Spirit Shop
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN:
Dawn Holmes: Mrs. Holmes has been part of the Live Oak community since 2004 and has been teaching at Live Oak since 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Baylor University with certifications in both Elementary and all-level Special Education. Mrs. Holmes taught in elementary schools in Austin, in preschool and preschool ministry in Dallas, has completed course work at Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently enrolled at Truett Seminary. She is married to Christopher Holmes, who serves as the General Counsel at Baylor. The Holmes’ three older children are Live Oak graduates and their youngest is a current student.
Email: dholmes@liveoakclassical.com
Teresa Joiner: Mrs. Joiner began working at Live Oak in 2022 as the Junior Kindergarten Aide. Previously, she worked for Midway ISD as a K-4 Instructional Aide. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University, where she received a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade in public school prior to starting a family. She and her husband Ron have 2 children.
Email: tjoiner@liveoakclassical.com
Kimber Ozols: Mrs. Ozols graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Child Psychology. She is certified to teach Pre-K to 4th grade, as well as certified in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented. She began teaching at Live Oak in 2022, and taught Kindergarten and Pre-K for 12 years in both public and private schools. She has been married 13 years to her husband, Brian Ozols, and they have 4 children. She loves to sing and helps lead worship at their church. She feels honored and privileged to join the Junior Kindergarten team at Live Oak.
Email: kozols@liveoakclassical.com
KINDERGARTEN:
Jessica Thompson: Mrs. Thompson is from Sioux City, IA, but found her way to Waco via Baylor University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders. She spent a few years practicing speech pathology in public schools and then moved overseas to do mission work. She holds a Texas Teaching Certificate in EC-6th grade. Mrs. Thompson is married to Clayton who works at Baylor in the Marketing and Communications department. They have 4 children and have been a part of the Live Oak community since 2014. She is so happy to be teaching Kindergarten!
Email: jthompson@liveoakclassical.com
Hannah Tucker: Ms. Tucker is an alumna of Live Oak and began teaching here in 2022. She graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Elementary Education, and is also certified in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented. Prior to teaching at Live Oak, she was a first grade teacher for two years in the public schools. Ms. Tucker loves spending time outdoors with her dog Maggie and crafting as well as time with family. She attends Dayspring Baptist Church. She is so excited to be back at Live Oak!
Email: htucker@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 1:
Terri Cluck: Mrs. Cluck began teaching at Live Oak in 2018. She taught for ten years in Aspen, Colorado in both Kindergarten and 1st Grade and spent one year as a Reading Specialist helping Kindergarten-4th grade students. Mrs. Cluck earned a B.A. in K-12 education from Colorado Mesa University and holds a Master’s degree in teaching Reading and Writing. She is married to Bobby, a financial planner and software developer, and they have three wonderful children at Live Oak. Mrs. Cluck enjoys children, reading, watching football, solving word puzzles, spending time with her family and escaping to the mountains as much as possible!
Email: tcluck@liveoakclassical.com
Tish Tucker: Mrs. Tucker has been teaching at Live Oak since its opening in 2004. Her loves are children, nature, and great literature. Mrs. Tucker earned a B.A. in Christian Education from Ouachita Baptist University, an M.A. in Christian Education from Southern Seminary, and an M.A. in Teaching from Spalding University. She holds a Texas teacher’s certificate for grades K-4th and has taught Pre-Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. She and her husband Dennis have three daughters who are all Live Oak graduates.
Email: ttucker@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 2:
Sarah Halvorsen: Ms. Halvorsen grew up in Southern California where she also received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She taught 2nd grade for two and a half years in Northern California at a classical Christian school. She moved to Texas and began teaching at Live Oak in 2021 and is excited to be teaching Grammar 2! Ms. Halvorsen has a dog named Winnie and has been enjoying attending Baylor games, discovering new coffee shops, and being near family. She attends Harris Creek Baptist Church.
Email: shalvorsen@liveoakclassical.com
Michele Jackson: Mrs. Jackson began teaching at Live Oak in 2011. She taught for seven years in Alabama before moving to Texas, and has taught Pre-Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades. Mrs. Jackson earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Auburn University. She is married to Chad, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Governance and Regulatory Affairs at Baylor University. They have 3 horses and 1 cat. Mrs. Jackson enjoys teaching at Live Oak, reading, gardening, cooking, antiquing, being active in her church, and attending Baylor athletic events.
Email: mjackson@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 3:
Lindsay Hunter: Mrs. Hunter grew up mostly in Massachusetts, where she graduated from Gordon College and met her husband, Thomas. She has been teaching at Live Oak since 2014, and is certified to teach ELAR 4-8 and 8-12, and EC-6 Generalist. After 4.5 years of running the Ready Bodies Motor Lab at Live Oak, she is currently teaching Grammar 3. She is also the mother of a splendidly handsome and clever son.
Email: lhunter@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 4:
Hillary Goll: Mrs. Goll has a B.S. in Education from Baylor University. She has taught Pre-K, 1st, and 4th grade, and has been at Live Oak since 2021. She is married to Kevin, a Senior Associate Athletic Director and Athletics Chief Strategy Officer at Baylor. They have three amazing children. In her free time, Mrs. Goll enjoys reading, traveling, embroidery, mountain activities, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Baylor Bears.
Email: hgoll@liveoakclassical.com
Lisa Sutherland: Ms. Sutherland has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and holds Texas certificates in Core Subjects (K-8) and English, Language Arts and Reading (4-8). A mother of eight, she spent 17 years homeschooling using Charlotte Mason’s methods in Germany, Korea, and the United States. Ms. Sutherland joined the faculty at Live Oak in 2017. She is happy to be a part of this community along with 2 of her younger children. She loves gentle books, hot tea, and singing old hymns to new babies.
Email: lsutherland@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 5:
Troy Beaudry: Mr. Beaudry has been teaching at Live Oak since 2018 and is currently a Grammar 5 core teacher. Originally from Pittsburgh, Mr. Beaudry earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Classical Christian Education from Grove City College in western Pennsylvania. He was a 5th grade teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia before moving to Waco. His wife Anna is pursuing her graduate studies in Literature at Baylor. Theatre, specialty coffee, good books, fishing, and playing guitar are just a few of his passions.
Email: tbeaudry@liveoakclassical.com
Kaitlyn Morris: Ms. Morris began teaching at Live Oak in 2021 and teaches Grammar 5 Latin and Bible. She grew up in Fort Worth as the oldest of eleven children and was homeschooled in a Charlotte Mason curriculum. At Baylor University, she received a University Scholars B.A. in Great Texts, Philosophy, and Classics, and went on to receive a Master of Arts and Religion from Yale University. She loves Live Oak and is thrilled to have an incredible community of students and teachers around her. In her free time, she likes to read books, play with her younger siblings, and write essays.
Email: kmorris@liveoakclassical.com
Ethan Nicholson: Mr. Nicholson began teaching at Live Oak in 2022 and teaches Grammar 5 science. He is a born and raised Texan from the small town of Paris, Texas. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Wayland Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary (Sic ’em Bears!). He is specifically interested in expanding the conversation on how creation care connects with the worship of God. Whenever he is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He and his family love to travel and be outdoors (whenever it is not so HOT). Mr. Nicholson also enjoys swimming and running. He looks forward to demonstrating how math and science bring truth, beauty, and goodness to the world.
Email: enicholson@liveoakclassical.com
Therese Roberts: Mrs. Roberts began teaching at Live Oak in 2019. She received a BA in General Art from Cal State University, Long Beach. She worked as a graphic designer but began teaching classically in 2000 when she and her husband helped start Grace Academy in Georgetown, Texas. Between that time and when she began teaching at Live Oak, she raised four children (all trained in classical Christian education), started a classical Christian Study Center in New York, and helped her husband in pastoral ministry. She loves being back in the classroom teaching Grammar 5 Language Arts and History. In her spare time you can find her in the garden, on the running trail, creating something, or spending time with her family.
Email: troberts@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR 6:
Troy Beaudry: Mr. Beaudry has been teaching at Live Oak since 2018 and teaches Grammar 6 history and geography. Originally from Pittsburgh, Mr. Beaudry earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Classical Christian Education from Grove City College in western Pennsylvania. He was a 5th grade teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia before moving to Waco. His wife Anna is pursuing her graduate studies in Literature at Baylor. Theatre, specialty coffee, good books, fishing, and playing guitar are just a few of his passions.
Email: tbeaudry@liveoakclassical.com
Missy McReynolds: Mrs. McReynolds came to Live Oak in 2019 and is currently a Grammar 6 core teacher, having taught everything from 3rd to 8th grade in public and private schools for over 20 years. She received a bachelor of science degree in education from Baylor University. She is married to Dan McReynolds and they have 2 sons and 3 spoiled dogs. Mrs. McReynolds enjoys cooking and traveling.
Email: mmcreynolds@liveoakclassical.com
Kaitlyn Morris: Ms. Morris began teaching at Live Oak in 2021 and teaches Grammar 6 Latin and Bible. This is her first year teaching. She grew up in Fort Worth as the oldest of eleven children and was homeschooled in a Charlotte Mason curriculum. At Baylor University, she received a University Scholars B.A. in Great Texts, Philosophy, and Classics, and went on to receive a Master of Arts and Religion from Yale University. She loves Live Oak and is thrilled to have an incredible community of students and teachers around her. In her free time, she likes to read books, play with her younger siblings, and write essays.
Email: kmorris@liveoakclassical.com
Ethan Nicholson: Mr. Nicholson began teaching at Live Oak in 2022 and teaches Grammar 6 science. He is a born and raised Texan from the small town of Paris, Texas. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Wayland Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary (Sic ’em Bears!). He is specifically interested in expanding the conversation on how creation care connects with the worship of God. Whenever he is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He and his family love to travel and be outdoors (whenever it is not so HOT). Mr. Nicholson also enjoys swimming and running. He looks forward to demonstrating how math and science bring truth, beauty, and goodness to the world.
Email: enicholson@liveoakclassical.com
FINE ARTS:
Jeanenne Bezerra: Mrs. Bezerra has been teaching at Live Oak since 2010 and teaches Grammar 1-Grammar 6 music, as well as Grammar 6 Liturgical Drama. She brings many years of music teaching experience to the classroom, including general elementary music as well as elementary and high school choirs. She received her music degrees at Baylor University. In addition to the vocation of teaching music at Live Oak, she teaches private piano.
Email: jbezerra@liveoakclassical.com
Carolyn Still: Mrs. Still is one of Live Oak’s three founders and has either taught or served as a Dean every year except one since we opened our doors. She most recently served as Director of the Senior Thesis program. She returned to the music classroom in 2021 to teach Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten music classes. Mrs. Still holds a B.S. in Education from Baylor and an M.A. in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is married to Dr. Todd Still, Dean of Baylor’s Truett Seminary. They have two sons who graduated from Live Oak.
Email: cstill@liveoakclassical.com
SPANISH:
Tita Roque (Junior Kindergarten-Grammar 3 Spanish): Mrs. Roque began teaching at Live Oak in 2022. She attended North Hill College in Houston, TX and MCC here in Waco, where she received a Child Development associate degree in Education. She taught at Waco Montessori School for over 25 years. Mrs. Roque is a native Spanish speaker and, given her roots and her love for her Hispanic culture, she is thrilled to teach our students about this beautiful language. She and her husband, Ignacio, are proud parents of 3 grown children. She loves the Christian atmosphere here at Live Oak. Outside of school, her hobbies include gardening, cooking, walking, and biking on weekends, and she also enjoys spending time with her children and her two dogs, Luna and Baby.
Email: troque@liveoakclassical.com
TEACHER AIDE:
Jennifer Eberlein: Mrs. Eberlein came to Live Oak in the fall of 2006 with her three children, all of whom are Live Oak graduates. She has taught Grammar 5 core classes as well as worked in the Grammar Office as an administrative assistant. Mrs. Eberlein attended Baylor University, where she earned a degree in secondary education with a focus in English and art, and a master’s degree in educational psychology. She has earned her certification in elementary education as well. She resides in her childhood ranch home outside of Gatesville where she enjoys a variety of pets and being outdoors. Her husband is Christopher Eberlein, a primary school principal, who is very tolerant of his wife’s love of animals.
Email: jeberlein@liveoakclassical.com
Physical Education:
Kyle Combs: Coach Combs began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2020. Prior to his arrival at Live Oak, he worked for Baylor Men’s Basketball as a Graduate Assistant while earning a master’s degree in Sports Pedagogy. Coach Combs grew up in Kentucky and played basketball at Kentucky Christian University, completing degrees in Secondary Education: Social Studies and Biblical Studies. He stayed at his alma mater to coach for one season, making it to the NCCAA National Championship game. Coach Combs spends his summers working various basketball camps and traveling overseas with mission organizations such as Athletes in Action and Sports Reach. He loves anything sports-related, food, travel, and his wife Samantha.
Email: kcombs@liveoakclassical.com
Natalie Friesen: Mrs. Friesen began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2016. She is a graduate of LeTourneau University, where she received a B.S. in Education. She is passionate about teamwork, fitness, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying nature. Her hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, cooking, and reading.
Email: nfriesen@liveoakclassical.com
Melissa O’Hare: Mrs. O’Hare began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2022. Originally from Nebraska, she graduated from Wayland Baptist University and moved to Waco in 2009. She has been a fitness professional for over 20 years and has coached at Christian schools for over 10 years. In her spare time she enjoys reading, running marathons, and taking pictures. Mrs. O’Hare and her husband Josh have four children who are all students at Live Oak.
Email: mohare@liveoakclassical.com
GRAMMAR STAFF:
Brooke Moore (Reading Specialist): Mrs. Moore joined the Live Oak community in 2019 as a Reading Specialist for the Grammar School. She has experience working with struggling readers in public schools and in the community, both in small group settings and one-on-one. Mrs. Moore completed her Masters in Reading Science through Mount St. Joseph University and is certified as a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist through the International Dyslexia Association. She and her husband Adam have two daughters and two cats. When she is not reading (or reading about reading!), she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, yoga, spending time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family both here in Waco and in Houston.
Email: bmoore@liveoakclassical.com
Natalie Rainey (Grammar School Librarian): Natalie grew up in Houston, Texas and Lakeland, Florida. She graduated from Texas A&M with a B.A. in English Education. Her teaching career includes 3rd grade at Brazos Christian School in College Station, 4th grade Language Arts at Presbyterian School in Houston and Grammar 3 at Live Oak. After a decade stint as a stay-at-home mom, Natalie was thrilled to step into the part-time position of Grammar School Librarian in 2017. Natalie is married to Craig, a family doctor with Waco’s Family Health Center. They have 3 children who are all proud Live Oak students.
Email: nrainey@liveoakclassical.com
Debbie Wachsmann (Grammar School Office Manager): Mrs. Wachsmann has been a part of the Live Oak community since 2015. She is the wife of John Wachsmann and they have four grown children. She loves Jesus, family and community.
Email: dwachsmann@liveoakclassical.com
LOGIC & RHETORIC SCHOOLS
LOGIC 1:
Melinda Johnson: Mrs. Johnson has been teaching science at Live Oak since 2015 and currently teaches Anatomy/Physiology, Biology and Environmental Science as well as organizing those students involved in Science Fair as they seek to compete at the local, regional and state level. She loves the opportunity to inspire students in a love for God’s creation. She received a B.A. in organizational communication from Baylor University, and her teaching certification in science from McLennan Community College. Her passions are children, all things science, running, traveling, coffee, and the great outdoors. She and her husband have lived in Waco for over 25 years and have three grown children.
Email: mjohnson@liveoakclassical.com
Claire Gostomski: Ms. Gostomski joined Live Oak’s faculty in 2023 and is excited to teach Logic 1 lit/comp, ancient history, and grammar. Ms. Gostomski is a proud graduate of Baylor University where she studied Great Texts and American Sign Language interpreting in the University Scholars Program. After graduation, Ms. Gostomski joined the Teach for America Corps, taught for three years in San Antonio ISD, and earned teaching certifications in ELAR 7-12 and Secondary ESL. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree in education with a focus in English language arts instruction from Relay Graduate School of Education. In her free time, Ms. Gostomski can often be found reading, hiking, writing poetry, or crocheting while overanalyzing TV shows – hopefully with a cat in her lap!
Email: cgostomski@liveoakclassical.com
LOGIC 2:
Amy Garcia: Mrs. Garcia has been teaching at Live Oak since 2022, where she teaches Logic 2 Literature & Composition and also serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Schools’ Librarian. As a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Literature with an emphasis in 19th and 20th century novels. Her B.A. is from Biola University, where she majored in Literature. She has taught writing and literature from 7th grade to collegiate level courses. She and her family moved to Waco in 2020. Mrs. Garcia adores her pets (Sammy, Warnie, Jackie, and Minnie) and is delighted to be teaching at Live Oak!
Email: agarcia@liveoakclassical.com
Steven Tyra: Dr. Tyra teaches Logic 2 history. In May 2022, he received a Ph.D. in the History of Christianity from Baylor University. His specialty is late medieval and early modern Europe, though he’s excited to range with students over the whole of western history up to the American founding. When he’s not in the classroom, he enjoys writing, hiking, fantasy literature (especially C.S. Lewis), and spending time with his family. His wife, Sami, is also a teacher in Midway ISD. His daughter is a current student at Live Oak.
Email: styra@liveoakclassical.com
LOGIC 3:
Amy Garcia: Mrs. Garcia has been teaching at Live Oak since 2022, where she teaches Logic 3 Literature & Composition and also serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Schools’ Librarian. As a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Literature with an emphasis in 19th and 20th century novels. Her B.A. is from Biola University, where she majored in Literature. She has taught writing and literature from 7th grade to collegiate level courses. She and her family moved to Waco in 2020. Mrs. Garcia adores her pets (Sammy, Warnie, Jackie, and Minnie) and is delighted to be teaching at Live Oak!
Email: agarcia@liveoakclassical.com
Steven Tyra: Dr. Tyra teaches Logic 3 history. In May 2022, he received a Ph.D. in the History of Christianity from Baylor University. His specialty is late medieval and early modern Europe, though he’s excited to range with students over the whole of western history up to the American founding. When he’s not in the classroom, he enjoys writing, hiking, fantasy literature (especially C.S. Lewis), and spending time with his family. His wife, Sami, is also a teacher in Midway ISD. His daughter is a current student at Live Oak.
Email: styra@liveoakclassical.com
RHETORIC 1:
Rik Hinz: Mr. Hinz teaches Rhetoric 1 Literature & Composition. As a graduate of Concordia University – St. Paul (MN), he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Literature. He and his wife Stephanie, their 2 children and their dog moved to Waco in the summer of 2021 to start a new chapter at Live Oak. Mr. Hinz previously taught for seven years at Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, MN. While there, he taught primarily English courses to students ranging from 8th-12th grade, as well as Bible courses to 10th and 12th graders. Mr. Hinz enjoys reading (especially high fantasy, science fiction, philosophy, and theology), having fun with family using their imaginations, playing video games, and riding the proverbial roller coaster that is Minnesota Vikings fandom.
Email: rhinz@liveoakclassical.com
Chuck Vanek: Mr. Vanek serves as the Logic & Rhetoric History Department Head and has been teaching at Live Oak since 2016. He teaches Rhetoric 1 History. He received his B.A. in History from Baylor University in 2015. Mr. Vanek has a passion for history and research, especially Colonial America and the American Civil War. In his spare time he enjoys long distance running, visiting museums, volunteering at animal shelters, and working with his local charity for sick children, Heroes They Deserve.
Email: cvanek@liveoakclassical.com
RHETORIC 2:
Rik Hinz: Mr. Hinz teaches Rhetoric 2 Literature & Composition. As a graduate of Concordia University – St. Paul (MN), he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Literature. He and his wife Stephanie, their 2 children and their dog moved to Waco in the summer of 2021 to start a new chapter at Live Oak. Mr. Hinz previously taught for seven years at Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, MN. While there, he taught primarily English courses to students ranging from 8th-12th grade, as well as Bible courses to 10th and 12th graders. Mr. Hinz enjoys reading (especially high fantasy, science fiction, philosophy, and theology), having fun with family using their imaginations, playing video games, and riding the proverbial roller coaster that is Minnesota Vikings fandom.
Email: rhinz@liveoakclassical.com
Steven Tyra: Dr. Tyra teaches Rhetoric 2 history. In May 2022, he received a Ph.D. in the History of Christianity from Baylor University. His specialty is late medieval and early modern Europe, though he’s excited to range with students over the whole of western history up to the American founding. When he’s not in the classroom, he enjoys writing, hiking, fantasy literature (especially C.S. Lewis), and spending time with his family. His wife, Sami, is also a teacher in Midway ISD. His daughter is a current student at Live Oak.
Email: styra@liveoakclassical.com
RHETORIC 3:
Caitlin Vanek: Dr. Vanek serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Literature/Composition Department Head and has been teaching at Live Oak since 2021. She currently teaches AP English. She grew up in Seattle and attended Pepperdine University for both her B.A. and M.A. in Organizational Communication. After teaching communication courses at Pepperdine, she completed her PhD in English Literature at Baylor University. Her dissertation, “Reimagining the Conte de Fées: Female Fairy Tales in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century England and Their Exploration of the World In-Between”, explores the impact of the French fairy tales written by Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy on British female writers. Outside of school, Dr. Lawrence enjoys hosting events such as murder mystery parties, playing games, and reading adaptations of fairy tales.
Email: clawrence@liveoakclassical.com
Chuck Vanek: Mr. Vanek serves as the Logic & Rhetoric History Department Head and has been teaching at Live Oak since 2016. He teaches Rhetoric 3 History. He received his B.A. in History from Baylor University in 2015. Mr. Vanek has a passion for history and research, especially Colonial America and the American Civil War. In his spare time he enjoys long distance running, visiting museums, volunteering at animal shelters, and working with his local charity for sick children, Heroes They Deserve.
Email: cvanek@liveoakclassical.com
CHRISTIAN STUDIES:
Rik Hinz: Mr. Hinz serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Christian Studies Department Head and teaches Logic 1 Bible and Rhetoric 2 Christian Theology. As a graduate of Concordia University – St. Paul (MN), he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Literature. He and his wife Stephanie, their 2 children and their dog moved to Waco in the summer of 2021 to start a new chapter at Live Oak. Mr. Hinz previously taught for seven years at Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, MN. While there, he taught primarily English courses to students ranging from 8th-12th grade, as well as Bible courses to 10th and 12th graders. Mr. Hinz enjoys reading (especially high fantasy, science fiction, philosophy, and theology), having fun with family using their imaginations, playing video games, and riding the proverbial roller coaster that is Minnesota Vikings fandom.
Email: rhinz@liveoakclassical.com
Taylor Slusser: Mr. Slusser teaches Logic 2 Bible and Logic 3 Bible. He is a born-and-raised Pennsylvanian who grew up only a few miles from Lancaster County farms and Hershey’s chocolate factories. He holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and classics from Penn State, where he also wrote an honors thesis exploring the theology of Scripture in the Epistle to the Hebrews. While at Penn State, he also studied Spanish and studied abroad in Ronda, Spain. Mr. Slusser came to Waco for the Brazos Fellows at Christ Church Waco, a theological formation program for college graduates of all ages. He began working at Live Oak in 2021 and now teaches Bible, Logic, and Spanish courses. He is fascinated by the intersection between Scripture, theology, and church history, and outside of school enjoys camping, hiking, running, choral singing, cooking, and reading C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen.
Email: tslusser@liveoakclassical.com
CLASSICAL STUDIES:
Jennifer Bankhead: Mrs. Bankhead began teaching at Live Oak in 2019 and teaches Rhetoric as well as serving as Dean of the Logic & Rhetoric School. She earned a B.A. in Literature from Baylor University in 2006 and a master’s degree in educational leadership from West Texas A&M University in 2018. She holds a Texas secondary certification in English and educational administration. Prior to serving at Live Oak, she spent eleven years in public education. She and her husband Michael have three children who are all Live Oak students.
Phone: (254) 714-1008
Email: jbankhead@liveoakclassical.com
Taylor Slusser: Mr. Slusser teaches formal Logic, and Moral Philosophy. He is a born-and-raised Pennsylvanian who grew up only a few miles from Lancaster County farms and Hershey’s chocolate factories. He holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and classics from Penn State, where he also wrote an honors thesis exploring the theology of Scripture in the Epistle to the Hebrews. While at Penn State, he also studied Spanish and studied abroad in Ronda, Spain. Mr. Slusser came to Waco for the Brazos Fellows at Christ Church Waco, a theological formation program for college graduates of all ages. He began working at Live Oak in 2021 and now teaches Bible, Logic, and Spanish courses. He is fascinated by the intersection between Scripture, theology, and church history, and outside of school enjoys camping, hiking, running, choral singing, cooking, and reading C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen.
Email: tslusser@liveoakclassical.com
Caitlin Vanek: Dr. Vanek serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Literature/Composition Department Head and has been teaching at Live Oak since 2021. She is the Senior Thesis advisor and currently teaches Moral Rhetoric. She grew up in Seattle and attended Pepperdine University for both her B.A. and M.A. in Organizational Communication. After teaching communication courses at Pepperdine, she completed her PhD in English Literature at Baylor University. Her dissertation, “Reimagining the Conte de Fées: Female Fairy Tales in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century England and Their Exploration of the World In-Between”, explores the impact of the French fairy tales written by Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy on British female writers. Outside of school, Dr. Lawrence enjoys hosting events such as murder mystery parties, playing games, and reading adaptations of fairy tales.
Email: clawrence@liveoakclassical.com
FINE ARTS:
Katie Crews: Mrs. Crews has been a part of the Live Oak community since 2014 and has been a Yearbook advisor since 2021. She received her Associates of Science degree in photography and film communications from Calhoun Community College in Decatur, AL. For 8 years following, she ran a successful family and wedding photography business. She is now a stay-at-home mother to her two small children but is thrilled to sneak away a few hours a week to be able to teach photography to the Yearbook staff at Live Oak.
Email: kcrews@liveoakclassical.com
Dodie Morris: Mrs. Morris began teaching Logic & Rhetoric Handbells at Live Oak in 2022. She has over forty years of experience in music education, including elementary music and choir at the junior high and high school level. For fourteen years, Mrs. Morris served as director of music ministry for a church. She received her music education degree from Baylor. At Texas State University, she earned her MME with Kodaly certification. Mrs. Morris and her husband, Bill, have two children and five grandchildren.
Email: dmorris@liveoakclassical.com
Michael Vela: Mr. Vela has been a part of Live Oak community since 2010, an instructor since 2012 and loves teaching Woodshop and Sculpture classes. He is the husband to Chelsey and the proud father of one amazing daughter and 3 awesome sons. Mr. Vela earned a B.S. in psychology with an emphasis in art from Tarleton State University. He finds joy in interacting with his students as they acquire new skills, increase in their capability, and create fascinating artwork. Mr. Vela’s hobbies include hanging out with his kiddos, traveling, problem solving, reading, creating, and lamenting Baylor’s and the Denver Broncos’ football programs.
Email: mvela@liveoakclassical.com
LATIN AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
Gus Landess: Mr. Landess began teaching Latin at Live Oak in 2022. He grew up in Lubbock, where he attended a non-classical Christian school. From there, he attended Baylor University, where he graduated from the Honors College with a B.A. in History and Classics. It is also where he met his wife, Valerie, who teaches at a local elementary school. Mr. Landess loves history, writing (particularly fantasy), and begrudgingly acknowledges his cat, Charlemagne.
Email: glandess@liveoakclassical.com
Kaitlyn Morris: Ms. Morris began teaching at Live Oak in 2021 and teaches Logic Latin. She grew up in Fort Worth as the oldest of eleven children and was homeschooled in a Charlotte Mason curriculum. At Baylor University, she received a University Scholars B.A. in Great Texts, Philosophy, and Classics, and went on to receive a Master of Arts and Religion from Yale University. She loves Live Oak and is thrilled to have an incredible community of students and teachers around her. In her free time, she likes to read books, play with her younger siblings, and write essays.
Email: kmorris@liveoakclassical.com
Taylor Slusser: Mr. Slusser teaches Rhetoric 1 Spanish. He is a born-and-raised Pennsylvanian who grew up only a few miles from Lancaster County farms and Hershey’s chocolate factories. He holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and classics from Penn State, where he also wrote an honors thesis exploring the theology of Scripture in the Epistle to the Hebrews. While at Penn State, he also studied Spanish and studied abroad in Ronda, Spain. Mr. Slusser came to Waco for the Brazos Fellows at Christ Church Waco, a theological formation program for college graduates of all ages. He began working at Live Oak in 2021 and now teaches Bible, Logic, and Spanish courses. He is fascinated by the intersection between Scripture, theology, and church history, and outside of school enjoys camping, hiking, running, choral singing, cooking, and reading C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen.
Email: tslusser@liveoakclassical.com
MATHEMATICS:
Jennifer Chakmakjian: Mrs. Chakmakjian began teaching at Live Oak in 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in math and religion from Baylor University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from Texas Tech University. Mrs. Chakmakjian earned her teaching certificate in secondary mathematics in 2000 and has taught high school mathematics in both public and private schools in Texas and Arkansas. She and her husband Stephen, a local pediatrician, have three children. Their youngest is currently a student at Live Oak. Their older children (twins) are Live Oak graduates and are currently attending Baylor University.
Email: jchakmakjian@liveoakclassical.com
Allie Smith: Ms. Smith began teaching at Live Oak in 2020 and teaches Logic and Rhetoric math, and also serves as the Logic & Rhetoric Student Activities Coordinator. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Baylor University in 2015 and a Master of Arts in Ministry degree from Portland Seminary in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship in 2022. She holds a Texas secondary certification in Mathematics. Prior to serving at Live Oak, she spent five years working full-time in camp ministry at Glorieta Camps in New Mexico and Black Diamond Camp in Washington State.
Email: asmith@liveoakclassical.com
SCIENCES:
Melinda Johnson: Mrs. Johnson has been teaching science at Live Oak since 2015 and currently teaches Anatomy/Physiology, Biology and Environmental Science as well as organizing those involved in Science Fair as they seek to compete at the local, regional and state level. She loves the opportunity to inspire students in a love for God’s creation. She received a B.A. in Organizational Communication from Baylor University and her teaching certification in Science from McLennan Community College. Her passions are children, all things science, running, traveling, coffee and the great outdoors. She and her husband have lived in Waco for over 25 years and have three grown children.
Email: mjohnson@liveoakclassical.com
Katherine Pitts: Mrs. Pitts serves as our Logic & Rhetoric Science Department Head and has taught at Live Oak Classical School since 2008 as well as helping to establish the high school science curriculum. She currently teaches Chemistry, Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Biology in the Logic and Rhetoric Schools as well as organizing those involved in Science Fair as they seek to compete at the local, regional and state level. She graduated with a B.S. in Science Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and has taught at public schools in Waco and Carollton, Texas. She completed graduate studies in chemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is an active member of NABT (the National Association of Biology Teachers) and the AACT (the American Association of Chemistry Teachers). Katherine and her husband Dr. Bill Pitts have 3 children, all of whom are Live Oak graduates.
Email: kpitts@liveoakclassical.com
ATHLETICS:
Kyle Combs: Coach Combs began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2020. Prior to his arrival at Live Oak, he worked for Baylor Men’s Basketball as a Graduate Assistant while earning a master’s degree in Sports Pedagogy. Coach Combs grew up in Kentucky and played basketball at Kentucky Christian University, completing degrees in Secondary Education: Social Studies and Biblical Studies. He stayed at his alma mater to coach for one season, making it to the NCCAA National Championship game. Coach Combs spends his summers working various basketball camps and traveling overseas with mission organizations such as Athletes in Action and Sports Reach. He loves anything sports-related, food, travel, and his wife Samantha.
Email: kcombs@liveoakclassical.com
Katy Cordell: Coach Cordell has been the head cheer coach at Live Oak since 2020 and oversees all of the cheer and spirit programs at Live Oak, which include the high school varsity cheer team, the junior high cheer team, Spirit Squad, Live Oak’s pep squad for 4th-6th graders, and the Lil’ Leaders program. Coach Cordell is passionate about supporting the Falcon sports teams in fun and energetic ways and loves bringing joy, enthusiasm, and school spirit to our campus. Katy has a degree in Business Administration and manages the school’s retail store. She has one child in college and four children at Live Oak, and in her spare time she enjoys watching her kids play sports and listening to true crime podcasts.
Email: kcordell@liveoakclassical.com
Natalie Friesen: Mrs. Friesen is Head Volleyball coach. She is a graduate of LeTourneau University, where she received a B.S. in Education. She is passionate about teamwork, fitness, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying nature. Her hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, cooking, and reading.
Email: nfriesen@liveoakclassical.com
Austin Hagan: Mr. Hagan is originally from Flower Mound, TX, and joined Live Oak Athletics in 2021 as our athletic trainer, after serving part-time as a graduate assistant with Southwest Sports Medicine and Baylor Scott & White. Previously he has provided medical coverage for Texas State University Athletics and a wide range of events around Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Texas State University and his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Baylor University. Mr. Hagan enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and anything sports-related.
Email: ahagan@liveoakclassical.com
Brice Helton: Mr. Helton has been working at Live Oak since 2016 and serves as our Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Track Coach. He is originally from El Paso and continues his tour across Texas after stops in Lubbock and Dallas. He previously served at The Covenant School of Dallas for eleven years as the Athletic Director, Facilities Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Track Coach. He received his undergraduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and his master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Brice has been working in athletics since 2005 including jobs with Texas Tech University and Kanakuk Kamps. He is married to Lauren, and they have four beautiful daughters.
Email: bhelton@liveoakclassical.com
Steve Howard: Mr. Howard came to Live Oak in 2012 and currently serves as Head Girls Basketball Coach and Junior High Head Football Coach, having coached and taught in Texas public schools for over 30 years in the Central Texas area. He is married to Karen, and they have three grown children and eight grandkids (who are spoiled rotten). Mr. Howard loves to scuba dive, travel and do anything sports related. He loves Southern Gospel, traditional country and bluegrass music. He also loves to read and study anything involving apologetics, early American Indian culture (specifically the Comanche and Apache people of the Texas Panhandle where he was raised), WWII, church history, and anything involving saving/spending/investing money.
Email: showard@liveoakclassical.com
Melissa O’Hare: Mrs. O’Hare began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2022. Originally from Nebraska, she graduated from Wayland Baptist University and moved to Waco in 2009. She has been a fitness professional for over 20 years and has coached at Christian schools for over 10 years. In her spare time she enjoys reading, running marathons, and taking pictures. Mrs. O’Hare and her husband Josh have four children who are all students at Live Oak.
Email: mohare@liveoakclassical.com
Allie Gardell: Mrs. Gardell began teaching and coaching at Live Oak in 2020, and coaches Junior High Volleyball and Track. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Baylor University in 2015 and a Master of Arts in Ministry degree from Portland Seminary in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship in 2022. She holds a Texas secondary certification in Mathematics. Prior to serving at Live Oak, she spent five years working full-time in camp ministry at Glorieta Camps in New Mexico and Black Diamond Camp in Washington State.
Email: agardell@liveoakclassical.com
Chuck Vanek: Mr. Vanek came to Live Oak in 2016 and coaches Junior High football. He received his B.A. in History from Baylor University in 2015. Mr. Vanek has a passion for history and research, especially Colonial America and the American Civil War. In his spare time, he enjoys running and visiting museums.
Email: cvanek@liveoakclassical.com
LOGIC & RHETORIC STAFF:
Amber McCreery (College Counselor): Mrs. McCreery has been working at Live Oak since 2019 and is passionate about helping students to pursue plans for the future and for finding the right college fit! She holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University in Psychology, a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas, and a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. She has worked in K-12 education as well as within Student and Academic Affairs at two- and four-year schools, and has been active in college counseling for many years. Mrs. McCreery lives in Woodway with her husband Ryan and her three children.
Email: amccreery@liveoakclassical.com
Mike McGuire (Logic & Rhetoric Office Manager): Mr. McGuire began working at Live Oak in 2022. He grew up in Colorado and is passionate about serving the next generation. He is actively involved in ministry and has served as a youth pastor for over ten years. Mr. McGuire is very excited to serve the students and families of Live Oak and the community of Waco.
Email: mmcguire@liveoakclassical.com
ALL SCHOOL STAFF:
Katy Cordell (Spirit Shop Manager & Head Cheer Coach): A lifelong native of Central Texas, Mrs. Cordell has a degree in Business Administration and was a home educator for 13 years before she and her children joined the Live Oak community in 2019. She is the founder and former executive director of SHINE, an educational non-profit dedicated to supporting local homeschooling families, and also founded Central Texas Birth, one of Central Texas’s first doula agencies, and worked as a professional doula and childbirth educator for many years. She and her family enjoy pizza and movie nights and attending Falcon sports events. Katy and her husband live in Gatesville with their five children.
Email: kcordell@liveoakclassical.com
Chantal Flynn (Operations Manager): Mrs. Flynn grew up in Michigan and received her B.A. in International Studies from Pepperdine University. She and her husband Carl have 2 children at Live Oak. Her interests include U.S. and European history, fine arts, animals and nature. After seven years as the Office Manager for the Logic & Rhetoric School, Mrs. Flynn has served as the Operations Manager since 2019.
Email: cflynn@liveoakclassical.com
Kristin Getterman (Admissions Coordinator)
Email: kgetterman@liveoakclassical.com
Lauren Helton (Admissions Coordinator): Mrs. Helton has transitioned roles this year and will serve as one of our two Admissions Coordinators. She previously served as the Development Coordinator for the last four years. She is originally from Fort Worth and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and English. She has worked as the Communication Director in the Development office at a classical school in Dallas, and in public relations for American Airlines. Mrs. Helton is married to Brice Helton, who serves as the Athletic Director and Facilities Director at Live Oak. They have four girls, and the eldest three are current Live Oak students.
Email: lhelton@liveoakclassical.com
Stephanie Snyder (Communications Coordinator): Mrs. Snyder has been working at Live Oak in various positions since 2013. She began her current role in 2018 and enjoys capturing the heart of Live Oak through digital media. Mrs. Snyder is from Waco but spent a portion of her life as a missionary kid. She is married to Greg and they have 2 sons. The Snyder family loves anything related to music and sports. During the fall, the family’s passion is supporting Falcon Football every Friday! Stephanie is incredibly grateful for her Live Oak family and glad to be a part of the amazing faculty/staff team.
Email: ssnyder@liveoakclassical.com
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