Sharon Almquist holds three degrees from the State University of New York (Buffalo), including a Master of Arts in music and a Master of Library Science as well as 18 hours of graduate English classes from Lamar University. She is a veteran educator, working first as a librarian in Denton, Texas before teaching at Lutheran and classical, Christian schools in the midwest. She is also an adjunct instructor for courses in library and information science. In her classroom, she encourages students at all levels to pursue an in-depth approach to finding information and understanding the “why” behind events. Mrs. Almquist is fully committed to teaching and working with students in a Christian environment to fully explore issues and understand our role in God’s creation.

Don Ball spent his formative years in rural Mississippi with cattle, crops, farm-raised catfish, and down-home cooking. He learned the joyous values of working hard with family and loving the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly. As a teenager, he chose the bi-vocational career path of church music and teaching. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Louisiana State University; a Master of Church Music from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He is a certified teacher in Music, English, and English as a Second Language subject areas. Some of Ball’s Texas posts include Music Minister at Trinity Methodist Church of Beaumont; Tyler Street Music Academy Director, Dallas; Choral Director/Assistant Director of Bands at Woodville; Instructor of Music at Lamar State College-Orange; and Opera Director at Lamar University. Volunteer work includes the Southeast Texas Youth Symphony board, directing the Wichita Falls Youth Symphony, and helping start and train the first Symphony Chorus of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. Don retired from music ministry in 2008 and public-school teaching in May of 2023. Directing Schola Cantorum is a great joy for him, and Veritas’ university schedule of two days per week allows him to visit grandchildren and publish music he and his friend, Allen Jones, have written. For fun, he enjoys walking, singing, playing the pipe organ at St. Paul’s Church of Orange, mowing, and taking care of his pet plant - though he has no idea what it is.

Christy Bean attended Lamar University and was a summa cum laude honors graduate for the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 2002. Afterwards, Mrs. Bean taught high school science for four years before staying home with her first child. She earned a Master of Science degree in chemistry in 2007 from Lamar University, where she has worked as an adjunct instructor since 2009. She is excited to work with students as they study God's creation. Mrs. Bean and her family attend Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, where she volunteers in the AWANA program.

Ashley Behn is a Beaumont native, but currently resides in Nome, where she serves First Baptist Church Nome alongside her husband, Trey. Ashley earned a Bachelors of Art in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2003 and an Advanced Certificate of Ministry Studies from Boyce College in 2019 while her husband earned his M.Div from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. After educating her children through homeschooling for 10 years, the Behns’ seven children began their Veritas journey in the fall of 2019.

Kristi Bozman has a B. S. in General Studies and graduated from Lamar University. She has coached and taught children of all ages for many years. She has spent four years in the public school system. Ms. Bozman has a heart for Jesus, children, and teaching. She also attends First Baptist Church Orange where she is actively involved in the youth ministry. She is passionate about Christ-centered education and enjoys being a part of Veritas Classical Academy. 

Kathleen Bruza graduated from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and has previous classroom experience in 4th grade and pre-K. Kathleen loves working with children at church leading music for VBS for 19 years and administrating a M.O.P.S. organization. In addition, she and her husband lead a small group and serve in the music ministry. Kathleen is excited to be part of the Veritas faculty, utilizing her talents to minister to families and provide a nurturing learning environment for the students.

Mrs. Burris is a 2005 graduate of Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary studies. She is certified to teach Early Childhood through 4th Grade. She loves teaching and has over 9 years of experience. She is married to her husband, Jay, and they have one daughter named Jaycie. Mrs. Burris and her family attend Hamshire First Baptist Church where she ministers to children in the AWANA program, Sunday School, and VBS.  She is also is involved in other ministries including Operation Christmas Child and Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. She is excited to be able to share her faith in a Christian school environment and feels truly blessed to be part of the Veritas family.

Natalie Connally holds a bachelor degree in Education from Lamar University with her certification in 4th-8th Composite Science. Natalie moved to Southeast Texas in 2015 from her home in West Texas and shortly after married her husband, Travis. The couple has one son born in 2021. The Connally’s attend First Assembly of God in Silsbee, where she and her husband have worked as Youth and Children’s Pastors since 2015. Natalie also serves as the worship leader and her husband runs the media and sound department. Mrs. Connally is thankful for the opportunity to serve at a classical school seeing as she graduated high school from Midland Classical Academy in Midland, Texas. She has seen the Lord’s hand in this full circle from student to teacher. In her spare time, Mrs. Connally enjoys gardening, canning, cooking, spending time in nature, and reading historical books. Her and her family are moving towards their dream of living and farming on a small self-sufficient homestead.

Jessica Copty is a graduate of Lamar University and holds a Bachelor of Art in American Sign Language with a Minor in Spanish.

After graduating, she moved to Spain for two years where she worked as a language and cultural assistant in K-12 classrooms. Upon returning to the States, she married her husband, Peleg. They have one beautiful daughter. Mrs. Copty taught ASL at the high school level in Goose Creek for two years before joining the Veritas family. She is very grateful to be a part of a Christ-centered education. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Copty enjoys language learning, traveling, reading, staying active, cooking and baking, but most of all, spending time with her family.

Michelle graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Elementary Education. After that, she spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Southern Africa. Upon returning, she moved to Texas and taught for four years as a second grade teacher in the Galveston and Clear Creek school systems. She married her wonderful husband, Mike, in 2001 and shortly afterwards, they moved to West Virginia. While there, she had two beautiful boys and received her Masters in Reading Education from Marshall University. In 2007, her family moved back to Texas and shortly after were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Although Michelle delighted in her 15 years as a stay at home mother, she has enjoyed teaching in a school setting again. She worked as a substitute teacher at Veritas during the 2018-2019 school year and currently teaches first grade. She takes pleasure in seeing her first graders so excited about learning. She also delights in being able to teach children about God, along with teaching them reading, writing and arithmetic.

Madison Hales has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development and Learning with a minor in Family Studies from Central Michigan University. She is a master's student at Lamar University for their M.Ed. in Counseling and Development Program with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Madison aspires to one day be a licensed professional counselor who works with children and their families. Madison is married and has a son, Beau, who will soon be turning one. Madison has a passion for working with young children. In her free time, Madison enjoys going to the beach and going on walks. Madison and her husband, Micah, moved from Michigan to be a part of Sojourn Community Church in Beaumont.

Megan Hidalgo graduated from Lamar University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-6) and began her teaching career as a 2nd Grade teacher at Legacy Christian Academy. She and her husband, Justin, live in Beaumont with their three children: Hank, Dean, and June. She and her family have attended First Baptist Church of Beaumont since 2011. She has a passion for teaching and feels very blessed to be a part of the Veritas community.

Rebekah Hood is married to Travis and has four children, Luke, Jacob, Evelyn, and Titus. She graduated with a B.S. in Nursing from ETBU in 2009 and enjoys spending time with her family, serving at her church, and learning more about history.

Travis Hood earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he currently serves as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Loeb. His favorite part of teaching at Veritas is being able to watch students grow in their understanding over time. Travis's hobbies include reading theology/biblical studies, exercising, watching sports, spending time with his wife, and playing with his 4 children.

Josh Jean graduated in 2007 from Lamar University with a BS in Communication. He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011 and a Master in Theology (Th.M) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012. Josh and his wife Esther returned home to Beaumont in 2014 to plant Sojourn Community Church, where he currently serves as the Lead Pastor. Josh and Esther have three children: Silas, Henry, and Eden. In his down time, Josh enjoys leisure reading, cycling, watching and playing sports, and hiking.

Mrs. Jeanes graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor's of Science in Education with a Math major and History minor.  She taught for 20 years in public schools and 7 years in a private school at the junior high and mostly high school level.  She has two daughters and three wonderful grandchildren and attends West End Baptist Church in Saratoga.  In her spare time, Mrs. Jeanes enjoys sewing and woodwork. 

Robyn Lowe graduated from Berea College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She served overseas for close to thirteen years as an international missionary. Robyn has homeschooled her three children for over sixteen years. During the past three years, she has taught high school History and Humanities at a local homeschool co-op. Discipling her students is a true joy for Robyn. She believes that teaching students to love the Lord and glorify Him through their lives is of paramount importance. She serves alongside her husband at Crestwood Baptist Church in Kountze. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

Gregory McDonald earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lamar University. He recently retired after teaching for 29 years in the public school system. During that time, he taught many subjects including English, History, Spanish, and English as a Second Language. He and his wife Hayley have two daughters, Lauryn and Kathryn, as well as two grandchildren, Jordan and Madelyn. Gregory enjoys playing the ukulele in his leisure time and playing the bass guitar for his church's worship team.  

Rebecca Moore attended both Sam Houston State University and Lamar University, graduating from Lamar in 1995.  She is a homeschool mom to her three children, having homeschooled them since 2011. She has taught at Grace Homeschool Co-op, subbed at Veritas Classical Academy, and also worked as an aide at Veritas.  She enjoys sailing and crocheting, but most of all spending time with her family.  Rebecca and her family attend Happy Valley Church in Kountze, where she serves on the praise team. 

Katelyn Morgan graduated in 2009 from Texas Christian University and holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis and a piano minor. In 2011, Katelyn completed her Kodaly certification from the University of Houston. Katelyn and her husband Erik are part of a church plant called Providence Baptist Church where Erik is an elder and Katelyn leads worship. They have three children Essie, Ezra, and Emmitt. They are passionate about foster care and adoption and have a heart for the less fortunate in our community. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys time with friends, scrapbooking, crafting and making beautiful music.

Elizabeth Ostten is a graduate of McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has over 9 years of experience working in Christian private schools, 5 of which have been spent at Veritas Classical Academy. Elizabeth has worked alongside her husband in youth and music ministry as well as the AWANA program at their church for over 20 years. She loves working with children and teaching her own 2 daughters, who also attend Veritas. Elizabeth is passionate about ministering to students and families through education and working at Veritas is truly a joy for her.

Ashley has a certification in Accounting from Lee College and Bachelor’s in General Studies from Lamar University. She has been in education since 2010 and has taught in several areas in that time. Ashley is married and has two kids. Her family began following the Lord in obedience to Veritas in the spring of 2019. She teaches Kindergarten while her children also attend Veritas. Hobbies include anything outdoors , family time , and reading. Ashley and her family are members of Crestwood Baptist Church in Kountze.

Robert Ring earned a Bachelor of Music in Choral Studies from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts (Theology), specialization in Apologetics, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While serving at a church in the country of Latvia, he met and married his wife, Parsla. Since returning to the States, God has blessed them with three children, and they have been part of the Veritas family since 2015. Robert serves as the pastor at First Baptist Church Bevil Oaks and is a firefighter/EMT with Jefferson County ESD 1.

Mendi Short has been teaching PreGrammar and Grammar students for the last 15 years. She is a homeschool mom to her two daughters, Nina and Sadie, and serves alongside her husband, Todd, at Resurrection Life Church. Mrs. Short has always had a passion for teaching and is a strong believer in Christ-centered education. She is excited to teach at Veritas Classical Academy, where the truth of God’s Word is taught in the classroom, without compromise.

Laura Stager is a Beaumont native and a graduate of West Brook High School. She is a 2017 graduate of Lamar University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Laura has worked in preschool ministry and taught preschool classes for 23 years along with taking kids to summer camp where she would lead Bible lessons. Laura and her husband, Joe, have been foster parents of children of varying ages and backgrounds. They are the parents of 10 wonderful children ages ranging from 33 years old down to their 3-year-old medically fragile daughter. Laura is passionate about advocating for children from all walks of life, loves teaching, sharing the love of Jesus, and spending time outdoors. When there is downtime, Laura can be found taking walks, reading books, volunteering, or doing art projects. 

Janet Stewart is a 1987 summa cum laude graduate of Lamar University. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Math. All of her 15 years of teaching experience have been in Christian schools. She taught 2nd and 5th-grade students at Christian schools in San Antonio, Beaumont, and Dallas while her oldest two children were growing up. After adopting their third child and moving to Russia as missionaries, Janet taught middle and high school math at the International School of St. Petersburg, Russia. Their fourth child was born during their 11-year service in Russia. Janet has served as a math teacher for home school families and done extensive math tutoring, as well as home schooling her own children. Janet's family calls Westgate their home and sending church, and they are very active in ministry there. Soon after returning from Russia in 2015, Janet served as the Interim Children's Minister at Westgate until she accepted the 5th-grade position at Veritas. She currently teaches 7th and 8th grade Math and Science, and her youngest daughter also attends Veritas. Janet is grateful to God for bringing Veritas into the life of their family, providing a challenging, Godly education for her daughter and an outlet for using her own teaching gifts. She feels blessed to teach in an environment where the Biblical Worldview is integrated into every subject.

Tamika Straw graduated from Langston University in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. She worked for ConocoPhillips until her twins, Isaac & Mackenzie were born in 2014. She has a passion for literacy and education. Her goal is to ensure her kids enjoy learning for a lifetime. She and her husband, Dustin, moved to Beaumont two years ago. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and putting together hands-on unit studies for her kids. 

Gina Tatom holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Minor in Special Education from Lamar University. She received the Outstanding Student Teacher Award from the Lamar University Education Department, and taught in the Texas public school system for 6 years. For the past 17 years, Gina has home schooled her three daughters. Gina has served alongside her husband, Christopher, as a pastor's wife since 1994 and has faithfully taught children's Sunday School for 29 years. Because of her training in dyslexia, she has tutored many children throughout her teaching career, and has also directed a pre-school program, worked at Grace Home School Co-op, and been president of the Hardin County Home School Association.