dana.moran@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Music and English Education, Shawnee Baptist College

BA, Educational Studies Elementary Education, Western Governors University

Ms. Moran is from Louisville, Kentucky and has been in education since 2005. Teaching is her passion. From working as a substitute teacher, to teaching fifth and sixth grades, and transitioning to teach pre-kindergarten, she has garnered years of experience in the classroom. She is thrilled to be a part of the Kindergarten team here at Seven Oaks Classical School.

jenny.pursell@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, K-8 Education, Western Governor's University

BA, Elementary Education, Shawnee Baptist College

Mrs. Pursell has taught a variety of subjects to children of different ages for the past 16 years. She taught second grade in Kentucky and combined first-second grade classes in Arkansas. She instructed students at a small start-up school in Virginia (grades K-7) and moved on to teach PE, Computer, and Art to third-sixth graders. Before coming to Seven Oaks, Mrs. Pursell taught Kindergarten as well as a combined first-third grade class in Indiana. Mrs. Pursell has been a Kindergarten teacher at Seven Oaks since the school opened. Her favorite book is The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

kayla.holmes@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Elementary Education, Western Governors University

Miss Ridner taught preschool at Sherwood Oaks Preschool (Bloomington), and she was an aide and a 4th grade student teacher at Grandview Elementary. She worked in an afterschool program for 3 years at a local elementary school for grades K-6.

jillena.dawley@sevenoaksclassical.org

AA, Child Development, Western Governors University

Undergraduate studies (continuing), K-12 Education, Western Governors

Mrs. Dawley has always had a passion for teaching children. She taught preschool for over 20 years, taking a break to raise her own children in between. She classically homeschooled her three children and tutored for Classical Conversations, a homeschool co-op in the area. When Seven Oaks opened, her children were some of the first students to walk through the doors. She also volunteers with her church’s youth and really enjoys being a counselor at summer camp.

whitney.melton@sevenoaksclassical.org

General Education, Ivy Tech Community College

BA, Elementary Education, Western Governors

Mrs. Melton is from Spencer, Indiana, where she still resides with her husband and four children. She and her husband enrolled their children in Seven Oaks Classical School the first year it opened, excited for the curriculum that Seven Oaks offered. Mrs. Melton began to substitute teach at Seven Oaks in the fall of 2017 and became one of the first teacher aides the following Spring. Mrs. Melton's favorite hobby is searching for antique children's books and globes. If she ever comes up missing, you might find her tucked away in an antique store, reading through old nursery rhymes and stories.

alissa.peacock@sevenoaksclassical.org

AA, Bemidji State University

BS, Preschool-3rd grade/mild intervention, Saint Mary of the Woods College

Mrs. Peacock moved to the Bloomington area 15 years ago where she homeschooled her 4 children as well as directed the Classical Conversations Challenge (7th-9th grade) program. Prior to this she worked at the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation for 8 years with Preschool and Kindergarten students. She joined the faculty at Seven Oaks in 2020 as a substitute teacher and instructional aide. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing piano and guitar, making necklaces, and planting flowers.

beth.bougher@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Major in Elementary Education and Minor in Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education, Indiana State University

Continuing education credits, Indiana Wesleyan University

Mrs. Bougher and her husband live near Spencer, Indiana. She has taught in public school, private Christian school, and homeschooled her five children. She is active in the children’s ministries at her church. She also spends time writing and editing children’s devotions for Glow Publications. She enjoys gardening, baking, and sewing. She especially enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

lindsey.cool@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, Hillsdale College

Miss Cool grew up in Grand Rapids, MI before moving to Bloomington, IN. She graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in history and a minor in classical education. It was during this study of classical education that she fell in love with its mission and sought to spend more time pursuing it. While at Hillsdale, Miss Cool also enjoyed volunteering with local schools. Miss Cool loves to explore new hiking trails and spend time slowing down in nature. When she’s not outdoors, she enjoys baking with sourdough and hosting friends over coffee and good food.

alyssa.jones@sevenoaksclassical.org

BGS, Minor in Sociology, Indiana University

Mrs. Jones makes her home in Bloomington with her husband and two children. After following Seven Oaks in the news, meeting Seven Oaks families, then visiting the campus, she and her husband quickly decided that the school and curriculum would be a great fit for their family. After years of volunteering at the school, Mrs. Jones was hired as a Paraprofessional in the Student Services Department where she served both Special Education and Title I students. Mrs. Jones loves spending time outside, especially in the fall and winter. Her favorite places to visit are those deep in nature where she can be alone with her family.

amber.nikirk@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA in Counseling, Central Bible College

Working toward Indiana Charter School License

Mrs. Nikirk lives in Bloomington with her husband, Matthew, and their four children (all of whom attend Seven Oaks). Her family first came to Seven Oaks several years ago when their oldest child began kindergarten. The curriculum and study of civic virtue enticed her family to the school. It is this same teaching of character and virtue that inspired her to join the Seven Oaks team during the 2023/2024 school year. Mrs. Nikirk loves reading (especially children's literature), traveling during school breaks, and general scientific/historical adventuring with her family!

karissa.moschel@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History and French, Hillsdale College

Miss McCarthy moved to Bloomington from Detroit, Michigan. She is passionate about anything related to French, poetry, and history. Outside of the classroom, Miss McCarthy enjoys running marathons, skateboarding and rollerblading, reading, and exploring her community.

sarah.shipp@sevenoaksclassical.org

B.A., Journalism, Minor in politics, Patrick Henry College

Mrs. Shipp was introduced not only to the liberal arts in college, but also to Dr. Shipp. Ever since, she has happily spent her life deepening her relationship with both. After earning her degree, she worked in her alma mater’s Communications Department. Early in motherhood, she was a copy editor for a non-profit company and a writing tutor before raising her children full-time. During that season, she was privileged to homeschool the older Shipp kids and teach them and other students, pre-K to 6th grade, at a classical homeschool co-op. When Seven Oaks opened in 2016, she eagerly enrolled her kids and rejoiced to see them thrive. But she also found that she missed teaching! Mrs. Shipp has benefited from her experience across the whole landscape of the SOCS grammar school – first as a mom, then as a substitute teacher, then as an instructional assistant in the fourth grade, and, most recently, as a paraprofessional in the SPED department. Her favorite pastimes include reading, journaling, rambling in nature (especially in October), and conversing over Cappuccino.

jacob.gieselman@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Politics, Hillsdale College

Mr. Gieselman graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in politics and a minor in German, and his favorite studies include classical and late modern political philosophy. He was heavily involved in the music department at his alma mater, especially the symphony orchestra and the jazz big band, where he played upright bass. Mr. Gieselman was raised in Davison, Michigan, and enjoys going for hikes, woodworking, reading, playing music, and board games.

jennifer.jackett@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Elementary Education, Ball State University

Throughout college and after, Ms. Jackett loved traveling all over the US. She moved to Colorado for eleven years where she worked at a classical charter school. This is where she fell in love with classical education. When the time came for her to move back to Indiana to be closer to her family, she knew she wanted to continue to work in a classical school which is what brought her to Seven Oaks. Ms. Jackett enjoys spending time with her family while hiking and mushroom hunting, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

steven.battaglia@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, Grove City College

MA, History of Christianity, Wheaton College

Mr. Battaglia grew up in Northeast Ohio. After teaching for five years in a classical school, he moved from the Chicagoland area to Bloomington, Indiana.

caleb.barber@sevenoaksclassical.org

B.S. in Physics and General Science Secondary Education from Grove City College

Mr. Barber is from Frewsburg, NY, and is a middle-level science and literature teacher. He studied physics in college and has researched physics education and natural philosophy/history of science. He is very excited to be a part of the community at Seven Oaks and looks forward to helping students learn about the world around the world. In his free time, Mr. Barber enjoys reading and writing poetry and essays about nature and theology.

sydney.barber@sevenoaksclassical.org

jacob.bowe@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Classics, Washington and Lee University

MA, Classics, Texas Tech University

Mr. Bowe grew up in Southern Indiana before pursuing education in Virginia and Texas. He has taught at BCSI schools in the southern climes of Georgia and Florida (with a brief sojourn at Seven Oaks in between) before returning to his native soil and SOCS. Local history, reading, and hiking remain his primary avocations, although he has recently begun to take serious interest in birding.

ben.boyle@sevenoaksclassical.org

jeffrey.bradford@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Real Estate, Indiana University

Before turning to the path of teaching, Mr. Bradford studied real estate within the finance department of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Having always had a passion for numbers and math, Mr. Bradford enjoyed the heavy involvement with math his courses at IU and also took some upper level math courses while in school. His first experience of working with students was volunteering in the high school ministry at his church during college. Having worked and lived in Texas for a year, he felt a call to come back to Indiana and become a teacher to be able to work with students again and to help them reach their potential.

kathleen.darnell@sevenoaksclassical.org

AA, Modern Foreign Languages, Vincennes University

BA, French and Spanish (double major) and Linguistics (minor), Indiana University, Bloomington

Diplôme des Études Françaises, Université de Dijon, Dijon, France

MEd, Education, Indiana Wesleyan University

Dual Credit Credentialled Instructor for French and Spanish

Additional graduate hours completed in Gifted and Talented coursework as well as Heritage Language Learners studies.

Madame Darnell, her husband and three children have been part of the Ellettsville community since 1999. She has 30 years teaching experience in both private and public schools. Before becoming a licensed teacher, she taught children’s French and Spanish programs in Vincennes, Indiana. After licensing, she taught in Lafayette at Central Catholic H.S., and then at Lowell HS until she and her husband moved to the Bloomington area where she taught for MCCSC. For the last 18 years, she taught many levels (including AP, IB and Dual Credit) of French and Spanish at Cathedral High School (Indianapolis). She has been an active member of various Indiana World Language associations serving in both leadership and committee roles since 1999. She has worked with Indiana DOE on several projects including Indiana World Language standards, program reviews and initiatives. She has presented numerous times at state, regional and national WL conventions, and, in 2013, she was the recipient of the Indiana AATF French Teacher of the Year, the IFLTA Secondary Teacher of the Year and the IFLTA Teacher of the Year awards. She is very happy to return to her community and begin teaching at Seven Oaks Classical School.

wesley.gaines@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, Grove City College

MA, Social Sciences, The University of Chicago

Mr. Gaines grew up in the hills and forests just north of Bloomington, Indiana. He graduated from Grove City College in north-western Pennsylvania where he majored in History with minors in Economics and Medieval Studies. Afterward he pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago, earning his Master’s of Arts in the Social Sciences concentrating in History. His academic interests include the social and economic history of medieval Europe. Coming to Seven Oaks has meant coming home to southern Indiana, where Mr. Gaines is excited to serve his community. He enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and table-top games.

walter.gaman@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Physics, Indiana University Bloomington

Mr. Gaman grew up in Southlake, Texas where he found two of his passions: baseball and music. He also had the opportunity to coach in both of these areas, showing him the beauty of teaching. After moving to Indiana to study trumpet performance at Indiana University Bloomington, he had a change of heart and his passion for mathematics and physics was realized. He then earned his degree in physics, showing him the beauty in that field.

In his free time, Mr. Gaman enjoys fitness, crossword puzzles, and studying for his next chess tournament.

brogan.hagemeier@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Major in Geography and Minor in Nonprofit Management, Indiana University

Certified Nonprofit Professional, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

Enrolled in Transition to Teaching Program, Ball State University

Mr. Hagemeier grew up in Indianapolis before moving to Bloomington to attend Indiana University. In his academic pursuits, he had long been fascinated by subjects dealing with the human experience, socio-historical systems, and the natural world. Focusing on his interests, he obtained a BA in geography from Indiana University. The degree had a cross-disciplinary approach and included coursework in mapping, history, science, and literature.

After graduating he would move to Kansas City to take part in a year long fellowship program while working in the coffee and logistics industry. It was during this time that he would come to realize his desire to pursue a career as an educator. Ultimately, he would choose to move back to Bloomington, Indiana in order to be married and to start his new role at Seven Oaks Classical School.

elizabeth.helton@sevenoaksclassical.org

danielle.jones@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Major in Mathematics and Minor in Classical Education, Hillsdale College

Miss Jones learned much about teaching from a young age by volunteering in her mother’s preschool classroom as well as playing with physics toys in her father’s high school math and science classroom. Her time at Hillsdale afforded her the opportunity to study under the many outstanding professors of the Classical Education department, including Dr. Daniel Coupland and Mrs. Dorothy Kardatzke. While at Hillsdale, she also enjoyed developing her volleyball and track and field knowledge under the tutelage of coaches including Chris Gravel and Andrew Towne. Her volleyball and track teams accumulated a total of six GMAC championships during her four years at Hillsdale. Her favorite books include The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

diana.kinser@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, French, Indiana University, Bloomington

Child Development Associate

Madame Kinser studied French at Indiana University and Université d'Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France. After graduating from IU, she began her unconventional teaching career starting as an 'assistant de langue' teaching English through the French National Assistantship Program in Angoulême, France. After returning to Bloomington, she taught F150 at Indiana University as an associate instructor. Next, she became the head teacher at a French-immersion preschool while obtaining her Child Development Associate. She later developed a French program at a local elementary school for 4th and 5th grade while also serving as a Title 1 paraprofessional. Her love of teaching language has also led her to many volunteer opportunities including teaching English as a second language to adult learners and teaching French to homeschool groups as well as private families and individuals. In addition to teaching, she has used French in a professional capacity at Cook Medical as a contracts coordinator and customer service representative.

robert.moschel@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, Hillsdale College

MA, Liberal Arts, St. John's College, New Mexico

Mr. Moschel grew up in the city of Chicago. He moved from New Mexico to Bloomington, Indiana, after completing his Master's degree. Mr. Moschel has seven years of experience teaching at classical liberal arts charter schools. His primary academic interests are Plato, Shakespeare, English poetry, and the Great Books generally. Mr. Moschel has been teaching at Seven Oaks since the school opened.

thomas.reusser@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Mathematics, Hillsdale College

MA, Philosophy, Western Michigan University

Born and raised in Cleveland, Mr. Reusser moved to Michigan to attend and graduate from Hillsdale College with a degree in mathematics. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University, concentrating on epistemology and philosophy of science. An avid chess player, he was involved in the chess scene at both schools. His other interests include theology, boxing, watching movies, and reading.

milum.richardson@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, University of Virginia

MA, History, University of Alabama

In 2019, Mr. Richardson graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in history. Immediately after college, Mr. Richardson taught third grade and fifth grade at a charter school in San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Richardson went to the University of Alabama to pursue a Master's Degree. Initially, he though that he wanted to pursue a career in higher education, however, after participating in academia for two years, Mr. Richardson became convinced that his calling was to teach children in middle and high school. While at Alabama, Mr. Richardson's research focused upon German Military History during the Thirty Years' War, a field that he still deeply enjoys. Mr. Richardson loves reading, learning languages, jogging, and working on cars.

margaret.ruwe@sevenoaksclassical.org

BM, Music Composition, West Texas A&M University, Attebury Honors Program

Mrs. Ruwe grew up in a military family and had the privilege of living in multiple states and countries growing up. Prior to joining Seven Oaks, Mrs. Ruwe taught music, theatre, and Latin at Live Oak Classical School in Waco and served as the head of the fine arts department there. While in Texas she also worked as the assistant director for the Youth Chorus of Central Texas. Other teaching experience includes two summers teaching English in Mafraq, Jordan, and leading an adult reading support class at McLennan Community College.

sam.scholl@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Philosophy, The Ohio State University

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Scholl enjoys studying, playing the guitar, sharing meals with friends, and serving with a collegiate ministry called H2O Church IU. Of particular peculiarity, Mr. Scholl has developed an affinity for the professional beatboxing community. Though he lacks the ability to perform it, he admires the artform.

stephen.shipp@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Public Policy, Patrick Henry College

MLitt, Ancient History, University of St. Andrews

PhD, Politics, The University of Dallas

Dr. Shipp is the founding Headmaster of Seven Oaks Classical School. Before he joined the Seven Oaks team, he worked with a charter school company as the Regional Director of Academics for six classical schools in Texas and Arkansas.

After discovering the liberal arts in college, Dr. Shipp earned an MLitt in Ancient History from the University of St. Andrews and a PhD in Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas. He has received academic fellowships from the Earhart Foundation, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute, and has presented in the fields of history, literature, education, and politics. As a teacher, Dr. Shipp has taught students at every level, from first grade to undergraduates in college.

lisanne.thorpe@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Latin and English Studies, Indiana State University

MA, Classical Studies, Indiana State University

Mrs. Thorpe returned to teaching Latin in 2019, after several years of teaching English in the high school setting. She also serves as the primary sponsor of the Seven Oaks Junior Classical League, in addition to serving as one of the co-chairs of the Indiana JCL.

natalie.trevino@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Classics, Trinity University

MA, Classics, University of Chicago

PhD, Classics, University of Chicago

Dr. Treviño grew up in a suburb outside of Houston, near NASA mission control, before moving to San Antonio for her undergraduate studies at Trinity University. She then left Texas to pursue graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where she specialized in Homeric poetry and discovered the joy of teaching Classical Languages. She received her PhD in 2019 after defending her dissertation on interdisciplinary approaches to analyzing the Odyssey. While she is still passionate about epic poetry, ancient religion, and narrative, her time at the University of Chicago also provided her the opportunity to lead classroom instruction for undergraduates over six years, as well as to tutor young students privately in Latin and Ancient Greek. This joy for teaching has brought her to Seven Oaks, where she is excited to continue to bring classical education to young people and to help them to discover how Latin, Classical history, and literature can empower them to succeed in the world.

stephanie.baker@sevenoaksclassical.org

BFA, Graphic Design, Indiana State University

Mrs. Baker began her career in Apparel Design after graduating from Indiana State University. She later established her own company with her husband. Mrs. Baker joined Seven Oaks in 2018 as part of the front office staff when her son started Kindergarten. She also taught a Digital Design elective class, using her degree to the fullest. She enjoys helping wherever she can and inspiring younger students to value art.

In 2023, Mrs. Baker took on the role of Creative Director and found her calling in educating not just the school community, but the wider community as well, about the many exciting opportunities available at Seven Oaks.

elaine.bollhorst@sevenoaksclassical.org

BSK, Physical Education, Indiana University

As a young child, Mrs. Bollhorst, first discovered a love for sports while listening to Don Fischer as he made IU basketball come alive through the radio. PE class was where she learned and grew to love each sport that was taught. Mrs. Bollhorst began her teaching career in 2005 at Cloverdale Elementary School after graduating from IU. She spent two years teaching physical education before her oldest daughter was born. She navigated through the next 12 years at home while adding three more children to the family. Mrs. Bollhorst first volunteered at Seven Oaks through the PTCA during hot lunch days and as a sports club coach before co-teaching Digital Design and leading the design team for the 2018-19 yearbook. One thing led to another and in 2019, Mrs. Bollhorst accepted the position as physical education teacher. She served as Athletic Director until 2021.

jerri.lynn.hero@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Public Affairs, Specialization in Environmental Health, Indiana University

Teacher Certification, Physical Education, Indiana Wesleyan University

Ms. Hero developed the Physical Education program at Seven Oaks since the start of the school in 2016.

Previously, Ms. Hero worked for nine years as an assistant teacher in Physical Education. She also has over three years of experience working with special education students in fourth to seventh grade in reading, math, and science.

rachel.holland@sevenoaksclassical.org

BM, Musical Theatre, The Catholic University of America

ML, University of Dallas (in progress)

Miss Holland earned a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America and is currently working on a Master of Leadership from the University of Dallas. She has taught music at Seven Oaks since its founding in 2016. Miss Holland wears many hats at Seven Oaks including coordinating many Student Life activities and directing the annual high school play and 3rd - 12th grade musical. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, Miss Holland also became the Music Master Teacher for the Barney Charter School Initiative at Hillsdale College.

Prior to her tenure at Seven Oaks, Miss Holland worked as an actor, stage manager, casting director, education manager, and teaching artist with Windy City Music Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Her favorite roles include Cinderella in Cinderella and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress. Although she has left the stage behind, Miss Holland still enjoys performing with the Bloomington Chamber Singers and performed as the alto soloist in their 50th Anniversary gala concert.

john.punt@sevenoaksclassical.org

BMusic, Idaho State University

MMusic, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Master’s Minor in Music Composition, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Doctoral Studies, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Mr. Punt began his musical studies on the piano at the age of 6. He went on to study classical voice at Idaho State University, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance under Dr. Diana Livingston-Friedley. His choral work and solo studies have given him a combined repertoire of several hundred works in 37 languages. At Idaho State University, John toured with the choirs and was a featured soloist in performances in Innsbruck, Austria; the Cathedrals in Lisbon and in Faro, Portugal; and at the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican; among others. John’s composition studies with the late Sven-David Sanström, Claude Baker, and P.Q. Phan have shaped his compositional style, which places a heavy emphasis on attentive writing for the voice. His works include dozens of art songs comprising numerous song cycles, vocal chamber music, and a commissioned opera based on the life of Lady Jane Grey. John began his Doctor of Music in Vocal Performance at Indiana University, where he also received his Master’s degree, studying with distinguished Professor Timothy Noble. There, he presented a recital of British chamber music, was commissioned to write his chamber song cycle “Sonetos de Amor” (based on texts by Pablo Neruda), and numerous recitals of classic song.

abigail.teska@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Art, Hillsdale College

BA, History, Hillsdale College

Miss Abigail Teska is truly passionate about art and classical education. She received a classical education culminating in her dual degree in History and Art from Hillsdale College, where she was awarded the Hozian Art Excellence Award for exceptional artistic talent and exemplary character. Miss Teska also had the opportunity to study art and art history at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy.

During her time at Hillsdale College, Miss Teska discovered her passion for teaching students and calling to share the fruits of classical education with others. Miss Teska’s love of teaching is fueled by her continual desire to face challenges, learn and grow: whether it is a new oil painting, era of history or violin repertoire, she is up for the challenge!

Since joining Seven Oaks, Miss Teska has curated and hosted four student art shows with silent auctions. She also developed five high school art elective courses in drawing and painting and hosts the annual Seven Oaks Summer Arts Program. Miss Teska currently serves as a Master Teacher in Art for the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office.

tommy.weakley@sevenoaksclassical.org

emilia.brunner@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Secondary Education, Indiana University

After graduating from Indiana University and working in Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, Mrs. Brunner took a fourteen year hiatus from working in the field of education in order to focus on raising her three children, all of whom are students at Seven Oaks. After a year of being a parent volunteer and substitute teacher at Seven Oaks, Mrs. Brunner joined the Student Services Department as a Paraprofessional. In her spare time, Mrs. Brunner is an active volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church and enjoys reading and gardening.

denise.clarke@sevenoaksclassical.org

janice.dahnke@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Audiology and Speech Sciences, Purdue University

MS, Speech Pathology, Purdue University

CCC-SLP (Clinical Certificate of Competence-Speech Language Pathology), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Mrs. Dahnke began her meandering journey as an educator by homeschooling her children for their early Grammar School years. After a year-long visit at a traditional public school, the Dahnke family found their home at Seven Oaks Classical School where Mrs. Dahnke quickly traversed the steps of parent volunteer, Instructional Aide, Title I Aide, Director of Title I, and finally Director of Student Services where she is currently serving.

As a speech pathologist, Mrs. Dahnke has worked with patients who have faced challenges with learning and communicating. In a natural bridge, she takes those skills and uses them to assist students who may be having difficulty mastering concepts in the classroom through her work with the Student Services program. She is driven by the belief that it is her duty as an educator to hold hope that with time, patience, and hard work, all students can and will succeed even when the students may have lost hope in themselves.

amy.jones@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Psychology, Indiana University Bloomington

Mrs. Jones facilitated her four children's education through an online program for 12 years. During this time she developed an interest in teaching which led to her joining the Seven Oaks faculty as a substitute teacher in 2022.

julia.mcneely@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Major in Politics and Minors in Classical Education and Journalism, Hillsdale College

Mrs. McNeely is originally from Akron, Ohio but spent some time in Michigan attending Hillsdale College. During her time at Hillsdale, Mrs. McNeely felt called to learn about K-12 education in America and the restorative nature of classical education. When she is not teaching, Mrs. McNeely enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking.

jennifer.mills@sevenoaksclassical.org

Masters of Teaching, Georgia State University

Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish, Presbyterian College

Ms. Mills grew up in Georgia and loved reading from an early age. After studying English Literature and Spanish in college, she discovered her love of teaching while serving in the Peace Corps in Mongolia. She taught high school English in Atlanta and China before finding classical education. Prior to joining Seven Oaks, she taught at Savannah Classical Academy and served as Dean of Literacy at Jacksonville Classical Academy. In her leisure time, she enjoys birding, knitting, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

elizabeth.pickard@sevenoaksclasical.org

BA, Major in Elementary Education and Minor in English, Franklin College

EdS, Mental Health and School Counseling, Indiana University Bloomington

After nine years of working in social services, Mrs. Pickard returned to teaching in 2019. Her decision to return to teaching has been fortified by students, staff, and families at Seven Oaks Classical School.

katherine.stevens@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Elementary Education, IUPUI

Orton-Gillingham Reading Specialist Training, Dyslexia Institute of Indiana

After graduating from IUPUI, Mrs. Stevens joined Lawrence Christian School in Lawrence, Indiana, as an elementary school teacher serving that community for seven years. Mrs. Stevens and family relocated to Bloomington in 2014 where she was employed at Binford Elementary serving as a paraprofessional in the Bridges Special Education program. Mrs. Stevens looked for an opportunity to resume her career in education and found a home at Seven Oaks Classical School in the Student Services Department as a Paraprofessional in 2021 and then moved on to being the Dyslexia Specialist and Testing Coordinator.

amanda.clancy@sevenoaksclassical.org

jana.mann@sevenoaksclassical.org

christina.rockett@sevenoaksclassical.org

rani.rajamani@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History and English Language, National University of Singapore

MA, TEFL, Columbia International University, South Carolina

Prior to coming to Seven Oaks, Mrs. Rajamani was in several educational positions. She taught high school in Singapore, conversational English to adults, and then homeschooled here in the U.S.

melanie.sanjaime@sevenoaksclassical.org

grace.wainscott@sevenoaksclassical.org

stephen.shipp@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, Public Policy, Patrick Henry College

MLitt, Ancient History, University of St. Andrews

PhD, Politics, The University of Dallas

Dr. Shipp is the founding Headmaster of Seven Oaks Classical School. Before he joined the Seven Oaks team, he worked with a charter school company as the Regional Director of Academics for six classical schools in Texas and Arkansas.

After discovering the liberal arts in college, Dr. Shipp earned an MLitt in Ancient History from the University of St. Andrews and a PhD in Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas. He has received academic fellowships from the Earhart Foundation, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute, and has presented in the fields of history, literature, education, and politics. As a teacher, Dr. Shipp has taught students at every level, from first grade to undergraduates in college.

steven.battaglia@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, History, Grove City College

MA, History of Christianity, Wheaton College

Mr. Battaglia grew up in Northeast Ohio. After teaching for five years in a classical school, he moved from the Chicagoland area to Bloomington, Indiana.

elizabeth.helton@sevenoaksclassical.org

BA, English Literature, Hanover College

Transition to Teach, Secondary English, Indiana University

Ignoring the inclination of her wiser self to pursue teaching, Mrs. Helton arrived at Hanover College with plans to study political science and then to move to Washington, D.C. After taking an elective in English literature, Mrs. Helton decided that her interests legitimately lay in the realm of literary analysis and composition and teaching the beauty of these subjects to middle and high school students. After raising her three sons, she returned to public education first as the Literacy Instructor/Director at Clear Creek Elementary (Bloomington) and then as an English/Reading Teacher at Bloomington High School South. The marriage of academic integrity and personal virtue at Seven Oaks Classical was too tempting to resist, so Mrs. Helton gleefully joined the staff as a third grade teacher. Beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, she transitioned out of the classroom and began working with the dedicated and delightful grammar school faculty and staff. Outside of work, you can find Mrs. Helton spending time with her husband and children, reading, and dreaming.

margaret.ruwe@sevenoaksclassical.org

BM, Music Composition, West Texas A&M University, Attebury Honors Program

Mrs. Ruwe grew up in a military family and had the privilege of living in multiple states and countries growing up. Prior to joining Seven Oaks, Mrs. Ruwe taught music, theatre, and Latin at Live Oak Classical School in Waco and served as the head of the fine arts department there. While in Texas she also worked as the assistant director for the Youth Chorus of Central Texas. Other teaching experience includes two summers teaching English in Mafraq, Jordan, and leading an adult reading support class at McLennan Community College.

stephanie.baker@sevenoaksclassical.org

BFA, Graphic Design, Indiana State University

After completing her degree at Indiana State University, Mrs. Baker started her career in the Apparel Design Industry. After a few years, she created her own company and enjoyed being an entrepreneur. She joined the staff of Seven Oaks in 2018 as part of the front office staff and was happy to put her degree to good use at the school and teach a Digital Design elective class. She loves helping where needed and loves teaching the younger students to appreciate art.

angie.butcher@sevenoaksclassical.org

Liberal Arts, Ivy Tech Community College

Mrs. Butcher has over 10 years of office experience with leadership roles and more than half of those years in an education setting. Mrs. Butcher finds great joy and satisfaction working at Seven Oaks Classical School. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting Polish pottery, visiting antique stores, bike riding, walking, spending time with her husband and kids, and vegan cooking/baking.

tanya.carter@sevenoaksclassical.org

B.S. Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology, Evangel University

During her years of teaching Mrs. Carter primarily taught second through eighth grades. She always loved spending time with children and aspired to be a teacher most of her youth. Mrs. Carter has always been involved in music at school and in her church. She has many fond memories of her years of teaching, but now she enjoys greeting students and parents as a receptionist in the front office. Five of Mrs. Carter’s grandchildren attend Seven Oaks. From time to time, she is thrilled to sneak a peek at them in the refectory.

carrie.garner@sevenoaksclassical.org

rachel.holland@sevenoaksclassical.org

BM, Musical Theatre, The Catholic University of America

ML, University of Dallas (in progress)

Miss Holland earned a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America and is currently working on a Master of Leadership from the University of Dallas. She has taught music at Seven Oaks since its founding in 2016. Miss Holland wears many hats at Seven Oaks including coordinating many Student Life activities and directing the annual high school play and 3rd - 12th grade musical. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, Miss Holland also became the Music Master Teacher for the Barney Charter School Initiative at Hillsdale College.

Prior to her tenure at Seven Oaks, Miss Holland worked as an actor, stage manager, casting director, education manager, and teaching artist with Windy City Music Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Her favorite roles include Cinderella in Cinderella and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress. Although she has left the stage behind, Miss Holland still enjoys performing with the Bloomington Chamber Singers and performed as the alto soloist in their 50th Anniversary gala concert.

vicki.huffstutler@sevenoaksclassical.org

kristi.huston@sevenoaksclassical.org

BS, Accounting, University of Evansville

Shortly after graduating from UE, Mrs. Huston moved to Bloomington with her husband and together they have raised 5 children, educating them at home for 20+ years until transitioning to Seven Oaks for the remaining years of high school for their youngest (a 2022 graduate). When not in the front office at school, Mrs. Huston can be found volunteering with global mission partners, playing volleyball with coworkers, or taking a walk with family and friends.

kelsey.marchant@sevenoaksclassical.org

caitlin.mcdonald@sevenoaksclassical.org

Mrs. McDonald was born and raised in Bloomington Indiana and attended to Ivy Tech Community College. She taught preschool at Grace Baptist for 3 years and has 5 years of IA experience. She loves working with children and seeing them learn and grow. She is excited to be part of the front office and able to serve the school in a new way. 

evan.mitchell@sevenoaksclassical.org

rick.mudd@sevenoaksclassical.org

amy.newton@sevenoaksclassical.org

American Business College, San Diego, California

Mrs. Newton has been in a customer service/administrative support role for over 30 years, working in various offices such as industrial sales, insurance and physicians’ offices. As a young adult, she resided in California and Arizona, but the Midwest called her back at the turn of the century. She and her family now reside in a little house ‘out in the woods,’ in southern Owen County. The call to Classical Education came as her young son was getting ready to start school. She saw that of the education alternatives that were offered locally, Seven Oaks was most definitely the preferred choice. The opportunity to join Seven Oaks’ business office was a ‘dream come true’. Not only can her well developed administrative skill set be used, she gets to spend the day with kids, her son included, and witness the wonderment of learning and teaching.

brant.ogle@sevenoaksclassical.org

scott.reynolds@sevenoaksclassical.org

MA, History, Indiana University Bloomington

JD, Columbia University

BA, Political Science and Computer Science, DePauw University

Mr. Reynolds began his career practicing law in New York City and Los Angeles, before relocating to Bloomington to pursue graduate studies in early modern history. While completing his master’s degree at Indiana University, he and his sister-in-law opened a small coffee shop and bakery, which has since expanded to two locations. He joined Seven Oaks to satisfy a desire to be challenged while doing meaningful work. Outside of school, Mr. Reynolds has served in an advisory role for several community organizations and currently sits on the Board of Trustees of a liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.

sarah.sheese@sevenoaksclassical.org

joe.sheese@sevenoaksclassical.org

tommy.weakley@sevenoaksclassical.org

julie.woodbridge@sevenoaksclassical.org

After graduating from Olivet Nazarene University with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Mrs. Woodbridge spent the first 16 years of her Nursing career in various hospital settings, including Critical Care/Intensive Care Unit, General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery.  Julie's favorite experiences in the hospital were the 11 years in the OR getting to help save lives and see inside the body, including touching a human heart during two different surgeries!   Mrs. Woodbridge enjoyed being a substitute nurse at Seven Oaks for 2 years, and has joyfully accepted the full time opportunity.  She is passionate about helping kids stay healthy and practice fundamentals of good hygiene.  When not working she will likely be found sewing, reading, or spending time with her family.