Staff and Executive Committee
CSF staff and Executive Committee members are credentialed and professional educators experienced in school leadership and accreditation protocols.

Executive Director
Dana James
- Executive Director, Christian Schools of Florida (2015–Present)
- Head of School, Seven Rivers Christian School (2010–Present)
- Adjunct Professor, College of Central Florida (2012–Present)
- Head of School, Westminster Christian Academy, Watkinsville, GA (1996–2010)
- Mathematics Instructor, Coach, Oconee County High School, Watkinsville, GA (1981–1996)
- Van Lunen Fellow (2008–2009)
- Post-Graduate Work, Educational Leadership, University of Georgia (1998–1999)
- MSED Mathematics Education, University of Georgia (1988)
- BSED Mathematics Education, University of Georgia (1981)
Director of Accreditation

Susan Taylor
- CSF Director of Accreditation (2014–present)
- CSF Director of Professional Development (2008–2022)
- CSF President (2000-2007)
- School Head, Providence Christian School (1994–2008)
- MA Educational Leadership, Covenant College (1994–97)
- MS English/German Teacher, Providence Christian School (1985–95)
- MA German/Minor English, Villanova University (1974–75)
- Middle School German Teacher, Lower Moreland, PA (1976–78)
- Senior HS German Teacher, Berwick, PA (1973–74)
- Teacher Certification, Bloomsburg State University ((1972–73)
- BA German/English minor, Dickinson College (1972)
As the Director of Professional Development, Sue began work with web developer/designer Adam Khan of Engaging.net to digitize functions of the Master Inservice Program recognized by the Florida Department of Education. With approved applications from CSF schools, this program provides for staff re-certifcation through in-service.
In 2009 under the leadership of Executive Director Ken Wackes, CSF began to digitize its accreditation protocol. Over the next few years, Sue joined Ken in his efforts to continue development of that program online.
Both CSF programs now provide training for schools in accreditation protocols, for teams in conducting peer reviews, and for school in-service coordinators in applying for staff inservice.
Sue continues to work with Adam on both the functionality and design of the website.
Director of Professional Development

LuAnne Schendel
- Secretary and Director of Professional Development for Christian Schools of Florida, 2022
- Director of Legislative Affairs for Christian Schools of Florida, 2013–2022
- Past President and currently Executive Committee member of the Florida Association of Academic NonPublic Schools, 2013–2022
- Director, Lake Eola Charter School, Orlando, FL, 2018-2021
- Elementary Principal, RLCA, Clermont, FL, 2016–2018
- Elementary Principal, Bradenton Christian School, Bradenton, FL, 2013–2016
- President, Christian Schools of Florida, 2009–2013
- Head of School, Orangewood Christian School, Maitland, FL, 1997–2013
- Head of School, Community Christian School, Tallahassee, FL, 1988–1997
- Adjunct Professor, Florida State University, 1993
- Classroom teacher prior to 1988
- BS-Elementary Education, MS-History and Philosophy of Education, EdS-Educational Leadership, Florida State University
Director of Early Childhood
Director of Early Childhood
Beth Travis
- Early Childhood Teacher, Granada Day School, Coral Gables, FL, 1990–1994
- Director for Granada Day School, 1994–2011
- M.Ed, Educational Leadership, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA, 1998
- CSF Secretary, 2005–2011
- Early Childhood Director for CSF, 2012–
Director of Teacher Certification

Elizabeth Wilson
- CSF Director of Teacher Certification and Executive Board Member, 2010–present
- Director, Maitland Community Preschool, 2008–present
- Preschool Teacher, Methodist School for Early Education, Winter Park, FL, 2001–2008
- Second Grade Teacher, Lake Silver Elementary, Orlando, FL, 1991–1994
- First Grade Teacher, Talbot Elementary School, Gainesville, FL, 1987–1991
- BA and MA degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from University of Florida, 1987
Executive Committee President

Luke Butler
I graduated with a B.A. in English and History from the University of Florida and an M.Ed from Covenant College. Additionally, I completed the Van Lunen Fellows program at Calvin College in 2017. My calling in Christian Education began at Orangewood Christian in 1994 where I taught middle grades ELA and Bible and coached basketball and soccer. Later, I served as Middle School Principal. God brought us to Colorado Springs Christian where I served as Middle School Principal. In 2012, God called us back to Florida for me to serve as Head of School at Redeemer Christian. I am married and have three children.
Director of Legislative Affairs

LuAnne Schendel
- Secretary and Director of Professional Development for Christian Schools of Florida, 2022
- Director of Legislative Affairs for Christian Schools of Florida, 2013–2022
- Past President and currently Executive Committee member of the Florida Association of Academic NonPublic Schools, 2013–2022
- Director, Lake Eola Charter School, Orlando, FL, 2018-2021
- Elementary Principal, RLCA, Clermont, FL, 2016–2018
- Elementary Principal, Bradenton Christian School, Bradenton, FL, 2013–2016
- President, Christian Schools of Florida, 2009–2013
- Head of School, Orangewood Christian School, Maitland, FL, 1997–2013
- Head of School, Community Christian School, Tallahassee, FL, 1988–1997
- Adjunct Professor, Florida State University, 1993
- Classroom teacher prior to 1988
- BS-Elementary Education, MS-History and Philosophy of Education, EdS-Educational Leadership, Florida State University
Executive Committee Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary

LuAnne Schendel
- Secretary and Director of Professional Development for Christian Schools of Florida, 2022
- Director of Legislative Affairs for Christian Schools of Florida, 2013–2022
- Past President and currently Executive Committee member of the Florida Association of Academic NonPublic Schools, 2013–2022
- Director, Lake Eola Charter School, Orlando, FL, 2018-2021
- Elementary Principal, RLCA, Clermont, FL, 2016–2018
- Elementary Principal, Bradenton Christian School, Bradenton, FL, 2013–2016
- President, Christian Schools of Florida, 2009–2013
- Head of School, Orangewood Christian School, Maitland, FL, 1997–2013
- Head of School, Community Christian School, Tallahassee, FL, 1988–1997
- Adjunct Professor, Florida State University, 1993
- Classroom teacher prior to 1988
- BS-Elementary Education, MS-History and Philosophy of Education, EdS-Educational Leadership, Florida State University
Executive Committee Member
Executive Committee Member

Susan Taylor
- CSF Director of Accreditation (2014–present)
- CSF Director of Professional Development (2008–2022)
- CSF President (2000-2007)
- School Head, Providence Christian School (1994–2008)
- MA Educational Leadership, Covenant College (1994–97)
- MS English/German Teacher, Providence Christian School (1985–95)
- MA German/Minor English, Villanova University (1974–75)
- Middle School German Teacher, Lower Moreland, PA (1976–78)
- Senior HS German Teacher, Berwick, PA (1973–74)
- Teacher Certification, Bloomsburg State University ((1972–73)
- BA German/English minor, Dickinson College (1972)
As the Director of Professional Development, Sue began work with web developer/designer Adam Khan of Engaging.net to digitize functions of the Master Inservice Program recognized by the Florida Department of Education. With approved applications from CSF schools, this program provides for staff re-certifcation through in-service.
In 2009 under the leadership of Executive Director Ken Wackes, CSF began to digitize its accreditation protocol. Over the next few years, Sue joined Ken in his efforts to continue development of that program online.
Both CSF programs now provide training for schools in accreditation protocols, for teams in conducting peer reviews, and for school in-service coordinators in applying for staff inservice.
Sue continues to work with Adam on both the functionality and design of the website.
Executive Committee Member
Executive Committee Member
Executive Committee Member
Beth Travis
- Early Childhood Teacher, Granada Day School, Coral Gables, FL, 1990–1994
- Director for Granada Day School, 1994–2011
- M.Ed, Educational Leadership, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA, 1998
- CSF Secretary, 2005–2011
- Early Childhood Director for CSF, 2012–
Executive Committee Member
Executive Committee Member

Sarah Wilson Hyde
The Lord led me to Sunlight Christian Academy in 2006. I began as the Assistant Director, took over as Director in 2007, and now serve as the Headmaster for both of our locations. Our school has grown from only 12 preschool students in 2006, to now 275 students grades PreK-2nd grade in 2017.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle School Science Education from IRSC, and I also achieved a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership from Walden University.
Christian Schools of Florida invited me to serve on their Executive Committee as a member last year. I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
Executive Committee Member

Luke Butler
I graduated with a B.A. in English and History from the University of Florida and an M.Ed from Covenant College. Additionally, I completed the Van Lunen Fellows program at Calvin College in 2017. My calling in Christian Education began at Orangewood Christian in 1994 where I taught middle grades ELA and Bible and coached basketball and soccer. Later, I served as Middle School Principal. God brought us to Colorado Springs Christian where I served as Middle School Principal. In 2012, God called us back to Florida for me to serve as Head of School at Redeemer Christian. I am married and have three children.
Executive Committee Member

Elizabeth Wilson
- CSF Director of Teacher Certification and Executive Board Member, 2010–present
- Director, Maitland Community Preschool, 2008–present
- Preschool Teacher, Methodist School for Early Education, Winter Park, FL, 2001–2008
- Second Grade Teacher, Lake Silver Elementary, Orlando, FL, 1991–1994
- First Grade Teacher, Talbot Elementary School, Gainesville, FL, 1987–1991
- BA and MA degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from University of Florida, 1987
Executive Committee Member
Dana James
- Executive Director, Christian Schools of Florida (2015–Present)
- Head of School, Seven Rivers Christian School (2010–Present)
- Adjunct Professor, College of Central Florida (2012–Present)
- Head of School, Westminster Christian Academy, Watkinsville, GA (1996–2010)
- Mathematics Instructor, Coach, Oconee County High School, Watkinsville, GA (1981–1996)
- Van Lunen Fellow (2008–2009)
- Post-Graduate Work, Educational Leadership, University of Georgia (1998–1999)
- MSED Mathematics Education, University of Georgia (1988)
- BSED Mathematics Education, University of Georgia (1981)
Executive Committee Member

Joanna Johannes
Dr. Johannes has had a long hybrid career involving Executive Finance and Education. Her passion for Accounting, Christian education, and the outdoors has fueled her direction. She spent 1989-2004 in executive management and financial consulting. During that time, she was a Director for a Fortune 500 company and a CFO for a large Miami based retailer. She founded her own profit recovery company in 1996 and still consults part-time for her clients.
In 2005, after becoming the mother of two sons, Dr. Johannes founded Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (lighthousepca.com). She was blessed to be guided by an amazing mentor, Dr. Ken Wackes, who founded the Christian Schools of Florida. She now has 4 nationally accredited (K-12th grade) campuses located in three counties: Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Okaloosa. Both of her sons have graduated from Lighthouse PCA and are now attending college. She still holds the role as Superintendent of Schools for Lighthouse PCA and serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Schools of Florida.
Dr. Johannes loves teaching high school students about the Holy Word. She is a published author who has written about social media strategies designed to motivate high school students to succeed. She has also written a faith-based children’s book which encourages children to go outside and enjoy nature.
She is a licensed and active Florida Real Estate Broker specializing in waterfront properties. The name of her real estate firm is Coconut Palm Real Estate. She is an outdoor enthusiast that spends her vacation time in the Florida Keys or out hiking the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. She and her husband, Colin, reside in Gulf Breeze, Florida.
Executive Committee Member

LuAnne Schendel
- Secretary and Director of Professional Development for Christian Schools of Florida, 2022
- Director of Legislative Affairs for Christian Schools of Florida, 2013–2022
- Past President and currently Executive Committee member of the Florida Association of Academic NonPublic Schools, 2013–2022
- Director, Lake Eola Charter School, Orlando, FL, 2018-2021
- Elementary Principal, RLCA, Clermont, FL, 2016–2018
- Elementary Principal, Bradenton Christian School, Bradenton, FL, 2013–2016
- President, Christian Schools of Florida, 2009–2013
- Head of School, Orangewood Christian School, Maitland, FL, 1997–2013
- Head of School, Community Christian School, Tallahassee, FL, 1988–1997
- Adjunct Professor, Florida State University, 1993
- Classroom teacher prior to 1988
- BS-Elementary Education, MS-History and Philosophy of Education, EdS-Educational Leadership, Florida State University
Financial Director
Financial Director
Web Developer/Designer

Adam Khan
Since 1997 I have collaborated on the design and development of web sites and systems — like this one! Web Developer & Designer; Business Owner Engaging.net (Brighton, England)
2005-6: Developed web sites for larger clients including the World Food Programme and Boeing, who called from Seattle to ask how we did it so fast Web Developer %(school-name)Deepend.it (Rome, Italy)
2003-4: Wrote news updates for this newspaper’s web site and the occasional book review Online Editor %(school-name)The Jerusalem Post (Jerusalem, Israel)
2001-3: Edited technical documents; developed and maintained the team intranet site; took minutes at company meetings internationally, so really traveled the world and loved that Technical Writer %(school-name)Amdocs (billing software company, Hod Hasharon, Israel)
Education
1995: BA, “Fundamentals: Issues & Texts” as chaired by the redoubtable Leon R. Kass University of Chicago
1991–2: 1 year of study %(school-name)Deep Springs College
1988: High School Diploma Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel
Service
1988-91: Sergeant, Education Corps %(school-name)Israel Defence Forces