Administration
Leslie Collins
Head of School, 11th Grade Apologetics & Worldview
MA in Biblical Counseling at The Master’s University; BS in Special Education at University of Maryland; 20+ years of experience working in classical Christian schools
I was first drawn to Covenant’s vision to train the heart of each student to be servant leaders through a great books curriculum. The school’s mission is directed at the right goal: the heart. C.S. Lewis says in The Abolition of Man, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.” Teaching is the art of loving our subject and students so well that they are increasingly drawn towards what is true, good and beautiful. I love working with such an amazing team of educators as we learn more and more how to teach like The Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
I’ve been happily married to my best friend for 34 years. We are the proud parents of Daniel, a brave firefighter and Laura, a loving mother and teacher. Both graduated from homeschool and are now thriving in their respective callings. Our youngest two are Covenant Alumni. Lydia, Class of 2016, graduated from Grove City College in 2019. Jonathan, Class of 2019, is also a graduate of Covenant. We have one precious granddaughter and another on the way-life is full of celebrations! I also enjoy reading, walking, cooking, and gardening. When I am at school I enjoy every moment because I really love what I do.
Melissa den Dulk
Assistant to the Head of School and Director of Admissions
Studied Business (Purchasing & Materials Management) at the University of Houston-Downtown
After seven years of homeschooling my two sons (1st-7th grades), God called us to step out in faith and our adventures at Covenant began. In 2014, we became part of the Covenant family and I enjoyed many volunteer roles at the school including Covenant Community Life (CCL) Events Coordinator. In 2016, I joined the staff at Covenant as Student Support Assistant helping students gain independence, confidence and mastery in the classroom. The next year I transitioned to the Administrative Team as Admissions Director. I enjoy meeting prospective new families and discussing the benefits of a classical Christian education. As part of the faculty, I help coordinate and plan our internal and external community events as well as support our Head of School.
The richness of our school culture, depth of teaching and relational faculty has been a blessing to both my sons’ journeys throughout high school. I’m so thankful to be part of a community that values and actively seeks that which is true, good, and beautiful.
My husband Rudi and I have been married for over 20 years. Our oldest son (a 2019 Covenant alumni) is currently attending The University of Texas in Austin, and our youngest son is at Texas A&M-College Station. Our house is blessed with several animals, from feline to the most adorable dog named Moose. In my spare time, I love to travel, listen to classical music while cooking, read, watch a good action flick, and visit with our extended families.
Shari Archer
Director of Human Resources and School Registrar
BS in Speech at University of Texas at Austin
I have worked in Christian teaching and administration for many years including overseas service as an ESL missionary in Kazakhstan and as an administrator in the children’s ministry at my church. My connection with Covenant began before my son Daniel started school. I was attracted to Covenant’s mission to train students by way of Scripture and the classical liberal arts to love what is true, good and beautiful. I love that Covenant, using the classical Christian model, is developing the character, hearts and minds of the students.
My husband, Jim, and I have been married for over 20 years. Our son Daniel, a Covenant alumni (Class of 2021), is currently attending Howard Payne University and Oreo, our lovable dog, rounds out our family. I love puzzles, reading, and games of all sorts with family and friends, as well as cheering on our Covenant Patriot teams... including our awesome chess team!
Laurie Brooks
Director of Business Administration
BBA in Marketing at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
I have been working in the Christian community since 2005 and at Covenant Academy since 2011. I love the way Covenant’s faculty and staff invest their hearts and time and knowledge into each individual student. No decision or conversation is taken lightly or without the purpose of training these young hearts to be more like Christ. It is a privilege to be part of the Covenant staff and each year I look forward to seeing what God has in store for our school and the growth of our community!
Outside of school office, you can find me spending time with my husband, Todd, and our two sons, Cole and Noah, attempting to build quality experiences that they will forever cherish. We enjoy cooking together, keeping up with our Dalmatians, Kimber & Bella, and looking for our next genuine Texas adventure (usually involving long drives and terrific barbeque)!
Dave Collins
Director of School Operations
General Studies at Towson University, Maryland
I grew up in a hardworking family in a small town near Baltimore, Maryland. My mom was a school secretary and my dad owned a hardware store that had been passed down for three generations. I learned from an early age how to solve problems and get the job done, regardless of the work involved. Helping people is what I love to do. Whether it’s solving a scheduling issue, working out logistics, managing resources or making sure that every inch of our amazing facility is stewarded well, I love what I do. Though I’ve worked in several schools over the past 25 years, the blessings that God has bestowed on Covenant amaze me every day.
My wife Leslie and I love working together, but more than anything we love spending time with our four children, son and daughter-in-law and our first grandchild, whether we’re playing bocce ball, antiquing or just hanging out.
Faculty Directory
Select a Profile
- Laura Ah Mow
- Janet Angst
- Mark Baker
- Gabi Barros
- Tiffni Blake
- Debi Buckles
- Roben Card
- Tracy Carr
- Melanie Castro
- Leah Deegan
- Rebecca Eilers
- Jordan Even
- Amanda Faucett
- Brandi Haynes
- Sarah Huett
- Amy Kidd
- Julie Miracle
- Linus Nguyen
- Tori Pace
- Emma Perry
- Laura Ann Rivera
- Gregory Roland
- Meredith Stone
- Titus Szymanowski
- Madi Thorpe
- Pam Walker
- Lynn White
Laura Ah Mow
Grammar School Latin Teacher
I had the privilege of being classically educated since kindergarten. Growing up in a family of educators, I knew what I wanted to do with my life from an early age. I began teaching fourteen years ago and am grateful for every moment I have to teach the next generation.
Teaching Latin is a great source of joy for me. It is a beautiful combination of history and language. I sometimes feel like an archaeologist as I dig into the etymology of words and symbols alike. For example, Did you know that Roman writers used the word “io” to express their joy? As the years went by, this expression turned into the exclamation mark (!). Similarly, an ampersand (&) came from the Latin word “et” which means “and”. If you look closely at an italicized ampersand you can make out the letters “E” and “T”. I love when my students see these connections and become more intrigued by the history of the world we live in.
I love reading children’s literature and a good cup of tea. My husband and I share a love for Jesus, history, and cultures around the world. We are grateful for our energetic toddler and seventeen year old silkie terrier who still acts like a puppy. Deus est bonus – God is good!
Janet Angst
Athletic Director, Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Student Support
BA in Business at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
My teaching experience began in the public school system having taught for eight years at the high school level. In 2005, I became part of the Covenant Academy family and during these years I have served in many ways, including room mom, volunteer, substitute teacher, and board member. I am now the Athletic Director and continue with the Upper School Math department and I absolutely love it. Math has always been my passion, and what I always knew I wanted to teach. It is a joy for me to share that passion with the students at Covenant Academy.
My husband Stewart and I have been married for 23 years, and we have three children, all who attended Covenant Academy since kindergarten. We are an active family. I have been a runner since college, and recently completed the BCS and Houston half-marathons. It had long been a dream of mine, and I was beyond excited to accomplish these goals. I am fortunate to be able to share my love of running as track coach each season.
Mark Baker
Part-Time Adjunct Teacher
PhD in Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
I started my journey in classical Christian education in 2011, teaching in the humanities at Paideia Academy in Tennessee. I taught there for nine years, eventually also joining the administration as Dean of Upper School Faculty. In 2020, my family and I discerned a call to help bring classical Christian education to prisoners in the Darrington Unit in Houston. Whether I am teaching teenagers or prisoners, I believe that education in the liberal arts tradition greatly helps us pursue the truth, goodness, and beauty that is grounded in God and in his Word.
I am husband to Ashley and father to Elias, Owen, Eleanor, Alister, and Atticus. When I am not teaching, I enjoy coffee dates with Ashley, wrestling on the floor with my kids (they always win), and kayaking.
Gabi Barros
Development Coordinator and Upper school Teacher
BA in Legal Studies at Houston Baptist University
I had the privilege of being classically educated from 6th grade on, and I have developed a deep appreciation for it. I tutored extensively starting in my sophomore year of high school and have continued working with students ever since. Once I graduated from HBU, I wanted to immerse myself in the field of classical education.
When I found Covenant Academy, I was so excited for a chance to work alongside like-minded individuals with a shared goal. Working at Covenant has not only been a joy but a blessing. My current position means that I get to be involved in several administrative areas of the school while also teaching what I love most: History, Logic, and Geography!
When I’m not at work, you can catch me spending time with loved ones, reading, listening to music or podcasts about history, or at fabric stores for any quilting projects I might be working on.
Tiffni Blake
Upper School Principal, Mathematics Teacher
MA of Liberal Arts at Houston Baptist University; BS in Academic Studies with a minor in Mathematics at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
I am a lifelong lover of teaching and have taught students in the preschool, grammar, logic, and rhetoric years in a mixture of public, private, and home settings over the last 30+ years. I discovered the classical model about 18 years ago while researching curriculum and fell in love with its methodology and integrated approach to teach the whole child and spark a love of learning. I first joined the family of Covenant as a parent when my husband and I began looking for a school that shared a passion for classical Christian education and instilling a pursuit of wisdom and virtue ultimately found in pursuing the Lord. I am now in my 12th year of teaching at Covenant Academy and am still reminded daily of the wonderful gift it is to be a part of this amazing community.
My husband, Matthew, and I have been married for 27 years and have three children. Jonathan, our oldest, was part of the first graduating class at Covenant, now works as an electrical engineer in Huntsville, Alabama, and recently married our new daughter-in-love, Emily. Kaitlyn, also a Covenant alumni, is in her final year at Belhaven University where she is pursuing a BFA in Dance with a minor in Classical Education Studies. Rebecca is a junior and pursues a passion in creative writing when she is not dancing, painting, helping in the library, or participating in the summer drama troupe. We also have a West Highland Terrier named Baxter who thinks every guest is there to see him.
Debi Buckles
Art and Practical Arts Teacher
Studied at Tulsa Community College and the College of Biblical Studies; 20+ years teaching art in both the private school and the home school arenas
My journey with Covenant began in 2003, the year it opened. I have been a substitute teacher, office assistant, art teacher, science teacher, Bible teacher, Yearbook Co-teacher, and Practical Arts (Home Economics) teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching while my daughter was a student at Covenant. I also taught art for the former Encourager Homeschool Enrichment Program before returning to Covenant in 2015. I am beyond thrilled to be the art teacher focused on Covenant's classical Christian philosophy of truth, goodness, and beauty. I am blessed to teach in such a godly environment with other believers.
While teaching art is one of my passions, I also have a passion for missions. I have been blessed to combine two of my passions on more than 11 different mission trips where I was able to lead art camps for the children. The Lord has blessed my husband Steve and I with four wonderful (now adult) children, two amazing daughters-in-law, and the two precious grandsons with another on the way. In my spare time, I love to hang out with my family, cook, love on my grand babies, and play games. I enjoy several creative hobbies and keep adding more to my bucket list. But my very favorite thing to do is sit on the beach, listen to the sounds of the surf, and paint.
Roben Card
College Advisor, Upper School Science and Math Teacher
BA in Math with a minor in Business at the University of Nevada, Reno
Covenant Academy is my home, and its people are my family. I'm a transplant from Nevada by way of Washington (state). I began teaching after graduation; the last 20+ years have been in a classical Christian school.
I love science and the innumerable ways all creation shouts of our amazing God. The anatomy of a starfish, the chemical reactions in the lab, the properties of electricity, and the mysteries throughout science are just a few of my favorite things. I believe the best way to get a grasp of the world around us is to explore and experiment. I'm also a math geek who thinks it's as much fun as a ride on a zip line (which I'm known to adore.) I strongly encouraged all of my students to come in and get help when they are struggling with a concept. I love the light bulb moment of watching a face brighten as understanding occurs.
I am passionate about God! My favorite pastime is playing with my four grandchildren. Other hobbies include hiking, traveling, reading, technology (even attending math and calculator conferences!), music, dance, and horses. Really, I just love learning and people!
Tracy Carr
Third Grade Teacher
BA in Elementary Education at Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas
From second through eighth grade I was educated at Covenant Academy, and it was during that time I fell in love with both learning and teaching. Growing up in such a positive learning environment at Covenant, I grew to appreciate and recognize things of beauty such as good books, good community, and good teachers. Around seventh grade I told my favorite teacher, my mom, that one day I too wanted to become a teacher and make learning fun and engaging for all.
Even after attending public high school, I continued to pursue my teaching degree at DBU and was further impacted by fellow Christian educators. After teaching for two years at an international charter school, I knew I needed a chance to use my gifts and passion for education in a different setting. Last year I had the opportunity to teach at a classical charter school which helped reawaken my love for classical education, and ultimately led me back to Covenant.
I am so excited to be teaching at Covenant this year, it is truly a dream to be back at the very place that shaped so much of my character, faith, and love for learning. I am excited to inspire your students to enjoy their education, while reminding them that their time at Covenant matters, and can shape their future the way it shaped mine.
I had the joy of meeting my husband, Jake, in high school serving families with JH Outback. We have now been married for three years and continue to serve twice a year with the same ministry. In our free time we enjoy camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors in any way possible. Additionally, we both love to cook for friends and family in our home, accompanied by our golden retriever named Texas.
Melanie Castro
First Grade Teacher
MA in Bilingual Education at Houston Baptist University; BA in Spanish and English as a Second Language at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
After finishing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, Spanish, and Bilingual Education, I became increasingly interested in teaching from a Christian worldview with a classical approach. Through many years of varied teaching experiences, I came to embrace a classical Christian educational model that focussed on the acquisition of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue using the vehicle of the liberal arts. To that end, I have homeschooled my own four children using this classical methodology and have now begun a new chapter of my teaching career here at Covenant Academy.
I have been married to my best friend, Javier, for 30 years. The Lord has blessed us with four children who are busy pursuing their own callings. Our eldest child, Gabriella, and her husband plan to enter the mission field in approximately one year as teachers in a Christian school overseas. Our second, Camilo, is a high school English teacher here in Houston while Christian, our third-born, is pursuing a degree in the Classical Liberal Arts at Patrick Henry College in Virginia. Finally, our baby Charis is entering the seventh grade this year here at Covenant. Whenever I have the opportunity, I spend a lot of time connecting with our adult children and my grandson, Lawrence. I also am active in discipleship ministries of several women and am a Sunday School teacher at my church. I enjoy walking, reading, Bible study, and spending time with my friends.
Leah Deegan
Kindergarten Teacher
BS in Early Childhood through 4th Grade Generalist at Baylor University, Waco, Texas
I grew up in Houston and graduated from Second Baptist School. I attended Baylor University where I received my degree in “Early Childhood Through Fourth Grade Generalist” in 2009. I spent my entire senior year of college in the kindergarten classroom and absolutely loved it. I moved back to Houston after graduating and taught at Second Baptist in 2nd grade for five years. I stayed home with my kids for two years before returning to the classroom as the 2nd grade teacher at Paratus Classical Academy from January 2016 until the end of the 2018 school year. In 2019, we had our fourth child which kept me home for a couple more years, and although I always knew I wanted to be back in the classroom eventually, I waited on the Lord’s timing until he brought me this opportunity at Covenant.
I am so excited to be teaching kindergarten this year. I’m looking forward to a year of learning and growth. My prayer is that these children have a relationship with God that I can help shape and foster into trust and obedience. I hope our classroom can be a place to connect these children to the heart of God. I have always been passionate about Christian education, and I love that we get to center everything we learn in school around the Lord and his amazing creation.
My husband and I have been married for 9 years. We have four children, three of whom attend Covenant. My youngest is two years old and will attend Covenant when she is old enough. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Since my husband is a full-time musician, we sing a lot in our house, which makes my heart very happy. We also enjoy baking desserts, going on walks, cheering on sport teams, and eating lots of Mexican food!
Rebecca Eilers
Fourth Grade Teacher
BA in Business Administration, Emphasis in Finance at Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky
I began my career after college at State Farm Insurance and later transitioned into the pharmaceutical sales industry at Eli Lilly & Company. After nearly 11 years in corporate America, my husband and I began to feel God calling us to simplify our lives so that I could leave the workforce and be at home full time with our children. We discovered classical Christian education once our first child was getting ready to start Kindergarten in Louisville, Kentucky. The culture was so different from anything we had ever experienced in our lives, and we knew immediately that we wanted it for our children.
When my husband’s job moved us to Nashville, we once again found an amazing classical Christian school for our kids. Upon finding out that we were being moved to Houston in the winter of 2018, we sought out classical schools in the area. God directed our path and provided a way for us to be here at Covenant. I am passionate about teaching 4th grade and I hope to inspire my class to grow in their love for the Lord and all that is true, good and beautiful!
My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 19 years, and we have five children, four of whom attend Covenant Academy. We’re an active family who enjoys sports and outdoor activities of all kinds. When I’m not at school or cleaning my house, I enjoy reading, exercising and thrifting. We’re thankful for all that God has done and is doing in our lives… we love Texas, and we are so grateful to be here at Covenant Academy!
Jordan Even
Director of Music
MM in Music Performance, Music Theory Cognate at Western Michigan University; BM in Music Performance and Humanities at Valparaiso University, Indiana
For the past eighteen years, I've enjoyed teaching music to kids and adults in a variety of casual and academic settings. Similarly, I've been involved in leading corporate worship my entire life. I greatly enjoy variety in life, and in music. Learning about new things brings me great joy, and while these avocational interests tend to change, they currently include history, political science, economics, business, missiology, and repairing things around the house or on the cars.
I also enjoy teaching private studio music lessons and am currently serving as Director of Operations for Cypress Chapel as our pastor is deployed as a Chaplain in the Naval Reserves. I also perform professionally throughout the Houston area on variety of instruments and in a variety of styles, both traditional and contemporary. This blend of teaching and making music is perfect for me. When not pursuing music, I enjoy spending time with my wife Stephanie and our children Alexandra, Jonathan, and Sophia, as well as our friends.
Amanda Faucett
Yearbook/Graphic Design Teacher, School Photographer
BS in Advertising at the University of Texas, Austin
My education and career background is in advertising; I spent five years working for McCann-Erickson, one of the top global advertising agencies. While the advertising life was fun, it was also a bit soul-draining, and I made the decision to move into full-time ministry as the Director of Youth and Family ministry at my home church in Houston. Marriage and children came along and as they tend to do, adjusted my career plans a bit. I am now a portrait photographer running my own business and I teach Covenant Academy’s yearbook class with an emphasis on journalistic photography.
I’ve been drawn to a different way of educating our two children since before they were even born, but it was just a few years ago that I found the name for what I was seeking – classical Christian education. I am so blessed to have found Covenant, to be part of its teaching staff and be a Covenant parent to our two children, Jacob and Julianne.
Brandi Haynes
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Houston
I have worked in early childhood education for the past 15 years. I actually spent my whole adolescence living and breathing medicine until I really started thinking about what I wanted my future to look like. I stumbled upon an assistant teaching position in a private preschool, where I quickly rose to a role as a director. During my time at the preschool I realized what God’s calling was for my life and the talents that he gave me in taking care of and educating young children. After graduating from University of Houston I taught pre-kindergarten for 3 years and first grade for 3 years at a private Christian school.
I have always been a natural nurturer which is what makes prekindergarten a perfect fit for me. I know how exciting, but really scary pre-k can be for a lot of children (and for parents, too) and I love being able to be a teacher that can help make the transition a little easier on everyone. The thing that really drew my family to a classical Christian approach is the importance of community and truly partnering with families on educating their children. I am so excited to be raising my own children and teaching others in a community that really focuses on biblical truth and applying love and grace to all situations.
My husband, Harry, and I have been married for 9 years and have two young sons, Harrison and Henry. My oldest will be starting at Covenant this year and I cannot wait for my youngest to start in pre-k when he is old enough. We love spending time together outdoors, being in the water, and going on hikes. During quarantine my husband and I both picked up long distance running and are hoping to compete in our first half-marathon next year!
Sarah Huett
6th Grade History and Upper School Math
BS in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
I am a third generation teacher with seven years of experience. I truly enjoy the Christ-centered teaching environment as it allows both me and my students to grow academically, spiritually and socially. I feel blessed to be a new addition to Covenant Academy, and I am looking forward to expanding my growing knowledge of the classical approach, as it instills a love of learning.
I hold a 4th–8th Grade Math and Social Studies Teaching Certification along with Gifted and Talented and have taught in both public and private sectors. I love adding to my teaching strategies each year, and this year I am eager to learn more about math intervention, dyscalculia and how best to meet all our students’ needs.
I believe it is imperative to show compassion towards my students and not just speak of faith but also model Christ-like behavior. My family and I found our church home at Second Baptist, Cypress. We love growing together, spiritually through prayer, worship and bible study.
My husband Michael is a partner and CPA for a local accounting firm. Together we have two young children, Audrey and Hunter and our pit mix, Jax. In my free time, I love to read, travel and spend quality time with my friends and family.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Amy Kidd
Second Grade Teacher
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Biblical Counseling from Liberty University
I left corporate America over twenty years ago and began teaching music part-time for pre-K through third grade. I homeschooled my children for five years, which is where I discovered the beauty of classical education. I saw a marked difference in the way my children were learning, and I wanted to know more. Shortly after, we were led to Covenant Academy where all four of my children would begin their full-time journey in classical education. I have cherished the rich education and the fruit that has come from it over the past ten years.
I am thrilled to be the second-grade teacher this year at Covenant Academy and I hope to inspire and encourage each of my students to grow in their love of learning and for God. I am passionate about laying a firm foundation and helping each student discover the beauty of Christ in everything we learn. I hope to challenge my students with fun and engaging ways of learning, as well as help them grow their confidence. It is going to be a great year!
My oldest daughter, Ashley, is married and lives in Alabama, my son, Coby, is now married, and Christian and Audrey are juniors at Covenant. In my free time I love spending time with family and friends, serving the body of Christ, reading, cooking, and photography. I am a lover of God, people, coffee, and my favorite place to go is the beach!
Julie Miracle
Student Support
BA English at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusets; Graduate Studies: Advertising at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia
My educational journey has taken me through public, Christian private and homeschool communities. I was fortunate to encounter classical education as a parent through our family’s homeschooling experience. The integration of subjects, the emphasis on learning from original sources rather than synthesized textbooks, the equipping of students to truly learn and love learning all captivated my attention and heart and motivated me to support the classical education movement. Prior to coming to Covenant, I led classes in all subject areas for eighth grade homeschool students, then focused solely on Latin for ninth grade.
My husband, Keith, and I have been married for thirty-three years and are parents to three lovely daughters. Our youngest, Gwynn, is a student at Covenant. We share ten acres in Cypress with Keith’s parents and our flock of American Blackbelly sheep.
Linus Nguyen
Upper School Theology
MDiv. at Grace School of Theology, The Woodlands, Texas; BS in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at the College of Biblical Studies, Houston, Texas; BA at the University of Houston, Downtown
With over 20 years of bi-vocational teaching and ministry experience, I have taught in Secondary Schools and Colleges in the Humanities, Biblical Studies, Rhetoric, and Communications and have experience in curriculum development and writing in Humanities, Theology, History, Philosophy of Religion, and Missions along with advanced training/endorsements from the Institute for Classical Composition and Instruction, the Philips Exeter Academy for Harkness Discussion and Socratic Pedagogy, among others. In addition, the Lord has graciously provided me with opportunities to contribute and author various publications addressing matters related to the Gospel, Theology, Church Ministry, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation Disciplines, Leadership, Apologetics, and other subjects.
This past year, I received one of the highest Alumni Honors from my Alma mater by being inducted into the Epsilon Delta Chi Society for proven Christian character, leadership, ministry involvement, and contributions to the Christian faith in Christian Ministry and Education.
I am husband to Vanessa and father to Naimah and Noah, and I enjoy the outdoors, photography, music, and the arts. But nothing beats dinner dates with Vanessa, movie nights with the whole family, and shenanigans with the kids (which we call “shenaniNguyens”).
Tori Pace
Upper School Math and Science
BS in Biology at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas
I first taught at Covenant Academy in 2005 for several years before homeschooling my four children. I am so thankful to have been back at Covenant these last few years teaching Science and Math. My desire for my students is that they would wonder and marvel at the beauty and order of the created world, finding delight in what has been made.
My husband, Chris, has served in churches and Christian schools for over twenty years. We have four children, all who attended Covenant Academy. Joel is a graduate student at Syracuse University, Kylie is studying Education at Dallas Baptist University, Lily is a senior and Solomon is a sophomore at Covenant.
Emma Perry
Upper School Latin/Greek, 11th Grade Lit
BA in Latin and Greek with a minor in Literature at Houston Baptist University
I am so grateful and excited to be a teacher at Covenant Academy. I teach because of the examples of my wonderful teachers in high school and college. Through my studies, I have come to know two certainties: ancient languages and literature reveal the history and richness of God’s world, and such knowledge is meant to be shared. I love seeing students grow a deeper joy for learning as they discover this richness of knowledge.
I spend my free time sipping coffee, attempting to garden, eating ramen or pho with friends, and being “Aunt Emma” to my six nieces and nephews.
Laura Ann Rivera
Art History and Advanced Drawing
Associates Degree in Interior Design at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona; Food and Beverage diploma from ‘Ecole des Roches’ in Bluche, Switzerland
Historical Survey of the Arts is an overview of painting, sculpture, architecture, music and the culinary arts — everything I enjoy and live! I was introduced to the fine arts during my teenage years when I lived in Europe for nine years and where I often travel back to continue to be inspired. It is such a blessing to share my experiences and knowledge with the ninth graders. My goal for the class is to open the mindset of the students, so they can see and be inspired by the beauty in artwork, architecture, music and the culinary arts. I am equally excited to develop and train my students to see beauty and value through drawing and through observing various works of art from the past.
My husband, Pedro, and I have been married for over 30 years. We have two sons Carlos, a professional classical guitarist and Joaquin, a graduate of Covenant. As a family, we love to travel, cook and entertain! As for me, I enjoy going to antique stores, visiting art museums and having friends over for afternoon tea.
Gregory Roland
6th Grade Bible, 7-8th Grade Literature
Certificate in Bible and Theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary; BA in Criminology at Midland College; AAS in Petroleum Technology at Midland College
I am blessed to come to Covenant Academy from a successful career in the oil and gas industry which began in west Texas (Midland) before moving to Houston in 1995. My career path was then directed to offshore work, drilling, production and transportation, specifically providing regulatory compliance management for two major companies and involving a number of new innovations for Gulf of Mexico operations.
Although active in church fellowship and teaching most of my adult life, the Lord really gave me a heart for a deeper understanding of His Word and fueled the fire while teaching a senior adult Bible class nearly a decade ago. This led me to Wesley Biblical Seminary, where I completed a two-year Graduate Certificate in Bible and Theology in 2020 shortly after retiring early from ‘life in the oilfield’.
I have a passion for reading, and sports, especially baseball/softball, and enjoy things that go fast (especially cars). I also enjoy shooting sports, playing the drums, and I’m trying to learn to play the guitar. LaDonna and I love to travel and have enjoyed motorcycling around the U.S. We are blessed with six children, more than a dozen grandchildren, and even a few “greats”!
Meredith Stone
Fifth Grade Teacher
MA in History at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas; BA in History and English at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
While my education did not technically bear the moniker of a classical school, I was privileged to experience many of the benefits of classical education as a home school student throughout primary and secondary school. The instruction I received as a child taught me to love learning. As I matured into adulthood, that love of learning transformed into a love of teaching. I spent the first several years of my career teaching World History and Geography in both public and private school settings. When my husband Jeremiah and I welcomed our first child, I was blessed to have the opportunity to shift my focus to raising my daughter. As we added two additional daughters to our family, and my primary role became that of parent, I had the wonderful opportunity to continue using my classroom skills by teaching English as a second language to non-native English speakers in our community. I loved being able to plant seeds of the gospel while sharing about my culture and learning about the cultures of my students.
When I became a parent, I began looking at different models for education with my own children in mind and I fell in love with the classical Christian approach. The more that I have learned about classical methods, the more I believe that any student would benefit from this approach. As both a parent and teacher, I love that the story of Christ is the lens through which the world is viewed. Covenant Academy is such a blessing to our family as it is both a place where I can utilize the gift of teaching and partner in the cultivation of my children as lifelong learners and followers of the Lord.
Titus Szymanowski
Dir. of Student Life, Upper School Lit & Math, HS Boys Basketball Head Coach
BA in Religious Studies at Gonzaga University; 2007 Graduate of The Oaks, a Classical Christian School both in Spokane, Washington
My teaching journey began in 2011 when I was hired to teach Upper School at Covenant. Each year since, my passion for teaching and my love for this community continues to grow. I am continually amazed not only at the work God has done in our school culture, but how He has used this school to transform me. I love to tell people that teaching at Covenant Academy makes me a better husband, father, and follower of Christ. What a joy it is to witness God’s renewing and restorative Kingdom work take place on this campus.
I teach because I want to influence students in the same way that my teachers shaped and transformed my life. I love classical Christian education because it teaches students to think for themselves and encourages them to view every aspect of their lives through the lens of a biblical worldview.
When I’m not teaching or coaching basketball, I’m spending time with my beautiful wife, Melissa, and our three children, Eli, Ezra, and Nora.
Madi Thorpe
Upper School Latin and History
BA in History with a minor in Latin at Houston Baptist University
I came to Covenant in 2016 after graduating from HBU. I've primarily taught Latin, but have also taught history, logic, and literature in Upper School. I've so enjoyed building relationships with students over the years and seeing them grow into young adults. I'm currently completing a Masters of Liberal Arts, primarily focusing on History and English.
When I'm not grading or writing papers of my own, I love to cook, read, and travel as much as I can. I love to explore Houston's culture and cuisine and spend time with my friends, family, and my grey cat, Felix!
Pam Walker
Kindergarten Teacher
BSBA in Accounting with a minor in Computer Science at Concord University, Athens, West Virginia
I have been teaching at Covenant Academy since its inception in 2003. Prior to that, I taught one year at another classical Christian school and homeschooled my own children classically for over seven years. I was drawn towards classical teaching methods early in my homeschooling years. The more I learned about the history and methodology of classical education, the more convinced I became that this was the best educational model for my family. I remember being so glad to discover this “new” method of education, which made so much sense to me and which actually had been used successfully for hundreds of years. I’m so happy to be a part of a school that embodies these same principles.
I am so excited to teach our kindergartners! They have such enthusiasm for learning about the world around them. What fun it will be to foster that natural awe and wonder inside them. I enjoy teaching all the subjects, but even more, I am passionate about shepherding our children’s hearts to grow in love with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to follow Him whole-heartedly.
I am originally from West Virginia and became a transplanted Texan over 30 years ago. I have four adult sons, and in my spare time I can usually be found with a book, tooling around in my herb garden, or working on some home improvement project.
Lynn White
Grammar School Lead Teacher and 7th Grade Literature
BS in Education with a major in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in Educational Psychology at Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, Texas
I’ve been in education in some way, shape or form since I graduated from college in 1984. I first taught public school speech therapy, special education and third grade. I then home-schooled my two oldest sons from 4th and 5th grades until they graduated. I came to Covenant when it opened in 2003. I taught first grade here for seven years, third grade for eight years, and most recently 6th grade Language Arts. I also serve as Lead teacher for the Grammar school.
I left public education years ago because I was burned out and disillusioned with the direction our schools were going. I brought my own two children home and began to teach them academics while training them to love God and walk in His ways. It was a very nurturing relationship that bore sweet fruit in my own life as well as in theirs. Teaching at Covenant allows me to have that same nurturing relationship with families and to support and encourage parents as they train their children to love and follow God. I feel blessed to be a part of Covenant's mission to raise leaders that will change the world.
My husband and I have been married for 38 years and have five children. Our oldest boys are married with children of their own, giving us six grandchildren. Our oldest daughter graduated from Houston Baptist University. She is also married and works as a nurse. We have another son that graduated from Covenant and then from the University of Alabama. He now lives in Alabama and works as an engineer. Our youngest daughter graduated from Covenant in 2018 and studies Liberal Arts at the University of Texas.
Staff and faculty headshots by Amanda Faucett Photography