Faculty
Administrator:
Kim Lavado, holding an advanced degree from Dominican University in Illinois, grew up in the Myrtle Beach area and began her teaching career at Risen Christ in the early 1980’s. Mrs. Lavado returned to Myrtle Beach with her family in 2004 to accept the position as Principal.
Administrative Assistant
Teacher – Pre-K – 3 & 4 Year Olds
Elaine Brockhaus brings over 40 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. Originally from Wisconsin where she received her degree, Mrs. Brockhaus and her husband relocated to the Myrtle Beach area in the late 90’s.
Teacher Assistant – Pre-K – 3 & 4 Year Olds
Kate Leonard
Teacher – Kindergarten
Francine Kassouf beginning in 1992 has worked with children in both private and public schools both in Maryland and South Carolina. She received her bachelors degree in Elementary Education from WGU. Mrs. Kassouf pioneered the Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grades Spalding Writing Road to Reading program here at Risen Christ in 2007.
Teacher – 1st & 2nd Grades
Sona Handl, mother of two Risen Christ students, brings 4 years of teaching experience in the Slovakian public school system where she worked after receiving her degree from the University of Nitria. Fluent in several languages Sona joined Risen Christ as a full staff member in 2007.
Teacher – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades
Elisabeth West is originally from rural Andrews, N.C.. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Lenoir Rhyne College in 2008, and her Master of Education in Elementary Education from Coastal Carolina University in May 2010.
Teacher – Middle School
Marcia Damiano, holding degrees in science and physical education from Missouri, brings over 30 years of experience to the classroom. Originally from Missouri, Mrs. Damiano relocated to the Myrtle Beach area with her husband in 2001.
Teacher – Middle School
Sean O’Connor, originally from DeKalb, Ill, received his Bachelor’s degree in Music in Music Education from Northern Illinois University in 1996. He brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of education that was obtained in educational work in Illinois, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. He has been a middle school teacher at Risen Christ for 3 years where he also works as an Associate in Music Ministry. Sean is very active in the entertainment seen in Myrtle Beach having appeared in such shows as Dixie Stampede, Medieval Times, and Pirates Voyage. He is married to Christian and they have two children, Lindsey and Nathan.
Teacher – Art
Nina Ortiz grew up in Myrtle and North Myrtle Beach. During college, she studied at the Marchutz School of Art, in Aix en Provence, France. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art From USC, Coastal Campus (now Coastal Carolina University). After several years of having a studio in the old Myrtle Beach Flat Iron Building, she opened Broadway Gallery, which showcased local original art and housed artist’s studios and classes. She’s won several local and regional art shows and her work is in several private and commercial collections local and abroad.
Theater Arts
Christy O’Connor comes to Risen Christ Lutheran School with many years of experience as a Children’s Ministry Director. Her and her husband, Lance, settled in Litter River along with their son, Liam, after spending 9 months on tour with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus. She attended the LA Theatre Academy. Mrs. O’Connor has a BA in Theatre with a minor in Sign Language.
