Andrea is a mother of four with her youngest two attending LCA. She has taught a variety of subjects to all ages and is looking forward to her second year with LCS.  She studied science at Oklahoma Baptist University and recently completed the Colson Fellowship program. 

Jamie Birdsey is a wife and mother of three with her oldest daughter being a 2023 graduate of LCA.  She has helped with the LCA Preschool class, Kindergarten Class, substituted for all ages, and now is teaching her second 1st grade LCA class.  In 2017 Jamie founded Justice Cry, a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope, healing, comfort & truth through their TruthBE Bear program and fundraising events to help fight human trafficking. With a passion for children to walk in their God given identity Jamie is excited for this 2023-2024 school year.

Dorothy Bleakley graduated from West Texas A&M in 1993 with her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies. During her time at A&M she discovered she was dyslexic. That set her on the path of wanting to help others with their learning disabilities. She spent 3 years as a SPED teacher and the district dyslexic specialist with the Amarillo,Texas school district. She took some time off from teaching to raise her three boys.During that time the family moved from Texas to Colorado. Once she returned to teaching, she taught in various roles and oversaw all the SPED children at Liberty Classical Academy. Tutoring and incorporating brain gym exercises into her time with students. In 2019 she went to Canada where she received her training and certification in the Arrowsmith Program. She is currently the director and teacher for the Arrowsmith Program at New Castle Learning Advantage. She is entering her 29th year as an educator and feels that the last 5 years have been the most rewarding and the first time that she truly feels like she is making a difference in the lives of those with learning struggles. The Arrowsmith Program has also helped her in her own reading struggles and now is an avid reader. 

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Mrs. Bleakley also teaches our Future Cities class for 6th through 8th graders.

Eva Bower is originally from beautiful Eger, Hungary and has been living in Colorado for many years. She was inspired from a very young age to teach. Eva decided to become an English and German teacher receiving her master's degree in German and a bachelor's degree in English. Her passion is languages (She has studied six languages and speaks English, German and Hungarian fluently). Eva worked in Middle and a High School in Eger, Hungary until she married Tim and moved to Colorado. She now teaches math and Latin in the grammar and logic classes at LCA. Homeschooling her two sons has been her most important job over the last several years. Her boys are now students at LCA. She enjoys music, traveling, hiking and serving the Lord Jesus in our community. She's thrilled to be able to teach in a Christian environment.

Bio Coming Soon

Matt Chilson is originally from Flint, Michigan. He received his B.S. in Youth Ministry and M.A. in Local Church Ministry from Grace College and Theological Seminary. He also received his M.Div in Discipleship Ministries and Th.M in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. He has a passion for history, biblical studies and teaching. Matt and his family moved to Colorado in 2014 to serve as pastor at Glenwood Springs Baptist Church. Matt and his wife have 5 young children. 

Therese grew up in the rural “Northeast Kingdom” of Vermont. She was homeschooled most of her childhood, along with her 4 siblings, on their family’s mini homestead. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Art, with focus on teaching elementary age children, from Johnson State College in 2001. All through college, she also taught Skiing and Snowboarding at Jay Peak and Smuggler’s Notch resorts. 

After college, she received an internship with the Amy Biehl Foundation, to coordinate an after school care program in the impoverished Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp townships in George, South Africa. The creativity and resourcefulness of the South African children and teachers inspired her to stay a second year to teach Recycled Art in the after school care programs in 6 townships in and around Cape Town. 

Upon returning to the United States, Therese moved to beautiful Colorado to teach snowboarding, where she met her husband, Roy Coats. Therese worked as General Manager of Riverside Grill, in Basalt, for 7 years and managed the front end catering staff for some of the area’s largest events, such as the Jazz Aspen VIP tent and Art Crush. 

Therese and Roy got married on the slopes at Snowmass in 2010, and have 3 wonderful children who are thrilled to be attending LCA this year. Therese has spent the last 11 years immersed in her most important calling; that of being a mother and raising children with a strong faith and good moral character. Therese is very excited to be joining the LCA family and looks forward to igniting a love for learning in her 1st and 2nd grade class. 

Brian and his family have been part of the LCA community for the past two years. Brian has held many different leadership roles in his church community, which include the jail ministry, and also the business community as office manager at a financial services firm.  He has spent most of his adult life serving in the US Army which included a deployment in Afghanistan where he held the leadership role of platoon sergeant. Currently, he owns his own business as a financial advisor and serves his clients’ needs for financial planning. Brian's wife, Elizabeth, will be teaching second grade. Their three children, Asher, Brayden, and Selah will be attending as students.

Elizabeth Dow is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and has lived in the valley since 2009. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Outdoor Education. She enjoys coaching volleyball, exploring new places with her family, and growing spiritually. Elizabeth and her husband Brian have 3 kids and are honored to be a part of the amazing community here at LCA. 

Lisa was originally from Fenton, Michigan and moved to Colorado in 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6) from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Linguistically Diverse Education (K-12) from Colorado Mesa University. She has over 20 years experience in public education mostly within the Garfield RE-2 school district teaching all grade levels, preschool through 6th grade. She fell in love with Christian education while learning about Charlotte Mason and her approach to teaching and learning. She is excited to continue the journey in Classical Christian Education for herself and her family.

Crystal Garrison is excited to be joining the LCA family as a Kindergarten and Physical Education Teacher. A teacher for 24 years, 22 years has been in K-12 P.E. and Health. Although a native to Colorado she spent five years teaching high school to inner-city children in the California bay area. She and her husband returned to New Castle in 2007. Since then Crystal has taught for the Roaring Fork And RE-2 school districts. She also partnered with them as the owner and head director of the Beyond the Bell After School program and Summer Day Camp. Crystal also loves coaching Track and Field, Volleyball, and All Star Cheer and Tumbling. Most importantly, Crystal is looking forward to raising her daughter in a Christian environment and partnering with LCA for her daughter's education.

Heather grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Colorado since 2010. She graduated with a

bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and then a

Masters in Elementary Education from Curry College. She began her teaching career as a

teacher’s aide in behavioral programs and special needs programs before becoming a resource

teacher and interventionist for the Durango public school district. After having her first child in

2017, she left her teaching position to focus on raising her family. Since leaving the public

schools she has been inspired by other teaching methods, such a Montessori, Charlotte Mason

and Waldorf and has enjoyed incorporating these practices into her daily life with her children.

Heather and her family moved to New Castle in July 2021 and she is so grateful that they found

LCA. After a wonderful preschool experience for her daughter, she is excited for her younger

son and herself to join the LCA community this coming school year.

Mrs. Hendrickson has over 18 years experience schooling her 3 children in the collaborative style and is now the mother of 2 graduates. She began working at LCA in 2004. While being an invaluable part of the administrative team, Jo also serves as Co-Producer and stage manager for the annual  theater productions and has previously directed three. Her other hats include Bookkeeper, teacher for Pre-Algebra and leads the Girl's Devotional class. Before joining the LCA team she served as a MOPs (Mother of Preschools) Coordinator for 6 years.

Mr. Kruis moved to New Castle with his wife Kelly and two oldest children, Cohen and Zoe, from Westcliffe, CO, in 2017, adding Abel and Levi to the mix since arriving. Zach has taught at LCA on and off over the last five years, including Greek, Hebrew, and boys' devotions. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America, Zach pastors Trinity Reformed Church and works part-time answering Bible and theology questions on a live chat service for Ligonier Ministries. Zach has a degree in fine woodworking, a BA in project management, and an M.Div from Sangre de Christo Seminary. He enjoys many hobbies, including fly fishing, gardening, cooking, and woodworking.

Bio Coming Soon

With over 35 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools, Mrs. Miller is passionate about families having choices to educate their children in dynamic and joyful ways. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Point Loma Nazarene College. After teaching in the public school system in California and the Dept. of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) in Germany, she founded Liberty Classical Academy, originally calling it The Garden School, in 1997, with her husband David.  This was the beginning of a hybrid form of schooling for their seven children. Renee became the Head of School for LCA. David and Renee also started and operated an alternative, drop-out retrieval program for 13 years called Crossroads Academy. Renee founded Cornerstone Classical School in Basalt in 2012 and has taught ESL and GED Classes for CMC.  Currently, Renee is the Executive Director for Colorado Homeschool Enrichment (CHE) and New Castle Learning Advantage (NCLA), two new ventures created to meet educational demands in our communities. 

Molly Noel is a much sought-after collaborative pianist in the Roaring Fork Valley. Known for her lyrical touch and supportive accompaniment, she collaborates with many of the valley’s top

musicians as well as students from the Aspen Music Festival and School. After earning her Masters of Music from Boston University she has gone on to perform with various institutes and ensembles including the New England Philharmonic and Concord Orchestras and on the stage of Boston’s Symphony Hall with the Boston University Orchestra. As a staff accompanist with Boston Conservatory she coached vocalists, played for private voice studios and accompanied ensembles and numerous private recitals. Molly’s performances have taken her around the United States and Europe. She has studied in Salzburg, Austria and was the winner of the 2002 Leopoldskron Concert Competition. She has been a staff accompanist for the Boston University

Tanglewood Institute, the Heifetz International Music Institute and the Maroon Bel Canto Choir. Prior to her current position as Music Director at Christ Episcopal Church, Aspen, she worked at the Aspen Music Festival and School for five years.

Amanda is a physician assistant by training with a Master’s degree in Health Sciences, but fell in love with classical education through homeschooling her 5 children. She has always loved science and math but through learning about classical education has renewed her love for literature and the language arts. She has taught various Logic and Rhetoric classes at LCA for 4 years. She and her husband are members of New Hope Church in New Castle. She is a runner, coffee drinker, avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. 

Heather Paulson moved to the valley in 2004 where she and her husband, Chad, are busy raising their children, Lauryn and Cole, who have been attending LCA since 2014. Her love of community as well as her commitment to a strong, Christian education for her children, led her to teaching at LCA. Heather worked as a Senior Graphic Designer for seventeen years prior to becoming the Executive Director of The River Center in New Castle, where she continues to work as well. She has been able to still put her love of graphic design to use by volunteering for LCA over the last eight years. 

Brenda Simonson received her nursing degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction in 1984. She began practicing as an R.N. in 1985. She has worked in various health care settings such as general med surg, home health, hospice, geriatrics and in secured Alzheimer and dementia units. In 2010, Mrs. Simonson followed her passion for teaching quality health care to Colorado Mountain College where she began teaching various health science classes. Mrs. Simonson and her husband raised their family in the New Castle area where they still reside and enjoy the many pleasures of their small farm and family.

Dennis retired from 23 years in the U.S. Air Force. He spent 15 years with clinical duties, including general dentistry and specialty care. The last 8 years he spent in overseeing clinical operations for up to 10 doctor office. He also held positions in training operations. Dennis has attended New Hope for the past 15 years. Since becoming a Christian in 1995 he has worked with church youth groups and is best known for his faithful heart of service helping with sound. Many of your Logic Students met Mr. Sunderland when he stepped in to help with our back-to-school camp. We are looking forward to Dennis' many years experience taking students on service learning/mission trips in the US and Mexico. We are thankful he is joining our community and appreciate his resourcefulness in thinking through physical education activities for our kids. 

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He developed a passion for volleyball while serving 23 years in U.S. Air Force and has been playing indoor and all forms of outdoor- doubles, 4-man, grass and sand since 1988. 

Highlights include Air Force USAFE Champions 1988, 2nd place AMC Championship 1995; Several top 3 finishes in regional men’s open tournaments 1991-1998, and being a Base Level Setter from 1994-2000. He has played tournaments both indoor and outdoor in seven different countries. His coaching experience includes: Air Force Squadron Coach from 1993 to 2010 with two Base Championships, and they never finishing below 5th place, ever. 

Dennis is currently the Colorado Mesa University Head Coach for the Men's and Women's Club Programs in Grand Junction, CO. In 2017, his CMU Men's team finished 5th in the Region, being eliminated by Air Force ironically. Air Force was ranked second in the nation at the time. 

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Dennis is IMPACT Certified, Beach IMPACT Certified and CAP II Accredited in the USA Volleyball High Performance Program. He desires to improve the quality of players by increasing skills, knowledge and character leading to an abundant life through life skills taught by the game. 

Jeanette Thompson has a heart for service. Her background includes serving on Rifle's Planning and Zoning Board, four years as a Rifle City Council member, serving on the Liberty Classical Academy Board, and volunteering in her church's nursery. She has lived in Rifle for 30 years with her husband, Kelly, and their two children. In college, Jeanette majored in German, studied French for three years, and Spanish for two.  She and her husband are both strong supporters of Classical Christian education and feel blessed to have the best of both worlds in the university model system at LCA. 

Trea Traver has lived in Glenwood Springs for over 30 years. She has three children, one that has graduated and two that attend LCA. She studied Music at UNC, attended Bible College and went on to serve in many countries on the mission field with her husband and later on has run several successful businesses. She began homeschooling her first daughter in 2007 and started a homeschool co-op in 2010. In 2017 she became the Art and Music director for the private school that her children attended. She has taught art, music, math, Shakespeare and drama to students in grades K-12. Trea enjoys travelling abroad with her children during the summers, walking her Basset Hounds, writing music and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. She is full of the joy of the Lord and brings that to every lesson. 

Nicholas Villarreal has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2003. He began working with his father in their family software business in 2013. Most days he can be found working at his home office, building custom software (or breaking it). He teaches computer programming at LCA to students in grades 6-12.

Nicholas enjoys discussing theology, politics, and how the Bible applies to every area of life. He loves to read, practice martial arts, and spend time with his family.

Nicholas and his wife Natasha have 3 young children and are looking forward to homeschooling them when the time comes.

Treonna Villaseñor is a 4th generation Coloradan, born and raised in Colorado Springs. After receiving her Masters in Architecture from UC Denver, the Villaseñor’s moved to the western slope, eventually landing in Rifle to be close to family. Treonna has taught Sunday school at First Christian Church in Rifle for 7 years, sits on the Rifle Planning and Zoning Commission and enjoys recreating in God’s creation with her husband and 2 children. 

Mrs. Walter has been with the Liberty Classical Academy since 2008 and assumed the role of Preschool Director in the 2011. Mrs. Walter is also the Head of the Grammar School and will be teaching Kindergarten on Monday/Thursday. She received her B.A. in History from the University of Wales-Swansea, U.K. in 1998 before moving to Glenwood Springs to work with the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association and married Deric Walter. She spent 5-years working alongside major community and business leaders at the chamber before giving birth to their first child and changing her vocation to ‘mother’. She then worked from home with CLEER a few hours a week. With this new focus in life of being a mother, Mrs. Walter began seeking wisdom from teacher-friends and mentors as she and her husband considered various educational opportunities. After selecting Liberty Classical Academy and enrolling their first child, Mrs. Walter accepted many opportunities to substitute teach and increase her own love for learning until she eventually accepted an assistant position in the Preschool. Since then, Mrs. Walter has completed her ECE 101 and 103 courses and thoroughly enjoys educating Grammar students and edifying their families. Her oldest child graduated from LCA and her youngest is a senior this year at LCA.

Mrs. Whittington has been with LCA since 2013. She has taught in CMC's Family English Learning Profram (FELP) and English as a Second Language Program. She taught ESL for three years in the Re2 School District.