Summit Christian Academy - Leadership Team

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Richelle is the Executive Director and C-Founder of Summit Christian Academy. She is a Colorado native, has a B.S in Business Finance and is a homeschooling mom to her high schooler. After taking the leap, she changed from a "I'll never homeschool" mom to "I will never go back to public school" mom. The academic and spiritual outcomes were dramatically improved, and she realized that it was unnecessary and unhealthy to send children to school 40 hours a week to overcrowded classrooms led by undervalued educators. So, she built the program she couldn't find in hopes that she could reach more families. She wanted to design a core academic program that would help both veteran homeschoolers and new-to-homeschool families be well-supported and find community locally.

Her leadership philosophy places the highest importance on providing a classical program that places equal importance on high academic outcomes, home discipleship and modeling a love for Jesus. She is committed to providing true classical learning, highly qualified teachers to walk along side us, and a culture of Christian community. 

Dr. Jensen is currently an Associate Professor of classical education, literacy, psychology, and literature. She is also a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Literacy Interventionist. Dr. Jensen specializes in developing curricula and providing support for teachers, teacher candidates, schools, and scholars, specifically in how to implement classical pedagogies. Currently, she serves at Colorado Christian University as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, where she supervises student teachers and teaches courses. She has an extensive background in classical education, leadership, coaching, literacy intervention, dyslexia, and biblical integration to provide teachers with research-based pedagogies that enable them to gain instructional proficiency.

Matthew Weaver, a seasoned educational leader with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Covenant College and an anticipated Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary in 2025, serves as a Christian Classical Campus Director, leveraging his expertise in classical education and faith-based leadership. As Program Administrator at Denver Seminary and former Upper School Principal at North Hills Christian School, he has honed skills in curriculum development, staff mentorship, and strategic vision, ensuring academic excellence and spiritual growth aligned with classical Christian principles. His experience as a High School Latin Instructor underscores his ability to craft engaging, differentiated curricula, fostering a love for learning and intellectual rigor in students. Matthew’s commitment to school community relations and student counseling creates a nurturing, Christ-centered environment that promotes holistic development and academic achievement.

My name is Jadian Daniels. I have over 3 years experience as an educator teaching multiple grade levels including Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade Inclusion, and Head Start. I was classified as a highly effective teacher in my last school district. I hold both a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University. My passion lies in meeting children where they are and helping them reach their full potential through purposeful, engaging instruction. 

Merrie Olson, a seasoned educator with a B.A. in English Literature from the University and a Certified Nursing Assistant license, brings over 20 years of homeschooling experience to her role as a Classical Christian 2nd Grade Teacher, having successfully educated her five children using classical curricula like Rod and Staff, Abeka, and Saxon. Her ability to tailor lessons in subjects such as literature, writing, and math, combined with her involvement in homeschool enrichment programs at Hope Academy and Credo Academy, equips her to deliver a rigorous, faith-based education rooted in Christian values. As a Sunday School teacher at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, she fosters a nurturing environment that promotes self-confidence and spiritual growth in young learners. Merrie’s organizational skills, honed through managing multi-level curricula and caregiving roles at Swedish Hospital and Windcrest Retirement Village, ensure a structured, supportive classroom that meets the diverse needs of her students.

I have enjoyed teaching children for the last 32 years, and I truly believe they have kept me young!  I have a Master of Science in Education with a focus on literacy and teaching reading. I am a certified teacher in grades K-6, English/Language Arts 7-12, and I am also a certified school librarian. My educational career has included classroom teaching, being a reading specialist, and being a school librarian. In addition to teaching, I have loved being a differentiation coach, supporting teachers as they individualize instruction for each child. I am thrilled to continue my teaching adventure!

Bio Coming soon!

Jenna Bruce, an accomplished educator with a B.A. in History and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies from California State University, Fullerton, brings a wealth of experience as a Classical Christian 3rd/4th Grade English and History Teacher, and currently homeschooling her children. Her background teaching World History, U.S. History, and English at institutions like Brightmont Academy and Brea Olinda High School equips her to deliver engaging, faith-based lessons that emphasize critical thinking and classical Christian values. Jenna’s expertise in curriculum development, demonstrated through digital unit plans like "The Roarin’ Twenties" and "Civil Rights," fosters a dynamic learning environment that nurtures students’ intellectual and spiritual growth. She builds strong connections with students and parents, creating a supportive, Christ-centered classroom community.

I believe mathematics is not just about numbers and formulas, but about building confidence and critical thinking skills that help students become the best versions of themselves. I've been working with mathematics students from 5th grade through college for nearly 20 years, teaching at schools like Ridgeview Classical Schools and Ascent Classical Academy, as well as several community colleges. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado, and I'm currently pursuing my PhD in Mathematics Education at the University of Colorado, Denver. My greatest passion is helping students develop their mathematical intuition and discover their potential. 

Bio Coming Soon!

Carla J. Perez, a dedicated educator with a B.A. in Management and Real Estate from Chadron State, brings 20 years of homeschooling experience to her role as a Classical Christian Studies Teacher, adeptly teaching grammar school students through individual and co-op group instruction. Her background as a Certified Worship Dance Educator and ordained minister with Joan Hunter Ministries infuses her teaching with a deep commitment to integrating faith and learning, fostering spiritual and intellectual growth in a classical Christian framework. With a deep understanding of biblical studies and creative instruction honed through her ministry experience at Compassion International , Carla crafts engaging lessons that emphasize Christian values and classical pedagogy. As a self-published author and ministry leader, she inspires students with her passion for worship and education, creating a nurturing classroom environment that supports a love for Jesus using the trivium, and focusing on what is true, good and beautiful. 

Bio coming soon!

Helen Wheeler, an accomplished educator with a Master of Arts in Religious Studies & Humanities and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies & History from Missouri State University, brings over a decade of teaching experience to her role as a Classical Christian High School History Teacher. Her extensive background as a private teacher, utilizing curricula like Abeka Academy, equips her to deliver rigorous, faith-based history lessons that emphasize critical thinking and classical Christian values. Fluent in Modern Greek and proficient in Koine Greek, Helen enriches her instruction with cultural and historical depth, fostering a deep understanding of historical contexts within a Christ-centered framework. Her commitment to student engagement, honed through roles at Barnes & Noble and as a nanny, creates a supportive classroom environment that inspires intellectual and spiritual growth.

Danielle Berry, M.Ed., an accomplished educator with a Master’s in Cross-cultural Education from National University and a B.A. in Sociology from California State University, Chico, brings over a decade of experience as a Classical Christian Jr High History Teacher, having taught at Vineyard Christian School and Colorado Connections Academy. Her expertise in crafting inquiry-based lessons using primary and secondary sources, as demonstrated at Vineyard Christian School, fosters historical thinking and aligns with classical Christian principles to inspire spiritual and intellectual growth. With a strong background in differentiated instruction and tutoring, Danielle tailors history lessons to diverse learners, creating an engaging, faith-based classroom environment. Her leadership as a 504 Coordinator and Yearbook Advisor, combined with her organizational skills in managing educational programs at Oak Canyon Nature Center, ensures a supportive and dynamic learning experience for students.

Meredith Newmaker is a Colorado Licensed teacher with experience in all grade levels, elementary through college. Meredith homeschooled her son from second grade through high school and now runs a small business homeschooling other people's children. With a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Master's degree in Software Engineering, and a doctorate in Missions, Meredith considers herself a lifelong learner. She lives in Monument with a daughter, husband, and two dogs. She also has a son in college in North Carolina and a daughter who is married with three kids of her own. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys TopGolf, pickleball, and coaching the Monument Warriors Special Olympics team.

Mrs. Martin, a passionate music educator with a degree in Commercial Music from Utah Valley University and training from Pioneer High School for the Performing Arts, serves as a Classical Christian Upper School Music Teacher, bringing her expertise in voice, piano, songwriting, and theory to her classroom. Her experience as a self-employed music teacher, where she tailored curricula for diverse learners including those with autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s, reflects her commitment to integrating faith-based values with classical music education. Hazel’s coaching and mentoring skills, honed through guiding students of all ages to pursue their dreams, foster a supportive environment that nurtures both musical and spiritual growth. With a demonstrated ability to engage and entertain students, she creates dynamic lessons that align with Christian principles and inspire a lifelong love for music.