The admissions team is a close-knit group of women who help shape the foundation of Carmel and contribute to our growing community. Their dedication to their jobs and collaboration foster a welcoming environment for new families and existing students. The admissions team includes Debbie Blankenburg, Dawn Hamilton, Keisha Akers, Holly Hawley and Lisa Schulz.

Debbie Blankenburg is the leader of the admissions team. She guides families through the admissions process, ensuring a smooth transition to Carmel. She said, “My team is amazing. My relationship with my team is deep, a lasting connection and friendship. We are truly sisters in Christ and like family.”

Blankenburg is from right here in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended college in Chapel Hill, majoring in political science which led her to work at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Her degree has led her to a variety of roles. Blankenburg worked under a senator and a congressman, even meeting three presidents during her experience. She then was led back to Charlotte to work for the North Carolina Republican Party in Raleigh before finally settling down back in Charlotte.

During her time at Capitol Hill, she met her husband, and together they built a life that eventually led them back to Charlotte. Her sons, Griggs and Kent Blankenburg, both went to Carmel for their primary education. When they started in Kindergarten, Blankenburg started working in the admissions office two days a week as she felt it was a natural fit and wanted to be involved in the school.

“My favorite part of the job is definitely meeting all the new people who come through our doors,” Blankenburg said, “truly, I’m inspired when I see children and families find their place here at Carmel. It makes my heart so happy when we bring in the family and it changes their families’ lives.”

Blankenburg is a very passionate woman, spreading joy to many of the people in her life. She puts her all into everything she does and this is reflected in her positive disposition.

Beyond her professional life, Blankenburg finds inspiration in her father, who instilled in her a love for politics and nature. Her father sparked her love for politics, continuously involving her in current events and political happenings while she was growing up. He also sparked an interest in gardening in her, spending time with her outside in their garden. “I didn’t realize it then, but it was truly an amazing experience, I learned a lot of things from him. I think of him every time I’m in a garden,” Blankenburg said.

Dawn Hamilton’s path to Carmel Christian School started in Michigan, then took her to Charleston, SC, where she worked in event planning at Kiawah Island Resort. After marrying her husband in Charleston, the couple moved to Charlotte when he received a job offer.

Hamilton earned her degree in communications and worked in hospitality before deciding to stay home and raise her four daughters. She later returned to work as a teaching assistant at Carmel Christian School, and now manages the Shadow program and applicant testing for grades 6-12, while also coordinating admissions events.

“My favorite part of the job is meeting students and parents interested in attending Carmel,” Hamilton says. “I’ve always loved event planning, and I enjoy being involved in the admissions process.”

Outside of work, Hamilton enjoys playing pickleball, but it’s her family that brings her the most joy. She is proud of her husband and four daughters, one of whom is a junior at Carmel. The family recently lost their beloved pet, Guinness, but they are excited to welcome a new furry friend this May.

Hamilton also values the close relationships she’s built with colleagues, particularly Sheila Nelson. “Sheila’s dedication to her students and families has really opened my eyes to how much she cares,” Hamilton said.

A fun fact about Hamilton is that she holds a first-degree black belt in Karate. She’s grateful for the opportunity to work at Carmel and loves being part of a community that values family, faith, and personal connections.

Keisha Akers, a familiar face in the Carmel Christian School admissions office, has had quite the journey to Charlotte. Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, she attended Appalachian State University, majoring in marketing. After college, she moved to Atlanta for a job selling gifts and home accessories to retail stores across the Southeast. After a decade in the role, Akers left her job when she became pregnant with her first son and eventually relocated to Charlotte.

Akers’ role at Carmel involves giving school tours, talking to prospective families and guiding them through the application process. She especially enjoys focusing on kindergarten applicants in the early months of the year. “I love working with families just starting their Christian education journey,” Akers says, “It’s natural for me to share my love for Carmel with prospective families and students.”

Outside of work, Akers spends most of her time cheering on her kids at their sports events. “There are so many life lessons learned on an athletic field or court,” she adds.

Akers is deeply inspired by her co-workers who are passionate about Christian education. “I feel so fortunate to work with people who have so much wisdom and kindness and are on fire for the Lord,” she says.

She’s proud of her close-knit family and long-lasting friendships, especially with her best friend, Susan, who she’s known for 41 years. Akers is also greatly influenced by her grandmother, who lived her life for the Lord and overcame many hardships while remaining positive.

A fun fact about Akers: she and her husband, John, attended the same college but didn’t meet until they were neighbors in their late 20s.

Holly Hawley, a recent addition to the Carmel team, brings a rich background in education and a deep passion for community-building. Originally from Michigan, she relocated to Charlotte with her husband, Ryan, after he received a job opportunity in the city.

Before joining Carmel, Hawley worked as an elementary school teacher in Detroit. “Teaching was always something I loved, and I continued in that field when we moved to Charlotte,” she said. Her experience in education paved the way for her current role at Carmel, where she helps lead families through the admissions process alongside Blankenburg and other team members.
Hawley’s family is at the center of her life. She and Ryan have a daughter named Grace, who was adopted and has been attending Carmel since second grade. The family also has a golden doodle named Ellie, who is an important part of their home.

One of Hawley’s favorite aspects of her job is the close-knit community within the admissions office. “We’re all very close, and I love spending time with my coworkers. It’s the type of environment where you truly feel like part of a team,” she said.

Outside of work, Hawley enjoys spending time on the water. Her family owns a lake house on Burt Lake in Michigan, a place where she grew up spending summers. “That’s where I feel most at peace, and it’s something I’ll always cherish,” she said.

Hawley finds inspiration in her parents, who lived honest, steady lives. “They were such strong role models, and every time I visit our cottage, I feel connected to them,” she said.

Lisa Schulz serves as the International Student Coordinator for the school. She was raised in Minnesota and New York. She then went on to attend college in Wisconsin, majoring in education and vocational counseling. 

The Schulz family moved from Wisconsin to Charlotte in 2010. “We are a beautiful blend of large numbers in the family and small numbers,” Schulz said, “I have zero siblings.  My husband has three siblings. He is one of CCS’s favorite teachers, Mr. Rock Schulz.  We have a fantastic son named Rocky, a dog named Melody and a beautiful international daughter named Janessa.”

Schulz covers the international students’ process for admissions, doing many things for them including finding them a host home for while they are in the states. While doing her job, Schulz enjoys praying and laughing with her team, especially Blankenburg. “Blankenburg is very passionate and intentional in what she does for Admissions and it’s beautiful to be part of her team,” Schulz said. 

Outside of work, Schulz spends time studying God’s word and watching movies. Schulz said, “I enjoy the comfort and strength I gain from the word of God and the exhale I experience watching a good movie, where good triumphs over evil or true love is revealed.”

The Admissions ladies’ impact touches all corners of Carmel. They are involved with the very foundation of student life on campus, and they have a fun time doing it. Their friendships with one another, commitment to their mission and their dedication to their roles are just a few of the many admirable qualities they bring to Carmel.