Faculty

The school is blessed to have a group of teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject matter, care deeply about each student, are committed to modeling Christ in their lives and are determined to learn and apply the Classical model of education in new and better ways each year. We consider our faculty to be our greatest strength, and many of our teachers have been on staff for most of the school’s existence. Through the care and nurturing of the students by our faculty, deep relationships are built and an overall sense of the school as a “family” is developed, which transcends any statistics on student/teacher ratios. Our teachers are able to mentor the students both in and out of the classroom.

Ms. Robin Schmidt
	Headmaster Earth Science, Geometry, Chemistry Chemistry – Secondary EducationEducation B.A. in Biology from Oakland University.Number of years teaching at CLA: 6
Other teaching experience: 3 years at Teenworks, Lansing MI – Taught High School Math and Science 6 years as a Technical/IT Trainer Ms. Schmidt has studied with Ravi Zacharias and his team in Oxford, England. Ms. Schmidt has one daughter currently attending the Academy.
Ms. Nora Pearson
	Kindergarten Education B.S. Home Economics from Iowa State UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 14
Ms. Pearson worked in corporate communications prior to coming to CLA. She loves working with our children and puts in hours and hours of preparation for academics and amazing, fun projects! Her students adore her — and so do we!Ms. Pearson has two daughters who have graduated from the Academy.
Ms. Sarah Kohnert
	Kindergarten Enrichment Education B.A from Rhema Bible CollegeNumber of years teaching at CLA: 9
Other teaching experience: Three years at Zion Christian School. Ms. Kohnert has more enthusiasm than a barrel of monkeys! Her creativity captivates the hearts of all her students! Mrs. Kohnert has 3 children attending the Academy.
Ms. Denise Sandoval
	Elementary Principal, 3rd Grade LatinEducation B.A. Psychology from Oakland UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA:12
Other teaching experience:Coordinator for the Phoenix Arizona chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America where Ms. Sandoval trained tutors to teach reading to adults who were illiterate.Ms. Sandoval has two children who have graduated from the Academy and one currently attending.
Ms. Becky Snider
	1st Grade Education Number of years teaching at CLA: 1
Ms. Jean McRoberts
	2nd Grade Education B.A. Elementary Education from Rochester CollegeNumber of years teaching at CLA: 3
An outstanding CLA alumni, Ms. McRoberts’ wonderful education and experience in her journey through CLA brought her back to be one of our most loved and learned staff!Ms. McRoberts is a CLA alumni.
Mrs. Julie Boyle
	3rd GradeEducation M.B.A. Finance and Marketing from University of Notre Dame B.B.A. Economics and Finance from Baylor University Special training, certification, awards:  Attended ACCS Convention, summer 2010 Math club sponsor since 2010Number of years teaching at CLA: At CLA since 2002, employed since 2006
As a parent seeking an outstanding educational experience for my children.  I was impressed with the classical model of teaching.   The dedication and knowledge of the faculty made me confident that my children would succeed. I value the way the faculty and families of the school love and support each other, working to a common goal of traiininig the children to be bold ambassodors for Christ.
Ms. Laura Gilbert
	4th GradeEducation MA Education from University of Kentucky BS Elementary Education Western Michigan UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 2
Other teaching experience: Ms. Gilbert has taught public school for 5 years in the Kentucky school system. Her smile, warmth, patience and love of children make her classroom a “home away from home” for all her students. Ms. Gilbert has 2 children currently attending the Academy.
Ms. Judy Smalley
	5th Grade Education B.S. Education from Central Michigan University Major: Special Education. Minor: Elementary Education Number of years teaching at CLA:
Ms. Smalley is the teacher we would have all loved to have in 5th grade! Her room is filled with beautiful bulletin boards and she is and unending wealth of information and ideas! Our students love her, and she states that there is nothing more that she would rather be doing than teaching 5th graders — her favorite age.
Ms. Mary Jean McRoberts
	6th Grade, Physics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus Education B.S. Math/Computer Science from Lawrence Tech. University B.B.A. from Lawrence Technological University Number of years teaching at CLA: 15
Other teaching experience:Public school Math tutor; Homeschool K-6 Ms.McRoberts also directs the Ski Club, and has coached Cheerleading, Tennis and Softball. She is “Ms. Energy” She never tires and is a staple in the CLA family. She is the mother of Jean McRoberts, our wonderful alumni teacher! We guess you can say, “The proof is in the pudding!” Ms. McRoberts has two daughters who have graduated from the Academy.
Ms. Drue Porter
	English 7,8,9 and British Lit., 4th Grade Latin Education B.A. English from Auburn UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 7
Other teaching experience:Ms. Porter has taught at The Potter’s School, Several Homeschool venues K-12, has done private and group tutoring in English, Writing and Latin, and is a member of the American Classical League.There are no words to express the devotion of Ms. Porter to the Academy! She spends more hours than there are in a day preparing unique and wonderful ways to teach. She is thorough, creative and inspiring!Ms. Porter has two children who have graduated from the Academy and two currently attending.
Mr. Eric VanDerhoof
	Georgraphy, MI History, New Testament,Western Civ. I & II, U.S. History
Ms. Diane Regualos
	Senior Trip Coordinator and AdvisorEducation Number of years teaching at CLA:14
Ms. Regualos has been with the Academy for 14 years. She is a Fulbright Scholar. SHE HAS DONE IT ALL! “Miss J” as the kids call her has taught classes that stay with the kids forever — she doesn’t even need a book! She is a brilliant person who never stops learning. Her energy is incredible having coached drama, film club and chaperoning the Senior Trips (of which she can put any tour guide to shame!)
Mr. Chad Lewis
	Latin, Rhetoric, Bible Context, Classical Literature Education Masters in Ancient Near East and Judaic Studies from Brandeis UniversityB.A. in Philosophy and Literature from Wayne State UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 6
Other teaching experience:2 years at William Tyndale College – Mr. Lewis taught Hebrew and Hebrew Bible.Activities outside of classroom at CLA: Member of Society of Biblical Literature, American Academy of ReligionAwards, Scholarships, Special Recognition: Presented his paper at the Society of Biblical Literature Conference in Scotland – 2006Associate Pastor – Troy Christian ChapelAn easy-going, brilliant man who is loved and admired by all of us. The students have learned so much from this endearing soul! His approach to teaching is fresh and invigorating, and the kids love him As a part-time associate pastor at Troy Christian Chapel, Mr. Lewis really understands kids — and it shows!
Mr. Robert Kane
	Art Education B.S from Wayne State University B.A from University of DetroitNumber of years teaching at CLA: 16
Mr. Kane owns and operates a stained glass studio in Romeo, Michigan.Mr. Kane has been with CLA almost from its inception! He is AMAZING and so dedicated and talented that we would need to take space on the entire website to list his accolades! He is extremely gifted and devoted to this Academy–and loved by all.
Ms. Alejandra Mituta
	Spanish and Physical EducationEducation B.A. in Education with a major in Instruction of the Visually Impaired from ArgentinaNumber of years teaching at CLA: 6
Other teaching experience:Ms. Mituta has taught Spanish at RARA (Rochester-Avon Recreation Authority), Romeo Community Schools, for Adult Education. Also, for three years she has been teaching English as a second language to students who come from Spanish speaking countries for the Pontiac School System.Ms. Mituta never stops smiling! You should see her teach Spanish to a Kindergarten class! She is so totally engaging that you are sure to stop dead in your tracks when you walk by! FUN and brilliant defines this woman!
Ms. Sharon Laing
	MusicEducation Bachelor of Science degree in Music EducationNumber of years teaching at CLA: 4
Other teaching experience:16 years of classroom experience prior to CLA, 28 years experience of teaching private music lessons: voice, piano and guitar.Ms. Laing has a daughter who has graduated from the Academy and another currently attending.The wife of the music pastor at First Baptist Church of Rochester, Ms. Laing is an accomplished, extremely talented musician. She sings, plays a number of instruments, and is a brilliant director of our choirs. She is classy and hard-working — no wonder everyone signs up for this elective!
Ms. ShaRon Tolbert
	6th Grade and Art Education BA in Art Education from Michigan State University Number of years teaching at CLA: 3
Other teaching experience:16 years of classroom experience prior to CLA, 28 years experience of teaching private music lessons: voice, piano and guitar.Prior to coming to CLA, Ms. Tolbert worked in the Pontiac School District, for the State of Michigan, and taught at Parkway Christian School. She is also a consultant and tutor for the home school community and an authorized Stanford tester for southeast Michigan.Grab a sixth grader and ask them about their teacher! They will go on for hours about Ms. Tolbert! She is fun yet disciplined, strict yet compassionate, fair, and loves her class! She is creative, and also our super-talented high school art teacher!
Rev. Jeff Wilson
	Bible DoctrineEducation Masters of Divinity from Union Theological SeminaryB.A from Oral Roberts UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 9
As a Senior Pastor, Rev. Wilson is one of the most in-depth teachers we have ever come across! His devotion to Bible Doctrine is insurmountable, and his love of teaching is evidenced in the work of his students.
Ms. Rene Otto
	Athletic Director; Logic, Algebra – SecondaryEducation B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Oakland UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 3
Prior to coming to CLA, Mrs. Otto worked at General Motors for 7 years. Ms. Otto currently has 3 children attending the Academy. Ms. Otto is the “Energizer Bunny” She never stops! She is full of creativity and school spirit, and runs an amazing sports program here at the Academy!
Ms. Lu McKay
	Elementary AideEducation Associates Degree in Business from Macomb Community CollegeNumber of years teaching at CLA: 3
Ms. McKay has been a parent at CLA for 15 years and has been employed at the Academy for 2 years. Ms. McKay has 1 child currently attending the Academy. Ms. McKay is our onsite photographer, always positive, and full of love for all the elementary kids and staff she aids. We love you Ms. McKay!
Ms. Debra Buss
	Administration; Student Council Adviser; Events CoordinatorEducation B.S. Human Resources Development from Oakland UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 16
Ms. Buss has coached Drama for several years at the Academy. Other teaching experience includes teaching Drama and Speech at Parkway Christian School. She was the Office/Personnel Manager for The Aarell Company in Troy for 10 years.
Ms. Nancy Elliott
	Office ManagerEducation Ms. Elliott studied at Boston University and Central Michigan UniversityNumber of years teaching at CLA: 8
Ms. Elliott has 2 sons whom have graduated from the Academy. One is currently a US Marine.
Ms. Rhonda Gould
	Business ManagerEducation Associates Degree in Accounting from Green River Community College, Washington StateNumber of years teaching at CLA: 8
Prior to coming to CLA, Ms. Gould worked at the accounting firm of Johnson, Stone, Pagano & Company in Washington State.Ms. Gould has two children attending the Academy and one who has graduated.
Mr. Dan Muller
	Computer Technician