James Alongi holds a B.S. in Christian Elementary Education from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri and was a Bible camp counselor for fifteen years, sharing Jesus with youth and training staff in care groups. He is currently studying for a Ph.D in Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary after graduating with a Th.M in New Testament and Intercultural Ministry. He most enjoys studying the Gospels, having trusted in Jesus Christ at a young age after his mother read a children's Bible to him about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and led him to ask God for salvation from sin and death. He regularly prays for revival in DFW and looks forward to how the love of Christ shown at Classical School of Dallas furthers that purpose. James attends Meadowbrook East Bible Chapel.

Grace Aubert holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics from LeTourneau University. She and her husband Hector have three children at Classical and attend Northwest Bible Church in Dallas. Grace loves spending time with her family outdoors, gardening, and learning Karate where she has earned the rank of blue belt. She has a passion for teaching how math is woven throughout the arts and sciences, and how math reflects the character and consistency of the Creator. It is her desire to teach math and science in a way that constantly points students to an amazing God! Grace is excited to teach for a fifth year at Classical School of Dallas.

Anita Belt holds a B.A. in Music and an A.A. in Bible from Central Bible College. Anita was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, where her parents pastored a church for many years. Living outside of Washington D.C. gave her access to an amazing city full of history, education, and the arts. After college, she was called to be a missionary to the Middle East and served there for nearly 25 years with her family. She has four beautiful children, now grown, and is blessed with five grandchildren. She loves to cook, enjoys music and singing, and can't get enough of traveling overseas and learning about new cultures and languages. She attends First Baptist Church in Sunnyvale.

Caroline Alexander holds a B.A. in English and Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She met her husband, Chase, at UT and they were married three weeks after graduation. Caroline and Chase spent six years in Houston after graduating before moving to East Dallas two years ago. Last summer, they welcomed their first child, Noelle. Caroline and Chase serve with SMU Young Life and look forward to leading a small group this year at their church, White Rock Fellowship. Caroline enjoys decorating her (nearly) hundred-year-old Tudor, drinking fresh-brewed coffee, going on walks with her family, and enjoying homemade pizza with family and friends.

MaryBeth Bratrud holds a B.A in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho where she studied the classics and the classical languages. She now resides in Texas (where she was raised along with her seven brothers and sisters) with her husband and two small children. After graduating from college with her nine month old son in tow, she decided to take a sabbatical from school and academics while she learned the true art of motherhood. During this period of time she devoted herself to her family and pursuing her hobbies which include, not surprisingly, an enormous amount of reading and writing. She began her own book club over a year ago and has created quite the little community of kindred readers and thinkers. Without doubt, MaryBeth is passionate about gathering people together both to discover and discuss everything from literature to philosophy to theology to poetry and maybe sometimes even to politics. In addition to this, she has taught ESL online and has also worked in a coffee shop and pub, baking everything from scones to cinnamon rolls. Second only to her love for learning is most certainly her love for food and coffee. MaryBeth and her husband attend St. Patrick’s Dallas, where they are committed to love and serve the local body and the city of Dallas.

Jenna is the mother of three girls and a graphic designer. She owns the stationery & design firm Bred & Butter Paper, and her merchandise has been sold in Paper Source and other retailers across the country. She also runs East Dallas Art Club, where she hosts classes and camps for kids. Before launching her businesses, Jenna worked as a freelance designer, a Communications Manager at Southwest Airlines, and a high school English teacher. She desires to help students cultivate a love of the arts and see how art ties into the larger story of God's creation. She attends Eastside Community Church with her husband Philip and three daughters. Jenna enjoys traveling, hiking, and frequenting the local library.

Coming soon!

Julianne Cassetta holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing M.A. degrees in Christian Education and Apologetics & Evangelism from Dallas Theological Seminary. A former homeschooler and missionary kid, she experienced firsthand the transformative impact of a Christ-centered, family-oriented education, and now loves to bring that gift to other families. Outside of school, her favorite thing is to build fellowship with believers through prayer, music, good food, stories, walks, bike rides, and great conversations. Julianne attends Dallas Chinese Bible Church in Richardson.

Steven Cooper is a lifelong resident of the DFW area. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Filmmaking. He is an accomplished bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, writer, producer, sound engineer, and business manager who started his first band in the fifth grade. They were awful. Steven has written, produced, and performed with artists ranging from South of Royal, Lecrae, St. Vincent, and the Chainsmokers. His work has appeared on Netflix, HBO, MTV, Hulu, and NBC. Over the last fifteen years he has helped equip many churches in writing and recording original worship music. His company, Lucky Day MGMT, helps artists with all of the business aspects involved in creating and sharing their art. He serves as co-host of Make it. Share it., a podcast on helping others find their unique artistic voice and overcome obstacles in sharing your art.

Christie Craddock holds a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and an M.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to embarking on a journey of classically educating her own children, Christie served as a Speech/Language Pathologist, delivering speech and language therapy to children in both public and private schools. Christie has been at Classical School of Dallas since the doors opened in August of 2018. She spent two years as a Pre-K instructor and is thrilled to teach First Grade this year! She adores young learners and counts it one of her life’s greatest joys to shepherd her students and learn alongside them. Additionally, Christie enjoys experiencing God’s beauty and creativity through the fine arts and loves teaching dance at Dallas Ballet Center. Christie is passionate about Christ-centered, classical education, and is grateful to the Lord for giving her the opportunity to teach at Classical. She and her husband, Kyle, have four children, three of whom attend Classical. She enjoys rainy days, hot cups of tea, excellent literature, lifelong friendships, and anything she gets to do with her family.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience to our preschool program along with a passion for education and a heart for children. As an ABA certified instructor, Sarah has a deep understanding of the unique needs and learning styles of children. Sarah dedicated most of her 20s to teaching from various platforms where she nurtured young minds and helped lay the foundation for their love of learning and the Lord. As a Mother and CSD Co-Teacher, Sarah understands the importance of creating a warm, Christ-centered learning environment for students. Her family has felt incredibly blessed to be a part of the CSD community. Sarah, her husband Joey, and her daughter Sadie, enjoy traveling and exploring nature and God’s beautiful designs. Sarah loves building deep relationships and especially treasures her role as Mom, Wife, and friend! Their family is completed by two furry pups who add an extra dose of love and dog hair to their lives! With her genuine love for children, Sarah feels very honored to teach CSD’s youngest minds and hearts!

Laura Freiburg holds a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Illinois. She has been teaching dance at Dallas Ballet Center and throughout DISD schools. The Lord has instilled in her a great love for children and for God’s word, which has led her to serve in the preschool ministry and as a mentor with Mercy Street for the past six years. Laura recently graduated from the Watermark Institute where she was theologically and apologetically trained while working within the Children’s Ministry. Laura enjoys coffee with friends, time at White Rock Lake and laughter with friends and family.  Laura is humbled by God’s continuous pursuit of her and full of gratitude to be a part of the Classical School of Dallas team. 

Chesley Garcia is a dedicated educator with a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. After beginning her teaching career in 2nd grade in public schools, she paused to care for her growing family. During this time, she remained engaged in education through tutoring at Classical Conversations and subbing for various schools and grade levels. Returning to the classroom, Chesley taught across multiple grade levels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) at the Classical School of Dallas. Married for 17 years, Chesley is a devoted wife and mother of four boys, balancing her passion for teaching with her commitment to family life.

Sarah holds a B.S in Graphic Design from John Brown University. She discovered a love of art at a young age, and enjoys creating anything from pottery to a well written letter. Sarah has a deep love of God’s word, and has enjoyed attending Dallas Theological Seminary in this season, in the Master of Biblical and Theological Studies degree program. She is thankful for her wonderful church home, called Waterbrook Bible Fellowship. Sarah is delighted at any opportunity to learn and grow, and encourage this in others. She is honored to serve Classical School of Dallas, and be a part of the community who is discipling a generation to love what is good, true, and beautiful.

Master Yujin Han is the head of Grandmaster Han's Tae Kwon Do World Youn Wha Ryu Association (WYWRA). He is a 6th Dan Black Belt and Master in Tae Kwon Do. He is a WYWRA Certified Instructor with over twenty years of experience teaching the martial arts. He also holds a Master of Theology (ThM) from Dallas Theological Seminary, served three years as the Director of Classical Conversations at two separate campuses, and currently teaches a Young Married Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Dallas. His wife, Chi, and daughter, Sophia, are 1st Dan Black Belts in the same organization.

Sarah holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M Commerce. Her love of learning was fostered at an early age while attending University Model schools in the Dallas area. Sarah considers it an honor to carry forth a Christ-centered, holistic education to this young generation! When she’s not in the classroom, Sarah enjoys a nice cup of coffee, an antique store, and a good book. She is happily married to her husband (Justin) and mama to three amazing kids! She and her family attend Watermark Church.

Mrs. Harris holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. Her earliest classroom experience was teaching students with learning and behavioral needs in Texas and Arizona schools. She has spent the last eleven years home educating her sons in the Classical Christian tradition while teaching in various private and homeschool settings. She is committed to the mission of Classical School of Dallas and eager to partner with families to cultivate the hearts and minds of students through classroom engagement. Meredith is married to Elliott and they have three sons who are funny and love to play football.

Jon holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.B.A. and M.S. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He worked for ten years as a senior systems engineer for national space-satellite programs. Jon and his family relocated to Dallas from Germany, when the Lord called him and his family to full-time ministry. Jon retired as a U.S. Marine colonel with 29 years of service and is currently attending Dallas Theological Seminary. Jon is excited about growing and discipling the next generation of leaders at Classical School of Dallas. He and his wife Annelie are active in various ministries at Watermark Community Church and love raising and co-teaching their two daughters. Jon enjoys running marathons, playing ice hockey, traveling in their camper van, and studying God's word.

Annelie Hetland grew up in Germany, attended Bible School in San Antonio, and served with a Bible Camp in Sweden. She met her husband while working in foster care in Germany. In 2019, the Lord called her and her family to Dallas. Annelie is excited to join the Classical faculty after homeschooling and co-teaching their two daughters for several years. Annelie enjoys horseback riding and coffee with friends. She and her family attend Watermark Community Church.

Lauren Higgins holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Baylor University. She has experience teaching students from age 3 to 4th grade. Lauren sees beauty in working with young children who have such a natural curiosity not only in all academic subject matters, but also about God and His word. She delights in seeing children grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Lauren and her husband have two young children and are members of Citizens Church in Plano. She enjoys being with her family, spending time outside, gardening, and running.

Genisis Hon holds a dual bachelor's degree in Government and Spanish from Sweet Briar College located in Sweet Briar, Virginia. She has four years of teaching experience, both abroad and in the United States, and six years of experience working with youth. Originally from Massachusetts, Genisis and her husband, Nathan, moved to Dallas in 2019 after Nathan completed his military service with the US Army. Genisis and her husband are happy parents to their daughter, Phoebe, whom they welcomed in August 2022. She and her family are members of Eastside Community Church in Dallas. In her free time, Genisis loves going on walks with her family, playing with her goofy golden retriever, Rollo, and going to coffee shops. Genisis is currently pursuing an M.A. in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Coming soon!

Jessica’s journey in art has revealed God’s great beauty in many areas of her life. From taking art classes at a young age to having gifted instructors throughout her education, her love of creating was only beginning. She studied in elementary education for three years at The University of Oklahoma. That journey ultimately led her to The University of North Texas in pursuit of her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, with a focus in studio art of drawing/painting.

Ketrina Lemley holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in International Studies from The Ohio State University. As a songwriter and worship leader, she is enthusiastic about helping students worship God more deeply through the study of what He has made. Ketrina desires to point her students to behold the glory of God in the details of what He has created and to lead them to respond in worship. She recently released a new collection of songs called “Grace Upon Grace”. Ketrina’s teaching style is joyful, relatable and intentional. She seeks to coach students to plumb the depths of math and science courses and to discover more about the character and nature of God in the process. Ketrina and her family attend Eastside Community Church.

Katie holds a B.A. in Advertising & Public Relations from Abilene Christian University. Before that she graduated from a classical, Christ-centered school in Huntsville. After graduating from college in 2014 she worked for a year at a nonprofit and then quickly found her way back to a classical classroom in 2016. She has taught upper school Latin, literature, and composition, as well as Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th grades. Her pursuit of the True, Good, and Beautiful happens through everyday reading, thoughtful conversations, and consistent prayer. She has a deep desire for intentional community which she has cultivated in East Dallas with her husband, Jordan, and their children. The Lockette family attends Peak Street Church in East Dallas.

Coming soon!

Dawn McCormick holds a B.S. in Education from Tennessee Temple University. She has experience teaching many grade levels from 4th to 11th grade. Dawn has been married to Jim for 25 years, and they have three children: Bailey, Tate, and Harper. Dawn loves to learn whether it’s through reading, cooking, or traveling. Some authors who have had the most impact on her are Jane Austen, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harper Lee. It is Dawn’s desire to teach students to recognize the hand of God in all areas of life.

Collin McGee holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho and is pursuing an M.A. in Humanities from the University of Dallas. He was classically educated from kindergarten through college, and discovered his penchant for teaching after a few years constructing and renovating houses. He is the father of three strapping young boys and the husband of Lizzie, a lovely and kind artist. His family attends All Saints Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth and enjoys riding bikes, hiking, and playing soccer together.

Coming soon!

Demerious Nelson holds a B.A.S. in Christian Ministries and an M.A. in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University and is currently pursuing a MDiv from The Master’s Seminary in Santa Clarita, CA. He has served a total of 21 years in the military, first in the United States Navy and currently as a United States Air Force reservist. This is his first year teaching at Classical. He and his wife, Angela, have four children, one of whom attends Classical, and are expecting a baby girl. He enjoys golf, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family.

Jan Pipkin holds a B.S. in Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. She classically home educated her two sons for the past fifteen years. Her family has recently relocated to Texas after living in Maryland for the past ten years where they enjoyed visiting as many historical sites as possible. She loves classical home education and is thrilled to be a part of the Classical School of Dallas community. She and her husband, Jarrell, attend Gateway Community Church in Wylie.  She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, and crafting. 

Michael Saeger holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in History from Clemson University and is currently pursuing a ThM at Dallas Theological Seminary. He desires to teach, preach and counsel in a pastoral context within the local church. Michael was a competitive swimmer and ran track, and still enjoys running. He also enjoys baking, learning about new cultures, and discipleship! He and his new wife attend Northway Church and enjoy walks at sunset, traveling, cooking and hanging out with friends!

Olivia Scott holds a B.S.W. from Texas Woman's University. She has been a professional caregiver for the past two years. While attending college, Olivia encouraged young women to grow in their faith as a part of FOCUS, a Christian campus ministry. She is steeped in art with a poetic spirit, is an accomplished artist and loves to inspire creativity in others. She enjoys coffee, rainy days and quality time with friends. Along with teaching 1st grade, Olivia is excited to be part of the fine arts team at Classical, teaching visual arts to 5th-9th graders. Olivia attends Denton North Church.

Sara holds an M.A. in International Studies from University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Biblical Archaeology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Sara previously worked in elementary education as a teaching assistant in Wyoming. Sara loves singing, hiking, and teaching and attends Grace Bible Church.

​​Stephanie holds a B.A. in Communication from Baylor University where she danced on the collegiate dance team and directed musical theater productions (SING) through her sorority. After college, she worked in Commercial Real Estate until she started her own monogramming business. Stephanie has been married to David for 12 years and they have two children, Hunter and Nora. Through her own journey as a Classical co-teacher, she has loved connecting the Scriptures with world history. When she is not co-teaching, she teaches ballet and creative movement to preschoolers at the Dallas Ballet Center. She loves musicals, nature walks, cooking and volunteering in the children's ministry at Park Cities Presbyterian Church.

Amber is thrilled to be part of the Classical staff! After working in Childcare and as a Personal Assistant for fifteen years, she is grateful for the opportunity to apply her knowledge and experience to this role. Amber values time with her family and co-teaching her daughter, Sydney. She married her husband, Dylan, in 2008; they were blessed by the gift of adoption in 2014. They both enjoy serving at the school, whether it’s during lunch or hosting a book party. Amber looks forward to greeting your families everyday with joy! 

Melissa and her husband Josh have lived in Dallas for the past 15 years. They have 4 kids, all currently attending Classical. Melissa was the Development Director for a local non-profit, until becoming a full-time co-teacher at Classical in 2019. Raising kids in Dallas has led her to find all the adventures and fun the city has to offer! Her love of exploring and coordinating has served her well as the Field Trip Coordinator for Classical. Melissa and her family live in the Lake Highlands area and attend Eastside Community Church, where she previously worked as the Elementary Team Lead.

Alex holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, where she served as Associate Editor for the Maryland Law Review. She worked as an attorney for ten years before committing herself to God's call to raise her three boys. Alex is a graduate of Cottonwood Creek's Ministry Academy, where she received theological training for the work of ministry in the local body of Christ. Most recently, Alex graduated from the Colson Fellows program with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. She is passionate about understanding the Christian worldview and helping others see the world through the lens of scripture. Alex and her husband, Gabriel, live in McKinney with their three boys and attend Christ Church Cathedral in Plano. Alex enjoys reading, reviewing books, coffee, exercising, and all things theology.

Coming Soon!

Felisa Welkener holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Wheaton College, where she also enjoyed taking Spanish and psychology classes and leading an evangelism team in Chicago on the weekends. Felisa has a passion for teaching children about God's Word and God's world in many settings, from the classroom to tutoring to random teachable moments with her nieces and nephews! She also enjoys reading and talking about theology, the art of hospitality, and traveling to see family and friends all over the United States and the world. Felisa attends Dallas Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA).

Katie West started her ballet training at the age of four. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theater at Dallas Ballet Center for twelve years under the direction of Judy and Brent Klopfenstein. She continued her dance training at Colin College with Tiffanee Arnold. She also took courses in biblical studies at The Criswell College in Dallas. She has been teaching dance at Dallas Ballet Center for seventeen years, and she has choreographed several musicals in the Dallas area. She loves being a mom to her four children and is thankful to partner with Classical to educate them!

Christian Young holds a B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.St. in Classical Christian Studies from New Saint Andrews College. He has taught at Classical since 2018 in various grade levels and joined the administrative team in 2020. He attends Eastside Community Church with his wife, Morgan, and their three children, the oldest of whom attends Classical.