Sharon Almquist holds three degrees from the State University of New York (Buffalo), including a Master of Arts in music and a Master of Library Science as well as 18 hours of graduate English classes from Lamar University. She is a veteran educator, working first as a librarian in Denton, Texas before teaching at Lutheran and classical, Christian schools in the midwest. She is also an adjunct instructor for courses in library and information science. In her classroom, she encourages students at all levels to pursue an in-depth approach to finding information and understanding the “why” behind events. Mrs. Almquist is fully committed to teaching and working with students in a Christian environment to fully explore issues and understand our role in God’s creation.

Trey Behn has earned a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Nome and has also served as a Student Pastor for over 10 years at churches in Southeast Texas and in Kentucky. He has been married to his lovely bride Ashley since 2003 and has 7 wonderful children. He enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his kids in any sport that involves a ball!

Sophia Bouey has been teaching the word of God through hands-on experiences, specializing in art, for the last 13 years. In various settings, beginning in her home with her children, Hayden (13) and Abigail (9), she took the Classical Education approach to homeschool them from preschool through 4th grade. She and her husband of 14 years moved to Southeast Texas six years ago from Arizona where they helped to plant a church in Mesa, AZ with Sophia taking the role of Director of Children's Ministry. Since moving to Texas, she has worked as Creative Director at Make Creative Space, is the owner and artist of Gahlee & Things, and works closely with organizations in the community with her workshop, Serendipity Art: the pursuit of trusting the process. Sophia has prayed for a place to connect with families through art, with God’s Word as the foundation. She is thrilled at the opportunity to teach at Veritas Classical Academy.

Kristi Bozman has a B. S. in General Studies and graduated from Lamar University. She has coached and taught children of all ages for many years. She has spent four years in the public school system. Ms. Bozman has a heart for Jesus, children, and teaching. She also attends First Baptist Church Orange where she is actively involved in the youth ministry. She is passionate about Christ-centered education and enjoys being a part of Veritas Classical Academy. 

Kathleen Bruza graduated from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and has previous classroom experience in 4th grade and pre-K. Kathleen loves working with children at church leading music for VBS for 19 years and administrating a M.O.P.S. organization. In addition, she and her husband lead a small group and serve in the music ministry. Kathleen is excited to be part of the Veritas faculty, utilizing her talents to minister to families and provide a nurturing learning environment for the students.

Brooke Cervantes is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach (Masters in Public Administration) and Eastern Kentucky University (Bachelor of Science in Corrections and Juvenile Services). Brooke has an extended history of working with and for children: from a daycare to juvenile probation to an adolescent care worker for a residential treatment home for girls, to volunteering at rescue missions, a mission trip to Kenya, and serving at church as a nursery and youth program worker. Brooke has always been called on to serve in children’s ministry and is known by all her friends and family as a helper. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and pets, fellowship with friends, and traveling.

Natalie Connally holds a bachelor degree in Education from Lamar University with her certification in 4th-8th Composite Science. Natalie moved to Southeast Texas in 2015 from her home in West Texas and shortly after married her husband, Travis. The couple has one son born in 2021. The Connally’s attend First Assembly of God in Silsbee, where she and her husband have worked as Youth and Children’s Pastors since 2015. Natalie also serves as the worship leader and her husband runs the media and sound department. Mrs. Connally is thankful for the opportunity to serve at a classical school seeing as she graduated high school from Midland Classical Academy in Midland, Texas. She has seen the Lord’s hand in this full circle from student to teacher. In her spare time, Mrs. Connally enjoys gardening, canning, cooking, spending time in nature, and reading historical books. Her and her family are moving towards their dream of living and farming on a small self-sufficient homestead.

Brooke Cothen graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Lamar University in 2019. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her Texas Educator Certificate from the Region Five Educator Certification Program. She taught 1st grade for 3 years before joining Veritas Classical Academy.

Brooke is passionate about having an intimate relationship with The Lord and discipling others to do the same. Therefore, she cannot help but incorporate Christ into every aspect of her life, including teaching. She wants to instill in her students a deep desire for The Lord and for learning that will last throughout their lifetime and see them pass on the joy for each to future generations.

In her free time, you will find Brooke fellowshipping with her family and friends, experimenting with new “from scratch” recipes, or enjoying the outdoors-walking while listening to a podcast or audiobook, soaking up the sun while collecting sea glass at the beach, or fishing on the boat with her husband, Ethan. They also enjoy traveling to explore new cities, states, and sometimes countries.

Michelle graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Elementary Education. After that, she spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Southern Africa. Upon returning, she moved to Texas and taught for four years as a second grade teacher in the Galveston and Clear Creek school systems. She married her wonderful husband, Mike, in 2001 and shortly afterwards, they moved to West Virginia. While there, she had two beautiful boys and received her Masters in Reading Education from Marshall University. In 2007, her family moved back to Texas and shortly after were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Although Michelle delighted in her 15 years as a stay at home mother, she has enjoyed teaching in a school setting again. She worked as a substitute teacher at Veritas during the 2018-2019 school year and currently teaches first grade. She takes pleasure in seeing her first graders so excited about learning. She also delights in being able to teach children about God, along with teaching them reading, writing and arithmetic.

Megan Hidalgo graduated from Lamar University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6) and began her teaching career as a 2nd Grade teacher at Legacy Christian Academy. She and her husband, Justin, live in Beaumont with their three children: Hank, Dean, and June. She and her family have attended First Baptist Church of Beaumont since 2011. She has a passion for teaching and feels very blessed to be a part of the Veritas community.

Josh Jean graduated in 2007 from Lamar University with a BS in Communication. He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011 and a Master in Theology (Th.M) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012. Josh and his wife Esther returned home to Beaumont in 2014 to plant Sojourn Community Church, where he currently serves as the Lead Pastor. Josh and Esther have three children: Silas, Henry, and Eden. In his down time, Josh enjoys leisure reading, cycling, watching and playing sports, and hiking.

Robyn Lowe graduated from Berea College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She served overseas for close to thirteen years as an international missionary. Robyn has homeschooled her three children for over sixteen years. During the past three years, she has taught high school History and Humanities at a local homeschool co-op. Discipling her students is a true joy for Robyn. She believes that teaching students to love the Lord and glorify Him through their lives is of paramount importance. She serves alongside her husband at Crestwood Baptist Church in Kountze. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

Gregory McDonald earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lamar University. He recently retired after teaching for 29 years in the public school system. During that time, he taught many subjects including English, History, Spanish, and English as a Second Language. He and his wife Hayley have two daughters, Lauryn and Kathryn, as well as two grandchildren, Jordan and Madelyn. Gregory enjoys playing the ukulele in his leisure time and playing the bass guitar for his church's worship team.  

Peter Mikkelsen graduated in 2002 from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Peter spent almost 20 years in the oil and gas industry as an engineer in the plant and then in project management before leaving to focus on family. He has coached both soccer and baseball for over 10 years as well as co-teaching his three Veritas students. He looks forward to helping guide students to understand and appreciate science and how it informs our understanding of God’s Creation. Peter attends Beaumont First Baptist Church where he serves on the personnel committee, leads a group in the AWANA program, and is a sponsor at pre-teen church camp. In his free time, Peter enjoys doing DIY home projects, playing board games with his family, and working to train his two mini Aussie puppies.

Katelyn Morgan graduated in 2009 from Texas Christian University and holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis and a piano minor. In 2011, Katelyn completed her Kodaly certification from the University of Houston. Katelyn and her husband Erik are part of a church plant called Providence Baptist Church where Erik is an elder and Katelyn leads worship. They have three children Essie, Ezra, and Emmitt. They are passionate about foster care and adoption and have a heart for the less fortunate in our community. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys time with friends, scrapbooking, crafting and making beautiful music.

Jonathan Murdock serves as the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Port Arthur Texas were he has been for six years. Trinity Baptist is a bi-lingual congregation made up of people from about ten different countries. Jonathan has been in ministry for almost 20 years, and before moving back to Texas to pastor Trinity, served as a missionary/church planter of Soulus Christus from The First Baptist Church of Briar(By The Word Baptist Church) in Mexico City. He also worked deep in the jungles of southern Mexico where they were able to preach the gospel to three tribes that had never heard the gospel before. He is passionate about God’s Word and evangelism.

Mrs. Mylabathula completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the Texas Tech University Health Science Center. 

She spent almost a decade working as an occupational therapist clinician in Tyler, Texas in the hospital and home health setting assisting patients to rehabilitate from injuries, illnesses or surgery and to become more independent in their daily activities. She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor and spends her spare time helping and encouraging new moms during their breastfeeding journey.

 Mrs. Mylabathula is a wife and mom to four wonderful children; three girls and one boy. Her family joined our Veritas community in 2020 when her oldest daughter began Kinder-prep.

 One of Mrs. Mylabathula’s greatest joy comes from helping people see their value and potential in God’s eyes and giving them practical tools or advice to improve their quality of life. She has a passion and fascination for the wonder of God’s creation, particularly the human body and hopes to impart this love to students to carry with them in their future, no matter their career path.

In her free time, Emily loves to try out new sourdough recipes in the kitchen, spend time with her family on their new farmstead, traveling, and enjoying nature.

Elizabeth Ostten graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. With many years of experience in Christian private schools, she began her tenure at Veritas Classical Academy in 2015. Alongside her husband, Elizabeth has dedicated over two decades to youth and music ministries, as well as the AWANA program at their church. Passionate about education and ministry, she cherishes the opportunity to work with children, including teaching her own two daughters, who have attended Veritas. For Elizabeth, ministering to the lives of students and their families through her role at Veritas is a true joy.

Allie Oxner graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Commercial Music and a Minor in Pre-Law from Liberty University in 2024. She is returning to Veritas, four years later, as a teacher this time instead of a student. Ms. Oxner attributes a majority of her love of music and the church to her parents who were on staff at different churches in Southeast Texas as she grew up. She interned in the music department for four years at Calvary Baptist Church and is now at Fellowship Church in Nederland serving on staff as the Pre-Teen Director. She is passionate about worshiping the Lord in word, action, and attitude, and is eager to share that passion with students in her Cantorum classes. Allie is excited to be back at Veritas in a different setting: teaching students to love God and love learning for a lifetime while continuing to pursue these values. Her favorite verse and reminder is Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” Her goal is to train Christians who worship the Lord in every aspect of their life, exhibiting the call given to the Church in Ephesus. 

Ashley has a certification in Accounting from Lee College and Bachelor’s in General Studies from Lamar University. She has been in education since 2010 and has taught in several areas in that time. Ashley is married and has two kids. Her family began following the Lord in obedience to Veritas in the spring of 2019. She teaches Kindergarten while her children also attend Veritas. Hobbies include anything outdoors , family time , and reading. Ashley and her family are members of Crestwood Baptist Church in Kountze.

Alex Richardson is a graduate of Boyce College with a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. Currently, he serves as the Associate Pastor to Students at First Baptist Church Nome. Prior to serving in Nome, he gained six years experience as an educator of junior high students. Alex is eager to cultivate a love for Jesus in the hearts of his students as they examine the history that influences and binds us today. Alex and his wife Lauren, have been married for ten years and have two sons, Jack and Paul. He enjoys studying weather, gardening, trying his hand at home improvement projects, and anything truck-related.

Debbie Rosetta graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Studies with a focus on nursing and a minor in Psychology in 2008. She graduated from Excelsior College with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing in 2012. She went on to complete the Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Program for K-6 th at Lamar University along with other post-baccalaureate psychology studies. She also attended online classes at the University of Texas at Arlington to further her nursing career. Debbie was in the nursing field for 8 years with roles as a Director of Nursing in nursing home settings, a home health nurse, and a wound care specialist in both the home health and nursing home settings.

In the Spring of 2020, as she was faced with back surgery after an injury, God fulfilled her high school dream of becoming a teacher. She was able to start homeschooling her grandson, Adrian, who was finishing first grade at that time. Through her church friends, Debbie discovered the God-honoring way of homeschool teaching called classical education and began researching it. Debbie has since developed a passion for teaching classical education and has taught 4 years in a homeschool co-op. She loves being able to bring God’s Word into her lessons and show how God’s Creation is evident in our world.

 Debbie is married to a wonderful and supportive Christian husband, Tony. Together they raise their grandson, Adrian. They have a very silly and spoiled American Staffordshire Terrier (pitbull), named Petey, and 10 farm cats. In her free time, Debbie enjoys quilting, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and playing all sorts of games. As a family, they love going to church. They also enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and swimming.

Mendi Short has been teaching PreGrammar and Grammar students for the last 15 years. She is a homeschool mom to her two daughters, Nina and Sadie, and serves alongside her husband, Todd, at Resurrection Life Church. Mrs. Short has always had a passion for teaching and is a strong believer in Christ-centered education. She is excited to teach at Veritas Classical Academy, where the truth of God’s Word is taught in the classroom, without compromise.

LaNiece Sollock is a graduate of Lamar University with a BS in Secondary Education, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.  Her 30 plus year career in public education included serving as a science teacher, assistant principal, and director of curriculum for math and science. 

Her passion for education brought her to Veritas following retirement from public school.  Along with her Veritas duties as campus coordinator, and teacher, Ms. Sollock also is a part time Lamar University field supervisor for principal candidates in education. 

In her free time, her greatest joy is spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren!  She enjoys creating products for the home, body lotions as well as DIY projects. She also enjoys serving in her church's childrens' ministry.  Teaching children about God's love has been a part of her life since she became a Christian, whether on youth mission trips, in bible study, or in her own home. 

Tamika Straw graduated from Langston University in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. She worked for ConocoPhillips until her twins, Isaac & Mackenzie were born in 2014. She has a passion for literacy and education. Her goal is to ensure her kids enjoy learning for a lifetime. She and her husband, Dustin, moved to Beaumont two years ago. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and putting together hands-on unit studies for her kids. 

oining the Veritas teaching team, Danielle Sutton is thrilled for the sweet opportunity to learn and grow with the Kinder Prep students and families this school year! She lives locally with her husband, Lloyd, and three children, Elle, Luke, and Eve, who also attend Veritas and are starting 6th, 4th, & 1st grade this year. Working to be intentional and enjoy life to the fullest, Danielle seeks out family time adventuring to new places, trying new foods, playing board games, organizing, reading, volunteering, and community building…basically anything that is time well spent together.

A 2008 Lamar University graduate, Danielle has over five years of classroom experience as a certified teacher in early childhood through elementary education in a variety of education models/styles, including homeschool, private school, and the public sector. Her family has been a part of the Veritas community for seven years now where she enjoys co-teaching all three of her children. She looks forward to utilizing this veteran co-teacher perspective, relating with and engaging families as they begin their Veritas education journey. Currently, Danielle also volunteers as one of the Praise Kids preschool teachers at their home church, plus coordinates Beaumont’s Marsh Minions program at Cattail Marsh geared for 2-5 year-olds and their families. As a life-long learner, Danielle has a passion for teaching and is dedicated to creating a positive, grace-filled learning environment for all.

Gina Tatom holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Minor in Special Education from Lamar University. She received the Outstanding Student Teacher Award from the Lamar University Education Department, and taught in the Texas public school system for 6 years. For the past 17 years, Gina has home schooled her three daughters. Gina has served alongside her husband, Christopher, as a pastor's wife since 1994 and has faithfully taught children's Sunday School for 29 years. Because of her training in dyslexia, she has tutored many children throughout her teaching career, and has also directed a pre-school program, worked at Grace Home School Co-op, and been president of the Hardin County Home School Association. 

Michelle Walker has a B.S. in Elementary Education. She is also a certified ESL (English Second Language) teacher. She graduated from Tarleton State University, which is part of the Texas A&M University system. Michelle has taught for ten years in Texas public schools. She and her husband Danny live in the Hamshire-Fannett area, and they have five children and ten grandchildren. Michelle has a heart for Jesus, family, and teaching.

Katie holds a B.A. in English from the University of Northern Colorado. She spent several years teaching English in the People’s Republic of China in the early 2000s. She has a long history of teaching in many different districts and situations. In addition to teaching at Veritas, she is pursuing a Masters degree in counseling to better help neurodivergent students. 

Katie was born and raised in Colorado. She and her husband, Robert moved to Wyoming shortly after they were married, and were blessed by the birth of their son while there. They moved to Southeast Texas in 2016 following her husband’s career in the railroad. They often play Minecraft as a family in addition to board games. Katie spends her free time listening to audiobooks and working on various crafts. 

Katie is excited to be a part of Veritas Classical Academy. She sees the intrinsic value in a Classical Christian Education and is looking forward to being able to intertwine faith with scholastic learning. She sees her role as a teacher as one to inspire the next generation to fall in love with lifelong learning. 

Alli holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Lamar University. She has spent several years working as the Math Coordinator at a company that creates study materials for standardized tests. She also enjoys tutoring students, especially in math, and has spent the past decade working with students of all ages. Alli has a heart for coming alongside young adults and helping them understand the gospel and how it impacts their personal lives. In her free time, she loves making food for her friends, playing board games, and going for walks.