Our Team
— A Learning Community —
The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
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 |
| BOTO the Bear |
Greeter | Mascot | CCBS Blogger | 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 |
| Caleb Hawkins | Athletic Dir | Academics | Registrar | IT / Tech | Since 2015 |
| 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 |
| Holly Hamilton | Teacher | Art | Since 2023 |
| Casey Scott | Teacher | Music, Fitness, Mindfulness | Since 2010 |
| 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
| Kayla Tompkins | Ed.S., LPC, NCC | Clinical Director | Since 2009 |
| Nancy Terry | MA, LPC | Full-Time Therapist | Since 2016 |
| Jane Barker | MS, LCSW | Full-Time Therapist | Since 2008 |
| David Ervin | LPC-A | Full-Time Therapist | Since 2024 |
| Christy Todd | MS, LCPS | Clinical Advisor | Since 2014 |
| Jessica Zirbes | Therapist for Chattooga Group | 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 |
| Debbie Forsman | Program Department Administrative Assistant | Since 2024 |
| 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
