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."
David Culpepper
DEAN OF UPPER SCHOOL
David Culpepper has dedicated his life to investing in others through Kingdom Education since 1984. He has led various Christian schools, helping them grow and overcome financial or enrollment challenges. His efforts have resulted in a 95% or better college acceptance rate for graduates, with students accepted into the Universities or Trade Schools of their choice.
Mr. Culpepper's expertise spans school administration, child and spiritual development, and curriculum instruction. He has served as a National Accreditation Commissioner for Christian Schools International and President of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools. His work includes improving school facilities, balancing budgets, and increasing enrollment through effective communication.
He believes in the importance of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, promoting student growth in truth, beauty, and goodness and providing student service opportunities locally and abroad. Mr. Culpepper supports homeschooling and has established programs to assist homeschooling families. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and Ouachita Baptist University and is a Van Lunen Fellow.
David and his beautiful wife, Mary Ellen, have been married since 1976 and have three married children and seven grandchildren. Their greatest joy is seeing their children raise their own children to follow Jesus.
Jessica Birkmire
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR
Jessica Birkmire brings over 20 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to Christ-centered leadership. She earned her degree in Communications from Texas A&M University in 2000 and later completed her Master’s in Education Administration in 2010. She holds a Texas Principal Certification (Grades EC–12) and teaching certifications in Language Arts/Reading and Social Studies (Grades 4–8) as well as Speech (Grades 8–12).
Throughout her career, Jessica has demonstrated a passion for supporting educators, encouraging students, building strong parent partnerships, and fostering collaborative relationships with educational organizations and the local school district. She believes her calling to serve in education is a gift from the Lord, and she finds great joy in using her talents to glorify Him through her work.
Jessica and her husband Joe live in Katy, where she was raised, and have five sons—one of whom is a proud BCA graduate. Since joining the BCA family in 2017, Jessica has been involved in the school in various capacities. Over the years, BCA has provided their family with a Christ-centered community, strong academic support, and meaningful relationships with teachers, staff, and fellow families. Jessica considers BCA an incredible blessing to her family.
Kenneth Sharp
DEAN OF ATHLETICS AND STUDENT LIFE
Kenneth Sharp holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University, where he also played collegiate baseball for four years. Following graduation, he played professionally in France for the Montpellier Barracudas in the French Federation of Baseball and Softball (FFBS). Kenneth has over a decade of experience in education and coaching, with leadership roles as a coordinator in football and baseball. In addition to his background in education, he brings strong business experience through real estate and property management. Since 2016, he has led and helped grow a top-producing real estate team in the Katy area. His expertise in operations, leadership, and client service brings valuable perspective to shaping student life and athletic culture at BCA.
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Married to his wife, Katie, since 2013, Kenneth is the proud father of three BCA students—Avery, Peyton, and Wyatt. As a parent, he is deeply invested in Berean’s mission and has witnessed firsthand the school’s impact on students and families. He is passionate about extending that mission through athletics by developing programs that reflect servant leadership, foster community, and glorify Christ. His desire is to help students grow in character, leadership, and faith through a culture of excellence and joyful competition.
Kenneth believes athletics is a powerful tool for discipleship and community. He is committed to building programs that reflect Berean’s mission—to educate students in a Christ-centered worldview and prepare them to live for the glory of Christ and the benefit of others. He considers it a blessing to serve the families of Berean and is honored to walk alongside students as they grow in wisdom, faith, and purpose—both on and off the field.
Jeff Wyers
DEAN OF DISCIPLESHIP AND COUNSELING
Jeff Wyers is the blessed father of 4 awesome children alongside 14 grandchildren. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 47 years. Mr. Wyers is a Houston Baptist University graduate with a double major in Christianity and Psychology. He has a master of divinity degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been a pastor for 35 years in Waco, Texas and he has taught a variety of subjects at christian schools over the past twenty years. He has a heart for serving and a love for student.
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. Sarah is honored to serve a school that has been such a blessing to the community and her family.
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Julie Ambuehl
CAMPUS COORDINATOR
Julie Ambuehl grew up in Houston and holds an Associate of Science from Lone Star College. With over 25 years of experience in Christian education, she has faithfully served in roles that support administration, faculty, and students. Julie is passionate about mentoring teens and encouraging them to pursue a life rooted in Christ, and she considers it a joy to walk alongside families in their spiritual and academic journeys.
She and her husband, Rob, have five adult children and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren. They enjoy road-tripping across the U.S., spending time with family, and serving together at Second Baptist Church, 1463 campus. Julie is grateful to be part of the Berean Christian Academy community, where Christ is at the center of both education and daily life.
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.
Kim Lyman
BUSINESS OFFICE
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.
Erin Pearson
SCHOOL NURSE
Erin Pearson graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2006. With a passion for caring for children, she spent five years working in various healthcare settings. These included a hospital pediatric med/surg floor, a doctor's office, and providing private duty nursing care for medically fragile children in both home and school environments.
After taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom to her son and daughter, Erin is excited that God has called her back to work as a school nurse. Erin is passionate about health, wellness, and fitness and is dedicated to caring for the well-being of the BCA students and staff. She is excited to be able to contribute to the health and happiness of the school community.
Erin has been married to her loving husband Ryne for more than 18 years. Together they are active members of their church home, The Fellowship. Erin enjoys traveling with her family, staying physically active, painting, and cheering for her kids at all their sporting events.
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.
Rainy Worzella
GRAMMAR DEAN ASSISTANT
Rainy Day Worzella graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1997 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, concentrating in drawing, painting, and graphic design. From 2005 to 2010, she owned and operated a fine arts studio, where she taught children and adults in classical drawing and painting techniques.
She later spent seven years in New York City as a Lead Designer for McGraw-Hill Education, where she helped design K–6 curriculum in reading, math, social studies, and science, both in print and in digital formats.
A lifelong lover of books, Rainy has always had a passion for learning. Like many today, her own education took place within the progressive public school system. It wasn’t until later in life that she encountered the richness of the Classical Christian tradition—an ancient and nearly lost approach to education grounded in truth, beauty, virtue, and wisdom. That discovery transformed her vocation.
As an autodidact, she began studying Latin and reading the Great Books of Western Civilization, as well as other works related to the classical tradition. In 2022, she became one of the founders of Veritas Christi Classical Academy in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where she served as Head of School. In addition to her administrative duties, she taught junior high Latin, math, literature, Bible, history, science, logic, and drawing.
Rainy is committed to pursuing classical education for herself and ensuring that the treasures of the Christian classical tradition are preserved and passed on to the next generation.
Christi Elkins
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Christi Elkins is from Mississippi and completed her Bachelor's in Education at Delta State University. Along with her degree, she holds several endorsements and licenses in various education specialties, including diverse classroom instruction, reading and literature, history, and music.She is a member of Kingsland Baptist Church, along with her husband and son.
“It is an honor to serve at Berean Christian Academy. When I decided to return to the classroom in 2019, I knew I wanted something special that only God could provide. He truly answered the desires of my heart with BCA. I am thrilled at the direction the school is taking and blessed to be a part of it.”
Penny Townzen
HUMAN RESOURCES
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."
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.