BEREAN
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Uniquely Classical. Authentically Christian.
“Now the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” ACTS 17:11
ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT STAFF
Bethany Elston
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Bethany Elston graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M in 2006. She earned her Masters in Academic Administration in 2011 and has been involved in education since 2002. She was employed by Belton ISD and Katy ISD before becoming a homeschool mom. Mrs. Elston joined BCA in 2019 when her children were all old enough to enter school.
After teaching in a conventional school for several years, Mrs. Elston felt convicted to find an educational method that taught all subjects in an integrated format, would make Jesus the center of all topics, and would restore the love of learning to the students and the teachers. This pursuit led her to discover classical Christian education. Mrs. Elston is passionate about the classical Christian movement and has a desire to make disciples for the name of Jesus.
Mrs. Elston lives in Katy and has been married to her husband, Todd Elston, since 2007. Together they are raising their 3 children. She is interested in swimming, reading, playing in the dirt, or anything that allows her to be in God’s creation. Most of all she is a strong believer in Jesus Christ and simply cannot get enough of His Holy Word. Mrs. Elston is active in her local church and has a passion for spreading the Gospel through missions. BCA is blessed by the experience and passion Bethany brings to our wonderful school!
Susanne Horn
DEAN OF GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Susanne Horn graduated from St. Cloud State University with a K-12 Special Education degree with emphasis in Learning Disabilities and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. She spent 2 years at Grace College of Bible(Grace University) in Omaha, NE. In 2015, she became a Certified Teacher of Teachers with the Orton-Gillingham Reading Program. She has been involved in Education since 1992. She was employed as a teacher by the Guam School System before becoming a homeschool mom. In 2009, she began working in a Classical Christian School as a 5th grade teacher and Grammar School Director.
Mrs. Horn's great love is teaching children and adults about the love that Jesus has for them. She became an advocate of Classical Christian Education as she saw how her children thrived and grew in an atmosphere that encouraged them to become deep thinkers and the ability to use Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric skills in their daily lives.
In 2024, she was called by God to step into the K - 6 Grammar School Dean role at Berean Christian Academy. Her deepest desire is to help the teachers grow in their love of the Lord and in their knowledge of Classical Education and to encourage and support them in their journey.
Mrs.Horn has raised 3 adult children with the help of God. She enjoys reading, writing, swimming and going for walks with friends. Her greatest love is Jesus and He has been her greatest strength. The verse that has sustained her throughout her life is Joshua 1:9. A quote that has carried her through is from the book Streams in the Desert in which God speaks to His child. "Child of my love, lean hard and let me feel the pressure of thy care. Thou lovest me? I knew it. Doubt not then; But loving me, lean hard."
Jessica Birkmire
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR
Jessica Birkmire graduated with a degree in Communications from Texas A&M University (2000), received her Master’s in Education Administration (2010) and is currently certified by the State of Texas as a Principal Grades EC-12. She has 15+ years of teaching experience and holds a teaching certificate in Language Arts/Reading & Social Studies 4-8 and Speech grades 8-12. She and her husband Joe live in Katy and have five sons. Jessica believes her passion for education comes from the Lord who continues to give her opportunities to serve Him. She finds joy in encouraging and supporting teachers and staff, working with students, building relationships with parents, and maintaining positive partnerships with BCA’s education organizations as well as the local school district. Jessica and her family have been involved with BCA for many years in different roles. BCA has been a blessing to Jessica’s family!
Sarah Head
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Sarah Head grew up just north of Houston in Spring, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2004 with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Sociology. She spent several years working for an HR outsourcing company, where she specialized in calculating pension plans, before choosing to stay home to raise her three boys. Sarah and her husband, Vim, have lived in Katy since 2011 and are active members of Southstone Church, where they both serve faithfully. Their family has been part of the Berean Christian Academy community since it began in 2016. Two of their sons currently attend BCA, and their oldest attends Texas A&M. Sarah is honored to serve a school that has been such a blessing to her family.
Penny Townzen
CAMPUS COORDINATOR
Penny Townzen has an extensive Business Management experience, holding positions such as Business Director, Human Resource Manager and Safety & Training Manager for over 30 years. In 2015 Penny and her husband moved from Dallas to the Katy area to be near her daughter and became connected with BCA through the school activities of her grandchildren. Much of her joy comes from her children who live around the world serving in the military and on the mission field. She has 4 grown married children and 9 grandchildren, 2 of which attend BCA. I feel blessed to be a part of a Christian school where I feel I'm helping to make a difference and love seeing the precious students and their families daily.
One of Penny's favorite verses is Mark 9:23-24. "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."
Kim Lyman
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER
Kim was raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and subsequently relocated to Northern Virginia. She held a dual role at the Biocomplexity Institute at the University of Virginia, contributing to both the Research and Business Operations team as well as the Social and Decision Analytics Division. With more than a decade of experience, Kim provided comprehensive support to the Institute's leadership, focusing on project management, quality assurance, and the enhancement of operational efficiency. Prior to her tenure at the University of Virginia, Kim was employed by the Virginia Tech Biocomplexity Institute and the Institute for Defense Analyses in Washington, D.C. She has also worked with a variety of public and private organizations, primarily in executive support capacities. Currently, Kim and her husband, Jim, reside in Richmond, Texas. They are parents to three adult children and grandparents to eight grandchildren. The couple is actively involved in their community as members of Parkway Fellowship, where Jim serves as the Children's Pastor. Kim has dedicated over 30 years to working and volunteering alongside her husband in the Children's Ministry.
Lyndsey Dottavio
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT
Lyndsey Dottavio graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Psychology (2008) and received her Master's in Education in Counseling and Development (2011) from Lamar University. Lyndsey enjoyed practicing Individual and Group Counseling until the Lord brought her into vocational ministry. She has 12 + years experience working in Children's ministry both in Texas and in Arizona. As she has grown in her relationship with the Lord, He has put on her heart the desire to reach His children in the academic sphere. She is thrilled that the Lord led her to BCA to do so. In her role, she is excited to meet children where they are to help them be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
She and her husband, Aaron, live in Fulshear and have two children, Dominic and Abigail. Their family is very involved with Kingsland Baptist Church where they are engaged weekly and serve faithfully.
Lyndsey enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with her family, and playing/coaching volleyball and basketball.
Amy Stutes
ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR
Amy Stutes graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Following graduation, she spent seven years building her career in retail management, gaining valuable experience in leadership and customer service. In 2004, she married her husband, Allen, and together they have been blessed with four children—all of whom have attended Berean Christian Academy. Amy is deeply passionate about the mission and community of BCA and finds great joy in sharing that passion with prospective families. Her heart for the school shines through in every conversation, as she helps others discover the incredible impact BCA can have on their children's lives.
Tshepo Rathiaya
ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR
Tshepo Rathiaya graduated with Bachelors of Arts in Theology and Business (Double Major) from the African Christian University in 2020. He earned his Master of Arts in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University in 2023. He is passionate about exploring the theological and practical implications of the Christian worldview and how the power of the gospel transforms individuals and institutions.
Mr. Rathiaya has firsthand experience in semi-classical, liberal arts, and Christian education as a student. He joined BCA because of the ethos of classical Christian education that the school embodies through their rigorous pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty that undergirds all teaching and learning endeavors.
Mr. Rathiaya lives in Houston with his wife and two beautiful and energetic boys. He is an avid reader, aspiring writer, passionate researcher, and enjoys feasting on a well-served argument, and loves listening to music and taking walks with his wife Joy Rathiaya.
Ashley Wallace
EVENT COORDINATOR
Ashley Wallace graduated from Texas Christian University in 2005 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting. She lives in Katy, Texas with her husband, Cameron Wallace, and her five children - Emily, Austin, Luke, Violet, and Kenzie. She enjoys serving in the women's and children's ministry at her church, party planning, advocating for orphans, and serving others. Her passions are Jesus Christ, upholding the sanctity of life, pouring God's Word into her children, traveling, and spending time and being festive with her family.
Janice Sanders
MINISTERIUM
Janice Sanders is a native Houstonian, wife of a supportive husband, and mom. After many years in the corporate world, she transitioned to raising a family, and has now followed God's lead to BCA. She has participated in children's ministries and events (AWANAS, Youth Group, VBS, BSF & retreats) for over 25 years. She understands the importance of a strong Christian foundation and education for children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).
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Janice enjoys being in the supporting role and assisting BCA staff, teachers and volunteers. She especially likes working with Ashley Wallace in planning school events and using her God-given gift of hospitality.
Boston Evans
SCHOOL NURSE
Boston grew up in Dallas, Texas before moving to Houston to complete her nursing prerequisites at the University of Houston and obtain her nursing degree from UT Health in the Houston Medical Center. After graduation, Boston worked at Texas Children's Hospital in the Pediatric ICU before making the decision to stay home and prioritize time with her three young children.
While already homeschooling her oldest in Classical Christian curriculum, God directed Boston's path to BCA in a way that only He could. She is humbled by the opportunity to use her giftings to take care of children while always pointing them to Jesus. Boston and her husband Russell have lived in Katy since 2014, and attend Katy's First Baptist Church. Boston enjoys iced coffee, physical fitness, and spending time outside with her family.
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