Faculty & Staff

Excellent teachers love their subject, their students, and the toil of the day and above all else love the Lord with all their hearts. At Arma Dei Academy our faculty is united in mission and vision. Our teachers exemplify Christ by the pattern of their lives in and out of the classroom, love and know children, and are gifted and equipped to teach.

Administration

Head of School

Dr. David Seibel

Dr. David Seibel hails from Indiana, where he played baseball at Wabash College and studied Economics and Spanish. Upon graduation, he joined the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows and earned a Masters of Education from Marian University while teaching and coaching in public middle and high schools. He also holds a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Education from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of Growing a Classical School, a regular contributor to Classis and the Beza Institute, and a former consultant with the Association of Classical Christian Schools. After serving as a head of school in Indiana for seven years, Dr. Seibel is joining Arma Dei in 2025 along with his wife, Brooke, and their four children. He enjoys reading, hunting, golfing, and deepening family worship.

Dean of Rhetoric School & Chaplain

Dr. Aaron Denlinger

Dr. Denlinger holds degrees in History and Theology from Colorado Christian University (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MA), and the University of Aberdeen (PhD). Prior to coming to Arma Dei in 2016, he spent seven years in higher education, teaching church history, Latin, and theology at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) and at Reformation Bible College (Florida). He maintains an active hand in higher education today, serving as an online instructor in historical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (Pennsylvania) in addition to his role at Arma Dei. Both in his role as Dean of the Rhetoric School and as Chaplain at Arma Dei, Dr. Denlinger is passionate about seeing students grasp their identity as adopted children of God on the basis of Christ’s work for them and learn to reflect that identity in all that they do.

Dr. Denlinger and his wife, Louise, have three children who are students at Arma Dei. Outside of school, he can be found reading, writing, camping, paddleboarding, cheering for the Phillies, lobster fishing in the Moray Firth, and creating mythical kingdoms in a reckless effort to maintain his own children’s sense of wonder, delight, and enchantment at the magical world that God has made.

Dean of Academics & Dean of Logic School

Mr. Josh Catron

Josh Catron is passionate about partnering with students, parents, and teachers so that children can grow confidently in their identity as children of God and in their abilities into joyful, flourishing individuals who seek to glorify and enjoy God in all they do.

Mr. Catron earned his BA in Economics and MS in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University. He became an educator when he joined Teach for America after working as an industrial engineer for Anheuser-Busch InBev. After three years of teaching various math classes, serving as department chair, and coaching football and track & field on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, he moved to Colorado to work as a math teacher and football coach at an urban charter high school. Most recently, Mr. Catron served as an academic interventionist, math teacher, football, and track & field coach at Valor Christian High School. He is now in his seventh year serving as Dean of Academics and Dean of the Logic school at Arma Dei Academy.

Josh and his wife, Chelsea, live in Parker with their three children, Bear, Calla, and Nina. They enjoy cooking together, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Dean of Grammar School

Dr. Janine Knedlik

Dr. Knedlik loves learning new things and was a student for many years, studying history at the University of Pennsylvania (BA and PhD) and the University of Guelph (MA). She arrived at Arma Dei in 2019 after finishing her PhD program and helping found the first classical Christian school in San Francisco. She is passionate about educating children classically from a biblical worldview and challenging them to grow into the young men and women God desires them to be. Since joining Arma Dei she has served in a variety of capacities: as a first grade and Latin teacher, as a curriculum developer, and as the Accreditation Director. Dr. Knedlik is now in her fourth year of using her gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education to lead the School of Grammar. She also has the opportunity to teach her first passions, history and literature, to tenth-grade students in the Rhetoric School. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students, from the youngest to the oldest.

Dean of Collaborative Learning Program

Mrs. Tifany Borgelt

Born in Schleswig-Holstein to a German nurse and Japanese American serviceman, Mrs. Borgelt’s favorite pastimes include reading, learning, eating, and exploring God’s creation. For the last 17 years, she has filled multiple professional roles within the classical Christian homeschool community, beginning in 2008 when she and her husband embarked on the adventure of a lifetime by classically educating their two daughters from elementary through high school.

Today, Mrs. Borgelt is deeply grateful for the opportunity to support families who feel led by God to classically homeschool. She is passionate about co-laboring alongside parents to equip their children with the classical liberal arts so that they might become articulate ambassadors of Christ who winsomely and intelligently engage the world around them to the glory of God.

Mrs. Borgelt holds a BA in Communications from Pepperdine University and briefly studied in their Master of Divinity program before moving to Nashville to work in the Christian music and publishing industry. Today she resides in Parker, Colorado where she continues to explore God’s creation with her friends and family.

Director of Admissions

Mrs. Jillian Bielamowicz

Mrs. Bielamowicz is passionate about helping families discover the lasting value of a classical Christian education at Arma Dei Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Accountancy from Wake Forest University. As a CPA, she spent several years working at large public accounting firms before stepping away from her career to focus on raising her two daughters with her husband Graham. As a Colorado native, she is thrilled to be back in her home state after living abroad in London for the last two years.

Mrs. Bielamowicz is honored to serve the school community while welcoming new families to Arma Dei. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, traveling, and cheering on Auburn football with her family.

Director of Marketing, Communications & Events

Mrs. Janell Turner

Mrs. Turner joined Arma Dei in the fall of 2021 and diligently served as an Administrative Assistant for two years before assuming the role of Director of Communications & Events. With a proven background in administrative work, event management, creative design, and photography, Mrs. Turner is excited to utilize her gifts to communicate and further the mission and vision of Arma Dei through various media (print, digital, and video), bringing the stories of the academy to life! Employing her organizational and leadership skills, Mrs. Turner looks forward to coordinating events and experiences that foster community across the academy.

Janell and her husband, Jordan, have a son, Wyatt, and a daughter, Lilia. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing sports, swing dancing, and spending time with her family.

Director of Performing Arts & Chapel Coordinator

Mrs. Heather Eddy

Mrs. Eddy studied opera and art history in Italy and Austria, where she performed professionally before God called her to share her love of performing arts with students. She has taught K-12 choral and instrumental music, directed musicals, worship, and kids ministry, and given private voice and piano lessons for 20 years in Denver. Classical education shaped each of her daughters, cultivating their deep love for learning, Truth, and beauty. She is excited to bring these skills, her passion for Christ, and for classical education to join God’s work at Arma Dei.

Mrs. Eddy holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (cum laude) from DePauw University, a Master of Music in Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and completed additional graduate work at New England Conservatory and Denver Seminary. She was a founding member of a classical charter school in Lakewood, CO where she taught for six years. There, she witnessed the impact of classical education in fully cultivating the God-given potential within every student. Mrs. Eddy enjoys working with students of all ages, building a joyful community, and developing the voices and hearts of her students. Her husband Ross and daughters Grace and Ellie love to travel, camp, laugh, hike, build sets, cook for friends and family, and serve children together. Mrs. Eddy is thrilled to join the community at Arma Dei and looks forward to pursuing Christ and His glory as we learn together!

Director of Institutional Advancement

Mr. Michael Butler

Mr. Butler is passionate about being used by the Lord to advance the mission of the academy, in whatever form that takes. Focusing on donor relations and special projects, he meets regularly with potential giving partners to share the school’s mission and vision for the future. Believing that fundraising can be done for God’s glory, he shares what we believe as a school with anyone who will listen, and trusts God to take care of the rest.

Mr. Butler holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida, and a Master of Arts in History from Arizona State University. After working in college sports for a few years, he transitioned into education and worked in academic support before coming to Arma Dei where he initially taught Grammar Science and Library. He met his now-wife at new teacher orientation in 2023. She teaches kindergarten, and he will occasionally pop into her class to show students how to draw Snoopy.

Athletic Director, Movement Teacher, & School Nurse

Mrs. Tatum Lehman

Mrs. Lehman, a Colorado native, has been a part of the Arma Dei community since 2016. Witnessing God’s fingerprints within the smallest details of the lives of students then gently reminding them of this beautiful truth is her sincere passion.

Tatum earned her BS in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma and brings 19 years of diverse medical experience to her role. Now in her tenth year as School Nurse, she cares for students with compassion and a deep desire to see them thrive as followers of Christ. A former college athlete with 12 years of coaching experience, Tatum helped launch the Cross Country and Track programs at the start of the Rhetoric School at Arma Dei Academy. As the Athletic Director, she combines her love for athletics and discipleship by encouraging students to pursue excellence as servant leaders and lifelong athletes. Her contagious joy and creativity also shine in the Grammar School, where she leads weekly movement classes that foster both physical growth and community.

Tatum and her husband Eric have four kids and love helping them and others experience the fullness of Christ. They love to hike and fish, travel to new places, and embrace adventure. A rich conversation over a good meal with old and new friends is their favorite pastime.

Technology Manager

Mrs. Megan Billinger

Mrs. Megan Billinger received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver. After working for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Solutions as a project manager for Department of Defense implementations, she became a stay-at-home mom and later homeschooled her children. Eager to contribute to the work being done at Arma Dei Academy, she joined the staff to assist in all things technical. Additionally, she teaches Rhetoric math and computer science.

Megan and her husband, Erik, have three children that attend Arma Dei. She enjoys studying the word of God, playing golf, CrossFit, and spending time with her family.

Facilities & Operations Manager

Mr. Ben Alton

Mr. Alton is a Georgia native who moved to Colorado to enjoy a change of scenery for the next adventure the Lord has in store. Mr. Alton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration from the University of West Georgia. Working as a metal fabricator for the last 6 ½ years, he realized how much he enjoys physical labor and utilizing his hands-on skills to serve as the Facilities Manager at Arma Dei.

In his free time, Mr. Alton enjoys spending time outdoors, especially backpacking, camping, and playing cornhole. He is passionate about black coffee, college football (Go Dawgs) board games, country music, woodworking, fixing his motorcycle, and making new friends.

Technology Manager

Mr. William J Martinez III

Mr. Martinez earned a BA in Accounting from the University of Colorado, is a Colorado-licensed CPA, and holds a CGMA certificate from the AICPA.

For over 30 years, Mr. Martinez served in diverse financial leadership roles. After nearly ten years in public accounting at a mid-sized CO CPA firm, he spent the next twenty years in the oil and gas and automotive industries as well as owning his own business consulting firm. Throughout his career, Mr. Martinez has worked as a consultant and board member with numerous nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Mr. Martinez began his time at Arma Dei in a part-time consulting role in July 2020 and joined the school full time in March 2024.

Bill and his wife, Angela, have two children, Bella and Alex. Bill enjoys working out, traveling and Denver Bronco football games.

Receptionist

Ms. Ruth Pederson

Ms. Ruth Pederson worked for the Minnesota school district for 31 years. She tried retirement but missed the daily interactions with staff and students, which is why she is once again sitting in a receptionist chair when she moved to Colorado to be closer to her four grandchildren.

Ms. Pederson is excited to see where God is leading Arma Dei in the years to come. She loves walking into the buildings and feeling the presence of God’s favor.

Receptionist

Ms. Niki Hyde

Ms. Hyde has over 45 years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and trauma response to national and international tragedies. In addition to co-founding two children’s grief programs, Ms. Hyde wrote and trained professionals on a curriculum focused on grief, trauma, domestic violence, exploitation, and elder abuse. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling, an MS in Health Services Administration, and an MA in curriculum development and instruction.

Ms. Hyde has observed the positive impact that classical Christian education has on her grandsons attending Arma Dei Academy. She is hopeful that she can play a small role in helping to equip the next generation with deep roots in wisdom and knowledge of how Christ would desire them to respond to the culture and world around them.

Ms. Hyde is a proud grandma of eight beautiful grandchildren whose many activities bring much delight. She also enjoys spending time with the Lord, family, and friends, reading, traveling, and walking her little dog.

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Katie Coats

Mrs. Coats moved to Castle Rock, Colorado after graduating from Harding University in 2021 with a BA in Art and Graphic Design. Katie served as a Marketing Coordinator for two years, where she implemented her design skills to create visually compelling and effective marketing materials. Having been immersed in a Christian education setting during her formative years, Katie looks forward to contributing her expertise to further the mission of providing exceptional, faith-based education. Outside of work, Katie enjoys reading, anything art related, spending time with her husband, Blake, and their two dogs, Wrangler and Rowdy, as well as family and friends.

Rhetoric Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Diana Stuckey

Mrs. Diana Stuckey received her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Southwest Baptist University and her master’s degree in Management of Technology from Regis University. Those degrees served her well during her nearly 25-year career as a Project Manager at Lockheed Martin. Shortly after God led her family to Arma Dei, God also led her to “retire” to become more available for her family. Looking for opportunities to be a good steward of her time and skills, Diana spent many hours volunteering at Arma Dei. She is excited to be part of the Arma Dei Rhetoric team to serve faculty, students, and families.

School Resource Officer

Deputy Jordan Buss

Deputy Buss has lived in Colorado for the majority of his life, graduating from Woodland Park High School in 2010. He met his beautiful wife, Becca, in 2019, and they were married in 2022. In 2018, he began his career with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where he initially worked in the detentions facility and was a member of the Special Operations Response Team. Currently, he serves as one of the lead Defensive Tactics Instructors at DCSO.

In 2020, he transitioned to the School Resource Officer (SRO) unit, primarily working in an elementary school setting. He is set to obtain the title of SRO Practitioner later this year, a distinction that requires three years of experience as an SRO and over 180 hours of specialized training.

Deputy Buss is eager for the opportunity to serve as the SRO at Arma Dei Academy and looks forward to building a strong and supportive community with students, staff, and parents.

Preschool Teachers

Preschool Director

Mrs. Brittany Conklin

Mrs. Brittany Conklin grew up in Colorado, is married to her husband Travis, and has two children Kylah and Mitchell.

Mrs. Conklin attended Arapahoe Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she received an Associate of General Studies/ Associate of Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education Group Leader Certificate, and Early Childhood Education Director’s Certificate.

Mrs. Conklin loves children and wants to provide a loving, caring, safe, and Christ-centered program for all children entering the preschool doors. She desires that their first school experience be so memorable that they are filled with excitement and are ready to learn when they enter the elementary grades.

Assistant Preschool Director

Mrs. Kelli Tenneson

Mrs.Tenneson has had her teaching certificate since 1989 and her Colorado directorship since 1999. Keli was a preschool teacher, assistant director, and director of a large preschool in the Littleton area for 28 years and was in a leadership role for over 16 years. In 2015, she retired to take care of her granddaughter but was asked by her daughter Brittany to walk beside her and help start the Arma Dei Academy Preschool. Mrs. Tenneson loves the new preschool and believes it to be an excellent school and opportunity to teach children about God. She has been married to her husband Mike for 43 years. Mike is a retired Lieutenant from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department. Mrs. Tenneson has two children and three grandchildren and believes there is no better job than working with children and being a grandmother!

Three Year Old's Teacher

Ms. Marnie Barclay

Ms. Barclay grew up in the Denver metro area. She gave her life to the Lord on her first day of college. After spending a few years in North Carolina attending Davidson College and working in Dallas as a Paralegal, Ms. Barclay returned to Colorado to earn her Master’s in Accountancy at the University of Denver. While raising her children, she worked as a tax accountant and substitute teacher. Now a Retired CPA, Ms. Barclay has directed her energy to nurture the Lord’s most precious treasures at the preschool.

Ms. Barclay’s family is at the heart of her life. She has three grown children, two sons and one daughter, two of whom are married. Her greatest joy is that they all love and are walking with the Lord. She also has three sisters and seven nieces and nephews in town, and the family gatherings are growing every year! When not taking classes to further her knowledge of classical Christian education, Ms. Barclay enjoys running with her three-year-old golden retriever, gardening, reading, doing home renovation projects, playing tennis and golf, hiking mountains, and watching SEC College Football.

Three-Year-Olds Teacher

Mrs. Elyse Jackl

Mrs. Jackl grew up in Arizona but fell in love with Colorado, where she attended CSU and earned a Human Development and Family Studies degree. Mrs. Jackl and her husband have two children, and a dog. They moved to Highlands Ranch in 2019, and she joined the staff at Arma Dei in the fall of 2022. Mrs. Jackl loves caring for and helping children grow to achieve milestones and considers it a tremendous blessing to spend time with children in a Christ-centered environment.

Mrs. Jackl enjoys spending time with her family at home, in the garden, in the mountains, or at the pool. In her spare time, she loves to try new recipes, read a book, or attempt to sew.

Three-Year-Olds Teacher

Mrs. Kerri Smith

Mrs. Kerri Smith grew up in the state of Texas. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University. Mrs. Smith taught in elementary schools in Oklahoma and Texas for five years before having children of her own. While living in Midland, Texas, she was the children’s ministry director for Redeemer Midland Church until her husband’s job brought them to Colorado seven years ago. She co taught prekindergarten at Front Range Christian School and this will be her fourth year as the lead 3s teacher at Arma Dei. One of her passions is instilling a love of school and learning in little ones. It is the absolute best to watch curiosity ignite! She has two amazing kids who attend Arma Dei, Owen and Mae. When not at school, Mrs. Smith loves spending time with her family, going on hikes with her dogs, and reading a good book with a cup of coffee.

Four-Year-Olds Teacher

Ms. Abigail Tornow

Ms. Abigail Tornow grew up in California before moving to Colorado with her family. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, graduating with her Bachelor of Science. She studied Health Sciences, Educational Psychology, and Biology. While at Baylor, she spent time at Talitha Koum Nurture Center, a therapeutic learning environment. At Talitha Koum, she learned and applied self-regulation techniques and supported early brain development for children’s future success in all aspects of life.

Ms. Abigail has previously been a volunteer and substitute at Arma Dei Preschool and is excited to return for her second year in the 4s classroom as lead teacher. She is passionate about guiding young children in their first experiences at school and instilling a lifelong love of learning! Outside the classroom, she loves reading, paddleboarding, spending time with friends and family, and hiking with her dog, Ivy.

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Emily May

Mrs. Emily May grew up in the state of Florida. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Florida State University and then proceeded to earn a Master’s degree in Reading Education at the University of South Florida. She taught elementary school for five years and married her husband, Arthur. Mrs. May and her husband decided to move to Colorado where they have currently lived for twelve years. She has three energetic children who attend Arma Dei, Madelyn, Benson, and Hayden. Mrs. May loves spending time with her family and being a part of the Arma Dei Academy Preschool.

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Barbara Tornow

Mrs. Barbara Tornow is thrilled to be part of the Arma Dei family, where learning centers around Biblical teachings and the love of Jesus. Her passion has always been for the youngest learners. She has been in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Tornow began her teaching career as Lead Teacher at a Therapeutic Preschool in California. She then ran a home daycare center while raising her girls. Before coming to Arma Dei she spent several years teaching Preschool at a learning center in Littleton. Having returned to teaching in the classroom, Mrs. Tornow finds the enthusiasm of young learners contagious and is excited and challenged to make learning the best it can be for each child. When not planning curriculum, Mrs. Tornow loves reading, crafting, hiking, or enjoying a cup of coffee!

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Bella Martinez

Bio coming soon!

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Maria Martins

Maria Martins was born in El Salvador and adopted at the age of five. She was raised in Colorado Springs and went on to earn a degree in Human Resources from Bob Jones University. Maria has had a passion for working with children since high school and is thrilled to be back at Arma Dei Preschool.

She lives in Castle Rock with her husband and daughter, who is currently a student at Arma Dei Academy. In her free time, Maria enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Bella Metzinger

Ms. Isabella Metzinger was born in Texas but her family moved to Colorado shortly after and she’s lived here ever since! In 2022 Ms. Metzinger joined a seven month missionary program called Youth With A Mission that brought her to Italy, Albania, Austria, and Egypt. During this time, she held a variety of childcare programs for all ages, and then was asked to work with schools teaching children English and early education. When Ms. Metzinger returned to Colorado, she worked at a school in Denver called Mountain View Academy for about eight months as a lead toddler teacher. While working there, she completed training and got her certification for early education and care. Ms. Metzinger then worked at the Goddard school in Highlands ranch for a little over a year as their lead preschool teacher. She is so happy to be joining the Arma Dei staff and feel so blessed to work in a Christ centered environment! Miss Metzinger’s passionate about providing a loving, joyful environment where children can fall in love with learning and Jesus! In her free time she enjoy’s hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with friends and family!

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Sara McVey

Bio coming soon!

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Kathy Potter

Mrs. Kathy Potter is married to Doug and has three grown children. She has enjoyed working at Arma Dei Academy for the last six years as a receptionist and for the last three years as a teacher’s assistant in preschool. She is excited to share her love of God with the 3’s class each day. Kathy loves working with Arma Dei Preschoolers, spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, and crafting.

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Kristine Silby

Mrs. Kristine Silby is a Colorado native who grew up in the Denver-metro area. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Elementary Education along with certifications in Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies. After graduating, Mrs. Silby taught 2nd grade in a private Christian school in the Denver area for several years before getting married and moving to Nashville, TN with her husband. There she earned her Master’s degree in Learning and Instruction from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and went on to teach multiple elementary grades in a local public school system. A job change for her husband brought them back to Mrs. Silby’s hometown where she tutored for a while before eventually teaching 4th grade in an online school. Mrs. Silby values all of the experience her diverse background has afforded and is thrilled to be back in the education field. She has two wonderful children who attend Arma Dei Preschool. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Silby’s true passions are spending time with her amazing family, playing piano, window shopping, and volunteering at her church.

Grammar School Teachers

Dean of Grammar School

Dr. Janine Knedlik

Dr. Knedlik loves learning new things and was a student for many years, studying history at the University of Pennsylvania (BA and PhD) and the University of Guelph (MA). She arrived at Arma Dei in 2019 after finishing her PhD program and helping found the first classical Christian school in San Francisco. She is passionate about educating children classically from a biblical worldview and challenging them to grow into the young men and women God desires them to be. Since joining Arma Dei she has served in a variety of capacities: as a first grade and Latin teacher, as a curriculum developer, and as the Accreditation Director. Dr. Knedlik is now in her fifth year of using her gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education to lead the School of Grammar. She also has the opportunity to teach her first passions, history and literature, to tenth-grade students in the Rhetoric School. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students, from the youngest to the oldest.

Kindergarten & Kindergarten Enrichment

Mrs. Lydia Butler

Mrs. Butler moved to Colorado shortly after graduating from Hillsdale College in 2021 with a BA in Religion. She taught first grade for two years at a classical school, where she discovered a love for teaching children how to read. The only thing missing was the freedom to share God’s heart with her students, which is what led her to join the community at Arma Dei. In her second year at Arma Dei, she is looking forward to welcoming a new class of kindergarteners and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to share in the wonder of God’s creation with the 1st and 2nd graders. When she is not at school, you can find her exploring the mountains, honing her coffee-making skills, or baking everything sourdough.

Kindergarten & Kindergarten Enrichment

Ms. Amy Walker

Ms. Walker decided she wanted to be a teacher when she was ten years old and now spends every day doing what she loves: using stories, songs, and exploration to introduce children to the wonders of the world God has created. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University and has over 20 years of grammar school classroom experience. Miss Walker first moved to Colorado in 2002 and taught in the Highlands Ranch area for a dozen years before God moved her to the Gulf Coast of Florida for almost a decade, where she discovered classical education, much to her joy! She is thrilled to be back in Colorado, close to her family, and now part of Arma Dei.

Outside the classroom, Miss Walker enjoys curling up with a good book, playing board games with family and friends, and attending live fine arts performances.

1st Grade

Ms. Caitlin Barlow

Mrs. Caitlin Barlow was born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming where she attended the University of Wyoming and received a BA in Elementary Education. Mrs. Barlow has taught Kindergarten, first, and second grades in both the Dallas area and in Louisville, KY, where she and her husband Andy helped plant Fellowship Church of Louisville. After 15 years at Fellowship Louisville, the Barlows moved to Denver, where the Barlows continue life in ministry at Fellowship Denver Church.

Mrs. Barlow has 4 children, 3 of whom will be attending Arma Dei in the upcoming school year. Prior to this upcoming year, Mrs. Barlow has had the joy of being home with her children. She enjoyed homeschooling her children for 2 of those years, as well as regularly teaching in the Children’s Ministry at both Fellowship Louisville and Fellowship Denver. Most recently, Mrs. Barlow was a regular substitute teacher at her children’s school, teaching any grade K-5 on any given day.

Mrs. Barlow enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and especially loves to watch her children play sports and support them in their various activities. She also enjoys reading, baking, gardening, occasional training for road races, and watching the Broncos. She is excited to join the Arma Dei family!

1st Grade

Mrs. Cindy Holden

Mrs. Holden is a native of Colorado but spent fifteen years on the east coast, where she and her husband taught in Christian schools. The beautiful, purple mountains’ majesty of Colorado called the Holden family back to “God’s country.” She enjoys spending as much time as possible with their seven grandchildren.

Mrs. Holden is a graduate of Eastern University in Wayne, PA, with a Bachelor of Arts in management. Her love of children and passion for teaching through a biblical worldview lens led her away from the business sector and into early childhood education. Last Spring, Mrs. Holden completed her 11th year at Arma Dei Academy with twenty-five previous years of classroom experience ranging from preschool to the fourth grade. Mrs. Holden feels blessed to be a part of the Arma Dei Academy faculty.

2nd Grade

Ms. Annie Salinger

Ms. Salinger, one of five children brought up in a wonderful Christian home, was born and raised in Haifa, Israel, until her family moved to Washington in 2013. In May 2025, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colorado Christian University with a B.A. in Elementary Education, with specializations in Cultural/Linguistic Diversity, Biblical Studies, Social Studies, Reading, and Literacy. By God’s providence, she was able to complete her student teaching residency at Arma Dei Academy, which turned out to be a perfect fit. Not only is she passionate about teaching children, but she also enjoys God’s creation through activities such as running, hiking, playing tennis, and she even enjoys keeping up with her Hebrew.

“O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” Psalm 90:14.

2nd Grade

Mrs. Darlene Walsh

Mrs. Darlene Walsh was born in Ontario, Canada, and grew up primarily in Southern California where she received her BA in Speech Communication at California State University, Fullerton.

Mrs. Walsh began her career as a K-5 teacher over 20 years ago in a private Christian school and spent 16 years working in Littleton Public Schools. She has four adult children whom she was blessed to homeschool for some of their elementary years and is also the proud grandmother of three Arma Dei students.

Darlene is a passionate educator dedicated to partnering with students, parents, and the school to help her students succeed. She was thrilled to return to her Christian education roots in 2022, when she joined Arma Dei Academy. She loves the opportunity to lead students in their walk with the Lord, teaching them to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength as they pursue academic development.

3rd Grade

Ms. Chantel Edwards

Ms. Edwards spent a handful of years on the mission field before the Lord called her into education full time. She spent two years teaching adult ESL classes for a nonprofit, then worked as a paraprofessional in Littleton Public Schools. She received her BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Linguistics from MSU Denver and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Classical Christian Education. Ms. Edwards is thrilled to be in the world of classical Christian education in order to raise up 1 Timothy 4:12 students and provide them with a comprehensive academic foundation. She encourages students to explore their God-given talents and interests while nurturing a love for learning. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys coaching track and cross country, competing in running events around the state, volunteering with local ministry, and reading any quality historical fiction book she can get her hands on. Pob peth gyda Duw, dim heb Dduw ~ All things with God, nothing without God

3rd Grade & Grammar Math Lead

Mrs. Emily Winter

Mrs. Winter completed her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential Coursework in 2005. As a lifelong learner, she has continued her education and holds her Elementary Education K-6 Teaching Credentials in California and Colorado and a Math Endorsement in Colorado. Most recently, her formal studies have taken her deeper into the beautiful world of math. There is nothing she loves doing more than teaching children about God and His well-organized world, and she is thrilled to partner with parents in teaching children what it looks like to love God and bring glory to Him.

Having received a Christian education through homeschooling and attending Christian schools, Mrs. Winter firmly believes the truth of God’s word offers us all that we need to love and respect each other. To find wisdom, we must seek it out from the Word of God, for which there is no substitute.

Mrs. Winter grew up in California but moved with her family to Colorado when her children were young. She and her husband Jeff have three children (Hannah, Morgan, and Nathanael), and she is thrilled to be a part of the Arma Dei community.

4th Grade

Mrs. Jen Lewicki

Mrs. Lewicki started her teaching career at a classical school in Virginia many years ago, teaching third and fourth grade. Since then, she has lived in Arizona, where she has had many teaching experiences, including teaching adults English as a second language and homeschooling her three children for a few years. Mrs. Lewicki earned an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. She considers herself a lifelong learner, enjoys reading historical fiction and biographies of historical figures, and loves bringing history to life in the classroom! She has been blessed to have traveled through Europe and studied abroad in the Baltic region in college. She returned to teaching full-time seven years ago, teaching fourth and fifth grades at two different charter schools in the area. She is excited to begin her second year in Arma Dei’s full-time program.

4th Grade

Mrs. Rachel Senia

Mrs. Rachel Senia has spent almost all of her life on the West Coast, mainly in California, but most recently in Washington state. She grew up attending Christian schools and believes what Romans 12:1 says, that the Christian life is a battle of the mind as it needs transforming constantly. She believes that a classical Christian education is one of the best ways to keep from being “conformed to this world” to glorify God.

Mrs. Senia graduated from The Master’s College with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has spent almost 20 years teaching in Christian schools. She loves partnering with the families of Arma Dei Academy as they take on the most precious and challenging task of training their children.

5th Grade

Ms. Baylee Prather

Ms. Prather graduated magna cum laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a BA in Elementary Education and a concentration in Applied Developmental Psychology. Through MSU Denver, Ms. Prather completed a year-long student teaching residency in Denver Public Schools where the Lord showed her the importance of placing Him in the center of education. As she begins her third year at Arma Dei, Ms. Prather is also concluding a Masters of Arts in Teaching program with an emphasis in Classical Education at Eastern University.

When she’s not teaching, Ms. Prather loves to spend time with her family and friends, paddleboard in the reservoirs, and go to the mountains. Additionally, she loves to hang out with and train her two dogs, Missy and Milo! Ms. Prather is looking forward to helping the next generation grow up to be champions for Christ.

5th Grade

Mrs. Emily Steele

Mrs. Emily Steele graduated from Colorado Christian University with a BA in Elementary Education with specializations in Cultural/Linguistic Diversity, Biblical Studies, Social Studies, Reading, and Literacy. She moved from North Dakota to Colorado to attend college, where she played golf. After graduation, Mrs. Steele decided to make Colorado her home, and she is now in her third year of teaching fifth grade. Mrs. Steele enjoys golfing, baking, hiking, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about students becoming more like Jesus every day and glorifying Him!

5th Grade Math

Mr. Walt Stroessner

Mr. Stroessner was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Aurora, Colorado. He earned his BA in Education and History from Regis University and an MA in Secondary Education from the University of Colorado in Denver. Mr. Stroessner began his teaching career in the Aurora Public School system, where he taught middle school math for seven years, followed by 23 years of teaching math at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch. Though recently retired from Douglas County School District, Mr. Stroessner is thrilled to join Arma Dei Academy, where he will continue inspiring students through his passion for math and love of the Lord.

Mr. Stroessner and his wife have two grown children: a son who is enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Colorado in Boulder for electrical engineering and a daughter who is beginning her third year of college at the University of North Dakota where she is majoring in commercial aviation. Mr. Stroessner loves to travel and hike, citing Moab in Utah as one of his favorite places to visit.

1st-3rd Grade Character Development & Outdoor Adventure

Mrs. Holly Cory

Mrs. Cory graduated from Covenant College in Lookout Mt., TN, with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, English, and Physical Education. She helped start a thriving Christian School in Boca Raton, Florida, and has taught for over thirty years in K-6 Physical Education, middle school core subjects, and many different electives.

Mrs. Cory is passionate about God and helping students discover the joy of learning inside and outside the classroom. Teaching our youngest students, Mrs. Cory introduces them to the wonders of God and his creation. She desires all students to reflect God’s character as they pursue him and use their given abilities to invent and create. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Cory can be found hiking, paddle boarding, or spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Art

Mrs. Sarah Davidson

Mrs. Davidson has been an artist for over fifteen years. She received her formal training in California through Natomas Charter Performing and Fine Arts Academy, the Oxbow School, and American River Community College. She gained experience through local showings, selling her work in open markets, and creating numerous commissions. In 2020, Mrs. Davidson taught art at another local classical Christian to K-12 students, and joined Arma Dei in 2024. She is excited to be used by God in renewing young minds toward a Christian perspective on art, encouraging students to think and work like artists to His glory. She desires all Arma Dei students to understand that art is not mere self-expression but a powerful way to communicate God’s truth in beauty, affect culture, and be winsome for Christ.

In addition to working as an artist, Mrs. Davidson was a professional sign language interpreter for over ten years, remains fluent in ASL, and loves Deaf culture. She also started a small plant nursery in her family’s driveway. But her absolute favorite moments are very laid-back, spent with her six children (five of whom attend Arma Dei!) and her very patient husband in Englewood, CO.

Grammar & Logic Latin Teacher

Mrs. Sara DeYoung

Mrs. DeYoung graduated with a BA in English, and her passion for books and learning has continued to this day. She and her husband, Josh, began homeschooling their children in 2013 using a Christian, classical curriculum after she entered remission from her battle against cancer. Their oldest is currently in the nursing program at Cedarville University in OH, and their youngest graduated from homeschooling in May of 2024. Since 2017, Mrs. DeYoung has held several roles within the classical Christian homeschooling community. As a lifelong learner, she continues to sharpen her understanding and application of the classical method through various classical training programs.

3rd-5th Grade Science

Mrs. Julia Hodges

Mrs. Hodges grew up on a farm in North Texas, where she was raised alongside her eight siblings and many dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and the occasional donkey. She graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in English Literature and Biochemistry and immediately moved to Colorado to teach at a classical charter school (and to enjoy the mountains!). After a year working with autistic children doing clinical ABA therapy for the past year, Mrs. Hodges has returned to teaching and is thrilled to be in her second year at Arma Dei.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hodges and her husband enjoy exploring coffee shops, playing card games, climbing mountains, and finding new dinner recipes to add to their current favorites.

Movement Assistant

Mrs. Tessa Johnson

Mrs. Tessa Johnson attended Baylor University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. While in Texas, she met her husband, Matt, whom she married in 2013. After moving back to her native state of Colorado, Mrs. Johnson worked at a tech company before transitioning to her family’s local HR and recruiting firm, where she obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

Mrs. Johnson and her family joined the Arma Dei family in 2020 when her daughter started kindergarten. The Johnsons felt the Lord calling them away from the comfort of their home in Colorado to the opposite side of the world, Thailand. While there, Tessa classically homeschooled her two oldest children, deepening her admiration and appreciation for the teachers and staff of Arma Dei. During their time in Thailand, the Lord was kind in teaching their family about a new culture of incredible people, language, food, and environments. Most importantly, they plugged into an international church where they regularly prayed for and served the local people.

Upon their return to America, Tessa is grateful to have all three of her children enrolled at Arma Dei, and she is thrilled to teach and encourage Grammar students as the Assistant Movement Teacher. Mrs. Johnson loves studying the Word of God, spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring God’s amazing creation. She also enjoys playing volleyball, swimming, biking, skiing, and working out.

Music

Mrs. Catherine Kochie

Mrs. Kochie received her Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where she studied cello as her primary instrument. After graduating, she taught Kindergarten through eighth-grade general music at Pinewood Christian Academy and led the children’s choir program at Pinewood Presbyterian Church. Combining her love of music and missions, Mrs. Kochie worked at the International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching elementary music, middle school orchestra, and coordinating their weekly chapels. She studied choral conducting and music pedagogy at the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary. Mrs. Kochie is passionate about teaching the Word of God through music and building community through group singing and music-making. She loves traveling, being outdoors with her dogs Bartok and Bella, and spending time with people. She is married to Michael Kochie and loves serving with him at Arma Dei Academy.

Athletic Director, Movement Teacher, & School Nurse

Mrs. Tatum Lehman

Lower Grammar Support Teacher

Mrs. Satoko McCoy

Mrs. Satoko McCoy was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, where she is licensed to teach kindergarten and elementary school. Mrs. Satoko also holds her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma and has taught for more than 30 years in both Montessori and non-Montessori environments in Japan and the United States.

Satoko and her husband have a 18-year-old son. They love to camp, paddleboard, kayak, hike, swim, and ski as a family. While Mrs. McCoy loves the mountains, she misses the ocean! She loves children and is thrilled to be able to support teachers and students in her new role in the Grammar School after three years in Arma Dei’s preschool.

1st & 2nd Grade Science

Mr. David Reimer

Mr. Reimer was born and raised in beautiful Whitefish, Montana. After high school, he attended Northwest Nazarene University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Following God’s leading towards vocational ministry, Mr. Reimer joined Eagle Nazarene Church in Eagle, Idaho, as the worship director.

Eventually, he shifted roles serving in college ministry and as co-pastor of an extension campus church plant. During these years, Mr. Reimer earned a MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and developed a deep passion for spiritual formation, discipleship, and helping Christ’s followers engage ever deeper in the Mission of God.

After eight years of full-time vocational ministry, Mr. Reimer began exploring his passion for teaching, discipling, and mentoring students serving for several years as a guest teacher in a variety of schools. He also met and married his wonderful wife, Hannah.

When their plans to serve as missionaries in Central Asia didn’t culminate, Mr. Reimer and his wife followed the Lord’s leading to Colorado and to Arma Dei Academy, where he is excited to guide students towards lives of love and service to Christ and neighbor as they explore God’s created world.

Grammar Latin & Rhetoric Greek

Ms. Maddie True

Ms. True comes to Arma Dei Academy from a classical Christian school in Bulverde, Texas. Her love for languages began in the third grade at a classical Christian school, and she ultimately pursued a BA in Biblical Languages from Mississippi College. She desires to pass along this love by creatively engaging students in the classroom and helping to form their God-given cognitive skills of problem-solving and inferential thinking through the study of Latin. During her spare time, she enjoys playing cello, reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

Logic School Teachers

House Governor, Bible & Latin

Mr. Michael Kochie

Mr. Michael Kochie received a Bachelors in Biblical & Theological Studies from Reformation Bible College and a Masters of Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando. During his education, he worked in the PCA as a youth director while completing his pastoral internship. He brings to Arma Dei over a decade of studies and teaching experience in language and theology.

Michael is married to his wife Catherine, and they moved back to a familiar area in coming to Arma Dei. Michael graduated from Thunder Ridge High School and knows the culture and needs of Highlands Ranch and Douglas County.

Bible

Dr. Aaron Denlinger

Dr. Denlinger and his wife Louise have three children who are students at Arma Dei. Outside of school, he can be found reading, writing, camping, paddleboarding, cheering for the Phillies, lobster fishing in the Moray Firth, and creating mythical kingdoms in a reckless effort to maintain his own children’s sense of wonder, delight, and enchantment at the magical world that God has made.

Science

Mr. Evan Kim

Mr. Kim grew up in Aurora, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Denver where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. After a stint in research and education, he pursued a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary and received a call to serve as pastor of a church in Kansas City.

After almost a decade of pastoral ministry Mr. Kim returned to his hometown and gratefully assumed the role of Logic and Rhetoric teacher at Arma Dei. He is excited to grow in his knowledge of classical Christian education while pursuing his passion for teaching others about God’s works of creation, providence, and redemption in His son Jesus Christ. Moreso, he is thankful for the opportunity to love and serve God’s children.

Science

Mrs. Kate Matott

Mrs. Matott was raised in Highlands Ranch, CO and loves the beautiful changing seasons of our state. She attended Metro State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English and an emphasis on elementary education. Over the last seven years she has put teaching on hold to be a stay at home mom to her four wonderful children. After seeing the incredible education her own children are receiving at Arma Dei, she felt it a true honor to contribute to the learning of other students at the school. Mrs. Matott is excited to be teaching sixth grade Earth Science and showing students the true wonder of all that God has created for us!

When not teaching, Mrs. Matott enjoys baking cakes and running! She loves spending time with her husband (JJ) and their four children!

Bible & Logic

Mr. David Reimer

Humanities

Ms. Danielle Saba

Ms. Saba was born and raised mostly in Georgia (Go Braves!) with a few years spent in Virginia. She graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a BA in English studies and a minor in Film Studies. After graduating, she spent a school year abroad teaching children of various ages in North Africa. Upon returning to America in 2012, Miss Saba began attending graduate school at Georgia State University to pursue a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language. In the same year, she also started teaching at a private classical Christian school as the 4th-grade teacher. Ms. Saba graduated from GSU and received her Master’s degree in 2014. Upon graduating, she has been teaching a wide variety of grade levels– from kindergarten to 11th graders– and has developed a zeal for classical Christian education and engaging students in the discovery of truth, goodness, and beauty. She moved out to Colorado in 2019 to begin teaching at Arma Dei and has been delighted to be part of this school ever since.Though being in the classroom with her students is one of her absolute favorite things, Ms. Saba also enjoys traveling, playing board games, baking, biking by rivers, hammocking with mountain views, and hanging out with brothers and sisters in Christ. Soli Deo gloria!

Humanities

Ms. Lauren Pagnard

Ms. Pagnard joined Arma Dei in the fall of 2020 and taught 6th-grade Latin, 7th-grade Logic, and 8th-grade Apologetics. She loves employing her academic specialties in Rhetorical Studies and Secondary English by teaching 8th-grade History and 7th-grade Literature.

Ms. Pagnard graduated with a BA in Communication Studies from Colorado State University and an MA from Regis Jesuit University. She spent several years teaching high school English at a local high school before joining Arma Dei’s team. Ms. Pagnard is passionate about imparting the truth of God’s word to students through historical evidence and logical reasoning. She studies apologetics in her spare time along with history and literature.

Math

Mrs. Lauren Lueders

Mrs. Lueders grew up in Grapevine, Texas. She graduated with her BS in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Dallas. She met her husband, David, while in college and got married in May 2020. Mrs. Lueders taught two years of math to logic students at Coram Deo Academy, a classical Christian school in Dallas, Texas. She is excited to begin her second year at Arma Dei inspiring a love of learning in the students under her care. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Lueders loves spending time in God’s creation with friends and family.

Math

Mr. Walt Stroessner

Mr. Stroessner and his wife have two grown children; a son who is enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Colorado in Boulder for electrical engineering and a daughter who is beginning her third year of college at the University of North Dakota where she is majoring in commercial aviation. Mr. Stroessner loves to travel and hike, citing Moab in Utah as one of his favorite places to visit.

Director of Performing Arts & Chapel Coordinator

Mrs. Heather Eddy

Music

Mrs. Catherine Kochie

Mrs. Kochie received her Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where she studied cello as her primary instrument. After graduating, she taught Kindergarten through eighth-grade general music at Pinewood Christian Academy and led the children’s choir program at Pinewood Presbyterian Church. Combining her love of music and missions, Mrs. Kochie worked at the International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching elementary music, middle school orchestra, and coordinating their weekly chapels. She studied choral conducting and music pedagogy at the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary. Mrs. Kochie is passionate about teaching the Word of God through music and building community through group singing and music-making. She loves traveling, being outdoors with her dog Bartok, and spending time with people. She is married to Michael Kochie and loves serving with him at Arma Dei Academy.

Art

Ms. Sarah Phippen

Sarah Phippen pursued oil painting and bronze sculpture through the Ryder Atelier, foundry work, the ASLD, and workshops with many notable artists. Her work is represented by galleries and collected across several states. In addition to teaching skills based art classes, she also enjoys foraging, gardening, and has aspirations as a children’s book author/illustrator.

Rhetoric School Teachers

Dean of Rhetoric School

Dr. Aaron Denlinger

Dr. Denlinger holds degrees from Colorado Christian University (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MA), and the University of Aberdeen (PhD). Prior to coming to Arma Dei in 2016, he spent seven years in higher education, teaching church history, Latin, and theology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and at Reformation Bible College in Florida. He keeps an active hand in higher education, serving as Adjunct Professor and Online Instructor in historical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) in addition to his role at Arma Dei. Dr. Denlinger views education as a process of rightly ordering students’ thoughts and affections, resulting in individuals who will properly understand this world and their roles in it and will love all that is genuinely true, good, and beautiful. His overarching passion is to see students lay hold of their fundamental identity as adopted children of the True King on the basis of Jesus Christ’s person and work and to pursue that identity in lives that concretely reflect the sacrificial love and character of their Heavenly Father. At Arma Dei, he pursues that passion both in his role as Dean of Rhetoric and as Chaplain. In his capacity as Dean of Rhetoric, he is likewise committed to seeing Arma Dei’s Rhetoric program become a rich educational experience. Dr. Denlinger and his wife Louise have three children who are students at Arma Dei. Outside of school, he can be found reading, writing, translating old Latin books into English, camping, paddleboarding, lobster fishing, and creating mythical kingdoms in a reckless effort to maintain his own children’s sense of wonder, delight, and enchantment at the magical world that God has made.

College Counselor

Mrs. Trish Anderson

Mrs. Anderson grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and loves to call Colorado home. After graduating from Arapahoe High School, she attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, for her undergraduate studies. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary, with training to work both in private practice and school settings.

Mrs. Anderson has nearly a decade of experience in college counseling. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Rhetoric students at Arma Dei and considers it a privilege to walk alongside them as they navigate the college application process and the call God has on their lives after they graduate.

In her free time, Mrs. Anderson delights in time with her husband and her four children. She loves to swim, bike, run, hike, read, and write. She also enjoys traveling, working in her garden, and cooking.

9th Grade Literature

Mrs. Karen Asher

Mrs. Karen Asher holds degrees from George Fox University (Interdisciplinary Studies in Writing/Literature and Family & Consumer Sciences) and the University of Phoenix (MA in Secondary Education). Over the past decade, Mrs. Asher has taught English, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Math to 5th through 12th-grade students. As a fervent lover of Jesus, she loves studying ancient civilizations and literature with students through both historical and biblical lenses. She is passionate about cultivating exceptional writers in her classroom and loves seeing students grow in their understanding and skill. When she is not teaching, she enjoys writing music, leading worship with her husband Jacob, serving in their church, and trying to keep up with their two boys, Isaac and Caleb.

Math & Computer Science

Mrs. Megan Billinger

Megan and her husband, Erik, have three children that attend Arma Dei. She enjoys studying the word of God, playing golf, CrossFit, and spending time with her family.

Art

Mrs. Bethany DeVries

Mrs. DeVries was born and raised in the outskirts of Chicago before attending Hillsdale College in Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and English Literature. She moved to the Denver area to participate in a year-long discipleship/internship at a Christian residential treatment center for teens and then joined Young Life staff in central Denver for five years. After her time with Young Life, Mrs. DeVries opened a small art business for several years with the intent to glorify God through the beauty of art. In addition to teaching art in the Rhetoric school, she homeschools her three children with Arma Dei’s Collaborative Program.

Aside from spending life with her wonderful husband and children, Mrs. DeVries loves to create and teach art and endeavors to use visual arts to help elucidate Biblical truth.

Director of Performing Arts & Chapel Coordinator

Mrs. Heather Eddy

Mrs. Eddy studied opera and art history in Italy and Austria, where she performed professionally before God called her to share her love of performing arts with students. She has directed K-12 choral and instrumental music programs, musicals, worship, and kids ministry, and given private voice and piano lessons for over 20 years in Denver. Classical education shaped both of her daughters, cultivating their deep love for learning, Truth, and beauty. She is excited to bring these skills, her passion for Christ, and for classical education to join God’s work at Arma Dei.

Mrs. Eddy holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (cum laude) from DePauw University, a Master of Music in Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and completed additional graduate work at New England Conservatory and Denver Seminary. She was a founding member of a classical charter school in Lakewood, CO where she taught for six years. There, she witnessed the impact of classical education in fully cultivating the God-given potential within every student. Mrs. Eddy enjoys working with students of all ages, building a joyful community, and developing the voices and hearts of her students. Her husband Ross and daughters Grace and Ellie love to travel, camp, laugh, make music, hike, build sets, cook for friends and family, and serve children together. Mrs. Eddy praises God for every beloved student and the beautiful, thriving and grace-filled community at Arma Dei. It is an honor to pursue Christ and His glory and create beautiful music together!

Mock Trial

Mrs. Sarah Gillis

Mrs. Gillis earned her BS in Business from Colorado State University and her law degree from the University of Denver. The highlight of law school for Mrs. Gillis was clerking for a judge, which piqued her interest in litigation. She has since spent her career litigating and helping clients through trying times. Mrs. Gillis also volunteers for a Christian Legal Aid clinic, which includes the opportunity to take on Pro Bono cases.

Mrs. Gillis is a Colorado native who loves cooking, soccer, the Broncos, and everything outdoors, especially hiking and skiing. She and her husband, Rob, have three daughters and have been part of the Arma Dei community since 2017.

Science

Dr. Kristen Holderness

Dr. Holderness received her BS in Pharmacy and Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. She practiced as a Clinical Pharmacy Instructor at the University of Colorado Drug Information Center. While in that role, she mentored students and provided medication and formulary management support for the medical staff at University Hospital. Dr. Holderness left academia to work for Thomson Micromedex® where she managed content creation for several drug information products and developed drug information products for mobile platforms. After 13 years in the medical field, she became a stay-at-home mother to her three children, the oldest of which was part of Arma Dei’s inaugaral graduating class in 2025. Through her involvement as a parent and volunteer, Dr. Holderness has become passionate about the profoundly positive impact of classical Christian education and is excited to utilize her skills to impact the students and families of Arma Dei Academy for the glory of God.

Bible

Mr. Evan Kim

10th Grade Humanities

Dr. Janine Knedlik

Dr. Knedlik loves learning new things and was a student for many years, studying history at the University of Pennsylvania (BA and PhD) and the University of Guelph (MA). She arrived at Arma Dei in 2019 after finishing her PhD program and helping found the first classical Christian school in San Francisco. She is passionate about educating children classically from a biblical worldview and challenging them to grow into the young men and women God desires them to be. Since joining Arma Dei she has served in a variety of capacities: as a first grade and Latin teacher, as a curriculum developer, and as the Accreditation Director. Dr. Knedlik is now in her fourth year of using her gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education to lead the School of Grammar. She also has the opportunity to teach her first passions, history and literature, to 10th-grade students in the Rhetoric School. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students, from the youngest to the oldest.

Math, Apologetics, & Performing Arts

Mr. Justin Langley

Mr. Langley was born in Denver and was raised just north of Chicago. He earned his BA in Mathematics at Greenville University, where he also studied music composition and drama. In 2018, he returned to his home state of Colorado and completed an MA in Apologetics and Ethics at Denver Seminary.

In addition to teaching and tutoring a variety of subjects, Mr. Langley has enjoyed working with students in youth and camping ministries. He loves the piano, reading, carpentry, and nerdy board games. He especially loves his wife Heather and two young children (Rowan and Ezra).

Math & Science

Mrs. Lauren Lueders

Mrs. Lueders grew up in Grapevine, Texas. She graduated with her BS in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Dallas. She met her husband, David, while in college and got married in May 2020. Mrs. Lueders taught two years of math to logic students at Coram Deo Academy, a classical Christian school in Dallas, Texas. She is excited to begin her third year at Arma Dei inspiring a love of learning in the students under her care. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Lueders loves spending time in God’s creation with friends and family.

Humanities & Bible

Mrs. Taylor McCallum

As a lover of great books, seminar-style learning, and the liberal arts, Mrs. McCallum is excited to teach History, Theology, and Formal Logic to Rhetoric and Logic students. Mrs. McCallum is naturally inclined toward the classical Christian model and has enjoyed incorporating principles of classical pedagogy in her classroom.

With a degree in International and Religious Studies from the University of Arkansas (Go Hogs!), Mrs. McCallum moved to Denver in 2018 to obtain her Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary. She has since worked for her church in Denver as the Director of Kids Ministry and taught Humanities in other classical settings.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. McCallum enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and running with her labradoodle. She also loves gardening, reading for fun, and exploring new recipes!

Humanities, Creative Writing

Dr. Clayton McReynolds

Dr. McReynolds was born in California but grew up primarily in the potato-blessed land of Idaho. He was homeschooled K-12 before earning his BA in Literature at Patrick Henry College. As a result of those educational experiences, he has a deep appreciation for both the possibilities of homeschooling and the rewards of a Christian liberal arts education.

Dr. McReynolds earned his PhD in English Literature from Baylor University in 2021. During and after earning his degree, he taught courses in writing and literature at Baylor. His research focuses on the phenomenology of the novel (i.e., how do we cause novels to happen in our minds), and he relishes every opportunity to explore literature and history in the light of God’s love with his students.

In his free time, Dr. McReynolds writes short stories and novels as if his life depended on it. He also enjoys reading everything from philosophy to literary classics to sci-fi and fantasy, watching good (and bad) films, hiking and playing games with his wife Holly, and petting his cat Athena (who is less wise than her name might imply).

Spanish

Mrs. Ethel Medina

Mrs. Medina was born in Guatemala and grew up in a wonderful Christian home. After spending some time in the United States as a teenager, she returned to Guatemala and obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education while also attending business school. Mrs. Medina spent several years working as an Administrative Assistant in the Projects office of Boeing International.

After visiting and falling in love with Colorado, she and her husband, Oscar, moved from California with their three sons, Oscar Jr., David, and Joshua. Mrs. Medina comes to Arma Dei Academy with over 20 years of teaching immersion Spanish programs to Colorado students from preschool through high school. She loves to spend time with her three sons and five grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, reading, sharing her culture, and, above all, sharing the love of God.

Math

Mr. Walt Stroessner

Grammar Latin & Rhetoric Greek

Ms. Maddie True

Ms. True’s love for languages began in the 3rd grade at a classical Christian school and ultimately led her to earn a BA in Biblical Languages from Mississippi College. She is currently pursuing an MA in Classical and Christian Studies from Knox Theological Seminary. Ms. True is passionate about passing on her love of language by creatively engaging students and helping develop their God-given abilities of problem-solving and inferential thinking through the study of Latin. In her spare time, she enjoys playing cello, reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

Yearbook

Mrs. Janell Turner

Janell and her husband, Jordan, have a son, Wyatt, and a daughter, Lilia. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing sports, swing dancing, and spending time with her family.

Humanities

Dr. David Vanderpoel

Dr. Vanderpoel served for eighteen years as Head of School at Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, Virginia. He retired in 2023 as Head of School Emeritus. He holds degrees from Wheaton College (BA in History), Adelphi University (MA in European History), Westminster Theological Semioary (MA in Religion), and New York University (PhD in Early Modern Europe). After graduate school, Dr. Vanderpoel served for twelve years as Senior Pastor of New Hyde Park Baptist Church, on Long Island, New York. He has twenty-five years of experience as a board member of K-12 Christian Schools and has been an adjunct faculty member at Adelphi University and Patrick Henry College.

Dr. Vanderpoel and his wife, Cyndi, have three adult sons, two of whom live in the Denver area, as well as two grandsons. The latter can be credited for drawing their grandparents to Colorado in 2024.

Personal Finance

Mr. Eric Walters

Mr. Walters graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University and has multiple professional designations and affiliations. He is the Managing Partner and co-Founder of Summit Hill Wealth Management and loves his work. He’s helped affluent clients protect and grow their wealth through financial planning and investment management since 2006. Prior to founding Summit Hill Wealth Management Eric was a Senior Director and Team Leader at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and helped lead their Rocky Mountain region. Mr. Walters is excited to utilize his financial expertise to help Arma Dei’s Rhetoric students understand the principles of personal finance and investing.

Collaborative Learning Program Teachers

Dean of Collaborative Learning Program

Mrs. Tifany Borgelt

Born in Schleswig-Holstein to a German nurse and Japanese American serviceman, Mrs. Borgelt’s greatest joy is studying words, the greatest of which is the Word (logos) made flesh in Jesus Christ. Over the last 15 years, she has filled multiple professional roles within the classical Christian homeschooling community as she and her husband embarked on the adventure of a lifetime by educating their two daughters from elementary through high school.

Tifany particularly loves rhetorically engaging students in rich Socratic discussions through the purposeful integration of classical language, literature, and the sciences. On the battlefield of ideas, she has relished challenging students to spar with differing opinions through the spoken and written word in virtuous and noble ways that speak to God’s Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. She believes our duty as Christian educators is to arm our young men and women with the classical liberal arts so that they might be masters of ideas in their intellects instead of being prey to them in their emotions (Dorothy Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning, 1947).

A graduate of Pepperdine University with a BA in Communications, Mrs. Borgelt spent a semester in their Master of Divinity program, which she set aside to work in the Christian music industry. Today she resides in Parker, Colorado with her family and still remains committed to encouraging parents and educators through private speaking engagements within the classical Christian education community.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher

Ms. Emma Sage

Ms. Sage is thrilled to join the Collaborative Program at Arma Dei Academy. She is passionate about education and helping students become independent learners in and out of the classroom. Ms. Sage has worked with students for years as a program leader, teacher’s aide, coach, and tutor. Ms. Sage graduated from Colorado Christian University with a BA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Elementary Education. She has since been teaching third grade at a classical school in Colorado, where she has grown to love this education model. She’s looking forward to incorporating her faith in the classroom and helping students pursue a relationship with Jesus.

Ms. Sage was born and raised in New Mexico. She grew up hiking and camping with her family and loves to continue that here in Colorado. She also enjoys thrifting and finding new coffee shops and restaurants with her friends.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher

Ms. Kaitlin Buletti

Ms. Buletti grew up in California as a teacher’s kid with a love of learning and a joy for working with young children. She moved to Colorado for college, and throughout her college years there, and during her year abroad in West Africa, she worked as a coach and tutor. Upon graduating from Colorado Christian University in 2018 with a BA in Communication, she chose to continue in the work she loved and begin her career as a teacher. She is passionate about providing an education full of love for God and wonder over His creation, and a classroom in which young students can develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically into the little boys and girls that God has created them to be. She is grateful for the years she had the opportunity to teach in Arma Dei’s preschool and traditional programs, and is overjoyed to be a part of the growing Collaborative Learning Program now! When she is not in the classroom, she can be found curled up reading a good book, outdoors enjoying Colorado’s mountains, or traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher

Mrs. Anna Austin

Mrs. Austin was in her thirteenth year of teaching in Jefferson County Public Schools when the first of her two sons stepped onto the scene. Having received her Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado Christian University in Liberal Arts with an Elementary Education Emphasis and her Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix in Curriculum and Instruction, she has pursued teaching for over twenty years.

Mrs. Austin’s passions surround stories: reading, having adventures (creating stories), digging into God’s Word, and getting to know the stories of those God puts in her path. She spent seven summers as a volunteer backpacking guide with Young Life, one summer in Kenya at a Christian children’s home, and many summers playing baseball in the backyard with her boys. She and her husband are “almost Colorado natives” and love watching their sons grow.

Mrs. Austin highly values bringing all of life into the bigger picture of God’s story. She is excited to partner with families at Arma Dei Academy as they raise their children in Jesus’ name for the glory of the King.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher

Mrs. Karen Hein

Mrs. Hein graduated from Santa Clara University in California with a degree in Journalism and Marketing. She worked in public relations and marketing in the technology industry before retiring to become a full-time mom and homeschool teacher. In 2005, Mrs. Hein was introduced to classical Christian education and faithfully followed this philosophy to educate her two sons at home and with local Christian homeschool co-ops. When the Hein Family homeschooling adventure ended, Mrs. Hein opened The Hein Academy and taught literature, writing, grammar, history, and geography to homeschooled students from second grade to high school. In 2014, Mrs. Hein and her husband relocated to Colorado where she discovered Arma Dei Academy and has enjoyed teaching at various grade levels. In 2021, Mrs. Hein returned to her homeschooling roots through the Collaborative Learning Program where she delights in partnering with families to discover the joy of learning as a lifestyle while sharing the unconditional love and the saving grace of Jesus.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher

Ms. Cassy Lefever

Ms. Lefever is thrilled to join the Arma Dei family as part of the Collaborative Learning Program! Her passion for learning and working with children led her to pursue a degree in education. In 2021, she graduated Cum Laude from the University of Dayton with her BA in Early Childhood Education. She has continued working with children in various capacities, but God has called her back to the classroom to teach. Ms. Lefever looks forward to teaching her students through a biblical worldview, putting God at the center of her classroom!

Ms. Lefever was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, with a love for God and the Steelers! When she is not in the classroom, you can find her trying new coffee shops, reading a good book, volunteering at her church, and exploring her new Colorado home.

Collaborative Learning Program Teacher & Academic Support Specialist

Mrs. Julie Bohn

With around 40 years of education experience Mrs. Bohn has taught preschool through fourth grade in Christian schools, preschool through sixth-grade special education in public schools, private NILD educational therapy, and at the college level in the teacher education department of Cairn University. She has a BA in special education, an MA in elementary education from the University of Iowa, and an MA in early childhood education with special education licensure from the University of Colorado Denver. For seven years Mrs. Bohn was a missionary, training churches in the US and internationally on including individuals with disabilities in worship, discipleship, and service. Loving travel and missions, she has continued to take short-term trips. Since Mrs. Bohn is passionate about helping children sufficiently learn the foundational academic skills to succeed throughout their academic careers, her time at Arma Dei Academy has been focused on the younger grades and academic support. Shepherding children’s hearts toward Jesus and inspiring children to become lifelong readers and learners are her favorite parts of teaching. In her spare time Mrs. Bohn enjoys reading, working in her bird, butterfly, and bee garden, and birdwatching.

Collaborative Learning Program Art & Science Teacher

Ms. Aubrey Donhowe

This is Ms. Donhowe’s second full school year joining the families and students of the Collaborative Learning Program at Arma Dei Academy. She graduated with a bachelors of science from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. After a bit of travel, she moved back to her home state of Colorado and began teaching as an aid at Arma Dei. Last year Ms. Donhowe got the joy of teaching science for the 3rd-7th grade students, and is ecstatic to be given this opportunity once more in the coming school year. Nothing brings Ms. Donhowe more joy than to see kids enjoying themselves as they discover the wonder and beauty of science and nature through the lens of an awesome and loving creator.

In her free time, Ms. Donhowe enjoys travel, fly-fishing, and anything outdoors, as well as sharing meals with friends and family and slow evenings spent with music and a great book.

Collaborative Learning Program Music Teacher

Mrs. Leah Ross

Leah Ross has taught Music at Arma Dei since 2014 and loves working with the Grammar School students and the Arma Dei Grammar Chorale. She writes children’s praise music and enjoys putting Scripture to music.

Leah grew up overseas and in Wyoming, and obtained Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University. She taught Kindergarten, Fifth Grade, and K – 8th Gifted and Talented in Maryland before moving back to the Rockies with her young family.

Together, Leah and her husband, Kevin, the Missions Pastor at Church of the Front Range, have traveled all over the world to build partnerships with other churches and ministries in Europe, India, and Nepal. She feels a special calling to prayer and loves to encourage others in their faith. One of her favorite Scriptures is from Psalm 145:3- 5, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty – and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”

Academic Support

Lead Academic Support Specialist

Dr. Debra Letsinger

Dr. Debra Letsinger, a Texas native who always wanted to live in Colorado, moved here in 1984 when her husband entered law school at Denver University School of Law. Colorado has been home since, except for a short stint teaching in Los Angeles, California, and Stafford, Texas. She has three grown children and is enjoying the empty nest. Her favorite activities are 4-wheeling in the mountains in her Jeep Wrangler with her husband, Wendell, and enjoying a good book.

Dr. Letsinger received her BA in Mildly Handicapped from Harding University and her Master of Education with an emphasis in NILD Educational Therapy from Regent University. She achieved a PhD in Special Education from Regent University in 2022. Dr. Letsinger is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist with the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD), and she finds it a joy to support students who struggle with their learning and guide them to becoming successful, independent learners. Dr. Letsinger has accumulated 25 years of teaching experience in the public and private sectors, with 19 of those years as a NILD Educational Therapist. Other experience includes working as a legal assistant, Children’s Ministry Coordinator, private NILD Educational Therapist, and a stay-at-home mom. She is currently chairing dissertations for students in the Special Education and Christian Education Leadership programs in the School of Education at Regent University as part-time adjunct faculty. Dr. Letsinger’s passion is to open doors to classical and Christian education for struggling learners!

Academic Support Specialist

Mrs. Beth Bowe

Mrs. Bowe grew up in the midwest, but has lived in Colorado for over twenty years. She received a BA in Communications from Colorado Christian University, and a Master in Special Education in 2014. Beth has served as a special educator in public and private schools for ten years. She is Orton Gillingham certified in reading and math, and trained in Reading RX through the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD). Her passion is to help students gain academic confidence while pointing them to Christ.

Outside of Arma Dei, Beth can be found teaching God’s Word in the children’s ministry at her church. She also enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with her husband, Patrick and their two sons.

Arma Dei Academy

Raising Academic Standards

Welcome!

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Commitment, Teamwork, Perseverance, and Self-Discipline

Parent Community

Faculty & Staff

Head of School

Dr. David Seibel

Dean of Rhetoric School & Chaplain

Dr. Aaron Denlinger

Dean of Academics & Dean of Logic School

Mr. Josh Catron

Dean of Grammar School

Dr. Janine Knedlik

Dean of Collaborative Learning Program

Mrs. Tifany Borgelt

Director of Admissions

Mrs. Jillian Bielamowicz

Director of Marketing, Communications & Events

Mrs. Janell Turner

Director of Performing Arts & Chapel Coordinator

Mrs. Heather Eddy

Director of Institutional Advancement

Mr. Michael Butler

Athletic Director, Movement Teacher, & School Nurse

Mrs. Tatum Lehman

Technology Manager

Mrs. Megan Billinger

Facilities & Operations Manager

Mr. Ben Alton

Technology Manager

Mr. William J Martinez III

Receptionist

Ms. Ruth Pederson

Receptionist

Ms. Niki Hyde

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Katie Coats

Rhetoric Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Diana Stuckey

School Resource Officer

Deputy Jordan Buss

Preschool Director

Mrs. Brittany Conklin

Assistant Preschool Director

Mrs. Kelli Tenneson

Three Year Old's Teacher

Ms. Marnie Barclay

Three-Year-Olds Teacher

Mrs. Elyse Jackl

Three-Year-Olds Teacher

Mrs. Kerri Smith

Four-Year-Olds Teacher

Ms. Abigail Tornow

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Emily May

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Barbara Tornow

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Bella Martinez

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Maria Martins

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Bella Metzinger

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Sara McVey

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Kathy Potter

Preschool Assistant

Mrs. Kristine Silby

Dean of Grammar School

Dr. Janine Knedlik

Kindergarten & Kindergarten Enrichment

Mrs. Lydia Butler

Kindergarten & Kindergarten Enrichment

Ms. Amy Walker

1st Grade

Ms. Caitlin Barlow

1st Grade