Our Staff
Mrs. Selene Nelson, M.Ed.
Principal, Math Instructor
Selene Nelson
Selene Nelson is the Principal at Carefree Christian Academy and Preschool Director at Carefree Christian Preschool, holding a Master of Education degree. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for her students. Outside of her professional role, Selene enjoys reading, cooking, and practicing taekwondo. While she finds it hard to pick a favorite food, guacamole is always a delightful choice. If she could have a superpower, it would be to clone herself to achieve more each day. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:58, and she encourages her students to trust God and live out their faith, promising that the journey will be epic.
Selene and her family
Mr. Josh Manning
Athletics Director, History, PE
Josh Manning
Josh Manning is the Athletic Director and teaches History & P.E. at CCA. With a passion for exercise, playing the drums, and family time, Josh brings enthusiasm and dedication to his roles. His favorite food is ground beef and rice, and if he could have any superpower, he would choose the ability to fly. Guided by his favorite Bible verse, John 13:7, Josh encourages his students to embrace faith through life’s ups and downs, trusting that if things aren’t good, it means God isn’t done with them yet.
Josh and his family
Ms. Melody Mendenhall
Administrative Coordinator, Science Instructor
Melody Mendenhall
Melody Mendenhall serves as the Administrative Coordinator and Science Instructor at CCA. Passionate about science and education, she also enjoys indulging in sci-fi shows, reading, creating art, and cooking in her free time. Sushi is her go-to favorite food. If given a superpower, she would choose the ability to fly. Inspired by Philippians 4:13, Melody believes in the strength and capability found through Christ. She advises her students to always work hard and do their best, emphasizing that genuine effort holds more value than the final grade.
Melody and Bartholomew (her science skeleton)
Mrs. Olivia Weve
Office Coordinator
Mrs. Olivia Weve
Olivia enjoys running, dancing, and doing word searches in her free time. Her favorite food is chips and salsa, and if she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to run fast. Her favorite Bible 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 submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Olivia wants students to remember: “Enjoy everything about being a kid—one day you’ll wish for five more minutes at lunch with friends or in school without a care in the world. Be present and let God handle the rest.”
Mrs. Lisa Artenian
English Language Arts
Lisa Artenian
Lisa Artenian teaches 9th grade literature and Grand Canyon University ENG 105 & 106 at CCA. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking, swimming, and gardening, with pizza being her favorite food. If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to instantly read. Guided by her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Ms. Artenian advises her students to “Be smart” as they navigate their academic journey.
Ms. Gracie Stream
English Language Arts
Gracie Stream
Gracie Stream is an English and Art teacher at CCA, dedicated to inspiring creativity and critical thinking in her students. She enjoys hiking, reading, drawing, and fishing with her fiancé. Her favorite food is steak, and if she could have any superpower, it would be teleportation. Gracie is inspired by Romans 8:38-39, which speaks to the unbreakable love of God. Her advice to students is to deny themselves and follow Jesus, emphasizing the eternal worth of faith as highlighted in Matthew 16:24-26.
Mr. Brian Nelson
Math, Computer/Electronics
Brian Nelson
Brian Nelson, Jr. teaches math for grades 7-10 and the Computer Technology elective at CCA. With a passion for aviation and a private pilot certification, he also enjoys computer and console gaming. Brian treasures spending time with his family, especially swimming in their backyard and engaging in family devotions with Christ on their sabbath day. His favorite food is his spouse’s homemade dishes, particularly her stir fry. If he could choose a superpower, it would be to have wings like an eagle and soar. Guided by John 3:16-17, Brian encourages his students to spend daily time with Jesus, reflect Him through their actions, thoughts, and words, and use their gifts to further His kingdom, discovering new gifts along the way.
Brian and his family
Mr. Hans Kuyper
Geometry, Pre-Calculus/Trig, and Consumer Math Teacher
Mr. Hans Kuyper
Hans enjoys reading (especially fantasy and mystery), sketching, painting, swimming, and playing video games. His favorite food is spicy lime chicken katsu, and for dessert, he loves Oreo cheesecake. If he could have any superpower, it would be water bending from Avatar: The Last Airbender. His favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Hans encourages his students with this advice: “Every problem has a solution. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to grow. Trust yourself, ask for help, and believe you’re capable of more than you imagine.”
Mr. Eddy Deras
History, Spanish, PE
Eduardo Deras
Eduardo Deras is a World History and Spanish teacher at CCA, where he brings a passion for culture and language to his students. In his free time, Eduardo enjoys reading classic literature, working out, and exploring thrift stores with his wife. He has a fondness for Asian foods and would choose time travel as his superpower. His favorite Bible verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11, which speaks to the beauty of God’s timing. Eduardo’s advice to his students is to trust God in everything they do, encouraging them to find faith and guidance in their daily lives.
Eduardo with his family
Ms. Reanne Neidigh
History and Science
Eduardo Deras
Reanne Neidigh teaches 6th grade History and 6th–9th grade Science at Carefree Christian Academy. With a passion for both learning and creativity, she brings a hands-on and thoughtful approach to the classroom. In her free time, Reanne enjoys painting, baking, and quilting or knitting. Her favorite foods are pasta and chocolate, and if she could have any superpower, she would choose invisibility. Reanne’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” This year, she encourages her students to remember that your faith is your own—embrace it and make it personal.
Traci Hering
Kindergarten Teacher
Traci Hering
Traci Hering is the kindergarten teacher at Carefree Christian Academy. She loves spending her free time swimming, enjoying the beauty of Lake Powell, and bowling with friends and family. A fan of Mexican food, Traci’s ideal superpower would be the ability to slow time, allowing her to savor each moment. Guided by her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 138:8, she encourages her students with the reassuring message that “God loves you and has a plan for your life.”
Ms. Daphnee Surratt
Chapel
Ms. Daphnee Surratt
Ms. Daphnee Surratt teaches Chapel at Carefree Christian Academy and also served as the Children’s and Youth Director at Carefree Church. Passionate about both faith and creativity, Daphnee enjoys Taekwondo and engaging in all things art-related. Her love for pasta fuels her busy days, and if she could have any superpower, she’d choose flying or super speed to accomplish even more! Guided by her favorite Bible verse, Psalms 61:2, Daphnee hopes her students realize that the Lord has called them to do amazing things and encourages them to have unwavering confidence in His love and grace.
Mrs. Lauren Strait
Marketing Director, Student Government/Key Club Advisor, Yearbook, Media Instructor
Lauren Strait
Lauren Strait serves as the Marketing Director and Marketing/Yearbook Instructor at CCA. She loves hiking, exploring, spending time at the beach, and volunteering, especially when it involves her twin boys, husband, and pups. Her favorite food is Mexican cuisine, and if she could choose a superpower, it would be to demonstrate the reality of God’s wonders to everyone. Inspired by her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 3:19, which she has tattooed on her wrist, Ms. Strait encourages her students to embrace their limitless creativity and lead with God.
Lauren and her family
Mrs. Kristi Lewis
Substitute Teacher
Mrs. Trish Surratt
Performing Arts Director
Master Ly Ngo
Taekwondo
Coach Mike Caddell
Trap and Skeet Clay Shooting
Mrs. Kristen Wright
Dance Instructor
Mrs. Kristen Wright
Kristen Wright is the Dance Instructor at Carefree Christian Academy, bringing energy, creativity, and a love for movement to her students. She is passionate about inspiring confidence and joy through the art of dance. Outside the classroom, Kristen enjoys traveling, spending time with her dogs, and, of course, dancing. Her favorite food is Chinese cuisine, and if she could have any superpower, she would choose invisibility. Kristen’s favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Her advice to students this year is simple and meaningful—have fun!
