Welcome to Payson Christian School

Dr. Walp leads Payson Christian School with a passion for biblical truth, academic excellence,
and Christlike character. Holding a PhD in Higher Education Administration along with degrees in Counselling, Divinity, and Educational Specialist work, he brings deep experience in educational leadership, ministry, and community development spanning twenty-plus years and six states.

He believes Christian education is not just about shaping minds but forming lives for Kingdom impact. Known for apologetics, leading teams, teaching, preaching, and mentoring, Dr. Walp seeks to model faith and servant leadership. Outside school, he enjoys deep conversations, studying God’s Word, and exploring Arizona with his wife of 35 years. He has hiked the Grand Canyon, Rim-To-Rim in a day on two occasions. His life is guided by Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

From a proud cowboy heritage to a calling in Christian education, Susan Sanders has spent the last 12 years serving Payson Christian School with kindness and humility. Holding a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University, she uses her spiritual gift of helps to support teachers, encourage students, and foster a Christ-centered culture.

Guided by Colossians 3:23, Susan treasures PCS’s unique environment where prayer, Scripture, and fellowship shape daily life. Outside of school, she enjoys time with family, exploring nature, two-stepping with her husband, and celebrating her rich cowboy roots.

Now in her third year at PCS, TJ Walp serves as the Scholarships Coordinator, helping families access the gift of Christian education through financial support. She attended the University of Central Florida, majoring in Business. She brings a heart of service and a mind for strategy to her role.

Guided by Colossians 3:23, she views every application, phone call, and spreadsheet as part of her service to the Lord. Outside of PCS, TJ enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. A self-described keto alchemist, she’s known for recreating gourmet treats in low-carb form. Her one wish would be to sit down for one more conversation with her father, a true hero in her eyes.

Andrea McQueen has served PCS for two years, bringing a decade of finance experience and a heart for supporting Christian education. She joined PCS to be near her children and found it to be a place where faith and learning work hand in hand, creating a community rooted in shared values and purpose.

Andrea finds joy in supporting the school’s mission behind the scenes through stewardship, transparency, and responsible planning. Her favorite verse, Galatians 6:9, reminds her not to “grow weary in doing good,” knowing her work ultimately serves students and families. She treasures everyday moments like sharing lunch with her kids and seeing their artwork on her office walls, a daily reminder of why she serves.

Outside of school, Andrea enjoys hiking, boating, family time, trying new recipes, and reading. A fun fact: she can fly a plane and has appeared in commercials, music videos, TV shows, and movies.

For five years, Judith Ann Contratto has lovingly served the youngest learners at PCS, bringing a wealth of life experience from raising three biological children, adopting two, and fostering thirteen. She completes over 125 hours of Early Childhood coursework annually, continuing to grow in her calling to nurture and guide little ones.

Judith treasures the opportunity to freely share Jesus and teach the Bible, living out 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances…” She finds joy in watching children grow daily, seeing their excitement when they accomplish something new, and knowing God is using her to help shape lives for His Kingdom.

Outside of school, Judith enjoys home renovations and spending time with family. Known as fun-loving, she is passionate about creating a safe, loving, and joy-filled classroom where children can learn, play, and feel at home.

For over 35 years, Gwen Nees has faithfully served in education, dedicating the last decade to the students and families of PCS. After studying at Central Bible College and completing over 200 hours of Early Childhood Education coursework, she answered God’s call to pour into the lives of children, knowing in her heart, “These are your kids.”

Gwen brings joy, warmth, and structure to every classroom moment, creating an environment of discovery and respect rooted in God’s love for each child. Known for making learning engaging and personal, she meets students where they are and helps them thrive. Outside of school, Gwen enjoys RV camping, reading, and spending time with her family. A twin herself, she has a unique gift for connection and empathy, living daily by Jesus’ words: “Let the little children come to me…”

Teryn Fabian holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Northern Arizona University and brings five years of diverse educational experience to PCS. After nearly stepping away from teaching, God opened the door for her to join PCS, and she hasn’t looked back. With a background in special education and a passion for creative, hands-on learning, Teryn fosters a classroom where every child is seen, known, and encouraged to grow.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking (especially on stressful days), leading worship, and spending time with her close-knit family.

Now in her fourth-year teaching at PCS, Rae Bailiff brings a rich blend of academic training and heartfelt calling to her first-grade classroom. She holds an Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology from GateWay Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Educational Studies), and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development—both from Arizona State University. Rae is also a certified elementary teacher through ACSI.

Her journey into education began while volunteering at PCS during her daughter’s kindergarten year. That experience sparked a clear calling to return to school with the goal of teaching right here. Known for her kindness and sincerity, Rae delights in helping young students develop strong biblical perspectives and grounding each lesson in God’s truth.

Outside the classroom, Rae enjoys exploring nature with her family and treasures her roots—she was born in Germany to two military parents. Her life and teaching are guided by 1 Peter 5:2 and the belief that teaching children well shapes both hearts and futures.

With nearly 15 years of experience in education, Sara Grace Kario brings passion, energy, and a love for God’s Word into everything she teaches. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and is certified by the Arizona Department of Education. Now in her fourth year at PCS, she sees each day as an opportunity to lay both academic and spiritual foundations in the hearts of her students.

Sara’s classroom is a hands-on, creative space where biblical truths are naturally woven into learning. Guided by Matthew 6:33 and 1 Corinthians 13, she seeks to love well, teach faithfully, and help students grow in curiosity and character. Outside of school, Sara enjoys long runs, nonfiction books, and watching clean, fun family movies. She also plays the saxophone, has a twin sister, and spent 11 years living in Indonesia, where she became fluent in the language.

With nearly two decades of teaching experience, James Horsley brings a deep love for learning and helping students overcome mental roadblocks. He holds a Master’s in Secondary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Fish and Wildlife Management, and a post-bachelor’s certification in Early Childhood Education, all from Northern Arizona University.

Known for sparking curiosity and critical thinking, Mr. Horsley fills his classroom with respect, deep questions, and a bold pursuit of truth. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoys birding, fishing, storytelling, and painting miniatures for tabletop games. Guided by James 1:19–20, he strives to lead with patience, wisdom, and a heart for growth.

Now entering his second year at PCS, Aidan Stockman brings passion, discipline, and humility to his role as a fourth-grade teacher. With a B.S. in Psychology (Forensics emphasis) and minors in Counseling and Criminal Justice from Grand Canyon University, he is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.

Aidan sees his time at PCS as God-ordained, a place where he’s learning the deep responsibility of shepherding young hearts. Known for honesty and structure, he creates a classroom where students are free to grow, make mistakes, and take ownership of their learning. A former GCU mascot and lifelong competitor, he believes even small challenges can bring out greatness. Guided by Proverbs 12:22, Aidan reminds his students that integrity marks every word, every action, and every assignment, because our names are stamped on all we do.

Margot Tan has served PCS since 2013, bringing over a decade of teaching experience and a unique blend of education, medicine, and the arts to her classroom. She holds a B.S. in Social Studies from Pacific Union College, an A.S. in Radiologic Technology, and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education with a Visual Arts emphasis from Grand Canyon University.

Margot felt God’s clear call to Christian education and now creates classrooms that thrive on curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit. Outside school, she enjoys painting, traveling, gardening, and spending time at the ranch with her horse, Dutch. Guided by Romans 12:2, she sees her work as more than a job; it’s stewardship.

With 38 years of teaching experience, Gina Whitmarsh brings deep expertise and joyful energy to her fifth-grade classroom at PCS. She holds a B.S. in Children’s Literature from California State U.B., a degree in Child Development from College of the Canyons, and additional credentialing coursework from San Diego State.

Joining PCS gave Gina the boldness to freely share her faith and honor God’s name in her teaching. Known for her strong classroom management and unique classroom economy system, she creates a positive, structured space where every student feels seen and celebrated. Outside the classroom, Gina enjoys crafting, especially Lego and diamond painting, revisiting classic films, and reflecting on her early years as a child actress alongside stars like Betty White and Elizabeth Montgomery. Guided by 1 Corinthians 15:58, she believes every effort done in love and faith carries eternal impact.

With 28 years of educational experience and a heart for mentoring young minds, Nikki Brown brings both wisdom and warmth to her role as Lead Middle School Instructor at PCS. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and a BS in Psychology from The Open University, as well as additional degrees in Adult Education and Early Childhood Education from Sutton Center Community College and Mesa Community College.

Now in her third year at PCS, Nikki values the opportunity to teach in an environment where faith is woven into every subject, friendship, and conversation. Guided by Colossians 3:23, she approaches each day as a chance to serve the Lord through excellence, creativity, and care. Known for celebrating “lightbulb moments,” Nikki fosters student-led, Christ-centered classrooms where curiosity, leadership, and collaboration thrive.

Outside of school, she helps run her family’s ranch, caring for an impressive mix of animals—and keeping pace with the unpredictable joys of ranch life. Originally from England, she dreams of sharing tea and conversation with C.S. Lewis, whose faith and imagination continue to inspire her work with students.

With nearly four decades of combined classroom and substitute teaching experience, Sylvia brings depth, wisdom, and a passion for biblical truth to her first year at PCS. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona (Magna Cum Laude), with additional graduate hours, endorsements in Early Childhood and ELL, and ministry studies from Phoenix Seminary.

Sylvia views teaching as a way to serve both God and students. Guided by 2 Corinthians 3:5, she encourages students to think critically about U.S. history through a biblical lens—fostering respect for truth, authority, and God’s design for society. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, reading theology, singing with the Payson Choral Society, and playing stand-up bass in her family’s former bluegrass and gospel band.