CLC Staff
The purpose of the staff at CLC is to create an environment that rightly exalts the Lord in a manner that greatly influences the future generations of our community to continue in serving one another and Christ. Each job position does this differently, but the goal is still the same–as Psalm 34:3 states, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His Name together.” We as a staff are determined to glorify the Lord in our personal lives as well as professional lives. We each consider our positions to be an honor, and we seek the Lord diligently as He uses us to impact our students.
Jennifer is the Executive Director of the CLC. A Gilmer County native, she graduated from Gilmer High School in 1998, where she spent three years as a CLC student. Those classes deeply impacted her life and fueled her desire to serve in ministry. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Georgia and soon after accepted the opportunity to return to the CLC as a teacher. For 12 years, Jennifer faithfully taught CLC students before being entrusted with the role of Executive Director. Having experienced the CLC as a student, teacher, and now director, she brings a unique perspective and passion to the mission of sharing the good news of Jesus with the students of Gilmer County. Jennifer continues to pour her love for Jesus and her heart for young people into both her staff and her students. When she’s not working, she enjoys planning travel adventures with her husband, Eric, and spending time with her family. She also delights in the simple joys of life—a hot vanilla latte and a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Grateful for the faithful support of the community through prayer and giving, Jennifer feels called to raise up a new generation of supporters who will carry the mission of the CLC forward for years to come.
You can reach Jennifer at jennifer@gilmerclc.org
Kristin is the Assistant Director of CLC and a lifelong resident of Gilmer County. A 2002 graduate of Gilmer High School, she holds a diploma in Business Administration as well as TCCs in Early Childhood Education and Travel and Tourism. Kristin joined the CLC staff as a teacher in 2016, and in 2020, while continuing to teach, she was honored to be entrusted with the role of Assistant Director. She also leads the CLC’s Junior Board of Directors. Kristin loves being part of CLC because it gives her the opportunity to share Christ’s love with students every day and to encourage them to use what they learn to make an eternal impact on their families, friends, and community. Outside of CLC, she enjoys serving at her church and teaching college and middle school students, cooking, crafting, and most of all, spending time with her husband, David, and their three sons: Joshua, Nathan, and David.
You can reach Kristin at kristin@gilmerclc.org
Lauren is the Ministry Assistant at the CLC. This 2025-2026 school year will be her eighth year serving as the ministry assistant. She loves to spend time in her garden, baking, and being around her friends and family. Lauren is a 2016 graduate of Gilmer High School who was actively involved in track and cheer during her time at GHS. Lauren loves CLC because it gives students a fun way to hear about the Gospel, and it’s accessible to everyone.
You can reach Lauren at office@gilmerclc.org
Keslan is a lifelong Ellijay native and a 2011 graduate of Gilmer High School. She went on to earn her degree from the University of North Georgia in 2016. Shortly after, she served as CLC’s ministry assistant from 2016–2017, and she is now excited to step into the role of Advanced CLC teacher. Keslan’s journey with CLC began as a freshman in high school when she first took a class with Mrs. Jennifer. Ever since, she has felt a calling to one day return as a teacher. She is prayerful that this school year will be filled with growth and encouragement as the Lord continues to use CLC to pour into the community.
You can reach Keslan at keslan@gilmerclc.org
Buddy is the Intro to CLC teacher. A Pickens County native, he feels most at home in the mountains. More than anything, Buddy loves God’s Word and has a passion for teaching it to others, especially high school students who are seeking answers to life’s questions. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a concentration in Bible and Theology from Truett-McConnell University, and later completed his master’s degree in Ministry at Temple Baptist Seminary. He has been happily married since 2009 and is a proud dad to one daughter and four sons.
You can reach Buddy at buddy@gilmerclc.org
Jessi is the CLC’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teacher. A longtime resident of Gilmer County, she enjoys reading, traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with her husband, David, and their children, Adam, Isaac, Amber, and Elijah. Jessi also serves with the youth at her church, where her passion is helping every child understand how deeply God loves them. In her classroom, she loves showing students that the Bible is not a scary book, but a book full of truth and guidance for life.
You can reach Jessi at jessi@gilmerclc.org.
