SUMMER GUIDE

Given the size and scope of Crossings Christian School and the high standard of operation necessary to carry out the mission of the school, the need for a Chief Operating Officer was identified to meet the future demands of the school. This position gives oversight to all operational aspects of the organization including business, facilities and maintenance, third-party vendors/contractors, human resources, student services (lunch), and IT, and collaborates with Crossings security while functioning as a key member of the Administrative Team. Additionally, the COO will work with the Head of School in order to ensure all facets and functions of CCS are coordinated, supported, and implemented with the purpose of fulfilling the mission of the school with intentionality and excellence. Our new COO, Mr. Johnny Bailey, will begin in early July of 2023.

Johnny joined CCS in 2023. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master of Education from The University of Oklahoma. Before coming to CCS, Johnny was an elementary principal in Moore and has served as Assistant Superintendent/HR in the Moore Public School System for the past ten years.
The Bailey family includes wife, Jill, son, Carson, and daughter, Camden.

Johnny’s favorite scripture verse is Psalms 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, to whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, to whom shall I be afraid?"

Mrs. Symes has faithfully served CCS since 2000, acting as our first administrator, Early Childhood Director, and Director of Admissions since our inception. Over the years, Debbie has met and prayed with every incoming CCS student and family, touching thousands of lives. Mrs. Symes will continue to serve as the Early Childhood Director and assist the new incoming Director of Admissions, Mrs. Jennifer Foster beginning this fall. 

Debbie was born and raised in Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Language Arts Education. Following a career as a wife, mother, and teacher, she began her ministry at Crossings Christian School when the decision was made to grow the church preschool to a kindergarten through 12th-grade Christian school in 2000.

Debbie and her husband, Bubba, have four grown children and eight grandchildren. In addition to loving her work with families and children at CCS, she enjoys reading, gardening, Bible study, and spending time with her family.

When asked what makes Crossings Christian School a special place to be, she quickly responded that besides being intentional about inviting God into every part of our day, we are blessed with a very special staff and precious families.

Debbie's favorite verse is found in Philippians 4:8, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things."

Jennifer has been a part of Crossings since 2007 before being blessed with the opportunity to raise her children as a stay-at-home mother. Jennifer was thrilled to return to the CCS staff in 2016 and has since served in administration and on the Admissions team, and beginning this fall, Jennifer will assume the role of the Admissions Director. She enjoys celebrating what God has already done at Crossings while also looking forward to the great things He has planned for generations to come.

She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Jennifer is passionate about using her gifts and talents to assist in furthering the mission of the school: to develop students into Christ-centered servant leaders who are academically and spiritually prepared for college and life.

Jennifer loves to spend time with her family, which includes her husband, Michael, and her children, Stella and Wes. 

 Jennifer’s favorite scripture is Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Ruth-Anne joined CCS in 2019 and has a B.S. in Nutrition from Texas Tech University. Before coming to CCS, Ruth-Anne worked in medical administration and practiced fitness and nutritional counseling for both adults and children. She worked with after-school programs in Lubbock, teaching fitness and nutrition to elementary-aged children. Once she and her husband moved back to Oklahoma in 2009, she focused on personal training and starting a family.

During the 2018 school year, she became a substitute teacher for CCS and truly enjoyed and loved being around the students and faculty members. She worked as a teaching assistant for first grade for four years. In 2022 she joined the admissions team, where she loves having the opportunity to prayerfully walk alongside and assist families through the admissions process. Ruth-Anne’s heart is to encourage families and children to have an open mind, open heart, and be intentional about learning and expanding their faith in the Lord.

The McFadden family includes her husband, Patrick, and sons, Gage and Keaton. When not working, Ruth-Anne enjoys spending time with her family at the lake, cooking, reading, movie night with the family, Bible devotions, and date night with her husband.

Ruth-Anne's favorite verse is found in Romans 12:12, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."

Raelynn joined CCS in 2020 as an Administrative Assistant in the Upper School with a strong emphasis on supporting CCS Athletics. Beginning this fall, Ms. Burdett will serve full-time as the Assistant Athletic Director as well as the CCS Head Cheerleading Coach. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and was a two-time Collegiate All-American Cheerleader. She is currently completing her Master of Education in Sports Management, with plans to continue building a career in athletics.

Raelynn loves being at Crossings and being surrounded by positive and influential colleagues. She has a passion for developing leaders and the positive impact athletics can have on the lives of students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exercising, and attending sporting events with her friends and family.

Rae's favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Jewel joined CCS in 2020 to serve as the Upper School Registrar and will transition to the Development Support Team and serve as the CCS Alumni Liaison in the fall of 2023. She moved from Dallas, Texas to attend Oklahoma Christian University and upon graduation and finding a community of mentors and life-long friends, she made the decision to move to Edmond indefinitely. Before joining CCS, Jewel worked at a local church and began her own small baking business, which she still enjoys. Jewel has a heart for serving others and enjoys hearing stories from other people. When not working, she loves to read and scroll on Pinterest with a cup of coffee in her hand. She also enjoys playing sand volleyball, long road trips, and watching college football.

Jewel's favorite verse is found in Micah 7:8, "Though I have fallen, I will rise, Though I sit in darkness, The Lord will be my light."

Mrs. Bastin has been part of the Crossings Christian School staff family since 2017 and began serving at the Lower School, teaching second grade, in the fall of 2019. In 2023, she transitioned out of the classroom and into an administrative role as Lower School Assistant Principal. She graduated in 2007 from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After graduating, she and her husband moved to Houston, Texas where she taught both kindergarten and 2nd grade. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Mrs. Bastin graduated for a second time from the University of Oklahoma with her Master of Education degree in Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision, and is currently working towards her doctoral degree in the same area of study. 

Mrs. Bastin is deeply invested in the mission of CCS. She believes that just as the tiniest amount of yeast spreads through the copious amounts of flour for bread to rise (Matthew 13:33), God is at work in every area of our lives. As the school partners with the church, the students, and our families, we can witness the good work that God is doing in our school. She is honored to be at work for God's Kingdom at Crossings. 

Mrs. Bastin is married to Blake Bastin. Their children, Samantha and Easton, have attended CCS since 2016. In her free time, she loves traveling to watch major league baseball games (Go Cubs!), browsing through antique stores, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Kim's favorite verse is Colossians 2:7, "Become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done."

Haley was born and raised in Oklahoma and has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma. She is also certified in mid-level English, mid-level math, and intermediate mathematics. Haley taught for seven years and became a stay-at-home mom before becoming the PK Assistant with Ms. Darcy in 2023.

Mrs. Odell has always had a heart for teaching. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. She loves helping students recognize their full potential and God-given talents. She is thankful to teach in a Christian environment and loves being able to pray with the children and hear their hearts.

Haley has been married to Justin since 2010 and they have two children at Crossings; Hayes and Lilly. She says it is such a blessing for them to be at Crossings, growing up on the firm foundation of Jesus. The Odell family loves spending time with each other; being outside, watching and playing sports, taking family trips, and being with their extended family.

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
--Colossians 3:16-17

Mrs. Case joined CCS in 2023 and she earned her Early Childhood Education certification from the University of Central Oklahoma. Before coming to CCS, Mrs. Case taught in public schools in Midwest City and Edmond for 15 years.

Mrs. Case loves kids and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She is passionate about hands-on, active, and musically-involved learning and loves to see her students learn and grow and discover new things!

Mrs. Case’s family includes her husband, Austin, son, Griffin, and silly dog, Lewis. When not working, Mrs. Case loves to spend time with her family, read books, and have coffee with friends. Her family loves to play games, spend time with our extended family members and go to the beach!

Mrs. Case’s favorite scripture verse is found in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Emma joined CCS in 2023 and she has a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary education from Oklahoma Baptist University. Before coming to CCS, she taught in Edmond for 5 years. 

Ms. Emory has a huge heart for kids. For as long as she can remember, she's wanted to be a teacher. One of her favorite things to do is remind each of her students just how loved they are and that each day is a fresh start. She hopes that each child who enters and leaves her classroom knows the endless love of Christ and has the desire to be life- long learners. 

In her free time, Ms. Emory loves to spend time with her friends and family, travel to new places, and read sweet books with happy endings. 

Emma's favorite verse is found in 1 Peter 3:4, "The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight."

Randi Mitchell grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Randi joined the staff at Crossings Christian School in 2022 and joined the second-grade team in 2023. Her previous teaching experience includes teaching kindergarten, pre-k, and substitute teaching here at CCS. Randi loves teaching and the opportunity to watch students learn and grow. She also very much enjoys building relationships with her students and their families.

Randi married her husband, Ty, in 2005. They have two daughters, Maci and Ella, both of which attend CCS. In her spare time, Randi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and watching college football.

Randi's favorite verse is Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Deena grew up in the Oklahoma City area and has a B.S in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She began working at CCS in 2001 serving as Aftercare Director during her college years, became a part of the second-grade team in 2004, and moved to Discovery in 2023. 

When asked her favorite part of teaching, she says that seeing the growth of a student from the beginning of the year to the end is a real joy. Her favorite subject to teach is Science because it is easy to see how God’s Hand is the Ultimate Designer. Each year she makes a point to improve each lesson that she teaches a little more than the year before.

Ms. Weeks enjoys anything outdoors, trying new restaurants, cooking, walking her dog, and all the things that come along with being mom to her daughter, Evelyn Jolie.

"The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still."
--Exodus 14:14

Coby joined CCS in 2023. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Coby attended Oklahoma Christian University, where he received a B.S. in Sports Wellness and Recreation Management. In 2020, Coby finished his Master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Nebraska.  

Mr. Poole is passionate about educating middle school students and helping them see their value in Christ. He enjoys using sports as an instrument to teach kids life and faith lessons that can help them grow into the young men and women that Christ has called them to be. 

Outside of teaching and coaching at Crossings, Coby enjoys counseling at church camps, spending time with his family and friends, photography, pickleball, and cheering on the OKC Thunder and the OU Sooners. 

Coby married his wife Laura in 2021 and they are expecting their first child in November of  2023. 

Coby's favorite verse is Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

After substitute teaching at Crossings for two years, Dori joined the staff full-time in 2020 as an Administrative Assistant and moved into her current role as a Middle School English teacher in 2023. She has a B.A. in Communication from Wichita State University. Before having children, she taught journalism and later homeschooled her kids before they joined CCS.

Dori enjoys being part of the CCS family. She has a heart for students and desires to see them flourish both academically and spiritually. She enjoys serving others and lending a helping hand.

Dori has been married to her high school sweetheart, Eric, since 2004, and together they have three children, Maddox, Mikah, and Cole. She loves spending time with her family, working on home projects, reading, gardening, and baking with her kids. 

Dori's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Lauren joined CCS in 2019 and assumed the position of the Spiritual and Student Life Coordinator in 2023. She has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Oklahoma State University. Previously, Lauren has worked as an oil and gas landman, owned a small local business, and worked in advertising.

Lauren is thrilled to be part of Crossings. She has a heart for serving others, fostering relationships, and hopes to be an encouragement to students and co-workers.

She has been married since 2009 to Jamie Wheat, the Director of Spiritual Formation and Student life. Together, they have a son, Crosby, a daughter, Maggie, and two dogs. They attend Life Church NW OKC. Lauren loves to spend quality time with her family and friends. She likes to read, write, create, spend time outdoors, travel, and explore.

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
--Psalm 118:24

Kiffany joined CCS in 2023. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Oklahoma and a M.S. in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Before joining CCS, Kiffany was an academic counselor at the elementary and high school level and has been in education since 2011.  

Kiffany loves education and has had a passion for it since she was young, teaching various grade levels throughout her career and has loved working with students. Kiffany started her career as an elementary school teacher where she taught second grade before moving into counseling upon completing her Masters degree. She still loves spending time in the classroom and helping students wherever she is needed.

The Pestinger family includes husband, Stephen, daughter, Zola, and son, Jack. When not working, Kiffany loves to spend time with her family and friends and enjoys the outdoors. Her family loves to travel and create memories simply by being together. 

Kiffany's favorite scripture verse is found in Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Dr. Jonathan Lux joined CCS in 2016 and returned in 2022  after teaching in China. Upon his return, Dr. Lux taught US English and now serves as the History Department Chair. He accepted a Ph.D. in English from Saint Louis University where he specialized in interdisciplinary studies and early modern English literature; he also holds degrees in history, architecture, Spanish, Russian, and philosophy. Dr. Lux has a published scholarship and a scholarly monograph, The Invention of China in Early Modern England.

Dr. Lux taught for eleven years at the university level before the last six during which he has been privileged to teach in the humanities for private Christian high schools. As a teacher, Dr. Lux believes passionately in the life of the mind, the role of institutions of higher education, and the necessity of critical thinking, embracing the Socratic aphorism that the unexamined life is not worth living. When examining texts and ideas he believes in and teaches a hermeneutics of strict attention to detail and rigorous critical acumen in the apprehension of truth. In everyday life, however, he aspires to a hermeneutics of generosity.

Dr. Lux is fortunate to be married to Sara Elizabeth Lux and likewise blessed to have two children, his daughter Arden and a son named William. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cooking, fishing, biking, reading with his children, and explaining the virtues of eudaimonia. Like C.S. Lewis, he has never found a book long enough or a cup of coffee deep enough to satisfy his interests.

"But test everything; hold fast what is good."

--1 Thessalonians 5:21