Staff
RCA STAFF
Shannon Carpino, M.Ed.
Shannon has been involved with education since 2006. With a background as a public school teacher, Shannon began teaching at homeschool tutorials after her last child was born. During this time, she continued her education and earned her Masters of Education-Administration and Supervision degree.
In 2014, Shannon expanded her teaching experience from children to adults. She has written two books and a teaching curriculum focused on empowering women to overcome difficult life circumstances through finding their identity in Christ. She has contributed to various blog posts, podcasts, radio shows, live speaking events, Featured Contributor to Keep the Faith Radio, is currently a contributor to LifeWay’s Homelife magazine, and more. Shannon continues to devote time to local prison ministries where she teaches women in the prison and mentors those transitioning back into the community.
Shannon is thrilled to be a part of Renew Christian Academy! She is passionate about equipping students to become leaders who are strong in their faith and confident about heading out into the world. RCA’s mission to provide a college-prep academic experience with a focus on discipleship is a unique one that will have a lasting impact on students, families and the community. Shannon is honored to be part of the Renew Christian Academy family, and is eager to see the amazing things the Lord is going to do those that walk through the doors.
Shannon Carpino, M.Ed.
Director
RCA STAFF
Catherine Rozenboom
Catherine has been gifted to love all things involving organizing and spreadsheets. She married young in 1998 and began as a travel agent for 3 years before giving birth to her first child in 2001. She transitioned to staying at home, had another child in 2004. After moving to Tennessee in 2005, she quickly stepped in to assist her husband in his real estate career, handling all the contracts and paperwork behind the scenes. After the birth of their third child in 2006, she decided to add “homeschool mom” to her responsibilities. Teaching each of her children to read and to love the Lord has been one of the greatest joys of her life. She homeschooled all three of her children from K-12th grades and successfully retired that part of her life in 2024.
When RCA was forming in 2019, Catherine was brought in to assist with the administrative side of things. Since its inception, her roles have expanded to include enrollment, scheduling, and tuition. She does a lot behind the scenes to make sure the school runs smoothly from year to year. She feels truly blessed to work with the amazing staff, teachers, and families that make RCA such a special place. In her free time, Catherine enjoys reading, traveling, doing puzzles, going on long walks, and volunteering as a youth leader at church. She is amazed and so very thankful to see all the ways God has been working through RCA to minister to so many families. It truly is a blessing for her to be a part of the RCA community!
Catherine Rozenboom
Registrar & Administrative Coordinator
RCA STAFF
Nicki Yorke
Originally from the Franklin area, Nicki has been married to her high school sweetheart for almost 30 years. They have 3 adult children and are enjoying a new chapter of empty nesting. In 2010, she left the corporate world after 17 years in international healthcare recruitment to begin working in the ministry at Harpeth Christian Church in various positions over a 12 year span.
In 2022, Nicki transitioned to working solely for Renew in the front office and the study hall teacher. She has a unique perspective having been on staff at the church during the birth of Renew Christian Academy (RCA).
She enjoys “glamping” with her family, gardening, traveling and her goldendoodle, Bella.
Nicki Yorke
Front Office/Study Hall
RCA STAFF
Justin Henderson
Justin grew up in West Tennessee and moved to Nashville as a young adult. Self-defense and operational information security have always been deep passions of Justins’. He serves on the Harpeth Christian Church security team and is a Certified Armed Guard. In addition to training with former military and police officers, he has several combined years in a few different styles of martial arts, including Wado Ryu, Judo, Wing Chun, and Jiu Jitsu. Justin is a life-long learner and passionate about hunting and creating a safe space for those around him. He is happy to be a part of Renew Christian Academy, and have the opportunity to serve the students and staff as the Security Officer.
Justin Henderson
Security Officer
RCA Faculty
Scott Gorte
My name is Scott Gorte and I am excited to teach at RCA; what a blessing and a challenge to teach our youth! My wife and I homeschooled our daughter and recognize the importance of empowering our youth to be ready for the challenges this world brings. I am a passionate follower of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus and deeply thankful for His grace.
Originally, I am from Michigan, born and raised just outside of Detroit. I have an undergraduate degree in Economics from Oakland University and a graduate degree in International Finance from Walsh College. My professional career started in banking, and I then moved to EDS before a stint at Ford Motor Company in various finance roles. Nissan then offered me a great opportunity when they relocated to Nashville 20 years ago. With Nissan I have been blessed to work in a variety of roles, most recently leading a cross functional team tasked with generating new, incremental revenue for the Sales Finance division, operating in an entrepreneurial manner within the umbrella of a traditional corporation.
My wife and I recently celebrated our 34th year of marriage and have one daughter, who is married to a wonderful follower of Christ, lives locally and has one daughter who we get to spend much time with, a true blessing. My outside interests include reading (primarily history, all time periods), studying the Bible, attempting to re-start my golf and tennis games (good luck), traveling and listening for the prompting of the Holy Spirit and going where He leads and directs.
Scott Gorte
Intro To Business
RCA Faculty
Marvin Raymond
Marvin Raymond worked over 36 years as an industrial Chemist developing analytical methods and new consumer products. He served as Director of Research & Product Development. For the past several years he has been providing consulting services on product development and patent issues. Marvin has authored several technical publications and holds nine patents. In 2009, he was asked to teach Chemistry to a group of home school students. That was the beginning of teaching many students in the ensuing years in his home, at tutorial centers, or private schools. In addition to Chemistry, this experience included teaching Physics and Plant Biology. As a result, he developed a love for teaching high school students and encouraging them as they explored their interests. Many have gone on to develop their own career paths in science, engineering, business, teaching, and politics. He also views this work as a ministry to help teenagers in their faith journey.
Marvin holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Colorado State University, where his research thesis was conducted in Biochemistry. He and his wife, Diana, have three adult children who are married. Marvin and Diana moved to middle Tennessee in 2024 to be closer to their son and his wife along with six of their nine grandchildren.
Marvin Raymond
Biology & Chemistry
RCA Faculty
Rachel Rinehart
Rachel is a theatre educator, director, and stage manager with years of experience in both educational and professional theatre. Her passion for storytelling and performance began at a young age and quickly expanded into leadership roles behind the scenes. She began stage managing productions at just fifteen years old and started directing by the age of seventeen, developing a strong foundation in collaboration, organization, and creative leadership early in her career.
She earned her degree in Mass Media Communication from Florida College, where she received extensive training in lighting, audio engineering, and video production. This technical background has given her a well-rounded understanding of theatrical production and strengthened her ability to approach storytelling from both creative and technical perspectives. During her college years, she directed multiple one-act plays and short films, gaining experience in script analysis, actor coaching, production planning, and visual storytelling.
Following graduation, Rachel continued pursuing her passion for arts education by working with FL Drama Kids, where she taught theatre classes and introduced students to the foundations of performance, creativity, and stage presence. She has since expanded her work as a teacher through Christian Youth Theater and both Assistant Director and Stage Manager at Franklin Classical School, helping guide students through productions while fostering confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
In addition to her educational experience, Rachel has worked professionally with Nashville Repertory Theatre and Street Theatre Company, gaining valuable experience in professional rehearsal environments and production processes. Her work across educational, community, and professional theatre spaces has shaped her teaching philosophy: creating an encouraging and collaborative environment where students feel empowered to take creative risks, grow as performers, and discover the value of storytelling.
Through her combined experience in directing, stage management, technical theatre, and arts education, Rachel is dedicated to helping students develop not only theatrical skills, but also confidence, communication, creativity, and leadership that extend far beyond the stage. She is especially drawn to theatre because it provides an opportunity to show God’s love and bring light into dim places, giving students the boldness to serve Him, reflect His love, and use their gifts to impact others for His Kingdom.
Rachel Rinehart
Theatre
RCA Faculty
Steffany Hagler
My name is Steffany Hagler. My husband and I have been married for twenty years and moved to Tennessee ten years ago. We originally met in high school in the Florida panhandle, where we both attended college. During my time at Florida State University, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design through the College of Human Sciences, formerly known as “Home Economics.” I later pursued a Master’s Degree, double majoring in Creative Design and Historic Clothing, with a minor in Museum Studies.
While at FSU, I taught beginner sewing and visual design courses for incoming design students, which is where my love for teaching first began. After graduate school, I worked as a Textile Curator for the Museum of Florida History, where I had the joy of researching Florida’s rich history and creating historical costumes for museum displays. Fifteen years ago, God called me home, where I discovered my dream job: being a mom. Through homeschooling our four children over the past ten years, I have found a deep passion for teaching children and creating meaningful learning experiences. During this season of life, I also ran an online fabric store, worked on interior design projects for clients, and currently teach sewing lessons for both children and adults.
One of my favorite approaches to education is weaving subjects together into one beautiful picture — bringing history, culture, food, clothing, art, and music to life in ways that engage all the senses. I believe education is not just information, but an atmosphere that inspires wonder and connection. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, a good iced coffee, the sunshine, and spending countless hours cheering on our children with my husband at soccer, volleyball, and baseball games — some of my very favorite places to be… besides the beach.
Cooking has long been one of my favorite ways to bring people together and serve those I love. Some of my favorite memories have been made around a family table, sharing meals, stories, and laughter. Family dinners are a treasured time in our house. During my early years of mothering and blogging, I began sharing recipes and my passion for cooking online with others outside our home. Connecting with others through meals is a joy and I look forward to making those same connections at RCA. I am excited for the opportunity to teach Culinary Arts and look forward to creating a class that blends science, nutrition, culture, creativity, and just a pinch of math into memorable experiences students will savor for years to come. Most of all, I hope students leave the class with practical life skills, confidence, creativity, and a desire to use their gifts to bless others.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Steffany Hagler
Culinary
RCA Faculty
Maxwell Faulkner
Maxwell Faulkner was born and raised in Saint John, Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise and Health. During his time there, he was the Assistant Director of Purdue Athletes Life Success Program where he taught children the importance of daily exercise. Upon graduating, Maxwell worked as a Physical Education Teacher for three years, and coached Varsity Women’s Basketball and won a Sectional Championship. He has been involved in educating and training children and young adults for the past decade in various schools and private settings. Maxwell currently is a personal trainer, private basketball coach, and an assistant basketball coach in Williamson County. In his free time, Max enjoys hiking with his wife and daughter, weightlifting, grilling on the weekends, and having conversations about any sports topic. As a member of Harpeth Christian Church, Maxwell is now honored to join Renew Christian Academy. His mission is to inspire his students to improve their skills and reach their potential, always keeping in mind to put God first and honor His word.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.
Maxwell Faulkner
Lifetime Wellness & PE
RCA Faculty
Rachel Rutherford
Rachel graduated from the University of Evansville (Indiana) where she majored in Computer Science with a Math minor and most importantly, a personal relationship with Jesus.
She is married to the most amazing man and has three young adult children. Eric, Kate, Jill and Caleb are her four favorite people in the whole world. Her family has a passion for helping other families feel confident in discipling their children by pointing them to resources and podcasts… and of course God’s Word.
Rachel has always loved math and science. Helping students learn and grow is a privilege. Encourage students to be willing to fail as they learn new math skills comes from years of fighting perfectionism. She has embraced the philosophy that mistakes are an opportunity to grow. Everyone fails to some degree if they are courageous enough to attempt new things. Success is a result of learning from mistakes. She wants students to be courageous, confident and successful.
“Math helps us see the incredible wisdom and care displayed throughout creation – an order, wisdom and care that is there because we have a wise and caring Creator! We can rely on math because we can rely on God. Math is complex and complicated because God created a complex universe… Math applies universally because God’s rule is universal.” – Katherine A. Loop
Rachel looks forward to guiding your student as they explore math and science and how those subjects reflect the steadfast, creative, powerful character of God.
Rachel Rutherford
8th Grade Science & Algebra 2
RCA Faculty
Brigitt Tissot
Brigitt is a dedicated math and chemistry educator with over 27 years combined of teaching and then tutoring students from elementary through high school. She holds both a bachelor’s (in cellular molecular biology) and master’s degree (M.A.C) from the University of Michigan and taught high school chemistry in a public school.
She took a few years off after her 2 children were born and has been tutoring math and chemistry for the last 20 years.
Brigitt is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop a lifelong appreciation for chemistry and math.
She has been married for over 28 years and is a mom of 2 adored, young adult children. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exercising, traveling, playing games, reading, watching UM and UTK football (especially when they are good) and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Brigitt Tissot
Algebra I
RCA Faculty
Kristen Frenzel
Kristen Frenzel brings both a strong artistic background and a deep passion for investing in students through creativity and encouragement. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting and ceramics. Her artwork has been featured in galleries throughout Nashville, and she has extensive experience working with children through art workshops and creative programs at schools and organizations, including Arts 4 Life in Franklin.
Kristen is passionate about helping students build confidence and discover the joy of artistic expression. She believes every student is uniquely created in the image of God and that creativity is a meaningful reflection of His character. In the classroom, she strives to create an environment where students feel encouraged, inspired, and equipped to grow both artistically and personally.
Kristen lives in Nashville with her husband, Mason, and their two children. Outside the classroom, she enjoys creating hand-painted ceramics, spending time with her family, participating in church community, and making memories through family game nights and adventures together. She is excited to help students discover and develop their God-given creative gifts both inside and outside the art room.
Kristen Frenzel
Middle & High School Art
RCA Faculty
Tara Ebert
I am currently a homeschooler in my 21st year having graduated three of my four children. Homeschooling was an unexpected journey as my degree is a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and I managed a multi-facility radiology firm and a dental practice before moving to TN and raising a family. Over the past 21 years, I have volunteered time at our local library boards and mentored many families new to homeschooling. Unexpectedly one of my own was diagnosed with learning disabilities which started my path of working with families in math as friends reached out for help, however I began tutoring algebra while in highschool. I have learned how to teach those with math disabilities such as dyscalculia and those who struggle with math simply from having dyslexia, ADHD, or poor working memory. In my quest to help my own children and others, I began working closely with Home Life Academy and served on their special needs team to work with families who have challenges in education. I have used a variety of math curriculums not only in the homeschool community but also in the public sector. I have helped families with math both locally and as far as New Zealand and surrounding states. I also work with families who have students on traveling athletic teams where a classroom setting is not possible and tutorials where the classroom is the best setting. Math is not my only language; I work in a variety of ministry areas at my local church as a disciple of Christ.
My goal for my students at RCA is to not only apply formulas and pass a class but build and understand the framework of math for success in future math courses and learn the applications of math logic in the real world. I enjoy hiking, spelunking, skateboarding, running and more with my children while working in a Freedom Ministry for those who are trying to overcome spiritual hurdles.
Tara Ebert
Pre-Algebra, Anatomy & 6th Science
RCA Faculty
Ken Alexandrow
Ken Alexandrow, founder of AGAPE Tactical, spent twenty-six years serving the citizens of middle Tennessee as a career police officer. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During his law enforcement career, he was appointed to the Metro Nashville Police Academy as a confrontation management and firearms instructor. In 2002, he was selected to serve on the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force where he led investigations in bank robbery and extortion cases for high profile celebrities and citizens. He concluded his career as a Field Training Officer where he had the opportunity to supervise and train new police officers on how to apply their academy knowledge to real life situations on the street.
Ken uses his law enforcement experience to teach active killer response, personal protection, advanced handgun, rifle and shotgun classes to private citizens and teams across the country. He specializes in helping schools, businesses and religious organizations develop plans for providing a safe learning, working and worshipping environment for their employees, members and guests. Ken testifies as a use of force expert in judicial cases. He is interviewed regularly by local news outlets and has been featured multiple times on Fox News Network. Ken is a keynote speaker at 6 national conferences every year.
He has been married for over 15 years with 2 precious children. Ken is looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge of teaching high school-level students.
Ken Alexandrow
Forensic Science
RCA Faculty
Denise Franklin
Denise Franklin brings over two decades of homeschooling experience to the tutorial classroom, blending academic depth with a heart for mentoring students and supporting families. A mother of six (born within seven years!), Denise is driven by a passion for personalized, Christ-centered education. She has created and edited the yearbook since RCA’s first year, joined the teaching staff in 2022, founded the RCA Newsmagazine, In the Loop, in 2023, and co-founded the RCA Literary & Art Magazine, Renew, with Marji Mennen in 2023.
A love of photography, sparked by receiving her uncle’s old Minolta SRT 101 camera in the eighth grade, led to the creation of Denise Franklin Photography, a boutique photography studio focused on creating beautiful portraiture for individuals and families. She has been teaching photography to homeschool students for nearly fifteen years and is excited to bring her love of the art form to the students at RCA. Continuing to follow her interests from college, Denise completed three years of Biblical Counseling Training through NANC (now ACBC). She is looking forward to exploring the field of psychology within a biblical worldview with her students this year. Married to a world-renowned computer geek, Denise has picked up a few things, keeps up to date with current technology, including becoming a Certified Google Educator in 2022, so stepping into the role of teaching the new Computer Science course at Renew seemed like a natural fit.
Outside of RCA, Denise coaches Women’s Volleyball at Franklin Classical School. Accepting the role as FCS Middle School Head Coach in 2021, she has been the Program Director and Varsity Head Coach since 2023. Driven and competitive, Denise loves coaching volleyball and having the opportunity to mentor and develop young athletes in the sport. She has also been coaching travel club volleyball since 2021, including three trips to the AAU National Championships in Orlando.
Denise is originally from San Antonio, TX, spent a few years in Plano, TX, on her way to becoming a Middle Tennessee resident in 2018, when she settled with her family in Franklin. Wednesday mornings she enjoys a pottery class in Nashville, and is dreaming of building a home pottery studio one day. Denise is obsessed with having coffee with friends, knitting stuffed animals, and reading good books with her cuddly cats nearby. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Psychology minor from Southwest Texas State University (2000). Before embracing full-time motherhood and homeschooling, Denise worked in the financial and wealth management space, in both Sales and as a Business Analyst.
Denise Franklin
Psychology, Computer Science, Photography
RCA Faculty
Charles Valdez
Charles Valdez is a dedicated and passionate educator with over two decades of experience teaching Bible classes at his local church, coupled with several years of substitute teaching in Christian schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Pacific Union College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, bringing a rich academic background to his teaching career.
Mr. Valdez has spent much of his professional life in the telecommunications industry, where he has honed his leadership skills and business acumen. In 2010, he and his wife relocated their telecommunications company, ITS Resources, from Pasadena, CA to Tennessee, where the company specializes in provisioning 911 call centers across the United States.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the Agape Agency, providing insurance services in the communities surrounding Thompson’s Station
Beyond his business endeavors, Charles is deeply committed to community service. He has held leadership positions in several non-profit organizations, currently serving as the chairman of Williamson County for Latinos for Tennessee and previously as chairman of the board for GraceWorks Ministries.
Charles and his wife, Shar, are devoted parents to five children: Mahlet (27), Dianna (22), Grayeson (15), Jayden (14), and Caiden (12). This fall, the three youngest will be attending Renew Christian Academy, where Mr. Valdez will be teaching history.
As an educator, Charles is passionate about exploring the impact of historical events on contemporary society, with a strong foundation in Christian values. He emphasizes understanding history through a Christian lens, aiming to inspire his students to appreciate the relevance of history in their lives today.
Charles’s extensive business experience, combined with his dedication to education and faith, allows him to bring a unique and enriching perspective to his role as a history teacher at Renew Christian Academy. Parents can trust that their children will be guided by an educator who is deeply committed to their academic and spiritual growth.
Charles Valdez
World & US History, Bible Archaeology
RCA Faculty
Whitney Wiley
Whitney is thrilled to be a part of Renew Christian Academy. She has taught English for ten years in numerous school contexts, in four different states, and in two countries. Needless to say, she and her husband love to travel, but they are nice and settled here in Nashville with their two daughters. Mrs. Wiley has a passion for all of God’s truth, and loves to explore how Literature points us to Him and gives us empathy for one another. Her other loves include her family, Church, pottery, leading worship, and walking barefoot through the grass. She graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in English and Secondary Education, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biblical Exegesis.
Whitney Wiley
9th & 11th English
RCA Faculty
Dr. Dave Cole
Dr. David Cole, P.E. comes to RCA from the U.S. Defense Industry (Artis – HQ in VA) in a business where he serves as Special Assistant to the CEO and Vice President for Compliance supervising Quality, Contracting, Export Licensing, Safety, Physical Security, and hands-on responsibility for product system safety engineering. He has a unique 45-year blend of military, consulting, scholastic and industrial experience, with a desire to move into a new phase of life teaching aspiring students.
Dr. Cole has a stated teaching objective for joining the team at RCA: to prepare our youth for the world by teaching them to think, to reason, to solve problems, and equipping them with the tools to do so.
He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.), Management Science (M.S.), and Business Management (PhD) from Lehigh University, Texas A&M, and LaSalle University, respectively. After serving as a captain in the Army doing research and development, he led in positions of increasing responsibility at Hercules Aerospace, L-3 Communications, Northrop Grumman, and as President of Martin Electronics in Florida. In 2010 Dr. Cole accepted the Executive VP position at Artis (Virginia) and has served there to date. During this period, he also lectured as an adjunct professor at Xavier University and the University of Maryland, while serving as an Elder at two Christian churches, and teaching adult and teen Sunday School for over 20 years.
Dr. Cole is a licensed professional engineer, and he has served on various U.S. Department of Defense Industrial steering committees as well two NATO advisory committees and is a founding member of the Aerospace Association’ Energetic Systems Technical Subcommittee.
He and his wife Melody live in Franklin, TN and are members at Harpeth Christian Church. They have seven children and 11 grandchildren.
Dr. Dave Cole
Statistics
RCA Faculty
Claudia Faulkner
Claudia was born and raised in Mexico City. Upon graduating high school, she moved to Chicago, IL to pursue her higher education, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video from Columbia College Chicago. Claudia has been teaching Spanish for the past 16 years and has worked with various schools, after-school programs, summer camps, language centers, and tutoring companies in California, and now in Tennessee since she and her husband moved to Franklin in September of 2023. Claudia is honored to join Renew Christian Academy as a Spanish teacher. Claudia and her husband, Maxwell, regularly attend Harpeth Christian Church. They look forward to being blessed by the Lord and soon become parents. In her free time, Claudia enjoys singing, reading, exercising, working on home projects and organization, and exploring new hiking trails with her husband and their tiny dog, Luna. As a part of the RCA and Harpeth community, Claudia looks forward to continuing to strengthen her relationship with God and her devotion to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8
Claudia Faulkner
Spanish I, Spanish II
RCA Faculty
Jennifer Root
Jennifer has been in education since 1994. She completed her mathematics degree at Union University and moved to Nashville to begin teaching public high school. She then earned her Masters degree in Math Education from MTSU. Jennifer met her husband in 2001 and continued to teach until they welcomed their first child in 2005. Since then, Jennifer has added two more children and a dog (which she swore she’d never do) to their family while she continued to tutor high school and middle school mathematics.
While her favorite activity is taking a good nap, Jennifer loves going for walks and spending time with her husband, kids, and friends. Her favorite hobbies include decorating, baking, and finding good deals. Jennifer is excited to return to the classroom at RCA! She’s looking forward to encouraging students who find math challenging and watching their confidence and appreciation for the subject grow.
Jennifer Root
6th and 7th grade Math
RCA Faculty
Kim Duarte
Kim has been teaching the Bible in various settings since 2005. She has experience in conducting workshops on Biblical interpretation for adults and leading Bible studies for youth. Additionally, she has worked as a Middle School English teacher in a Christian school and as a substitute teacher in a similar setting. She homeschooled her two sons, with her youngest graduating in 2022.
In 2012, Kim completed her Masters in Biblical Studies. She also authored a book that teaches people step-by-step ways on how to read and understand the Bible. Kim is dedicated to teaching her students how to read and interpret the Bible in context, discern sound Biblical truth, and personally apply Scripture with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Kim spends time writing Bible-centered resources and teaching people how to read the Bible through workshops, podcasts, and wherever the Lord opens the door. In her free time, she likes to read biographies and go on adventures with her family…and nothing makes her more excited than a road trip!
Renew Christian Academy holds a special place in Kim’s heart because her youngest son graduated there, having grown spiritually, academically, and personally. She feels grateful and privileged to be a part of this school. Kim-Christine is excited for the upcoming year and is looking forward to seeing her students connect with God’s word in a meaningful way.
Kim Duarte
Middle School Bible, Apologetics
RCA Faculty
Dean Toscano
My name is Dean Toscano. I am excited and honored to be teaching the next generation of young men and woman at Renew Christian Academy. I have been married for 33 years and have two children; both of whom grew up and live in Nashville. Our daughter recently had a baby, so we are now grandparents to a beautiful little girl named Blakely. I graduated college from The University of North Carolina with a degree in Criminology, but God had other plans for me. I went into full-time ministry for the International Churches of Christ for 13 years. It was there that I led campus ministries and was also the lead minister for several churches. During our time in ministry, we were fortunate to be able to live and travel all over the world. When I left the ministry, I co-owned a company in Nashville for a few years and then went into Medical Sales for several years before transitioning to the Financial Service industry. I currently work as a Financial Advisor for a small independent financial firm, Gramercy Park Wealth Advisors. I have always had a passion for teaching and believe that our economy, and its role in our society, is crucial to understanding…especially for young people today. My experience owning my own business as an entrepreneur, as well as, teaching clients about investments as it relates to the economy will make our class both interesting and exciting!
Dean Toscano
Personal Finance & Economics
RCA Faculty
Nancy List
I absolutely love being a part of Renew Christian Academy and the Biblical education it pours into our students!
I am a follower of Jesus, an experienced musician, a wife to Frank, and a mom to two fine young men, 22 and 20. My oldest is a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor in Smyrna, TN and works for Envoy Air at the Nashville Airport as a ramp agent. My youngest is in his third year at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he is studying Mechanical Engineering.
In 2015, for reasons I’d love to share over a cup of coffee anytime, I decided to go back to college and finish my education. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Governors University in December of 2018. Prior to that, I worked in 4th and 5th grade classrooms for six years as an Educational Assistant with Special Ed students in inclusion classrooms for Rutherford County.
Upon completion of my degree, I had no desire to teach in public schools but wanted to use my degree however and wherever the Lord saw fit. In 2020, He led us to Harpeth Christian Church. Not long after, the announcement was made that they were starting Renew Christian Academy. It seemed that the Lord was letting me know where He wanted me to be.
With an education and background in music, I have worked as a worship leader in two churches before coming to Harpeth, and my husband and I perform locally together for Assisted Living communities and Memory Care groups (a ministry of our hearts), as well as for local cafes, coffee houses, and various public and private events. But the Lord called me into an unexpected position at Renew and, while I was hesitant to accept, I could not be happier.
I am in my fourth year teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade History/Social Studies at Renew as well as being a mentor to an amazing group of young women.
My goal as a History teacher is to ignite a passion in young people for where we come from and why it’s important to know. I want them to know the facts and truth about historic events and the people who shaped them and then form their own opinions about the world through the lens of Biblical and historical Truth.
Nancy List
6th-8th grade Social Studies
RCA Faculty
Tiffie Rosen
My name is Tiffie Rosen and I look forward to joining the staff of Renew Christian Academy. I am a wife and mother of three, mostly grown, children; our youngest is currently a junior at Franklin High School. I received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, with a major in Government, from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, both in the early 1990s. My experience in education, prior to starting a family, include substitute teaching in Davidson County Schools, tutoring at Sylvan Learning Center, and teaching classes at a correctional facility. After many years home with my children, I spent the past two years (Fall 2018 – Spring 2020) teaching History and World Geography classes at Franklin Christian Academy. Currently, I am busy tutoring and substitute teaching in Williamson County Schools. During my free time, I love reading nonfiction, walking with friends, putting together jigsaw puzzles, going to jazzercise, and knitting (just learned but truly enjoy it). I value public discourse and am passionate about engaging high school students in mature discussions about the way our government works and the gifts of freedom and liberty we not only possess, but steward, as American citizens.
Tiffie Rosen
AP US Government and Standard US Government
RCA Faculty
Marji Mennen
My name is Marji Mennen. My husband and I both grew up in Williamson County and have moved numerous times across the country for the 36 years we have been married. I was part of the very first graduating class of Brentwood High School and earned my teaching degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We have a son and daughter-in-law in Denver (with two precious granddaughters) and a daughter In Raleigh. I am a teacher from a family of educators and whether directly teaching or not, I have always been involved in education. I have taught middle school English and preschool, trained writers and editors for a large company, and worked with high school students with disabilities who were interning in a hospital. I have also volunteered in schools tutoring in writing and reading as well as coordinated a reading program with schools, classes and volunteers. When not having fun with family and friends, I love to read, quilt, and walk. We are so blessed after all the years of moving to finally be home and I am thrilled to return to teaching at RCA.
Marji Mennen
6th, 7th, 10th and 12th Grade English
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