Trinity Academy Faculty

Tera Rothzen

Preschool Teacher

Tera and her husband Kevin live in Macomb with their three boys: Zack, Tommy and Lukas. Tera earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University in 2005. In 2014 God led her to the preschool at The Crossing in Macomb, where she taught for five years. Her family also attends The Crossing Church, where she spent many years leading Sunday school classes for kids. Teaching little children Bible stories, letters, shapes and colors brings her so much joy. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, hiking, fishing, flower gardening and traveling. She and her family have a love for animals as well, and they have a dog named Riley, two cats named Scamp and Jack, three guinea pigs, and four fish. After joining the Trinity family in 2018, Tera is honored to have the privilege of teaching Trinity’s first class of preschoolers. It’s sure to be the start of a special and exciting adventure!

Mariana Murray

Kindergarten Teacher

Maria was born, grew up, and spent most of her life in Indonesia, but has enjoyed the beauty and atmosphere of living in Industry, Illinois. Ever since she can remember she has had a passion for teaching young children. She has worked for several years at various international schools and has earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. After being a stay at home mom for a few years, she is extremely excited and grateful to join the Trinity Academy family. She and her husband, David, have a son, Luke, who will be attending kindergarten at Trinity Academy this year. She is looking forward to growing together in Christ with the rest of the school community.

Haley Lascelles

Kindergarten Teacher

Haley and her husband Jared live in the country, south of Macomb. Haley earned her associates degree in Education from Spoon River College in 2017. She has a passion for children and has been involved in early childhood education for many years. She has been the lead teacher of the YMCA after school program, worked in daycare and self – employed child care. Haley and Jared attend First Baptist in Colchester, where she is the church pianist. Outside of teaching, Haley enjoys spending time with her husband, playing the piano, reading or playing with their dog, Roxy! She also enjoys being outside and spending time with her family. Haley is overjoyed that God has led her to Trinity and is looking forward to what the school year will bring.

Kim Lampitt

1st Grade Teacher, Grammar School Lead Teacher

Kim and her husband Ben live in rural Blandinsville. Kim earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Illinois College. She has been a substitute teacher on and off for many years, served as the Program Director for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of McDonough County, and most recently served as the Director of Christian Education at Wesley United Methodist Church. Kim has two children, and five grandchildren. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and traveling with her husband.

Kim feels very blessed to be part of the Trinity family, and looks forward to seeing each child grow academically as well as in their love of the Lord their God.

Elizabeth Dixon

2nd Grade Teacher

Elizabeth and her husband Brad reside in rural Carthage near the family farm. Both are natives of Hancock County. Elizabeth grew up in La Harpe, attended the University of Illinois and received a Bachelors of Science degree in 2002. During and after college, Elizabeth worked in agriculture education with Illinois 4-H and the Illinois Farm Bureau. She spent time working in corporate and church environments in the St Louis area before she was blessed to stay home for twelve years. The Dixons have four children – Anna, Emily, Mariah and Isaac. After being introduced to the classical model of education, her children joined Trinity Academy in 2019. She and her family attend Burnside Christian Church, and she loves helping with several aspects of children’s ministry. Additionally, Elizabeth volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), serving as a voice in the court system for children in foster care. She also enjoys exercising, reading and sewing. She eagerly looks forward to being a part of the joyful, encouraging environment at Trinity and partnering with parents to challenge the students.

Analisa Bean

2nd Grade Teacher

Analisa recently got married to her husband Jared, and is living in the country just outside of Bowen, Illinois after moving from Minneapolis, Minnesota in January of 2018. She graduated from Liberty University in 2017 with a BS in Elementary Education. Analisa has always had a deep love for children, and has already taught in a variety of places to hundreds of students. As a classically trained violinist, she taught private and group violin instruction for over 10 years. She also traveled to Oklahoma City to complete a two-semester missionary internship, teaching character to students in the public schools and leading after school Bible Clubs through the In the Gap program. Analisa delights in helping children reach their potential, both in academics and in their walk with God, and is thrilled that God led her to Trinity.

Outside of teaching and being a wife, Analisa enjoys traveling, serving in her church and community, learning about other cultures, and taking in the small joys that God brings her way each day.

Brooke Thurman

3rd Grade Teacher

Brooke and her husband Dominic Thurman live in rural Rushville. She recently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. Brooke is very excited to begin her teaching career at Trinity in the Third grade classroom. She always had a passion for teaching, even when she was an elementary student herself. That passion as a student later led into many childcare/education opportunities such as after school youth programs and self-employed childcare, which brought her to where she is now. Besides her love of the classroom, Brooke enjoys playing and singing music with her family and as part of the worship team at Hope Church in Rushville. She also enjoys spending time at home with her husband and their 2 year old Great Dane, Harvey.

Julie Bean

3rd Grade Teacher

God’s direction in my life many times over the years is what brought me here, to teach at Trinity Academy. When I was the mother of a toddler, I was introduced to home schooling by a friend. This was in 1983, so the idea of teaching your children at home was a new concept. When that toddler was five the Lord showed us that He wanted us to homeschool her. Berean Christian Academy, our homeschool, was established. This decision was greeted with concern and even derision by friends and family. In our area, we were pioneers in the movement. We started out just planning to do this for a year or two. Each year, however, the Lord showed us again that this was His plan for our lives. Thirty years later, I had taught our seven children from Kindergarten through high school.

When my daughter-in-law, Analisa Bean, started teaching at Trinity, I came to the Back to School night and really was intrigued by what I saw. The Lord placed a thought in my heart, “I wonder if I could substitute here?” When Analisa was nearing the time for her maternity leave she asked our family to pray for a substitute for her class. As I prayed, I felt a nudge from the Lord, ”You could do this.” I contacted the school and was given the chance to sub for Mrs. Bean for seven weeks. It was great, they did not even need to change the sign by the room; Mrs. Bean, second grade. When Analisa decided to stay home with Silas I agreed to finish out the school year.

I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to teach here at Trinity Academy. The Classical Christian education model is new to me, but as I learn more about it, I am impressed. I treasure the opportunity to share Christ with my students. I also appreciate the parents and co-teachers. As we work together to educate the students it gives the feeling of being on a team. I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Trinity Academy team.

Morgan McDonald

4th Grade Teacher

I’m so honored to introduce myself as the new 4th grade teacher at Trinity Academy. I live with my husband Jim and our three sons in rural Littleton. For the past five years, I have been home educating our boys, with our oldest son Sam graduating this past spring (2018). Prior to that time, my own education in early childhood has led to experience working with children in a variety of settings including school, church and daycare. I am passionate about Christ-centered education and about instilling Biblical values in the hearts and minds of children. Not only am I excited about the opportunity to join Trinity as a staff member, but our family is also looking forward to becoming part of the Trinity family as a whole, with our two younger sons, Eli and Mark, attending as students.

Sarah Helmich

5th Grade Teacher

Currently residing in Virginia, IL, Sarah Helmich obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2014 and spent the two years following as the Daycare Director at Beardstown Christian Academy. She is active in her church both as a choir member and Bible study teacher for 4th-6th grade girls.

Sarah’s greatest passions are for art, literature, and volunteering. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find her busy with her latest craft or painting project, sitting with her nose buried in a book, walking outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful earth, or volunteering at Beardstown Christian Academy, her church, or Lincoln’s New Salem.

Scot Williamson

6th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Scot Williamson is a home-schooled guy who grew up playing with Legos, reading eight hours a day, and went to school for audio/broadcasting. Later, he became interested in film making and then, after graduating from Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, MI in 2009 with a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies, he taught himself illustration, photography, and graphic design. He has worked as a bank teller, freelance media producer, general construction worker, industrial supply salesman, and more recently a substitute teacher. His passion is to fill the world with wonder. He enthusiastically pursues life with his wife and two small children. He is excited to see children grow in the knowledge of the Truth and is grateful for the opportunity to serve at Trinity Academy.

Cody Stinnett

Bible/Rhetoric, Family Life Liaison, and Athletics Director

I am very honored to have the opportunity to love, and serve at Trinity Academy. I graduated from Ozark Christian College with a Bachelors in Christian Ministry in both Preaching and Church Planting in 2010, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Preaching in 2011. I currently also have the humble honor of serving as Sr. Pastor at the Vermont Christian Church, in Vermont, IL, since 2015. My wife, Dianne, and I are extremely grateful for the opportunities God has given to us to serve Christ together. We have two wonderful daughters who remind us of God’s beauty everyday. In my free time I enjoy family, fishing, and digging in the dirt. I always find serving the Lord a blessing, and it is truly a blessing to serve Him at Trinity Academy.

Jonathan Day

Logic Teacher, Director of Academics

I am a very enthusiastic supporter of the Classical Christian Model of Education and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach Latin and Logic at Trinity Academy. My wife Jess and I have been married for thirteen years and have five wonderful children under the age of nine. We homeschool our children in the Classical Christian Model and look forward to helping Trinity Academy as it grows. I earned my Ph.D. in political science at the University of Iowa and have been a professor at Western Illinois University for the last eight years. Our family are active parishioners at St. Paul Catholic Church in Macomb, Illinois.

Latin and Logic were extremely influential in my education and I know that the students of Trinity Academy will enjoy the fruit of learning these for the rest of their lives. I believe their faith in Christ will be strengthened and their love for Him will grow. May God bless the students and their parents as we journey on this path together!

Aaron Adams

American History Teacher

I am extremely passionate about teaching history. As a historian I am somewhat of a generalist, not specializing in any one topic. I firmly believe a good historian must be well-rounded in as many topics as possible in order to fully understand any given historical era. I received my BA in History from Western Illinois University in 2018 and I am currently working towards an MA in Political Science.

My journey to Christ has been a long one. Since coming to WIU I have begun to renew my faith and I am striving to grow as a Christian. It is my sincerest hope that as I grow in my faith, I will inspire my students to grow as well.

Justin Brooks

Humanities Teacher

Justin and his wife Heidi and four children recently returned to Macomb in the spring of 2021. Justin received his B.A. Philosophy from Lincoln Christian University in 2010. Justin is passionate about the intersections between faith and reason, Christ and culture, and recovering the treasures of ancient and medieval thought for today’s Christian. For the last ten years he has worked in the community banking industry in Macomb and Bloomington/Normal. They have homeschooled their children and are enthusiastic about being part of the community at Trinity. They worship at St. George’s Anglican mission in Macomb. When Justin and Heidi are not visiting with family in the area, they enjoy the occasional family hike, escaping to Michiana to experience the dunes around the lakeshore, and are always in the mood for cooking/baking.

Louise Neff

Teacher

Louise was born and raised in northeastern Illinois. She enjoys learning new things and working with children, which led to teaching as her career of choice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters of Science in Education degrees from Illinois State University. She taught for thirty-eight years in the public schools in the area of special education . Her hobbies include reading, hiking, gardening, traveling, and crafting.

Teaching at Trinity Academy gives her the privilege of teaching the whole child. It is a joyful, cooperative journey of learning together. Besides just teaching facts, she gets to teach the “how” and “why” tools of learning so that her students become lifelong learners. Louise recognizes that teaching is a huge responsibility, knowing that how she teaches impacts students now and in their future. She wants her students to be the “Did” who did not hide like “Wouda, Coulda, Shouldas” in Shel Siverstein’s poem.

Param Singh

Physical Education Teacher

My passion is for sports. I started playing field hockey at the age of 7 and pursued professional field hockey for a career. Additionally, I became involved with teaching physical education and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching in multiple settings. This love led me to teach physical education in two K-12 International Christian Schools. I have also taught in the University setting. I obtained certification to teach Physical Education from Iowa and maintain my IHSA (Illinois High School Association) coaching licensure in Illinois. I am still involved with the USA field hockey association for regional and national coaching and selecting teams assignments. My wife Abha and I moved to Macomb from Iowa City, IA in 2008 for Abha’s job at Western Illinois University.

I believe students develop the understanding of perseverance, dedication, self control, and application of Biblical values through physical literacy. Physical Education develops attributes of good sportsmanship skills through activities. I continue to voluntarily contribute to American Red Cross, and have CPR certification through them.

I am thrilled to be part of Trinity Academy.

Bert Miller

Secondary Math Teacher

Bert Miller is a retired aeronautical engineer and former math instructor at Carl Sandburg College. He is a proud alum of Purdue University and earned his Masters at the University of Missouri at Rolla. His three grandsons attend Trinity and Bert is excited to be involved not only in their education, but the education of the other students at Trinity as well.

Bert loves to spend time with his daughter and grandchildren, and cheer on his Purdue Boilermakers. He can often be found working outside, watching a John Wayne movie, reading about his hero Neil Armstrong, or driving his ’71 Corvette. He worships with his family at Checkrow Community Church.

Sonya Johnson

Secondary Science Teacher

Sonya and her husband Peter Johnson live on a small farm in Rushville. They have two grown children and are recently retired. Previously, Sonya spent 30 years working as a research scientist and chemist at Mars/Wrigley, creating many of the flavors for their gum and candy products and coordinating agricultural research for Wrigley. During her career at Wrigley, Sonya taught chemistry to numerous students, interns, and co-workers. She holds a BS in Biology, a BS in Chemistry (both from Southampton College), a Master of Product Development (NWU Executive Program), and a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (U of I).

The world is full of the order and beauty of God’s creation, with all its intricacy and detail. I am looking forward to helping my students understand the wonder of science.

Adam Cloutier

Secondary Teacher, Humanities Development

Currently studying at Lincoln Christian University, Adam has incredible interest in continental philosophy and the history of ideas. As a Rhode Island native, Adam graduated from the ‘Upward Bound’ program at Rhode Island College. Having a wide education background, ranging from robotic engineering and mathematics to art and the humanities, combined with his autodidacticism, Adam is a young pantomath that enjoys conversation about almost any topic. Adam desires for young people to have the intellectual tools to both analyze critically and think independently within a largely confusing world of ideas and opinions. Adam serves various churches and ministries around Illinois in different positions and calls Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois his church home.

Velynna Spangler

Secondary Lead Teacher

I am humbled and excited to join Trinity Academy this fall. I reside in rural Ellisville with my husband, Bob. Since 1996, I have been home educating our children. Nine years ago I joined Classical Conversations and have served as a tutor, director, speaker trainer, and practicum speaker. Additionally, I have taught private piano lessons. When I am not teaching, I volunteer as a 4-H leader, and I serve in our church by helping with children’s ministry and playing piano on a worship team. My husband and I have four children and seven grandchildren. My hobbies include reading, gardening, playing piano, and spending time with my family.
I am thrilled to be part of this academic team. I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity to partner with staff helping students develop academically and spiritually.

Deanna Chatterton

Vocal and Instrumental Director

My husband, Brett, and I are parents of eight children and six grandchildren. I am excited about another year teaching at Trinity Academy where four of my daughters are currently TA students. We live in the Avon/Bushnell area where Brett farms with our eldest son and manages Chatterton Bros.Trucking.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (K-12) from Western Illinois University. I have taught in several public schools, but have spent most of my career at home educating our children (24 years to be exact). We have tried to pass on the love of music to our children. I have a passion for helping and inspiring kids to appreciate and experience excellence in music in order to be able to participate wholly in worship and to consume music with wisdom.

When I am not teaching, you can find me in my garden, taking care of grandchildren, with my chickens and ducks, or in the kitchen cooking for the multitudes. I enjoy helping in the pro-life ministry of Spoon River Pregnancy Center in Canton. I also enjoy performing with community groups Western Illinois Wind Band and Macomb Municipal Band.