Head of School/Instructor – Math
B. S. Ed. in Elementary Education – University of Idaho
I became involved with Christian classical education while attending the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho; which is also the home of Logos School, the flagship school of the Christian classical movement. All of my 20+ years of education experience has been in Christian classical schools. I have had the privilege of being involved with all three stages of the Trivium, including classroom experience in nearly every grade. I have also worked with students in drama productions, mock trial competitions, and school newspaper publications.In addition to my experience with students, I have mentored and trained teachers, written curriculum through Logos Press and Veritas Press, led teacher-training seminars, and spoken at the Association of Classical Christian Schools’ annual conference.I am fully committed to the Christian classical philosophy of education primarily because it is concerned with the entire child – body, soul, and mind. Children are taught to find the Truth, to desire and create Beauty, and to love the Good. I am grateful that the Lord led us to the Phoenix area to bring this education to the children of the Phoenix Valley.
My husband, Doyle, and I have a blended family of 10 children, 7 of whom have graduated from Christian classical schools. Doyle and I attend Spring Meadows Presbyterian Church. We love spending our time together and with others enjoying good food and stimulating conversation. You’ll find us walking about in God’s creation admiring His work and giving praise to Him. One of our favorite places is a spot on the beach on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound. Our greatest common desire is to share Caritas Academy and Christian classical education to many children and their families – and to glorify God in the process.
I am excited to be a part of the Caritas family! I love instructing young children about God, the world He created, and the skills and concepts they need to learn during these important foundational years. Partnering with parents is a privilege and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Caritas’ hybrid model, a model with which I have had 17 years experience. I look forward to growing and learning with the Caritas family as we implement a Christian Classical educational philosophy.
I bring 33 years of experience in public schools, private Christian schools, and preschool co-ops. I have tutored students privately for over 20 years. In addition, I own Shelberg Reading Support Coach which serves parents that are seeking ways to help their young readers at home.
My husband Scott and I have been married for 33 years. We are both Phoenix natives and even attended the same schools K-12th grades. We have two grown sons. Taylor is married and lives with his wife Amber in California. Wes lives and works in Chandler. We have two furry canine “kids” – Pepsi and Adele. We have been members of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler since 1997. We have served in many ministries of the church and continue to serve in leadership roles. As empty nesters, we love to go on summer road trips, eat tasty food, and enjoy quality time together. In addition to spending time with Scott, I also enjoy studying the Bible, mentoring other women, drinking coffee, listening to music, hiking, and spending time with my sons and daughter-in-law.
Instructor – 3rd and 4th Grades/Latin
BA. in Spanish Ed, K-12 – University of Northern Iowa
I first encountered Christian classical education when I began teaching in this model at the same time that our eldest child started kindergarten. Having first learned of Christian classical education while living in Austin, TX, I had not quite fully realized what I had signed up for! However, I quickly became an advocate for this educational philosophy after seeing the fruit that it bears firsthand – at the age of six, our child had developed a God-centered perspective in all things and situations, a genuine excitement for learning, personal and spiritual development far exceeding our expectations (or what we even thought possible for any child at this age), and most importantly, a hunger for more of God and His kingdom.
Professionally, I have been involved in education and discipleship for 23 years, the past three of which have been in Christian classical education. Previously, I taught both Spanish and English to language learners (K-12) in both public and private schools and at the community college and university levels in Iowa, Texas, Arizona, Mexico, and Chile. By God’s grace, our family is now a part of the Caritas story! I am so excited and fully committed to investing in the third and fourth grade “world changers” who come through my classroom, helping them discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of our Father in all things.
My husband Travis and I have been married for ten years, and both of our children attend Caritas. Together, we long to be more like Jesus. Whether it’s loving our neighbor next door or serving in the “hard” places in Phoenix or going to the remote places on earth where the church is not yet, our greatest desire is to be a part of His Kingdom’s expansion. Together, we also love to play all sorts of games and sports, spend time outdoors, dance in our living room, travel to new destinations, try new recipes, eat with friends, explore new coffee shops, and worship and serve with our community at Antioch Community Church.
B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education – University of Arizona
God has granted me nearly two decades of teaching experience as well as a huge heart for young people of all ages. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies and humanities, and additionally earned physical education and dance teaching endorsements. I have also completed additional coursework from Arizona State University in justice studies (how historical, cultural, and social forces shape society).
My teaching experience is varied with many years as an educator in various settings including the public high school, private Christian preschool, Christian classical private school, and Christian classical home school. In addition to classroom experience, I have experience in developing and nurturing student leadership, drama, and performing arts, design/decorating, business start-up, travel and missions experiences, gymnastics, musical choreography, sign language for worship, and dance. I am co-founder and co-owner/director of Basileia Christian Dance Company; a worship arts ministry and business created and sustained by the Lord. I have also served as high school counselor at a Christian classical K-12 school. God’s gentle and divine Spirit has given me a deep love for children, and understanding of the classical methods, both of which strengthen my conviction to our Core Leadership and faculty at Caritas.
My husband and best friend, Paul, and I have four-plus-one children; daughter Rhyan and her husband Gavin, and sons Tyler, Simon, and Eli. We attend The Source Church in Mesa where we actively serve on leadership. We also have two canine kids, and we enjoy road trips, hiking and long walks, family and friend gatherings, family dinners and dinnertime conversations, puzzles and board games, and family movie night. Some of my favorite obsessions are coffee, unique mugs, cozy blankets, and BOOKS – lots and lots of books. I also love to read and study God’s Word. I collect bibles and have no less than ten of them on our family shelves.
I am thrilled to begin this journey that God has set before us at Caritas!