Our Team​

— A Learning Community —

Cherokee Creek Team Members

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.

– William A. Ward

The Cherokee Creek Team of Boarding School Professionals

A significant component of ‘The Cherokee Creek Difference’ is the quality, variety and tenure of our team. And, we are proud of the quality of our team.

Our mission statement defines us as ‘A Learning Community’. Students, families and staff emphasize learning and growing while remaining firmly grounded in our character values of Truth, Wisdom, Love and Courage.

Our operational values of Safety, Quality, Creativity, and Fun guide the team in the important work we do with our students and their families.

Together, we share a deep-seated passion to create a better future for the boys, their families, our communities and the world.

Our team members bring a variety of experience and perspectives having grown up, lived and traveled around the world. We provide and support extensive training and are proud to say our employees value being part of the team … just take a look at their years of service at CCBS. Our backgrounds include: residential / therapeutic boarding school professionals, educators, counselors, outdoor recreation / adventure-based learning leaders, medical / psychological clinicians, and professionals from the business world.

Meet Our CCBS Team

Below are some of our talented staff members and when they joined our CCBS family! Click on their names to learn more about everyone!

ADMINISTRATION

Beth and Ron Black Founders, Chairmen of the Board Since 2003
David LePere Executive Director Since 2007
Shaler Black Cooper Senior Director of Marketing & Admissions Since 2010
Christy Swafford Admissions Director Since 2012
Amy Gunter Family Center Manager Since 2016
Ginelle Kohl Human Resources and Compliance Manager Since 2020
Misty Victory RN | School Health & Safety Nurse Since 2022
Mark York Kitchen Manager Since 2010
Caleb Hawkins
Athletic Dir | Academics | Registrar | IT / Tech Since 2015
BOTO the Bear
Greeter | Mascot | Ambassador of Possibilities Since 2021

“I have worked at CCBS for over 7 years and have filled a variety of roles in my time here. It is obvious in every department that the students’ safety, growth and experience is the number one priority. The level of parent / family involvement is extensive and there is a myriad of opportunities for family engagement! It is a phenomenal place to work and the longevity of staff speaks to the wonderful community that has been fostered over the years!”

– Staff Member

ACADEMICS DEPARTMENT

Calvin Croxton Academic Dean Since 2019
Cameron Kerr Teacher | English | Language Arts Since 2014
Nick Linscott Teacher | Mathematics Since 2004
Sam Taylor Teacher | Science Since 2015
Larry Printz Teacher | Social Studies Since 2020
Chrissy Kizer Academic Tutor Since 2022
Thoreau CFC | Chief Feline Comforter Since 2022

“My favorite thing about working at CCBS is that moment when the light comes on for a child, when they stop the struggle and are on the way to healing, it is a wonderful thing to witness.”

– Larry | Teacher | Social Studies

THERAPY / CLINICAL DEPARTMENT

Christy Todd MS, LCPS | Clinical Director Since 2014
Kayla Tompkins Ed.S., LPC, NCC | Full-Time Therapist Since 2009
Nancy Terry MA, LPC | Full-Time Therapist Since 2016
Jane Barker MS, LCSW | Full-Time Therapist Since 2008
Kathy Taylor Neurotherapist Since 2018
David Ervin Therapist Since 2024

“I enjoy being at CCBS and creating the intersection of therapy and wilderness again. I love being a part of a living therapy session in the woods or on the river, where I am doing more than sitting in a chair and listening, but actively engaging in real experiences and lasting change with these young men and their families.”

– Christy | Therapist

PROGRAM DEPARTMENT

Steve Cornelius Program Director Since 2015
Sam Haywood Primary Since 2015
Lacey Stone Primary Since 2016
Will Volstad Primary Since 2018
Jessica Peeples Primary Since 2019
Elijah Smith Primary Since 2022
George Sloan 1st Shift Floor Manager Since 2015
CCBS Logo
The Genesis of the CCBS Brand Since 2003

“Cherokee Creek is a wonderful school for boys who need a bit of help either with school, home life, or anything for that matter. CCBS can help with all that. With the loving and caring staff, students will love their experience from day one to grad date! It is truly a place where boys can be boys and be turned into nice and fine young men!”

– BW | Former Student

CCBS Boys Canoeing | A Place Where Boys Can Be Boys