LEADERSHIP TEAM


​HEAD OF SCHOOL/JH PRINCIPAL
Adam Kronberger
akronberger@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
​Over ten years ago, my wife and I heard a clear call from God to join the CCS community and help lead His vision of discipleship training for this school. Each day I have the opportunity to serve, lead, and be transformed as a lead discipler. I am proud to be a Pastor at Church on the Hill which continues to support and drive the vision for the school. My wife of over 20 years is a key partner in this ministry, as we both spend most of our days on campus alongside our two school-age children. 

I continue to spend time in the classroom, teaching college credit math classes to our upperclassmen. Discovering the truths in God’s creation, especially in math, is so cool!  His power and glory are always on stage for us to investigate. Next to the red/blue of Crosshill, black/orange are my favorite colors, as Oregon State University awarded me a B.S. in Mathematics in 1998 and an M.S. in Math & Science Education in 2003.  My Administrator Certification is through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), of which our school is also a member. The Crosshill community is like none other and I am so grateful to be a part of it!  (check out my latest message to parents)

​Please contact Adam if you have questions that do not apply to others in the Leadership Team or Administrative Staff such as development, leadership, or ministry. ​

​EARLY CHILDHOOD PRINCIPAL
​Kelly Merina
​kmerina@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
Kelly has been married to Mike, her High School sweetheart since 2001. They have 3 kids. Church on the Hill has been their church home since 2000. Kelly was called into ministry at Church on the Hill in 2006, where she served as the Children's Pastor for 11 years. In 2012 Kelly joined the CCS team. Her heart's desire is to support and encourage children and families as they enter schooling for the first time. She believes discipleship in these young years is foundational and with a partnership with parents we get an opportunity to watch Jesus come alive in their hearts! The first years of school are super important and Kelly loves to make sure these years are incredibly special for the whole family! Kelly oversees our Early Childhood Department.

​Please contact Kelly with any questions about our Preschool, Kindergarten, or Afternoon Enrichment programs. ​

​ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL (1st-4th)
Chauntel Kronberger
ckronberger@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
As a third grade student, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.  I loved the idea of organizing a class and facilitating learning.  After finishing up my BA in Elementary Education at Central Washington University, I was married to Adam in 1999, when we both started our teaching careers.  After teaching elementary for 4 years in public school and taking 10 years off to raise our two children, I joined the Crosshill community in 2010 as a second-grade teacher and currently serve as the Elementary Director.   My current teacher licensure and administrative certification are through ACSI.  My passion is living out the love and grace of Christ.  Encouraging people to be their best brings me life.   Crosshill is my family and I thank God for his provision. 

​Please contact Chauntel with any questions regarding elementary admissions, curriculum, staffing, sc​​heduling, discipleship, or MAP testing. 
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5TH-6TH PRINCIPAL
Ruby House 
​rhouse@crosshillchristian.com​
Bio →
​My husband and I met when we were in middle school and got married in 2007. I graduated from Corban College with my Bachelors in Education in 2008 and quickly moved into my first year of teaching for Salem-Keizer public schools. After 4 years of teaching, I had my first daughter, Hayley, in 2012. I became a stay-at-home mom at that time, and I loved every minute of it. The Lord was teaching me to serve and be content in a whole new way. After sending Hayley to Crosshill for 2 years, I was sold on the community and model of discipleship.  My second daughter Teagan had finally started school and a job opened up at Crosshill in the Lord’s perfect timing. I was excited to be back in teaching and elated at the opportunity to teach and be able to pray with the kids. It truly is the perfect combination for discipleship. Our family has been immeasurably blessed by this community and we are thankful that all two of our children can grow here.​

​HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 
Mindy Kelly
​ mkelly@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
Originally from Nebraska, my husband, Brett, and I moved to the Salem area in 2013. Growing up in public school, I was completely sold out when I came to Crosshill--what do you mean we get to pray with our students? We get to worship together? We get to serve on mission trips together? This is amazing! Not only is the idea of Crosshill amazing, the community is indescribable. I can't think of a better place to raise our daughter, Winnie.

Outside of school, I love photography, baking and decorating cakes, and sewing. Our family attends Church on the Hill where we have served on the Hospitality Team and in various relationship courses. My love of science and kids led me to earn a B.S. in Natural Science Education from the University of Nebraska--Lincoln in 2012. After teaching at Crosshill for a few years, I discovered the importance of looking at education through a biblical worldview, which led me to Corban University where I earned my M.S. ED in Curriculum and Instruction in 2017. 
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Please contact Mindy with any questions regarding the secondary event calendar, secondary class schedule, or high school transcripts.
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ACADEMIC DIRECTOR
Krissy Bennett
​kbennett@crosshillchristian.com​
Bio →
​Originally from California, I moved to Oregon when I was thirteen and instantly fell in love with Oregon weather. I love a good cup of coffee, a great book, and an incredible rainstorm. I have been married to my husband Jason for 19 years, and together, we have three boys who all attend Crosshill. Our family calls Church on the Hill home, and I serve on the children’s ministry team. I earned my degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University, and am currently working on my Masters in Education. God has given me a heart and a passion for students who struggle with learning disabilities. This passion has directed me in further studies related to dyslexia. I am both a certified Barton Reading and Spelling Tutor as well as dyslexia screener. I am certified through the Dyslexia Training Institute to Advocate for students with dyslexia. I am a lover of learning and am always looking for ways to educate myself. I am sold out not only for Christian Education but also for Crosshill. I consider myself blessed to work in an atmosphere that views all children as special and unique, and provides a strong educational and biblical foundation. ​

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

JH/HS OFFICE + FACTS ADMIN
JH ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mark Cotter
mark.cotter@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
Since our oldest started kindergarten here almost twenty years ago, we’ve been blessed to have three of our kids graduate from Crosshill.  When I retired from law enforcement after twenty-nine years, I began driving the Crosshill bus occasionally for athletic events and field trips.  One thing led to another, and I started working part-time in preparation for the opening of the new high school building.  That turned into full-time with ever-expanding duties, which I’ve learned isn’t uncommon in small Christian schools!

Our family has truly loved being a part of the Crosshill community, and I’m excited that I get to continue working with students, families, and the amazing Crosshill staff.
EDUCATION PASTOR
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Matt Thatcher
mthatcher@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
Although I have been an educator and administrator in Oregon schools for over 30 years, I am so excited about this new opportunity to partner with Crosshill and Church on the Hill.   As the principal at Cascade High School for 15 years, my emphasis was always on community.  Similarly, as a board member and elder at Church on the Hill for many years, I truly understand the value of discipleship. No place better embodies that sense of community and the importance of discipleship than Crosshill Christian School.  As a licensed administrator and former Oregon High School Principal of the Year, I hope to continue to support CCS leadership, teachers and families for years to come. 
When we are not working in schools, my wife Jennifer and I enjoy international travel and spending time with our two recently graduated children, Madison and Austin.   
COUNSELOR
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Brock Pattison
​bpattison@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
My wife and I have lived in the Salem area for over a decade and love being a part of the community. Though originally born in the midwest, living in Oregon since my teen years has convinced me that the Pacific Northwest is the greatest place to live. We attend Church on the Hill and both serve in the church, me on the Worship Team and her on the administrative staff. 

When I was in college, I felt God’s calling to counseling ministry. I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Counseling from West Coast Bible College and received my Master’s from Luther Rice Bible College and Seminary. I served with the New Life Fellowship Program at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem for a few years where I was counseling and discipling men coming out homelessness and addiction. I felt God calling me towards Crosshill and their passion for discipleship. 
ELEM OFFICE ADMIN
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Linda Adams
 ladams@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
HS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
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Luke Cotter
lcotter@crosshillchristian.com
Bio →
I am a proud graduate of the Crosshill Christian class of 2018. All of my years in school have been spent on this campus. My favorite experiences include retreats, mission trips, and athletics. I have been blessed to participate on state tournament basketball teams both as a player and an assistant coach.

I am now excited to continue to support our CCS athletics in my new expanded role. I am passionate about building relationships with student-athletes and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. I attend Athey Creek Christian Fellowship in West Linn, Oregon. I currently serve in the 4th and 5th grade ministry and have thoroughly enjoyed my time every weekend getting to invest into these children's lives by teaching and discussing the Bible.