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
LOGIC & RHETORIC SCHOOL
Lyndsey Dottavio
SPANISH TEACHER
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.
Danielle Greene
UPPER SCHOOL MATH
Danielle Greene is originally from Katy and a graduate of Mayde Creek High School. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, she and her husband, John, moved to the Dallas area. Danielle was privileged to teach Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus AB in Plano ISD before moving back to Katy in 2009. She was then blessed to spend a year teaching at her alma mater, Mayde Creek, before becoming a stay-at-home mom to daughters Kinley and Harper. Danielle and her family are active members of Kingsland Baptist Church. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 2020, the Lord brought Danielle’s youngest daughter to Kindergarten at BCA, and the family fell in love with the school. Danielle is thrilled to be returning to the classroom, especially a classroom where the name of Jesus can be proclaimed! She loves making math accessible to all kids and looks forward to building relationships with her students.
Dr. Patty Hewitt
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE & ETIQUETTE
Patty Hewitt completed her Dual Degree undergraduate studies at the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, with a focus on cell polarity and cell-cell adhesions, from the University of Texas at Houston/University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Never originally having a desire to teach, throughout her life the Lord continued to open the doors for her to serve Him through instructing and mentoring students of all ages. Walking by faith, Dr. Hewitt has found immense joy in the journey of teaching science, Bible lessons, and ballroom dance.
Stephen Jennings
UPPER SCHOOL LOGIC & MOCK TRIAL
The Apostle Paul most frequently began his bio by stating that he was “a bond-servant of Jesus Christ” and purposing to “know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified”. That is a good place for any disciple of Christ to begin to locate his place in the world.
So what to say concerning any distinctive characteristic of one of His followers? Educationally, Mr. Jennings is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs, and a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate School with a Master’s of Science degree in Systems Technology. He is retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U. S. Marine Corps.
Stephen has served the Church as an ordained Pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America for the past 35 years, having received a Master of Divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary.
His teaching experience has been gained both as an instructor in Marine Corps schools and as a Teaching Elder in four evangelical congregations.
Stephen has been married to his wife Mary for 53 years. Together they have three children and seven grandchildren.
My greatest joy is to see the Lord Christ draw near to His people in transformational ways as He is proclaimed in and through the Word of God. I desire to instill in my students a love for what is True, and Good, and Beautiful. I pray that I might be a significant help to parents who “teach their children diligently the statutes and commandments of the LORD, and that we all might love the LORD our God with all our heart, and soul and might” (Deut. 6:1-9).
Cameron Moran
UPPER SCHOOL LOGIC AND HUMANITIES
Cam Moran grew up in Maine and was homeschooled for most of his childhood. Cam completed a degree in Philosophy at Covenant College, an M.Div from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Th.M at Harvard Divinity School. He studied with John Webster at the University of St. Andrews before teaching Christian Ethics at the graduate level. As a classically trained vocalist, Cam enjoys British classical music, such as Henry Purcell and Ralph Vaughn Williams, and loves to perform Gilbert and Sullivan. Cam enjoys cooking a variety of dishes from Japanese curry to braciola for his wife Katie and son Charlie. Before joining BCA, Cam was the stay-at-home Dad with a specialization in Lego, chess, and Mario Kart.
Kelley Morse
UPPER SCHOOL MATH
Kelley Morse is from Katy, Texas and graduated for Taylor High School. After graduation, Kelley attended Texas Tech University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies in 2008. During her time at Tech, she met her future amazing husband, Kyle. Kelley and Kyle set down roots in Katy in 2010 and she worked as a teacher in both elementary and junior high schools in KISD. Kelley loved teaching but after their first child, God called her to use her gifts at home. Kelley and Kyle now have 5 children, Karson, Knox, Case, Jax, and Brody. Kelley loves her local church, Church of the King, where she is very involved in the Kids Ministry. She also enjoys watching her kids play sports, experiencing new things, and spending time with her family.
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“I have been humbled by the journey God has taken my family on to arrive where we are today…joining the BCA family. With a grateful heart, I pray that with His help I am able to encourage each student to grow in their knowledge of God and His love for them so that they may live lives worthy of the calling He has for them. To God be the Glory!“
Sarah Neuendorff
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE & YEARBOOK
Sarah was born in Iowa but quickly made her way to Texas. Sarah graduated from Sam Houston State University where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Health Science. Sarah worked in public education for 3 years until God called her to teach at Berean Christian Academy and this has been one of the biggest blessings. She loves teaching students how God uniquely made your body perfectly for you as she teaches Anatomy and Physiology. She and her Husband Jeffrey attend a nearby church in Katy (Church of the King) and both are involved in the dream team. Sarah and Jeffrey have two dogs, Mufasa and Jersey and live in Katy as they are building their dream home in the country. Sarah loves BCA and all the beautiful minds and gifts this school has to offer.
Diane Perry
UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Diane Perry is blessed to be a part of the BCA family and share the joy and wonder of teaching that focuses on a Christ centered approach. Diane holds a degree from Connecticut State University, her home state, in Public Health Education and a secondary degree in Special Education from Prairie View A&M. Diane is happily married to Travis, a Master Firefighter and Captain in the Houston Fire Department. When they welcomed their third son Diane felt the Lord call her to homeschool through Classical Conversations. There she immersed herself into the community of classical education by both tutoring and directing, as well as teaching her own sons, for fourteen years. Through their family's dedication they witnessed a Christ centered classical education propel their sons into higher learning opportunities and increase their knowledge to know God and make Him known.
Dr. Jackie Risinger
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE
Jackie grew up in east Houston and attended the same small Christian school from kindergarten through 12th Grade. She and her husband, Mark first met each other in that school during high school. Jackie received a BA in Biology from Baylor University and a DVM from Texas A&M University. After a brief time spent practicing in Arizona, she and Mark decided to restructure their lives so she could be a stay-at-home mom instead, a decision they have never regretted. They now live in Katy with their three children, all of whom proudly attend Berean Christian Academy. The Risingers are members of West Houston Bible Church where they have attended since 2012. Jackie has enjoyed playing the piano since she was six years old. She was invited to teach Music to BCA students in 2017 and has loved it ever since. Jackie is grateful for the privilege of serving the wonderful students of Berean Christian Academy every week. She prays each lesson will direct students to God. In class they will learn about God’s beautiful gift of music and about His most precious gift, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tshepo Rathiaya
UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES
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.
Dr. Tety Roper
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE
Tety Roper obtained her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from University
of Oklahoma. She completed her doctorate degree in Polymer Science and
Engineering from University of Southern Mississippi focusing on styrenic block
copolymer nanocomposites. She worked 8 years in industry as research chemist and
had the privilege of teaching Chemistry and Organic Chemistry for Health Science and
Nursing students at community college while living in Maine and Pennsylvania. After
moving to Katy, she decided to stay home after her son was born. Tety is excited to
step back into the classroom and continue serving at BCA with her family. Her family
attends Kingsland Baptist Church. She enjoys mentoring students and helping students
explore their God given potential through science.
Laura Thompson
UPPER SCHOOL BIBLE & STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP
Laura Thompson has been teaching with the Berean Christian Academy family since its beginning. In addition to teaching, she also loves to learn. Laura is studying towards a Masters in Biblical Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary. It is a passion of hers to walk alongside people on their quest to reflect God’s image to the world. BCA is a place where her children’s faith in the gospel is challenged and strengthened as they wrestle with their doubts and galvanize their beliefs. She believes it is a privilege to be on this journey with the Berean team whose mission is to draw near in service of each other and the community. Laura's children, Ben and June, both attend BCA and her family loves being involved at the school. Laura and her family live in Richmond with their 3 dogs, Riggins, Rosie, and Roo. They love to play outside, grow a garden, and ride bikes together.
Sarah Weider
HUMANITIES & MOCK TRIAL
Sarah Weider is blessed with a family that includes her husband- a pastor in Katy- and three (nearly grown!) children. She holds a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts and an M.A degree in Education (school counseling). She spent a few years teaching in private schools, and she was then able to homeschool her children. It was during this time that she fell in love with the classical Christian model. She loves reading both fiction and non-fiction, English grammar, and listening to podcasts. She and her family have lived many places (Nebraska, Maryland, Missouri, and Indonesia), but they call Texas home.