Our Faculty

Pillars of Knowledge and Virtue

At Christ the Savior Academy, our faculty are not just teachers; they are mentors, guides, and exemplars of the virtues we cherish. Each educator brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to our classical Christian curriculum, fostering an environment where students thrive both academically and spiritually.

“The supreme art of the teacher is to awaken joy in
creative expression and knowledge.”
– Albert Einstein

Head of School

Valentina Purdef

Bio coming soon!
Director of Communications & Enrollment

Julie Moore

Julie was hired by Christ the Savior Academy in 2024. Prior to coming to CSA, Julie served as Director of Admissions at St. Peter’s Classical School in Fort Worth, Texas. She also taught fourth grade, Bible, Church History and Theology at St. Peter’s. Aside from homeschooling her own children over a span of twenty years, Julie has also taught French Horn lessons and piano lessons, and she started her own company, Excellence in Learning, LLC.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Performance from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX.

“C.S. Lewis describes the process of education as the way “grown birds deal with young birds when they teach them to fly.” Therefore, the role faith plays in my life and the responsibility to share my faith with our students is the foundational issue. I cannot teach what I have not first lived. This is the example Christ gave to us when He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” If I, as a grown bird, am to help the young birds become good men speaking well, then it must be Faith that shapes my understanding of what is good in both flight and speech.”

PreKindergarten Teacher

Stacy Wisniewski

Mrs. Wisniewski comes to CSA with extensive teaching experience. She has taught third grade at Eagle College Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. She also taught fourth grade music and upper school musical theater. In addition to elementary education, she has taught dance education courses at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges. Finally, she has supervised education student teachers for the Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College.

Mrs. Wisniewski has her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State University. She has also received Memoria Press and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training.

Mrs. Wisniewski loves beginning every day at CSA in prayer.

“My faith in God helps me face the challenges of each day with peace and joy,”Mrs. Wisniewski said. “When I get off track, I know that God is gracious to forgive. I can always start again.”

Kindergarten Teacher

Ellen Ropar

Ellen has 40 years of experience in early childhood education. She began her journey of working with children as a Teacher’s Aide at a church-operated preschool in Orange, California. She began her studies at Orange Coast College earning her AA Degree with a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Transferring to California State University at Fullerton, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development. Finally, after extensive experience as a Preschool Teacher and/or Director, she completed a second degree in Elementary Education at Newman University, Wichita, and holds a current Teachers License in the State of Kansas.

Ellen has completed dyslexia training at the Fundamental Learning Center.

“I have loved working with children nearly my entire adult life. I believe God has blessed me with this love and desire to help His children grow in love and knowledge of Him.”

1st Grade Teacher

Abbigayle Graham

Abbigayle Graham joined the Christ the Savior Academy faculty in June 2026 as the First Grade Teacher. She began her teaching career as a middle school English teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School and worked with the Totus Tuus summer camp program in 2022. To support her young readers, Abbigayle has completed LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training—a specialized program that equips educators with the research-backed science of how children learn to read, spell, and comprehend language.

Abbigayle holds a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Wichita State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading Jane Austen novels, going on walks, and crocheting.

“It is deeply important to me to share my love of Jesus with my students. Christ is the center of my life, and my hope is to help Him become the center of theirs as well.”

2nd Grade Teacher

Nick Oldziey

Nicholas (Nick) Oldziey holds a Master of Arts in Literature from Wichita State University, where he also taught English composition to undergraduate students. He has worked with students of all ages on staff at Camp St. Raphael and Camp St. Thekla, where he served as the lead counselor and taught Byzantine chant, and at the Antiochian Village, where he was the Communications Director.

Nick’s love for literature began early: “I vividly remember pulling books off of my teachers’ shelves in elementary school, advancing from shorter books like The Magic Treehouse series to extensive adventures like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I knew even from that young age that I wanted to grow up to emulate the kind of environment that made me feel curious about the world, safe to explore it, and accepted by my peers and teachers as I discovered new areas of learning to delve into.”

Working in education, particularly in an Orthodox Christian setting, has been a long-held goal for Nick. He explained that only second in importance to the Orthodox Faith, which “as it points to Christ and truth is the most important part of my life…being able to work with young people as they learn to grow into the best parts of themselves has been the most fulfilling role in my life.”

3rd Grade Teacher

Elizabeth Cogburn

Elizabeth Cogburn comes to us from St. Constantine Academy in Houston, TX where she both taught elementary school and also developed the elementary Greek language curriculum. She holds a BA Philosophy from Houston Christian University with an emphasis in classical languages.

She says of teaching: "It is a joy to step alongside students and ponder God's world together. From the details of grammar to the wide world of mathematics, it is a wonder to explore."

Elizabeth enjoys knitting, baking, and biking. She attends St. George with her family. She and her husband have three young sons.

4th Grade Teacher

Now Hiring!

Is God calling you—or someone you know—to teach at Christ the Savior Academy? We are actively searching for a passionate teacher to join our faculty in this position. If you love classical Christian education and desire to guide young hearts and minds, please contact us at hr@csawichita.org or share this opportunity with an educator in your network!
Para & Librarian

Sunny Gates

Mrs. Gates was an answer to prayer when she first came to CSA as a substitute teacher in November 2023 after one of our teachers had a medical emergency. She was so spectacular, CSA asked her to stay as our third-grade para the following year.

Mrs. Gates has been a substitute teacher for grades kindergarten through high school in USD 361 and Andover’s Special Education Department. Through her experience as a foster parent for six years, she has received training in children’s development, belonging and overall well-being. Aside from teaching, Mrs. Gates founded a nonprofit coZee shop and bookstore in Anthony, Kansas, called Higher Grounds Leather Bounds. She also has an apple and cherry orchard with more than fifty trees. The cornerstone of her life is her faith.

“The Christian faith plays an all-encompassing role in my life,”Mrs. Gates said. “It is inexhaustible when I am searching for wisdom, comfort, and salve for my soul. I know that it is very important to share my faith in not only words and feelings, but in how I act.”

Middle School Composition, Christian Studies, Literature

Amy Henry

Prior to joining Christ the Savior Academy in 2022, Amy taught middle school English and History at Northfield School of Liberal Arts in Wichita, Kansas. She also homeschooled her six children classically. Amy has published in periodicals such as WORLD magazine and the Wall Street Journal.

Amy received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Northern Colorado. She also has a Master of Theology Degree in Pastoral Counseling from the Antiochian House of Studies at the University of Balamand in Lebanon.

Amy has completed writing training at the Institute for Excellence in Writing.

“I am incredibly grateful to teach in an environment where I can speak freely about what I believe and hold most dear. At the middle school/logic stage, children are full of questions, some of them deep, and I would not know how to without being able to reference the Bible and Church writings. I truly believe that Christ came to show us the way to a whole and healed life, and I am so glad that at CSA, I am free to share and pass on Orthodox Christianity and its path towards becoming fully human.”

Middle School Mathematics & Science, Greek

Ty Wangsgaard

Ty Wangsgaard is returning to CSA as our middle school mathematics and Greek teacher. Mr. Wangsgaard was trained in the classics at St. John's College where he received a BA Philosophy & Mathematics. He has a classical teaching background and a love for languages, including Greek and Latin. Ty and his wife attend St. George with their two children.
Art Teacher

Margaret Mary Traffas

Margaret Mary Traffas joined Christ the Savior Academy as the Art Teacher in July 2026. Her lifelong love for the arts led her to study art at Benedictine College before earning a degree in Culinary Arts and Management from Metropolitan Community College—a natural pairing of two of her greatest passions, art and food. Driven by a deep appreciation for beauty, light, and classical learning, she brings a hands-on, creative perspective to the CSA classroom.

Margaret Mary and her husband, Isaac, have been married for nearly 17 years and are blessed with 6 children on earth and 3 children already rejoicing in the arms of the Lord. Outside of teaching, she enjoys sculpting, painting, running, restoring her 100-plus-year-old home, reading the classics with her family and friends, and cooking with her children.

“I look forward to delighting with the children as we bask in the beauty of God’s created world and being a humble observer of all He has given us in creation. God is the giver of every breath we receive, and it is a joy to help students glorify Him through our actions and creative gifts.”

Music Teacher

Now Hiring!

Is God calling you—or someone you know—to teach at Christ the Savior Academy? We are actively searching for a passionate teacher to join our faculty in this position. If you love classical Christian education and desire to guide young hearts and minds, please contact us at hr@csawichita.org or share this opportunity with an educator in your network!
P.E. Teacher

James Odong

The chance to combine his passion for sports and physical education with his faith is what makes Mr. Odong excited to be at Christ the Savior Academy. Prior to coming to CSA, Mr. Odong was the physical education teacher at the American International School of Lagos.
He has also served as a tennis coach for high performance players.

Mr. Odong holds a degree in Sports and Business Science from Southern New Hampshire University. He has also completed training in Responsive Classroom, which has equipped him with specific skills to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms. Mr. Odong attends St. Mary Orthodox Church in Wichita.

“Faith is the cornerstone of my life,” Mr. Odong said. “At CSA, I believe integrating faith into Physical Education can support students’ spiritual growth, as it is important to educate students holistically.”

Board Members

Jacob Corbin is a licensed insurance producer who manages a team serving both personal and commercial insurance clients. He brings experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, and asset management to the CSA Board of Trustees. Jacob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from the University of California, San Diego. An Orthodox Christian and chanter at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, he is committed to the formation of the whole person through classical Orthodox education. He also serves as co-chair of Christ the Savior Academy’s annual golf tournament, helping lead one of the school’s most important fundraising events.

Misha Jacob-Warren serves as Deputy General Counsel for Wichita State University, advising executive leadership on legal, compliance, governance, employment, research, and operational matters. She also owns and operates three small businesses, bringing practical experience in business strategy, financial oversight, and organizational management. Misha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University, along with a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University. Her multi-term service on the CSA Board, leadership on other nonprofit boards, and background in philosophy reflect her appreciation for the critical thinking, character formation, and intellectual rigor at the heart of classical education.

Martha Klotz is a community volunteer and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), providing car seat safety education and inspections for parents and caregivers. She is involved with The Treehouse, an Orthodox nonprofit supporting new mothers through education and essential resources. Martha and her husband own a local bagel business, where she manages marketing, communications, customer accounts, and operations. As the parent of two children who have attended Christ the Savior Academy for many years, she brings a deep commitment to the school’s mission and a strong understanding of its community.

Renee Hahn brings extensive financial leadership, nonprofit experience, and board governance expertise to Christ the Savior Academy. She has served as the school’s Chief Financial Officer for the past eight years and previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for more than three decades before retiring in 2024. Renee also serves as Board Treasurer for The Treehouse and FaithTree Resources.

Andrew Bayless is a marketing and communications professional with more than a decade of experience leading strategic marketing, branding, and organizational growth initiatives across multiple industries. He has managed teams, developed long-term growth strategies, and partnered with executive leadership to advance organizational objectives. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Kansas State University and is a graduate of a college preparatory school, an experience that shaped his appreciation for academic rigor, character formation, and mission-driven education. He brings strengths in strategic planning, marketing and communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development to the CSA Board of Trustees.

Michael Croitoru is in his 40th year with FlightSafety International, a Berkshire Hathaway aviation training company. A graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration, he has served in leadership roles spanning sales, regional management, learning center operations, and business development. He currently serves as Manager of Business Development (Owners), working with several major owner-pilot associations. Michael also serves on the Facilities Committee at St. George Orthodox Cathedral and assists Christ the Savior Academy with facilities planning and vendor coordination. Through his years of service on the CSA Board of Trustees, he has developed a deep appreciation for classical education and its emphasis on intellectual formation, discipline, and virtue.

Denise Distefano is a retired pediatric occupational therapist and former Director of Children’s Outpatient Therapies, where she led teams focused on improving children’s physical, emotional, behavioral, and learning outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas and is certified in Sensory Integration, specializing in children with sensory processing challenges. Denise serves on the Outreach Committee at St. George Orthodox Cathedral and currently serves on the CSA Board of Trustees and its Nominating Committee. She values an educational approach that supports the development of the whole child and fosters lifelong growth.

Mica Elkouri is a graduate of Wichita State University, where she earned a degree in Sociology and competed as an All-American Track & Field student-athlete. She brings strengths in leadership, mentorship, communication, team building, and community engagement. Mica coaches Track & Field and Cross Country at Wichita Collegiate School, where she helps students pursue excellence through accountability, encouragement, and discipline. As the parent of CSA students, she has experienced firsthand how classical education develops intellectual curiosity, strong character, and lifelong learning. Through her coaching, love of reading, and involvement at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, she is passionate about helping students grow with purpose and virtue.

Jonathan De Jong is a tax attorney and one of the original members of the Christ the Savior Academy Board of Trustees when the school was founded in 2012. With more than 20 years of experience advising some of the world’s largest private companies on complex tax strategies, he is recognized as a leader in tax optimization. Jon has also works with Orthodox Venture Philanthropy to help Orthodox schools, including CSA, prepare for the implementation of the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which is expected to create significant scholarship funding opportunities beginning in 2027.

Michael Morrow is a physician, radiologist, and clinical faculty member at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he also serves in leadership roles on several academic committees. He previously served for nine years as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon and has held leadership positions with St. Elijah Orthodox Church Mother’s Day Out and the St. George Orthodox Cathedral Parish Council. Michael earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University after completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma. Having attended an Episcopal college preparatory school with classical foundations and as the parent of four CSA students, he values classical education for its emphasis on sound reasoning, clear communication, and the formation of strong character.

Lea Papamichael serves as Assistant Vice President of Risk Analytics at SitusAMC, where she specializes in risk assessment for financial institutions. She brings strengths in financial analysis, problem-solving, and organizational effectiveness. Lea holds both a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from Wichita State University and previously held the SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses. She also serves as Secretary of her homeowners’ association board, contributing to governance and community engagement. As a member of the CSA Board of Trustees, she values classical education for its emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and character formation.

Deacon David Sebits brings decades of business leadership, nonprofit governance, fundraising, and public affairs experience to Christ the Savior Academy. Since the school’s founding, he has played a significant role in fundraising efforts while also helping lead major capital campaigns for St. George Orthodox Cathedral and other nonprofit organizations. His board service has included leadership positions with the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce, The Salvation Army, and the St. George Endowment. Professionally, he has founded and led businesses and nonprofit organizations, worked in Public Affairs at Koch Industries, managed statewide public policy campaigns, and served on the staff of Senator Bob Dole during his tenure as Senate Majority Leader. As the parent of children educated in classical schools, Deacon David has a deep appreciation for classical education and the formation of intellectual excellence, virtue, and servant leadership.

Nicole Sultani is a tax attorney who brings legal expertise in nonprofit governance, tax planning for nonprofit organizations, and general business matters to the CSA Board of Trustees. She has a strong background in Classical studies, including completing an intensive five-month Classical program in Athens, Greece, studying ancient languages, and earning induction into Eta Sigma Phi, the National Classical Honor Society. Her academic background has given her a deep appreciation for classical education and the enduring value of the humanities.

Backstory

Founded in 2012 by a group of Orthodox Christian parents, Christ the Savior Academy is committed to providing an education that transcends the typical classroom experience. From its inception, the school has aimed to offer a classical education enriched with the wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, preparing students not just for the challenges of higher education but for a life imbued with faith and purpose.

Philosophy

Our educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that true learning encompasses much more than academic achievements. It includes the development of character, the nurturing of spiritual life, and the cultivation of the intellect. We aim to “awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge”, as Einstein so eloquently stated, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to lead thoughtful and virtuous lives.

Here’s How to Become a Part of Christ the Savior Academy:

1. Inquire

Discover how a classical education can benefit your child. Request a phone call or schedule a tour via our Inquiry Form.

2. Apply

Our admissions process is designed to promote student success and a healthy partnership between school and family.

3. Enroll

Formally accept our offer of admission and secure your child’s place after both CSA and your family have affirmed the fit.

GET STARTED

Discover the Christ the Savior Academy Difference

Our faculty are eager to welcome new families and share the transformative power of our educational approach. Schedule your tour today and see how your child can benefit from the unique blend of classical learning and spiritual formation offered at Christ the Savior Academy.