TEACHERS and STAFF

Regina Cormier

Mrs. Cormier has lived in New Mexico since of the age of 9.  She attended Manzano High School and UNM, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  She will be returning to UNM in the fall to work on completion of her Masters degree in Elementary Education.  Gina and her husband Zach of 3 years, just returned to Albuquerque this past summer from living in Malibu, California for the past three years where Zach attend Pepperdine’s Law School.  Gina taught 5th grade for three years while in California.  She enjoys soccer, running, cycling and hiking.

Celeste Green

Mrs. Green is our Dean of Academic Support.  She holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an English Emphasis and has a Masters pending in English and British Literature. She taught 1st and 2nd grades for 4 years in the Lubbock public school system. Her hobbies include reading and freelance writing. She and her husband, Noel, are local business owners and enjoy traveling, drinking coffee, and volunteering. Mrs. Green has a passion for classical education and is thrilled to be part of the Oak Grove family.

Cindy Kinney

Mrs. Kinney is a Kindergarten teacher for Oak Grove Classical Academy. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in Speech Pathology. Mrs. Kinney has numerous years of service in education, beginning in 1976 as a speech/language therapist and in more recent years as an Instructional Assistant and private tutor.

Melanie Nixon

Mrs. Nixon is the third grade teacher at Oak Grove Classical Academy.  She graduated from Modesto Jr. College with an A.A in Behavioral and Social Sciences, and is completing her B.A. in Biblical Studies with concentration in Christian Education from Trinity College. Mrs. Nixon has numerous years of service in public, private, and home-school education, including: sign language instructor, teacher’s assistant, and home-schooling mom.  Together, Melanie and her husband, Brian, have been actively involved in Christian and Classical education for 15 years. She has three children, Isaiah, Sutherland, and Cailan.  She enjoys the outdoors, and traveling with her family.

Libby Oertel

Mrs. Oertel is thrilled to be the first grade teacher at Oak Grove Classical Academy! She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. For the past two years Mrs. Oertel taught at a classical, Christian school in Bettendorf, IA, where she experienced the benefits of the classical model first hand. In her spare time Mrs. Oertel enjoys spending time with her husband, Sam. Together they are passionate about authentic community, health and wellness, and the beauty of God’s creation.

Julie Rhodes

Mrs. Rhodes is excited to join Oak Grove this year and will teach kindergarten.  She has been married for 40 years and has grown children and three granddaughters. She has taught kindergarten and preschool for over 24 years. Mrs. Rhodes duties not only include teaching but management of a summer school program and prayer ministry.  She loves teaching little ones and especially integrating Bible into all areas of school.

Troy Simons

Mr. Simons is the Headmaster at Oak Grove.  He is as passionate about Classical Education as he is about people.  He loves being a part of this fledgling school, ministering to teachers and parents and seeing the kids each school day excited to learn.

Caitelen Schneeberger

Mrs. Schneeberger is the Music and 2nd Grade Math teacher, as well as a Teaching Assistant for the Latin class. She has her B.A. from Hope College in Communication and English and is soon to complete a Masters in Creative Writing from Ashland University. “Mrs. Schnee,” as many of the kids like to call her, has taught private music lessons for two years. This will be her second year at Oak Grove.

SCHOOL BOARD

Zach and Kim Nielsen

Zach and Kim both have a BA from University of Northern Iowa. Zach is currently a full-time music pastor and is finishing his Masters in Theology from Covenant Theological Seminary. Additionally his passions include: discipleship, developing and teaching a marriage course, and playing jazz. Kim has a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Iowa and has taught in various physician assistant programs. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of St. Francis PA program but primarily enjoys staying at home with their four children. They are looking forward to seeing the mission and vision for Oak Grove come to be in the lives of their children and family.

Tim and Cara Ray

Tim and Care both attended the University of New Mexico.  Tim has a BS in Entrepreneurial Studies and Cara has an AA in Legal Assistant Studies from TV-I, and is a graduate from the School of Ministry. Tim is a co-Principal of Premier Choice Mortgage which he started in 2002. Tim is an elder at the church they attend and they are both involved in various ministries and mission work. They enjoy spending time with family, travel, fellowshipping with friends and especially good food. They feel so blessed to be a part of Oak Grove and are thankful for this schooling option for their family. They have three delightful children.

Jay and Leah Rush

Jay and Leah both hold bachelors degrees from Texas Tech University. Leah worked in secondary education at the middle school level before leaving the teaching field to stay home with their children. Jay attended Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon and now works in the pharmaceutical industry. They have three children and are months away from adding a fourth through adoption. As a family they are extremely involved in their church and love to do outdoor activities. The Rushes have felt blessed to be a part of the foundation of Oak Grove, and value the opportunity to provide a classical Christian education for their children.

Troy and Ruth Simons

Troy has a BA in Secondary Education with an emphasis on Spanish from UNM, while Ruth holds a BFA from UNM. Both attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where they did graduate work in Intercultural Studies. Troy is currently the full-time teaching pastor of Northside Church. In addition to spending time with his wife and four sons, Troy enjoys theology, languages, travel, guitar, and the outdoors. Ruth stays home with their boys, mentors young ladies, and loves anything creative. They are committed to educating their children classically and are excited to be a part of Oak Grove Classical Academy.