Paige Watkins graduated with a BA from Baylor University. She taught French and English in high school before discovering a love for entrepreneurial ventures. As founder and CEO, she ran University Laundry, a membership-based campus service, for seven years. After selling to Proctor and Gamble, she transitioned to full-time focus on family life and homeschooling. 

In 2016, she co-founded and directed a homeschool cooperative program for two years where she taught history and literature. Her passion for spiritual formation through education continued to grow while also serving as a children’s and women’s bible study teacher. 

In 2018, she blended her love for children, passion for human flourishing and knack for creative enterprise by co-founding Classical School of Dallas. After serving as Board Chair for six years, she now leads Classical School as Executive Director. She is committed to pursuing Beauty, loving the True, and recovering the Good through the ancient paths of Classical Christian Education. She and her husband Nathan enjoy mountain adventures and mountain towns, quiet mornings with coffee for two and sunrises in East Texas. Her three bright-eyed and lively children can often be found riding bikes somewhere in Lake Highlands. She and her family attend Watermark Community Church.

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, first teaching PreK and then 1st grade before joining the Leadership Team in 2021. 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, all 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. She and her family attend Eastside Community Church.

Collin McGee holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho and is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy 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 four 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, listening to Gabriel Faure records, and playing soccer together.

Amber Timbrell worked in childcare and as a personal assistant for fifteen years before joining the staff at Classical. She is grateful for the opportunity to apply her knowledge and experience to the role of Campus Director. 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! She and her family attend New St. Peter's Presbyterian Church.

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 and his wife, Morgan, live in the Casa View neighborhood of east Dallas with their three children, the oldest of whom attends Classical. They are members Eastside Community Church.

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 City Church International in East Dallas.

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 has taught math in a variety of grade levels at Classical since the doors opened in 2018. 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!

Christian Baxley holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Dallas Baptist University and is pursuing an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary. As he enters into his first year at Classical, he is eager to journey with the Classical family from the truth of math towards the truth of Christ. When not teaching, Christian can be found studying for seminary, worshiping at Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church, reading a good book, or spending time with friends and family.

Kathryn Beavin attended Calvary Chapel Bible College for a year. During her first semester, she met her husband, and shortly after her second semester, they got married. She is passionate about making healthy food that tastes delicious. Kathryn is the third oldest of seven children. She was born in California, grew up in Oregon, and now lives in Texas. Kathryn has spent many years working with toddlers and infants. She was a live-in nanny for a time and also worked at a daycare. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys reading, sipping hot chocolate, making sourdough bread, and spending time with her husband. She and her husband attend BridgeWay Church in Cooper Canyon.

Jacob Biedebach holds a B.S. from Wheaton College and an M.Ed. from the University of North Texas, and he has nearly a decade of experience in various education roles around the DFW metroplex. Jacob also coaches football at the Shelton School in Dallas. He enjoys cooking, reading biographies of U.S. Presidents, and working on cars. His favorite animals at the Dallas Zoo are the hippos. He, his wife Ashlyn, and their two daughters attend Antioch Lake Cities Community Church in Garland.

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.

Natasha Browne holds a B.S. in Interior Architecture from The University of Tennessee of Chattanooga. She was born in Quito, Ecuador, one of the highest cities in the world tucked away in the Andes mountains. At age ten, she moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the most eclectic cities in the country at the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. There, she was raised with good southern manners and the ever classical folk music. Shortly after college, she lived briefly in Spain and Argentina developing discipleship strategies for churches. Then, in 2017, her love of theology came to fruition when she started her journey at Dallas Theology Seminary seeking a Master of Theology degree. She now lives with her husband and two dogs, Rocky and Augustin in Dallas and attends All Saints.

Patrick Camp holds a B.A. in General Studies from the University of Louisiana Monroe and is pursuing a Masters Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was born and raised in West Monroe, LA until he moved to Dallas in August of 2023 to begin a 10 month residency in the Watermark Institute at Watermark Community Church, where he is currently a member and serves in the college ministry. He is an avid pickleball player, plays the drums and was in the drumline in college, and loves discussing anything to do with history or political sciences. 

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.

Crystal Chen holds a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. Before that, she worked as an English and creative writing teacher in Dallas ISD. Her passion lies in mentoring the next generation to follow Christ and to use their gifts to benefit their local community and the larger world. In her leisure time, she enjoys getting lost in a good book, crafting her own tales, and talking about great stories (real and unreal). She serves with the pre-k/kinder team at Dallas Chinese Bible Church.

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.

Clara Cox holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling. Clara has previously worked with children at the Fessenden School in Newton, MA and also as a youth leader. She was born in Haiti and grew up in Massachusetts. Outside of work and school, Clara enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves attending her church and being a part of the community.

Erin Deatherage holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University and has been an educator since 2003. She has taught in a variety of learning environments — from public school, to private school, to homeschool co-ops — from preschool to eighth grade. Erin is passionate to see her students excited about learning, making sure that they are challenged according to their growth and development. Erin has been committed to the classical education model for many years, first by creating a classical learning environment for her own kids at home, as well as partnering with other classical educational institutions throughout the years. She is excited to return to the community at Classical!

Coming soon!

Sarah Duckett 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 Classical 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 Classical 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 our school's youngest minds and hearts! She and her family attend Eastside Community Church.

Timothy Fisher holds a BA in Ancient Greek and Theology from Tübingen University in Germany and is pursuing a an MA in Bible Translation from Dallas Theological Seminary. Originally from North Carolina, his family moved to Russia when he was young. After finishing university in 2020, he moved back to the US and met his future wife, Winnie, later that year. The two got married in 2022 and moved to Dallas the following year. Timothy and Winnie attend Grace Bible Church and are passionate about reaching the lost; they are hoping to serve in Bible translation after graduating. Timothy loves reading, going for walks with Winnie, learning languages, and playing the guitar.

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. Laura also serves as the Kindergarten lead teacher.

Chesley Garcia holds a B.A. in History from from Texas A&M University. A dedicated educator who began 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 to Josh, Chesley is a devoted wife and mother of four boys, balancing her passion for teaching with her commitment to family life. She and her family attend Lake Ridge Bible Church.

Sarah holds a Bachelors of Science 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 tea, 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.

Meredith 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. They attend Skillman Avenue Church. Meredith also serves as the 3rd grade lead teacher.

Anita Hawkins 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 with her husband, Roy.

Tyler Kemper holds a B.A. in Dramatic Production from the Academy of Arts Conservatory in Taylors, South Carolina. He is pursuing a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a graduate certificate in classical education from the University of Dallas. His wife is also a Christian school teacher, and they share a desire to help young people grow for the glory of God. They currently live in East Dallas and attend Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Tyler enjoys carpentry, reading, and directing one-act plays in his spare time.

Kelsey Kirkland holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. She is married to Taylor and they have two kids who attend Classical. She has spent the last five years teaching PreK, and, prior to becoming a mom, she was a middle school math teacher and tutor. Kelsey and her family attend Eastside Community Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, birdwatching, and a good sunset. She is so thankful the Lord brought her family to Classical!

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. Ketrina also serves as the Science Chair and Guidance Counselor at Classical.

Katie Lockette 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.

Jes Lonergan holds an Education degree from Texas A&M University. Jes and her husband Brian own Caliber Athlete. Caliber strives to develop athletes physically for their sports and spiritually for their lives. She is excited to use her passion for athletics and discipleship as she serves Classical as the Athletic Coordinator. She and her family attend Northwest Bible Church.

Daniel Mattern has a BA in Humanities from Biola University, an MDiv and ThM from Talbot School of Theology, and a PhD in New Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was in a great books program at Biola, which instilled in him a love of classical education. He and his wife live in Dallas and are passionate about the global church. He attends Disciple City Church in Oak Cliff and enjoys taking art classes or studying a new language in his free time. 

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 over 25 years, and they have three children: Bailey, Tate, and Harper, a Rhetoric School student at Classical. 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. Dawn and her family attend Northway Church. Dawn also serves as the 4th grade lead teacher and Grammar School Coordinator.

Rev. Jeff McCormick holds a BTh and a BS in Pastoral Studies from Florida Bible College and an M.A. in Religious Education and Biblical Studies from Temple Baptist Seminary. He has been in Christian Service for over 45 years with experience in church and school ministry, including almost 10 years as a youth pastor, couples pastor, and interim pastor. He has been teaching, administering, and coaching in christian schools, with extensive experience in Bible, science, and administration. Jeff’s passion is biblical apologetics. Jeff is married to Joy, a retired teacher, and together they have three sons: Jim, John, and Joe. He is an avid reader and likes fishing, bike riding, and watching the world champion Texas Rangers.

Rylee Millhouse holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University. Before that, Rylee graduated from a classical christian school. She and her husband David moved to Dallas after serving overseas, as he pursues his ThM. at Dallas Theological Seminary. Rylee has taught 2nd grade at Classical since 2021 and serves as the 2nd grade lead teacher. She also teaches Sewing Eloquium. She loves bring a part of Classical’s commitment to teach young minds to live with a Biblical, Christ-centered worldview, as well as the relationships built with families. Outside of teaching, Rylee enjoys spending time outdoors studying nature, traveling, and doing crafts! Rylee and her husband attend Eastside Community Church. Rylee also serves as the 2nd grade lead teacher.

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. He and his wife, Angela, have five children, two of whom attends Classical. He enjoys golf, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family. He and his family attend Countryside Bible Church.

Jenny Ochoa holds a M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Simpson University in CA. She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), and worked in the mental health field for 13 years. Jenny also has experience teaching as an adjunct professor at a Christian university. Prior to counseling, she was a youth and college leader for 10 years. She enjoys teaching and providing a safe space for students to learn and ask critical thinking questions. Three years ago, the Lord relocated Jenny and her family to Texas, in which she became a homeschooling mother by day, and an LMFT by night. Outside of teaching and counseling, Jenny and her husband are passionate about mentoring and discipling the younger generation. They both serve at Zoe Community Church in the children’s ministry and are involved in American Heritage Girls and Trail Life. Jenny enjoys leading a local women’s book club, watercoloring, playing board games, sipping on lavender honey lattes, creating events to help others be connected, and being outside with her husband and three children. She is excited about teaching at Classical School of Dallas, and being used by the Lord to serve the community. 

Jenna Peck holds a B.A. in English and History from Southern Methodist University  and an M.A. in Literature from UT Dallas. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She grew up in Long Beach, California, but headed to Texas for college and graduate school, after which she taught English at a public high school for four years. She is passionate about literature, theology, and history, and considers herself a lifelong learner. She is thrilled to teach at Classical School of Dallas and share her enthusiasm for learning and Jesus with her students. She loves hosting gatherings for her community in Dallas, and is often found baking, knitting, reading, or playing board games. She is working on designing and publishing a Jane Austen themed card game! Jenna attends Eastside Community Church. 

Stephanie Pickett holds a BA in Geography and English Literature and a B.Ed. from the Universities of Pune & Mumbai, India. She has taught the humanities for over 20 years and loves opening her students eyes to the wonder of the world, its history and language and how it all connects to Jesus and His saving grace in their lives. Stephanie is a former homeschool mom and has tutored other homeschoolers from her church home, City Church International. She enjoys going on long walks with her husband, traveling to new places with her family, hanging out with friends, and reading and dabbling in arts and crafts.

Jan Pipkin holds a B.S. in Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. She and her husband, Jarrell, attend Gateway Community Church in Wylie. They have two grown sons that were classically home-educated. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, and crafting.

Natalie holds a BS in General Business from The University of North Texas. Prior to becoming a mom, Natalie worked for five years as a benefits administrator for a national building supply distributor, where she honed her organizational skills and passion for efficiency. Her love for organizing—whether it's with Microsoft Excel or numerous little containers at home—sets her apart as our Staffing Coordinator.

In her personal time, Natalie enjoys taking road trips with her family visiting many of God’s incredible creations—which always includes sitting in a body of water. Her family includes her wonderful husband of 17 years and four children, three of whom attend Classical School of Dallas. Her hobbies include cross stitching while listening to audiobooks. Natalie is involved in Bible Study Fellowship and serves in the children's ministry at her church, Providence Presbyterian.

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 Sherman 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.

Ashley Smith holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M. A Lake Highlands native, she returned to the Dallas area after college and taught kindergarten in Richardson ISD and 1st grade in Carrollton-Farmer’s Branch ISD and later worked as a small group intervention teacher for students in 2nd- 5th grade. She began in-home tutoring for students while also teaching in the classroom. Ashley left the classroom and started tutoring in the Lake Highlands area and surrounding neighborhoods in 2014, before founding Lake Highlands Tutoring in 2020. The challenges of 2020 led Ashley and her husband to choose to homeschool their oldest daughter for her kindergarten year. This put them on the rewarding journey of classical education. Currently, all three of her girls attend Classical School of Dallas. When not teaching you will find her family running, walking, or riding bikes with their dog Frank. Ashley also loves mountain hikes, coffee, and reading (mostly children’s books). She and her husband, Sam, and their girls attend Eastside Community Church in Lake Highlands.

Robin Smith holds a B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis on Life Span Development from Middle Tennessee State University. Currently, Robin studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, hoping to learn all she can to be the best equipped she can be as a teacher, volunteer, and lay leader in whatever context she is in. Robin attends Dallas Bible Church, where she volunteers with their youth ministry as the youth group audio-visual production team leader.

Abby Spencer holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Moody Bible Institute. Prior to becoming a mom, she taught at a private classical Christian school in the Dallas area for four years. Abby is grateful for the privilege and opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of the students at Classical. Abby is married to Luke and a mama to three young boys. When she’s not in the classroom, Abby enjoys spending time outside with her boys, reading, and trying out new recipes. She and her family attend Centerpoint Church in Mesquite. 

​​Stephanie Thompson 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.

Melissa Vanderhey and her husband Josh have lived in Dallas for the past 15 years. They have four 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.

Deborah Waterman holds a Music Education degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and a Choral Conducting Degree from Southern Methodist University and additional training in the Kodaly Method and Musikgarten. She currently teaches the Musikgarten program for the music department at Park Cities Presbyterian Church and has been doing so for over 20 years. Deborah has grown up in church and community choirs and has continued that tradition by being a part of the Park Cities Presbyterian Church choir for many years and has sung with the Dallas Symphony Chorus. She has also taught general music education in Irving public schools and preschool music at Providence Christian School in Dallas. Deborah is married to Robert and has three almost-grown children whom she had the pleasure of homeschooling for the duration of their schooling experience. The Waterman family are members of New St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Dallas. 

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 Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.

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! She and her family attend Watermark Community Church.

Janay Wilborn holds a B.A. in English Literature from Baylor University and a M.A. in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. With a rich experience of finding God's truth in stories, developing curriculum, and igniting a love for great books, she brings a passion for classical education and a deep love for Primer-age children to her role at Classical School of Dallas. Janay spent years as a manager in the hospitality industry and almost a decade as a ministry director, Bible study writer and teacher, and speaker at a large Dallas area church. She's also honed her skills with young hearts and minds in her three years as a BSF children's leader and seven years as a preschool Sunday school teacher at Grace Bible Church. Janay has been a substitute teacher in the Highland Park school district in the past and the last two years here at Classical. Her two children have been at Classical since 2019, allowing her the privilege of co-teaching every grade from Pre-K to 5th. In addition to her role at Classical School of Dallas, Janay is a professional Christian speaker and, most importantly, is married to the love of her life, Maurice. 

Robbie Zeske holds a BFA from North Texas State University (now UNT) and a teacher’s certification with a specialization in Fine Arts from the University of Dallas. Born and raised in Dallas, she used swimming as her main form of physical and emotional therapy while recovering from an automobile accident as a child. During her 18 year career teaching middle school and high school art, she had the opportunity to revive a swim team at a local private school, spending nine years building a small team into a strong program that offered a competitive sport and a life skill for hundreds of students. During this time, she spent summers working with swimmers at small community pools and country clubs. Finding this to be something she had passion for, she felt driven to start her own USA swimming club.

In 2020, Robbie took over a legacy team and swim academy from her mentor and childhood coach. Since then, she has left the art room and has dedicated her days exclusively to sharing the joy of swimming to children of all ages. Through relationships formed in this program, Robbie became the first swimming coach at Classical in 2023.

Coach Robbie has three grown children of her own as well as two adult bonus children and is enjoying the most wonderful gift God can give, grandchildren! She still loves to create art and can often be found with her pup named Cash. Her favorite activities are finding God through nature while hiking, backpacking or bird watching. She attends St. Joseph's Catholic Church.