Secondary
Lisa Baranoski
Secondary/Collegium: Math, LatinLisa Baranoski
Secondary/Collegium: Math, LatinBio to come
Michelle Butler
Secondary: HumanitiesMichelle Butler
Secondary: HumanitiesEducation: M.A., Organizational Leadership from Regent University. Advanced Literature and English Certificate from CSU Boulder; B.A., Organizational Communications from Murray State University.
Mrs. Butler joined the Evangel faculty in 2020 and currently teaches CCU Dual Enrollment Courses for 11th Grade Humanities, AP Language and Composition, as well Senior Thesis. With 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Butler is passionate about teaching literature that allows students to experience models of virtue and God’s truth.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Benjamin Scott Campbell
Secondary: Bible and LatinBenjamin Scott Campbell
Secondary: Bible and LatinMr. Benjamin Campbell (MDiv) joined ECA in Fall 2023 as a substitute before taking on the role of middle school Latin and then high school Bible teacher. He earned his Master of Divinity from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in 2022, and is currently enrolled in their ThM program. Mr. Campbell is also licensed to preach by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
Prior to ECA, Mr. Campbell served as a missionary intern in the Japan Mission of the OPC and as a pastoral intern in the Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod (OPC).
Outside of ECA, Mr. Campbell preaches at Black Forest Reformed Church (RPCNA), serves as academic assessor for online courses at Puritan, and is currently writing his first novel, “The Book of Esau,” due to be published in 2025 with Resource Publications. He is the author of several popular and academic articles, and is a member of a local Christian arts guild in Colorado Springs, the Anselm Society. Many of his sermons are available on YouTube and sermonaudio.com, and some of his articles may be read on anselmsociety.org.
“Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Bethany Chance
Secondary: Math, Study SkillsBethany Chance
Secondary: Math, Study SkillsMrs. Chance has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University with emphasis in secondary art and math. She taught for 9 years before moving into the admin and finance field for 12 years. She is overjoyed to be teaching again at ECA, having joined the staff in 2021. Her favorite mathematical concept is the golden ratio as its applications so perfectly reveal God’s beautiful creation as revealed in math, art, and nature.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4
Tiana DeSimon
Secondary: Humanities, Writing and Grammar, Senior ThesisTiana DeSimon
Secondary: Humanities, Writing and Grammar, Senior ThesisTiana is a Colorado native, but has lived all over the world thanks to her husband’s Army career. She and her husband have three children that all attend ECA. Before teaching, Tiana earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas – El Paso and a master’s degree from Liberty University. She has experience as an ESL tutor, secretary/registrar, and middle school English teacher. She is very excited to be stepping into classical education for the first time this year.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35, 37-39
Heidi Griffith
Secondary/Collegium: Grammar, LatinHeidi Griffith
Secondary/Collegium: Grammar, LatinMrs. Griffith worked as an RN many years ago, but she has spent most of her adult years teaching — first her own six children, and then at Collegium Study Center and Evangel Christian Academy. She enjoys her 6th and 7th grade students this year in both school settings! During free time she values time with her husband and eight grandchildren. God has blessed her to live on five acres of prairie land, where she marvels at His eternal power and divine nature displayed in spectacular sunrises and sunsets!
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
Matt Holst
Dean of Students, College/Career Counselor, BibleMatt Holst
Dean of Students, College/Career Counselor, BibleMr. Holst originally taught at ECA from 2000-2022, where he taught numerous Bible classes, coordinated Chapels, Discipleship Groups, and service projects. After a brief “retirement” he is back, now as both a teacher and administrator. Besides teaching 11th Worldviews and 12th Senior Seminar, Mr. Holst also serves as Dean of Students where he assists in the areas of discipleship and discipline, helping to plan and facilitate ECA Chapels, morning meetings, discipleship groups, and Impact Days. Mr. Holst continues in the role of College & Career Counselor, aiding students and parents in preparing for life after High School and also coordinating with Colorado Christian University for our Dual Credit program.
Mr. Holst is married to Shaunna, who serves as the ECA receptionist. They have four children, all of whom are ECA graduates. Mr. Holst is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and has served as Pastor of a PCA congregation in Colorado. He has also taught Apologetics at Sangre de Cristo Seminary in Westcliffe, CO, and Old Testament Survey at New Geneva in Colorado Springs.
Mr. Holst loves to read and watch Sherlock Holmes, is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoys reading theology and history, listening to Bob Dylan, and watching thought-provoking movies.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Shaunna Holst
Secondary ReceptionistShaunna Holst
Secondary ReceptionistMrs. Holst joined the ECA staff in 2016 as a substitute teacher and volunteer in the front office before moving into her current position of Receptionist at the Secondary campus. Before ECA, Mrs. Holst was a stay-at-home mom with her four children and homeschooled for 13 years. Each of her children became a student at the Secondary campus at some point in their education career and have now all graduated from ECA. In her spare time Mrs. Holst loves spending time with her family, reading, baking, and getting out to enjoy the beauty of creation.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23
Brit Hopper
Secondary: Humanities, Rhetoric, Bible, Safety and Security DirectoryBrit Hopper
Secondary: Humanities, Rhetoric, Bible, Safety and Security DirectoryEducation: Bachelor of Arts in History, Colorado State University, Ft Collins, CO; Masters of Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK; and Masters of National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington, D.C. He is currently pursuing an advanced degree in English Literature.
Mr. Hopper joined the Evangel Christian Academy and Collegium Study Center team in 2022. He currently teaches 12th Grade Humanities (Modern Era), 11th Grade Rhetoric, 10th Grade Old Testament, 9th Grade Collegium D3 Instructor, and he also serves as our Safety & Security Coordinator. Prior to ECA, Mr. Hopper served 30+ years in the U.S. Army. He has lived in multiple locations across the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Mr. Hopper is married to Mrs. Christina Hopper, and they have four children, of which one is a senior at ECA. The Hoppers are members of Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church where Mr. Hopper is serving as a Ruling Elder.
Mr. Hopper enjoys time spent with family and friends and has way too many hobbies. He loves reading Sci-FI and Fantasy, particualrly Star Wars and anything from J.R.R. Tolkien.
A longtime student and enthusiast of classical Christian education philosophy, Mr. Hopper is excited to serve the church, parents, and students at ECA and the Collegium Study Center.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Darcey Jones
Secondary: HumanitiesDarcey Jones
Secondary: HumanitiesMrs. Jones joined the Evangel staff in 2023. She graduated from ECA back in 2021, she has always been connected to the school and was so excited to join the staff in helping to grow the minds of our middle school students.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Greg Koch
IT Director, Computer/RoboticsGreg Koch
IT Director, Computer/RoboticsMr. Koch joined the Evangel faculty in 2024. He has almost 20 years in various technical support and systems administration roles. While he has not been a formal teacher before, he has been a tutor, mentor, and instructor as part of his technical roles as well as his real estate business. He and his wife are originally from MN, but moved here to be in the mountains and couldn’t be happier. Their daughter started attending ECA in Kindergarten and loves it as well. Mr. Koch is looking forward to growing the technology program at ECA while also equipping the students (and adults around them) to use technology ethically and responsibly.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
Karen Leidecker
Secondary: ScienceKaren Leidecker
Secondary: ScienceEducation: B.A., Education with a Psychology and Bible minor from Tennessee Temple University
Mrs. Leidecker joined the faculty at ECA in 1995. All four of her children graduated from Evangel Christian Academy. She enjoys gardening, exploring God’s creation in the beautiful state of Colorado, and swimming. Investigating God’s orderly design in creation with students is such a blessing. A thought provoking book that was read is Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su. This year, she is exploring Creation principles and its orderliness while teaching Physical Science to 8th grade children and Advanced Financial Algebra.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” Isaiah 40:28
Elizabeth McHolm
Secondary: Science, Bible, and LiteratureElizabeth McHolm
Secondary: Science, Bible, and LiteratureElizabeth joined the ECA faculty in 2024, teaching honors anatomy and physiology, chemistry, Old Testament Survey, and a Myths, Legends, and Fairytales class. She received her bachelor’s degree in healthcare at Grand Canyon University, graduating in 2022. Elizabeth was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and spent the last six years in Phoenix, AZ.
Amy Meinz
Secondary: ScienceAmy Meinz
Secondary: ScienceMrs. Meinz is a Colorado native, born and raise in Loveland. In college she double-majored in Music and Biology. After college, she and her husband lived in northern Illinois for 10 years, serving in camp ministry at a Christian camp.
She has been married to her husband Jeffrey for 26 years and they have six children and just recently born, their first grandchild. Mrs. Meinz homeschooled her children for 17 years and then joined the faculty at ECA in the fall of 2023. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, and backpacking, (so far she has completed over 100 miles on the Colorado Trail!) visiting anywhere with a beach, missions trips, and playing oboe for worship. We have an awesome Creator God! What a blessing to explore many aspects of Life and Earth Science with students at ECA.
“The Lord is my Light and My Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps. 27:1-2
Jonathan Murphy
Secondary: Math and ScienceJonathan Murphy
Secondary: Math and ScienceMr. Murphy is a 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves, including almost 17 years teaching Math and Economics at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Mr. Murphy wrapped up his time at the Air Force Academy as Head of the Department of Economics and Geosciences. He holds a Masters of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
Mr. Murphy is in his third year teaching at Evangel, but he is anything but new to ECA. Mr. Murphy has been a part of ECA sports for over 10 years working as an assistant high school soccer coach, middle and grade school soccer coach, and middle school track coach.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10
Bethany Panhorst
Secondary: ArtBethany Panhorst
Secondary: ArtBio to come
Trent Poole
Secondary: Humanities, Speech and DebateTrent Poole
Secondary: Humanities, Speech and DebateEducation B.A., Political Science; M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Technology University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Mr. Poole is in his third year at ECA and his 35th in teaching. Mr. Poole enjoys working with young people and interacting with them in their roles as students, athletes, and people. He wants to see his students reach their potential as people and fulfill their purpose in God. He believes that God calls us to “good works in Christ Jesus and that we should labor as unto the Lord and not as unto men because our labor in the Lord is never in vain.” Mr. Poole enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, hiking, mountain biking, and photography.
“This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Erin Sánchez
Secondary: Spanish, World Cultures/GeographyErin Sánchez
Secondary: Spanish, World Cultures/GeographyMrs. Sánchez has taught Spanish and English for 20 years to learners of all ages. She was a missionary in Spain for 4 years, and loves teaching at ECA. Mrs. Sánchez and her husband have one daughter, who has attended ECA since Pre-K. Mrs. Sánchez´s favorite activities are crocheting, working in her garden and kayaking. Mrs. Sánchez hopes to inspire students to love languages and language learning, and to use their abilities to extend Christ’s kingdom to all peoples, tribes and languages.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!’ ” Revelation 7:9-12
Trina Stegemann
Secondary: Math, Personal FitnessTrina Stegemann
Secondary: Math, Personal FitnessMrs. Stegemann is originally from Texas and has been teaching in Christian classical schools since 2016. She is excited to be a part of the ECA family. She is married with two children who also attend ECA. In her spare time, she enjoys learning, reading, hiking, playing pickleball, volleyball, flag football, and working out.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20