Senior Leadership
I am inspired by the faith, courage, and reverence for God by Christian educators around the world! It reminds me of the story recounted in I Samuel 17 about David defeating Goliath. In verse 29, David’s response to the inaction of his
elder brothers and the Israelites especially encourages me. He boldly and nobly answers the call to action by asking, "Is there not a cause?”
I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you as you advance Kingdom education. We fully believe that authentic devotion to the Christian faith and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. There are not two or three forms of excellence, but rather an ethos that is cultivated throughout every facet of our schools. Faith is not separated from learning but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive Christian worldview.
Scholarship and learning become an integral component to the maturation process known as discipleship. Thus, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ultimate objective of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20), is the prize for which we strive; it is the highest form of excellence! It is certainly conceivable that we could produce students with the spiritual depth needed to enter our pluralistic society and not fall prey to empty philosophies. Rather, they would be equipped to saturate the marketplace to which God has called them with confidence, purpose, and an eternal perspective.
ACSI’s ongoing mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We want to serve you as you continue to cultivate and sustain a flourishing school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you—thank you for your obedience to God’s call on your life—you are indeed making a difference.
Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
ACSI Senior Leadership
Dr. David Balik
Vice President USA / Director for North America
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Roger Cressey
Chief Information & Technology Officer
Stephen Deck
Vice President of Education Standards
Cindy Dodds
Chief School Improvement Officer
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global Development
Chuck Gilliam
Vice President of Membership and Strategic Alliances,
Senior Director, Eastern Division
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Operating Officer
John Klingstedt
Chief of Staff
Peter Lee
Director of East Asia
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou
Director of Africa
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Emily Pigott
Vice President of Educational Resources & Student Programs
Stuart Salazar
Director of Latin America
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Rajeev Shaw
Vice President of Sales
Dr. Agus Susanto
Director of Asia Pacific
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
Dr. Mark T
Director of South Asia
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
News and Press Releases
ACSI Releases New Book, “Redemptive School Discipline”
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is excited to announce the release of “Redemptive School Discipline,” a practical guide by Dr. Melissa Wetzel that helps Christian educators move beyond secular exclusionary discipline methods toward Christ-honoring restoration grounded in the gospel. The book equips schools to focus on heart change, not just behavior modification, offering actionable strategies for educators.
Wetzel draws on decades of experience in Christian education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction. Her passion for redemptive practices stems from her upbringing as a missionary kid in Spain and Mexico, as well as from her doctoral research in K–12 leadership at Regent University, where she developed a system for mentoring and restoring students after misconduct.
The book is divided into two sections: one for teachers, outlining redemptive discipline strategies for the classroom, and one for administrators, guiding the creation of a schoolwide “culture of redemption.” Through real-life examples and practical tools, Wetzel shows how educators can walk alongside students in their failures and help them reintegrate into the school community with accountability and grace.
“Redemption was at the very heart of the gospel,” Wetzel shared. “Our Christian schools, then, should have redemption at the heart of all they do, too.”
Dr. Wetzel, author of “Redemptive School Discipline,” is available for interviews. Please contact media_inquiries@acsi.org to secure a time.
About Dr. Melissa Wetzel:
Dr. Wetzel brings over 16 years of classroom experience teaching Bible and Spanish at Williamsburg Christian, Norfolk Christian, and Atlantic Shores Christian, where she also developed curriculum and contributed to Purposeful Design and ACSI’s online Old Testament course. She earned her doctorate in K–12 Leadership from Regent University in 2023, where she completed a dissertation on redemptive school discipline. She now serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation chair, mentoring future school leaders.
Purchase your copy today at https://www.acsi.org/redemptiveschooldiscipline.
About PDP:
Since the mid-1980s, Purposeful Design Publications (PDP), a division of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), has provided resources and assessments, including academically rigorous textbooks that are intentionally rooted in biblical truth to equip schools and educators with the tools to eternally transform the hearts and minds of children.