Jeff Joyce enjoys teaming with Christ School’s many passionate supporters to create opportunities for enhancement and growth as Associate Director of Advancement.
Mr. Joyce fell in love with the rivers and mountains of western North Carolina while working at a summer camp in college and has lived and worked in the area since 2008.
He served as the Director of Public Policy for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years, then transitioning to the world of philanthropic development. Before coming to Christ School, Mr. Joyce was Director of Alumni Affairs and Development for nearby Brevard College.
Mr. Joyce is a 2008 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Staying active in his community has been a common theme as Mr. Joyce served as Board Chair for the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Young Professional of Asheville. When he’s not working, Mr. Joyce can be found whitewater kayaking or mountain biking on local rivers and trails. He shares his passion with the boys as a coach in the Outdoor Program.
His wife's name is Lucy.
Erykah King built a good rapport with the boys as an assistant track coach before becoming a full-time member of the faculty in Learning Resources starting with the 2023-24 school year. Her knowledge proved to be instrumental to the Greenies winning a state championship the following spring.
Ms. King graduated from Elon University in 2021 with a B.A. in Public Health and minor in Coaching. She qualified academically three straight years for the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s List.
Ms. King attended high school in the Asheville area at T.C. Roberson. Her younger sibling is Chyance '28.
Wes King P'27 was announced as varsity baseball coach in 2020 and assists boys in the Learning Resource Department as well.
Mr. King has been involved in education since 2003 and has taught in North Carolina and South Carolina schools. After receiving a degree in Sports Management from Western Carolina University, he earned teaching certificates in Business and Physical Education from Winthrop University and Mars Hill University.
Coaching-wise, Mr. King has worked at the varsity level in North Carolina since 2004.
Mr. King is married to Kelli and the couple live on campus with their two sons, Sawyer '27 and Cason.
Steven Kramer specializes in Spanish and was formerly a court interpreter in Spain. But his vast knowledge of World Languages extends to German, Italian, Russian, Dutch, and Galician as well.
Mr. Kramer has been a Spanish instructor at Christ School since 2019. He has also helped coach in the Outdoor Program and been involved with the ASSIST program.
Mr. Kramer spent two years aboard as a teaching assistant and was a teaching fellow at the University of North Carolina for the 2018-19 school year. He graduated with a B.S. in Spanish and International Business, with a minor in German from College of Charleston in 2014. Mr. Kramer went on to earn a master's degree in Linguistics from UNC in 2019.
His wife's name is Beth.
Former college football player Bradley Lidberg brings a competitive fire and high energy to his new role as Assistant Director of Admission.
His hiring comes at an opportune time for enrollment - the school will open 2024-25 with a record 308 boys from 17 different states and 11 countries.
Mr. Lidberg graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Sport Management and then received his master's in Sports and Recreation Management from the University of Iowa in 2022. A year later, he bolstered the Greenie football coaching staff as Special Teams & Recruiting Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach.
Mr. Lidberg's playing career at Concordia College lasted from 2015 to 2017.
Now coming up on his fifth year, Wyatt Long is a Learning Resource/English instructor and assistant varsity lacrosse coach.
Mr. Long graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in English from Hartwick College in 2019. After that, he returned to his high school alma mater (Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J.) to work in communications and coach lacrosse.
Mr. Long enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.
Like any seasoned houseparent, Carolyn Lowe-Thompson P’24 P’26 has proven to be a meaningful contributor at all hours.
She and her family live in Cuningham House where they mentor the youngest Greenies in addition to Mrs. Thompson's positions as a Math instructor and assistant coach with the Greenie cross country and swimming programs.
Mrs. Thompson was the valedictorian of her high school, won a NCAA Division III national championship in the 10,000-meter run, and has taught, coached, or been a houseparent at schools in the Bahamas, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Virginia.
She was one of the founders of the Community School for Arts and Academics in Roanoke, Va., where she worked from 2013 to 2020. Mrs. Thompson has head-coaching experience in cross country, cycling, swimming, and track.
Mrs. Thompson earned her B.S. in Operations Research from Carnegie Mellon University and then a master’s degree in Education from the University of New Hampshire. She enjoys all outdoor activities, including training for triathlons.
Jack Lynch's love for the outdoors stems from growing up around the prairies and lakes of northern Illinois.
Mr. Lynch has been at Christ School since 2019, teaching Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science in addition to his role as a coach in the Outdoor Program.
Mr. Lynch graduated from Maine's Colby College in 2016 with a B.A. in Biology, concentrating in Ecology and Evolution. Upon graduating, Mr. Lynch presented his original research on habitat fragmentation at the 2016 Ecological Society of American conference.
After graduating, Mr. Lynch worked as a field botanist with the Bureau of Land Management in Taos, N.M., and later started his career in education as a teaching apprentice at the High Mountain Institute, in Leadville, Colo. From there, he worked as a teaching fellow at the Alzar School in Cascade, I.D., where he paddled with Christ School alumnus Richard Lytle '20. Afterwards, Mr. Lynch completed his master's degree at the University of Virginia where he taught Anatomy and Biology at Monticello High School (Va.).
Outside of school, Mr. Lynch likes to climb, mountain bike, play board games, and read.
Olga Mahoney P'20 takes immense pride in teaching Greenies to give back as Christ School's Director of Service Learning.
Mrs. Mahoney coordinates community service opportunities for the boys in the Asheville area and enjoys working alongside them. She was Christ School's Teacher of the Year for the 2017-18 school year and is an instructor in AP World History, Ethics, and Public Speaking.
Mrs. Mahoney earned both her bachelors degree in Russian Language and a master's in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University. Furthermore, she also holds a master's degree in Education from Harvard University. For 11 years, Mrs. Mahoney served in several teaching and administrative roles at Milton Academy in Milton, Mass. Before that, she worked as an intern at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and as a research assistant for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Mrs. Mahoney and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Michael '20 and Alexandra.
Watch the Faculty Spotlight on Olga Mahoney
More than two decades of experience in teaching at independent schools prepared John Manganiello P'29 to strengthen Christ School's History Department.
Now in his fourth year here, Mr. Manganiello was born and raised in New Rochelle, N.Y., and began his career in the Empire State at Windward School in White Plains, N.Y., where he spent 15 years as a teacher, mentor, coach, department chair, and team leader. Mr. Manganiello wanted to experience other educational philosophies and take on a variety of administrative roles and did so, becoming the Assistant Head of the Masters Middle School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Here, he discovered his love for boarding schools and embraced being part of the school community.
He next became Headmaster of the Beacon School in Stamford, Conn., where Mr. Manganiello was proud of the school’s ability to provide a truly individualized learning experience to gifted and twice-exceptional students. After his stint at Beacon, Mr. Manganiello became Director of both the Prospect and Bridge programs at the Wooster School in Danbury, Conn., helping students with language-based learning disabilities by offering an appropriate learning environment and instruction while keeping the students in a mainstream setting.
Mr. Manganiello completed his undergraduate degree at Lemoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., where he double majored in History and Religious Studies. He completed his graduate work and earned his master's degree in Special Education, with a concentration on learning disabilities from the College of New Rochelle. He later earned a second master's degree in History from Iona College.
Mr. Manganiello and his family always envisioned moving to North Carolina one day. They became more confident it was the correct decision when they visited the Christ School campus and met so many wonderful people, he said.
Mr. Manganiello also coaches in the Athletic Department and lives on campus with his wife, Joanne P'29, and their son, Chase '29. During his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family and friends, playing sports, biking, writing, and playing with his son.
Like many people, Jeffrey McAven found Asheville to be a place where he wanted to put down some roots.
The new Math instructor moved to the mountains four years ago, even though this will be his 19th year teaching in North Carolina.
Mr. McAven was born and raised in Michigan. He holds a B.S. in Education from Eastern Michigan University with a certification in Math and Science.
He and his wife, Paula, have one son, Wesley '27. Mr. McAven's hobbies include cars, woodworking, sports, and enjoying the awe-inspiring nature of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Talk about fortuitous timing.
Diedra Mohney P'23 joined the staff as a nurse in 2018, just one year after the present Wellness Center rose out of an extensive renovation to the old '30 House dorm. Since then, Diedra has become a friendly, compassionate presence for boys requiring care.
Mrs. Mohney and her husband, Mathematics Chair Mike Mohney P'23, live on campus and are parents to Chapin '23. The family is so beloved in the Christ School community that the Mohney Classroom in Hamner Alumni Center was dedicated in honor of Deidra and Mike's service to the school in May of 2023.
"Mike and Diedre Mohney are two of the most genuine and humble people I have ever known," said Lynn Williams GP'23, whose gift made the Mohney Classroom possible.
"Their love of life, of a good laugh, their God, their country, and the boys of Christ School barely begins to describe them. They have devoted much of their adult lives to raising hundreds of our young boys into fine men, who embody the ideals of Christ School. It is only fitting that this classroom should be named in their honor to remind past and future generations what it means to live an authentic life of purpose, hard work, kindness, and good deeds."
Mike Mohney P'23 is renowned amongst the boys for arriving early to his classroom and staying as late as needed.
The passion and personal care put into his positions as Mathematics Department Chair and former Director of the Outdoor Program were the catalysts to Mr. Mohney being named 2022-23 Christ School's Teacher of the Year.
The 2023-24 academic year was the 20th for Mr. Mohney at Christ School.
Before his career in teaching, Mr. Mohney was a U.S. Navy officer specializing in nuclear power plants. Following the Navy, he worked as Engineering Manager for the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Salem County (N.J.).
Mr. Mohney and his wife, Deidra, live on campus and are parents to Chapin '23.
Kim Murphy P’24 and P’27 greets first-time visitors to campus, alumni, and students she knows on a first-name basis with the same level of courtesy and helpfulness. No one could be a better face of the school as Front Office Manager in Wetmore Hall.
Mrs. Murphy took on his integral job in 2019. She works in close coordination with the Student Life and Residential Life offices.
Mrs. Murphy moved to Asheville in 2015 with her husband, Tony, and their two sons, Tony Jr. ’24, and Myles ’27. After moving to Asheville, she became very involved volunteering in her children’s school as the VP, President or Committee Chair of their school’s PTA/PTO.
In her free time, Mrs. Murphy enjoys taking cooking classes, working in her garden, trying new restaurants, spending time with her family, and attending sporting and comedy events.
Results matter to Hamid Najafi, an innovative professional with an excellent track record who has brought these qualities to Christ School as a Robotics and Engineering instructor.
Mr. Najafi was named Teacher of the Year for 2021-22. He is a faculty advisor for the new robotics team.
Mr. Najafi has taught locally as an adjunct professor at A-B Tech Community College and Blue Ridge Community College, where he won the 2019 Extra Mile Award. His professional experience in engineering and as a manager dates back to 1983. From 2002 to 2010, he worked as a real estate developer, overseeing the construction of one of the first all-inclusive executive office suites in the county.
Mr. Najafi studied at Clemson University (MSEE), Piedmont Management Institute, and Midwestern State University. He and his wife, Cindy, have been married for more than 40 years. They have two adult children, Dani and Christian.
Every athletic team at Christ School has a leg up on the opposition thanks to Duncan Parham P'13, who just completed his 20th year here.
Mr. Parham is Associate Athletic Director and his deep background in strength training and conditioning helps prepare Greenies athletes for their seasons.
Prior to Christ School, Mr. Parham had served as Asheville School's Annual Fund Director. He is a Blues graduate and attended college at Loyola University of New Orleans.
Mr. Parham and his wife, Admissions Department Office Manager Coco Parham, have two children, Ellsworth '13 and Emma.
Entering her 20th year, Coco Parham P'13 continues to be a fixture and welcoming presence as an Office Manager.
Mrs. Parham has been in Admissions for seven years now and previously worked for 13 years in the College Guidance Office as an administrative assistant and testing coordinator.
Mrs. Parham graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a B.A. in 1987. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, and watching a great movie. She prides herself on being an animal advocate and has volunteered in the past with the Asheville Humane Society.
Mrs. Parham is married to Christ School Associate Athletic Director Duncan Parham. They have two children, Ellsworth ’13 and Emma.
Ever wonder who is behind the witty and timely social media posts and articles posted across Greenie channels?
Interim Director of Communications Andrew Pearson has been a part of the Communications Office for eight years now and was promoted this summer from his previous role as Digital Communications Specialist.
He looks forward to introducing a new slate of ideas and enthusiasm, leading a four-person team that includes Director of Publications Donna Wheeler P’21, Director of Video Operations Chris Childers, and a soon-to-be-made hire.
Mr. Pearson has lived in the Asheville area since 1995 and graduated from UNC Asheville in 1999 with a B.A. in Mass Communication. He has been involved with Christ School in some capacity for the past 25 years as Mr. Pearson began his career covering high school sports for western North Carolina’s two largest newspapers – the Asheville Citizen-Times and Hendersonville Times-News. Social media following for the High School Huddle blog was the largest for any site of its kind in North Carolina (29,000 followers) when Mr. Pearson left the Citizen-Times to come work for Christ School in 2017.
Mr. Pearson lives on the fringe of campus in Fletcher, N.C., with his wife, Ursula, close enough to hear the Angelus bell from their front porch. And if you arrive to Christ School early enough in the mornings, you're sure to find him running miles on the track in all manners of weather.
Dr. Jack Peterson quickly acclimated to Christ School as a mid-year hire during the 2022-23 academic year and is now ready to begin his second year as chair of the Learning Resource Department.
He describes himself as a creative, collaborative English teaching professional with strong administrative skills and a passion for student success in higher education.
He is the founder of Ao English, an online service that offers tutoring and editing. Dr. Peterson has previously been an instructor at five different colleges, most recently on a part-time basis at Durham Technical College in Durham, N.C. He was the Parish Administrator for Durham’s St. Titus’ Episcopal Church from 2021 to 2022.
After receiving his B.A. in English from Georgia’s Covenant College in 2002, Dr. Peterson studied at the University of Washington where he earned his master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and then Indiana University Pennsylvania, where he received a PhD in Composition and Applied Linguistics.
Dr. Peterson was born in Ohio, but has also lived in Vietnam, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Washington, and now North Carolina.
Dr. Peterson enjoys writing poetry in his free time and his work has been published. His wife’s name is Amy and they have two children.
Erin Price gets her fulfillment out of seeing how far imaginations can go in the Kennedy-Herterich Art Studio.
She has applied a lifelong love of art to 15 years of teaching up and down the east coast. Her courses at Christ School include Art, Advanced Art, and AP Art History. During the school year, Mrs. Price posts updates from the studio to Instagram (@fineartsofchristschool).
Ms. Price received her B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Saxophone Performance from Presbyterian College. She then attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she completed post-bachelor courses in Painting and Graphic Design. Later, Mrs. Price received a masters in Art Teaching in Art Education from Lander University and Masters of Library and Information Science from USC-Columbia.
In addition to creating art and teaching, Mrs. Price enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
