Classical education rooted in timeless Christian values.

|
Plan Your Visit
Faculty

A Community of Professionals United in Purpose

Outstanding Teachers, Proven Methods

Our faculty and staff are an integral part of creating a lifelong love of learning in our students. Each member of our Covenant team is uniquely gifted and equipped to enhance your child’s experience at Covenant.

Administration

Tom Stoner

Head of School

Read Bio

Tom Stoner

Head of School

Dr. Stoner graduated from Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois) with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Hamilton, Massachusetts) and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Development from Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts). Dr. Stoner joined Covenant in 2017.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Dr. Stoner
I love being a part of the Covenant community because of the clarity of our mission and identity and our strategic vision to be the best expression of who we are in the years to come.

Lisa Eekhoff

Principal

Miss Eekhoff graduated from Dordt College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Miss Eekhoff joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Miss Eekhoff...
Covenant is truly a community rooted in grace and joy. We desire to bring together families and teachers who are passionate about educating children well using a classical model that invites curiosity, sparks joy, and inspires wonder. I love seeing the students engaged in deep and profound discussions about important truths as much as I enjoy watching them stand in awe of the incredible beauty and complexity of creation. Above all, I am so grateful for the culture of grace and love of Christ that is nurtured here. Christ is everything to us.

Staff

Angela Colvin

Director of Marketing and Communications

Read Bio
Carrie Santucci

Office Manager

Read Bio
Katherine Salinas

Front Desk Manager

Read Bio
Lilah Rabe

Business Manager

Read Bio
Camay Phinney

After School Care

Read Bio

Angela Colvin

Director of Marketing and Communications

Mrs. Colvin graduated from North Park University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Mrs. Colvin joined Covenant in 2022.

Email:
[email protected]

Carrie Santucci

Office Manager

Mrs. Santucci graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Mrs. Santucci joined Covenant in 2021.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Santucci...
My love for Covenant runs deep as I witness God's continuous provision in our community. I'm delighted to support the ongoing daily operations of the school. It is my prayer today, and all days, for children to know they are precious to God.

Katherine Salinas

Front Desk Manager

Mrs. Salinas graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelors in Music Education and taught overseas in Honduras, downtown Chicago in magnet schools and in South Florida at a private Christian school. Mrs. Salinas joined Covenant in 2021.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Salinas...
Covenant captured our hearts when our oldest daughter started Kindergarten. We deeply appreciated the commitment to Christ first, standard of excellence in education and commitment to fostering a beautiful community. While those words are easy to say, we saw them acted out every day with our children and even with us. We are so thankful for a place that nurtures and educates our children while working with us parents to point our children to Christ. To Him be the glory.

Lilah Rabe

Business Manager

Mrs. Rabe holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Stanford University, and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Louisiana and worked for AT&T Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies for 18 years. She was one of the founders of Covenant Classical School in 2010 and served the school as a board member and in various other capacities during its early years.

Email:
[email protected]

A word from Mrs. Rabe...
It was a great blessing to be part of starting Covenant Classical School. We saw God’s provision continuously in the early years, and my favorite hymn became “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” I am so grateful for all of the wonderful friends I have made through Covenant, and it is a joy to see the school continue to thrive, helping students to develop a love for Christ and a love for learning.

Camay Phinney

After School Care

Mrs. Phinney graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing. Mrs. Phinney joined Covenant in 2013.

A Word from Mrs. Phinney…
It is my pleasure to help make Covenant more convenient for families through caring for students before and after school. Investing in the children’s play, relationships, and homework time is very rewarding as I see them grow spiritually, physically and intellectually through their years in a classical Christian community.

Faculty

Debra Soehren

Kindergarten

Read Bio
Kimberly Sceggel

Second Grade

Read Bio
Suzy Ramsden

Third Grade

Read Bio
Sophia Iglesias

Fourth Grade

Read Bio
Hannah Karsner

Third & Fourth Grade Latin

Read Bio
Katrina Combs

Logic School Humanities & Latin

Read Bio
Heather Reyes

Logic School Math & Student Life

Read Bio
Kim McArthur

Logic School Science

Read Bio
Morgan Thornburg

Logic School Bible

Read Bio
Jacob Andrews

Logic School Latin & Logic

Read Bio
Patrick Kelly

Logic School Humanities

Read Bio
Dana Niesluchowski

Physical Education

Read Bio

Debra Soehren

Kindergarten

Debra Soehren - Kindergarten
Mrs. Soehren graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management with a minor in Economics. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity International University. Mrs. Soehren joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Soehren...
Covenant has been an immeasurable blessing to me every day, from the enthusiasm and respect of the students to the encouragement from parents to the camaraderie and support of fellow staff. I am challenged and privileged to be able to inspire and witness the love, joy, and excitement for learning in our students. They demonstrate a wonder and an amazement for all our loving God has created!

Cassandra Herrera

First Grade

Mrs. Herrera graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. She went on to earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in ESL/BIL (Spanish) Education. Mrs. Herrera joined Covenant in 2014.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Herrera…
The best part about working at Covenant is that I am a part of a caring, grace-filled community. I have come to feel that it is more like being part of a family. My fellow staff members, faculty, administrators, students, and parents have supported me and encouraged me through every aspect of life. Covenant is truly a place where one can experience the body of Christ. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this community. Teaching in a classical and Christian environment is such a delight! In my classroom, it is my goal to help students see the big picture of how everything in God’s creation fits together. Our first graders learn about geography, history, and science, along with many other subject areas, and then we spend the whole year looking for ways they are all interconnected.

Kimberly Sceggel

Second Grade

Mrs. Sceggel graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction from Covenant College. Mrs. Sceggel joined Covenant in 2012.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Sceggel…
It's truly a delight to teach at Covenant where depth, integration, growth, and grace are valued. As my students gain knowledge and skills, our rich curriculum lends itself to discussing big ideas and making connections between prior knowledge and new ideas as well as between subjects. The second graders eagerly explore God’s creation and integrate biblical truths with their learning. I enjoy expanding my knowledge of botany, the Bible, ancient history, and teaching methods that increase student engagement and learning. Here at Covenant, learning takes place in an atmosphere of humility and grace which mirrors God’s grace and love toward us, and I am thankful to be a part of this special place.

Suzy Ramsden

Third Grade

Ms. Ramsden graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and from Aurora University with a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Ms. Ramsden…
It has been such a blessing getting to know and be a part of the Covenant Classical School community! The faith, grace, and joy that is an integral part of the school is something for which I am so grateful! I look forward to being a part of the spiritual and academic growth of the students, as well as learning and growing as part of the Covenant Classical School staff and community!

Sophia Iglesias

Fourth Grade

Miss Iglesias graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Spanish. Miss Iglesias joined Covenant in 2019.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Miss Iglesias...
I love Covenant’s commitment to thinking deeply, appreciating beauty, and learning in a community of grace. The depth of discussions and conversations we have as a class are inspiring and end up teaching me more about God and this world He has created.

Hannah Karsner

Third & Fourth Grade Latin

Mrs. Karsner is a graduate of Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Intercultural Studies and TESOL. Mrs. Karsner joined Covenant in 2018.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Karsner…
I am thrilled to be a member of a team whose common goal is to take part in the process of opening students’ eyes to the wonder of God's love and His creation. Throughout our days, we think critically about the materials we are covering. Our class is constantly finding connections between our topics of study. Ultimately, we seek to apply our faith to the work and learning we do. We work hard for the glory of God and reflect in amazement at all He's done and at His love for us.

Katrina Combs

Logic School Humanities & Latin

Mrs. Combs graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and in history. She went on to earn her Master of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University in a Great Books-style program (philosophy of history emphasis). Mrs. Combs joined Covenant in 2010.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Combs…
"I am privileged to do the best "work" in the world: I get to spend my days around a table reading widely and thinking deeply with the most passionate, inquisitive young minds. Training these young people to communicate their own responses to a text is a tremendous, but desperately important, task. To do this kind of work with like-minded colleagues, in a supportive community of grace, never ceases to excite me!"

Heather Reyes

Logic School Math & Student Life

Mrs. Reyes graduated with an undergraduate degree from North Central College in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Mathematics Teacher Leadership from Aurora University. Mrs. Reyes joined Covenant in 2019.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Reyes...
I'm someone who was already a classically minded math teacher; I just didn't know it. Math was always the subject that I wrestled with the most as a student, because I am a deep, conceptual thinker and procedures without meaning simply don't stick in my mind. Coming to understand that about myself shaped me into a math teacher who loves to explain how and why things work, which is exactly what classical mathematics education does. I have a deep passion for working with middle-grade students; it's such an important and challenging developmental stage, when high-quality teachers and mentors are critically important to shaping the emerging young adult self. Teaching Logic School math at Covenant allows me to express my passion for both conceptual mathematics and teaching young adolescents, while openly expressing my faith and engaging in the spiritual direction and mentoring that I wish I'd had access to when I was that age.

Kim McArthur

Logic School Science

Mrs. McArthur graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor of Science in General Science. She went on to earn a Master of Science with an emphasis in genetics from Northern Illinois University. Mrs. McArthur earned her teaching certification from National-Louis University. Mrs. McArthur joined Covenant in 2017.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. McArthur…
Students bring a natural joy and curiosity to school here, and I love getting to know them as we share life together as a family. The small class sizes at Covenant allow me to get to know and work with students as individuals. I have a real passion to see students grow in their knowledge and relationships with Christ. Working at Covenant also allows me to help students understand science at a deeper level. I often ask the students "why" questions and am able to tie science into everyday situations to which the students can relate. Most of all, I enjoy helping students become excited about what they are learning in science and about how amazing God's creation is.

Morgan Thornburg

Logic School Bible

Mr. Thornburg graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Theology from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and earned a Master of Arts in Church History and another in Historical Theology from Wheaton College Graduate School. Mr. Thornburg joined Covenant in 2018.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mr. Thornburg…
Covenant is an excellent learning environment for not only the student but the teacher as well. In my time here, I have been encouraged to explore my creativity as a theologian in art, media, and literature. The faculty do not consider their subjects to be isolated fields, but sciences that can and should be supplemented by the various expertise of everyone on staff. What this demonstrates to the students is that learning is a holistic experience, which then points to the source of all knowledge, Jesus himself. I have not been at Covenant Classical School for very long, yet I have grown deeply as a learner, instructor, and follower of Christ. I hope to share that growth with each student I encounter.

Jacob Andrews

Logic School Latin & Logic

Dr. Andrews attended a classical school in Chicago and graduated with high honors from Loyola University in Chicago with a B.A. in Latin and Philosophy. He went on to receive a Master of Arts in the History of Philosophy from Marquette University (Wisconsin), and a Master of Philosophy in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium), and a Ph.D. in Medieval Philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Andrews joined Covenant in 2020.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Dr. Andrews...
I believe that the Latin language offers an educator the perfect opportunity to instill the values of truth, goodness, and beauty. First, learning a classical language allows students to learn the structure of human language and thought in general. Second, the discipline involved in learning Latin develops moral and intellectual virtue. Third, the Latin language is simply beautiful, from Virgil’s webs of grammatical agreement to Augustine’s wide-eyed wonder to Aquinas’ crystal clarity; I love to share that beauty with anyone who is willing to go on the journey with me. Finally, the Latin language, in its evolution from the language of high pagan culture to the premier vehicle of theology and devotion in the West, exemplified the Apostle’s injunction to take every thought captive to Christ.

Patrick Kelly

Logic School Humanities

Mr. Kelly earned bachelor's degrees in English and Philosophy at Boston College. He went on to earn a master's degree in Systematic Theology at Wheaton and will soon have a Master's in Teaching from National Louis University. Mr. Kelly joined Covenant in 2021.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mr. Kelly...
Covenant inspires me because it aims to instill in young minds a thirst for goodness, truth, and beauty. Covenant's mission as a school is shaped by our collective mission as the church: to be good stewards of all God has given us and to make his glory known while doing so. So the end is in view before the means are decided; that is, we know at Covenant that we're not teaching Tom Sawyer simply for an excuse to write a paper or because it's part of the canon. We teach what we teach--biology, algebra, Latin, all of it--because through it we hope to make our young people more curious, more virtuous, and more equipped to lead a full life. And if they happen to grow in the skills and competencies they will need for future academic and career success (and they do), then praise God for it!

Taylor Van Regenmorter

Music

Mrs. Van Regenmorter graduated from Trinity Christian College with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music Education (K-12). Mrs. Van Regenmorter joined Covenant in 2022.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Van Regenmorter...
Music and Fine Arts are essential elements to a well-rounded education, and I am thankful for the creative musical opportunities offered to students at Covenant. It is a joy to watch students grow not only in their musical skills, but in their abilities to create, be emotionally intelligent, express themselves, and build community through music-making.

Elizabeth Fuzak

Art

Mrs. Fuzak graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Mrs. Fuzak joined Covenant in 2012.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Mrs. Fuzak…
The Covenant community is like family! It’s such a blessing to be able to partner with parents in their child’s education, and I feel privileged to work with such God-honoring coworkers who are passionate about sharing their gifts with others. As an Art teacher, it is very rewarding for me to be able to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus while taking their skills to new levels.

Dana Niesluchowski

Physical Education

Mrs. Niesluchowski teaches physical education. She graduated from Wheaton College with a B.S. in Kinesiology and received an M.A. in Exercise Physiology from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mrs. Niesluchowski joined Covenant in 2020.

Email:
[email protected]

Board of Trustees

Mitch Backes

Member

Mitch graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in business and now works as a Commercial Property and Casualty Advisor for Corkill Insurance Agency in Elk Grove Village. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children: McKenna, Grady, and Griffin. Mitch values Covenant for the exceptional classical education delivered from a Christian worldview.

Vince Bacote

Member

Dr. Bacote and his wife, Shelley, are former Covenant parents. Dr. Bacote is Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, where he also directs the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. He has served on the Board of the Center for Public Justice, and is a nationally-known writer and speaker, including on issues of race. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Bacote to the Board of Trustees at Covenant Classical School.

Tim Bealert

Co-Chairperson

Tim Bealert is a Partner at Kensington International, a retained executive search firm. He received his Bachelor of Science from Loyola University – Chicago. Tim lives in Aurora, IL, with his wife, Sara, and their three children, Emily, Owen, and Faith.

A Word from Tim Bealert
Our family is blessed to have found Covenant and its community. It brings us comfort to send our kids each morning to a school committed to the development of their heart, mind, and soul while strengthening their knowledge and relationship with Christ through a Classical education.

Carlo Britto

Member

Carlo Britto is a Senior Manager for Transportation Analytics at Genpact. He has an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. Carlo lives in Aurora, IL with his wife April and their two children, Caleb and Joshua.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Carlo Britto
In a world of confusion with no objective standard to follow, where everyone does what feels right in their own mind, Covenant provides a place where our kids go to learn objective values and virtue. It is a blessing to have a school that seeks to advance truth, goodness and beauty for the good of our community and the glory of God.

Joshua Fogarty

Member

Josh Fogarty is a Nurse Anesthetist at Loretto Hospital in Chicago IL. He received his Master's Degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Pennsylvania. Josh lives in Aurora, IL, with his wife, Yetunde, and their four children, Elijah, Jonah, Elianna, and Selah-Rose.

Email:
[email protected]

A Word from Joshua Fogarty
Our family is very thankful for Covenant and its community. We couldn’t have found a school that does a better job trying to mesh academics with theology, spiritual growth, and character formation. It’s a great place and we love being a part of it!

Caroline Jones

Co-Chairperson

Caroline Jones went to the University of Michigan to study English and Violin Performance. She went on to receive a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Rice University in Houston. She and her husband, Josh, are Wheaton residents, and they have three children: Alex, Tyler, and Lydia. Caroline devotes most of her time being home with her children but she is also a freelance violinist with Grant Park Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic and Camerata Chicago. Caroline is grateful for Covenant and shares, “Our children are thriving in a joy-filled atmosphere where they are taught to think critically, to dive deeply into a time-tested classical curriculum, and above all, to pursue wisdom and a love for Christ.”

Rebecca Larson

Member

Rebecca Larson went to Wheaton College where she studied English and sociology. After 14 years working in marketing and web management for InterVarsity Press and Adventist Midwest Health, Rebecca returned to Wheaton where she currently serves as Director of Web Communications in the Marketing Communications department. She and her husband Jeff and son Nathaniel live in Batavia, IL. Nathaniel has attended Covenant since kindergarten.

A Word from Rebecca about Covenant:
“From our first visit, we knew there was something special about Covenant. Of course, we appreciated the academic rigor of the classical curriculum, and the faithful Christian commitment expressed through the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. But it was the joy of learning that was so evident in the students, faculty, and staff that ultimately led us to choose Covenant. We’ve witnessed our son grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally here, and we look forward to seeing God continue to bless many other families as Covenant’s exciting future unfolds.”

Ashley Ce Wu

Treasurer

Ashley Wu is a proud Covenant parent. Her two kids, Grace and Magnus, have been part of the Covenant community since kindergarten. Ashley grew up in China before moving to Indiana for school. Ashley received her PhD in development economics with the Best Dissertation Award from Purdue University, where she also earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees. She has taught economics and MBA courses at College of DuPage and Indiana Wesleyan University. Ashley lives with her husband, Marcus, and their two kids in Naperville.

A Word from Ashley about Covenant...
"We met the sweetest little angels on our tour of Covenant Classical School, which led to our best decision of sending our kids here. Covenant does not only provide unparalleled academic curriculum, but also offers a community of grace that my kids are eager to run to every morning."

One Visit

For many families, one visit is all it takes.
Schedule your personalized tour today!