Tutor Profiles

Shown below are brief profiles of the tutors who are offering courses in this catalog. In addition to their name and earned degrees and a short description, we give the answers to a question about their philosophy of education and discipleship in the classroom.

Adams, Ellen B.S. Special Education; M.E. Administration & Supervision

Ellen’s first year at Westminster was this past year. Her employment background includes teaching middle school for twelve year and tutoring privately for three years since the birth of her son. She has also taught a variety of ages in Sunday School.

I enjoy teaching tremendously. I like to help unlock the "mysteries" of math and help students to see that something they thought was going to be so hard really isn’t at all. I enjoy exploring the awesome patterns of mathematics that God has placed in His creation and I hope to instill some of that enjoyment in my students.

Coleman, Judi Masters in Education

Judi Coleman has conducted public speaking and image-enhancement workshops for over ten years before becoming a full-time homeschooling mom three years ago. Her public speaking course this past year was a great success!

I praise God for the opportunity to teach in a Christ-centered environment! I believe that if we can show students that learning is exciting and help them see God’s work in their lives on a daily basis, we will motivate students to learn not just for learning’s sake, but to grow in their faith. And, by all means, let’s have some fun in the process!

Easterling, Mary Ann B.A.Music Ed; B.A. Voice

Mary Ann has been leading Chorale for Westminster since our doors opened in 1995. She also teaches piano and voice lessons. Her love for music and love for students combine to make her music courses a success and enjoyment for all involved.

My desire as an educator and a Christian is to stimulate a hunger and thirst in my students to realize God’s plan for their lives, realize the gifts He has given them, and utilize those gifts to lift up Jesus, our Savior and Lord. My desire as a music educator is to enable my students to realize their potential to worship and glorify God through music, and encourage others, through the medium of music, to seek Him. Having homeschooled my daughter, Elizabeth, for ten years, I understand the need for secondary level homeschoolers to know the joy of producing a work together. From the sixth grade through the present, making a joyful noise has been an integral part of my life.

Ferguson, Beth B.A. Biology

Beth has an extensive background in teaching and homeschooling. She has taught math in a Christian school, as well as algebra, grammar, vocabulary and science courses to homeschooling groups. Beth has been homeschooling her children since 1981. She has been a speaker at the HEAV convention on the topic of teaching math to your children.

Discipleship (must) be practiced at Westminster Academy. If we profess to be Christians, we must seek to be conformed to God’s word in our daily lives. God’s requirement for us is that we should train our children in righteousness. Our training is not to be a part time task, but one which must be carried on through the entire day.

Good, Virginia B.A. Music, Masters- Drama

Ginny joined us last year teaching two elementary art classes. She also assisted the middle school humanities block through featuring great American artists, allowing the students to apply those artists techniques in an art lesson. She has a wonderful demeanor with children, and an extensive knowledge of art.

We all have a God given desire to express ourselves and create beauty. Children are eager to have opportunities to do this in a positive, supportive environment. It is a joy to provide instruction that unleashes potential artists that will color our future.

Judy, Ellen B.A. Music, Masters- Drama

Ellen has been Westminster’s drama teacher since we began. In addition, Ellen has taught drama classes to other homeschooling groups. The past two years her students performed plays corresponding to our history theme, which added to the enrichment of the Humanities Block classes.

The purpose of education is to equip children to fulfill the unique calling that God has placed on their lives. A good education will help them explore possibilities and gain the skills they will need to fulfill their calling.

Kehoe, Marilyn A.B. Psychology; Masters Classics & Latin Major A. B. Psychology; M.Classics-Latin Major

As a retired teacher and a believer of giving students a firm foundation in Latin, Marilyn has taught both Latin and grammar for Westminster since we opened our doors in 1995. In an effort to prepare students for her classes, Marilyn willingly tutors students during the summer and school year.

I encourage my students to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.

LeMire, Leslie MA EDSE - concentration in Math; BS, Magna Cum Laude

Leslie comes to Westminster with an extensive background in both teaching and tutoring math at the high school and college level (1990 to the present). Her strength, as described by her references, is in going the extra mile to help each student understand higher Math. "Leslie is dedicated to touching lives through an emphasis on life-long learning." - Cathy Day, Department Head of AD Mathematics at Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN.

Education is a multi-faceted process that requires ongoing nurturing and commitment. It is a teacher’s responsibility to facilitate learning while working through the problem areas that limit and inhibit academic achievement. It is my personal challenge in working with all students to strengthen their confidence, advance their understanding of mathematical concepts, and improve their skills and performance, knowing the impact of all on each other.

Maroon, Anne B. A. French

Westminster has been fortunate to be able to offer three languages since opening our doors. Anne has played the role as our French teacher, exposing students as young as 2nd grade to another language and culture. She has a caring and loving attitude towards all of her students, nurturing them in their command of the French language, as well as in their faith.

I believe the goal of education is not simply to transmit rote or memorized information, but to stimulate thinking and the application of what is being learned. Education takes place best in an environment that is encouraging, stimulating, and creative. I am so happy to have the freedom to express my faith and to encourage students in theirs. I pray that the Lord will use me and make me more sensitive to opportunities to do this!

McClintock, Trisha B.A. English; Minor in Spanish B. S.; B. A. B. S. Biology, B. A. Art

Trisha has been teaching a range of levels in Spanish since Westminster began. We are thrilled to be offering Introduction to Spanish (2nd and 3rd grades) through Spanish V - Honors (High School) this year. At this level, fluency in a second language is an exciting possibility!

My job is to teach Spanish. It is very exciting that God is using my abilities to teach students who are going on missions trips and serving Him. My job is also to encourage and support each student as he continues his education and his walk with God. On both accounts I can only ask God to work through me and to lead me. I have found that I am not here only to teach others. I have learned so much from my students. I am always encouraged by their beautiful Christian example. I have two scripture verses which I believe help to define our role as teachers. "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging , comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1st Thessalonians 2:11-12; 5:11

Reid, Debra Hinton B. S. Chemistry; M.S. Chemistry

Debra has taught Chemistry at Westminster since 1997, and Physics since 1998. Her employment background includes working at A.H. Robins in Chemistry, allowing her to relate practical experience to her class. She has previously taught groups of homeschoolers in Chemistry, homeschools her own children, and will be the business manager for Westminster next year. She teaches a rigorous course, yet bends over backwards to make sure all her students understand the subject matter and can keep up with the pace.

I believe education should provide the foundations for young people to become leaders in our society by combining strong academic preparation with their faith in God.

Rosebro, Sunny C. B. F. A. In Comprehensive Arts B.F.A. in Comprehensive Arts

Sunny came to us from the Virginia Museum where she taught art classes and led museum tours. She has extensive knowledge in art and has been teaching area homeschooling groups for years. She has been offering classes at Westminster since we began.

Art is often a source of intimidation rather than a source of inspiration. It can be as subtle as the difference between challenge and threat. As beings who have been created, we desire to create! This desire is a small reflection of the uncreated, Creator God, who has created us. Thus it deserves to be explored.

White, Kathy B.S. Business Administration/Marketing Management

Although a Business major, Kathy took several education electives during her college years. She has a passion for history and a deep love for the middle school aged child! Her experience includes teaching history co-ops for years, and teaching American History at Westminster this past year.

History is a subject that lends itself so completely to character development. Why else would God have included such a complete history of his people as the basis of His word? I believe in nurturing a life long love of learning in students, yet also challenging them with traditional methods of teaching. Hands on activities make the subject come alive, and using timelines gives students the tools to make all those facts chronologically make sense. All students enjoy the in-depth look at history that Konos-style teaching allows. In middle school, I believe a complete framework of the whole of history is necessary to allow the child to prepare for the analysis of history that comes in the high school and college years. Once that framework is in place, they can draw on it for future studies, or in everyday life.