Matthew Plese
Name: Matthew Plese
Current title: President
Current organisation: CatechismClass.com
Matthew is a Dominican Tertiary, and his education includes two years of seminary study in Catholic Doctrine, an undergraduate Philosophy Degree, an MBA from DePaul University, and a Certificate in Catechesis from Catholic Distance University. Matthew is a national Catholic speaker and a published author. He has led CatechismClass.com since 2010.
7 Questions with Shelette Stewart
Name: Dr. K. Shelette Stewart
Current title: Author, Global Speaker, Entrepreneur
Current organisation: Stewart Consulting, LLC
Dr. K. Shelette Stewart has over 20 years of leadership experience as a business practitioner and academician with leading organizations including Harvard Business School, The Coca-Cola Company, and BellSouth / AT&T in strategic business planning, business development, and marketing. She is a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Program Specialist and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration.
A graduate of Harvard University, Dr. Stewart is the founder and principal of Stewart Consulting, LLC, launched in 2007, helping organizations with strategic planning and leadership development so that they drive performance, productivity, and profitability and ultimately achieve success and significance. Dr. Stewart is also the author of the award-winning book, Revelations in Business: Connecting Your Business Plan with God’s Purpose and Plan for Your Life© which has been formally endorsed by several industry leaders including Dan Cathy, Chairman and CEO of Chick-fil-A.
A highly sought-after international speaker, Dr. Stewart has served as the keynote speaker for many leading organizations including: Harvard Business School, Texas Instruments, The Coca-Cola Company, Women’s Foodservice Forum, Women Economic Forum, and Yunnan University in China. She served as the 2020 Commencement Speaker for Judson University and has also appeared as a guest on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Daystar Television Network – Marcus & Joni Lamb Show, and a host of other TV and podcast programs.
Dr. Stewart’s board memberships include the LEAD Program, New Hope Compassion (NHC) for China, the Warren Holyfield Boys & Girls Club, and Morehouse School of Medicine – School of Public Health Visiting Committee. She is the recipient of Women Economic Forum Iconic Leaders Creating a Better World for All Award, The YWCA of Greater Atlanta & The Coca-Cola Company Salute to Women of Achievement Award, and is available for consulting and speaking engagements nationally and globally. Schedule an Appointment: [email protected].
7 Questions with Stephanie Burke
Name: Stephanie Burke
Current title: Executive Director
Current organisation: Avila Institute & Foundation
Stephanie Burke serves as the Executive Director of the Avila Foundation which serves the Church through the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, the High Calling Seminary Preparation Program and SpiritualDirection.com. Stephanie is co-host, along with her husband Dan, of EWTN’s Divine Intimacy Radio. She has successfully served in school administration for over 25 years in both Catholic and secular institutions. Stephanie has committed her life to the study, formation and promotion of authentic Catholic spirituality.
