School Staff & Faculty

Grace Baptist Christian School has assembled a staff of well educated, nurturing and God-centered individuals that can encourage young minds to grow intellectually and spiritually.

BS in Elementary Education (Purdue University, IN)

AACS Certification (Professional)

More about Mrs. Cargo

Briefly share your salvation testimony: 

I am blessed to have been raised in a godly, Christian home with parents who love the Lord and made sure we were at church any time the doors were open. At the age of 9, I heard a message on Hell and knew I did not want to go there. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior that day and have been working on growing my relationship with Him ever since.

Why did you become a teacher? 

I wanted to become a teacher because I felt the Lord’s calling on my life to help influence and mold the hearts and minds of those that He would place in my classroom. This first started at home with our children and then moved to a more traditional classroom. This is more than a profession—it is a ministry. I pray daily for God’s wisdom and strength as I try to help my students grow not only academically, but also in Him.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at GBCS? 

I love that GBCS is a family and a place that is grounded in the Word. I am so thankful for the people that the Lord has brought into my life through GBCS. I appreciate being able to serve with a staff that loves the Lord, is dedicated to the ministry, and for the encouragement they have been to me. I am also thankful for an administrator that goes above and beyond every day, and for his prayers, support, and encouragement.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school? 

Outside of school, I love finding new adventures to embark on with my family, spending time outdoors, watching wildlife, playing games, cooking/baking, drinking coffee, and trying my best to make others smile.

BA Elementary Education/Bible (Appalachian Bible College)

AACS Certification (Professional)

More about Mrs. Schwartz

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I was saved when I was 13 years old. Our Pastor spoke about making sure that there was a time in our lives when we had asked Jesus to be our Savior and forgive us of our sins. I had always been a “good girl” but could not remember a time when I had asked Jesus to be my Savior. That Sunday I asked Jesus into my heart.

Why did you become a teacher?

I dedicated my life to the Lord when I was 15. I had always had a desire to be a teacher and loved working with children. The Lord led in my life, providing money to go to college and leading to a great Bible college. He continued to show me that He wanted me to teach in a Christian school setting.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at GBCS?

I enjoy teaching at Grace because of the balance of strong academics and a Biblical worldview. It is a blessing to work in a place with a family atmosphere where I work together with my fellow teachers, administrator, and support staff.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

I enjoy working on crafts, reading, and taking long walks with my husband. I love to spend time with my children and our extended family.

BS Elementary Education (Pensacola Christian College)

More about Ms. Nichols

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I was raised in a Christian home my entire life. I also went to a Christian school and church for as long as I can remember. Since I was always in a Christian bubble I didn’t really think about how I never actually asked Christ to save me, nor did I have a real relationship with Him. On a Wednesday night at church, when I was probably around 8 years old, I finally realized I needed to get saved. After I prayed that God would forgive me and save me I felt a peace that has remained ever since!

Why did you become a teacher?

Ever since I was a small child I have wanted to be a teacher. God put the love of helping others in my heart at a young age. I love that I get to help children grow spiritually and academically as my job!

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at GBCS?

I’m thankful for how much the Bible is valued and presented in every aspect here at GBCS. I also love being able to be around other coworkers that have the same beliefs and values as I do. Everyone is very supportive and the students are a ton of fun to work with.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

I enjoy spending my time with friends and family any chance I get. I also really enjoy games nights, good food, and going to all kinds of sporting events.

I graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a BS in Elementary Education in 2019. This is my 4^th year teaching.

BS Elementary Education (University of Phoenix)

Endorsement in Mathematics (University of Phoenix)

AACS Certification (Professional)

More about Mrs. Nifong

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

When I was 6 years old, I began attending church. Shortly after, I realized my sinful ways and accepted Christ as my savior. I struggled as a teen with my beliefs but rededicated my life to God at a winter camp in 2003. 

Why did you become a teacher?

I knew from a young age I wanted to be a teacher. My first-grade teacher made a huge impact in my life and is one of the main reasons I wanted to become a teacher. I hope one day I can impact my students the way she impacted my life. 

What is your favorite aspect of teaching at GBCS?

I love the Godly encouragement I receive from fellow teachers, our Pastor, the students, and parents. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share God’s love and plan of salvation with our students daily. 

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and reading. As a family we enjoy biking, traveling, and board games. 

More about Mrs. Elliott

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I was twelve years old when I realized that I was not “born again”. At an early age, I remember talking to a pastor about baptism, and I had been assured that I had gotten saved before that meeting. But at twelve, I realized I had no memory of asking Jesus Christ to personally save me from my sins. I struggled with that for a little while; at night I remember fearing a fire would burn our house. I would go through my mind of what I would take out- pictures and my Bible were at the top. But on Easter Sunday night, under great conviction, I ran to the altar and confessed my sinful state and begged God to forgive me and for Jesus Christ to be my Savior. There was such great peace after that.

What is your favorite aspect of working at GBCS?

There are so many benefits to working in any Christian ministry, but I am thankful for the solid Christian education that is given at GBCS. Some “private schools” are Christian that focus on the quality academics of their school, but I feel that GBCS offers strong academics within a solid Christian environment—which is a rare gem today. It has also been a great blessing to work with my family in this ministry and alongside of so many dedicated Christians throughout the past 14 years.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

Being with my family is how I love to spend my time. Doing anything with them is my preferred choice. I enjoy the outdoors—love the beach, sunshine, ocean or lake (on a boat is a bonus!). I enjoy crocheting and crafting. I also enjoy playing games—board games, card games, and puzzles.

Pursuing a M.Ed. with Specialization in Administration & Organizational Leadership (Maranatha Baptist University)

BS Business Administration (Grace College & Theological Seminary)

AACS Certification (Professional)

More about Pastor Elliott

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was almost 5 years old. I had been convicted of my sin and knew I needed to be saved in order to go to Heaven. My mom answered my questions and lead me to the Lord. Throughout the course of my youth, as I learned more about the details of salvation and my recognized my own sinfulness, there were times that I was unsure of whether or not I truly knew enough to be saved so young. God eventually gave me assurance and peace through a clear understanding that it was nothing to do with me and all to do with the sufficient sacrifice and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What is your favorite aspect of working at GBCS?

There are never two days the same! Something is always happening, and things are always changing. It is hard to get bored working in such fast-paced and changing environment. I am also honored to be a part of leading such a great group of teachers and staff. We operate together like a professional family and firmly support and uphold one another.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

I have enjoyed many hobbies during my tenure here at Grace. I am an avid reptile fan and have bred 5 different species of reptiles and had over 10 in my own personal collection. As life has changed, I have begun to really enjoy working in my yard and then enjoying the view from my deck in a soft chair and with a good book. Any time with my wife and grown children are always one of my favorite times.

A.S. Mortuary Science (Worsham College of Mortuary Science)

Pursuing BS of Business Administration (Grace College and Theological Seminary)

AACS Certification (Provisional)

More about Mr. Elliott

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I was saved when I was 12 years old at a church summer camp. I had prayed the prayer of salvation before but had never truly trusted Christ to be my Savior. After an evening service at camp, I went forward to ask Jesus to save me. Ever since that night, I have had peace that I know I will go to heaven when I die.

What is your favorite aspect of working at GBCS?

I love working at Grace, because everyone here is working to make a difference for Jesus Christ. It is overwhelmingly evident that each member of the faculty and staff loves the Lord and is working to please Him and further the Gospel. I have worked in a number of different environments that describe themselves as a “family”, but I can say that GBCS is the only place that truly lives up to that description.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school?

I enjoy many hobbies, including shining, dying, and refurbishing shoes professionally. I am also still a licensed funeral director in Indiana and North Carolina and use that to help families in our ministry that experience loss as well as consult for SCI Funeral Company. My favorite thing to do is travel with my wife Lindzi, and experience new places, foods, and cultures.

More about Mrs. Hayn

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I accepted Christ as my Savior on April 19, 1970 in my senior year of high school. My grandma had a deep faith, love for Christ, loved reading her Bible and praying. This had such an impact on my life. I went to church with her when I was small and realized I wanted what she had in my own life.

What is your favorite aspect of working at GBCS?

I am so blessed to be able to work at GBCS. I love the Christian environment, working with my pastor, his wife, and the faculty here. It is a joy helping students every day.

More about Mrs. Metzger

Briefly share your salvation testimony:

I accepted Christ after attending a Youth for Christ event when I was nine. I was under great conviction of my need of a Savior and felt great relief once my salvation was settled. 

Why did you become a teacher?

The Lord led me to teaching, and I'm so thankful. It's such a privilege to be back teaching at Grace Baptist Christian School. I'm so thankful that we prioritize our students' spiritual lives as well as strong academics. 

What are your favorite hobbies outside of school? 

My favorite activities outside of school are spending time with my grandchildren, baking sourdough bread, and homemaking. 

This is my eighth year teaching at GBCS. In addition to teaching at GBCS, I taught for 10 years at home, teaching my children.