Carefree Christian Academy Team

Junior & HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

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

Ms. Melody Mendenhall

Administrative Coordinator, Science Instructor

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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)

Mr. Josh Manning

Athletics Director, History, PE

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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. Aubree Carter

Office Coordinator

Mrs. Lisa Artenian

English Language Arts

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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.

Mr. Evan Basgall

Security

Mrs. Cindy Brown

Spanish

Ms. Amy Butler

Music, Art, STEAM

Coach Mike Caddell

Trap and Skeet Clay Shooting

Mr. Ray Catona

Security and PE

Ms. Gabrielle Kuyper

Science and Art

Mrs. Kristi Lewis

Substitute Teacher

Mr. Chris Ludwig

English and History

Ms. Reanne Neidigh

History and Science

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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.

Mr. Brian Nelson

Math, Computer/Electronics

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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

Master Ly Ngo

Taekwondo

Ms. Brianna Sanchez

Spanish

Mrs. Elizabeth Sigette

Finance, Teacher's Aide

Ms. Daphnee Surratt

Chapel

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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. Trish Surratt

Performing Arts Director

Mrs. Kristen Wright

Dance Instructor

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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!

KINDERGARTEN & Elementary Team

Ms. Natalie Anderson

1st Grade

Ms. Amy Butler

Music, Art, STEAM

Traci Hering

Kindergarten Teacher

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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. Ann Jiron

4th-6th Grade

Mrs. Gina Mangiaracino

2nd-3rd Grade

Carefree Christian Academy Team

Junior & HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

Mrs. Selene Nelson, M.Ed.

Ms. Melody Mendenhall

Mr. Josh Manning

Ms. Aubree Carter

Mrs. Lisa Artenian

Mr. Evan Basgall

Mrs. Cindy Brown

Ms. Amy Butler

Coach Mike Caddell

Mr. Ray Catona

Ms. Gabrielle Kuyper

Mrs. Kristi Lewis

Mr. Chris Ludwig

Ms. Reanne Neidigh

Mr. Brian Nelson

Master Ly Ngo

Ms. Brianna Sanchez

Mrs. Elizabeth Sigette

Ms. Daphnee Surratt

Mrs. Trish Surratt

Mrs. Kristen Wright

KINDERGARTEN & Elementary Team

Ms. Natalie Anderson

Ms. Amy Butler

Traci Hering

Mrs. Ann Jiron

Mrs. Gina Mangiaracino

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