Joan Wanner

Director/Teacher

Originally from Charlotte, NC, Joan Wanner moved to Toccoa in 2006 with her growing family. She and her husband, Curt, have four children, ranging in age from college to middle school. Joan accepted Christ as her savior at the age of four and credits her parents with giving her a strong grounding in faith and curiosity about Biblical studies. She and Curt met while pursuing MDiv degrees at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Joan went on to complete her coursework towards a ThD in Hebrew Bible at Harvard Divinity School. She was a participant in the archaeological excavation at Tel Miqne-Ekron, as well as a contributing author and assistant editor for the Zondervan Archaeological Study Bible. Joan has decades of experience teaching students, from masters’ level students to preschoolers.

Joan shared, “I love the Lord and have a passion for understanding His Word. It is a blessing to share this dedication to life-long discipleship with students, as we study God’s revelation. I am so excited to be able to help students grow in their understanding of who God is and who He made them to be.”

Jayce Kimsey

Teacher

Jayce Kimsey is a graduate of Toccoa Falls College with a B.S. in Communication studies and a minor in Bible and Theology. During his time at TFC, he met his wife Lily Ann and many of his best friends now. Since graduating in 2024, Jayce has worked with students of various ages teaching different life skills on a personal level in behavioral and mental health settings. Jayce is a passionate individual who wants to see students of all ages grow and learn more about who they are and particularly WHOSE they are. Jayce loves to engage in biblical conversation, teach others about the intricacies of the Bible, explore the mysteries of God, and navigate how we can better understand and interact with Him as His people. In his free time, Jayce loves being outside, exercising, and playing music for his local church!

Jayce shared, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach and talk about Jesus with students every day! I didn’t have an opportunity like this when I was a middle school student, and I am excited to see what kind of conversations come about in class. I can’t wait to dive deeper into the Word of God with students and walk alongside them as they find out more about who Jesus is.”

Jayce teaches 7th and 8th grade at the CLC.

Patti Howell

Teacher and Elementary Coordinator

Patti C. Howell was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, but the mountains of North Georgia have always held a special place in her heart. She spent summers here as a child, and in 2016 she moved to Toccoa permanently! Patti absolutely loves the Blue Ridge Mountains and feels blessed to call one of the most beautiful places on Earth home.

Patti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Christian Counseling. She began her teaching career at Seacoast Christian Academy in Jacksonville, where she taught 8th-grade Bible and 4th–6th-grade Language Arts. She later taught 2nd grade in the Duval County School System and most recently worked with the Stephens County School System.

An outdoor enthusiast, Patti enjoys kayaking, tubing, hiking, and camping—especially when the weather isn’t too hot! For the past 30 years, she has enjoyed family reunions at Vogel State Park with her parents and children, creating countless memories along the way.

Family is incredibly important to Patti. She raised six children and is now enjoying the blessing of raising her seventh—her adopted grandson.

Above all, Patti loves Jesus with all her heart, and her faith is at the center of everything she does. She continually prays for God to fill her, stretch her, and mold her into His divine plan for her life.

Patti is delighted to be a part of CLC! She enjoys getting to know students and parents, building meaningful relationships, serving the Lord, and growing together in Christ.