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.
Principal
Mrs. Jennifer Wenger
Mrs. Wenger graduated from Grove City College with her BA in Elementary Education where she was recognized as the top senior educator. Her graduate work in Curriculum and Instruction was through the University of Delaware. She proceeded to teach in both Pennsylvania and Colorado for over a decade, serving as grade level chairperson and developing curriculum for students and teachers. Since Arma Dei Academy’s inception, Mrs. Wenger has labored joyfully beside all stakeholders and functioned in such roles as teacher, curriculum designer and director, and the Grammar School Director.
Jen brings a unique blend of institutional memory, dedication to authentic climate and culture, classroom expertise, and a passion for classical Christian education to our community. She is fully committed to both the protection and preparation of students by instilling in them a biblical worldview with a vision to change their world for Jesus Christ. Jen believes alignment and partnership with parents is essential to grow a vibrant community of life-long learners, who seek to cultivate deep thinkers and thoughtful leaders and whose lives are purposeful and marked by truth.
Married for 25 years, Jen and her husband have three beautiful daughters, an elderly but loveable lab, and a mischievous puppy Bear. The Wenger family has called Highlands Ranch home for 14 years and loves the Colorado lifestyle. Weekends find Mrs. Wenger skiing, cooking for a crowd, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Dean of Logic and Rhetoric Schools
Dr. Aaron Denlinger
Over the past 17 years, Aaron has taught Latin, Church History, and Christian Theology to students at every level from secondary school to seminary. His teaching has taken him from Colorado to Scotland to Florida and back to Colorado. Along the way, he acquired a wife (Louise), three children (Kaitrin, Geneva, and Austin), a string of neurotic pets, and many treasured memories of seeing students grow in their understanding of language, their knowledge of Scripture, and their love for God. Aaron’s overarching passion is to see students grasp the depth of God’s love for them, understand and believe the Gospel, and translate the Gospel into concrete acts of service to others that reflect Christ’s service to them. From 2019 to 2021, he pursued this passion as the Dean of Student Culture at Arma Dei. As of the 2021-2022 school year, Aaron is serving as Dean of Logic and Rhetoric Schools, in which role he continues to pursue a unique culture among Arma Dei students, ultimately spurring them to live purposefully and intelligently in service to God and others.
Aaron holds degrees from Colorado Christian University (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MA), and the University of Aberdeen (PhD). His hobbies include reading, writing, translating old Latin books into English, paddle-boarding, Lobster fishing, camping, and creating mythical kingdoms in an effort to cultivate his children’s imaginations and sense of wonder at the world. In addition to his role at Arma Dei, Aaron serves as Interim Pastor at St. Patrick Presbyterian Church in Denver and regularly provides adjunct teaching in church history to several seminaries around the country.
Dean of Academics - Math & Science
Mr. Josh Catron
Mr. Joshua Catron is passionate about partnering with students, parents, and teachers so that children can grow confidently in themselves and their abilities. He encourages students to set and achieve both academic and personal goals to the glory of God.
Mr. Catron earned his B.A. in Economics and M.S. 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 at Valor Christian High School as an academic interventionist, math teacher, football, and track & field coach.
Joshua lives in Parker with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Bear. They enjoy cooking together, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Dean of Grammar School
Dr. Janine Knedlik
Dr. Knedlik arrived at Arma Dei in 2019 after obtaining her doctorate in History from the University of Pennsylvania and helping found the first classical Christian school in San Francisco. She is now in her third year at Arma Dei and has served in a variety of capacities: as a first-grade and Latin teacher, as a curriculum developer, and as the manager of multiple projects, from accreditation to Dual Credit. This year, Dr. Knedlik is utilizing gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education as she leads the School of Grammar. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students.
Director of Community Engagement
Ms. Lora Hollaus
Through her family’s experience at Arma Dei, Lora can testify to the transformative power of an education that keeps God at the center and maintains high standards for all students. After witnessing first-hand the impact of a classical Christian education in her own children’s lives, she is thrilled to introduce an Arma Dei education to even more families in Highlands Ranch and the surrounding communities. Lora brings a passion for classical Christian education and 17 years of experience in high-tech sales and marketing to Arma Dei Academy. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management Information Systems from Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California.
Lora is passionate about developing authentic partnerships between home and school by encouraging relationships among families and faculty through parent education and community events. As the Director of Community Engagement, Lora focuses on family recruitment, engagement, and retention. Lora serves families from the initial point of inquiry through the enrollment and onboarding process and facilitates connection points throughout each family’s time at Arma Dei.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Janell Turner
Janell is excited to use her gifts of organization to bring staff together in a helpful manner, by enabling and equipping them to better serve the Lord through educating His children. She has prior experience as an administrative assistant for a successful home remodeling company and has several years of childcare experience. Through organization and servant leadership she is excited to begin this new journey at Arma Dei Academy.
Janell enjoys being active, playing sports, and spending time with her son, Wyatt.
Community Liaison & School Nurse
Mrs. Tatum Lehman
Tatum is a Colorado native, and after 15 years in California, she moved back to Colorado in 2014 with two bachelor’s degrees and a growing family. She stumbled upon Arma Dei soon after and fell in love instantly. After volunteering as the school nurse for six years, she officially joined the team, adding the role of Community Liaison alongside her school nurse responsibilities. She is excited to use her contagious joy and passion for Arma Dei and classical Christian education to create connections for families, a community for staff, and lasting friendships for students. She views it as an honor to partner with the staff and families of Arma Dei to invest in the next generation, helping them grasp the depth of God’s love for them. Tatum received a BA in Social Science at Azusa Pacific and a BS in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma. She brings her 12 years of experience as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and vast experience in various ministry roles.
Tatum and her husband Eric have three kids at Arma Dei (Avery, Karis, and Silas) 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.
Marketing & Communications
Mrs. Karen Gregory
Karen Gregory graduated with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University. She is a Los Angeles native and most recently lived in beautiful San Diego, where she worked at The Cambridge School in their Business Office. Karen is thankful to be a part of classical education and in a community that seeks to be like Jesus and pursue truth, goodness, and beauty. As a freelance videographer, Karen is passionate about visual storytelling and is excited to use her skills to tell the stories of Arma Dei.
She enjoys traveling, exploring, finding good food and coffee, and soaking up sunshine with her husband and daughter.
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 advanced-level math.
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.
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.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Diana Stuckey
Mrs. Diana Stuckey received her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Southwest Baptist University and a 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 join the Arma Dei team on a regular basis to serve the Rhetoric faculty, students, and families.
Diana has been married to Ben for 19 years, and together, they are experiencing the challenges and joys of raising two responsible and respectful tween/teens. Together, the Stuckey’s enjoy traveling to explore God’s beautiful creation by land, sea, and sky.
Payroll Specialist/HR Assistant
Mrs. Maria Martins
Mrs. Maria Martins was adopted from El Salvador at the age of 6 and grew up in Colorado Springs. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. She met her husband Fernando at the University, and together they have one daughter (Livia, age 5) who is currently in Kindergarten at Arma Dei. Mrs. Maria Martins left her six-year career in Human Resources to stay home and raise their daughter. She has a passion for working with kids and is excited to be part of the Arma Dei preschool family and to share the love of Christ with kids. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling around to learn about new cultures.
Preschool Director
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
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!
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Tari Puelo
Mrs. Tari Puleo grew up in Illinois. She and her husband, Steve, have two college-age children, Zach and Rachel, who graduated from a Christian high school.
Mrs. Puleo graduated from Robert Morris College and has served in early childhood education for 14 years. She has had the privilege to teach in each Christian school her children attended. Her family moved to Highlands Ranch in 2013, and she has taught in Littleton for the past seven years. She is excited to join the staff at Arma Dei Academy, where she will enjoy teaching Junior Kindergarten as she keeps learning fun while at the same time sharing the love of Christ, so each child and family will know that they are loved.
Mrs. Puleo enjoys daily walks, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Preschool Lead and Junior Kindergarten Teacher
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, 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 can loves reading, crafting, hiking, or enjoying a cup of coffee!
Three Year Old's Teacher
Kerri Smith
Mrs. Kerri Smith grew up in the state of Texas. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Sam Houston State University. Mrs. Smith taught in elementary school in Oklahoma and Texas for five years before having children. 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 five years ago. She cotaught prekindergarten at Front Range Christian School last year and is so excited to be teaching 3s at Arma Dei this year. She has two amazing kids who attend Arma Dei, Owen (7) and Mae (4). Mrs. Smith and her family are excited to be a part of the Arma Dei Academy community!
Four Year Old's Teacher
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 nine years. She has three energetic children who attend Arma Dei, Madelyn (8), Benson (6), and Hayden (5). Mrs. May loves spending time with her family and is now excited to be part of the Arma Dei Academy Preschool.
Teacher's Assistant
Jena Hryniewicz
Mrs. Jena Hryniewicz grew up in a rural city south of Philadelphia and attended Penn State University, where she studied Electrical Engineering. After graduating, she moved to the Boston area, where she worked at a defense company for three years. While in Boston, Jena met her now husband, Adam, whom she married in June of 2021. Jena moved to Colorado with her husband in March of 2022 and began pursuing a career in personal training. Jena worked at a gym for a month but quickly realized it was not a good fit. She now works at a wedding venue when she is not working at Arma Dei. Jena enjoys discovering new hikes, trying different workout classes, and eating at local restaurants/food festivals in her free time.
Four Year Old's Teacher and Three Year Old's Teacher's Assistant
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 16-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 teaching in the preschool.
Teacher's Assistant
Kathy Potter
Mrs. Kathy Potter is married to Doug and has 3 grown children. She has enjoyed working at Arma Dei Academy for the last 3 years as a receptionist and is now excited to be an assistant teacher and share her love for God in the 4’s class. Kathy loves working with kids, spending time with family and friends, reading, and crafting.
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Science
Miss Kaitlin Buletti
Miss Buletti has worked with students nationally and internationally for six years. Over those years, she has worked with students from preschool through high school, and most recently, she taught the 3-year old class at the Arma Dei Academy Preschool. She is passionate about education, but even more so about the students and seeing them reach their full potential inside the classroom and out. After graduating from Colorado Christian University in 2018 with a BA in Communication, she chose to work exclusively with the younger-aged students. She is passionate about providing the little ones with a great foundation – socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. It is a special blessing to help set these young students up for success as they begin their schooling, and she is thrilled to continue to do that with the Kindergarteners. When she is not in the classroom, she can be found curled up reading, outdoors hiking or kayaking, crafting and decorating, or spending time with family and friends.
Kindergarten
Miss Amy Walker
Miss 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.
Kindergarten Enrichment, 1st-3rd Grade Character Development
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.
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.” They are blessed to have their adult sons and their families nearby.
Mrs. Holden is a graduate of Eastern University in Wayne, PA, with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational 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. Mrs. Holden comes to Arma Dei Academy with twenty-five 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
Miss Rebecca Loper
Miss Loper graduated from Colorado Christian University with a BA in Liberal Arts with specializations in Elementary Education, Biblical Studies, Reading Literacy, and Language Arts. From her earliest years, Miss Loper wanted to be a teacher and is looking forward to bringing her passion for students and her love for the Lord together in the classroom at Arma Dei Academy. She is excited to be a part of a school community centered around Christ. Miss Loper is originally from Southern California but has since moved to Colorado for school, fallen in love with the state, and has decided to stay. Miss Loper loves to read, hike, camp, and spend time with friends and family in her spare time.
2nd Grade
Mrs. Darlene Walsh
Mrs. Darlene 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 fortunate enough to homeschool for some of their elementary years and is also the proud grandmother of two Arma Dei students.
Darlene is a passionate educator dedicated to partnering with students, parents, and the school to help her students succeed. She is thrilled to be returning to her Christian education roots and have 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
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.
Receiving 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 has three kids (Hannah, Morgan, and Nathanael, who attends Arma Dei.) She is thrilled to be a part of the Arma Dei Community.
3rd Grade
Mrs. Samantha Waltz
Mrs. Waltz graduated from Western Governors University with a BA in Elementary Education. She spent two years teaching preschool while she finished obtaining her degree. She got married in October 2019 to her husband, Tyler, who is a Police Officer and serves in the National Guard. Mrs. Waltz enjoys spending time with her family (two older sisters, three nieces, and one nephew), shopping, and traveling. Mrs.Waltz enjoys her daily dose of coffee. She is excited to fulfill her passion for teaching and love for children, all while sharing her adoration for Christ.
4th Grade
Miss Malia Higdon
Miss Higdon graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Special Education and received teaching certificates in Special and Elementary Education. Malia is a Littleton, Colorado native and is constantly in awe of the beauty of her home every day. She loves spending time with her family and friends, including her puppy, Ruby June, as well as hiking, camping, going to concerts, and discovering all of the coffee shops around town. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing her love for Jesus with His children and to provide a positive learning experience for all.
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, believing 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 and her husband have spent over ten 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
Miss Jessica Hartenbower
Miss Hartenbower graduated in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Biblical Studies from Colorado Christian University. After graduating, Miss Hartenbower spent a year teaching Latin to 3rd-11th grade students at a private classical Christian school. Being classically educated throughout middle and high school, she decided to return to the classical model to pursue her deep love for and conviction of the benefits of classical Christian education. Jessica is passionate about teaching others how to think critically, understand what they believe and why, for the glory of God and the flourishing of humanity.
5th Grade
Miss Naomi Toews
Miss Naomi Toews moved to Colorado from her hometown of Hesston, Kansas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Tabor College. Miss Toews has taught kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade. She loves helping young children learn and grow and believes classical education effectively draws upon children’s strengths at each age.
5th Grade Math
Mrs. Karen Asher
Mrs. Karen Asher graduated cum laude from George Fox University in Oregon with an interdisciplinary studies degree in Writing/Literature and Family & Consumer Sciences. After attending George Fox, she came home to Colorado. She enrolled at the University of Phoenix, receiving her Master’s in Secondary Education and graduating summa cum laude. Over the past decade, Mrs. Asher has taught English, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Math in 6th through 12th grades. She loves seeing lightbulb moments for students and looks forward to integrating practical math applications into her classes this year. As Mrs. Asher works through content with her students, she hopes to capture snapshots of awe and wonder at the magnitude of our Creator God as they see reflections of His order and mystery in their lives and the world around them. 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 energetic five-year-old, Isaac.
3rd - 5th Grade Science
Mrs. Kathryn Vang
Mrs. Vang grew up in Colorado Springs, where she diligently studied and performed classical ballet for 16 years before deciding to pursue another of her passions, chemistry. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2013. Afterward, Mrs. Vang graduated with her Master of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 2016. She has since worked at National Jewish Health under the guidance of Dr. Donald Leung, researching the mechanisms and treatments of pediatric eczema.
Mrs. Vang is passionate about teaching the wonders of God’s incredible creation to students and instilling in them a lifelong love of learning. She hopes to give students a broader and deeper understanding of the marvelous way creation points to its great Creator. She is married to her sweetheart Andrew who is studying to get his Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. They attend Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, where her husband serves as Middle School Director.
Latin
Miss Maddie True
Miss True comes to Arma Dei Academy from a classical Christian school in Bulverde, Texas. Her love for languages began in the 3rd 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.
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 an international 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, and learning. She is married to Michael Kochie and loves serving with him at Arma Dei Academy.
Music
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.”
Art
Mr. Thomas Kocsis III
Mr. Kocsis was born in Aurora, CO, and spent his early childhood in Castle Rock. Born into a military family, he has lived in multiple states, including Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, California, and Colorado. In high school, Mr. Kocsis developed a love for choral and jazz singing, as well as guitar and piano, and went on to get his BA in Modern Worship at Master’s University. During his time at Master’s, he spent summers traveling with the Master’s Chorale, singing and ministering to churches across the US, and getting opportunities to sing at unique venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York.
Mr. Kocsis loves the gift of music and art and how they allow us to express the beauty and character of God through creativity. He hopes to inspire his peers and students with love for the Creator, whether through the arts or daily life. Mr. Kocsis currently attends Southside Bible Church serving as the lead Music Pastor. He enjoys volleyball, drawing, hammocking, and hiking in his spare time.
Art
Mrs. Pam van Steyn
Mrs. Pam van Steyn is teaching her second year of art for the Homeschool Collaborative Program after spending nearly twenty years teaching preschoolers in a Christian education program. Her love of art began as a college student when she went abroad to visit many of the best-known churches and museums in western Europe, including the British Museum, the Louvre, Van Gogh’s Museum, the Prado, theToledo Cathedral, Notre Dame, the Parthenon, and all of Rome and Florence, Italy.
Pam graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and resource development from the University of California, Davis. She spent ten years working in developing renewable energy resources. After marriage and raising a wonderful son and daughter, she found her passion in teaching as she discovered God’s greatest renewable resource, children! Exploring and experiencing art with children is her dream job.
Art
Mrs. Lani Whitley
Mrs. Whitley has a degree in Art, with an emphasis in Illustration, from Cal State University Fullerton. She has loved Art her whole life and still remembers the thrill of a new tin of watercolors or box of crayons from her childhood years. She has taught for Art for over 20 years and is very thankful for the opportunity to work with fellow teachers and students who possess a desire to educate to glorify God.
Academic Support Specialist
Dr. Debra Letsinger
Dr. 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 then except for a short stint teaching in Los Angeles, California. She has three children who graduated from Valor Christian High School and is currently enjoying the empty nest. Her favorite activity is 4-wheeling in the mountains with her husband, Wendell.
Mrs. Letsinger received her B.A. in Mildly Handicapped from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, and her Master of Education with an emphasis in NILD Educational Therapy from Regent University in 2015. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Special Education at Regent University. Mrs. Letsinger is a professionally certified educational therapist with the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) and a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist certified by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). In 2014, she founded Beyond the Skylights Learning, LLC, a private educational therapy practice providing therapy for students attending public and private schools and homeschool students. Mrs. Letsinger has 20 years of teaching experience in both public and private sectors. She has also worked as a legal assistant, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at her church, and a stay-at-home mom. Mrs. Letsinger’s passion and joy help students who struggle with learning become successful, independent learners!
Versatile Teacher
Mrs. Taylor Knight
Mrs. Knight was born and raised in North Dakota and was the first of her family to leave the cold state. She came to Colorado to attend Colorado Christian University, where she majored in Youth Ministry and minored in Psychology with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. She met her husband in college, and they decided to stay in the beautiful state of Colorado. They enjoy hiking in the mountains with their golden retriever or staying home to play board games.
Mrs. Knight is excited for the variety of subjects and grade levels she will experience as a versatile teacher at Arma Dei Academy. She is passionate about kids coming to know the Lord at a young age and is looking forward to being a part of the Christ-centered community.
Versatile Teacher
Mrs. Beth Bowe
In 1998, Mrs. Bowe moved to Colorado from her hometown in Iowa to attend Colorado Christian University, where she obtained a BA in Communications. She has since pursued her passion for helping students reach their full God-given potential in the school setting by earning an MA in Special Education and spending five years as an interventionist or Special Education teacher in public and private schools. Mrs. Bowe is Orton Gillingham certified and looks forward to using her passions and skills to serve the Arma Dei community.
Mrs. Bowe volunteers in her church’s children and prayer ministries and enjoys reading, hiking, biking, and traveling with her husband and two sons. She is passionate about Jesus and helping children discover their God-given talents.
Bible & Latin
Dr. Aaron Denlinger
Over the past 17 years, Aaron has taught Latin, Church History, and Christian Theology to students at every level from secondary school to seminary. His teaching has taken him from Colorado to Scotland to Florida and back to Colorado. Along the way, he acquired a wife (Louise), three children (Kaitrin, Geneva, and Austin), a string of neurotic pets, and many treasured memories of seeing students grow in their understanding of language, their knowledge of Scripture, and their love for God. Aaron’s overarching passion is to see students grasp the depth of God’s love for them, understand and believe the Gospel, and translate the Gospel into concrete acts of service to others that reflect Christ’s service to them. From 2019 to 2021, he pursued this passion as the Dean of Student Culture at Arma Dei. As of the 2021-2022 school year, Aaron is serving as Dean of Logic and Rhetoric Schools, in which role he continues to pursue a unique culture among Arma Dei students, ultimately spurring them to live purposefully and intelligently in service to God and others.
Aaron holds degrees from Colorado Christian University (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MA), and the University of Aberdeen (PhD). His hobbies include reading, writing, translating old Latin books into English, paddle-boarding, Lobster fishing, camping, and creating mythical kingdoms in an effort to cultivate his children’s imaginations and sense of wonder at the world. In addition to his role at Arma Dei, Aaron serves as Interim Pastor at St. Patrick Presbyterian Church in Denver and regularly provides adjunct teaching in church history to several seminaries around the country.
Bible, Latin, & Logic
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 and completed a two-year pastoral internship. He will bring his technical knowledge of language and the Bible, along with a pastoral heart, to the students of Arma Dei.
Michael is married to his wife Catherine, and they will be moving 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 & Latin
Dr. Rick Battenfield
Dr. Battenfield is originally from California, obtaining degrees from The Master’s University (BA) and The Master’s Seminary (M Div, D Min). He has spent more than 20 years pastoring churches in England, promoting theological education in Africa, and supporting churches in India. Dr. Battenfield is currently serving as Associate Pastor at Calvary Crossway in Castle Rock, where he has the privilege of working with the youth. He and his wife, Sian, have two adult daughters.
Dr. Battenfield enjoys reading non-fiction literature, learning new languages, and playing acoustic and bass guitar. However, his true passion is teaching the Bible, and he aims to impact today’s youth for Christ.
Bible, Math & Science
Mr. Evan Kim
Math
Mr. Josh Catron
Mr. Joshua Catron is passionate about partnering with students, parents, and teachers so that children can grow confidently in themselves and their abilities. He encourages students to set and achieve both academic and personal goals to the glory of God.
Mr. Catron earned his B.A. in Economics and M.S. 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 at Valor Christian High School as an academic interventionist, math teacher, football, and track & field coach.
Joshua lives in Parker with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Bear. They enjoy cooking together, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Math & Drama
Mr. Justin Langley
Mr. Langley was born in Denver and was raised in the bitter cold of Chicago winters. He earned his BA in Mathematics at Greenville University, where he also studied music composition and drama. He recently returned to his home state of Colorado and completed an MA in Apologetics and Ethics at Denver Seminary.
Mr. Langley has taught music and musical theater for the past seven years and has enjoyed working with students in youth and camping ministries. He loves the piano, reading, and playing pick-up sports. He and his wife Heather enjoy the great outdoors together and have been foster parenting.
Math
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 advanced-level math.
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.
Science Teacher & Curriculum Lead
Dr. Kristen Ault
Dr. Ault 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. Ault 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, who now attend Arma Dei Academy. Through her involvement as a parent and volunteer, Dr. Ault 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. Previously at Arma Dei, Dr. Ault served as a Grammar Science teacher and a 2nd-grade teacher and is now thrilled to infuse her love of Science to further deepen the integration of Science into the classical Christian curriculum.
Humanities
Miss Leslie Richardson
Miss Richardson joined Arma Dei Academy in the fall of 2020 and joyfully taught 3rd-grade. While she loves teaching children of all ages, Miss Richardson is excited for the opportunity to teach in the School of Logic, marrying her passion for creative, Christ-centered teaching with her love for History and Literature. Additionally, Ms. Richardson will teach the 9th-grade Theology I: Christ and Creeds.
Miss Richardson graduated summa cum laude from Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado, with a BA in History and an MA in History of Christianity from Wheaton College. In the summer of 2017, Leslie taught English and Art at the Josiah Venture Fusion Arts Camp in the Czech Republic. While at Wheaton, she participated in academic conferences such as the Conference on Faith and History held at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and helped moderate the Wheaton Inheritance Conference.
Humanities
Miss Danielle Saba
Miss Saba 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 school as the 4th-grade teacher. In 2014, Miss Saba graduated from GSU and received her Master’s degree. She has continued teaching a variety of grades ever since and has grown passionate about classical Christian education. Though being in the classroom is one of her absolute favorite things, Miss Saba also enjoys paddle boarding, reading, baking, 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. We are thrilled to announce Ms. Pagnard will be serving in the role of 8th-grade Humanities teacher, where she is excited to employ her academic specialties in Rhetorical Studies and Secondary English.
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.
Latin & Logic
Mr. Tyler Gregory
Mr. Gregory earned his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University and two masters degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies, respectively, from Westminster Seminary California. He also completed a three-year pastoral internship at Northcity Presbyterian Church, preaching and leading in worship regularly.
Tyler hopes to combine his pastoral and academic training – especially his love of language, history, and theology – to form the next generation of lifelong learners and followers of Jesus. Outside of the classroom, you are likely to see Mr. G running, swimming, rock climbing, reading, or coffee connoisseur-ing with his lovely wife, Karen.
Latin
Miss Maddie True
Miss True comes to Arma Dei Academy from a classical Christian school in Bulverde, Texas. Her love for languages began in the 3rd 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.
Music
Mr. Thomas Kocsis III
Mr. Kocsis was born in Aurora, CO, and spent his early childhood in Castle Rock. Born into a military family, he has lived in multiple states, including Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, California, and Colorado. In high school, Mr. Kocsis developed a love for choral and jazz singing, as well as guitar and piano, and went on to get his BA in Modern Worship at Master’s University. During his time at Master’s, he spent summers traveling with the Master’s Chorale, singing and ministering to churches across the US, and getting opportunities to sing at unique venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York.
Mr. Kocsis loves the gift of music and art and how they allow us to express the beauty and character of God through creativity. He hopes to inspire his peers and students with love for the Creator, whether through the arts or daily life. Mr. Kocsis currently attends Southside Bible Church serving as the lead Music Pastor. He enjoys volleyball, drawing, hammocking, and hiking in his spare time.
Music
Mrs. Catherine Kochie
Art
Mrs. Lani Whitley
Mrs. Whitley has a degree in Art, with an emphasis in Illustration, from Cal State University Fullerton. She has loved Art her whole life and still remembers the thrill of a new tin of watercolors or box of crayons from her childhood years. She has taught for Art for over 20 years and is very thankful for the opportunity to work with fellow teachers and students who possess a desire to educate to glorify God.
Math
Mrs. Karen Asher
Mrs. Karen Asher graduated cum laude from George Fox University in Oregon with an interdisciplinary studies degree in Writing/Literature and Family & Consumer Sciences. After attending George Fox, she came home to Colorado. She enrolled at the University of Phoenix, receiving her Master’s in Secondary Education and graduating summa cum laude. Over the past decade, Mrs. Asher has taught English, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Math in 6th through 12th grades. She loves seeing lightbulb moments for students and looks forward to integrating practical math applications into her classes this year. As Mrs. Asher works through content with her students, she hopes to capture snapshots of awe and wonder at the magnitude of our Creator God as they see reflections of His order and mystery in their lives and the world around them. 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 energetic five-year-old, Isaac.
Dean of Rhetoric
Dr. Aaron Denlinger
Over the past 17 years, Aaron has taught Latin, Church History, and Christian Theology to students at every level from secondary school to seminary. His teaching has taken him from Colorado to Scotland to Florida and back to Colorado. Along the way, he acquired a wife (Louise), three children (Kaitrin, Geneva, and Austin), a string of neurotic pets, and many treasured memories of seeing students grow in their understanding of language, their knowledge of Scripture, and their love for God. Aaron’s overarching passion is to see students grasp the depth of God’s love for them, understand and believe the Gospel, and translate the Gospel into concrete acts of service to others that reflect Christ’s service to them. From 2019 to 2021, he pursued this passion as the Dean of Student Culture at Arma Dei. As of the 2021-2022 school year, Aaron is serving as Dean of Logic and Rhetoric Schools, in which role he continues to pursue a unique culture among Arma Dei students, ultimately spurring them to live purposefully and intelligently in service to God and others.
Aaron holds degrees from Colorado Christian University (BA), Westminster Seminary California (MA), and the University of Aberdeen (PhD). His hobbies include reading, writing, translating old Latin books into English, paddle-boarding, Lobster fishing, camping, and creating mythical kingdoms in an effort to cultivate his children’s imaginations and sense of wonder at the world. In addition to his role at Arma Dei, Aaron serves as Interim Pastor at St. Patrick Presbyterian Church in Denver and regularly provides adjunct teaching in church history to several seminaries around the country.
Bible, Math & Science
Mr. Evan Kim
Math
Mr. Josh Catron
Mr. Joshua Catron is passionate about partnering with students, parents, and teachers so that children can grow confidently in themselves and their abilities. He encourages students to set and achieve both academic and personal goals to the glory of God.
Mr. Catron earned his B.A. in Economics and M.S. 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 at Valor Christian High School as an academic interventionist, math teacher, football, and track & field coach.
Joshua lives in Parker with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Bear. They enjoy cooking together, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Drama
Mr. Justin Langley
Mr. Langley was born in Denver and was raised in the bitter cold of Chicago winters. He earned his BA in Mathematics at Greenville University, where he also studied music composition and drama. He recently returned to his home state of Colorado and completed an MA in Apologetics and Ethics at Denver Seminary.
Mr. Langley has taught music and musical theater for the past seven years and has enjoyed working with students in youth and camping ministries. He loves the piano, reading, and playing pick-up sports. He and his wife Heather enjoy the great outdoors together and have been foster parenting.
Math
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 advanced-level math.
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.
Science Teacher & Curriculum Lead
Dr. Kristen Ault
Dr. Ault 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. Ault 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, who now attend Arma Dei Academy. Through her involvement as a parent and volunteer, Dr. Ault 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. Previously at Arma Dei, Dr. Ault served as a Grammar Science teacher and a 2nd-grade teacher and is now thrilled to infuse her love of Science to further deepen the integration of Science into the classical Christian curriculum.
Humanities
Dr. Janine Knedlik
Dr. Knedlik arrived at Arma Dei in 2019 after obtaining her doctorate in History from the University of Pennsylvania and helping found the first classical Christian school in San Francisco. She is now in her third year at Arma Dei and has served in a variety of capacities: as a first-grade and Latin teacher, as a curriculum developer, and as the manager of multiple projects, from accreditation to Dual Credit. This year, Dr. Knedlik is utilizing gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education as she leads the School of Grammar. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students.
Humanities
Mr. Caleb Knedlik
Mr. Knedlik is returning to teaching after a decade in corporate America. His love of classical philosophy and literature, biblical history, and spiritual formation brought him to Arma Dei after he completed his MDiv at Denver Seminary. Mr. Knedlik is passionate about making biblical truths real and relevant to his Rhetoric students. When not teaching, he likes to read, play chess, and hang out with his four young daughters.
Latin
Mr. Tyler Gregory
Mr. Gregory earned his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University and two masters degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies, respectively, from Westminster Seminary California. He also completed a three-year pastoral internship at Northcity Presbyterian Church, preaching and leading in worship regularly.
Tyler hopes to combine his pastoral and academic training – especially his love of language, history, and theology – to form the next generation of lifelong learners and followers of Jesus. Outside of the classroom, you are likely to see Mr. G running, swimming, rock climbing, reading, or coffee connoisseur-ing with his lovely wife, Karen.
Music
Mr. Thomas Kocsis III
Mr. Kocsis was born in Aurora, CO, and spent his early childhood in Castle Rock. Born into a military family, he has lived in multiple states, including Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, California, and Colorado. In high school, Mr. Kocsis developed a love for choral and jazz singing, as well as guitar and piano, and went on to get his BA in Modern Worship at Master’s University. During his time at Master’s, he spent summers traveling with the Master’s Chorale, singing and ministering to churches across the US, and getting opportunities to sing at unique venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York.
Mr. Kocsis loves the gift of music and art and how they allow us to express the beauty and character of God through creativity. He hopes to inspire his peers and students with love for the Creator, whether through the arts or daily life. Mr. Kocsis currently attends Southside Bible Church serving as the lead Music Pastor. He enjoys volleyball, drawing, hammocking, and hiking in his spare time.
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. She has recently devoted her time to caring for her three small children, who attend Arma Dei.
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
Mrs. Kristina Wright
Mrs. Kristina Wright loves all things classical and passionately seeks to exemplify what it means to be a lifelong learner. Kristina graduated from Westmont College with a BA in English Literature and has taught and tutored middle school and high school students ever since. She has shared her passion for learning and teaching in various venues, including public, private, and homeschool settings. Mrs. Wright classically home educated her own three children for 13 years and previously taught 8th Grade Humanities at Arma Dei Academy. She is excited to do what she loves – consulting, guiding, and supporting homeschool parents to thrive in their educational journey. As the Arma Dei Collaborative Director, she is excited to engage classically home educating families in cultivating wisdom and virtue through the culture, community, and curriculum of Arma Dei Academy.
Mrs. Wright has been married to the love of her life for 26 years. They are nearing an empty nest with a thriving college daughter north of Pittsburgh and high school senior and sophomore sons. When not teaching, Kristina enjoys traveling with her husband and can be found reading, sipping hot tea, enjoying good friends, tending living things, and pursuing the One who is True, Good, and Beautiful.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Kara Rainey
As a six-year Arma Dei teacher and former Dean of Humanities, Mrs. Kara Rainey is thrilled to return to her original passion of teaching students in the classroom as our Collaborative 3rd/4th-grade teacher and Curriculum Liaison. Years ago, before teaching at Arma Dei, she classically homeschooled her three children, two of whom are Arma Dei graduates, and her youngest in Arma Dei’s seventh-grade class this year. Returning for a 7th year at Arma Dei to classically teach homeschooling children and to partner and collaborate with their homeschooling parents is a fitting full-circle application of Mrs. Rainey’s experience and passion. Mrs. Rainey looks forward to using her gifts and experience to help advance the mission and vision of the Collaborative program by teaching, supporting families, and developing an integrated curriculum that best equips parents to classically home-educate their children for the Glory of God.
Kara is a second-generation Colorado native. She ventured to the east coast for her college studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and enjoyed studying abroad as she earned her BA in History and International Studies. Teaching, however, has always been her passion. When not teaching, Kara enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and children doing every activity possible in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Kristen Donhowe
Mrs. Kristen Donhowe is delighted to join Arma Dei’s Collaborative community and model what it means to be a lifelong learner who passionately loves teaching a classical curriculum. Mrs. Donhow graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She earned her Professional Elementary Education Degree from the University of Denver. Mrs. Donhowe has taught in several settings, including public, private, and homeschool collaborative settings. She was a founding teacher for Solid Rock, where she taught math, science, and creative writing across grade levels. Mrs. Donhowe went on as founder of Moriah Christian School in order to personally serve and support homeschool families. After a decade of working in real estate and starting a boutique gardening business, Mrs. Donhowe is excited to return to do what she loves most – teaching children and supporting homeschool parents in their family’s educational journey.
Mrs. Donhowe has been married to her husband for 31 years. They have three grown children and are officially empty nesters. She enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, trail running, investing in friendships, tending to her garden, and loving the Lord with her whole heart.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Karen Hein
Mrs. Hein has been teaching Arma Dei students for over seven years, starting as the humanities teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth grades with just nine students, and was a beloved fifth-grade teacher for four years. After homeschooling her two sons for six years using a classical Christian approach and teaching in a private Christian homeschool co-op for two years, Mrs. Hein is thrilled to return to her teaching roots as the Homeschool Collaborative’s first full-time teacher for 4th and 5th-grade students. She is a welcomed addition to this emerging program, working alongside and collaborating with homeschool families in the holy, challenging, and redemptive work of educating children.
Mrs. Hein graduated from Santa Clara University 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. When the Hein Family homeschooling adventure came to a close, Mrs. Hein taught courses in literature, writing, grammar, history, and geography to various home school groups with students ranging from 2nd grade through high school. Mrs. Hein delights in sharing the unconditional love and the saving grace of Jesus with her students.
Homeschool Collaborative 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. She has worked in public and private Christian schools as both a classroom teacher and a substitute teacher and took off some years to raise her young sons.
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 celebrated their wedding anniversary by hiking Pikes Peak.
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 His Kingdom.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Julie Bohn
Mrs. Bohn comes to Arma Dei Academy with over 35 years of education experience. She has taught preschool through fourth grade in Christian schools, preschool through sixth-grade special education in public schools, and private NILD educational therapy and at the college level in the teacher education department. She has a BA in special education and 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. Mrs. Bohn was a missionary for a time, training churches in the US and internationally on including individuals with disabilities in worship, discipleship, and service. Mrs. Bohn is passionate about helping young children learn the foundational academic skills sufficiently to succeed throughout their academic careers. She desires to inspire children to become lifelong readers and learners. She is excited about shepherding young children’s hearts toward Jesus. Mrs. Bohn enjoys reading in her spare time, working in her bird, butterfly, and bee garden, and birdwatching.
Homeschool Collaborative Art Teacher
Mrs. Pam van Steyn
Mrs. Pam van Steyn is teaching her second year of art for the Homeschool Collaborative Program after spending nearly twenty years teaching preschoolers in a Christian education program. Her love of art began as a college student when she went abroad to visit many of the best-known churches and museums in western Europe, including the British Museum, the Louvre, Van Gogh’s Museum, the Prado, theToledo Cathedral, Notre Dame, the Parthenon, and all of Rome and Florence, Italy.
Pam graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and resource development from the University of California, Davis. She spent ten years working in developing renewable energy resources. After marriage and raising a wonderful son and daughter, she found her passion in teaching as she discovered God’s greatest renewable resource, children! Exploring and experiencing art with children is her dream job.
Homeschool Collaborative Science 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 nine years. She has three energetic children who attend Arma Dei, Madelyn (8), Benson (6), and Hayden (5). Mrs. May loves spending time with her family and is now excited to be part of the Arma Dei Academy Homeschool Collaborative program teaching Chemistry in 2nd-5th grade.