Meet Our Headmaster & Board
The founding of Kairos Christian Classical Academy was born out of a shared calling among our board members to honor God through education. As they looked at the landscape of modern education, they felt a deep conviction to create an academy that would equip students not just with knowledge, but with the ability to think deeply, reason clearly, and live virtuously in accordance with God’s truth.
Their hope is that this academy will become a place where students can grow in wisdom and character, becoming lifelong learners who seek to glorify God in every aspect of their lives.
Mr. Joshua White
Headmaster
B.A. in History & Education, UNC Charlotte
M.A. in Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University
Pursuing Ph.D. in history at Liberty University
Mr. White has taught history and coached various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. Additionally, he's have served as both an assistant principal and a principal, further strengthening his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
He is married to Betsy, and they have a 7-year-old daughter.
Mr. David W. Smith III
Board Chairman
B.A. in Economics, Furman University
J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law
David has served on numerous other boards and committees, including the Gaston County Board of Elections, Gaston County Family YMCA, Crisis Assistance Ministry, and Gaston Christian School.
A practicing attorney, he is a partner at the law firm Gray, Layton, Kersh, Solomon, Furr & Smith, PA. He is also an active member of First A.R.P. Church of Gastonia, where he serves as an elder and choir member.
Rev. Matthew Kuiken
Board Member
B.A. in Christian Ministries, Geneva College
M.Div., Covenant Theological Seminary
Matt currently serves as the Senior Pastor of First A.R.P. Church of Gastonia. He is married to Sabrina, and they have three children.
Mrs. Leslie Moss
Board Member, Marketing Chair
B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina Charlotte
A native of Gaston County, Leslie has a background in sales and marketing and is a REALTOR® serving Gaston and the surrounding counties. She is committed to supporting the growth and success of the school, with a strong belief in the importance of Christian education.
Dr. Bruce Trefz
Vice Chairman
B.S. in Zoology, University of Michigan
D.D.S., University of Michigan
M.S. in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan
M.S. in Neurosciences, University of Michigan
Mrs. Susan Jennings
Board Member
B.A. in Psychology and Education, Southern Wesleyan University
While raising her three young children, she dedicated her time as a stay-at-home mother. In the fall of 1991, she began her teaching career at Gaston Christian School, leading a 3rd-4th grade combination class. The following year, she was promoted to elementary principal, a role she faithfully served in until 2021, marking an impressive 30-year tenure at GCS.
Mrs. Gayle Miele
Board Member
B.A. in Accounting, Belmont Abbey College
Gayle and her family have been members of First A.R.P. Gastonia since 2015. She homeschooled her two daughters in the classical Christian method, graduating her eldest in 2017 and her youngest in 2020. Wishing all children could have the benefit of this education model, Gayle was honored to be asked to be a part of this founding board.
She is the office manager at the law offices of deBrun, Armstrong & May in Charlotte.
Mr. Robert Jansen
Board Member
B.A. in History and Peace, War & Defense, UNC-Chapel Hill
M.A. in Teaching, Duke University
Robert is the founder and president of an I.T. business in Gastonia. His background includes serving as a high school teacher and policy advisor to the N.C. State Board of Education.
Mr. Nick King
Board Member
B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina Honors College
M.B.A., University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Nick was homeschooled from elementary through high school using a classical education model, which fostered his lifelong love of learning.
He has built a career in the specialty chemical manufacturing industry, gaining experience in both engineering and commercial roles. Currently, he serve as the Global Business Director for a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Charlotte.
Mr. Jayson Philbeck
Board Member
B.S. in Finance & Economics, Gardner-Webb University
With 16 years of experience in banking, Jayson currently serves as senior vice president of commercial lending for a bank with $2 billion in assets. He has assisted two local classical schools in securing construction financing, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting educational initiatives.
From 2017 to 2023, he served on the board of Pinnacle Classical Academy, contributing as a member of the finance committee and helping guide the school’s financial planning and development efforts.