MEET OUR STAFF
A Letter from our Head of School
Head of School
Jen Sutherland
Meet our administration
Kris Hubbard
Elementary Principal
In 2009, the mountains truly did call the Hubbard family to Colorado from Pennsylvania. Kris and her husband, Ken, along with three of their daughters, have been part of this school community since 2010 in a variety of roles. With her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Kris taught in the science department for several years until it was time for a change. Outside of school, Kris and Ken enjoy mountain biking, bouldering, playing pickleball, working with young married couples at church, and traveling the world through culinary exploration in their kitchen.
Dr. Ryan Hewitt
Secondary Principal
After serving at The University School from 2012–2020, Ryan Hewitt spent the past six years engaged in research, serving as adjunct faculty at various schools and universities, and caring for his two sons with degenerative genetic conditions. He now returns to Ascent Christian with almost 20 years of experience across private, charter, hybrid, and collegiate educational settings. Ryan holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.
Ryan and his wife, Candace, have lived in Colorado Springs since 2006 and are the parents of five children, ages 9 to 21. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and running. Ryan is deeply committed to partnering with families to cultivate a Christ-centered community that equips students to know Jesus, live with joy and hope, and look forward with anticipation to His return.
Heather Johnson
Business Manager
Heather earned her B.A. in Biology from CU Boulder with an emphasis in Sports Medicine and Leadership. Her husband, Brandon, graduated from dental school in 1999. After spending 15 years focused on raising their children, Heather spent 12 years running their two family practices. She loves watching her family grow through marriage and the arrival of grandchildren. Heather first became involved with the school as the Assistant Director of the theater department in 2018 and joined the administrative team in 2021. She enjoys being a grandmother, reading, watching Colorado Avalanche games, and attending live music and theater events.
Matt Elliott
Dean of Students & Families
Matt spent 16 years working full-time with students, including eight years in a Christian school setting, and has served churches as a worship leader since the 1990s. He has a passion for Jesus, students and families, and tacos of all types (preferably with a Diet Coke). Matt joined the staff in 2001 and joined the administrative team in 2022. Lela, his wife, has been a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist since 1996, and together they have ministered to scores of families.
Jake Busby
Student Life Coordinator & Director of Adventure
Kari McCabe
Director of Family Engagement
Jake Hess
Director of Missions
Etienne Cavallaro
Operations Manager/ Director of Security
