NICOLE ARNOLD
Second Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies – Early Childhood Education, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. (ESL Certified)
Family: Married to her wonderful husband for over 25 years. They have a son, a daughter and a son-in-law.
Why she is at Geneva: Nicole is at Geneva because she admires the classical Christian education model which is Christ-centered and teaches a Biblical worldview. She also admires the rigorous and time-tested curriculum and Geneva’s focus on the ideas of truth, beauty and goodness.
Interesting tidbit: On weekends you might find Nicole working cows with her husband, hiking with her son, or visiting her daughter and son-in-law.
STACY ARNOLD
Third Grade Teacher
Education: Graduated from Texas State with a bachelors of Science in Elementary Education.
Family: Stacy is married for 17 years to her favorite person in the world, Boo Arnold! They have 4 kids here at Geneva: Mattie Sue (Class of 2023), Malyn (Class of 2025), Eli (Class of 2029) and Luke (Class of 2032).
Why she is at Geneva: “Our family loves the biblical world view Geneva helps us teach our kids. We also get to have family dialogue that reaches all levels of the trivium.”
Interesting tidbit: Stacy taught second grade in London, England for student teaching.
AMY BARNETT
Latin Third to Fifth Grade
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University
Family: husband Joey, children Josephine and Abe
Why she is at Geneva: God led our family to Geneva initially as we were looking for a school for our daughter. I’m grateful now to have the opportunity to teach what I love at such an amazing, Christ-centered school.
Interesting tidbit: I am married to my high school sweetheart.
MELISSA BIZON
K-Prep Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and minor in Business Administration – Texas A&M University; Teaching Certification EC-4
Family: Husband Jeffrey and daughters Brynlee (Class of 2030) and Blakely (Class of 2032)
Why she is at Geneva: God blessed us beyond measure by leading us to Geneva. I am grateful to humbly serve the Geneva community and instill a love of learning and service in the youngest Eagles for His glory.
TRACY CALDERON
Grammar School PE
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education – University of Alabama
Family: Husband Julio and son Joel (Class of 2020) and stepdaughter Alexa
Why she is at Geneva: “I knew that I wanted my son to attend Geneva after seeing my sister’s children blossom. The fact that God called me to Geneva was an added blessing.”
Interesting tidbit: Tracy played college basketball at the University of Alabama.
EMMA GRACE CARD
First Grade Teacher
Education: Sam Houston State University
Family: Fiancé Waldo and two dogs, Scout, Ada, and cat, J.D. Nelson.
Why she is at Geneva: I found Geneva while I was still in college. After going through their website and social pages, I knew that it was somewhere I wanted to pursue when I got closer to my graduation. When the time came, I revisited the idea of becoming a teacher at Geneva, and from that day on, God opened every door necessary for me to become a part of this wonderful family.
Interesting tidbit: My cat is named after Jimmy Dean sausage and Willie Nelson!
CHRIS CARRAWAY
First Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education – University of South Florida
Family: Husband Rob and children Sam (Class of 2018), Ben (Class of 2020) and Margaret
Why she is at Geneva: “Through prayer and waiting upon the Lord, God led my family to Geneva. I am so blessed and excited to be teaching His children!”
Interesting tidbit: Chris loves to camp and letterbox with her family.
LIZ CATES
Fifth Grade Math and Science
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting – The University of North Texas
Family: Husband Josh (high school sweetheart), daughters Kaitlyn (Class of 2022) and Kenzie (Class of 2024)
Why she is at Geneva: “One of my family’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 19:21 which says ‘Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purposes of the Lord that will stand.’ My family and I give all the glory to God for leading us to Geneva School of Boerne. After six years of home schooling and traveling, and having lived in Texas, Colorado and Missouri, my family and I were excited to finally settle in Boerne and be back in our home state of Texas. We are grateful to God for how He is working in and through us here at Geneva.”
Interesting tidbit: Liz and her family still have half their heart in the beautiful High Country of Colorado and enjoy any kind of outdoor mountain adventure. Go Broncos!
PAM CHESSER
Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders – University of Texas at Austin
Family: Husband Robert and son Jacob
Why she is at Geneva: “Having taught in private school and then 10 years in a public school, I am so thankful that God called me back into the Christian school setting. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Lord here at Geneva.”
Interesting tidbit: Pam enjoys time with her family, whether it be traveling, serving together at church or just hanging out. One of their favorite things is hiking in Colorado.
BETHANY COVINGTON
Second Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Dallas Baptist University
Family: Husband, Eric (Rhetoric Bible Department Head) and daughter, Grace (class of 2032)
Why she is at Geneva: I truly believe that we are at Geneva because God led our family here. Initially, we were drawn to its creative and intentionally relational approach toward education, but it is the love, grace, and supportive community expressed at Geneva I have found to be the sweetest of all. I am grateful and proud to be a part of all God is doing here.
Interesting tidbit: In college, I spent a semester living in Afghanistan.
LORI DE LUNA
Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education – Pensacola Christian College
Family: Husband Paul and children Nathan (Class of 2017), Andrew (Class of 2019), Julianne (Class of 2021) and Bethany (Class of 2024)
Why she is at Geneva: “Blessed with four children, my husband and I were led to Geneva to fulfill our mission as parents. It is evident that God is blessing the efforts within this community, and I am thrilled to be part of it as parent and teacher. Teaching kindergarten students and serving their families is a joy; I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this opportunity!”
Interesting tidbit: Lori enjoys experimenting with new recipes for her family and finding treasures at garage sales. As first-time expectant parents in 1999, she and Paul attended an introductory meeting to the newly-formed Geneva School of Boerne. Four children, an out-of-state move and many years later, God brought them back to Geneva in His perfect time.
KATHY DISHONGH
Third Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education – Baylor University
Family: Husband, Tim, son Jake (class of 2022), and daughter Savannah (class of 2033)
Why she is at Geneva: Geneva is a beautiful family of grace. It is a place where children are cherished and taught to think, articulate and display courage in a world of conflicting ideas.
Interesting tidbit: Kathy enjoys leading worship with her husband Tim and is also a certified chef.
MYNETTE DRAWE
First Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts – California State University-Long Beach
Family: Husband Nathan and children Trent (Class of 2015) and Kira (Class of 2019)
Why she is at Geneva: “After many special years teaching in Southern California and Austin, God blessed us with our son Trent. With Trent, I became a full-time mommy. After eight years and two beautiful children, God led me back to the wonderful ministry of teaching at Geneva where His presence is amazing.”
Interesting tidbit: Mynette had 32 first graders in her first year of teaching. Half of the students spoke Spanish and the other half spoke English. Although her grandfather is from Mexico, she does not speak a word of Spanish! She still smiles when she thinks about those incredible children who taught her so much and began her journey as an educator.
SANDY FIGARI
Second Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science Education, Minor in Biology – University of Texas at Austin
Family: Husband David, sons David Jr., Philip, Grant, daughter Macey and husband Jonathan, grandson William
Why she is at Geneva: “I am at Geneva because I love children and I love teaching. Homeschooling my four children for 10 years with classical curriculum paved the way for my interest in Geneva. I feel so blessed to be able to go to work everyday knowing I can make a difference for His kingdom.”
Interesting tidbit: Sandy enjoys jogging, hiking and playing the piano. She also enjoys putting scripture to song, dancing and writing children’s books.
TONYA FIKES
Third Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics – Texas A&M University
Family: Husband Chris and four sons: Corban (Class of 2022) Esan (Class of 2024), Teagan (Class of 2026) and Solan (Class of 2031)
Why she is at Geneva: “God drew our family to Geneva. On our first visit to the campus, I noticed how intentional and Christ-centered the culture is. We were looking for a school for our oldest to attend high school and God opened up the doors for myself and all four boys to be here too!”
Interesting tidbit: Tonya and her family served as missionaries in Phayao, Thailand for eight years and homeschooled for nine years. She loves to travel internationally and be outdoors.
AMY GORDON
Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Trinity University; Teaching Certificate
Family: Husband Marty and sons Wright (Class of 2017) and Philip (Class of 2024)
Why she is at Geneva: “I want to teach in a Christian school where academics are top priority, but everything is taught from a biblical worldview.”
Interesting tidbit: Amy was a CPA with a Big 8 accounting firm before God led her into teaching. She taught second grade in San Antonio for five years before coming to teach at Geneva.
VICTORIA MAYFIELD
Grammar School P.E.
Education: BBA – Baylor University
Family: Husband Travis; children Isabel, John Carter and Evelyn
Why she is at Geneva: “The Lord graciously lead our family to Geneva when our oldest daughter was starting kindergarten. It was evident that He was calling me to be a part of the Geneva family as a coach. I am thrilled to live out my God-given passion for coaching young minds and spirits to glorify God through physical exercise.”
Interesting tidbit: Victoria grew up speed skating and competed on a national and international level.
TONYA MOWERY
Fourth Grade Grammar and Reading
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education – Texas Christian University
Family: Husband Randy and sons Reagan (Class of 2019) and Grant (Class of 2022)
Why she is at Geneva: “I love the classical and Christian curriculum! I am excited to be a part of this community and I’m thrilled that my boys have the opportunity to receive a quality education at Geneva.”
JENNA PALMER
K-Prep Assistant
Education: Lubbock Christian University
Family: My husband and I have been married for 13 years and called Boerne home for the past 4. We have two boys, are a ministry family, and love being outdoors together!
Why she is at Geneva: We feel called to lead our children closer to God, and feel like partnering with Geneva is a huge answer to prayer. I am so excited to share the love of Jesus with the sweet K-prep kiddos and to work with such amazing, Godly educators.
Interesting tidbit: We once owned a house that had over 50 ornate box turtles living in the backyard. The turtles provided hours of entertainment for our family as we looked for them each day in the yard, kept up with them by naming them and painting their names on the back of their shells, and as we researched and learned information about the turtles. A few of the turtles even became class pets to teacher friends of ours
VANESSA PETTY
Science Coordinator (grades 1-3)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education – Baylor University
Family: Husband Shane and children Aedan (Class of 2019), Zach (Class of 2023) and Kyra (Class of 2025)
Why she is at Geneva: “God called our family to Geneva because of Geneva’s classical and Christian approach to education. Serving as a teacher gives me the perfect platform to teach a love for God and His creation through studying science.”
Interesting tidbit: Vanessa is a CrossFit coach.
DANIEL PLAYER
Fifth Grade Bible and History
Education: Bachelor of Arts in American Studies (History and Political Science focus) – Baylor University
Family: Beautiful bride Sylvia and sons Nathan (Class of 2027) and Luke (Class of 2031)
Why he is at Geneva: “I am passionate about the Word of God and young people becoming all they were created to be in Christ! I’ve been amazed and encouraged seeing my sons grow in such a powerful, intentional environment at Geneva over the last several years and believe God clearly called me to be a part of this special place. It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to teach fifth graders and point them to Jesus in all we do!”
Interesting tidbit: Daniel loves all sports and continues to play competitive basketball. He also loves the mountains of Colorado and enjoys hiking one or more 14er every summer.
LINDSEY SPACEK
K-Prep
Education: Texas A&M university
Family: Lance (husband), Elizabeth, Grace
Why you are at Geneva: my family fell in love with Geneva the first year our oldest started attending Kindergarten. I am so excited to serve God through teaching and I look forward to growing my faith in such an amazing community.
Interesting tidbit: I love to fish, run, quilt and cook!
LAUREN STONER
Fourth Grade Math and Science
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education – Wheaton College in Illinois.
Family: Lauren is the oldest child of her family of six. She has one sister, two brothers and two amazing parents!
Why she is at Geneva: “The Lord brought me to Geneva to share my passion for Christian classical education, math and science and the gospel with students.”
Interesting tidbit: Lauren has an odd talent for remembering song lyrics. Quiz her on your favorite musical!
KERI STRICKLAND
Fifth Grade Language Arts Teacher and Fifth Grade Team Lead
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education – Liberty University
Family: Husband David and daughters Taylor, Danielle (Class of 2014) and son Brandon (Class of 2020)
Why she is at Geneva: “As a passionate believer in classical and Christian education, I am honored that God led our family to Geneva where the Christian faith is lived out through the administration, teachers and parents. Teaching at a school whose heart is turned toward God and His children allows me the blessing of speaking truth into the children whose lives God has entrusted into my care.”
Interesting tidbit: Keri is a second generation home-school and private school teacher.
NICOLE SVENDSEN
Reading Specialist
Education: BA in Liberal Studies and Teaching Certification from Loyola; Master’s in Elementary Reading and Writing Biola
Family: husband Erik, children: Siena 8th, Sawyer 6th, Ruby Sue 5th and Noah 1st
Why she is at Geneva: “I love Jesus and I love teaching and Geneva brings those two things together for me.”
Interesting tidbit: “I lived in Germany for a year.”
TAMMIE WAINNER
Fourth Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University)
Family: Husband Robin, and three grown children – Hannah, Stephen, and Abigail Klier and husband David Klier
Why she is at Geneva: “I’m thankful to be at Geneva where there is a culture of kindness, grace, and excellence. It’s a pleasure to be an educator at a school where God is honored and students are loved and challenged with high expectations.”
Interesting tidbit: Tammie is a bird-watcher, loves potted plants, fossil-hunting, and spending time with family and friends. In her younger years, she did pointe ballet and sang on a worship team.
CRIS YARBROUGH
Motor Lab Specialist
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education-Texas Tech University
Family: Husband Chad and children Campbell (Class of 2030) and Boone (Class of 2035)
Why she is at Geneva: The Lord led us to Geneva when our daughter started kindergarten. The Geneva community is such a blessing to our family. Joining the grammar school faculty was an answered prayer.
Interesting tidbit: I love spending time with my family, watching college football and going for walks with our puppy, Maggie.
CINDY YOUNG
Librarian
Education: BA in American Studies from Oklahoma Christian University, JD from Baylor University
Family: Married to Kevin. Four Geneva graduates: Whitney (Class of 2013), Delaney (Class 2016), Nathan (Class of 2019) and Jackson (Class of 2021) and one precious grand baby, Lincoln (Class of 2040?)
Why she is at Geneva: I’m at Geneva because God called my family here twenty-two years ago, opening our eyes to the beauty of Christian and Classical education. I am so grateful for this community that has shown us how to love God and others well. I am thrilled to be the new Geneva librarian because I believe in the power and beauty of great books.
Interesting tidbit: I collect children’s books and am a read aloud evangelist, having read to my own children from the time they were babies until they were big kids in Rhetoric School.