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.
Dean of Rhetoric School & Chaplain
Dr. Aaron Denlinger
Dean of Academics & Dean of Logic School
Mr. Josh Catron
Mr. Josh 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.
Josh and his wife, Chelsea live in Parker. They have a son, Bear, and a daughter, Calla. 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. 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 manager of multiple projects, from accreditation to Dual Credit. Dr. Knedlik is currently utilizing her gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education as she leads the School of Grammar and teaches Rhetoric Humanities. She especially loves partnering with other Christian parents as they shepherd the hearts and minds of all of Arma Dei’s students.
Dean of Homeschool Collaborative
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.
Director of Community Engagement
Ms. Lora Hollaus
Through her daughters’ 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 within the Arma Dei community. 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.
Director of 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 on the way. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing sports, swing dancing, and spending time with her family.
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.
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.
Facilities Manager
Mr. Logan Harney
Mr. Logan Harney grew up in Castle Rock and went to a Bible College in upstate New York at Word of Life Bible Institute. Afterwards, he returned to Colorado and graduated with a BA from Metropolitan State University Denver. Outside of work, Mr. Harney spends his time serving in various ways at his church. He loves reading good theology, writing, bike riding, photography, walking, hiking, and spending time with his friends.
School Nurse
Mrs. Tatum Lehman
Mrs. Lehman is a Colorado native, and after 15 years in California, she moved back to Colorado in 2014. She stumbled upon Arma Dei soon after and fell in love instantly. Tatum serves as the School Nurse and shares her contagious joy and passion for Arma Dei and classical Christian education as a Grammar Movement Teacher.
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 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.
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 Lydia Hattrick
Miss Hattrick 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. When she is not at school, you can find her exploring the mountains, honing her coffee-making skills, or baking everything sourdough.
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.
1st Grade
Miss Adlai Greene
Miss Greene completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and English from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. She is not originally from Colorado but has spent her childhood moving around the United States wherever the Air Force sent her family.
Miss Greene started teaching at Arma Dei Academy in the Fall of 2022 after completing a short stint in the Irish school system. She is passionate about sharing how the Lord is evident in every aspect of school and feels privileged to instruct young minds in the ways of the Lord.
When Miss Greene isn’t teaching, she loves to explore the outdoors by hiking and paddle boarding. She also enjoys completing jigsaw puzzles, finding steals at thrift stores, and spending time with her family and friends.
2nd Grade
Mrs. Becca Pettett
Mrs. Pettett graduated from Colorado Christian University with a BA in Liberal Arts and specializations in Elementary Education, Biblical Studies, Reading Literacy, and Language Arts. From her earliest years, Mrs. Pettett wanted to be a teacher and loves bringing her passion for students and her love for the Lord together in the classroom at Arma Dei Academy. Mrs. Pettett is originally from Southern California, but fell in love with Colorado during college and made this her home. Mrs. Pettett 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.
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 Emily Doeden
5th Grade
Miss Baylee Prather
Miss 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, Miss Prather completed a year-long student teaching residency in Denver Public Schools. During that year, the Lord showed her the importance of placing Him in the center of education. That is why she is so excited to join the Arma Dei team!
When she’s not teaching, Miss 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! Miss Prather is looking forward to helping the next generation grow up to be champions for Christ.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Science
Mrs. Sarah Lambert
Mrs. Sarah Lambert graduated from Corban University in Salem, OR with a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a minor in Biblical Studies. After moving to Colorado in 2012, she spent six years in the classroom teaching 3rd and 4th-grade students at a charter school in Parker, followed by two and a half years serving as the Children’s Ministry Director at her church, Redemption Parker. She is excited to be back in the classroom at Arma Dei Academy! Sarah is passionate about keeping students’ love and excitement for learning alive and using each lesson as an opportunity to point students’ eyes back to their Creator and Savior.
Sarah and her husband, Michael, have three children (Titus, Avery, and Rylee). They enjoy getting outside to enjoy the beauty of Colorado together through hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Science & Versatile Teacher
Mr. Michael Butler
Mr. Michael Butler graduated from the University of Florida with a BS. in Sport Management and later attended Arizona State University, where he completed a MA in History. After working in college athletics for several years, he found his passion in working with young people to see them grow academically. Having previously served in academic support roles at the middle and high school levels, Mr. Butler enjoys helping students develop ownership of their education in the classroom and beyond as lifelong learners.
Mr. Butler comes to Arma Dei Academy from Florida, where he worked in state government for the past four years serving after-school programs. He is most looking forward to sharing with students the impact that God has had on his life and helping them along in their journeys to better understand what it means to follow Jesus. Mr. Butler enjoys spending time outdoors as well as painting and watching baseball.
Art
Mrs. Pam van Steyn
Prior to coming to Arma Dei, Mrs. Pam van Steyn spent 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.
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!
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 over five years. She is Orton Gillingham certified in reading and math, and trained in Reading RX through NILD. Her passion is helping students gain confidence and success in academics.
Outside of Arma Dei, Beth can be found teaching God’s Word in the children’s ministry at her church. She enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and traveling with her husband, Patrick and their two sons.
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 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 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.
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. 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 & Science
Mr. Evan Kim
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.
Math
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 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, playing pick-up sports, and enjoys the great outdoors with his wife Heather and their daughter.
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 Naomi Toews
Miss Toews grew up in a small town on the prairies of Kansas. She graduated with a BA in Elementary Education from Tabor College. After three years of teaching in Kansas, she spent a year living in Thailand and serving under local church planters. Upon returning, Naomi moved to Denver to pursue her MA in Christian Formation and Soul Care at Denver Seminary and began teaching at Arma Dei. This is Naomi’s eighth year at Arma Dei, and it has been her joy to see her students grow academically, socially, and in their knowledge of God’s love. In her spare time, Naomi enjoys camping, playing piano, reading, international cuisine, and long walks with old friends.
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
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
Bible & Logic
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.
Logic
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).
Versatile Teacher
Mr. Michael Butler
Mr. Michael Butler graduated from the University of Florida with a BS. in Sport Management and later attended Arizona State University, where he completed a MA in History. After working in college athletics for several years, he found his passion in working with young people to see them grow academically. Having previously served in academic support roles at the middle and high school levels, Mr. Butler enjoys helping students develop ownership of their education in the classroom and beyond as lifelong learners.
Mr. Butler comes to Arma Dei Academy from Florida, where he worked in state government for the past four years serving after-school programs. He is most looking forward to sharing with students the impact that God has had on his life and helping them along in their journeys to better understand what it means to follow Jesus. Mr. Butler enjoys spending time outdoors as well as painting and watching baseball.
Dean of Rhetoric School & Bible Teacher
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.
Bible
Mr. Evan Kim
Math & Science
Mrs. Lauren Lueders
Mrs. Lauren 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, at a summer book club while in college and married him in May 2020. Mrs. Lueders joins Arma Dei after two years of teaching Math to logic students at Coram Deo Academy, a classical Christian school in Dallas, Texas. Lauren is excited to join the Arma Dei team to inspire a love of learning in students under her care. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Lueders loves spending time in God’s creation, reading good books, and cooking.
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 & Coding
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. 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 manager of multiple projects, from accreditation to Dual Credit. Dr. Knedlik is currently utilizing her gifts, talents, and passion for classical Christian education as she leads the School of Grammar and teaches Rhetoric Humanities. 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.
Humanities
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).
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.
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.
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, traveling, reading, sharing her culture, and, above all, sharing the love of 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 Homeschool Collaborative
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.
Administrative Assistant & Event Manager
Mrs. Karrie Hadfield
Mrs. Hadfield recently moved with her husband of thirty years to Colorado after living in Southwest Virginia for 20 years. Originally from Pennsylvania, they moved to Virginia to be closer to family and raise their three children. They have moved to Colorado to be closer to where their adult children have settled!
Mrs. Hadfield has a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education and has taught everything from 5th grade to college-level mathematics over the past 20 years. For the past five years, Mrs. Hadfield taught at a classical Christian school in Roanoke, Virginia, where she fell in love with classical Christian education. She is thrilled to be part of Arma Dei Academy, where Jesus is at the center of education, aiming students toward the single source of truth, goodness, and beauty.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Leslie Warren
Mrs. Warren 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.
Mrs. Warren is pleased to join the Homeschool Collaborative Program, where she will continue to teach sixth-grade Humanities to the inaugural HCP Logic class! While it is bittersweet to be leaving her beloved full-time program, she is eager to form equally lasting and rich partnerships with the HCP faculty, students, and parents.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
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.
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 & Academic Advisor
Mrs. Karen Hein
Mrs. Hein has been teaching Arma Dei students for over nine 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. Two years ago, Mrs. Hein returned to her homeschooling roots in the Homeschool Collaborative Program.
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. Using the classical Christian approach, Mrs. Hein taught her two sons at home and as part of a private Christian homeschool co-op. When the Hein Family homeschooling adventure came to a close, Mrs. Hein taught courses in literature, writing, grammar, history, and geography to various homeschool groups with students ranging from 2nd grade through high school. In 2014, Mrs. Hein and her husband relocated to Colorado, where she found Arma Dei Academy and has loved the school’s community and mission. 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. Jennifer 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 and 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 4th and 5th grades at two different charter schools in the area. She has been looking for an opportunity to use her creativity and classical pedagogy at a Christian school. She loves living in Colorado and spends her free time exploring the outdoors with her husband, Mark, and three children: Jordan, Seth, and Jeremy, and their two dogs: Summer and Roro.
Homeschool Collaborative Teacher
Mrs. Lisa Clark
Mrs. Lisa Clark is thrilled to be a part of Arma Dei’s Homeschool Collaborative Program, where she can pursue her passion for creating lifelong learners through her relational and engaging teaching approach. She aims to create an exciting classroom experience for her students, bringing subjects to life while encouraging deeper-level thinking. Knowing that all truth comes from God and putting Him at the center, education becomes a life-changing experience.
Mrs. Clark grew up in Memphis, TN, where she had the opportunity to attend Christian school from 1st to 12th grade. She earned her BS in Social Work from Abilene Christian University in Texas, a Post-baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education, and an MA in Christian Counseling.
Mrs. Clark and her three daughters moved to Colorado in 2006, where she taught for over 20 years in grades from Pre-K to 8th. She also served as Principal at a Christian school in Centennial and has a private counseling business called “Hope Floats.” She has been married to her husband, Jason, since 2014, and together, they have seven children, three golden retrievers, and live in Elizabeth. When she is not spending time with her family, you will find her camping, reading, meeting with friends, watching movies, or at an AVS game!
Academic Support Specialist
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 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.”
Homeschool Collaborative Science Teacher
Miss Aubrey Donhowe
Miss Donhowe is thrilled to be joining the Homeschool Collaborative Program. She Donhowe graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with a BA in Science in December of 2021. Since a young age, she has had an undeniable passion for children and education. The past year has provided many opportunities to work with children in various different roles, including implementing ABA therapy as a Registered Behavioral Therapist while in San Diego, teaching in communities and classrooms in Ghana, Africa during the fall, and currently working within the wonderful Arma Dei Academy. Her passion for learning also has Miss. Donhowe applying to graduate school in pursuit of earning certification as a Physician’s Associate. In the meantime, Miss Donhowe feels so thankful to be exposed to the world of Classical Christian Education and homeschooling, and she hopes to implement these aspects into her family one day, God willing.
Homeschool Collaborative Bible Teacher
Mr. Ryan Gold
Mr. Ryan Gold comes to Arma Dei’s Homeschool Collaborative Program with a shepherd’s heart and life-long passion for both subjects he teaches – Bible and History. Ryan relishes the classroom experience and seeks to bring a focused enthusiasm for learning into every class he teaches. His conviction is that education is a catalyst for an ever-increasing, all-consuming love for the triune, sovereign God and His glorious gospel. Because of his own mother’s investment in his homeschooling education and the profound spiritual and academic impact it had on his life, Ryan loves the vision of Arma Dei’s HCP.
A generational native of Colorado, Ryan was raised by wonderful Christian parents and felt the call to ministry at age twelve. During his twenties, he discerned God’s call to preaching and pastoral ministry – both of which he has faithfully sought to do as Lead Pastor at New Covenant Community Church since 2008. Ryan is a graduate of both Moody Bible Institute (B.A. in Bible-Theology, Biblical Languages emphasis) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., School of Theology). He has been married to his amazing wife, Rachel, since 2001, and they have been blessed with seven children. When he is not doing all things family and local church ministry, he enjoys working out, reading, listening to a stimulating podcast, and following his two favorite football teams – the Denver Broncos and University of Colorado Buffaloes.
Homeschool Collaborative Latin Teacher
Mrs. Mandy Kelso
Mrs. Mandy Kelso is thrilled to be a part of the Arma Dei Homeschool Collaborative Program, and she is ecstatic to combine her love of students and classroom instruction as she serves as the lead learner in Latin. As a 15-year homeschool veteran and mom of four children, Mandy has taught various subjects to students of all ages, and she strives to point growing minds to the centrality of Christ in all things. Her prayer is that as students study and wrestle with Latin, they will draw closer to Jesus, the word made flesh.
Homeschool Collaborative Latin Teacher
Mrs. Hannah Reimer
Hannah Reimer is a Florida native and recent Montana transplant. She is thrilled to be soaking up more sunshine in the great state of Colorado! From a young age, she has been passionate about foreign Romance languages, and she obtained her college degrees in both Spanish and Italian at the University of Florida. She has used her language skills in various hospitality settings and she spent a year in South America with Adventures in Missions. She has tutored students in foreign languages and most recently, she worked at a life-affirming pregnancy clinic where she co-developed a program to educate and walk alongside women in unexpected pregnancies. Now at Arma Dei, she considers it a huge blessing to be a catalyst in young lives- helping them more fully notice and understand the amazing different people groups and cultures God created.
She enjoys spending time making and eating good food, being outside, hanging out with her wonderful husband, and building community.