BEREAN
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
A Classical Christian School
“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!
Tim Woods
DEAN OF UPPER SCHOOL
Mr. Woods hails from the great state of Missouri, where he earned a BA in Classical Languages from the University of Missouri and a MA in Educational Ministries from Covenant Theological Seminary. Having graduated as a “product” of Classical Christian education, Mr. Woods has gone on to serve similar schools in a variety of roles since 2012. His passion is to see students sent out equipped as servant-leaders to be salt and light in God’s kingdom.
Mr. Woods has lived in Houston with his wife Heather since they were married in 2015. They have been blessed with two girls who regularly function as instruments of their parents’ sanctification. They love reading, board games and watching/playing most sports. Mr. Woods is excited to be a part of the BCA team!
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
BUSINESS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Sarah Head grew up just north of Houston in Spring, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M in 2004 with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Sociology. She worked for an HR Outsourcing company for several years before deciding to stay at home with her three boys. Sarah and her husband, Vim have lived in Katy since 2011. The Heads are members of Church of the King where they both serve faithfully. Two of her boys attend Berean Christian Academy and she is honored to serve the 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."
Amy Stutes
ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR
Amy Stutes graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a Bachelors of Business Administration. Upon graduation she worked in retail management for 7 years. In 2004 she married her husband Allen and together they have 4 children. All of her children have attended Berean Christian Academy. She is passionate about BCA and loves sharing that passion with prospective families.
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.
Monika Reeves
MINISTERIUM
Monika Reeves was born and raised in Germany. She came to the US where she met her husband and they have been living in Katy, Texas for the past 25 years. She has two grown sons and 3 precious grandchildren.
After taking a break from the workforce in 2012 God had a different plan for her life and led her to Bible Study Fellowship. Within a year she was serving in the Children's program and loving every moment of it. While not looking for a job God redirected her path again In January of 2020 and led her to BCA where she can combine her years of office experience with her love for children.
"I am grateful to be part of a school where God is honored and the aim for the next generation is to make disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ."
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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.
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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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