OUR PEOPLE
Renew Christian Academy
Renew Christian Academy Staff
Renew Christian Academy Faculty
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.
Catherine Rozenboom
Catherine has been married to her husband, Michael, for 22 years, and she has been his real estate assistant for 16 years. They have three teenage children, whom Catherine has homeschooled all the way through, so far. She enjoys reading, puzzles, and going on walks or hikes.
nicki yorke
Denise Franklin
Denise Franklin, a Texas native and happy Tennessee transplant, holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. After graduation, Denise climbed the corporate ladder as a licensed financial adviser and Business Analyst for a large mutual fund company. When she “retired” from Corporate America to be home with her growing family in 2003, Denise opened a small photography business focused on family and pet portraiture. While she hopes to one day return to law school, Denise has spent the last twenty years raising and homeschooling her brood of six children alongside her husband, Elliott. Throughout her homeschooling career, she has actively pursued opportunities to facilitate community and foster active learning for her students. Beginning with a weekly art class and book club co-op in her home, participating monthly in youth birding clubs, developing a field-trip based photography club in San Antonio, TX, and founding a youth theatre company in North Texas, Denise regularly sought out opportunities to enrich her children’s education. Two of her children have graduated and begun their college careers, while her youngest four are students at Renew Christian Academy.
Denise embraces a lifetime learning approach to education and has over a decade of experience sharing her passion for learning with students, developing new interests along the way. She seeks to approach teaching in a personalized and creative manner to best reach each student where they are and encourage growth in their learning journey. Former photography students have seen their work published nationally, been highlighted as best youth nature photographer, taken staff positions at their college newspapers, and opened their own photography studios. Denise enjoys knitting, reading, photography, and playing volleyball. A former athlete herself, Denise is the Head Middle School Volleyball Coach at Franklin Classical School and is on the Club Prep coaching staff with Tennessee Performance Volleyball in Franklin, TN. Denise and Elliott have been married 22 years, and besides their six kids have also collected four cats, two turtles, a handful of creek fish, and a bearded dragon. She is active in Children’s Ministry at her local church, weekly teaching the 4-year-old Sunday school class.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-4 (ESV)
Cindy Buss
I am excited to be part of the Renew Christian Academy family. While I have taught every grade from first to twelfth, I feel at home in the junior high/high school classroom. I have taught in private schools in New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching from Concordia University Chicago and a Master of Teaching degree from Aquinas College. In my spare time, I enjoy quilting, do-it-yourself projects, and “junkin’”. Needless to say, I am passionate about reading and writing, and am looking forward to providing my students with the skills necessary to succeed at whatever they choose to do in life.
Gwenn Woods
Hi, I’m Gwenn Woods. I have been teaching art and drawing at tutorials since 2010. I love being able to help students view art with a Biblical worldview lens, and to see their daily life, their future life, and life’s work all connected to who they are as a Christ follower. I am both excited and thankful for the privilege
of teaching at Renew Christian Academy. God placed the desire to teach in my heart at a young age. I love being able to equip students and teach them the skills they need to succeed, all while having lots of fun!
God is the master artist. Since we are created in His image we are also creative. God invites us to exercise our creative capacities fully by using the tools that God provided in his visual creation, the language of art. Art is an act of worship.
As a teacher, I work to embrace my students as they are and lovingly push them to explore this world, life, faith, and things outside of themselves in an interactive and engaging manner. I also desire to work to ignite in them a passion for art. My goal is to help them discover the gifts and skills God has given them that they can use in every other area of their life.
I avoided art throughout my high school years. I was a perfectionist and constantly compared myself to others and believed that I could never be good at art, So, I received a diploma in nursing in 1978 and practiced pediatric/ adolescent and intensive care nursing for 8 years. When I wasn’t working at the hospital, I came in and painted murals on the nursing unit and did art projects with patients. I developed an interest in environmental design when I had the opportunity to work with architects and interior designers to redesign the pediatric/pediatric intensive care unit. Subsequently, I went back to college to earn my BFA in Environmental Design and Art History from Bowling Green State University. I worked for 8 years with architectural firms and hospitals designing medical facilities before becoming a stay at home mom to my two adopted children, Tori, now 28 and Alex, now 25.
I served as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher for grades Pre-K-8 for 3 years before homeschooling my children. After moving to Tennessee 12 years ago, I began teaching fine arts to grades K-6 at Franklin Classical School, and then grades 6-12 at West Harpeth Christian Tutorial
I also assist with the Ignite Business program at Lipscomb Academy High School that engages students in career path experiences in business. I work with business professors at Lipscomb University to introduce students to the various disciplines in business. We connect students with businesses in the community to help students learn about various industries and to help them see the business disciplines in action.
I am experienced in various art mediums and methods, including graphite, watercolor, pencil, acrylic and oil paints, pastels, charcoal, ink, print-making, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. In my spare time, I like to write, paint, garden, cook, read, hike and spend time with family and friends. I have been married to Jerry, my high school sweetheart for 44 years and live with him and our crazy four year old Havanese, Toby.
Lindsey Conner
What an opportunity to be a part of Renew Christian Academy! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and a minor in Marketing from Harding University. I have homeschooled my 14-year- old son and 11-year-old daughter for 7 years. We also foster two toddlers that we are hoping to adopt.
Equipping children for life past high school graduation, practical skills, the opportunities of learning-by-doing, has birthed two of the classes I teach: Life Skills and Culinary Arts. In addition to Life Skills and Culinary Arts, I will be using my experience I’ve gained in teaching Classical Conversations to offer Geography, as well.
In my spare time, I enjoy projects on our property, tending to my flock of chickens, gardening, cooking and baking. I’m looking forward to the fun hands-on-learning experience we will have at Renew Christian Academy.
Jay Austin
Minister, author, speaker, teacher, and family life coach, Jay Austin, has been married to his wife Melissa for more than 26 years and is a father of two boys, Isaiah and Josh. Jay is the Family Discipleship Minister at Harpeth Christian Church. With more than 28 years of teaching and ministry experience, Jay has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Christian Education, an honorary D.D., and is a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPC) and a Certified Youth, Parent, & Family Coach (CYPFC).
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.
Joselyn Zepeda
My Name is Joselyn E. Zepeda and I was born and raised in Mexico. I am a disciple of Christ and I am passionate about discipling/mentoring teens as I walk with God. After college,I met my husband Adam and we have been married for 12 years. We have a son, Jonathan, who is a joy to be around. Our household is bicultural and love that we can teach our son 2 languages and cultures. I came to the USA to earn my degree in Psychology with a Minor in Youth Ministry from Harding University 2005. Since, I have done all kinds of things: I’ve taught English at middle and high school levels in Mexico. I have worked as a ELL teacher’s aid in Oregon and I have been a substitute teacher in NM and TX. I am excited to teach and share my native language and culture with our students!
Jenny Narciso
Physical activity and sports have been a big part of my life. I grew up playing softball, basketball and soccer. Soccer is what eventually stuck and I played competitively through my sophomore year in college before transitioning to intramural sports. I have a Bachelor’s degree in recreation and spent most of my career prior to having children managing youth sports associations. I have four wonderful kids and have spent the last 12 years at home raising them and partnering with my husband in youth & young adult ministry. Now that my youngest is in school full-time I am eager to join the RCA team teaching PE and Lifetime Wellness. I am also a certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer and lead classes at Burn Boot Camp in Franklin.
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.
Denise Van Burkleo
Denise is blessed to be on a mission for God at Renew Christian Academy. She has two sons in their early twenties and a sixteen-year-old daughter at Summit High School. While you can’t take the Texan out of the girl, Tennessee has become her new home the past fifteen years.
Teaching has been Denise’s life career. Her passion for teaching began at an early age in the garage with a huge blackboard and a class full of stuffed animals. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a specialization in music from Sam Houston State University in Texas. Denise has twenty-one years of public school education experience. Five years of music and sixteen years in grades first through fourth.
Denise enjoys spending time with family and friends playing games, going to concerts, crafting, and Kayaking. For the past eight years, she has spent most weekends as a band and color guard mom. Denise is looking forward to continuing to serve the community in which she lives and inspiring a life of learning with a Godly world view.
Susan Snowdon
Susan is blessed to pour Christ centered academics into the Renew Christian Academy students and build ‘community’ with them. It is a privilege to equip students to a Christ centered life experience and foster a passion for lifelong learning.
Her love of teaching has taken her on a more than 30-year journey. While she began a career in Social Work and Psychology after graduating from Freed-Hardeman College (University) with her Bachelor of Science degree, God knew that the gift of teaching needed to be her focus. She continued her education to receive her Master of Education and Special Education from the University of Houston. It was a privilege to join the U of H team as adjunct professor for a period of time prior to working in public education. As her journey in education continues with RCA, she is blessed to provide course work in Science and Geography.
Presently, Susan enjoys partnering with the community to work at the Well of Spring Hill, being on the Worship Team of her home congregation, and she is honored to care for her mother and son. Her son’s pet dog Tulio keeps her busy and is teaching her what it is like to be a joyful grandmother.
A final living word to share is the scripture text of Jeremiah 29:11-13 that Susan’s family has leaned into. This scripture has given them a strength and belief in God’s plan for them. She too believes that God knows the plans He has for the RCA students. He will guide them as they venture into the depth of learning that is at their fingertips.
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, 21 and 19. My oldest is a recently licensed commercial pilot and works for Envoy Air at the Nashville Airport. My youngest is in his second 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 beginning my third year teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade History/Social Studies at Renew as well as being a mentor to an amazing group of young ladies. 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.
Diana Plantier
Born on the porch of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s home in Great Neck, New York, seemed to seal my destiny as a writer and English teacher. I graduated from Valparaiso University with a BA in English/Education and an MA from Long Island University. Both along with extensive world travel and clubs/sports provided me with the needed credentials to embark on a long and glorious career as an educator, club advisor, and coach.
Once I retired from the public school systems of New York and New Hampshire, I was free to pursue my passion for writing books and scripts. This has enabled me to blend my strong Christian convictions with my love of all things English! So, I took the experiences I garnered from my high school Public Speaking elective, which included a popular comedy show, to birth a ministry in California called Christian Comedic Performing Arts. It showcased my biblically inspired comedy skits to entertain and inspire.
I recently moved to Franklin to be near family. My son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons live in Nashville. My son has been waiting for me to move here and start my “Ministry of Athleticism” (as he calls it!) with his two boys! I enjoy basketball, baseball, golf, softball, skiing and tennis…and of course writing, producing, and directing to honor my Creator!!!
Whitney Williams
My name is Whitney Williams and I am so excited to be part of the Renew Christian Academy family! I am originally from Florida and relocated to Tennessee three years ago. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Elementary Education, from the University of Central Florida. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology
I have worked in education for the last eight years. In the public-school setting, I worked as a substitute teacher and a kindergarten teacher. I have also worked as a private teacher to upper elementary and middle school-aged students.
My passion for teaching developed while working with the non-profit organization Friends of Refugees, in Clarkston, Georgia. During this time, I led summer camp activities and facilitated learning for students in grades 1-8.
Something that is very important to me is my relationship with God. I believe that true joy comes from a life that is led by Jesus. I am so excited about an opportunity to lead youth in their relationship with Christ and to help them become great lights to the world around them.
In my free time, I enjoy doing embroidery work, reading and playing with my cat!
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:9-11
Jamie Stanford
Jamie Stanford grew up in middle Tennessee and committed her life to Christ when she was 16. She attended East Tennessee State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a B.S. in Biology. She continued her education at the University of Kentucky (UK) where she graduated with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. During her years at UK, she served as a teaching assistant and research lab mentor for high school and undergraduate students. She returned to Tennessee in 2010 as a postdoctoral research fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) where she conducted research at the Ingram Cancer Center. During her time at Vanderbilt, she mentored graduate students and received a VUMC certificate in college teaching. Dr. Stanford took a break from academia to enter the nonprofit world by joining the scientific staff at Susan G. Komen in 2014. Prior to leaving Komen in 2021, Jamie was overseeing management of Komen’s portfolio of research grants. Playing to her strengths, she was also heavily involved in educating the public about key scientific discoveries – taking complex scientific ideas and breaking them down so the average person can understand them.
Jamie is a member of Harpeth Christian Church and has served as a volunteer in children’s ministry for approximately 5 years. By joining the teaching staff at RCA, and with guidance from the Holy Spirit, she hopes to equip students with the knowledge and skills to courageously face the challenges of college and beyond without losing sight of Jesus.
Jamie resides in Franklin with her husband (Matt) and their 3 children (RJ, Margaret, and Lizzy). She enjoys quality time with her family – spending time outdoors, playing games, and the weekly family movie night. She also enjoys reading, writing, worship music, arts and crafts, and a good cup of coffee.
Dawn Gauthier
I am originally from near Atlanta, Georgia, but have lived in Tennessee most of my life. I moved to Nashville in 1999 to attend college at Lipscomb University. I began as an education major, but discovered I had a passion for Sports Medicine and changed my major to Athletic Training. I graduated from Lipscomb in 2003 with a BS in Athletic Training and Exercise Science. After graduating I went to work for Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance where I worked for 16 years, and also attained my master’s degree from MTSU in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. While working for Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance, I was an assistant athletic trainer at Montgomery Bell Academy for 3 years; I saw patients in the physical therapy clinics; and also worked as a Medical Assistant for several of their surgeons.
I enjoy caring for athletes, from trying to help them prevent injuries and teach them how their bodies work to best compete in their sports, to assessing injuries and helping them rehabilitate to return back to play. I am an awe of the human body and God’s wonderful design. In addition to my 2 collegiate degrees and being a certified athletic trainer, I am also a licensed massage therapist.
I currently live in Franklin with my husband and son. I work for Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a Certified Athletic Trainer, and for Williamson County School System as a substitute teacher. On the weekends you will find me on an obstacle racing course, riding my bike, hiking with my family or in my gardens.
I feel so blessed to be a part of Renew Christian Academy.
Jim Hayson
My name is Jim Hayson. I am married with one son who attended Centennial High School here in Franklin and recently graduated from the University of Tennessee. I have lived in Tennessee since 2008. I graduated from Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado with a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering. I have spent the majority of my life in government service, first as a US Marine and later, as a federal law enforcement agent.
I first began tutoring the children of co-workers that needed help with various math subjects and found it very enriching and rewarding. It also planted the seed that teaching/tutoring could be a part of my future. After retirement from federal service, I tutored at Centennial High School for a few years in the subjects of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus followed by teaching Algebra I and Algebra II at Centennial High School.
My wife Hilda and I currently run an Airbnb on our property in Thompsons Station which allows us to meet a wonderful variety of interesting people from throughout the United States and the world.
I love to travel and experience the flavor of life of other cultures. I enjoy almost any endeavor that involves a ball or a puck and the math nerd within me is attracted to card games of all sorts. I also enjoy the mental escape from reality provided by a good novel and truly admire the art of storytelling.
Patty Johnson
Patricia, or Patty as she is known by, has had a passion for teaching children since she was old enough to make her younger brother sit in a desk and pretend to do school. She left her Canadian roots and attended Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her and her husband moved to Texas where she began her teaching career, starting in 1st and 2nd grade and then moving to 5th and 6th grade, all at inner city schools. After 12 years, she left her teaching career to begin the homeschooling journey that has taken her through the last 24 years. The last of 5 boys will graduate in 2023, all of them homeschooled. Along the way, Patty has taught at numerous tutorials and coop’s, depending on where her boys were attending at the time. Classes have included General Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, English, History, Classical Conversations, Sonlight Unit High School classes and a lots of math tutoring. Four years ago, their family moved to Tennessee for her husband’s job and they have quickly fallen in love with living in the ‘mountains’, especially after 30 years in Texas.
She also has extensive musical training, having completed several exam requirements for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Even after over 25 years of teaching private piano lessons, she never tires of watching a student learn to play something they love.
Lately, she has also added theater to her activities. She has taught some classes through Christian Youth Theater and has now been stage manager for 2 shows. As she nears the end of a very fulfilling homeschooling career, she wants to continue to help other students reach their God given potential and instill in them a love of learning that brings them closer to Christ. She continues to work with kids at church, directing her churches children’s department and in her spare time, loves to garden, hike and spend time with family and friends.
She is excited to be joining the staff at Renew and to continue to encourage others to seek out what she feels is the most important thing in life, our relationship with Jesus.
Dawne Johnson
Dawne has homeschooled for 17 years, graduated two children, and has a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old still homeschooling. After earning a degree in International Studies, she worked as a translator and then transitioned into a position as a compliance analyst. After one of her children was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2004, she started training to work with learning strugglers and has completed several nationally recognized programs. Since then, Dawne has been working with students with dyslexia, ADD, executive functioning deficiencies, as well as gifted students. She has taught in homeschool tutorials for over a decade and is currently an academic coach and ACT tutor, working with 6th-12th grade students in public and private schools, as well as the homeschooling community. She also writes and edits curriculum and ACT materials.
Dawne lives in Franklin with her family, and, in her free time, she loves to read and explore new places with her children. Starting this fall, she is excited to begin pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University.
Jeff San George
Hi, my name is Jeff San George and I am the founder of Pineapple PC. My involvement with PCs began in 1984 when we got a Vic 20 for Christmas. At that point, software was hard to come by and no one really knew what to do with it. For the most part we just wrote simple programs in Basic. I then moved onto a Commodore 64, and then in college I got my hands on my first IBM based PC. It was awesome. That’s when my passion ignited. While I was in school, studying to be an engineer, I realized that computers were difficult to use, and someday everyone would have one.
In the later 80’s, I began to build PCs for myself, family, and friends. Things were different then but not too different. In the early 90’s, I launched PC Knowledge. The idea was simple, work with people in their homes to solve their PC problems. At that point most were still using DOS, and Windows was not quite ready for prime time. Then Windows 95 came out and changed everything. All of a sudden everyone wanted a computer. Everyone was getting on-line with AOL. During that time, I was immersed in my engineering career and moving around the country.
In 2000, the bug struck me again. I returned to servicing computers for people in their homes and really making a difference in families’ lives. This time, however, the Internet made it more complex. Viruses, Trojans, and Malware had crept in along with hackers and the abundance of websites not suited for kids. I had my hands full. After life taking me to other places, I now reside in Franklin, TN. Again the bug has bitten, and the game has changed yet again. Now people have 3 or more computers, digital cameras, and IPods with lots of purchased music.
In 2007 Pineapple PC became my full time venture. My goal was to help as many business and residential clients use technology to its fullest; to stay ahead of the curve and be there when they had a need.
Today, I have grown to be one of the area’s best and most highly respected technology professionals. Technology continues to change and evolve, and people continue to struggle with it. One thing is for certain, I am here to make technology work for you.
Whitney Wiley
Whitney Wiley is thrilled to be joining Renew Christian Academy. She has taught English in numerous school contexts in four different states and two countries. Needless to say, she and her husband love to travel, but they are nice and settled here in Nashville after the recent birth of their first child. 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, rock climbing, leading worship, and walking barefoot through the grass. She graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in English and Secondary Education, and she took as many Theology classes as possible.
Monte Collins
Monte Collins grew up in Evansville, In. He attended Lipscomb University graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in chemistry and a math minor. After college he attended Indiana University receiving an M.S. degree in analytical chemistry. After graduate school Mr. Collins worked at Lilly in Indianapolis as a analytical chemist. After 4 years working in the pharmaceutical industry, he left to work in a family business manufacturing preservation coatings.
In 2012 Mr. Collins moved to Nashville while still working in manufacturing as a regional manager and then then national product manager. During this time he reconnected with Lipscomb University serving as an adjunct professor teaching from 2014-2020.
In 2011, he helped establish Oasis, an after school ministry serving children in Baja California. At Oasis children from 4th grade through high school are provided tutoring, a meal, Bible classes, and a safe place to spend an afternoon. Oasis currently serves over 200 children.
Education has always been important of his life and a dream to share both subject matter and faith with future generations. He shares the vision of Renew Christian Academy “to prepare children for our world”.
Janice Routon
I feel honored to serve God as a history teacher at Renew Christian Academy! It is essential to equip young people with accurate facts and information, but I also plan to highlight historical leaders’ decisions, hoping their choices will serve as models to strengthen character. Studying history can not only initiate self-reflection and build character, but it can deepen understanding and perspectives of today’s society. RCA students may even discover that “nothing is new under the sun” (New King James Version, Eph. 1.9).
My passion for this subject was nurtured by my dear aunt, Catherine Lankford, who taught American History in the Tennessee public school system for forty years. Because she engrained the importance of studying history in me, I attained a B.A. in history from Birmingham-Southern College. Decades later her impact is still here as I recently enjoyed writing and publishing a historical study guide with Super Summary about the 1930’s Dust Bowl.
In my thirty-two years as an educator, I taught full-time in elementary school, high school, and college. I also held two positions as Educational Consultant with the State of Tennessee. Each experience has helped me to better understand how people learn.
I have two happily married daughters, one with a medical degree and a three-year-old, and another with a law degree and nine-year-old twins.
My interests outside of teaching are fiction writing and music. My interest in writing was sparked as I attained an M.A. in English from Western Kentucky University. I acquired a love of music as a child singing in the choir at First Baptist Church in Nashville and studying piano at Vanderbilt Blair Academy School of Music. My interest in music has never ceased. I have studied castanets for many years, including three years in Barcelona under the private tutelage of Mar Bezana, completing her highest skill level of virtuoso.
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!
Stephanie Allen
Stephanie is thrilled to be sharing her love of choral music and singing with the students at RCA. Her journey with choir began in high school, and ultimately led to a degree in Music Education from the University of Puget Sound. After teaching choir, general music, and beginning band for four years in the public schools in Washington State she decided to take a break and to devote her time and attention to caring for her family. She homeschooled her girls for 13 years, five of which were in Lusaka, Zambia where her family served as missionaries. During the homeschooling years she had opportunities to teach in several tutorial and co-op programs.
Most recently, she had the privilege of teaching 2nd-6th grade general music and “Cantorum” (a 96 voice choir made up of 6th-12th graders) at Summit Classical Christian School in Bellevue, WA. In addition, she worked with a smaller group of young women each week in a choir elective class. Currently, she enjoys leading an occasional choir at her church here in Nashville, and helping out with musical productions at her daughter’s school.
Stephanie and her family moved to Franklin, Tennessee in June of 2022 when her husband, Steve, accepted the lead teaching pastor position at Belmont Church. She has four daughters, one son-in-law, and a sweet granddaughter who lives way too far away in Idaho! She enjoys her role as pastor’s wife, and especially enjoys ministry that involves teaching and discipleship. In her free time she enjoys running, walking, reading, travel, decorating, and hospitality. She looks forward to being a part of the RCA community.
Barbara Cheney
Barbara has been married to her husband, Terry, for 50 years. They have lived in Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and Tennessee. Their two sons, now 31 and 33, were homeschooled and also members of various homeschool tutorials. They became involved in international saber fencing after Barbara signed them up for a beginning fencing course. Both went on to become involved in international saber fencing; one is now an international referee/coach and the other is a drone pilot living in Australia in the movie industry.
When their children were younger, the Cheneys served on the board of MTHEA, with Barbara serving as the editor of the newsletter, Jonathan’s Arrow, for 6 years.
Barbara has a BA degree in English from the University of Michigan (1971). Along with teaching in academic programs, she is an accomplished competitive powerlifter and has taught fitness classes in her home and in a fitness gym setting.
Her teaching experience includes 5 years as a computer trainer for the City of Mesa, Arizona, along with teaching middle school and high school English at Dickson Academy, Grace Christian Academy, Greater Things Christian School, and NCT Tutorial, Nashville. She has substitute teaching experience at United Christian Academy, Dickson and 1st Academy in Leesburg, Florida.
In addition to substitute teaching and teaching middle school and high school English, she has taught American History, Bible, Introductory Logic, Biology, middle school PE, Greek & Latin Roots, and Latin I.
The Cheneys are members of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Franklin, and make their home in Chapel Hill, along with their blue-tick beagle, Holly.
Kenneth howard
-20 year Retiree from the US Army
-6 years of Law Enforcement
-Lead Security Officer for Cross Point Church
-married with 4 te
Stefani Rose
From a young age, Stefani has been drawn to the stage, fueling her passion for the performing arts. She began her formal artistic education by attending an international boarding school, Idyllwild Arts Academy, during her high school years, where she focused on theater arts. This led her to receive multiple scholarships and grants to attend the State University of New York, Purchase College Theater Conservatory, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA. Stefani then pursued her education further at Yale University at the Yale School of Drama, where she earned her Master’s degree in Fine Arts. It was during her time at Yale that Stefani discovered her love for teaching and directing while working with the Dwight/Edgewood Project, a community engagement program serving K-8th grade students in the New Haven area, as well as serving as the co-artistic director of the Yale Summer Cabaret. Since then, Stefani has shared her expertise with a wide range of individuals, including actors, dancers, musicians, songwriters, screenwriters, preachers, and CEOs. Her coaching focuses on enhancing on-stage presence, building confidence, developing compelling stories, and delivering impactful performances. Most recently, Stefani served as the Head of Theater Programs at the Norris Performing Arts Center in Temecula, California. In this role, she directed four main stage productions each year, such as “Mary Poppins,” “All Shook Up,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Into The Woods.” Additionally, she worked as the primary acting coach for five competitive acting and musical theater teams while teaching drama classes to students aged 5 to 18. Stefani’s passion for the arts extends beyond the theater realm. She and her husband, Daniel Martin, were the co-owners of ReAmp Recording Studios, a renowned premiere recording studio in Southern California. Together, they embarked on the creation of a folk-American family-friendly, fun, and educational music channel. Their channel has achieved remarkable success, with nearly 30 million views on YouTube and 20 million streams on Spotify. As both a performing artist and theater director, Stefani recognizes the value of artist development for herself and her students. Drawing from her own experiences, she understands the challenges that her students face and leads by example. Stefani is dedicated to fostering a supportive artistic community that nurtures all those involved in creating exceptional works. She has received awards for her acting and songwriting, and she embraces her roles as a director, teacher, mother, wife, and Christian. Stefani feels immensely grateful and truly blessed by the opportunity to teach Drama and Theater Studies at Renew Christian Academy as she and her family settle into their new home in Franklin, Tennessee.