Redeemer Faculty and Staff
One of the things that makes Redeemer such and amazing place is the outstanding people who work day in and day out to further our mission and disciple our students. Scroll down to learn more about these individuals.
Administration & Staff
Head of School
Mr. Hoch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible with a concentration in Education from Cairn University. He then went on to earn a Master's in religion from Reformed Theological Seminary as well as a Master's in school leadership from The University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Redeemer Classical School, he served at Delaware County Christian School for 11 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He and his wife, Julianna, have four children. Mr. Hoch is extremely grateful that the Lord has led him to Redeemer Classical School.
Upper School Principal
Mr. Cosner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Bridgewater College and a Master of Arts in Theology from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in English Literature from James Madison University. Before coming to Redeemer, he taught English, Debate, and Biblical Literature in public schools both in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Tampa, Florida. Outside of school, you'll find him doing woodworking, reading, and enjoying life with his wife and three children.
Lower School Principal
Mrs. Grace Yoder received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education and also earned a certificate to teach Algebra I from James Madison University. Grace has traveled over Europe, which included a short language study in Spain. She loves being in the Classical Christian environment where she can delight in the Lord with peers and children alike. Outside of work, Mrs. Yoder enjoys being active outdoors with her family and friends.
Dean of Academics, 9th Latin & Senior Thesis
Mrs. Annie Leach graduated from Wake Forest University with a major in English and a minor in education. She and her husband, Bill, are among the founders of Redeemer, and they are thankful their five children were able to attend the school. In her 20+ years at Redeemer, Annie has taught grades 2-4 and 6-12. Annie grew up on the shore of Tampa Bay and savors chances to be around water. She also loves working in her garden, training her puppy, taking long walks with her husband, and reading literature of all kinds.
Director of Advancement
Mrs. Jaye Brumfield earned her B.A. in Communications and Spanish from James Madison University in 1995. Shortly after, she began her career with the Bridgewater College Advancement Office. During the subsequent years, she continued to hone her design, writing and marketing skills working at JMU, PwC, an advertising agency, her own design firm, and a start-up tech company. Jaye has been involved with Redeemer since before her eldest enrolled in Kindergarten … and now both her daughters are in college. She lives in Bridgewater with her husband, Jonathan and their dog.
Director of Athletics
Mrs. Ashley Hormel graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Social Work. She worked professionally in children's health and wellness prior to joining Redeemer. Ashley is thankful for the opportunity to teach children to glorify God in both their work and play, and by caring for the bodies He has given us. She enjoys teaching sportsmanship to the grammar school children while they learn new, traditional, and unique ways to be physically fit. Ashley enjoys being active herself and can often be found out on a long run or hiking or playing games with her four children and husband.
Business Manager
Mrs. Patton joined Redeemer Classical School as the Business Manager after spending 13 years as the Practice Manager of a local orthodontic practice. She earned bachelor’s degrees in Geography and Spanish from Virginia Tech and has lived in Virginia her whole life. Lauren is thankful to be part of the Redeemer community and appreciates the school’s intentional approach to educating and discipling its students. Outside of school, she loves traveling and exploring new cities, discovering great restaurants, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Mrs. Ashleigh Funkhouser earned a B.B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from James Madison University. Prior to joining Redeemer, she worked for an international public relations firm in D.C., honing her skills in strategic communication and large scale special event planning. Additionally, she coordinated events and logistics for executive programs at UVa. Ashleigh is excited about the opportunity to create memorable events for Redeemer students and families, and foster strong relationships within the school community. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Kemper, and their two children, Peyton and Alexandra.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Vicki Becker joined the Redeemer staff after being a stay at home mom for 25 years. During that time she homeschooled her kids, Kayla, Kyle and Brady, for 14 years and helped run a homeschool co-op for several years. She and her husband, Greg, are now empty-nesters. Vicki enjoys music, sports (especially soccer and baseball), and spending time with her family and friends.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Kayla Crandall earned her B.A. in Music from Bridgewater College in 2015 and her M.Ed. from Covenant College in 2022. Her teaching journey began here at Redeemer in 4th grade before transitioning to teaching 2nd and 3rd grades in Northern Virginia. Mrs. Crandall is delighted to be back in the Shenandoah Valley along with her husband and daughter, and to be returning to the school where her career started!
Security and Operations Manager
Mr. Richardson joined the Redeemer staff for the 2025-26 school year as School Security Officer and Operations Manager. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in Foreign Affairs and History. He served as a commissioned U.S. Park Ranger for 28 years at Shenandoah National Park performing law enforcement, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and wildland fire fighting duties before retiring in 2021. He then worked in construction for three years for Crider Martin Builders. Both of his children have attended Redeemer and have been blessed by the experience of a classical Christian education. He enjoys the outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Security and Operations
Mike has been married to his wife, Stacey, for 36 years. They have three grown children and five grandchildren — two of which attend Redeemer. Prior to joining the operations team at school, Mike retired from the Harrisonburg Fire Department as a Deputy Chief. In addition, he’s an Air Force veteran. Away from work, Mike enjoys spending time with family, serving at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and watching baseball and hockey.
Grammar School Faculty
PreK
Mrs. Holly Michael graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood education. Moving to Harrisonburg, she began working at a Montessori School. She went on to receive her teaching degree in Montessori education. She taught at her original school for six years building the foundation of their primary education. She has built the Redeemer PreK program from its inception and loves teaching about Christ here at Redeemer.
PreK Aide
Mrs. Jenna Burchnall earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Consumer Sciences from Messiah University. She and her husband Dusty have four children and have lived in Keezletown since 2014. In her spare time, she loves to watch movies with her family, read a good book late at night, and to be near the ocean. She is honored to be a part of the Redeemer community and It is her passion to come alongside parents and support them in pointing their children towards Jesus.
PreK
Mrs. Kate Zopp received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University. She taught for eight years in various settings before moving to Harrisonburg with her husband and staying at home with their three boys. When not drinking coffee and chasing her boys, she enjoys reading and being outside. Kate is excited to teach the youngest Redeemer students about the love of Christ and lay a solid foundation for their coming years of learning.
PreK and After School Program
Ms. Phillips is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, concentrating in Elementary Education, from Calvary Chapel University. She has had many opportunities to work with children of all ages but she is excited to return to PreK to teach the youngest minds at Redeemer. Ms. Phillips is a member of Horizon Christian Fellowship and has a passion for missions, coffee, and spending time with friends.
PreK Aide
Mrs. Sease graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and has a passion for working with children and families. She and her husband William have made Harrisonburg their home since 2020. After spending eight years as a stay-at-home mom to her three children, she is excited to join and serve the Redeemer community. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, and reading a good book. It is her joy to watch the children grow and learn together while shining Christ’s light in their lives.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Hoch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and a Masters in Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL (teaching english to speakers of other languages) from Cairn University. She has been working with young children in various capacities since graduating. Most recently Mrs. Hoch has been a stay at home mom to her four children. She is currently working toward a Literacy Certificate from AIM Institute for Learning and Research. She is excited and grateful to be part of the Redeemer Classical School community and hopes to bring glory to God through her work there.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Rice holds a degree in Corporate Communication from James Madison University and spent several years working in marketing before and while raising five boys with her husband, Christopher. The family moved to Harrisonburg in 2020, where Megan homeschooled her children. Since then, the Rice family has had children attending Redeemer for the past four years. Megan also serves in Children’s Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She can’t wait to lead a Kindergarten classroom at Redeemer
First Grade
Mrs. April Cosner earned a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater College in Liberal Studies, minoring in Education and Psychology. After teaching in Virginia and Florida public schools for six years, she homeschooled her own children and worked as a private tutor for an additional seven years. She also serves as her church's Children's Ministry Director. Mrs. Cosner enjoys all things healthy (and yet all things chocolate), spending time with her husband and three children, reading, the outdoors, hiking, camping, and traveling. She counts it a gift to cultivate a love for the Lord and a love for learning in the children of Redeemer.
First Grade
Mrs. Sarah Plonsky received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC. She has taught in public and private school classrooms, as well as homeschooling four of her children. She has lived in many places in her life, but has decided that the Shenandoah Valley is by far her favorite, and hopes she never has to leave. Sarah and her husband James are, by God’s grace, successfully blending two families together, making their home of nine a busy (and often loud!) place! When she’s not occupied being a mom and teacher, Sarah enjoys keeping busy with activities at church, renovating their old Civil War-era home, gardening, and sewing. An ideal weekend would be one with NOTHING on the calendar!
First Grade
Mrs. Suzi Slater graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Over the past 40 she has worked in many different capacities with young students teaching physical education, reading, forest preschool school, tutoring and coaching track and field. She and her husband, Rick, have three grown children and four grandchildren that she loves spending time with — especially if she can get them out in the mountains.
Second Grade
Mrs. Houff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Bridgewater College in 2020 and a Masters in Elementary Education from Liberty University in 2026. In her free time, she enjoys coaching competitive and sideline cheerleading at Spotswood High School. She is a member of the Church of Solsburg and is eager to grow closer in her relationship with the Lord with her second grade students.
Second Grade
Ms. Rodes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater College. She’s an active member of the Cornerstone Church of Harrisonburg where she helps in children's ministry. Ms. Rodes attended Redeemer Classical School from Kindergarten through 8th grade and she’s excited to return to Redeemer to teach the next generation of students in a classical setting. In her free time, Ms. Rodes enjoys making art and spending time with her friends and family.
Third Grade
Mrs. Julie Landes graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in elementary education and with a Master of Arts in teaching in 2010. She has taught 1st and 2nd grade at Redeemer since graduating from JMU. She enjoys teaching children that all things are created by and for the glory of God.
Third Grade
Mrs. Lantz is a Coast Guard brat who attended many different schools growing up. While getting her Master's Degree in New York City, she had the pleasure of working for a college preparatory school. In addition, she has experience as a homeschool mom. Nicole, her husband Brandon, and their four children are moving to the Harrisonburg area from Colorado. The family brings with them their love for skiing, hiking, biking, and adventure.
Third Grade
Mrs. Ellison holds an Associates of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and has been homeschooling her four boys for the past seven years. She is passionate about not only educating children rich curriculum, but also cultivating a genuine love of learning and curiosity about the world. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Ellison enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring National Parks with her family. Above all else, she loves sharing the love and goodness of God to those around her.
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Holly King received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Waterloo in Liberal Studies with a Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Growing up in Canada, Holly spent four years working for a church agency in Switzerland, the UK, and Germany before embarking on family life and settling in the Shenandoah Valley with her American husband. After homeschooling some combination of her five children for 13 years using Classical methods, Mrs. King is glad to be continuing the task of educating with Redeemer students. She is blessed to witness numerous 'aha!' moments each school day as the light of understanding is lit in her students as she shares her excitement about God's wonderful world – past, present, and future – with the next generation.
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Jenny Wagner graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish. She earned her Master's Degree in Reading Education from James Madison University. Her past experience includes teaching in the public schools, running a small homeschool coop, teaching English to adults, and homeschooling. Outside of school, she enjoys leading worship, reading, painting, and attending her kids' sports and music events. She, her husband Jason, pastor of The Life Church in McGaheysville, and their four children are excited to be a part of the Redeemer community.
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Jane Fowler received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Virginia in Middle School Education and has been teaching in public, private and home-schooling environments for over 30 years. Jane is one of the founding teachers of Redeemer and has enjoyed watching Redeemer grow over the years. She is the chairperson for the history department at Redeemer and loves to hear the students recite the history timeline together. Jane has three grown children and four grandchildren who she enjoys visiting as often as she can.
Fifth Grade
Ms. Dronov graduated from Bridgewater College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Communication, and a Minor in Spanish. Her love for Classical Education first stems from her love for history. At Redeemer, she hopes to help her students foster an enthusiasm and love for learning, and apply God’s Word to their lives. In her free time she enjoys traveling with family to explore historical landmarks and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. She also enjoys serving in her church’s children’s ministry.
Logic School Faculty
7th-8th History
Mrs. Grace Weniger graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. She then received a Master’s of Education from the University of Virginia in Sports Medicine. For six years, she worked as an athletic trainer at James Madison University while also teaching in the undergraduate program and serving on the eating disorders team on campus. After starting a family she continued to teach part-time at JMU for several years until their third child was born. She enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and reading a good book. Grace lives in Harrisonburg with her husband and three children, who attend Redeemer. She’s thankful to be part of the Redeemer community and to teach students a biblical perspective on how to care for their bodies and minds.
6th History, 8th Literature and 8th Geography
Mr. Leach graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts & Design and a minor in Philosophy. His first brush with Classical Christian education was in 2nd grade at Redeemer Classical School. Though it looked very different then, it had that same spirit of fostering deep curiosity, competence, and character that it is known for today. Needless to say, seeds of love for the art of learning and restful contemplation on the good, true, and beautiful were planted deep and early, with the eventual harvest of Mr. Leach's return to Redeemer as a full-time teacher. He is a lifelong student and lover of literature, philosophy, and the other liberal arts, pursuing these studies both during his time at JMU and beyond. Outside of work he loves to read and write for pleasure, be in nature and around loved ones, and play or enjoy music with friends.
7th-8th Logic, 8th Bible
Mrs. Janelle Garman graduated from Grove City College with degrees in History and Christian Thought. After graduating, she spent eight years working in the mental health field before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She first studied logic when attending a classical high school in West Virginia and continued studying formal logic in college. She’s excited to share her love of truth and critical thinking with her students. Janelle and her husband, Tyler, have four children (who all attend Redeemer). Outside of teaching, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and serving in her church and the local Bible Study Fellowship.
7th-8th Science and 7th Geography
Mrs. Tongen earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and her M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She is fascinated by God’s eternal wisdom, power, and goodness displayed in His creation. Her first 10 years of teaching were on tennis courts. Alongside her husband, she learned Spanish to have fellowship with more members of their church, care for their community, and to homeschool their six children bilingually. Mrs. Tongen is delighted to display God’s glory with logic school students as they study nature, and research science fair projects.
6th Science
Mrs. Heather Luebben started asking questions at an early age and hasn't stopped yet. Her curiosity carried her to Grove City College where she majored in history and Spanish. After graduation, she returned to the Valley to marry her highschool sweetheart. Heather classically homeschooled their four children until 2023 when the oldest two joined the Redeemer community. She is eager to help students explore the world around them, pursue answers to their questions, and most of all, marvel at their Creator.
6th-7th Math
Mrs. Whitney Collier studied Elementary Education with a specialization in Math and English at Liberty University. She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, Ryan, and their two daughters. When not at school, she enjoys running, golfing, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. Whitney’s excited to step back into the classroom to teach math. She hopes to encourage the students to recognize and appreciate the order found in nature and how that reflects the perfection and wisdom of our Creator.
8th & 12th Grade Math
Mrs. Lorraine Bryner earned her Bachelor of Science degree in math and chemistry from Waynesburg University and her Master’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from West Virginia University. She’s a retired public and private school teacher with 34 years of experience, and also the proud grandmother of current Redeemer students. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, walking, hiking, kayaking, leading a local book club, and working at her church, the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren in their community garden/food pantry program. She is thrilled to continue to carry on God's work and mission at Redeemer to inspire our youth to become good stewards of the glory and goodness of God and His Creation.
7th-8th Latin
Mrs. Julia Rhodes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and a Master of Arts in Theology from Wheaton College. She taught Latin and coached soccer at a classical school in Richmond, VA for seven years and spent the next eight years being a stay-at-home mom. She is married to Austin, and they have four children. Julia loves good discussions, almost any form of exercise, and reading to her children. She is thankful to be part of Redeemer and the mission of classical Christian education.
6th & 7th Bible
Mr. Ryan Bever is the pastor at Grace & Truth Reformed Presbyterian Mission Church in Harrisonburg, VA. Ryan graduated from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh with a Masters of Divinity in May of 2017, and shortly thereafter received a call to serve as pastor at Grace & Truth. He and his wife Betsy have four children: Matthias, Madeline, Maelie, and Mason. The Bever family has enjoyed the transition to the Valley and are hopeful that Grace & Truth will become a well-established local congregation. Ryan has a passion for preaching and teaching God’s Word and looks forward to teaching Bible to Redeemer students.
6th Literature
Mrs. Driver earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bridgewater College and a Master of Arts in English from James Madison University. Prior to joining the team at Redeemer, she owned two small businesses before staying home with her two children. Outside of school, you might find Mrs. Driver reading (or re-reading) a great novel, cooking, playing ukulele or being used as a human jungle gym by her kiddos. Brooke is honored and humbled to participate in God's great work at Redeemer. She is excited to instill a love for the written word in the hearts of Redeemer students and — most importantly — to encourage them to love the Lord their God with all their hearts, with all their minds and with all their strength.
7th Literature
Dr. Rankin earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, with a concentration in English and Mathematics, and a Master of Arts in English Literature, both from Ohio University. In addition, he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature, with a focus on English Renaissance Literature and a Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, from The Ohio State University. His research, teaching, and publication interests include Reformation literature and history, Shakespeare, 16th-century non-dramatic literature, the history of books as material objects, and the history of reading. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and is the President of the Renaissance English Text Society. His hobbies include reading, hiking, coin collecting, pursuing fine food, and travel. He enjoys helping students grow in their ability to think, reason, and communicate clearly.
Rhetoric School Faculty
College & Career Counselor and Study Skills
Mrs. Sarah Hughes graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Art History. She worked as a paralegal for several years before staying at home with her first born. Her daughter began attending kindergarten at Redeemer in 2013. With the addition of another daughter attending Redeemer in 2016, there were more opportunities to help in the classroom and around the school. Her third daughter joined her sisters at Redeemer in 2019. Sarah is thankful for the opportunity to work alongside her children and to be a part of a loving school community.
9th-11th History, 11th Literature, and 10th-11th Rhetoric
Mrs. Jacobsen has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for the majority of her life and was privileged to have been raised in Christian education. She holds a B.A. in History from Mary Baldwin University and taught third grade at Redeemer for several years before leaving to raise her children with her husband, Ben. She is thrilled to be returning to Redeemer to teach Rhetoric School History, Literature, and Rhetoric.
6th Latin, 9th Literature, 10th-11th Greek
Mrs. Ava Daly earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Richmond, with majors in Latin and Greek, and minors in Music and Religious Studies. Throughout college, she combined her interests to study Christian reception of classical culture, particularly early Christians’ use of the Sibylline Oracles in apologetic texts. In her free time, she enjoys playing brass instruments (mostly French horn) in her basement, editing and arranging music, having long conversations with interesting people, and reading.
9th Geometry, 11th Biology, & 12th Physics
Mr. Eric Duvon holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from James Madison University and is currently working toward a Master of Education in Mathematics. Prior to teaching, he spent a decade as a software engineer, sharpening his analytical skills and passion for problem-solving. Eric first discovered his love for classical education through C.S. Lewis, and continues to be drawn to writers who delve into the complexities of faith and existence. Beyond the classroom, he stays busy defending his yard from unruly plants, seeking out new routes for running and hiking, and training for the next obstacle course race. Eric is married and has two children, and a cat named Tolstoy.
12th Literature & 12th History
Dr. Simmons earned his PhD from the University of Dallas and his B.A. from St. John's College (Annapolis). His previous experience includes teaching political philosophy and history at Baylor University, Ashland University and BISLA College. Dr. Simmons is active in his community as a director in the Elkton Historical Society, where he helps plan events and manages the Society's small library. He lives in Elkton with his wife and son, and he and his family attend Church of the Lamb.
10th Literature
Mrs. Dorman was born and raised in Miami, FL, and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, but has been living in the Valley on and off for over 20 years. She and her husband, Travis, have four children, who all attend Redeemer. They live in Elkton with 20ish chickens and one new puppy. At the top of her favorites list: volleyball. She loves to play it, coach it, watch it, and talk about it. She also enjoys an evening rainstorm, a walk in the woods, Southern writers, and movie nights with her kids. She also has enjoyed reading The Aeneid and Meditations in preparation for teaching them at Redeemer.
10th-11th Math & 10th Chemistry
Mrs. Rene Leetun was most recently the Science Department Chair at Grace Christian School in Staunton, where she also taught Math and Physical Science. Prior to that she was a tutor and co-director for Classical Conversations, having helped establish the first CC co-op in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to her degree from Virginia Tech, she also holds Level 1 and 2 Certification in cognitive brain training with Equipping Minds.
9th Physics
Mrs. Rachel Reidenbach graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a minor in math. She married her college sweetheart and worked as an engineer at a defense contractor, BAE Systems/Cobham, for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband have three children, Jeremiah, Liesel, and Kaleb — all whom attend Redeemer. Rachel enjoys reading, biking and swimming with her family, volunteering with children’s ministries at church, and traveling. She also loves tutoring students in math since she is passionate about it! She’s thankful to teach physics in an environment where she can highlight God's magnificent order and beauty!
9th Rhetoric
Mr. Roberts graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He worked in Cancer Research before receiving his Masters of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in 2010. He currently pastors at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He loves the art and science of persuasion and the opportunity to partner with the Redeemer community. He and his wife, Jacey, have four children, and if free-time presents itself, he dabbles in reading, carpentry, music, and hiking.
9th Logic (PT)
Dr. Noel Hendrickson earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy (with a minor in Religion) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Originally from California, his undergraduate degree in Philosophy is from San Jose State University. He is currently a full-time Professor and founding member of the Intelligence Analysis Program at James Madison University, which educates students aspiring to be analysts at government agencies, law enforcement organizations, defense contractors, and other major international corporations and consulting firms. As part of this program, he created and now teaches a series of courses in reasoning methodologies, with a specialty in educating people how to assess an uncertain future and to think strategically about it. He has written several books in the field and is passionate about teaching people (of all ages) how to improve their powers of reasoning and to develop timeless intellectual values to engage a lifetime of timely life challenges.
12th Greek
Mr. Codding earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Languages and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Wheaton College. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of administrative and teaching roles in Christian higher education and secondary schools. Most recently, he completed a two-year pastoral residency at Church of the Incarnation in Harrisonburg, where he remains a Priest in Residence. Outside of school, you may find him reading, enjoying conversation with friends, making bread, repairing cars, or restoring houses. He is especially grateful for his wife and four children.
Specials Faculty
Grammar School Art
Born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, Mrs. Bontz studied design at James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Science with a focus on art and graphic design. Since graduating, she’s built a career around creativity — bringing design thinking and visual storytelling into every role she’s taken on over the years. She met her husband in her senior year at college, and they’ve since made a life together on his family’s land, where they’re raising two kids alongside a happy crew of pets. When she’s not working or with family, you’ll probably find her making jewelry, hiking, or digging in the garden.
6th-12th Art
Mrs. West has been an art teacher for the past 28 years, most of them spent at Elkton Middle School before she transitioned into the homeschool community four years ago. In addition to creating and teaching art, she is an avid runner who loves coaching cross country. She and her husband have two adult sons and one daughter in high school, and the family are members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where they enjoy serving as Sunday School teachers. Mrs. West is looking forward to teaching and coaching at Redeemer this school year, and is excited to see what the Lord has in store.
1st - 12th Grade Music
Mrs. Grace Swanson graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She is especially passionate about group singing and choral music, and she loves to share this passion with her students. Outside of school, she enjoys taking long walks with her dog, singing in community choirs, and hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Mrs. Swanson is thrilled to be teaching in the Redeemer community and making a joyful noise unto the Lord with her students.
PreK & K Music and Band
Mrs. Melissa Borden received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and a Master of Public Administration degree from James Madison University. She has worked previously as a music teacher and also in different capacities in nonprofit organizations for several years. Most recently, she has been a stay at home mom to her two children. She is excited to share her love of music with students and thankful to be a part of the Redeemer community.
Kindergarten - 4th P.E.
Mrs. Hensley graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and brings six years of teaching experience to Redeemer’s Grammar School PE program. She is passionate about helping students develop healthy habits and a love for physical activity and looks forward to serving in a Christian school setting. She lives with her husband, son, and daughter, who will attend Pre-K at Redeemer in the fall. Mrs. Hensley enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, and friendly competition.
5th-8th P.E.
Mrs. Corder earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Education from UNC Greensboro. She has worked in the Loudoun County public school system, and as a behavioral therapist for children with autism in Northern Virginia. She has most recently been a stay-at-home mom to her four daughters, and homeschooled them for a few of those years. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, traveling, cooking, playing pickleball, and having dance parties in the kitchen. She is thrilled to be teaching at Redeemer and hopes to instill in her students a deeper understanding of how to use their bodies to glorify God.
9th-10th P.E.
Mrs. Stephanie Walker earned her Bachelor's degree in English and Education at James Madison University in 2003 and spent 10 years teaching English before finding a passion in the fitness world. Stephanie has worked as a fitness and recreation specialist for the City of Harrisonburg and has been an owner of both Stongfigure Bootcamp and CrossFit Harrisonburg. After spending over 15 years coaching adults, teens, and children; she is bringing her passion for health, fitness, and nutrition to the Physical Education department at Redeemer. Outside of Redeemer, you can find her at the gym, and spending time with her husband and two children.
3rd-4th P.E.
Mr. Michael was born and raised in Port Republic, Va. He earned his Finance degree from Fairmont State University where he played baseball. While in college he met his wife, Holly, who teaches PreK at Redeemer. While he works full-time as a Project Manager for his family's construction and property management company, Mr. Michael has long enjoyed coaching his three children (all at RCS) for many years. At Redeemer, Mr. Michael has helped coach the MS Boys Basketball team and has been an Assistant Coach for the Varsity team. He’s been teaching P.E. at Redeemer since 2025. In addition, Mr. Michael is a deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church. As a teacher, he loves passing on his passion for sports, teamwork, and good sportsmanship to all of his students in ways that point to Christ for His glory!
Scholar Studio, Common Arts & Ag/Trade
Mrs. Greta Houff graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Agricultural Education. After graduation, she taught Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences for four years at Elkton Middle School. After starting her family, she has worked part-time at Augusta Cooperative and stayed connected with the agricultural industry. Greta and her husband have five children and live on a small farm outside Weyers Cave. Outside of school she enjoys being outside with her family, watching her kids participate in extracurricular activities and spending time with friends. She is excited to help Redeemer students explore agriculture as it relates to our Creator and the world in which we live.
Scholar Studio
Mrs. Kendra Matter first discovered a passion for history, literature, and culture through studying art in high school and college. She went on to graduate from James Madison University with a degree in Art and a minor in Art History. Kendra has been involved in classical and Christian education for 20 years, in capacities from teaching fourth grade at Redeemer, to homeschooling her three children. Outside the classroom you might find her talking with friends on the front porch, listening to music in New Orleans, or rediscovering the joys of oil painting in her studio.
