Administration
Learn more about our dedicated team.
A Message from
our Head of School…
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As the Head of School, Mr. Goff reports directly to the CCS Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of CCS. He was appointed Head of School by the Board in April of 2022. Richard previously served on the CCS Board and was eventually asked to serve as Headmaster at CCS from 2013-2018. Since then, Richard has been serving as an elder and the Executive Pastor at Faith Community Church in Woodstock where he manages all aspects of the church’s business administration, finances, staff oversight, and facilities. With more than 20 years of organizational leadership experience and over 16 years of family involvement at CCS, Richard brings a wealth of strategic and tactical knowledge to this role.
Education: B.A. in Communications and Business, Baylor University
Over last four decades, faithful administrators, teachers, and support staff at Cherokee Christian Schools have served thousands of students and families in the sacred calling of Christian education. This wonderful school continues to thrive because it continues to be staffed by many gifted people who are devoted to Christ and possess a special passion for teaching and mentoring children. It is truly an honor for me to serve our beloved CCS community alongside such a committed and experienced team, and I am thrilled to introduce them to you!
Blessings,
Richard Goff
Head of School
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As the Head of School, Mr. Goff reports directly to the CCS Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of CCS. He was appointed Head of School by the Board in April of 2022. Richard previously served on the CCS Board and was eventually asked to serve as Headmaster at CCS from 2013-2018. Since then, Richard has been serving as an elder and the Executive Pastor at Faith Community Church in Woodstock where he manages all aspects of the church’s business administration, finances, staff oversight, and facilities. With more than 20 years of organizational leadership experience and over 16 years of family involvement at CCS, Richard brings a wealth of strategic and tactical knowledge to this role.
Education: B.A. in Communications and Business, Baylor University
Academics & Student Life
Mindee Young
Primary School Principal
Mrs. Young grew up in Texas and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University. She later earned her Texas State Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education and Special Education. In May 2021, Mrs. Young also earned her Masters of Education in Reading from Kennesaw State University. In Dallas, she taught Special Education classes in the Dallas ISD for a couple of years before deciding to stay home and raise her family. She resumed her teaching career at CCS in 2015 and became our Primary School Principal in 2025. She and her husband, Jeff, have two boys, Thomas and Ryan. She and her family have lived in Georgia for over 10 years now and they love hiking, camping and being outdoors.
Education: B.A., Texas A&M University; M.Ed, Kennesaw State University
Kimberly Johnson
Middle School Principal
Mrs. Johnson brings over 3 decades of private school teaching experience to her role as Middle School Principal. She graduated in 1987 from Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-8). Spending time with her family, reading, scrapbooking, and enjoying her grandchildren are how she likes to spend her free time. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Woodstock. A favorite scripture verse is Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education (K-8), Maranatha Baptist University
Dr. Shreyas Athavale
High School Principal
Dr. Athavale joined the faculty at Cherokee Christian Schools in 2015. He teaches chemistry and biology at various grade levels and has served as our High School Principal since 2025. Dr. Athavale earned his Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from the University of Mumbai, India in 2005. He then moved to the United States and earned his PhD in chemistry from Syracuse University in 2010. He was involved in higher research at Georgia Tech (2010-2014) and University of California Santa Barbara (2014-2015). Much of his work was published in renowned scientific journals and some of his work was featured in a NASA press release. Shreyas and his wife Rachel have three daughters, Alisha, Abigail, Aviva and one son, Luke. They are members at Faith Community Church. He is an avid follower of the sport, cricket, and enjoys reading.
Education: Bachelor of Technology, Chemical Engineering, University of Mumbai, India; PhD, Chemistry, Syracuse University
Jim Sweeney
Director of Curriculum & Accreditation
As our Academic Dean, Mr. Sweeney plays a pivotal role in ensuring academic excellence, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, and aligning all educational efforts with our mission. The Academic Dean develops and oversees implementation of the vision and strategy for the school’s comprehensive PreK-12 academic programs. This includes the evaluation and selection of curriculum, assessment and direction of teacher pedagogy, and monitoring and measurement of overall performance of academic programs. The Academic Dean also provides oversight and coordination for school accreditation, standardized testing, and academic support programs.
In his prior career, Mr. Sweeney practiced law in both the public and private sector for more than 30 years and founded a successful law firm that represented churches, private schools, and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Jim is an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in North America and serves in leadership at St. Barnabas Anglican Cathedral in Dunwoody where he and his wife, Betsy, worship. With more than 35 years of legal, political, and business experience, Jim brings particular expertise to the business and advancement operations of the School.
Education: B.A. in History and B.S. in Physics, University of San Francisco; J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law; M.T.S. in Historical Theology, Nashotah House Theological Seminary
Dr. Chris Akins
Director of Fine Arts
Areli Nuñez
Assoc. Dean of Students & College Counselor
Mrs. Nuñez joined CCS in 2017 and began teaching Spanish to 9th-12th grade students. She also serves as the Acadmic Counselor and Associate Dean of Students in our high school. Mrs. Nuñez has been a teacher since 2002 in various school settings, primarily in middle and high schools. She was born in Mexico City, making Spanish her first language, but grew up in Rhode Island. Mrs. Nuñez is married and has three children who all attend CCS. Her family worships at First Baptist Church of Woodstock and she and her husband serve in the children’s department. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and photography.
Education: B.A., Linguistics with a Teacher Endorsement in Spanish and TESOL
Katrina Wingertsahn
Director of Academic Support
Coming soon.
Grayson Rogers
Athletic Director
Coming soon.
Jeremiah Meder
Assistant Athletic Director
Coming soon.
Brian Irby
Primary School Chaplain
Coming soon.
Travis Hanenburg
Middle School Chaplain
Mr. Hanenburg has been teaching at CCS since 1998, serving in many different capacities. His primary areas of teaching are History and Bible. Originally from Minnesota, he graduated from Dordt College in 1995 with a degree in elementary education and coaching. He and his wife, Amy, have four children – Alexis, Seth, Danielle, and Mackenzie – and they attend Grace Presbyterian Church in Canton. In his spare time, he enjoys knife-making, handyman work, playing sports, and making music with his family.
Education: B.A., Elementary Education, Dordt College
Caleb Byrd
High School Chaplain
Coming soon.
Operations & Support
Alex Teate
Director of Operations & Advancement
As the Director of Operations & Advancement, Mr. Teate’s responsibilities span across many disciplines that serve students, parents, and faculty and enable the school to run efficiently. He is also responsible for developing and implementing fundraising initiatives to advance the school’s mission and strategic plan. In addition, Alex serves as our Dean of Students, providing guidance and direction to faculty, students, and parents in the areas of student character development and discipline with the goal of promoting and maintaining a positive, Christ-centered learning environment. Mr. Teate has been coaching, teaching, and serving in administration at CCS since 2015. He and his wife, Brittany, are also school parents with two children, Maddie and Wesely, enrolled in our Primary School. Alex and his family worship and serve together at Sojourn Church in Woodstock.
Education: B.S. in Sports Management, Georgia Southern University
Chris Caldwell
Director of Finance & Technology
As the Director of Finance & Technology, Mr. Caldwell oversees all financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with the school’s mission. this role involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and tuition processes, while implementing strategies to support long-term financial stability. In addition, Mr. Caldwell is responsible for the integration and management of technology to enhance educational and administrative functions. His tenure began in 2007 as a school parent and later as a member of the school board. Leaving a telecommunications product management career, Chris came on staff at CCS as the Technology Director in 2015. Since that time, he has been a valuable contributor to the school’s operational strategy and a devoted leader in our ongoing operational improvements. Chris and his wife, Kimberly, have two adult children and two grandchildren. Ideally, they will be found out hiking and camping on any given weekend. They worship at Midway Community Church where Chris is an elder.
Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University
Alicia Goff
Director of Admissions
As the Director of Admissions & Campus Events, Mrs. Goff oversees the cultivation and sustained development of a school community that consistently aligns with and upholds the school’s mission, values, and traditions. From admissions, to new family assimilation, to annual event coordination, Mrs. Goff’s role involves school-wide engagement with parents, students, faculty, and staff. Her CCS tenure began in 2007, having previously served as a teacher’s assistant, a 3rd grade lead teacher, and the Director of our Bridge Program. Mrs. Goff graduated from Baylor University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and taught elementary school in Texas for several years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. She resumed teaching full-time at CCS in 2008. She and her husband, Richard, have two children, Emily and Brandon, both CCS graduates. Mrs. Goff and her family worship together at Faith Community Church.
Education: B.S. in Education, Baylor University, Summa Cum Laude
Bob Biel
Director of Facilities
Kimberly Caldwell
Registrar
Cassie Anderson
Comptroller
Eric Tochterman
Executive Chef & Director of Food Services
Kayla Rayo
Sous Chef
Rebekah May
School Nurse
Meghan Wesely
Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator
Mary Chumbley
Administrative Support
Nichole Morries
Administrative Support
Jason Camp
Operations/Facilities Support
Charles Gearing