Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Our highly educated and diverse faculty meets the needs of the individual student, instills virtue and creates scholars.
Carol Becker
Lower School Teacher
Mrs. Carol Becker joined the Fairfax Christian School in 2019. She has twenty years of classroom experience, having taught first, second, third, and fourth grades. Mrs. Becker has worked as a school librarian and has mentored student teachers. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Clearwater Christian College. Mrs. Becker is an active member of Hatcher’s Memorial Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday School, works with Word of Life clubs, directs Vacation Bible School, and also serves on the Praise Team. Her life verse is Philippians 1:20–21.
Cindy Carroll
Lower School Teacher
Mrs. Cindy Carroll began teaching Kindergarten at the Fairfax Christian School in 2019. She has been teaching Kindergarten since 1990. Mrs. Carroll has a degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. She married her high school sweetheart Steven in 1990, and they have two grown sons. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, and playing volleyball. Mrs. Carroll attends Cornerstone Chapel. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
James Cohen
Middle School and High School Music Teacher
Mr. Cohen has been with the Fairfax Christian School since 2022. He teaches our middle school and high school concert band. He also teaches our music appreciation class, which highlights music from the Middle Ages up to the jazz era. Mr. Cohen is also involved in the music Tri-M Society and currently serves as the chair for the society. Mr. Cohen is a native of the Washington, DC area, who is greatly sought after as a baroque trumpeter in North America for several ensembles. The past ten seasons, Mr. Cohen has been the principal baroque trumpet with the Washington Bach Consort. He has also performed as the principal and solo baroque trumpet for ensembles such as Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montreal, Arion (Montreal), Bach Sinfonia (Washington DC), Aston Magna (Boston), Musica Maris (Rhode Island), Houston Bach Society, Ensemble Telemann (Montreal), and participated in festivals such as the Indiana Festival of Early Music, International Festival of Baroque Music at Lameque (N.B. Canada) and the Bach Festival of Montreal. Mr. Cohen has recorded some of the most famous and demanding works for baroque trumpet. Recently he recorded J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with Montreal-based Ensemble Caprice. He can be heard in the Washington Bach Consort’s recording of J.S. Bach’s Cantata No. 51 with soprano Elizabeth Futral. He also participated in two recordings with prominent Canadian ensembles, both nominated for the 2009 Juno Awards: “Let the Bright Seraphim” with soprano Karina Gauvin and Tempo Rubato, and his recording of Vivaldi’s Gloria with Ensemble Caprice, the latter of which won the Juno award for Best Album of the Year in the vocal category. Most recently, Mr Cohen released a solo CD on the Chandos label and it was featured on the Gramophone solo classical charts. Mr. Cohen received a M.M. from McGill University and a B.M. from the New England Conservatory of Music. He currently plays on a baroque trumpet made by Matt Martin of Norwich Natural Trumpets after an original by Kodisch 1710.
Elwyn Darden
High School Teacher
Mr. Elwyn Darden joined the Fairfax Christian School faculty in January 2012. He teaches Mathematics, Physics, Government and History. He is also the faculty advisor to the FCS Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Math Honor Society. Mr. Darden has had an extensive career in public policy, having served with Army Civil Works, the U.S. Department of Education, a Senate committee staff and a congressional office. He served as Assistant Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as Staff Assistant to the Minority Leader of the House of Delegates. He worked for five years as a lobbyist for the National Association of Manufacturers and for two years as Field Director for a polling firm. He worked professionally in more than forty political campaigns. Mr. Darden has his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Virginia. He attends Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, LCMS where he participates in the Tuesday Evening Small Group and the Men’s Ministry. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Society for Human Life.
Madison Edwards
High School Teacher
Mrs. Edwards has been teaching at Fairfax Christian School since 2023. She studied at the University of Virginia and majored in Psychology and minored in Biology. Mrs. Edwards teaches Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, Physical Science, Pre-Algebra, and ESL classes. As a military child, Mrs. Edwards moved many times; she enjoyed living in Louisiana when she was younger, but she has lived in northern Virginia the longest. Mrs. Edwards recently got married in 2024 and attends Cornerstone Chapel and Love Church with her husband.
Angela Etter
Dean of Operations
Mrs. Angela Etter joined Fairfax Christian School in the spring of 2019. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a minor in Math. She also received an MBA from Fontbonne University. She currently serves as the Dean of Operations. She coordinates standardized testing, Dual Enrollment, and senior advising. She has a daughter who graduated from the Fairfax Christian School. She and her husband, Jeff, and their daughter reside in Loudoun and attend Grace Covenant Church.
Elinor Fischer
Lower School Music Teacher
Miss Fischer joined the Fairfax Christian School in the summer of 2011. She has taught French at every grade level from K-4 through twelfth grade. Her high school classes included ESL, Science, and French. She is currently teaching music to grades Kindergarten through fourth grade. Miss Fischer offers piano lessons on an individual basis five days a week after school. She graduated from Wheaton College with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in General Science. She graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a BA in Christian Education and Applied Music. She studied French at Université Laval in Ste-Foy, Québec.
Benjamin Garber
Middle School and High School Teacher
Mr. Benjamin Garber joined our school in the fall of 2018 as a high school teacher. Mr. Garber teaches Algebra 1 & 2, Earth Science, ESL Grammar, P.E., Physical Science and Spanish. He is a graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Spanish. Although he has a spanish degree, Mr. Garber's specialty is Mathematics. Additionally, he has a passion for English and Philosophy. He attends Chantilly Bible Church, where he joins the Spanish-language Sunday School class and sings in the choir.
Maria Isaac
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Maria Isaac serves as an Administrative Assistant at Fairfax Christian School, where she has been a dedicated member of the school community for over three years, including her time as a parent. With over a year of experience in her current role, Maria manages the front desk, oversees book ordering, and provides medical assistance to students. Additionally, she contributes to the educational environment by serving as a substitute teacher across all grade levels. Maria holds a B.A. in Theology from Oral Roberts University. She is committed to supporting the students and faculty of Fairfax Christian School. Outside of her professional life, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in Bible study with her children, and traveling. She is an active member of Word of God Church. One of her favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 18:10.
Effie Koutsourais
Lower School Teacher
Mrs. Effie Koutsourais, a Greek-American, was born in Athens, Greece and moved with her family to Annandale, Virginia in 1964. She is fluent in the Greek language and is a former student of the Fairfax Christian School. Mrs. Koutsourais has 34 years of experience as an educator in public and private school settings but is a newcomer to the Fairfax Christian School as a second grade teacher for the 2020–2021 school year. She started her career in Fairfax County in 1986 as a fourth grade and fifth grade teacher, a substitute teacher for Fairfax and Loudoun counties, and a teacher’s assistant. She has been a tutor and a teacher working with both the general education and special education student population. She graduated from The Mary Washington University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a certification to teach NK-5. Having started college as an art major, she has a passion for art and has taught art lessons privately and in after-school programs. She has three children and one grandchild and resides in Loudoun County with her husband and two youngest children. She and her family are involved with the establishment of The Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Dulles, Virginia, where she taught Sunday School, initiated and directed their summer camp, Christmas Pageant, and Pre-School. One of her favorite Bible quotes is Matthew 19:23–26.
Patricia Lambert
High School Art Teacher
Mrs. Patricia Lambert joined our school in August 2019. She teaches art classes, including AP Drawing, AP 2D Art and Design and AP 3D Art and Design. She is a graduate from Eastern Mennonite University, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Art. She also earned a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry from Master's Divinity School in Evansville, Indiana. Her husband, Chris, attended the Fairfax Christian School during his elementary school years. Their daughter also attended our school in 2019 as a high school student. In her spare time, Mrs. Lambert enjoys sports, and has officiated at the state championship level in girl's volleyball, lacrosse and softball.
David Lochbihler
Lower School Teacher
After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and cum laude from the University of Texas School of Law, Dr. Lochbihler worked as a Chicago attorney for three years before becoming a teacher and coach. He also earned three Master’s degrees in Elementary Education, Biblical Studies, and Applied Orthodox Theology. His Varsity basketball and soccer teams captured four NVIAC conference championships from 2002–2006. Ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the Orthodox Church on Sunday, March 17, 2019, Deacon Lochbihler has served faithfully at Saint Patrick’s Orthodox Church in Bealeton, Virginia since 2013.
Jexy Lorenzo
Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Lorenzo began teaching Spanish at the Fairfax Christian School in 2024. She is passionate about teaching children her native language and culture and love for Christ. Mrs. Lorenzo has a diverse background in law, theology, education and public service. She earned her law degree from the University of Santa Maria in Caracas, Venezuela and later specialized in criminal law. Mrs. Lorenzo's legal career spanned over fifteen years at the Public Defense Office of Venezuela, a key institution within the justice system dedicated to ensuring effective judicial protection and upholding constitutional rights. Her role allowed her to advocate for the defenseless and contribute to a more just society. Additionally, in a personal pursuit of a deeper spiritual understanding, Mrs. Lorenzo earned an Associate Degree in Christian Studies from the Dominican Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This academic journey strengthened her theological foundation and reinforced her dedication to living out her faith in every aspect of life. Together with her husband she has been a devoted member of the Iglesia Biblica Campo Blanco since 2018, where they actively serve and grow in faith. Mrs. Lorenzo states that her personal and professional life is deeply guided by biblical principles, justice, and a commitment to ethical living.
Jonathan Lyell
Middle School and High School Teacher
Coach Jonathan Lyell teaches Physical Education, Bible, and History. He is a dedicated basketball coach with 10 years of experience, being an assistant on three consecutive state championship teams at FCS. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Religious Studies, concentrating on Theology and Apologetics. His passion for the game goes beyond the court, as he also teaches Physical Education, Bible, and History to middle school students, shaping young minds both physically and spiritually. With over a decade of volunteer work in his church’s youth ministry, Coach Lyell is committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation through both volunteering and teaching. In his spare time Coach Lyell loves to run, bike, and play pickleball.
Marcella McAndrew
Receptionist
Mrs. Marcella McAndrew joined the Fairfax Christian School as our receptionist in 2019. She attended Fairmont State University and West Virginia State University, studying elementary education. She has ten years of experience working in a Christian school environment and also has a background in human resources. Mrs. McAndrew and her husband have two children. They enjoy traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures. The McAndrews attend Reston Bible Church.
Jenny Han McCambridge
Admissions Director
Admissions Director Mrs. Jenny McCambridge has been with the Fairfax Christian School since 2017 and is the Admissions Director for International non-Chinese students. Mrs. McCambridge completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester, then further pursued her thirst for knowledge at the University of Miami Law School. She earned her J.D. and LL.M. from New York University School of Law. Prior to making a career in academics, Mrs. McCambridge practiced international tax law for fifteen years. She is a native of New York City that has made her home here in northern Virginia for the past ten years. She, her husband Patrick and their four children currently live in McLean where they attend St. Luke Catholic Church.
Kathy McClary
Lower School Teacher
Mrs. Kathy McClary joined the Fairfax Christian School in 2019. She is a graduate from Liberty University. Mrs. McClary teaches our K4 program and she truly loves each and every one of her students. With more than 25 years of experience as a preschool teacher, Mrs. McClary consistently provides a learning environment that is educational, interactive and fun– the perfect balance for young children. Mrs. McClary enjoys cultivating partnerships with the parents of her students and working together to help each student to become their very best and shine their light.
David McElfresh
High School Teacher
Mr. David McElfresh graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, earning several academic awards while finishing his studies with a 4.0 GPA. He then earned a Miles Fellowship to do postgraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where he discovered his love for and calling toward teaching. Mr. McElfresh has been teaching at the high school and college level for almost 30 years, joining the faculty of the Fairfax Christian School in the fall of 2010. He now teaches a range of science, mathematics and economics courses including seven Advanced Placement courses.
Elizabeth Menard
Dual Enrollment Professor
Miss Elizabeth Menard has been a member of the staff at the Fairfax Christian School since 2011 and has over ten years of teaching experience. Miss Menard received her B.A. in History from Christendom College and her M.A. in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She teaches Dual Enrollment English, Literature, Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Grammar with Composition, and ESL classes. She is a transplanted native of New Jersey and attends St. Veronica Catholic Church.
Annamaria Oehler
High School Teacher
Mrs. Annamaria Oehler currently teaches Math, Psychology, Bible and ESL classes at Fairfax Christian School. She has twelve years of homeschool and Christian co-op teaching experience at all primary through secondary levels. In addition, she spent nine years tutoring elementary through high school students in mathematics and SAT preparation. Mrs. Oehler is trilingual in English, Hungarian and Romanian. Her educational background includes a B.S. and M.A. in Computer Engineering from a technical university in Romania ranked fifth in the nation, and an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. She also completed specialized missionary training in the Czech Republic. Upon graduation from seminary, she became a missionary supported by a U.S.-based Christian mission organization and then functioned for a number of years as the Co-Founder and Director of Counseling Services for one of the first Christian counseling centers established in Romania. There, she provided counseling to individuals and also taught various counseling-related subjects to a variety of audiences. Annamaria’s outside interests include reading, taking outdoor walks, and spending time with her extended family in Virginia. Mrs. Oehler and her husband attend Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA.
Tony Pangle
Dean of Students
Mr. Tony Pangle serves as the Dean of Students. Before Fairfax Christian, he was the former principal of Leesburg Christian School and spent nine years on staff at County Christian School in Ashburn. A graduate of Liberty University, he earned a B.S. in Pastoral Studies. He completed two years of graduate ministry courses from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently, he is working toward his Master of Religious Education from Patriot Bible University. Mr. Pangle has acquired several certifications from the Association of Christian Schools International: All Level School Principal; Bible; history; Athletic Director. Mr. Pangle serves as the Staff Evangelist at Believers Bible Church and is an avid ultramarathon runner. He was also President of the Northern Virginia Independent Athletic Conference for seven years and enjoys coaching, basketball, cross country and golf.
James Parker, Jr.
Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Parker joined Fairfax Christian School in the fall of 2019. As Athletic Director, Mr. Parker is responsible for athletic scheduling and the management of school sports teams. He also serves as our middle and high school Physical Education teacher and teaches a class in Communications. Coach Parker earned his degree in Broadcast Journalism from Bowie State University in Maryland. A former student athlete, Coach Parker applied his love for sports into coaching. In his six years at Fairfax Christian School he has amassed six consecutive NVIAC Basketball Championships, four state championships and four national championships. Coach Parker is the first coach in NCSAA (National Christian Schools Athletic Association) history to win National Coach of Year twice. Coach Parker is married to our Activities Director, Mrs. Parker, and they have three daughters who are all students at Fairfax Christian School.
Tarren Parker
Activities Director
Mrs. Parker joined Fairfax Christian in the summer of 2021. Mrs. Parker serves as the Activities Director and is responsible for special events, activities and field trips. She is a graduate of George Mason and George Washington University with a concentration in sports and event management. Mrs. Parker enjoys helping around the school at various events and with sports teams. She is married to our Athletic Director, James Parker, Jr., and together they have three daughters who attend Fairfax Christian School.
James Polsgrove
High School Teacher
Mr. James Polsgrove holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Capital Bible Seminary and has been teaching sixth grade at the Fairfax Christian School for the past four years. In addition to his work with middle school students, he also teaches select high school classes. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Polsgrove is an active member of Providence Baptist Church in McLean, where he serves as the pianist for the praise band and teaches adult Sunday school. His commitment to Christian education extends to his own family, as his two sons have attended FCS. With a passion for teaching all subjects from a Christian worldview, Mr. Polsgrove strives to make learning both engaging and meaningful for his students. His goal is to inspire a love for learning while helping students see God’s truth in every aspect of their education.
Sonia Smith
Receptionist
Mrs. Sonia Reyes Smith is originally from El Salvador. She moved to the United States in 1989. For twenty years she worked at Falls Church Episcopal Day School as an assistant teacher for Kindergarten and a lead teacher for Spanish. She is happily married with three children and attends the Falls Church Anglican Church. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Peter 5: 6, 7.
Joseph Sun
International Admissions Director
Mr. Joseph Sun has worked at the Fairfax Christian School since the fall of 2011. He studied at Virginia Tech and is a proud Hokie to this day. He is the International Admissions Director, primarily handling admissions from Chinese-speaking countries. He guides students and their parents through the admissions process and remains in contact with them throughout the academic year. Developing an understanding of the families’ aspirations and goals helps him to facilitate the outcome they desire for their children. Mr. Sun and his wife Rebecca have two sons attending the Fairfax Christian School since Kindergarten. The Suns are members of the Chinese Christian Church in Northern Virginia where they are all involved with the various church choir programs.
Dominique Tavares
High School Teacher
Mr. Dominique Tavares joined the Fairfax Christian School in August of 2022. Mr. Tavares teaches Bible, French and occasionally coaches soccer after school. He was born near Dakar, Senegal in west Africa, where French is the official language. Mr. Tavares obtained his baccalaureate in Senegal before immigrating to the U.S. to marry his fiancé and continue his studies. In 2021, he received his B.S. degree in Christian Leadership and Business Management from Liberty University. He presently attends Potomac Baptist Church where he has been serving as a volunteer in the children’s ministry since 2014, leads monthly prayer meetings, and is the outreach chairman. Mr. Tavares enjoys making music with his wife, playing with his three children, reading, mentoring young people, and all things soccer.
David L. Thoburn
Chief Administrator
Mr. David Thoburn is the Chief Administrator and Vice President for the Fairfax Christian School. David is also the founder of Thoburn Press which has published Christian books and Christian school curriculum. He has sold more than 500,000 copies of the McGuffey’s Readers. An alumnus of the Fairfax Christian School Class of 1973, David attended Fairfax Christian College and George Mason University. He is married to Jo Thoburn. They have seven children and five grandchildren and are members of the Reston Presbyterian Church (EPC).
Jo A. S. Thoburn
President & CEO
Before being selected to head the Fairfax Christian School in 2001, Mrs. Thoburn owned two businesses in northern Virginia. She also serves on the board of directors and advisory boards for several non-profit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area. She has written on education issues, American culture, and free enterprise. She has been a speaker at educational conferences and to parent and student groups in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. She is a recipient of the Global Forum for Education and Learning “Top 100 Visionaries in Education” Award and the Education 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award. A graduate of Virginia Tech, she lives in Vienna, Virginia with her husband David. They have seven children and five grandchildren and are members of the Reston Presbyterian Church (EPC).
Aaron Thurston
Fairfax Scholars - Director
Before being selected as the Director of Fairfax Scholars, the Fairfax Christian School’s online high school, Mr. Thurston taught students on campus at Fairfax Christian School for fifteen years. A renaissance man, he has taught AP Government, AP US History, AP World History, AP Human Geography, AP Computer Science, Geography, Government, US History, World History, Biology, Geometry, Pre-Algebra, German I, German II, Accounting, American Culture, American Economic Freedom, English, ESL Grammar, ESL History, ESL Reading, Media Arts, and Physical Education. He has also taught middle school English, History, Math, and Science. Mr. Thurston has coached for Boys’ Flag Football, Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Soccer, and Girls’ Volleyball. He graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with minors in Secondary Education and Political Science. He lives in Madison, Alabama with his wife Darlene. They have two children and attend Asbury Church.
Darlene Thurston
Communications Director
Darlene Thurston is an experienced business professional and executive assistant with a diverse background in business management and operations, marketing, event sales, and coordination. Currently, Darlene oversees communications for The Fairfax Christian School and Fairfax Scholars. Before serving as our Communications Director, Darlene was an Executive Assistant to Mrs. Thoburn, providing assistance and oversight of the administrative team and teaching staff for five years. Darlene also initiated and taught our SNAG (starting new at golf) program. She played collegiate golf and holds a teaching certification as a PGA-certified golf professional. Darlene graduated from Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Professional Golf Management. She is married to Aaron Thurston. They have two children and attend Asbury Church.
Andrea Torrejon
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Mrs. Andrea Torrejon is dedicated to working with children by helping them grow, learn, and develop through movement and play. Mrs. Torrejon was born in Mexico, raised in Bolivia, and has been living in the United States for the past twenty years. She pursued a degree in Physical Therapy with a specialization in special needs children. She joined the Fairfax Christian School staff with over eighteen years of teaching experience, having worked with children from newborns to age five in private schools and well-known children’s centers. Currently, Mrs. Torrejon serves as a Physical Education teacher for our lower school students and assists with our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. She is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging space where children can develop confidence, motor skills, and a love for learning. She encourages students to learn adaptability, teamwork and eagerness to help, and strives to provide the best learning experience for every child. Mrs. Torrejon finds purpose in teaching and is passionate about her work with children.
Karl VanZandt
Middle School and High School Teacher
Mr. Karl VanZandt teaches mathematics, English, and science. Over the past decade, he has been associated with the school as a parent of three graduates, a spouse of an elementary teacher, and as a volunteer coach of sports and a substitute teacher. He earned his B.A. from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a dual major in mathematics and literature. For over twenty years, he co-owned and operated a private investigative and security firm, served as a director for a state-certified Department of Criminal Justice Services training school, and provided professional certified instruction and training for both federal and contract security and protection programs. In his spare time, he enjoys creative writing and independent study of history and religion.
Karen Vilcatoma
Aftercare Teacher
Mrs. Vilcatoma is our aftercare teacher dedicated to providing a positive and supportive experience for children after school. She focuses on creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where kids can relax, learn, and grow.
Coleene Wilhelm
Lower, Middle and High School Teacher
Mrs. Wilhelm has been with Fairfax Christian School since 2005. At the Fairfax Christian School, she taught kindergarten through the sixth grade, eighth grade Grammar, American Culture, Business Math, Consumer Math, Pre-Algebra, Speech, Speech and Debate, ESL Speech, ESL History, ESL Grammar, and ESL Reading. Mrs. Wilhelm moved to Virginia from California with her husband and two children in 2005. While in California, she taught Kindergarten through fourth grade. She received her Bachelor of Arts from California Baptist University and continued her education through the University of Phoenix. She enjoys spending time with her granddaughter and traveling to the Caribbean. She likes to watch basketball and play volleyball. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm are currently attending Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg.
Oneida Yednock
Middle School and High School Teacher
Mrs. Oneida Yednock joined Fairfax Christian School in August 2019. She teaches fifth grade classes as well as middle school American Civics and AP Computer Science. Mrs. Yednock earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Tirana (Albania) and taught high school World Literature for a year overseas. The rest of her career includes twenty–three years of teaching experience at County Christian School in Ashburn, Virginia. She loves integrating technology in all the subjects she teaches. Mrs. Yednock enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach and gardening. Mr. and Mrs. Yednock attend Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg.