Faith Christian School Meet Our Teachers

MEET MARIA MCKEOWN: INSPIRING MOVEMENT AND MIND IN LOWER SCHOOL PE

Maria has taught PE at Faith Christian since 2004 and brings over 20 years of experience, including leadership as Executive Director of Virginia AHPERD. Inspired by her early work with youth at the YMCA, Maria values growth, development, and the order and critical thinking fostered in Christian classical education.

MEET DR. M: NATURE LOVER, TEACHER, MENTOR

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.

ANNA BEECHER: INSPIRED TO LEAD, GUIDED BY FAITH

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, movies, and true crime, and values the critical thinking shaped by Christian classical education.

EXPLORING GOD'S WORLD THROUGH MATH & SCIENCE

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.

MEET MARGARET COURTNEY: SERVING THROUGH WORSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP

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.

JASON HELSEL JOINS MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY

Jason Helsel, the new Middle/Upper School Humanities and History teacher, grew up in Wenatchee, WA, and moved to Roanoke four years ago with his wife and two kids. Inspired by his own Classical Christian education and the dedication of his parents, Jason is passionate about helping students grow in both faith and learning.

FROM CODE TO CHARACTER: MEET MICHAEL MANGIALARDI

Michael Mangialardi joins Faith Christian School after a decade in software engineering and leadership, now pursuing his Master’s in Classical Protestantism at Davenant Hall. He brings a passion for philosophy, theology, and classical Christian education, and is eager to help shape students in wisdom, wonder, and virtue.

ROOTED IN JOY AND PURPOSE: MEET SHANNON NUNNALLY

Meet Shannon Nunnally, our new Junior Kindergarten teacher and longtime member of the Faith Christian School community. A former second-grade teacher at FCS, she brings a deep love for Jesus, a passion for early childhood education, and a heart for helping children grow in both character and faith.