The Gramercy Teaching Team

God has blessed Gramercy with a talented, committed, and experienced teaching faculty representing over 400 years of teaching experience!


Diane Adams
5th Grade

  • BS in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University, (1982)
  • 24 years in Education
  • 6  years at GCS

Pamela Brinson
2nd Grade

  • BS in Elementary Education from Barton College (Atlantic Christian College), (1972)
  • NC teacher certification in elementary education
  • 24 years in Education
  • 5 years at GCS

Janlyn Butler
Resource Teacher Lower Grades

  • BS in Elementary Education from UNC-Wilmington, (2004)
  • Gramercy alumna (2001)
  • 15 years in Education
  • 12 years at GCS

Jennifer Collars

4th Grade

  • MS  in Elementary Education with Minor in Literacy from Walden Univ. (2015)
  • BA in Elementary Education with Minor in Community Health from UNC-Wilmington (2008)
  • 9 years in Education
  • 2 years at Gramercy
  • Gramercy alumna  (2000)

Heather Connelly 
Physical Education

  • MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University, (2014)
  • BS in Kinesiology:Exercise Science and Coaching Education from James Madison University, (2012)
  • Served as a Clinical intern and Researcher at East Stroudsburg University (2013-2014)
  • served as Assistant Swim coach at North Shore Swim Club (2012-2015)
  • ARC CPR/AED/First Aid certified
  • ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist
  • 3 years at GCS

 Robert Cummins
6th Grade/Elementary School Principal

  • MA in Christian School Administration - Grace Theological Seminary (1987)
  • NC Teacher certification from ECU-Greenville (1980)
  • BA in Religious Studies from UNC-CH, (1971; Phi Beta Kappa (1970)
  • ACSI Certification
  • 39 years in Education
  • 38 years at GCS

Jim Deeter
History & Bible

  • MA in History from Marshall University, (1985)
  • BS in Religious Studies from Liberty University, (1980)
  • 31 years in Education
  • 22 years at GCS

 Suzanne DiPiero
Biology, Chemistry & Physical Science

  • MS in Marine Environmental Science from State University of New York, (1983)
  • BS in Biology from Millersville State University, (1981)
  • Served as Technical specialist in fisheries research (NY) (1984-1985)
  • Served as an Environmental Scientist for the EPA (1985-1987)
  • Served as adjunct professor for East Carolina University at Carteret Community College in Environmental Science and Biology (1989-1995)
  • 22 years in education
  • 4 years at GCS
Paul Greiner

Computer & Technology

  • Master of Education Teaching and Learning, General Education from Liberty University (2018)
  • BS in Computer Studies from the University of Maryland, (2005)
  • AA Liberal Arts Studies from Fresno Community College (CA), (1990)
  • 12 years in Education
  • 4 years at GCS

Sharon Klosterman

English & Yearbook, High School Principal

  • MA in Secondary Education from the University of Albany, (1996)
  • BA in English from the University of Albany, (1995)
  • 15 years in Education
  • 7 years at GCS

April Lawrence
3rd Grade

  • BA in Elementary Education from Eastern University, (2002)
  • 16 years in Education
  • 4 years at GCS

Susan Lewis

Elementary Spanish/Music/High School Ensemble

  • BS in Bible and Church Music/Missions from Welch Bible College, (1986)
  • 6 years in Education
  • 4 years at GCS

Pietro Morelli 

Upper School Math and Science

  • Honorably Discharged from the Italian Navy (2012)
  • Graduate: U.S Navy Flight School (2002)
  • Graduate: Italian Naval Academy with Honors (1999)
  •  Material Engineering, University of Messina (1996-1998)
  • 11 years in Education
  • 3  years at GCS

David Perry

Upper School Social Studies

  • BA in History, Minor in Math  from NC State University (1989)
  • BS in Social Studies Education from East Carolina University (1990)
  • National Board Certification (2002), Re-certification (2012)
  • 30 years in Education
  • First year at GCS

Andrea Purvis

Kindergarten

  • MA in Education from Ball State University (2011)
  • BA in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University (2001)
  • 11 years teaching experience
  • NC, IN, and KY teacher certification in elementary and special education
  • Coached cross-country and track
  • 2 years at GCS

Sandra Shy

1st grade

  • MEd in Elementary Education from Liberty University, (2013)
  • BS in Criminal Justice from Mount Olive College (2003)
  • AA in Biblical Studies from North Carolina Theological Seminary (2018)
  • 15 years in education
  • 3 years at Gramercy

Vanessa Soto

Spanish Language

  • MSC in Teaching of Spanish and Literature from the University of Costa Rica
  • Bachelor Degree Teaching of Spanish and Literature from the University of Costa Rica
  • 4 years in education
  • 1st year at GCS
Denise Story

Math and Science , Math Lead

  • BS in Math and Physics from the University of Tennessee, (2002)
  • 31 years in Education
  • 13 years at GCS

Kathy Walters
Art

  • MS Recreational Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill, (1995)
  • BS Speech Pathology; Minor in Special Education from James Madison University (1992)
  • 9 years in Education
  • 9 years at GCS

Carla Weist

Speech and Debate

  • BS in Secondary English Education, minor in Bible and Psychology from Liberty University (1990)
  • NC Professional Educator's License 9-12 English and Academically Gifted
  • 24 years in Education (Traditional - 6 years; Homeschool and Classical Christian - 18 years)
  • First year at GCS

Patrick Weist

Math

  • BS in Psychology from James Madison University (1990)
  • NC Professional Educator's License K-12 EC/Math 6-9
  • 25 years in Education
  • First year at GCS

Hugh Whaley
Band Director

  • MA in Music Education from Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania (1991)
  • BA in Music Education cum laude East Carolina Univeristy (1986)
  • 31 years in Education
  • NC Professional Educator's License K-12 Music Masters
  • 2 years at GCS

Michael Willis
English & Speech

  • MFA in Creative Writing, Queens University (Charlotte, NC) (2006)
  • BS in German/English Education from East Carolina University, (1975)
  • 28 years in Education
  • 8 years at GCS

Kara Withee
Bible, English, Gramercy Christian School Executive Director

  • MA in Comparative Literature from San Diego State University
  • BA in English and American Literature from the University of Texas--El Paso, Minor in Spanish Language
  • 6 years in Education
  • 4 years at GCS