New CCDS Faculty for 2025-2026

We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional educators to our CCDS community for the 2025–2026 school year. Together, they bring a shared commitment to academic excellence, a joyful spirit, and a deep passion for cultivating nurturing, inclusive learning environments. We look forward to the many ways they will enrich our students’ learning experiences and strengthen our school community.

Ms. Jennifer Fordham joins our expanding middle school team as the Lead Educator for Math and Science. A seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience, Ms. Fordham holds a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of California, San Diego. Her professional background includes teaching both high school and middle school math and science, serving as an educational consultant and college counselor, leading a private school as Head of School, and supporting students with learning differences as an educational specialist. Ms. Fordham brings to CCDS a deep commitment to individualized support, patience, compassion, and care in her work with young people. She nurtures critical thinking, curiosity, empathy, and independence in all her students. With her broad expertise and heartfelt approach, Ms. Fordham is a perfect fit as we continue to build a magical and meaningful middle school experience at CCDS.

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Ms. Mackenze Tezak joins the CCDS community as our new Grade 3 Lead Educator. A passionate and dedicated educator, Ms. Tezak brings over seven years of classroom experience, primarily in elementary education. She is completing her Master of Arts in Art Education from Azusa Pacific University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Bible from Moody Bible Institute. Her teaching journey has taken her across the globe, with experience in elementary classrooms in Nicaragua, Spain, and San Diego. Ms. Tezak is known for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments and is especially skilled in arts integration. She is deeply committed to nurturing both the intellectual and spiritual development of her students, rooted in Christian values. Ms. Tezak is a wonderful addition to our CCDS faculty, and she brings fresh energy and insight into how we can creatively integrate the arts and technology into our academic program.

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Ms. Sophia Nickles joins the CCDS community as our new Senior Kindergarten Lead Educator. A student-centered educator with a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to excellence, Ms. Nickles brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our early childhood team. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado. Ms. Nickles has taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade in both Colorado and Virginia, and also brings experience as a children’s dance instructor. She has a strong background in designing research-based, standards-aligned lessons that place students at the center of the learning experience. Her instruction is thoughtfully differentiated to meet the needs of diverse learners. A collaborative and reflective practitioner, Ms. Nickles values teamwork and is passionate about creating inclusive classroom environments where every child feels seen, known, and valued. Her expertise in science-based literacy instruction will be a tremendous asset to CCDS and will enrich our kindergarten program in meaningful ways.

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We can't wait for everyone to meet our new team members when we return for the first day of school on Thursday, August 21. 

Enjoy your summer vacations!

Best,

Payton L. Hobbs

Head of School