Craig O’Connor
I’m Craig O’Connor, the Director of Family Relations at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS), where I focus on Admissions and Enrollment, Brand Marketing, and Community Outreach. Originally from New Zealand, I met my wife, Jinny, a Traverse City native, while serving in the military, where her aircrew worked alongside my unit. I immigrated to the U.S. in 1987, became a citizen in 2002, and remain a devoted fan of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. In my spare time, I enjoy DIY projects around the house. Jinny and I, married since 1987, have two daughters, Katie (TCCS Class of 2012) and Margaret (TCCS Class of 2015), and Finn (we’re a dog-loving family, always adopting rescues). Jinny and I attend City Church, where I play drums on the worship team. Katie is a worship leader at Resurrection Life in TC, and Margaret and her husband, Sean, who live in the Seattle area, attend Good Life Church in Tacoma.
The tight-knit community at TC Christian is what makes it truly special, with our smaller size fostering close relationships among staff, students, and parents. TCCS students stand out for their respect toward parents and teachers and their care for one another, nurtured through programs like our Buddy program and small group ministry. Of our core values, the Biblical Worldview inspires me most, serving as the foundation for everything we do. To families considering TCCS I’d say this: despite our smaller size and the financial commitment, choosing TCCS was the best investment Jinny and I made for our daughters. Their faith walk, service commitment, and work ethic, along with the friendships they choose, all reflect the school’s positive impact. We get one shot at raising the children God gave us into adulthood. TC Christian offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to raise your kids in an environment that values faith, family, friendships, and learning.