From the desk of Rod Fletcher, Headmaster:

As many of you know, Brook Hill has grown significantly in the past few years. In order to meet the demands of growth, we’ve hired some of the best men and women to take care of our students. We take the hiring process seriously at Brook Hill because we believe that our students and families meet the mission of our school through our teachers and administrators. We believe these new members of our family (some are new, but moving into new positions), will continue to shape Brook Hill into a more perfect Christ-centered, college preparatory school not only this year but also into the future.

Here are the bio’s of our new (or transitioning) faculty and staff:

Kyle Ford

“Kyle is a native of Whitehouse and a Summa Cum Laude college graduate with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Health Science from Missouri Baptist University, as well as a two time Academic All-American in men’s basketball. Experience has taught him that faith in the Lord, hard work, and perseverance are keys to overcoming life’s challenges. Excelling in his studies has always been one of his top priorities, and educating young adults is a dream come true for him. Kyle’s “perfect” day would include a trip to the zoo, a motorcycle ride, indoor volleyball, and spending time with his family. One of Kyle’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 118:5-6.”

Kristopher Mathis

Mr. Mathis has always wanted to be an educator.  He finds joy and fulfillment in helping students reach their full potential and achieve their goals in life.  After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Education from Texas A & M University he taught coached and served as an administrator in several small public school districts in Texas.  In this capacity he turned around several programs and schools and helped them achieve great things (including the Boys Class A state championship in cross-country in 2000).  He came to Brook Hill after four years of working for the office of admissions at Texas A & M University and also serves as the youth director at First United Methodist Church in Palestine.  Mr. Mathis hopes that he can use this experience to help the students at Brook Hill find the universities to pursue their post – secondary education that is the best fit for them personally and their career goals.  He has a seven year old son named Daniel.  In his spare time Mr. Mathis loves to cook, travel, and watch football and baseball.

Reta Spradlin

Reta Spradlin graduated Magna Cum Laude from LeTourneau University in Longview, TX in 2008, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Ms. Spradlin taught the last seven years for Tyler ISD at Dixie Elementary: three years in 2^nd grade and four years in 3^rd grade. After teaching in public schools she wanted to find a school where she could not only love on her students, but also share her love of Christ. Besides spending time with her family, including five grandchildren, Ms. Spradlin enjoys photography, scrapbooking and learning more about technology. Reta has been an active member of Tyland Baptist church for 46 years, and has taught Sunday school from Kindergarteners to senior adults.

Janice Hawkins

Janice is a graduate of Tyler Jr College, and Lone Star College of Houston, where she obtained an Associate of Science Degree. She has also received Child Development Certification from the National Credentialing Program of the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC.

Janice has been in early childhood education for 12 years. She began her teaching career at Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Kingwood, Texas teaching Pre-Kindergarten. From there she taught Pre-Kindergarten at Second Baptist School in Houston until her recent move back to Tyler. She is passionate about sharing her love for Christ with her love for children. At a very young age; back when children were sent outside to play, Janice would round up all the neighborhood children who would follow and “play school’.

Janice is married and blessed with three children and two grandchildren. She believes every day is a gift, to be used to honor and glorify God and what better way to do so than sharing His love with our precious children.

Pamela Hayes

From a very young age, I knew I wanted “to be a teacher when I grew up”, but upon graduating from college at the age of 20, I did not feel I was quite assertive enough to teach high school, so I worked outside of education for 10 years. In 1987 I began teaching in a 2A rural public school high school where I stayed for twenty-seven years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rivercrest ISD. During those twenty-seven years, I taught: Spanish I, II, III, and IV, English I, ESL, Bible History, and speech.  I truly enjoy working with students. Many people think I am crazy for teaching, but, as with many professions, I believe it is a calling. A teacher is not in the profession for the glamour, the pay, nor the “fun” of lesson plans, a teacher is a teacher because he/she LOVES working with children.  I attended Paris Jr. College and East Texas State University (which is now Texas A & M Commerce), where, within three years, I received an Associate of Arts degree from PJC and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a double major in Spanish & English from ETSU. I also have ESL and speech certifications.  I have worked with many Academic UIL activities, and I have also been on many Spanish club trips, along with other class trips. After moving to the Tyler area in 2014 and retiring from public education, I decided I was not quite ready to retire completely, so I am back in education and ready for several wonderful years at Brook Hill. I know that God brought me to Brook Hill and I am VERY proud to be a faculty member. I know that it will be a joy and pleasure to work here. In my spare time, when I am not attending school events, I love to sing at church, work with photography, read and play with our two dogs. During my childhood, my family travelled throughout the Southern U.S. and sang Southern Gospel music in many different churches and venues.

Bo Barrow

I would like to express how excited I am to be a member of the Brook Hill family! I am the new computer and technology teacher at the Middle and Upper School. My wife Connie and I have a son in 9^th grade named Brady.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from UT Tyler, I have been teaching for 29 years. My hobbies include camping, fishing, and music.

Melissa Adkins

Melissa Adkins has worked with children of all ages in the education field for over 10 years in a variety of ways.  She has been with Brook Hill the last 5 years as a substitute and volunteer, but now serves as the administrative assistant to the Upper School Principal.  Melissa and her husband, Matt, have 2 daughters at Brook Hill.  When not at school you’ll find her at home and usually outdoors with those she loves.

Jordy Barksdale

Jordy is from Baton Rouge, LA and graduated from LSU with a B.S. in Kinesiology. He completed his education with an internship at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, NC. He worked at as a Site Coordinator for Pine Cove’s Camp in the City for 3 years before making the switch to Brook Hill. Jordy is passionate about people knowing who they are in Christ. He desires for the students at Brook Hill to be fully-equipped to stand firm and commit their life to God’s leading. In his spare time, he loves playing ultimate Frisbee, soccer, roller blading and traveling to new places.

David Dickerson

David Dickerson teaches ninth-grade Humanities at Brook Hill. Born and raised in Tyler, David earned his BA in Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and his MA in English from Stephen F. Austin State University. At SFA, he taught Composition and Rhetoric for five years, also producing and editing RE:AL, The Journal of Liberal Arts for a time. He has also taught at Nacogdoches High School, Panola College, and at Tyler Junior College.

David has made four short-term mission trips to Siberia where he shared God’s love with orphans, and has discovered that sharing God’s infinite love to be his passion. He enjoys excellent coffee, good conversation, reading, cinema and long, rambling walks. He lives in Tyler with his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, Mia and Anna Kate.

Laura McHugh:

I have loved teaching since the age of twelve while working in Taiwanese English camps. This initial love of teaching lead me to study and complete a B.S. in Elementary Education at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. I also acted, wrote, and directed dramas and comedies throughout my college career. I taught for two months in Tianjin, China before moving to Tyler, TX. I spent the next two years working at Pine Cove. During the school year I taught as an instructor for the Institute of Wilderness Studies and managed the Pine Cove Tower’s Barn during the summer. When not teaching, I greatly enjoy hiking, climbing, painting, reading, and writing.  I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to teach communications at The Brook Hill School this year.

Lisa Larios

My name is Lisa Larios, and I am the art teacher for The Brook Hill Lower School.  I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and am certified to teach all-level art (PK-12).  I taught in Tyler ISD for 16 years as an art teacher at the elementary school level.  Since most children have a natural love for art, teaching children about the subject of art and allowing them plenty of opportunities to make art is a lot like feeding them dessert—really messy dessert!  My husband, Jonathan, and I have been married for 13 years and are in the process of finalizing the adoption of our first child—Piper Rose!  I am very thankful to God for bringing me into a new season of teaching art at The Brook Hill School!  I look forward to meeting you and working with your children.

Greg Jones

I am very blessed to be joining the family at Brook Hill School this year as an Upper School Math teacher. After getting my BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, I embarked on a 30 year career with Target Corp in a variety of different Supply Chain and Logistics leadership roles. Now that I have retired from the corporate world, I am getting an opportunity to do something I have always dreamed of – teaching young people! I am excited to be teaching Algebra I and Algebra II and getting a chance to help students learn about how cool math is and how valuable the skills it develops are out in the real world. My wife Debbie and I have been married for almost 40 years and we enjoy keeping up with our two sons and three granddaughters. In my spare time, I enjoy being involved at church and hiking/backpacking anytime and anywhere I can.

Suzanne Shelton

I have a passion for teaching students about art because it has been my experience that all students can be successful in some capacity in the visual arts. Art encompasses far more than drawing and I am delighted to be able to facilitate student success by introducing them to a variety of art media through a relevant and rigorous curriculum.

I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UT Tyler though I spent three years of my studies at UT Austin and abroad in Metz, France and I received my teaching credentials through the University of Dallas. Most of my career (10 years) was spent teaching AP 3D Studio and Art 1 at Plano West Senior High in Plano, Texas where I was a member of the AP Strategies O’Donnell Grant. During my tenure at Plano West I served as a curriculum writer (our curriculum has been sold to school districts throughout the nation), lead teacher for the O’Donnell Grant and participated in and presented many advanced workshops. During the 2013-14 school year, my 3D AP Program was ranked #1 in the state of Texas.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two sons, Nick and Tyler, and my extended family. Also in my spare time, I enjoy creating art and in the past my artwork was carried by several national companies. I am so blessed and honored to be part of the Brook Hill family and school.

Erica Mattay

Erica graduated from The Brook Hill School in 2010. She then received a music scholarship followed by an athletic scholarship to play volleyball, and earned her Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Before teaching at Brook Hill, Erica taught in Jacksonville ISD. Except for her college years she has always lived in Jacksonville where she now lives with her husband, Nathanael. Erica and her husband are active members of Fellowship Bible Church where Nathanael is the Youth Pastor. She is passionate about knowing Jesus and making Him known. In her spare time she loves to travel, read, and spend time with her family. She is an avid sports enthusiast and loves cheering on the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers. Erica is excited to be teaching Humanities as well as coaching at Brook Hill.

Judy Bunn

Judy Bunn holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from North Texas University with a minor in English. In addition to classroom teacher certification, she acquired certification to teach the gifted and talented from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Mrs. Bunn retired in 2004 after teaching for thirty-two years in Texas schools. She has taught in Jacksonville, Allen, and Richardson. The last three years of her teaching experience were spent teaching with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the Windham Independent School District. While at the prison, she taught Literacy and GED preparation.

Mrs. Bunn enjoys spending time with her 3 grandchildren and her extended family. She also loves to sing and play the piano.

She knew that God called her to be a teacher when she was a little girl. After enjoying retirement for a brief time, Mrs. Bunn is back to doing what she loves best. She feels blessed to be teaching at Brook Hill!

Wendy Tynan

Wendy was born and raised in Jacksonville and she attended TJC after graduating from JHS. While she was in Dallas she worked in the Church Planting Department of the Dallas Baptist Association and served her local church in the Children’s Department. Most recently she lived near Houston where she taught Children’s Sunday School and VBS at her church. She is so glad to be back in East Texas after all these years. She believes that God had a plan for her life that he led her to Brook Hill. She is thankful to be in a place that focuses on Christ and gives Children a Christian foundation on which to build their lives. She feels blessed to work on such a beautiful campus with amazing people. In Wendy’s free time she loves to travel and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Morgan Ballenger

Morgan Ballenger is a University of Texas at Tyler Graduate with a B.S. in History. After spending several years in banking and finance, she is joining the Brook Hill family as our Athletic Director’s administrative assistant. She and her husband, Paul, have been married for 5 years and have two beautiful young children who they love to spend time with. They have recently relocated to the Bullard area and are looking forward to making a new life here and being part of the Brook Hill mission. Morgan also enjoys various sports, traveling and being outdoors.

Cherie Welty

Cherie earned her BS in Community Ministry from Geneva College and an M.A. Clinical Psychology, Wheaton College. She also studied Interior Design.

Cherie has been a part of the counseling staff at Tri City Family services in Geneva, Illinois as well as Hope Clinic for Women in Nashville, TN.  She has served as a member of Women’s ministry leadership and Bible Study in churches Geneva, Illinois, Nashville, TN and Dallas, TX.   She enjoys her husband Tony and their four children as well as spending time in creative projects!

Robin Bynum

Robin attended East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. She has a BSE, Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Composite Social Studies certification. She loves history and could not choose just one discipline! The Composite Social Studies certification allowed her to study state, national, and world history along with government, economics and several other related subjects. It did not take long in the public school system for her to figure out that she loved more than history, she loved to teach! She also worked to acquire certification in Physical Science and Speech Communication and taught in Texas schools for 8 years.

For the last several years, She has been involved in teaching a variety of subjects and age groups. She taught writing for homeschool families and college students and also taught biology for Venture, a homeschool co-op.  On the other end of the spectrum, she had the privilege of learning to teach preschool and elementary age children through storytelling. Robin is a wonderful storyteller and captivates students and adults alike as she guides them through the Museum!

As a teacher, her goals are to move past facts and events and to teach, or reteach, students to be curious and to want to explore. She says “you never know what you might learn to love!”

Sarah Scarborough

Sara Scarborough received her Associate in Business Administration from Tyler Junior College and completed her Bachelor degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington. She just recently graduated from Texas A&M with her MS in Sport Management. Whoop!

For the last three years, she has served as the Special Events Coordinator at Tyler Junior College working with their Advancement office. She is excited to be joining The Brook Hill family where she can grow in her experience and be surrounded in a Christ-centered environment.

Sara loves to travel and takes any opportunity she can to go to the beach! She enjoys being active and spending time with family and friends.

Sherry Smith

Sherry Smith was born and raised in Palestine, Texas.  She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Stephen F. Austin.  She is certified by the state of Texas in elementary education K-8, with a minor in reading.  Sherry recently retired from public education after teaching first grade for 34 years.  She is looking forward to being a part of the Brook Hill family.  She enjoys gardening and reading.  Her favorite activity is spending time with her son, his wife, and their two children.

Michelle Culpepper

Mrs. Culpepper was raised in Dallas, Texas. She is the proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University, College Station. Since graduating college, Mrs. Culpepper has taught 1^st and 3^rd grade, but is looking forward to finding her home in 2^nd grade at The Brook Hill Lower School. She was awarded Tyler ISD’s Teacher of the Month award, November 2010, as decided upon by the district administration. She has a passion for teaching children and watching them grow as they explore God’s creation. Mrs. Culpepper is married to Juddson and they have two daughters, Macie and Emery. As a family they love to travel, ride bikes, watch the Aggies play football, and worship God at Bethel Bible Church.

Whitney Figueroa

Whitney Figueroa has lived in East Texas for 11 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler, where she also majored in English and History. Mrs. Figueroa taught in the public school setting for six years. She is overjoyed to join The Brook Hill School, where she serves as a 6^th and 7^th Grade Humanities teacher. Mrs. Figueroa has been married to her husband, Eric, for nine years, and they have two wonderful children, Brandon and Sara. The family worships and serves at the Whitehouse Church of Christ. When Mrs. Figueroa is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and reading.

Suzan Chadwell

Suzan has a passion for student ministry and sharing the love of Jesus with children and youth. As the school nurse, her goal is to treat the ‘whole’ student as she sees to their mental, physical and spiritual needs.  Suzan has an Associate Degree in Nursing, a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and 38 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership.  Her clinical background is steeped in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine. Suzan and her husband have 5 children and 10 grandchildren… and counting. Her favorite pass times revolve around her large family, her church youth group and Brook Hill athletics.

Regenea White

Regenea White serves as the administrative assistant for our Residential Life Program.  Regenea served as a boarding parent for eight years before transitioning and has been a foster parent through to over twenty-seven girls ages 10-18.  Regenea has been involved in Children’s Ministry for more than 10 years as Sunday School teacher and Children’s Ministry Director.  She has also volunteered in local mission work through church and Mission Tyler.  Regenea loves working with our boarding students because of the opportunity she has to impact their lives. She enjoys spending her spare time with family, decorating, learning about history, and just being around young people.

Diane Sorrels

I come to Brook Hill from 35 years of public school teaching, 33 of those at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler.  Working part time here is a perfect fit for me.  I get to continue to do what I loved doing, teaching math, and enjoying being retired.

I have been married to Tom for 44 years, have two grown children, 3 granddaughters, and two very large dogs.  I attend Pollard Methodist Church where I am active in the theater ministry and choir, as well as directing two handbell groups.  I love to travel.  I have been to many parts of the world and most of the United States.  Next up is the Panama Canal.

Susan Kay Weippert

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville State Alabama. I have over 32 years of experience working with children as a preschool Teacher, Childcare Center Director, and, for the last 15 years, a Children’s Minister at a Church.

I am excited to work at Brook Hill because I feel God has called me to work with children. I have felt that this is a great place to teach children the truth of the Bible as well as preparing children for the next step.

Some of my hobbies are include cooking, traveling, spending time with family and reading.

I am also involved at Green Acres Baptist Church as a children’s choir teacher, a 3-year-old Sunday School Teacher, and an active member of a Women’s Bible Study.

Paul Ramirez

Paul Ramirez comes to Brook Hill with a rich history of working with youth. He began at the age of 13 when he signed up to coach basketball for the 5 and 6 year old kids in his community. It was such a great experience for him that he decided to become a mentor for at risk youth in the inner city. He was a mentor for 2 brothers for many years.

While in college Paul started working in resident life at Chapman University and later on at UCLA. Paul also has experience as a youth leader at his church in California for 3 years. Sharing Gods word and Bringing youth to Christ has been a huge part of his life and he is always amazed at how God can use us to reach people for His Kingdom.

His laid back approach and funny sense of humor has allowed him to continue now as a Boarding Parent at Brook Hill. He loves this new chapter of his life and is excited to see what God will do this year. Paul is married to Katie Ramirez, the Director of Admissions at Brook Hill. They have one child, a daughter named Stella.

Tiffany Hubbard

My husband, Jereme, and my three children have been blessed to be a part of the Brook Hill Family since 2010 when we enrolled them here.  I have been coaching the Guard Cheer program for the past two years, and recently added teaching to my job description. I love to teach, and I am very excited to be back in the classroom.  I have over 10 years of teaching experience in a variety of subjects.  I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.  Our family enjoys all athletic events. We spend most of our time at Brook Hill games or games of our children.  When I am not cheering on the Guard, I am cheering on the Longhorns.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Hal Brunson

Dr. Brunson holds the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in divinity, the master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a major in English literature and a minor in history. He earned the Ph. D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas with a double concentration in History of Ideas and Comparative Literature. He has served as pastor, consultant, administrator, and teacher in college-preparatory settings, and has also taught college and seminary at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

A native East Texan, he is thankful to be at The Brook Hill School. He loves his students and endeavors to conduct his classes in the Socratic Method but tethered to the supremacy of God’s Word.

His primary academic interest is the Greek New Testament, and he also enjoys writing, composing, playing the guitar, and bass fishing. He is married to Nancy, a classical vocalist; they have two sons, Trey, a border patrol agent, and Matt, a cardiologist.

Leigh Ann Bugg

Mrs. Bugg is a former Middle School Theatre teacher in Tyler and has an MEd in reading. Mrs. Bugg is excited to be at Brook Hill where her daughter is a student. She loves that part of her job is monitoring recess because she gets to know all of the lower school students. Mrs. Bugg has a passion for volunteering. She is involved with the Junior League of Tyler, Inc, Women’s Symphony League, SPCA, and is a proud Cadette Drill Team mom!

Keri McDonald

Keri McDonald is from Tyler and lives there now, but she experienced living in Spain for one semester in 2006, working as an English teacher. She has been teaching since 2000, beginning her career as a substitute.

Keri has experienced every grade level and subject at least once, and has discovered that the secret to teaching is “the more they know you care, the more they care what you know.” She taught one year middle school Spanish in Garland, one year elementary Special Education in Tyler, and five years high school Spanish in Tyler.

Mrs. McDonald received a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Southwest Texas State University in 2003, with a minor in Mass Communication. She holds two Texas teacher certifications: Spanish 6-12 and Special Education EC-12. Combining these specialties with her musical abilities, Mrs. McDonald strives to be interesting and, at times, humorous when presenting information to young minds. She has high expectations for quality of language, so details regarding spelling and pronunciation are emphasized, even in the elementary grades.

“Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time,” is a quote from her grandfather that she truly lives by. Mrs. McDonald is also a private piano instructor at home. She and her husband Tim have two boys, Isaac and Will. They love to spend time with extended family, experience life together in the community, and live out the gospel as a family.

Tony Welty

Tony graduated from the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) with a B.B.A. in Banking and Finance, then continued his education and training by completing the course of study and obtaining a professional diploma through The Graduate School of Banking at The University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI). Tony also received a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

Tony has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Director for The Royall National Bank in Palestine, Texas until the bank was sold to Compass Bancshares in 1996. Afterwards, Tony went to work for Alex Sheshunoff & Company Investment Banking in Austin, Texas for several years.

Tony left the investment banking world and went to seminary, after which he served in Episcopal churches of various sizes in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Nashville and Dallas. Tony and his wife Cherie helped plant an interdenominational church in the Mississippi Delta before moving back to East Texas.

Tony now serves on a part-time basis as Priest-in-Charge at All Saints Reformed Episcopal Church in Shreveport, LA and works full-time as Brook Hill’s Director of Finance and Operations.

Tony believes that “it’s truly a privilege to serve at the Brook Hill School, a place I’ve experienced as dynamic and thoroughly Christ-centered. Brook Hill is in an exciting growth stage of its life-cycle and I enjoy the fast pace and environment of intentionally building for the future.”

When not working, Tony enjoys playing, coaching or watching most types of sports; playing the guitar; spending time with his wife and children; boating on Lake Palestine; travelling; and discovering new restaurants and exploring cuisines from around the world.

**Not mentioned: Rozanna May, Jamie Whitten, Joey Wilson, Toni Collins, and Brooke Overbeek