Joseph Almeida, Lower School Principal

  Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Development and Learning with teacher licensure from Maryville College and both a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership and an Educational Leadership Certificate from Buffalo State SUNY. He is nearing completion of his EdS Doctorate in Educational Leadership through Gordon College. Mr. Almeida has experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Tennessee, Brazil, Georgia, and South Carolina. He has worked in public schools, international schools, and private Christian schools over his seventeen-year career in education.

He, his wife, Kathleen, and their five children reside in Bluffton. They are members of Lowcountry Community Church and they both coach at CrossFit843.  Mr. Almeida loves to be outside playing with his kids, throwing a frisbee on the beach, or doing CrossFit. 

John 15:12 is a verse he tries to live by every day: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Contact Mr. Almeida at j.almeida@crossschools.org  

Stacie Greene, Principal

Ms. Greene previously taught Honors English 2 and the AP/Dual-Enrollment Teacher Cadet class at May River High School in Bluffton. She also served as a Teacher Mentor and Evaluator. Ms. Greene is in her sixteenth year of education in which she has served grades 6-12 as a teacher, Literacy Instructional Coach, English Department Chair and Team Leader. Ms. Greene is highly-qualified in Secondary English Education with a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Georgia (‘01) and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Piedmont College (‘04).

Previously, she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English in her hometown of Gainesville, Georgia, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina and at Bluffton’s H.E. McCracken Middle School. In her ten years at H.E. McCracken Middle School, she also served as Literacy Instructional Coach, English Department Chair, Team Leader, Teacher Mentor, ADEPT/SAFE-T Evaluator, and the School Literary & Art Magazine Advisor/Editor.  In addition, Ms. Greene has served as an editor for NCATE (National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and has presented at district, state, and national educational conferences.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, Ms. Greene feels “Being an educator has been one of the greatest honors in my life. As an educator, my hope has always been to empower students with finding his or her authentic voice so they can affect change in the broken systems they see around them.” Ms. Greene is excited for her new journey with Cross Schools. “I am looking forward to utilizing all of my experiences as an educator, teacher, and most importantly, a Christian as we build onto the existing K-8 program and develop a plan to continue a purpose-filled education for all students that ultimately serves our Lord and Savior.”

Ms. Greene is excited about her role as Principal and the opportunities that Cross Schools offers students and the Bluffton community in regards to academics, emotional and social support and growth, and authentic mission opportunities. She is a member of Lowcountry Community Church. In addition, her son, Logan Greene, is also a 4th grader at Cross Schools this year.   Contact Ms. Greene at s.greene@crossschools.org.  

Suzie Hollings, Interim Athletic Director

Suzie Hollings holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, and a Gifted and Talented Certification both from the University of South Carolina.  

Mrs. Hollings was born in Anderson, Indiana. She graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer.  While serving, she developed a passion for teaching when she was selected to teach D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). As a D.A.R.E. Officer, she had the awesome responsibility of teaching elementary and middle school students drug awareness. Additionally, she served a three-year tour of duty as a recruiter. Upon completion of recruiting duty, she reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island where she attended Drill Instructor School. While at Parris Island, she fulfilled the duties of a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Series Gunnery Sergeant, and a Company First Sergeant at the Fourth Recruit Training Battalion.  

She retired from the Marine Corps to pursue a career as an Educator. She began her teaching career in 2014 and has served as a student teacher, a first-grade teacher, and a third-grade teacher at several Beaufort County schools.  

Coach Hollings and her husband, Robert, have been married for almost 15 years, and have been blessed with four wonderful daughters, Alaysia, Sydney, Savannah, and Ryan, all who attend Cross Schools.  

Mrs. Hollings's goal as an educator is to impact the lives of our youth in a positive and productive way. It is her belief that all children can learn and have a rewarding experience as students. With appropriate leadership and dedication, she hopes to impart the wisdom and knowledge she has obtained through years of her own experiences and education.  Contact Coach Hollings at s.hollings@CrossSchools.org.  

Linda D. Lane, Secondary School Assistant Principal

Linda D. Lane has spent much of her career in and around the field of education working with nonprofit organizations and school districts in several states.  She has a wealth of administrative experience serving in executive-level positions for more than 30 years. Some of her endeavors include program development for agencies that served children and adults with disabilities, grant writing, budget oversight, quality assurance and program and income growth. She spent the last fifteen years working for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, TN where she served as a professional school counselor and a mentor for new teachers and counselors.  She also coordinated and developed programs to promote and ensure academic excellence, coordinated family support programs, served as the community liaison, was a member of the crisis team and various other leadership roles. During this time, she was bi-vocational and was a lead pastor in the Methodist church. She served as a Turnaround Specialist for agencies and churches.

 

She is married to Cleo Lane and together they have four children and eight grandchildren.  She earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeastern LA University, a Master of Education and Counseling from Providence College and a Doctorate of Christian Education from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. She looks forward to being a part of Cross Schools and working with students as they prepare to become dynamic community leaders.  

To Contact Rev. Dr. Lane email l.lane@crossschools.org.

 Eileen O'Reilly, Academic and College Advisor

Originally from New England, Eileen spent the past 13 years in Greensboro, NC, with her husband, Austin, but they are delighted to call the Lowcountry their forever home.

Eileen previously taught middle and high school math and science, prior to holding positions of Academic Dean, Education Program Supervisor, and Director. She also has extensive experience as a Testing Coordinator for all middle and high school standardized assessments. Eileen's passion is helping students and their families navigate their academic and college journey.

Eileen earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Allied Health Science and received a Master's in Education from Central Connecticut State University. She holds certifications in middle and high school science, middle grades math, elementary education, and special education.

In her 15th year working in education, Eileen is blessed to join Cross Schools as the Academic and College Advisor. In her spare time, Eileen enjoys golfing, cooking, and entertaining with her husband, as well as taking their twin Rottweilers for walks on the beach. Contact Mrs. O'Reilly at e.oreilly@crossschools.org