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
Jessia Carrico
UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Jessica Carrico graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor’s of Arts specializing in special education K-8 (2006) and received a Master of Education from Maranatha Baptist University (2018) with an emphasis in English and leadership. She began her teaching career as a homeschool mom before the Lord called her into Christian education where she has over 20 years of experience mainly in English. Jessica has a passion for instilling a deep love of learning and forming connections between texts and life. She is excited to be a part of the BCA family where she hopes to share God’s love with her students.
Jessica and her husband, Brian, live in Katy where they manage a small business and are the proud parents of four adult children-Lauren (Paul son-in-law), Andrew, Ellen and Gwinn. They have recently been promoted and are called Lolli & Pops to granddaughter Maren. They are excited to see how the Lord continues to bless them with more grandchildren. They attend Kingsland Baptist Church where they serve in a variety of ministries.
Jessica, always an athlete and coach at heart, loves to play pickleball. She also enjoys reading, spending time with family playing games, and traveling.
Lyndsey Dottavio
HUMANITIES AND 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.
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Jacob Figueroa
LATIN
Jacob Figueroa grew up in Springtown, Texas. He spent his early years as a member of a non-denominational church. In 2012, he moved to Denton for university studies. In 2014, he began working as a tutor for the foreign language program. In 2017, he earned a Master’s degree in Linguistics from UNT. After that, he moved to Russia where he taught English for two years. Returning in 2019, Jacob believed that God was leading him to enroll in a seminary here in Katy -The Bible Seminary. In 2023, Jacob graduated with a Master’s degree in Biblical languages and cultures. Since then, he has continued working as a foreign language instructor teaching English, Russian, and Latin. Jacob is currently a member of the Church of Christ where he serves as a Sunday school teacher. He is optimistic about serving God’s community at BCA.
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 DEPARTMENT HEAD
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 & BIBLE
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 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, Southstone Church, 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 JOURNALISM
Sarah graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Health Science. She previously worked in a physical therapy clinic and taught in public education. She felt that she had a passion to help students grow academically but also spiritually and in character while in school and on the sports court. Her greatest joy is pointing students to God’s truths and watching students discover their unique gifts He has given each of them as they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
She and her husband, Jeffrey, live in Bernardo on our beautiful land. They are very involved with Southstone Church where they are engaged weekly and serve faithfully.
Outside of school, she enjoys coaching, reading, traveling, and spending time with Jeffrey and their Dogs Jersey and Mufasa.
She is very blessed to be a part of the Berean Christian Academy Family!
Dr. Jackie Risinger
YEARBOOK JOURNALISM
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, BIBLE & RHETORIC
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.
Deicy Robledo
SPANISH
Deicy Robledo grew up in Katy, Texas, and holds an Associate Degree of Arts from Lone Star College. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, with a minor in Psychology. She brings a strong foundation in both education and bilingual fluency in Spanish and English into the classroom. Deicy serves as the Spanish teacher at Berean Christian Academy and is passionate about helping students grow not only academically but also in character and faith. With a heart for service and leadership, Deicy is committed to equipping the next generation to lead with integrity and serve with compassion.
When she’s not teaching, she enjoys playing volleyball and soccer. She is grateful to be part of the BCA family and looks forward to seeing how God works in and through her students this year.
Dr. Tety Roper
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE & MATH
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 AND STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP
Laura Thompson is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a degree in English Literature. She began her career as a licensed realtor before transitioning into education, obtaining her teaching certification and joining the faculty of the school that would eventually become Berean Christian Academy in 2014.
With over 12 years of experience working with children and youth in both church and school settings, Laura brings a deep passion for discipleship and spiritual formation. She has completed graduate-level coursework in Theology and Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary, equipping her to guide students in both academic and spiritual growth.
Laura is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to know and follow the Lord in all aspects of life.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys connecting with friends, exploring new restaurants with her husband, and traveling with her family.