Our Faculty | This is Trinity | Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill

My teaching career began in 1999, and over the years I have taught in a variety of school settings, which has given me the wonderful opportunity of getting to know people from many different backgrounds. Most recently, I have taught fifth grade in a Christian classical school. I have also loved teaching math to middle schoolers through the Liberty Partnership Program and teaching literacy to struggling readers in the Healthy Kids After School Program. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with family. My favorite Bible verse is Genesis 50:20, because these are the words of forgiveness that Joseph speaks over his brothers but can also be the words of Christ and all who follow him.

I have taught at Trinity since 2020, after teaching high school Latin for a number of years at public and private schools throughout the Southeast. Latin is an essential foundation for students as they begin to examine language more closely in their studies. And while language skills are the focus of the course, I love sharing so much more with the students—knowledge of Roman history, mythology, and the society in which Jesus lived and the early Church served. I grew up in Memphis, but family in Durham brought me to the area frequently over the years. Outside of school, you’ll likely find me spending time with family, running on area trails, reading, or watching basketball. One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 John 4:16: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

After spending 23 years as a pharmacist, I felt led by the Lord to explore my interest in elementary education. I started working as a fourth-grade teaching assistant in February 2022 at Morris Grove Elementary School. I’ve always been interested in various styles of education and found myself drawn to an ecumenical classical Christian school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in the mountains with my husband and children, frequenting farmer’s markets, and all things creative and artistic. Favorite Verse: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 BS in Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University

Having grown up in England and various places in the southeast, I finally settled in North Carolina, where I attended university at Chapel Hill. After graduating in 2013, I came to Trinity to teach algebra and Latin in the Middle School. In 2019, my family and I moved to Northern Virginia where I taught upper school mathematics, and I was pleased to return in 2021 to serve Trinity's students again in the Upper School. Prior to joining the faculty at Trinity, I served as a math lab assistant at St. Thomas More School, and additionally taught catechesis and Taekwondo. To delve into “the language in which God has written the universe”, as Galileo has observed, is a passion of mine. To be able to explore the patterns and relationships in the world He has created with our students, moreover, is truly a privilege. When my two young daughters aren’t keeping me busy, I enjoy exploring languages, singing polyphonic music in my church choir, and playing games (all sorts). ”Our Lord does not so much look at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them.” – St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. - John W. Gardner BA, Art History, Barat College ASID, Harrington College of Design

I began at Trinity in the Spring of 2024. Prior to this, I served as the Director of Development for Elon Catholic Campus Ministry, and before that, as Assistant Director of Development at the Duke Catholic Center. I’ve served the Church for over 12 years. I’m married and have four children. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, board games, and officiating lacrosse. My favorite Scripture passage is Matthew 16:13-20. BA in Political Science, Mount St. Mary's University

I began my career as a science teacher in a small Christian school in the Washington, DC area. After I met and married my husband, Stephen, I enjoyed a decade at home with our two (now-adult) children. Over the years I’ve directed children’s ministries and taught science or math in Kenya, Brazil, Florida, and Zambia. What a gift it is to return to my roots to teach sixth grade Earth Science and Bible. I pray that students will know, believe, and proclaim Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were born, Before you gave birth to the earth and the world, From beginning to end, You are God.”

I have taught first or second grade for a total of seven years in Atlanta, Chapel Hill, and Los Angeles. My children began Trinity School when they were in Kindergarten and it feels more like a family than simply a school. We recently lived in Switzerland for two and a half years. Returning to Trinity feels like coming home. While away it was obvious that our family approached our school relationships differently than most people at our international school. Often, people we met became curious to learn more about our background which gave us ample opportunity to share why we might seem different–to God be the glory! But it reminded me of a Winnie the Pooh quote that I love: “Some people care too much. I think it's called love.” It’s my privilege and delight to join the faculty and staff in service to Jesus Christ and Trinity School.

I am a native of O-H-I-O and graduated from Marietta College with a BA in accounting. I also spent the majority of my time outside of the classroom rowing on the Muskingum River. I recently completed my certificate in Counseling Education at North Carolina State University. God has used many surprising twists and turns along my path to lead me to my heart's longing…a career in education and working with children. My husband, Todd, and our three courageous children, Lucy, Emily, and Will (and chocolate lab Haven Grace), moved to Durham in June 2020 after 18 years in St. Louis. I spend most of my free time with my family. We love to hike, read, laugh, and explore our new state together. I love running with my pup, cooking, working out, reading, good coffee, and cool mornings sitting quietly on my front porch. My favorite verse is Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst; a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

I am a native of Durham, NC. I have had a love for children since I was in high school and knew that I would always work with children and families. I have two children, Emmanuel and Mason, and I love singing, traveling, worshipping, doing hair, and spending time with family and friends. I started my work in after-school as a group leader with Durham Public Schools in 2001, and have enjoyed creating long-lasting relationships with families. My favorite scripture is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." God is doing a great work in me, and I want to show it to the world and anyone whose path I may cross.

I joined Trinity after finishing my doctorate in English at Rutgers University. In the past I’ve taught classes on poetry, writing, and Renaissance drama. My research on topics in Renaissance culture appears or is forthcoming in English Literary History and Studies in Philology. My wife and I have two wonderful boys, Felix and Charlie, who keep us very busy and highly entertained. As a teacher I’ve taken to heart some words from Maria Montessori, who said that “joy is the indicator of interior growth.” I consider my teaching to be successful if I see not just increasing knowledge in my students but increasing joy as well.

After studying English and film at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I began teaching English and history at a small school in Matthews, North Carolina. I have a passion for inspiring students to become better writers and thinkers. I am grateful to have found Trinity after moving to Durham in 2020. Growing up in West Virginia, I developed a love for the outdoors. When I am not reading or writing, I can be found hiking, climbing, or out on a whitewater river somewhere. My favorite verses are Job 12:7-9: “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"

I am grateful to God for taking my career in independent schools from Connecticut to North Carolina and now here to Trinity. I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to invest in the lives of our young people, and I am glad to play a small part in their educational and spiritual development. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 AS, Accounting, Post University

I have served in many roles as a mentor to college and high school students. I also ran an internship program for college students along with offering career counseling, job shadowing, mock interviews, and resume writing assistance and have served as a guest speaker at several college career night events. My professional career as an economist was spent in the public utility and environmental economics fields where I did research, statistical analysis, and market valuations and assessments. I am thrilled to be part of the Trinity community working in the college counseling office. I look forward to helping students navigate the college search and application process and helping them with this part of their life journey in discovering and following the path that God has chosen for them.

I'm a lifelong storyteller with a passion for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday. After earning my Master’s in Visual Communication from UNC’s School of Journalism in 2006, I joined WRAL.com as their first Multimedia Producer. In 2008, my wife and I took a leap of faith, spending a year in South Africa doing community development with a local church. Upon returning, I founded StoryDriven, a video storytelling company that has since earned ten Emmy Awards for excellence in storytelling. Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories of God’s work at Trinity, aligning with my mission to illuminate the great things happening in His Kingdom. Outside of work, I stay busy with my four kids, enjoy running the Blue Ridge Relay each September, and am rarely without music or a podcast playing. As Laura Holloway says, “Storytelling offers the opportunity to talk with your audience, not at them.” BA Philosophy, The University of the South (Sewanee) MA Visual Communication, The UNC School of Journalism

I started teaching Literature in 2001 at a small church school in Baltimore city, working with students with remedial needs and diverse learning differences. My wife (also a teacher) and I were married during Christmas break of my first year of teaching. After four years, we transitioned to a private, college-prep high school where I taught history for grades 9–12 for nine years. In 2014 our family moved to Budapest, Hungary, where we taught at an international school. Along with teaching high school literature again, I pastored a small Chinese church for four years. E. H. Gombrich begins The Story of Art by saying, “There really is no such thing as Art. There are only artists.” This always reminds me that behind the material there is always a person. This invites us into experiencing relationships and community and not just learning ‘things.' Ultimately, everyone is invited into relationship with the unmade Maker.

I began teaching in 2000 in a private school in Baltimore City for students with a variety of academic, social, and emotional needs. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to come alongside many kinds of learners from many walks of life, all over the world. For the past eight years my family and I have lived in Budapest, Hungary. There, my husband and I taught at an international Christian school, where our children also attended. Our time in Hungary gave me a deep appreciation for diversity and a heightened sensitivity to the stories of the people around me. I am passionate about helping students find their voice, discover their gifts, and experience success. I believe that making space for students, families, and teachers to engage with the tools and support they need provides fertile soil for the truest kinds of learning and growth. Psalm 27:13

I'm excited to join the Upper School faculty and have come here from Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, VA, where I taught a variety of high school math courses for four years from Algebra through Honors Precalculus as well as Old Testament. I have been involved in my church, volunteering his time with the youth group and was very involved in CRU during college. He received his B.S. in math and his M Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. My wife and I are members of Summit Church and are enjoying getting to know Durham. BS, Math, Virginia Tech

Before coming to Trinity in fall 2021, I taught chemistry and physical science at a Christian school in Northern Virginia. I love teaching science because of the opportunity to explore God's creation through hands-on observation and experimentation. I love spending time with my husband (who teaches math here at Trinity), friends, and family, and I enjoy travelling and hiking. One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 5:8: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse is such a great reminder of the gospel! B.S. Biological Sciences, N.C. State University

Dana Crain is in the IT department at Trinity, specializing in solving tricky tech issues for teammates and students alike. Outside of work, she's a knitting aficionado and avid camper who cherishes family time outdoors. Dana is a poultry enthusiast, spending quality time in her backyard coop with her dogs, Spike and Matthew. Her latest read is Gods, Wasps, and Stranglers, which delves into the enthralling narrative of fig trees, intertwining their ecological, historical, and mythological significance. A.A.S., Information Systems-Network Administration and Support, DTCC Microsoft Windows Training, New Horizons, Greensboro, NC Accounting and Business Studies

I'm a Tarheel born and bred, graduating from UNC in 2013 with a degree in middle grades science education. I taught in Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools before coming to Trinity in 2017, and I was drawn in by the school's mission and the opportunity to freely share the Gospel with my students. I believe science is another language of God and am honored to continue to share my love of it through my teaching. I'm originally from the coast and love to spend time near the water with my husband and my golden retriever mutt, Barnes. B.A. Middle Grades Science Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

I joined the Business Office in Summer 2024 as the Controller. I’ve been an accountant for more than six years, with previous experience as a tax accountant and four years in private industry. I’m originally from Orlando, FL, and earned my Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. After moving to North Carolina in 2016, I received my Master of Accounting degree from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and became a Certified Public Accountant. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with my wife and two sons, golfing, hiking, and watching sports, especially those involving Florida State. Favorite verse: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23 BS in Sport Management/Business, Florida State University Master of Accounting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I worked in Knox County Schools for several years as a computer technician, specializing in iPads and Macbooks. I moved to Raleigh in 2015 to work for Wake County Public Schools. Together, with a small team, we managed all of the iPads and Chromebooks for the district. We also managed Microsoft Office 365 and the Google for Schools infrastructure. In my free time I love to travel, as well as spend time with my 3 dogs, Monkey, Wednesday and Chase. I am thrilled to bring my experience to Trinity, and I look forward to assisting in any way I can!

After college, I taught seventh grade English and coached in an independent day school for boys in Memphis. Newly married, I moved to Chicago, where I attended divinity school. In 1986 we moved to North Carolina when I began a PhD program in New Testament at Duke University, and I was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. I served as associate pastor of The Church of the Good Shepherd for several years and was part of the group that started Trinity School. In 1996 I came to Trinity as its first headmaster and have been here ever since. My wife, Desirée, and I have three children (all Trinity alums) and four grandchildren. I love to read, write, and play with my grandchildren. B.A. English, Emory University M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Ph.D. Religion City and Regional Planning, UNC Chapel Hill

As an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, I coached basketball at a local independent school. This experience launched me into a career in education. Following college, I taught and coached at Hampton Roads Academy. After earning my MA in history, I continued teaching, joining the faculty at Trinity in 2009. My wife and I are thrilled to be part of the Trinity community—our kids Everett and Lila are both enrolled in the Lower School. B.A. History, University of Richmond M.A. History, University of Richmond

After spending nearly a decade in pastoral ministry, I started teaching at Trinity in 2023. As a Humanities teacher, I'm interested in the coalescence of several disciplines: history, literature, philosophy, etc. But I'm convinced that theology is the bonding agent that makes it all come together. I am the proud husband of Abigail, with whom I share the privilege of raising our four children (Paisley, Adeline, Silas, and Mabel Anne) and our two dogs (Vinny and Clementine). As a family, we enjoy hiking in the woods and playing Settlers of Catan, even though the latter causes much weeping and gnashing of teeth. I believe that baseball is the most transcendent of games, which is why my students should never be surprised when baseball metaphors make their way into my lessons and assignments. The great poet, Mary Oliver, once gave these instructions for living a good life: "Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." I can't think of a better way of summarizing the proper posture of a student and teacher. BA Philosophy and Religion, Calvin College M. Div., Duke Divinity School