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. 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. 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
Mrs. Trish Surratt
Performing Arts Director
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.”
Mrs. Lauren Strait
Marketing Coordinator and Instructor, Yearbook
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
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. Kristi Lewis
Substitute Teacher
Samantha Souders
Office Coordinator
Samantha Souders
Samantha Souders serves as the Office Coordinator at Carefree Christian Academy, bringing organization and warmth to the school community. When she’s not keeping things running smoothly, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and expressing her creativity through various crafts. A true fan of mozzarella sticks—especially from Buffalo Wild Wings—Samantha knows the value of life’s simple joys. If she could have any superpower, she’d choose teleportation, making it easier to be wherever she’s needed in an instant. Her favorite Bible verse, 1 John 4:16, reflects her deep faith, and she encourages students to trust in God through every situation. No matter how challenging life may seem, she wants them to always remember that God is watching over them.
Master Ly Ngo
Taekwondo
Coach Rylie Lavine
Dance
Rylie Lavine
Rylie Lavine is the Dance Coach at CCA and teaches both tumbling and dance. With a passion for creativity, she enjoys dancing, baking, sewing, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking. A sushi lover at heart, Rylie would choose shapeshifting as her superpower if given the chance. Her favorite Bible verse, Luke 18:27, reminds her and her students that “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Rylie’s advice to her students is to trust in God, knowing that strength lies in persistence, and to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.
Coach Mike Caddell
Trap and Skeet Clay Shooting
