FACULTY & STAFF
Rachael Oren | Founding Head of School
Rachael Oren is the founding Head of School at The Classical Academy. With over fifteen years of experience in education, Rachael brings a wealth of passion, knowledge, and expertise to The Classical Academy. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Masters of Education with a concentration in curriculum development and management. In addition to her work in the public and private sector of education, Rachael has home educated her school-age children since 2014 before launching the Academy. Having spent significant time in both educational sectors of home and the classroom, Rachael found that there is a wealth of benefit from both. Her passion for education and her passion for families is what motivated her to launch The Classical Academy. Rachael has a strong desire to see students develop a lifelong love of learning and grow into articulate, passionate, servant-led thought leaders who inspire and lead the next generation. Rachael and her husband Jon have five children and live in a 100-year old schoolhouse.
Rachael Oren is the founding Head of School at The Classical Academy. With over fifteen years of experience in education, Rachael brings a wealth of passion, knowledge, and expertise to The Classical Academy. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Masters of Education with a concentration in curriculum development and management. In addition to her work in the public and private sector of education, Rachael has home educated her school-age children since 2014 before launching the Academy. Having spent significant time in both educational sectors of home and the classroom, Rachael found that there is a wealth of benefit from both. Her passion for education and her passion for families is what motivated her to launch The Classical Academy. Rachael has a strong desire to see students develop a lifelong love of learning and grow into articulate, passionate, servant-led thought leaders who inspire and lead the next generation. Rachael and her husband Jon have five children and live in a 100-year old schoolhouse.
Rachel Sandlin | Dean of Students
Rachel Sandlin has a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College and a Masters in Business Administration from Liberty University. She comes to the Dean of Students position with a strong passion for classical education along with experience in numerous leadership positions both in church and academic settings. Rachel and her husband Matt live on the northeast side of Indianapolis and their three children attend the Academy.
Rachel Sandlin has a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College and a Masters in Business Administration from Liberty University. She comes to the Dean of Students position with a strong passion for classical education along with experience in numerous leadership positions both in church and academic settings. Rachel and her husband Matt live on the northeast side of Indianapolis and their three children attend the Academy.
Charles Castanon | Upper School Humanities and Director of Latin
Charlie Castanon earned his Bachelor’s degree in history and classics in 2015 from Fresno Pacific University before coming to Indiana to pursue his master’s degree in Classical Studies: Greek and Latin at IU Bloomington, which he completed in 2017. Although his graduate studies focused on the intersection between early Christianity and Greco-Roman culture, he has worked deeply with both Greece and Rome in general, in the fields of language, history, culture, literature, and so on. He has taught various courses in Latin, classical mythology, medical terminology and etymology, and other related subjects between IU Bloomington and IUPUI. He has seen firsthand the benefits given to students through the pursuit of a classical education, and seeks to impart students with both a love of the ancient world and a love of knowledge that produces truth, goodness, and beauty. When Charlie is not immersed in thousand year old texts, he likes to read, play video games, and watch Netflix. He currently lives in Muncie with his wife, Mandy and his cat, Coconut.
Charlie Castanon earned his Bachelor’s degree in history and classics in 2015 from Fresno Pacific University before coming to Indiana to pursue his master’s degree in Classical Studies: Greek and Latin at IU Bloomington, which he completed in 2017. Although his graduate studies focused on the intersection between early Christianity and Greco-Roman culture, he has worked deeply with both Greece and Rome in general, in the fields of language, history, culture, literature, and so on. He has taught various courses in Latin, classical mythology, medical terminology and etymology, and other related subjects between IU Bloomington and IUPUI. He has seen firsthand the benefits given to students through the pursuit of a classical education, and seeks to impart students with both a love of the ancient world and a love of knowledge that produces truth, goodness, and beauty. When Charlie is not immersed in thousand year old texts, he likes to read, play video games, and watch Netflix. He currently lives in Muncie with his wife, Mandy and his cat, Coconut.
Dr. Eric Retrum | Upper School Science- Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Dr. Eric Retrum earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and his MD from Indiana University. Dr. Retrum comes to The Classical Academy with over 40 years of experience in the field of science and medical practice, both in Emergency Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology. In retirement, Eric has developed a keen interest in Classical Christian Education and equipping young people to confidently approach the false dichotomy of Science vs Faith in contemporary culture. In his free time, Eric enjoys playing mandolin, reading great books, spending time with family and volunteering in an addiction recovery ministry in Columbus. He also serves on the worship team at his local church. Eric and his wife Carmen have been married for 43 years, have 4 grown children and 12 grandchildren, three of whom attend the Academy.
Dr. Eric Retrum earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and his MD from Indiana University. Dr. Retrum comes to The Classical Academy with over 40 years of experience in the field of science and medical practice, both in Emergency Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology. In retirement, Eric has developed a keen interest in Classical Christian Education and equipping young people to confidently approach the false dichotomy of Science vs Faith in contemporary culture. In his free time, Eric enjoys playing mandolin, reading great books, spending time with family and volunteering in an addiction recovery ministry in Columbus. He also serves on the worship team at his local church. Eric and his wife Carmen have been married for 43 years, have 4 grown children and 12 grandchildren, three of whom attend the Academy.
Tori Hickok | Upper School Mathematics
Tori Hickok holds a Bachelor degree in Secondary Mathematics. Tori comes to the Academy with not only upper mathematics classroom experience, but over 9 years of experience with classical, Christian education. She is passionate about the collaborative model and helping students and parents work together in the education process. Tori is looking forward to teaching students the skills and processes of upper mathematics, but moreover in developing Socratic discussions that lead students to dig for answers and make cross level connections. Innovation and discovery in math and science comes from not just being able to compute math, but in being able to make connections across disciplines- a lost art in many schools todays. Tori and her husband Ben live in Pendleton and have 6 children, two of whom attend the Academy.
Tori Hickok holds a Bachelor degree in Secondary Mathematics. Tori comes to the Academy with not only upper mathematics classroom experience, but over 9 years of experience with classical, Christian education. She is passionate about the collaborative model and helping students and parents work together in the education process. Tori is looking forward to teaching students the skills and processes of upper mathematics, but moreover in developing Socratic discussions that lead students to dig for answers and make cross level connections. Innovation and discovery in math and science comes from not just being able to compute math, but in being able to make connections across disciplines- a lost art in many schools todays. Tori and her husband Ben live in Pendleton and have 6 children, two of whom attend the Academy.
Herman Hannan | Lower and Upper School Latin
Herman graduated magna cum laude from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor's degree in Classics. He also graduated summa cum laude from IU Bloomington with a Masters in Classics. His studies have focused on Homeric papyrology, Roman law, Byzantine patristics, and New Testament Greek. To complement his education Herman has traveled extensively throughout London, Italy and Greece. Herman taught undergraduate students for five years, as well as students in 6th-10th grade. Raised and home educated in Homer, Alaska, Herman has a deep interest in alternative modes of education, especially as a method of cultivating the humanities. He believes that true education goes beyond the classroom, teaching children how to define and pursue a life well-lived. In addition to his private academic pursuits, Herman is also interested in marine biology, botany, Byzantine chant, and writing songs on his guitar. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Grace and their two children.
Herman graduated magna cum laude from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor's degree in Classics. He also graduated summa cum laude from IU Bloomington with a Masters in Classics. His studies have focused on Homeric papyrology, Roman law, Byzantine patristics, and New Testament Greek. To complement his education Herman has traveled extensively throughout London, Italy and Greece. Herman taught undergraduate students for five years, as well as students in 6th-10th grade. Raised and home educated in Homer, Alaska, Herman has a deep interest in alternative modes of education, especially as a method of cultivating the humanities. He believes that true education goes beyond the classroom, teaching children how to define and pursue a life well-lived. In addition to his private academic pursuits, Herman is also interested in marine biology, botany, Byzantine chant, and writing songs on his guitar. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Grace and their two children.
Barry LeBlanc | Formal Logic; Academy Choir Director
Barry LeBlanc holds a Master's degree in Music Education from UGA and Practical Theology from Regent University. His role as an adjunct college professor in ethics and his role in Christian ministry and pastoral leadership have led him to develop a growing passion for logic and rhetoric studies. His professional career includes 14 years in education as a band director; 12 years in full-time church music and worship ministry; 7 years in full-time pastoral ministry; and 7 years as an adjunct college professor, where he continues to teach music appreciation and ethics. Currently, Barry pastors a small church in Indianapolis and does occasional chaplaincy at two area hospitals. He also teaches percussion and enjoys performing with community groups when his schedule allows. Barry and his wife Cindi live in Noblesville and have two married children and four grandchildren, two of whom attend the Academy.
Barry LeBlanc holds a Master's degree in Music Education from UGA and Practical Theology from Regent University. His role as an adjunct college professor in ethics and his role in Christian ministry and pastoral leadership have led him to develop a growing passion for logic and rhetoric studies. His professional career includes 14 years in education as a band director; 12 years in full-time church music and worship ministry; 7 years in full-time pastoral ministry; and 7 years as an adjunct college professor, where he continues to teach music appreciation and ethics. Currently, Barry pastors a small church in Indianapolis and does occasional chaplaincy at two area hospitals. He also teaches percussion and enjoys performing with community groups when his schedule allows. Barry and his wife Cindi live in Noblesville and have two married children and four grandchildren, two of whom attend the Academy.
Fran Simmons | Upper School Writing & Grammar
Fran Simmons earned her Bachelor's in Science and her Master’s in Science from Indiana Wesleyan University. After working in private practice for several years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, she decided to stay home in order devote more time to educating her children. Fran brings ten years of experience in classical, Christian education to the Academy and is passionate about classical education, grammar, and writing. She also loves working with teenagers and believes the teen years are an exciting time to be involved in helping kids build lifelong habits of character and learning. Fran lives in Indianapolis with her husband and four daughters, all of whom attend the Classical Academy. In addition to teaching at the Academy, she works at her local church in Family Ministries.
Fran Simmons earned her Bachelor's in Science and her Master’s in Science from Indiana Wesleyan University. After working in private practice for several years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, she decided to stay home in order devote more time to educating her children. Fran brings ten years of experience in classical, Christian education to the Academy and is passionate about classical education, grammar, and writing. She also loves working with teenagers and believes the teen years are an exciting time to be involved in helping kids build lifelong habits of character and learning. Fran lives in Indianapolis with her husband and four daughters, all of whom attend the Classical Academy. In addition to teaching at the Academy, she works at her local church in Family Ministries.
Sonja Greiwe | College Advisor
Sonja has been coaching high school students in career exploration, college decisions and scholarship exploration for over 4 years. She began this work based on two decades of working on college campuses with Greek InterVarsity, a national ministry to fraternity and sorority students, which she helped start in 1991.
Sonja is a certified Growth Coach through both Life Forming Leadership and the Christian Coaching School. She currently lives in Fishers. She and her husband have four children. Sonja loves to read, ride bicycles, play games and spend time with friends.
Sonja has been coaching high school students in career exploration, college decisions and scholarship exploration for over 4 years. She began this work based on two decades of working on college campuses with Greek InterVarsity, a national ministry to fraternity and sorority students, which she helped start in 1991.
Sonja is a certified Growth Coach through both Life Forming Leadership and the Christian Coaching School. She currently lives in Fishers. She and her husband have four children. Sonja loves to read, ride bicycles, play games and spend time with friends.
Anna Larson | Lower Logic School; 6th Grade
Anna Larson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Biology Education and a Teaching Certificate from Purdue University in 2001. She has spent 14 years classically home educating her own six children and other children cooperatively. She is passionate about disciple-making within the local church and studying and teaching the Scriptures. Whether studying the Bible or academic subjects, it is important to Anna that students of any age connect knowledge both practically and meaningfully to real life situations. She has lived for short periods in both Puerto Rico and Russia and studied several foreign languages, most recently Latin. In her free time, she gardens, hikes with her family, and teaches her children to sew. Anna and her husband, Ben, live in West Lafayette and their youngest three children attend the Academy.
Anna Larson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Biology Education and a Teaching Certificate from Purdue University in 2001. She has spent 14 years classically home educating her own six children and other children cooperatively. She is passionate about disciple-making within the local church and studying and teaching the Scriptures. Whether studying the Bible or academic subjects, it is important to Anna that students of any age connect knowledge both practically and meaningfully to real life situations. She has lived for short periods in both Puerto Rico and Russia and studied several foreign languages, most recently Latin. In her free time, she gardens, hikes with her family, and teaches her children to sew. Anna and her husband, Ben, live in West Lafayette and their youngest three children attend the Academy.
Donnell Bradley | Grammar School; 5th Grade
Donnell Bradley comes to The Classical Academy with over 20 years of experience in the education field. She holds a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University, in addition to a bachelors in Hospitality Management from Purdue University. She has taught 2nd-8th grade, as well as middle school language arts and is trained in Orton-Gillingham. The relationships that develop with her students and with the parents are one of the primary reasons she enjoys teaching at The Classical Academy. She considers herself to be a life-long learner and hopes to create in her students that same passion for learning and curiosity about the world in which they live. In her spare time, Donnell combines her love for teaching with her love for sewing! She operates a business called Room to Sew where children and adults learn the valuable skill of sewing as they also acquire a myriad of other skills along the way. Donnell and her husband Patrick enjoy spending time with their two adult sons, daughter-in-law, and mini-Australian Shepherd, Tilly.
Donnell Bradley comes to The Classical Academy with over 20 years of experience in the education field. She holds a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University, in addition to a bachelors in Hospitality Management from Purdue University. She has taught 2nd-8th grade, as well as middle school language arts and is trained in Orton-Gillingham. The relationships that develop with her students and with the parents are one of the primary reasons she enjoys teaching at The Classical Academy. She considers herself to be a life-long learner and hopes to create in her students that same passion for learning and curiosity about the world in which they live. In her spare time, Donnell combines her love for teaching with her love for sewing! She operates a business called Room to Sew where children and adults learn the valuable skill of sewing as they also acquire a myriad of other skills along the way. Donnell and her husband Patrick enjoy spending time with their two adult sons, daughter-in-law, and mini-Australian Shepherd, Tilly.
Kelly Miknaitis | Grammar School; 4th Grade
Kelly Miknaitis earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. She taught elementary school and tutored before coming out of the traditional classroom after her children were born. Kelly brings over 7 years of experience in classical, Christian education to the Academy. She is passionate about strengthening family relationships between students and their parents and helping all students find joy in the learning process. Reading, playing board games, and going hiking in the woods with her family are some of her favorite ways to enjoy her free time. Kelly and her husband Darius live in Indianapolis and have three children, two of whom attend the Academy.
Kelly Miknaitis earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. She taught elementary school and tutored before coming out of the traditional classroom after her children were born. Kelly brings over 7 years of experience in classical, Christian education to the Academy. She is passionate about strengthening family relationships between students and their parents and helping all students find joy in the learning process. Reading, playing board games, and going hiking in the woods with her family are some of her favorite ways to enjoy her free time. Kelly and her husband Darius live in Indianapolis and have three children, two of whom attend the Academy.
Cheryl Tomas | Grammar School; 3rd Grade
Cheryl Tomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and has worked in the education field for 20 years. She is a firm believer in multiple intelligences and strives to find the optimal learning pathway for each child. She has a passion for children who struggle and has worked extensively with children with special needs. She loves to help teachers and parents navigate the beauty of differing learners. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys watching her garden propagate madly of its own accord, chauffeuring her teenage children to horse back riding lessons, randomly breaking into a musical number, serving on mission's trips and volunteering for local ministries. She and her husband, Nate, have been married for 20 years. They reside in Fishers and have two daughters whom she has home educated for ten years.
Cheryl Tomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and has worked in the education field for 20 years. She is a firm believer in multiple intelligences and strives to find the optimal learning pathway for each child. She has a passion for children who struggle and has worked extensively with children with special needs. She loves to help teachers and parents navigate the beauty of differing learners. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys watching her garden propagate madly of its own accord, chauffeuring her teenage children to horse back riding lessons, randomly breaking into a musical number, serving on mission's trips and volunteering for local ministries. She and her husband, Nate, have been married for 20 years. They reside in Fishers and have two daughters whom she has home educated for ten years.
Alison Terry | Grammar School; 2nd Grade
Alison Terry earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University. She taught in public and Christian schools in Chicago and the Washington, D.C. area for 9 years in grades K-8. After having her first daughter she became a stay at home mom and enjoyed using her teaching skills and passion for working with children as a mom, a Sunday school teacher, Awana leader and VBS teacher. Alison is back in the classroom and loves seeing children blossom into lifelong learners and growing spiritually. She and her husband Jerry live in Fishers and have three daughters who attend the Academy. In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family; going on bike rides; women’s discipleship ministry; reading; baking; and crafting.
Alison Terry earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University. She taught in public and Christian schools in Chicago and the Washington, D.C. area for 9 years in grades K-8. After having her first daughter she became a stay at home mom and enjoyed using her teaching skills and passion for working with children as a mom, a Sunday school teacher, Awana leader and VBS teacher. Alison is back in the classroom and loves seeing children blossom into lifelong learners and growing spiritually. She and her husband Jerry live in Fishers and have three daughters who attend the Academy. In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family; going on bike rides; women’s discipleship ministry; reading; baking; and crafting.
Kelsey Maddox | Grammar School; 1st Grade Cohort A
Kelsey Maddox earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Reading Specialist Certification from Indiana University. She taught Language Arts for seven years before staying home with her two children. During her time home, she taught preschool fitness classes and pre-K Sunday School. Transitioning her oldest daughter from public school into The Classical Academy for its first school year reinforced her belief that a Christian hybrid model between school and home would best fit her family's needs. Kelsey is passionate about fostering a life-long love of learning and serving. Her favorite family activities include exploring parks, cooking, spending time at the lake, and reading aloud. Both of her daughters attend the Academy.
Kelsey Maddox earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Reading Specialist Certification from Indiana University. She taught Language Arts for seven years before staying home with her two children. During her time home, she taught preschool fitness classes and pre-K Sunday School. Transitioning her oldest daughter from public school into The Classical Academy for its first school year reinforced her belief that a Christian hybrid model between school and home would best fit her family's needs. Kelsey is passionate about fostering a life-long love of learning and serving. Her favorite family activities include exploring parks, cooking, spending time at the lake, and reading aloud. Both of her daughters attend the Academy.
Catie Smiley | Grammar School; 1st Grade Cohort B
Catie Smiley earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Taylor University in 2007. She taught elementary school and tutored on the North Shore of Chicago before moving to Indiana. She is passionate about the local church and enjoys serving with her husband and family in ministry. She has a passion for developing relationship with her students and families and inspiring students with a love of learning. Teaching at the Academy has instilled a love for the classical approach to education. Catie and her husband Andrew live and serve in Cicero and their two boys attend the Academy.
Catie Smiley earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Taylor University in 2007. She taught elementary school and tutored on the North Shore of Chicago before moving to Indiana. She is passionate about the local church and enjoys serving with her husband and family in ministry. She has a passion for developing relationship with her students and families and inspiring students with a love of learning. Teaching at the Academy has instilled a love for the classical approach to education. Catie and her husband Andrew live and serve in Cicero and their two boys attend the Academy.
Robyn Bewley | Primer School; Kindergarten Cohort A
Robyn Bewley earned her Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Life from Indiana State University. Since graduating Robyn has worked as an Early Childhood Educator for Family Development Services, an Early Childhood Director for Noblesville Schools, and also a kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Hinkle Creek Elementary. Robyn has a passion for working with children and also building relationships with her students' families. She lives in Noblesville with her husband Chris and has two children Jorden and Aiden who attend the Academy. Robyn and her family love showing hospitality to others and love serving together through their church. Robyn also enjoys hiking with her family and her favorite hobby is photography.
Robyn Bewley earned her Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Life from Indiana State University. Since graduating Robyn has worked as an Early Childhood Educator for Family Development Services, an Early Childhood Director for Noblesville Schools, and also a kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Hinkle Creek Elementary. Robyn has a passion for working with children and also building relationships with her students' families. She lives in Noblesville with her husband Chris and has two children Jorden and Aiden who attend the Academy. Robyn and her family love showing hospitality to others and love serving together through their church. Robyn also enjoys hiking with her family and her favorite hobby is photography.
Destiny Henderson | Primer School; Kindergarten Cohort B
Destiny Henderson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Ball State University. She taught for seven years before staying home. Along with her experience in the classroom, she has homeschooled her children since 2018. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the joy that comes from students when they recognize their academic and spiritual growth. Outside of the classroom Destiny enjoys reading, baking sweet treats, and playing outdoors with her family. She is passionate about serving in her church and leading women’s ministry in her community. She and her husband, Todd, live in Pendleton with their son and daughter who both attend the Academy.
Destiny Henderson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Ball State University. She taught for seven years before staying home. Along with her experience in the classroom, she has homeschooled her children since 2018. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the joy that comes from students when they recognize their academic and spiritual growth. Outside of the classroom Destiny enjoys reading, baking sweet treats, and playing outdoors with her family. She is passionate about serving in her church and leading women’s ministry in her community. She and her husband, Todd, live in Pendleton with their son and daughter who both attend the Academy.
Jennifer Roberts | Primer School; Pre-Kindergarten
Jennifer Roberts holds a Bachelor's degree, certification in early literacy reading & writing, and specified training in grammar school classical education. Jen also brings her prior experience serving on a preschool board to the table. She is co-founder and President of INCourage a nonprofit to help raise funds for childhood cancer research and serves as Vice President on Pendelton's Board of Parks and Recreation. Jen is passionate about the Prek age and enjoys nurturing students' excitement for learning with fun, hands-on, and intentional lessons. Jen lives in Pendleton with her husband and three children who attend the Academy. They love camping, traveling, reading, being outdoors, and serving their community and church together.
Jennifer Roberts holds a Bachelor's degree, certification in early literacy reading & writing, and specified training in grammar school classical education. Jen also brings her prior experience serving on a preschool board to the table. She is co-founder and President of INCourage a nonprofit to help raise funds for childhood cancer research and serves as Vice President on Pendelton's Board of Parks and Recreation. Jen is passionate about the Prek age and enjoys nurturing students' excitement for learning with fun, hands-on, and intentional lessons. Jen lives in Pendleton with her husband and three children who attend the Academy. They love camping, traveling, reading, being outdoors, and serving their community and church together.
Sarah Lindley | Grammar School Support Staff; Grammar School Mathematics
Sarah Lindley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Anderson University. She taught for seven years in grades 3rd-5th as well as high ability. After her first child was born, she became a stay at home mom using her teaching skills as a Bible Study Fellowship children’s leader, Awana leader, and Sunday school teacher. She and her husband live in Noblesville and have two children, a son and daughter, who attend The Classical Academy. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, quilting, baking, and participating in Bible Study Fellowship.
Sarah Lindley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Anderson University. She taught for seven years in grades 3rd-5th as well as high ability. After her first child was born, she became a stay at home mom using her teaching skills as a Bible Study Fellowship children’s leader, Awana leader, and Sunday school teacher. She and her husband live in Noblesville and have two children, a son and daughter, who attend The Classical Academy. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, quilting, baking, and participating in Bible Study Fellowship.
Denise Huston | Primer School Support Staff; Grammar School Mathematics
Denise Huston earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University at IUPUI. She taught in the Hamilton Southeastern Schools for 7 years before deciding to stay at her home with her children. After having her first child, she spent her time using her teaching skills in children's ministry at her local church, Awana, and VBS. Since then, she taught preschool at Hamilton Hills Preschool for 6 years and lead the Parent Teacher Organization at Hamilton Southeastern High School for 6 years. She and her husband Todd live in Fishers and have two children, who are both attending college this year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, binge watching the Hallmark Channel, and spending time with her family.
Denise Huston earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University at IUPUI. She taught in the Hamilton Southeastern Schools for 7 years before deciding to stay at her home with her children. After having her first child, she spent her time using her teaching skills in children's ministry at her local church, Awana, and VBS. Since then, she taught preschool at Hamilton Hills Preschool for 6 years and lead the Parent Teacher Organization at Hamilton Southeastern High School for 6 years. She and her husband Todd live in Fishers and have two children, who are both attending college this year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, binge watching the Hallmark Channel, and spending time with her family.
Amanda Ayers | Grammar School Support Staff
Amanda Ayers earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University. She brings over a decade of experience working with children in the elementary and home education setting to The Classical Academy. She also serves in children's ministry at her local church. Amanda and her husband Travis have four children who attend the Academy. As a family they enjoy playing games, being outside, and reading together.
Danielle Courtney | Grammar School Support Staff
Danielle Courtney brings years of experience from assisting in both private school and homeschool environments. Her passion is serving God in ministry to children and served over five years as a Children's Pastor. Always active in the local church, Danielle has led ministries, chaired fundraisers, taught student and adult Bible studies and organized mission trips. It is her desire that the students to whom she ministers would see Jesus and want to follow Him. Danielle enjoys a variety of hobbies: walking, traveling, crafting and reading just to name a few.
Danielle Courtney brings years of experience from assisting in both private school and homeschool environments. Her passion is serving God in ministry to children and served over five years as a Children's Pastor. Always active in the local church, Danielle has led ministries, chaired fundraisers, taught student and adult Bible studies and organized mission trips. It is her desire that the students to whom she ministers would see Jesus and want to follow Him. Danielle enjoys a variety of hobbies: walking, traveling, crafting and reading just to name a few.
Rick Stump | Spiritual Development & Chapel Leader
Rick Stump has a Bachelor's degree in Religion & Theology from Liberty University and has been playing music for over 23 years. He has been heavily involved in church worship ministry and is the lead guitarist for My Yellow Rickshaw, a local group of musicians who play in the surrounding Indianapolis area. Rick not only brings his music talent to the Academy, but also a love for Jesus and a desire to see families nurtured in the unique university-schedule setting. Rick is married to Jaclyn and enjoys hobby farming, bow and arrow making, and being a dad to their 7 children, 6 of whom attend the Academy.
Rick Stump has a Bachelor's degree in Religion & Theology from Liberty University and has been playing music for over 23 years. He has been heavily involved in church worship ministry and is the lead guitarist for My Yellow Rickshaw, a local group of musicians who play in the surrounding Indianapolis area. Rick not only brings his music talent to the Academy, but also a love for Jesus and a desire to see families nurtured in the unique university-schedule setting. Rick is married to Jaclyn and enjoys hobby farming, bow and arrow making, and being a dad to their 7 children, 6 of whom attend the Academy.
