Parent Connect

As a CHC family, you are automatically part of Parent Connect community – a parent-led organization that helps foster connection, service, and fellowship throughout the school year. Parent Connect plays a vital role in strengthening our school community by creating opportunities for families to build relationships, get involved, and support one another.

There are many ways to participate, including serving as a Room Parent, volunteering at Field Day, supporting the Book Fair, helping with Teacher Appreciation events, assisting with Uniform Fairs and Middle School dances, or joining Parents in Prayer. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there is a place for you to engage and make a meaningful impact.

Parent Connect meetings are held quarterly and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and stay informed about life at CHC. Each gathering includes fellowship, coffee and breakfast, a devotional from a CHC staff member, updates from our Head of School, and a featured speaker.

Parent Connect Meetings
8:30 am | Room 107, Cherry Hills Community Church
(Located just past the church lobby on the way to Nixon’s)

  • Thursday, September 3, 2026
  • Thursday, November 12, 2026
  • Thursday, February 4, 2027
  • Thursday, April 15, 2027

We invite you to join us as we build community, deepen relationships, and partner together in CHC’s mission to prepare students to Think Biblically, Live Faithfully, and Lead Courageously.

Meet The Parent Connect Leadership Team  

Marisa Weidner

Marisa and her husband, Eric, moved from Southern California to Colorado in 2019, feeling called by the Lord to step out in faith. As soon as they said yes, doors opened clearly, confirming it was the right move. They have two boys – Lucas (15), now a sophomore at Valor, and Collin (13), an 8th grader. Just six months after relocating, the pandemic hit. When public school no longer felt like the right fit, they found their way to CHC – and it quickly became home. Over the past four years, their family has grown in faith and built lasting friendships. Marisa loves serving at CHC, living out her faith and connecting with other families. She’s excited to be part of the Parent Connect Executive Board and looks forward to supporting the CHC community however she can. Her greatest joy has been watching Lucas and Collin thrive – growing in their love for the Lord, making strong friendships, and discovering the joy of serving others. Most days, you’ll find them cheering on Collin at the baseball field or supporting Lucas on the volleyball court!

Tara Kempke 

Tara and her husband, Lucas, have two daughters at CHC – Brooke in 3rd grade and Bridget in 1st grade. Their family relocated to Colorado from Texas four years ago. Having grown up in Colorado and attending Cherry Hills Community Church herself, it has been a special full-circle experience for Tara to now have her daughters attending school at CHC. One of the greatest blessings of the past few years has been the meaningful friendships and Christ-centered community their family has found through CHC! Tara absolutely loves serving the school and finds great joy in supporting and connecting with the staff, teachers, parents, and students who make CHC so special. She is very excited to be part of Parent Connect this year and looks forward to all the wonderful ways God will continue to work within the CHC
community!

Kara Schmahl

Kara and her husband, Jason, have two children at CHC – JJ, an 8th grader, and Kaylie, a 4th grader. Their CHC journey began when JJ started in 6th grade, and the culture and community made such an impression on their family that it wasn’t long before Kaylie joined as well. Now in their third year, they couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. What has kept the Schmahl family rooted at CHC is the
faith-based education, the genuine community, and the culture that reflects their family’s values. Kara has a heart for serving and loves being involved at the school – supporting teachers, staff, and the families around her. Joining the Parent Connect leadership team feels like a natural next step in living out that passion. She is excited for what this year holds and looks forward to connecting with and encouraging the CHC community in a deeper way!

Carissa Hollander

Colorado native Carissa Hollander joins the Parent Connect Leadership Team after her family’s first year at CHC. She and her husband of 20 years have 3 girls; Lola (5th), Everly (7th), and Harper who will be a freshman at Valor. You can catch them on the lacrosse fields cheering each of their girls on since the sport has become a family passion. Carissa has historically been at the girls’ schools volunteering and substitute teaching for years, and is so excited for the opportunity to serve a community that has been extraordinarily welcoming to her entire family. CHC has such a warm and kind culture with God at the center of all they do, the school has been transformative for the entire family. She can’t wait to give back and continue to foster new friendships.