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
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Christina Neumann
GRAMMAR 1
Christina Neumann graduated from the University of Houston, Summa Cum Laude in 2004. She began her teaching career soon after. She has 15+ years of teaching experience in an array of schools: public, inner city, private, and classical. She is excited to be back in the classroom as a first grade teacher! She loves watching the awe of God's creation and the joy of learning grow in her students. "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life." -Charlotte Mason
Christina and her husband Ken, along with their 3 children, live in the Cypress area where her husband is the pastor of their church.
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Brittany Sciba
GRAMMAR 1
Brittany Sciba graduated with a degree in Education from Texas A&M University in 2005. She came back to her hometown to begin her career in Katy ISD, fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a teacher. After teaching for 6 years, she decided to step away from the classroom to become a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born. Brittany and her husband Chris now have three children, Reid, Georgia Kate, and Rhett, who all attend BCA. Brittany is so thankful that God led her back into the classroom at Berean Christian Academy! We love the Blazer family! Brittany and her family are members of Grade Fellowship Church where she loves rocking babies on Sunday mornings.
My prayer is that every child in my classroom will know how long and wide and high and deep is the love of Christ!
Kellie Tjon
GRAMMAR 1
Kellie Tjon was born and raised in Houston and is a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She previously taught abroad in a combined class of 1st and 2nd grade for four years in a restricted area as a missionary teacher. Ms. Tjon is active in her church choir at Second Baptist Church West. Along with teaching, she has also been blessed to work with children in various ministry programs. She accepted Christ at a young age and since then has always had a fascination and enjoyment for learning about God and His creation. She is excited to share her love of God and learning with her students at BCA.
Christi Elkins
GRAMMAR 2
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, music, and a Kagan philosophy of education. Mrs. Elkins has taught for over 5 years, in various grades, and looks forward to many more wonderful years at Berean Christian Academy. She is a member of Kingsland Baptist Church, along with her husband and son.
“It is an honor to teach 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.”
“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own way.” N.Kazantzakis
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Jessica Broome
GRAMMAR 2
Jessica Broome was raised in Livingston, Texas, which is a small town in the Piney Woods. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught both 1st and 2nd grade in Katy ISD for several years before staying home with her children, Catherine, Thomas, and Claire Carson. Mrs. Broome is an active volunteer at her church, Second Baptist 1463 where she loves teaching both children’s Sunday School and VBS.
“What a blessing it is for me and my family to be part of Berean Christian Academy. Making the decision to come back to the classroom has been one that we have all prayed over for some time. We know that God is doing big things in Katy, Texas through BCA and we are so excited to be part of it. ”
Carrington Cooper
GRAMMAR 2
Carrington Cooper was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to Texas in 2017. She is a graduate from Texas State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated in December of 2022 and has spent her time subbing in Katy ISD. She is a member of Kingsland Baptist Church and has a younger brother who attends BCA. She spends her free time reading, hanging out with her friends and family, and traveling.
“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to teach at BCA and walk alongside your children while helping them grow in their relationship with the Lord. It is an honor to be a part of the BCA family.”
Amy Peeples
GRAMMAR 3
"It is an honor to teach at a school where we can proclaim the name of Jesus! It is my prayer and hope that we honor Him in all that we do this year! Our classroom verse is Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. This verse will be the backbone of all we do. May we dedicate each day to Him and glorify Him in our learning, discussions, and in our work ethic!!"
Amy Peeples is from Katy and a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She previously taught both 2nd and 3rd grades in Fort Bend ISD and Katy ISD. After deciding to stay home for several years when her children were younger, it was a blessing when the Lord led her family to Berean and then she was thrilled when He called her back to the classroom. Mrs. Peeples is an active volunteer at her church, Second Baptist Church 1463. She has taught 4 year old Sunday School, been a coordinator and teacher at VBS, and lead 2 and 3 year old praise and worship. Mrs. Peeples lives in Katy with her husband and two children, who both attend and love BCA.
"It is my desire that the Lord will use me to motivate, encourage, challenge, and love each of your students! I am thrilled that you have given me the opportunity to teach your precious kiddos."
Meryl Sevcik
GRAMMAR 3
Meryl Sevcik was born in Houston and moved to Katy at the age of ten. She is a graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught both 2nd and 3rd grades in Katy ISD for several years before staying home with her children. She is a member of Katy’s First Baptist Church where she enjoys meeting new people and volunteering. Meryl and her husband Drew have two children, Logan and Evan.
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“Our children’s education is something we diligently prayed about since they were born, and BCA has been an answer to our prayers. I feel incredibly honored that God called me to BCA not only as a parent, but as a teacher as well. I am so excited to share my love of Jesus and enthusiasm for learning in 3rd grade!”
Christina Saenz
GRAMMAR 4
Christina Saenz is a graduate from Texas Tech University with a BA and a M. Ed. She taught in Katy ISD for several years before deciding to stay home to raise a family.
While serving the Lord in the Children’s program of Bible Study Fellowship, Mrs. Saenz realized that God was slowly preparing her heart to go back into teaching. After prayerfully searching for just the right place, God led her to Berean Christian Academy. Mrs. Saenz enjoys not only educating the next generation, but most importantly, sharing the love of Christ with her students.
Mrs. Saenz lives in Katy with her wonderful husband, David. They have been married for over 20 years, and have three children, Ethan, Isabella, and Jonathan. They are members of Grace Fellowship.
"It is a joy and privilege to teach at BCA where the Lord's name is magnified daily. I pray the Lord will continue to use me and work through me to reach the hearts of students for His glory!"
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JoDee Hale
GRAMMAR 4
JoDee Hale has always loved learning and has felt a strong calling to teach since she was a teenager growing up in Katy, Texas. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, specializing in mathematics, she began teaching for KISD. JoDee has experience teaching multiple content areas in third, fourth, and fifth grades as well as subbing experience in grades PreK through 5th in both KISD and at BCA. She was also blessed to be able to stay home and raise her children for several years before they attended school.
JoDee is married to her high school sweetheart, Sean. They live in Katy with their two sons, Carson and Cooper, and one crazy yellow lab, Ozzy. JoDee enjoys serving in the K-5 children’s ministry as a lead communicator and loving on the toddlers at their church home, Church of the King. You will often find the Hales at the baseball fields or competition pool with their boys.
“I am so grateful that God led me to BCA. Sharing my love of Jesus along with my love of learning with students is a blessing and an honor that I do not take for granted. It is a sweet gift from the Lord to be a part of this amazing community.”
Monica Kilgore
GRAMMAR 5
Monica Kilgore was born and raised in Yorktown, Texas, a very small town in south central Texas. She was raised by parents with strong Christian values and they did all they could to instill those values in their children. Monica graduated from high school in 1976 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas majoring in elementary education with a minor in reading. After graduation in 1980, she began working in Fort Bend I.S.D. and remained with the district for thirty-three years. In 2013, she retired from public education, felt called to teach in an inner city Catholic school where she taught for 5 years before coming to Berean.
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“Communication with parents and helping each child to grow academically, emotionally, and knowing that the love of Christ will take us everywhere we need to be is the heart of what I do."
Kristin Kotzebue
GRAMMAR 5
Kristin Kotzebue was born and raised in Katy and graduated with a degree in Education from Texas A&M University in 2004. She married her high school sweetheart, Kyle, and excitedly began her teaching career. After 3 years of teaching fifth grade she became a stay-at-home mom when her son was born. Kristin and her husband now have a son and two daughters, Keaton, Karter, and Kambry. They are active members of Victory of the Lamb church where Kristin also teaches Sunday School. After subbing in Katy ISD for the last two years Kristin knew she wanted to return to the classroom full time and was so grateful that God led her to BCA! She is so excited to be able to share her love of teaching with her love of Jesus and help each student feel challenged,loved, and inspired each day!
Chris Naumann
GRAMMAR 6
Chris Naumann grew up in Bryan/College Station. As the 5th of 7 children in a strong Christian family, he found God at an early age. His parents put him in a private Christian school that taught Chris to love God and laid the foundation for a strong relationship with Him. Later, to further his spiritual growth he attended the Texas Bible Institute. He graduated from the Art Institute with an Associate Degree in Applied Arts.
He now lives in Katy with his wonderful wife, Amanda, and his two beautiful daughters. He is plugged into a local church where they have served in the nursery and VBS. Chris worked as a graphic designer for 15 years until he took time off to be a stay at home dad and homeschool his daughters. During this time, he found a love for teaching and working with children. He has since taught art classes from K- 8th Grade.
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Rebecca Caffrey
GRAMMAR 6
Becca Caffrey is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in
Education. After a successful career in education with Katy ISD, she retired after
36 years of service. She has taught fourth through sixth grade. She is ESL and GT
certified. Mrs. Caffrey has been married to her wonderful husband, Scott for 42 years. They have two grown daughters, Ashton and Alisha. God has blessed them with three precious grandsons, Caffrey, Brooks, and Trey. She and her husband are very involved in Second Baptist Church, whereher husband serves as a Deacon.
After retiring, Mrs. Caffrey missed working with students, and wanted to use her
experience of teaching for the Lord. It has always been her desire to work in a
private Christian school that is Biblically anchored, and the love of Jesus is taught
through academics and the teachers’ passion for Jesus. “God has truly answered
my prayers with the opportunity to teach at BCA. I am so excited to be able to
finally get to do what I have always dreamed of doing.”
Mrs. Caffrey’s goal is to create an active learning environment, which helps the
students find the answers to the, “how’s and why’s,” along with bringing a
Christian perspective into every aspect of each student’s learning. Building
relationships with each student and their family is very important to her in
establishing a great learning environment.
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