Meet Our Teachers

This former submarine-school teacher challenges students to grapple with scripture through the different lenses of the disciplines he teaches.

Mrs. DeMott, Student Support Services as well as Biology and Anatomy teacher, shares what stands out about FCS.

Esther Knight, Upper School History, Literature, and Thesis advisor, shares what she finds compelling and enduring about Faith Christian School.

Meet Maria Pugh: New Junior Kindergarten teacher, Roanoke native, wife, and new mom!

Featuring Karla Bower, who loves teaching where she can freely share her faith and encourage her students to seek a personal relationship with God.

Featuring Thomas Mann, Middle and Upper School teacher of Humanities and Bible, as well as middle-school boys advisory and Thesis mountaineer.

Featuring Ali Pendleton, 5th grade teacher, Roanoke native, Radford graduate, and teacher for 25 years!

Meet Leslie Fitzgerald, our new first-grade teacher, who is a Roanoke native who has taught for 17 years in elementary school. She and her family are looking forward to the Christ-centered atmosphere at FCS.

Featuring Kristan Brown, who started as an Upper School Math teacher in 2014, transitioned to the Head of Lower School in 2018, and currently serves as the Division Head, leading Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

Anna Millirones, originally from England, looks forward to joining the community at Faith Christian School and leading 3-12th grade in theatre.

Meet our art teacher: Sami Clayman, a Roanoke native and mother of two boys at Faith Christian School who is always inspired by God's creation.

Meet our new Junior Kindergarten teacher who has previously been a parent and substitute teacher in our Faith Christian School community.

Meet our new Latin teacher: Emmie Lo, who also loves to read and write fiction and poetry, travel and experience new places and new things, long walks and deep conversations, plays piano and guitar by ear, and sings and writes songs.

Meet our new Spanish Teacher, who says she appreciates Faith Christian School students' eagerness to learn, saying, "they are engaged, participative, and have a well-developed phonetic ability, which is essential for learning a new language."

Jeremy Tipton joins Faith Christian School as Head of Lower School, bringing over 14 years of experience in public education and a deep passion for Christ-centered, classical learning. His journey—from homeschooling his own children to embracing the mission of FCS—reflects his commitment to nurturing students both academically and spiritually.

Originally from Alaska, William Arbaugh is a writer and former homeschool dad who brings a deep love of story, learning, and classical Christian education to FCS. He’s passionate about guiding students toward what is Good, Beautiful, and True.

After 36 years in public schools, Margaret Courtney brings her passion for music and Christ-centered education to Faith. A graduate of Asbury College and Hollins University, she loves blending music, history, and faith in the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys writing historical fiction, hiking, and leading worship.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Marc Schaubach as our new Middle School Math and Science Teacher. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a deep love for Christ, Dr. Schaubach brings both academic rigor and spiritual mentorship to the classroom. He’s passionate about helping students see the wonder of creation through a biblical lens.

Anna Beecher, a Faith Christian School alumna and recent graduate, now serves as Upper School Latin teaching assistant and part-time receptionist. Inspired by her teachers’ dedication and Christ-like example, she’s pursuing degrees in graphic design and business communication through Liberty University Online. She enjoys reading, drawing, and watching movies, and values the critical thinking shaped by Christian classical education.

Dr. Noah McNeill—aka Dr. M—is Faith Christian’s new Nature Studies, Library, and Journalism teacher. He’s got degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, plus a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. Noah loves all things outdoors, music, and sports. Inspired by great mentors and a passion to guide this generation, he’s excited to bring his energy to FCS's close-knit community.