Teachers and Staff
Mrs. Deborah Sullivan
First Grade
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
God opened the door for me to be at LCS when we were looking for my son a school to attend.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I love teaching reading. I enjoy watching the boys and girls learn how to read God’s word. Their faces light up once they realize they can read the Bible!
WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love watching basketball and football!
Mr. Matt Green
Chief Financial Officer
EDUCATION | Bachelor of Arts, Accounting, Cedarville University | MBA, University of Dayton | CPA
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
I graduated from LCS in 2001 with Dr. Sligh’s son, Matt, and my predecessor, John Douglass’s son, Dustin. I maintained connections with many from LCS over the years and was contacted by Dr. Sligh about the opportunity to come back to the place that made a significant impact on my life during some of the most formative years. As these discussions were happening, I was conferring with a man named Dave Curry regarding how he allocates his time, talent, and treasures. He explained his framework for giving and how he was focused on investing in the next generation through Christian youth initiatives. This resonated deeply with me and solidified my decision to join LCS. It has been wonderful to come back and work in a place investing in the next generation of youth who are making an impact for the Kingdom!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LCS JOB?
My favorite thing about my job at LCS is the people I get to work with daily. It is gratifying working with like-minded believers motivated by the mission of LCS. Working at a place that incorporates prayer into every aspect of the organization is life-changing. It helps maintain the perspective that we are working for the glory of our Savior, Jesus, and that it is not of ourselves but what He has done through us and His faithfulness to this School that we can have such influence on the next generation.
WHAT MAKES LAKELAND SPECIAL?
Lakeland maintains a small-town feel and community while having big-city access. Lakeland has a generous community where caring for others is celebrated. It provides opportunities for growth with mentors who are willing to come alongside you. My favorite activity in Lakeland is golfing
Mrs. Kathy Mudger
Elementary Assistant Principal
EDUCATION | BS, University of South Florida (2010) | M. Ed., Southeastern University (2021)
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
Wanting to provide Christian education for my children, I came to LCS as a parent first.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN YOUR LCS JOB?
My favorite subject to teach is science.
WHAT MAKES LAKELAND SPECIAL?
I love to kneeboard around Lake Hollingsworth!
Mrs. Julie Rice
Director of Enrollment
WHAT LED YOU TO LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?
My children were students at LCS, and after being at home with them for 14 years, I decided to return to teaching to enjoy the LCS community along with them.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO TEACH IN YOUR CLASS?
I am not a teacher now, but as a part of the Administrative Staff, I enjoy being a part of a team that seeks to carry out the mission of our school and invite our community in to that mission and ministry.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT LAKELAND?
I have met many people who have grown up in Lakeland and have returned after being gone for a while or have chosen to remain as they have begun their careers or started families. The fact that people want to stay tells me that Lakeland is a great place to live and build community!
Mr. Bryant Black
Head of School
EDUCATION | Vanderbilt University, Completed graduate work at Covenant College
Bryant was named the new LCS Head of School for the 2023-2024 school year. He has served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction over the past year. Prior to LCS, Bryant served as the Upper School Head at Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from 2013 to 2019. Bryant began his educational career at CCS in 1995, serving as a history teacher and history department chair, as well as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, before his promotion to Upper School Head.
Bryant attended Vanderbilt University on a four-year Naval ROTC scholarship and went on to serve as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy during Operation Desert Storm. Bryant and and his wife Ashley raised three sons, Taylor, Porter, and Michael, at Chattanooga Christian School, all of whom attended the University of Tennessee.
Bryant loves the water, both sea and lake. He learned to waterski in Winter Haven visiting his cousins on Lake Hamilton and shares an affinity for sailing with his wife Ashley. If he is AWOL, good chance you will find him at Fernandina Beach searching for sharks teeth.