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Faculty and Staff

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Faculty and staff members are listed in alphabetical order by last name, (r-l); click the photo to send an email or simply use the first initial and last name @newcovenantschools.org.  For example, jdoe@newcovenantschools.org.

Andrea Adams, BA

Office Manager

serving since 2020

Wendy Ames, BA

Kindergarten

serving since 2005

April Andrade

Bookkeeper

serving since 2019

Teresa Angell, BA, BSN

Clinic Director,

Cello Coach

serving since 2017

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Sydney Ankeney, BS

Staff Substitute

serving since 2025

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Jessica Arango, BA

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2016

Melissa Bailey, MA

Choral Director

serving since 2020

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Starlet Baker, MLA

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2001

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Stacey Basten

Lobby Desk

serving since 2020

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Raeanna Beriguete, BS

School of Dialectic

serving since 2025

Callaway-Phaedra

Phaedra Callaway

Librarian

serving since 2000

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Katelyn Carter

Preschool Aide

serving since 2024

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Lauren Clark, BS

Pre-Kindergarten

serving since 2013

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Stone Clark, BA

Classical Languages

serving since 2025

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Joy Copenhaver, BS

Grammar School

serving since 2015

Daly-Theresa

Theresa Daly, BS

School of Dialectic

serving since 2024

Deneen-Chris

Chris Deneen, BS, MDiv

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2016

Michelle Dixon, BS

Accounting

serving since 2022

Dunaway-Michael

Michael Dunaway, BS

Fine Arts, Psychology

serving since 2019

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Katie Eldridge, BA, MA

School of Rhetoric, Latin

serving since 2012

Eshleman-Hattie

Hattie Eshleman, BFA

Fine Arts

serving since 2022

Sara Fritz, BS, MEd

Grammar School

serving since 2018

Tiffany Fulcher

Director of Parent Relations

serving since 2021

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Linda Hackenbracht, BS

Director of Finance

serving since 2018

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Julie Haley, BS

Grammar School

serving since 2007

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Linda Harris

Pre-Kindergarten

serving since 2006

Jonathan Hart, BA, MA

School of Dialectic

serving since 2020

Lara Haupricht, BS

Front Desk, School Store Manager

serving since 2021

Leslie Hawkins, BS

Grammar School

serving since 2016

Maria Hayden

Administrative Assistant

serving since 2025

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John Heaton, BA, MA, MALS

Headmaster

serving since 1998

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Lauren Helm, BA, MEd

Guidance Counselor

serving since 2024

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Mark Hernandez, BFA, MATS

Publisher, Graphic Design

serving since 2020

Cathy Hindman, BA

Grammar School

serving since 2003

Matthew Hunter, MA

Student Support Services / Head Coach Men’s Basketball

serving since 2024

Julie Ivins, BS

Grammar School

serving since 2006

Carrie Johnson, BS

Grammar School

serving since 2021

Darren Johnson, BA

Facilities Manager

serving since 2020

Matthew Johnson, BA, MA

School of Dialectic

serving since 2022

Jimmy Kirshberger, BS, MS

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2017

Serena Liu, MEd

Grammar School

serving since 2024

Abi Lovell, BSN

Nurse

serving since 2023

Doreen Loy, BS, MEd

Grammar School

serving since 2015

Brandi Marchant, BS, MA

History

serving since 2025

Kyra Marken, MA

School of Dialectic

serving since 2024

Kathryn Martin, BS

Principal, School of Dialectic

serving since 1998

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John Maynard, BS

Director of Athletics

serving since 2020

Amy McCarty, BS, MALA

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2022

Gail Mitchell, BS, MEd

School of Rhetoric and Registrar

serving since 1995

Angel Moulson, BS, MS

Grammar School PE

serving since 2025

Amee Newsome, BS

Student Support

serving since 2017

Julie Neiderer, BS

Physical Education

serving since 2018

Nigro-Joe

Joseph Nigro, MFA

Orchestra

serving since 2011

Natalie Olenik, BS

School of Dialectic

serving since 2009

Eliza Olson, BS

Director of Admissions

serving since 2022

Noel Palmer, M. Ed.

School of Dialectic

serving since 2022

Dayna Renalds, BA, MA

Director of Development

serving since 2013

Juette Renalds, BA

School of Dialectic

serving since 2024

Kevin Rhea, BS, MDiv

School of Rhetoric

serving since 2024

Ethan Roberts, M.ED

School of Rhetoric,
Theater Director

serving since 2022

Dillon Rumsey, BM

Band Director

serving since 2022

Linda Simon, BA

Director of Alumni Relations

serving since 2008

Jessica Simpkins, BA

Librarian, Latin

serving since 2008

Bridges Spiva, BA, MA, MPA

Principal, Grammar School

serving since 2010

Lukas Stock, BS, MA, MDiv

School of Rhetoric and Chaplain

serving since 2023

Taylor-Amanda

Amanda Taylor, BSN

Nurse

serving since 2021

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Erin Uminn, BS, MA, PhD

Principal, School of Rhetoric

serving since 2013

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Brielle Walker

Preschool Aide

serving since 2025

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Jacob Webb, BA, MAPS

School of Dialectic

serving since 2010

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April Weber, BS

Staff Substitute Coordinator

serving since 2024

Debbie Williamson, BS

Food Services Manager

serving since 2000

Stacy Wilson, BS

Kindergarten

serving since 2013

Linda Simon is the director of Alumni Affairs.  She has been a part of the New Covenant Schools community since 2007, and brings years of experience and deep personal connection to her role as in this position. As the former Director of Admissions and proud mom of two NCS alumni, she is passionate about fostering lasting relationships between the school and its graduates. Her work focuses on keeping alumni engaged, connected, and involved in the life of the school they once called home.

lsimon@newcovenantschools.org

Kathryn Martin serves as the principal of the School of Dialectic (grades 5-8).  She first joined New Covenant as a volunteer in 1996. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education, she was hired as a fourth-grade teacher in 1998, serving as a lead teacher for eight years. She then transitioned to the middle school, where she taught English and history and spent 15 years as assistant principal. In 2022, while completing her first year in Gordon College’s Master’s in Leadership for Classical Christian Schools program, she became middle school principal. Kathryn continues to teach history and treasures the opportunity to guide students through the formative “age of becoming.”  Kathryn states “New Covenant has enriched my life in unquantifiable ways over the past 28 years, and I am, in many ways, who I am today because of my time here.”

kmartin@newcovenantschools.org

Linda Hackenbracht has served as Director of Finance at New Covenant Schools since 2018. A Virginia Tech accounting graduate and CPA, she began her career with Ernst & Young auditing nonprofit clients before becoming Controller for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. After moving to Lynchburg, she offered financial counseling to churches and nonprofits while raising four children, all of whom attended New Covenant. Drawing on her nonprofit expertise, Linda has strengthened the school’s financial foundation and is honored to support its mission, inspired by the transformative impact of classical Christian education on her own family.

lhackenbrach@newcovenantschools.org

Dayna Renalds has served as the Director of Development since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Journalism from Liberty University and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee.  Before her current role, she worked with the area schools as a speech therapist, bringing her expertise in communication and education to the community.  During her tenure at New Covenant Schools, Dayna has led three successful capital campaigns to expand the campus and played a key role in establishing the school’s scholarship foundation, enabling donors to receive significant tax benefits for their contributions.  Dayna enjoys spending her free time with her five children, three of whom are proud alumni of New Covenant Schools, making memories together.

drenalds@newcovenantschools.org

John Maynard has been serving in the role of Athletic Director at New Covenant since 2020 and is in his sixth year of service. John has been an Athletic Director in North Carolina, South Carolina and now Virginia; a career in the Education/Athletic field spanning 15 years. He has served on Executive Board for the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference and will continue to do so this school year. John graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 2009 with a degree in Exercise Sport Science – Sport Administration. He is married to Kelsey Maynard, a fellow educator, and together they have one daughter.

jmaynard@newcovenantschools.org

Tiffany Fulcher is the Director of Parent Relations.  A proud mom of two New Covenant students, Tiffany has been part of the school community for years—first behind the scenes in the office and now helping parents navigate everything from lunch options to uniforms. Tiffany is the go-to person for questions regarding lunches, uniforms, or volunteer opportunities. She enjoys working with the parent community and welcomes questions and feedback.  Her goal is to make the New Covenant experience smooth for everyone in our community.  She also enjoys shopping for bargains in her free time.

tfulcher@newcovenantschools.org

Darren Johnson has served as the Facilities Manager at New Covenant since the summer of 2020.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University in 1992, where he was a three-year scholarship athlete on the university’s tennis team.  Darren was employed for 25 years as the Director of Corporate Sales and Head Groundskeeper for the minor league baseball team, The Lynchburg Hillcats. In this capacity he kept the playing field in pristine condition.  He also has experience with operations and customer service in the lawn and garden industry.  Outside of work, Darren enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf. He has been married to his wife, Susanne, for 31 years, and they have two children.

djohnson@newcovenantschools.org

Dr. Erin Uminn is the Principal of the School of Rhetoric (9th-12th). She has served since 2013 when she joined the dialectic faculty to teach literature, writing, history, and Bible, a post she held for 10 years. From 2021-2024 she worked to establish a predictable and supportive structure within a classical, Christian educational framework for students in the School of Dialectic (5th – 8th) as the Student Support Coordinator. This established support later grew into the fully staffed, Marion A. Patterson Center for Paideia. She received her Ph.D. in Education from Liberty University in 2023. Her dissertation included a qualitative research study on classical, Christian educators and how their intentional leisure practices directly informed their teaching and impacted students in the classroom. Dr. Uminn holds the B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies: English, Psychology, and Education and the M.A. in Human Services: Marriage and Family Therapy. She currently teaches Senior Thesis as an advisor and chair for the senior thesis capstone project.

euminn@newcovenantschools.org

Eliza Olson is the Director of Admissions and holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling. She and her husband, Nick, have two children at New Covenant. Before joining the staff, Eliza served as the director of a local Classical Conversations community. Having volunteered many hours and being a parent herself, she greatly enjoys connecting with New Covenant’s prospective families. From the moment you schedule a tour, to submitting an application, to beginning your journey as the parent of a new student, Eliza will be there to guide and support you.

eolson@newcovenantschools.org

Andrea Adams is the Office Manager.  Andrea was first introduced to classical Christian education in 2010 while seeking an alternative to public schooling for her children. They attended New Covenant Schools for their middle and high school years, where they were deeply impacted by the school’s Christ-centered, rigorous approach to learning.  Over the years, she volunteered in various capacities at the school, gaining firsthand experience in school operations and community life. In 2020, she joined the staff where she continues to serve by overseeing the day-to-day functions of the office, supporting faculty and staff, and ensuring smooth communication with parents and students. Her role allows her to combine administrative excellence with a passion for fostering a nurturing, faith-based educational environment.  Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

aadams@newcovenantschools.org

Bridges Spiva is New Covenant’s second grammar school principal, following the founding principal, Marion Patterson. She has served since 2010 and is in her sixteenth year of service. Mrs. Spiva began her tenure teaching 3rd grade in the grammar school and taught math, science, and Bible in the middle school. Prior to a career in teaching, Mrs. Spiva worked as a probation officer and supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She holds a BS in Communications, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Leadership in Classical Education. Both of her sons, Wagner (2020) and Waylon (2022) are graduates of New Covenant. Mrs. Spiva and her husband Jay enjoy cheering on the Hokies and spoiling their bulldog, Hazel.

bspiva@newcovenantschools.org

The Rev’d John Heaton is New Covenant’s second headmaster, following the founder of the school, Dr. Robert Littlejohn.  He has served since 1998 and is in his twenty sixth year of service.  He established the school on its permanent campus at Fleetwood Drive in Lynchburg, VA, and led the development of the school through five successful capital campaigns, providing the facilities which now serve more than 450 students through grade 12.  Fr. John is an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and has served a parish in his home state of Florida.  He currently serves as the Associate Priest at All Saints Church which meets in the Marie Macdonald Chapel on the campus of New Covenant. Fr. John holds the BA and MA in theology, and the MA in liberal studies.   He teaches intermediate Greek in the School of Rhetoric, and he writes routinely for this blog below.

heaton@newcovenantschools.org

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