Karla is a small business owner and a mother to three wonderful children who attend LCA. She feels very blessed to have found LCA and to be part of this community. She is thrilled to be teaching first grade this year and is looking forward to a year where her students grow academically as well as spiritually. She's excited to cultivate joy and appreciation for learning. She's also a huge supporter of a Christ-centered education and aspires to inspire her students to seek and know God and the beauty of his creation. 

In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, camping, cooking, and reading.

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Andrea is a mother of four with her youngest 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. 

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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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 youngest now attends 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. 

Sammi Dean grew up in rural Oklahoma. She attended Oklahoma State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Theology (with an emphasis in women’s ministry) from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sammi is an avid learner and has spent the past 15 years seeking to return to the ways the Creator intended His people to live. She enjoys cooking from scratch, purposeful conversation, and quiet mornings studying with a cup of Earl Grey or frothy coffee. Sammi is delighted to be a part of the LCA community and hopes that she and her husband Rob have found their settling place in this nook of the Western Slope. 

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 three 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.

Bio coming soon.

Born and raised on the western slope, I always had big ambitions of moving to the city, but knew I would be back on the western slope to raise my family. I followed my passion for music (and desire to experience the big city life) and studied music at Northwest College of the Assemblies of God in Seattle. My husband and I are proud parents to 4 girls, I homeschool our 3 oldest, and the youngest will follow in their footsteps in the years to come. I have a passion for history and music and love when I can combine the two and share those passions with the next generations. I love the classical christian model with its emphasis on history and literature and strongly believe in the importance of knowing our history so we don't continue to fall into the same traps with a new name. 

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

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.

Erin is a wife and mother of four.  She has two sets of twins, all of whom attend LCA.  She graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in linguistically diverse education in 2011.  She first came to the valley as a 1st grade teacher at Highland Elementary School in Rifle.  After several years at HES she moved to Uganda to do ministry full time.  This is where she fell in love with her husband, who is originally from New Castle.  In Uganda, Erin got her first introduction to homeschooling while helping homeschool the children of the missionary family she was living with.  When she returned to the States, she taught math for kindergarten through 4th grade at LCA before welcoming her kids into the world.  She loves being outdoors and exploring new places with her family.  She also enjoys baking, cooking, and art (especially oil pastels).  

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. 

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. 

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

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. 

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.

Erik Villaseñor is an Army veteran who served four years in the Army. He deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he served as a Sergeant leading troops in Afghanistan. After receiving his Bachelor's in Graphic Design from the Art Institute in Denver, the Villaseñor moved to the western slope, eventually landing in Rifle to be close to family. Erik has earned his Crossfit Level-1 certification and coached classes for three years. He enjoys volunteering to coach his children's Rifle recreational teams. Erik serves on the board at First Christian Church in Rifle. He is the executive director of Huts for Vets, leading wilderness therapy trips for veterans. He enjoys spending time in God's creation with his wife and two children.

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. 

Tracey Walter has been with the Liberty Classical Academy since 2008. She is the Head of the Grammar School and will be teaching 1st Grade on Monday/Wednesday. 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, she 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, she 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. Both of her children graduated from LCA.

Kelly is homegrown from our valley and has been with LCA since 2013. She pursued becoming bilingual by traveling and living in Spain. She has taught in Colorado Mountain College's Family English Learning Profram (FELP) and English as a Second Language Program. She also taught ESL for three years in the Re2 School District as an ESL instructor. She and her family traveling often to Mexico with our Oaxaca Missions. 

Developing our House program into a key part of our community and the LCA experience coming out of the challenge of 2020 has been a passion of hers. Kelly implemented leadership training for the Heads of the houses which has helped solidify school culture and was integral in kicking off our Tuesday/Friday track. 

Kelly and her husband Bart (who served several years on the LCA board) have three children. Lacey and Bartley are students at LCA. Their son Jayce graduated in 2023 and is now serving at the Dream Center Leadership School in LA. 

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