Staff Directory
Senior Administrative Staff
Pastor Bill Long
Senior Pastor
Terri Morrissey
Administrator
Administrative Staff
Laura Pecina
Dean of Students
Early Elementary Staff
Dominique Johnson – Alumni
PreK3 Teacher
Ms. Johnson joined CCS in 2023 and is a proud CCS alumni. She attends Pasos De Fe Church. She has a beloved son, Ellis. She has 13 years’ experience in Early childhood education. She holds a FCCPC for Pre-K and has gained experience on getting the national accreditation from NAEYC (National Association for Young Children). A verse that is precious to her is Romans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Crystal Nelson
PreK4 Teacher/ Extended Care
Keri Lobdell
K5 Teacher
Cinthia Martin
K5 Teacher
Mrs. Martin joined CCS in 2023. She has attended Restoration church since 2021. She has a beloved son, Carlos. Ms. Pena has been in the education realm for almost a decade. She has a bachelors in English Literature from Florida International University. A verse that is precious to her is Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Elementary Staff
Katia Quintana
1st Grade Teacher
Barbara Quinones
4th Grade Teacher
Maria Bana
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bana is excited to begin her first year at CCS in 2025. She and her family have attended First Baptist Church of Homestead since 2021. Mrs. Bana and her husband, Joel, have two children—Jayden and Jayson—who are both currently enrolled at CCS. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Florida International University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the same institution. A Bible verse that is especially meaningful to her is 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Madai Cruz
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cruz has served in CCS since 2021. She has attended Esmirna BIC, where her parents are the senior pastors, since 1998. She and her husband, Juan, have two children, Jesse and Mila, who also attend CCS. Mrs. Cruz has an AA in Speech Pathology from MDC, a BS in Early Childhood Education from FIU and has over 17 years of experience working with children. She is also certified through FAACS and is currently attending Voice to The Nations Institute for a Master’s in Ministry. A verse dear to her heart is John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have Peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Sandra Valenzuela
3rd Grade Teacher
Janelis Camejo
Elementary Interventionalist
Secondary Staff
Greg Wells
History and Math Teacher/ Coach
Nikol Triana
Social Studies, Digital Media, & Yearbook Teacher
Zanecus Johnson
Bible and Drama Teacher
Mr. Johnson served at CCS from 2005 – 2011 and joined us again in 2022. Mr. Johnson is the Senior Pastor of Pasos De Fe Church. He and his wife, Beverly, have six children. He is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Associates in Pastoral Ministry He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry and Christian Education at Regents University. A Bible verse which is very special to him is from Ezekiel 33:7: Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
Lissette Vega
Math Teacher
Randy Diaz
Bible Teacher
David Bouwsma
Science Teacher
Molly Mills
English and Math Teacher/ Intervention
Ms Mills joined CCS in 2023. She attends Summit Church of Homestead. She has an Associate in Arts in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education K-12. A verse that is precious to her is 1 Corinthians 13:13: So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Roxane Mclean
STEAM Lab and Science Teacher
Mrs. McLean has lived in Homestead for two years with her husband Doug and her son James. She is originally from Virginia. She has attended Restoration church in Homestead for the past year. Mrs. McLean has 3 years of experience working in schools, she started as a kindergarten aide while living overseas in England, and she is currently working on her B.ED in Middle Education: Science from Liberty University.
Email:
Esther Velez
English Teacher
Cyndi Viggiani
English Teacher
Delna Elisme
Academic Advisor
Ms. Elisme has joined CCS in 2025. She has attended Summit-Movement Church for the past 10 years. She has a beloved daughter, Thalia Giselle Elisme. She holds an A.S. degree in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, a B.S. in Professional Management, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. For over 15 years, she has mentored youth through Youth for Christ, helping guide young people toward purpose, leadership, and personal growth. She believes in meeting people where they are, leading with compassion, and being a consistent, dependable presence in the lives of others. She lives by one of her favorite life verses, Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Alex Pecina
Math Teacher
Mr. Pecina joined CCS in 2024. Mr. Pecina has served at CCS since 2006. He and his wife, Laura, have been members of Summit Church of Homestead since 2015. Alex and Laura are parents to Isabella, Mikaela, and Gabriella. Mr. Pecina holds a BA from Florida International University and is commissioned by the Southern Baptist Convention as an ordained minister of the Gospel. Mr. Pecina’s life verse is 1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
Email:
Karissa Viggiani
History Teacher
Ms. Viggiani joined CCS in 2023. She has been a member of Pinelands Presbyterian Church for over ten years. She received an AA from Miami Dade College and is pursuing a BA at Florida International University. A verse that is precious to her is Isaiah 26:3: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Special Area Teachers
Mabel Yesica Barnett
Art and Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Barnett has served at CCS since 2017. She has been married 33 years and served alongside her husband, Richard Barnett, Pastor of Victory Baptist Church, since 2019. They have five children, Nichole, Ashleigh, Jesse, Richard, and Lindsey. Mrs. Barnett holds a Bachelor of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary and is certified with FACCS as an Elementary Teacher. She has worked in Youth Ministry since 1989. A verse that is precious to her is Psalms 28:7: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song I will praise him.
Pamela Helms
Music and Production Teacher
Mrs. Helms served at Colonial Christian School from 1999 – 2006 and has joined us again in 2025. She has attended First Baptist Church since she was a little girl. She and her husband, Benny, have two children: Brittany and Natalie. Mrs. Helms holds a BA from Trinity University in Elementary Ed. A verse that is precious to her is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths
Ashley Eichler
Physical Education
Teacher’s Aides/Long-term Subs
Darlene Pierre
Science and Computer Teacher/ Teacher's Aide
Natalie Gonzalez-Cammisa
Teacher's Aide
MS. Gonzalez-Cammisa joined CCS in 2023. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Homestead and serves in the college ministry. A verse that is precious to her is Matthew 5:44: But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Mirelis Diaz
Teacher's Aide
Mrs. Diaz joined CCS in 2023. She has attended Bethany Baptist Church since 2008. She is the mother of two beautiful young adults. She has three years of experience in elementary school in Cuba and nineteen years of experience in Early Childhood Education in the United States. She is FCCPC certified at the Pre-K level and worked as an assistant principal at a local, nationally accredited preschool for twelve years. A verse that is precious to her is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Alexandra Hogan-Morales
Teacher's Aide
Mrs. Morales joined CCS in 2025. She has attended The Movement Church since 2020. Mrs. Morales holds an associate’s degree in psychology from Miami Dade College and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at FIU. A verse that is special to my heart is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Tanya Perez
Substitute Teacher
Anielka Maldonado - Alumni
Teacher's Aide
Ms Maldonado is a proud CCS alumni who has been with us since the 9th grade. Since then has joined our CCS staff as an aftercare worker. She has attended Christian Missionary Alliance since 2002. She is currently attending Robert Morgan Technology College pursing a degree in Cosmetology. A verse that is precious to her is Proverbs 31:26: She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
James Polles
Substitute Teacher
Mr. Polles joined CCS in 2022.
Extended Care Staff
Office Staff
Jacqui Haponuk
Parent Support Specialist
Heather Daza
Administrator's Personal Assistant
Julie Paterson
Parental and Business Support Specialist
Johanna Puente
Parent Support Specialist
Ms. Roa joined CCS in 2022. She attends Pinelands Presbyterian Church. She has two blessings: MiaBella and Amelia. Ms. Roa graduated from Miami Dade College. A verse that is precious to her is Psalm 119:16: I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
David Daza
Marketing & Communication Specialist
Mr. Daza joined CCS in 2025. He has attended Christ Fellowship since 2023. Him and his wife, Heather, have two blessings: Isabella and Noah. Mr. Daza holds a degree in Chaplaincy from the International Chaplaincy Institute, completed 2.5 years of ministry and worship leadership training at the Canzion Institute, and has a degree in Biblical Studies from the Voice of Nations Institute. A verse that he holds dear to him is 1 Peter 4:10: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Elisa Boatright
Assistant to Dean of Students
Mrs. Boatright has served at CCS since 2025. She has attended Christ Journey Church since 1995. She has three children: Alfonso, Eden, and Azariah all who attend CCS. Mrs. Boatright holds an AA in Speech Pathology from Miami Dade College and a BS in Special Education from Florida International University. A verse that is precious to her is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Financial Staff
Jessica Garcell
Finance Manager/Accts. Payable Specialist
Mrs. Garcell joined CCS in 2022. She and her husband, Joel, have three daughters: Samantha, Sophia, and Sarah. She has been serving at First Baptist Church of Homestead since 2016. She is currently working toward an Associate of Science in Business Administration. A verse that is precious to her is Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Greg Wells
Payroll Specialist
Nathan Bush
Accts. Receivable Specialist
Amanda Ingram
Accts. Payable Specialist
Diane VanWambeck
Accts. Receivable Specialist
Lissette Santiago
Business Support Specialist
Support Staff
Carol Long
Technology Coordinator/ Library Aide
Jeff Kemper
Security
Mr. Kemper joined the CCS staff in 2022.
Email: security@colonialchristianschool.org
Robert Hedges
Plant Supervisor
Giovanny Morales
Lawn Care/ Maintenance
Mr. Morales, a graduate from the CCS class of 2023, has been a Patriot since 7th grade. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Morales joined the CCS staff. He is a member of Iglesia Cristo Rey De Reyes. His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.
Alba Mazariegos
Food Service Manager
Chris Nieto
Lawn Care/ Maintenance
Coaching Staff
Peggy Wells
Athletic Director
Greg Wells
Assistant Athletic Director
Coaches
Enrichment
Yuliet O'Hallorans
Piano & Voice Instructor
Church Staff
Pastor Bill Long
Senior Pastor
Lupe Haskins
Church Secretary
Summer Staff
John Morrissey Sr.
Summer Camp Director
Colonial Christian School
17105 SW 296 Street | Homestead, FL 33030
Tel: (305) 246-8608 | Fax: (305) 246-1542
patriots@colonialchristianschool.org