Meet the Passionate Educators Who Make THEO Exceptional

Our teachers aren’t just subject experts—they’re experienced Christian educators who understand homeschooling families and create learning environments where every student can thrive.

Why THEO Teachers Stand Apart

At THEO, our teachers make all the difference.

Every THEO educator brings deep subject expertise, a heart for Christian education, and real understanding of homeschooling dynamics. They know your child isn’t in a traditional classroom—and they design their instruction accordingly.

Unlike rigid school systems, THEO gives teachers the freedom to create their own curriculum and adapt to different learning styles. This means your child gets personalized attention and teaching approaches that actually fit how they learn best. Our teachers don’t just deliver lessons—they inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help students discover the joy of learning.

With decades of combined experience, our faculty has taught thousands of homeschool students. They’ve navigated learning differences, prepared students for college, and watched countless families transform from uncertain to confident in their homeschool journey.

Our Teachers by Subject

ENGLISH & LITERATURE

Our English teachers cultivate strong writers, critical thinkers, and passionate readers. From foundational writing skills to advanced literature analysis, they help students develop the communication abilities essential for college and career success.

Whether your child needs grammar support, essay writing instruction, or exposure to classic and contemporary literature, our English faculty provides engaging, rigorous instruction that builds confident communicators.

Alynda Long

Alynda is the Director of Academic Adventures, THEO’s program for elementary-aged students, while also teaching multiple English and History classes from elementary through high school.

Sharing her love of education with students is one of Alynda’s greatest joys. “Whether in an elementary language arts or social studies class or high school English and History, I love working with students and having a front-row seat to their educational journey!”

Education:

Experience:

Personal:

Nathan Jensen

Nathan Jensen returns to THEO as a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Literary Studies with Honors and a Teaching Certification for 7-12 ELA (English). In the spring semester of 2019, Nathan worked as a substitute teacher for Allen ISD and taught as a long-term substitute for two months at Erickson Middle School in Allen. Also, Nathan has taught throughout his life at a variety of Church programs such as VBS, Awana, St. Paul’s Sunday School, and Grace Kids.

Having grown up in the homeschool community, Nathan appreciates the opportunity to offer the same outstanding education that he received to the next generation. As a child, Nathan struggled to learn to read, so he understands the challenges of becoming a proficient reader and writer and aims to nurture the reader that exists in every student.

Involved in theater since a young age, Nathan has performed in over 50 different productions, including both semi-professional and professional jobs. During the last 6 years, he expanded his focus to include film, creating and producing a web series on YouTube called Project Jumpchute. Working on every aspect of this project, from writing to constructing sets to editing, Nathan learned what it takes to produce filmed content and what mistakes for beginners to avoid. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to share what he has learned about the process of creating films with future filmmakers.

Donna Cantu

I home schooled my 4 children for 12 years and feel very blessed to be able to continue teaching in the homeschool community.

With a BA in English and Sociology from Central Michigan University, I have taught in the public, private, and homeschool community for over 20 years. I currently hold a teaching certificate in Michigan, Indiana, and Texas. I am also trained and certified in the Orton-Gillingham Method which allows me to tutor children and adults with learning differences, which is very rewarding. I am also certified by the College Board to teach AP English courses, which are offered at THEO as AP Lit and Comp. That class is also available as a dual credit class through Colorado Christian University.

Being trained in a variety of teaching experiences has been not only beneficial to teaching my own children but also others. I taught at RHSA, PATH as well as Orchard, where I sat on the board for six years. In addition to my classes, I am very passionate about helping students with learning differences. I tutor many students with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, as well as auditory and visual processing issues. Additionally, I tutor students with SAT prep- specializing in Verbal and Writing skills. My passion is teaching and helping students realize their full potential.

Mindy Piehler

Mrs. Piehler earned a B.S. in Education with a specialization in English from Baylor University. Following graduation she taught in Richardson I.S.D. She began teaching at a homeschooling co-op in 1996 and feels blessed to continue to do so. She has been happily married for over 30 years and adored homeschooling her own four children. They now have a psychiatric nurse practitioner, an MSU grad working in Plano as a consultant, a golf and ice hockey player at Bethel University, and a student at the University of Arkansas. In the summer of 2020 she is excited to add two daughters-in law to the Piehler Pack. Mrs. Piehler loves teaching, cherishes her students, and makes learning a delightful adventure. She would be honored to have your student join her!

Robert Clover-Brown

Throughout his classes, Robert draws upon his life-long love for, and in-depth knowledge of, literature in all its forms and his love of, and participation in, visually creative activities, including acting.

For Literature in Action, students work collaboratively and separately to create a rich diversity of book-related Projects for presentation in class—so each student can be inspired by, and learn from, their classmates in a mutually supportive, very creative environment. Recent projects have included creating geometry-based “tesseracts” (for A Wrinkle in Time), scripts for short scenes acted in class, computer animations, interviews with the author, short movies, letters between characters, movie posters, collages, making “oral reports from the field” as a reporter, costumed characters, shoe box dioramas, and “storyboard” versions of vivid chapters.

Vicki Musall

Vicki began teaching in private preschools during high school and college as she pursued her degree and dream of becoming a professional educator. She taught grades 4, 5, and 6 for ten years in public schools and holds teaching certificates in Texas and Virginia.

When her two sons had learning styles and challenges that needed environments and methods beyond what their public and private schools were providing, God called her to begin homeschooling them toward the end of their elementary years. “It has been a blessing to see God use THEO to impact our entire family.” Vicki began teaching at THEO once her youngest was a senior.

At THEO, Vicki strives for each student to embrace how he/she learns best and take ownership of that path, with parent and teacher support. She is privileged to work with students from Friday Adventures kindergarteners all the way up to seniors in Money Management God’s Way and Successful Student Strategies.

“My high school classes incorporate a variety of teaching methods selected to guide students to make mature choices in order to be intentional teens and later thriving adults. My junior high classes deep dive into World Literature, Study Skills, and Texas History at a level that moves students towards applying what they read, learn and discuss to their own lives.”

Education:

Everyone is respected as an individual COG (Child of God) as they strive to learn to be THEO servant leaders for Christ.

Electives & Enrichment

Our elective teachers offer unique courses that spark curiosity and develop practical skills. From logic and apologetics to forensic science, money management, and technology, these classes broaden your child’s education beyond traditional core subjects.

These passionate educators help students discover new interests, develop specialized knowledge, and prepare for future opportunities.

Ray Bohlin, Ph.D.

Contact through Sue Bohlin:

Dr. Bohlin brings decades of experience in Christian apologetics and worldview training. As a speaker and writer for Probe Ministries, he equips students to stand firm in their faith against secular philosophies.

The Building Confident Christians course helps students understand not only WHAT they believe, but WHY they believe it. The class presents a strong defense for the truth and logic of Christianity through classic apologetics, as well as covering cultural apologetics issues such as a compassionate but biblical perspective on homosexuality, how to watch a movie, environmentalism, world religions, genetic engineering, and other topics.

“This one-year class provides a strong, secure foundation in which to stand against the world’s ‘philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ’ (Col. 2:8).”

Dr. Bohlin’s love of science and his scientist’s filter have a way of creeping into the way he teaches, so students receive a “science-flavored” exposure to worldview and apologetics. “This results in a greater depth of worship and awe for our Creator God for all of us!”

His wife Sue, also a writer and speaker for Probe Ministries, occasionally teaches as well.

Note:

This class is in-person only. If a student is sick, with a one-hour notice via text, audio can be recorded and made available for download the next day.

Sue Bohlin

Sue is a writer and speaker for Probe Ministries and occasionally teaches alongside her husband Dr. Ray Bohlin in worldview and apologetics classes.

Vicki Musall

Vicki’s elective classes help high school students make mature choices to be intentional teens and later thriving adults. Money Management God’s Way and Successful Student Strategies incorporate a variety of teaching methods to guide students in practical life skills.

Director:

Michael Hayes

Father of 4 (and added a ½), Christian, married 30+ years, and retired from technology, Michael brings over 30 years of experience in technology and education.

Technology Career:

Started in Computer Science (Programmer, Analyst, etc.)
Worked in Engineering (Network Integration, Planning, and Engineering)
Moved into Engineering Executive Management (CTO)
Ran Cyber Security Businesses (CTO)
Ran a Robotics Business (CTO & COO)

Teaching Experience:

Education:

Michael’s NASA HUNCH program is a Project-Based, Student Centric team-oriented program for High School Students to solve real problems from NASA Engineers and Astronauts. Students across Texas and the US respond to Problems and requested Prototypes from NASA staff. THEO students have collaborated to provide Slippers for Astronauts on the International Space Station (still there today!) and a MicroGravity Duct Tape dispenser. Students in NASA HUNCH have also filed provisional patents.

Donna Szumila

As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.” Socrates said these now immortal words over 2000 years ago, and I couldn’t agree more. I am a permanent student having earned certificates at the Alliance Francaise in Paris, France and the University of Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria. I was a Pre-Law student studying Political Science with minors in Western European Studies and English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh when I met my husband of now 27 years and started our family. I continued my studies at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and the University of Houston and currently at Dallas Baptist University. I believe in being a student of life. God has graced me with a passion for communication and a love for teaching it. Having been a state and national champion in speech and a college debater, I coached my son as well as my daughter and several of their friends privately through their high school years in both speech and debate. I reside in Plano, TX with my husband and four adorable cats. My son attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, studying Physics and Geology. My daughter, who has earned two bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is working on her PhD in Nuclear Physics at Old Dominion when not serving her country as a Medivac Pilot in Afghanistan. My son-in-law, a graduate of ERAU as well, is a Black Hawk pilot with the 82nd Airborne Unit out of Fort Bragg and is currently working on a Masters Degree from Penn State University. When I am not working my favorite hobby is running, hiking and playing Sudoku.

Kathy Franda

Kathy Franda homeschooled her 3 children for 12 years graduating the youngest in May 2011. She has been teaching science, computer, geography, psychology, and elective classes at THEO since 2009 and other local co-ops since 2000. She has a B.A. from University of Rochester in New York. Kathy’s lifelong passion for science began at an early age growing up at and exploring the estuaries and intertidal zone of a barrier island in New Jersey. She has traveled to many of the states, countries, and marine habitats that she teaches about – often with National Geographic educational programs. She believes in “hands on” learning to improve initial learning, long term retention and student interest and teaches utilizing varied methods to benefit various learning strengths.

Yaritza Ortiz

Yaritza Ortiz is a dedicated educator, innovator, entrepreneur, and real estate consultant with a fervent commitment to empowering students through inventive thinking and practical applications of STEM. She earned her Master of Science in Organizational Development, Learning, and Technology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and serves as the founder and president of 4wardInnovation, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual property education.

At THEO, Yaritza teaches Biology, From Inventor to Entrepreneur, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry. She integrates her extensive experience in innovation and entrepreneurship into her curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications. As a Master Teacher of Invention and Intellectual Property Education, Yaritza collaborates with NASA HUNCH, the USPTO, and the InventEd community to enhance STEM education and inspire the next generation of inventors.

In addition to her educational endeavors, Yaritza is a proficient real estate consultant, recognized for her negotiation skills and problem-solving abilities. She applies her entrepreneurial acumen to assist clients in achieving their objectives, demonstrating her versatile expertise and dedication to making a positive impact across various sectors.

Guided by her Christian faith, Yaritza strives to live her best life while serving others, embodying the principles outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. She views her work as a means to uplift and empower communities, instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and purpose in her students and clients alike.

Yaritza has been honored with accolades such as Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Month, and the CTE Career Catalyst Award. She seamlessly blends her educational and professional experiences to inspire others, proudly embracing her Puerto Rican heritage as a fundamental aspect of her identity and approach to innovation.

Lindsey Buerger

I have had the opportunity to explore many purposes from the Lord over the years, and I am so grateful for each experience that has led to where I am today. I was born and raised in Austin, TX where I grew up getting to volunteer at a school for students with special needs and working several jobs in childcare and afterschool facilities. I have had a love for working with children for as long as I can remember! I also did several years of modeling which sparked my interest in the art of photography. I attended college and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I met my husband in Lubbock and we moved to the Dallas area, where we met our church family and have spent time volunteering in the children’s and teen ministries. I taught in Plano ISD in both a high school and a middle school as a Special Education teacher for several years. Six months after our second child was born, my husband and I decided that I should be a stay-at-home mama to our then 2-year-old son, and daughter. What a blessing that time was to get to spend so much time with our kiddos in their early years. However, we never thought that homeschool life would be a part of our story! Our children attended elementary school in Wylie ISD and during that time, I opened my business, Lindsey Buerger Photography. Working as a business owner and a portrait photographer, I have learned so much, I have met so many incredible people, and I have gained confidence and learned that it is so important to share our gifts that can bring joy to others with the world. During my son’s 5^th grade year, the Lord started calling our family to homeschool him and boy am I so glad that we trusted Him because our children are thriving and loving learning! Our son is now in the 7^th grade and our daughter is in her first year of homeschool in 5^th grade. The THEO community has been such a blessing to them this year, and I am excited to get to participate as well, teaching photography. I can’t wait to meet you! You can see some of my photography work at www.LindseyBuergerPhotography.com where I primarily work with high school seniors!

Janna Graham

I’m so happy to join the community of home schoolers at THEO.

I’m married with two children and a precious daughter in law. I’ve been homeschooling since 2010 and will be graduating my youngest in the spring of 2025. I’m passionate about homeschooling and helping others reach their educational goals.

I’ve been part of the N-TECH co-op for over a decade now and have been serving with the Charlotte Mason in North East Texas team for 3 years. I’ve taught a variety of classes over the years with my favorites being chemistry and history. I’ve taught chemistry at N-TECH for over 7 years now and plan to continue teaching there as well as THEO.

I also do private homeschooling and tutoring for friends out of my house.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Fine Arts

Our arts teachers believe every child has creative potential. From visual arts to drama, music to film production, they provide professional-level instruction in welcoming environments where students can explore, experiment, and express themselves.

Our fine arts faculty includes working professionals who bring real-world experience to their teaching, giving students both technical skills and artistic confidence.

Helen Green

Hi, my name is Helen Green (a local Christian artist) originally from Boerne, Texas. I’ve been married almost 20 years to my faithful husband, Kelly Green. We have a 14-year old daughter named Grace, plus a loud Sheepdog named Darla.

I love to paint and encourage others along the way. Let’s conquer the fear of messing up and start drawing and painting. My style is light and airy from impressionistic to contemporary, yet I have a variety of styles in between.

My background has been in retail advertising as Sr. Art Director/Grahic Designer for sixteen years, yet, my real art enthusiasm began by watching my mother paint on canvas, going to galleries and flipping through her art magazines. Now my own daughter loves to design & create, and we hope your loved ones will be inspired too.

The past ten years, Philippians 4:8 has been my prayer and hope for future artist, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things”.

I have sold my art through local stores, curators, Instagram, Minted.com and a major national retailer. As an artist, there is joy guiding numerous art camps from small artisan batches to church size events, afterschool programs, homeschool (mostly in my little home). Once per year, I donate paintings to Scottish Rite Hospital for their Summer of Colors silent auction.

Looking forward to our time together and grateful.

Sue Bohlin

As a calligraphy teacher: I started out self-taught in the early 80’s and soon realized that on my own, I wasn’t going to be able to get to the level of excellence I wanted. I joined the Dallas Calligraphy Guild, which was like strapping on booster rockets, enabling me to learn a variety of hands through classes and workshops. Eventually I became president of the guild and even better, workshop chairman, which meant choosing the instructors we would invite to come to Dallas and teach us, such as Queen Elizabeth’s calligrapher! I taught classes for several years until the pain of post-polio syndrome forced me to stop. But now that document cameras have been invented, I can demonstrate letter forms from my scooter and teach again!

My clients include ExxonMobil, the Dallas Cowboys, Ross Perot, Chanel, and many brides (whose wedding invitations I have addressed). It’s a joy to be able to bring to class projects I’m working on so I can explain my work as a professional calligrapher.

As a worldview and apologetics teacher (for the Building Confident Christians class): Ray and I have been on staff with Probe Ministries since college (1975): Probe helps people think biblically about a wide range of topics. I have the privilege of writing and speaking on some of those topics from a biblical perspective, informed by four decades of Bible study and teaching the Word. Probe’s website (Probe.org) is my “third child”; I created its first iteration and have uploaded 1800+ articles and email answers as a resource for anyone in the world who speaks English and has an internet connection. So I know what’s on our website(!), and it’s these articles which our students read in preparation for each class. The printed articles go into a notebook to become a valuable resource for years to come.

Robert Clover-Brown

Robert brings his life-long love of and participation in visually creative activities, including acting, to his fine arts classes. His acting classes range from beginners (Acting 1) through advanced levels (Acting 3), plus specialized courses in improvisational theater and sketch comedy writing.

Nathan Jensen

Lindsey Buerger

Lindsey has had the opportunity to explore many purposes from the Lord over the years, and is grateful for each experience that led to where she is today. Born and raised in Austin, TX, she grew up volunteering at a school for students with special needs and working in childcare facilities. She has had a love for working with children for as long as she can remember!

Several years of modeling sparked her interest in the art of photography. She attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. After meeting her husband in Lubbock and moving to the Dallas area, she taught in Plano ISD as a Special Education teacher in both high school and middle school for several years.

Six months after their second child was born, Lindsey and her husband decided she should be a stay-at-home mama. “What a blessing that time was to get to spend so much time with our kiddos in their early years. However, we never thought that homeschool life would be a part of our story!”

During their children’s elementary years in Wylie ISD, Lindsey opened her business, Lindsey Buerger Photography, working as a portrait photographer. “I have learned so much, met so many incredible people, and gained confidence. I learned that it is so important to share our gifts that can bring joy to others with the world.”

During their son’s 5th grade year, the Lord started calling their family to homeschool. “Boy am I so glad that we trusted Him because our children are thriving and loving learning!” Their son is now in 7th grade and their daughter is in 5th grade—her first year of homeschool. “The THEO community has been such a blessing to them this year, and I am excited to get to participate as well, teaching photography. I can’t wait to meet you!”

You can see Lindsey’s photography work at www.LindseyBuergerPhotography.com where she primarily works with high school seniors.

Kathy Franda

Damien Graham

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at THEO. With a background in music education, leadership development, and ministry, my passion has always been to help others grow—not just in their talents, but in their faith and character as well.

I hold a Master’s degree in Music Conducting from the American Band College and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern California. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching and directing music programs at various schools from elementary to high school, mentoring youth in faith-based settings, and even performing as a lead trumpet player for the Los Angeles Lakers Band. I’ve enjoyed serving as an adjunct music professor, a youth ministry leader, and recently founding Father Power 365, a mentorship and discipleship initiative.

Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or at home, I strive to make a lasting impact by fostering leadership, faith, and creativity in those around me. Through every experience, I have seen God’s hand at work, shaping my journey and deepening my desire to pour into the next generation.

More than any accomplishments, my greatest joy is my family. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife of 20 years and three incredible children—two sons, ages 13 and 11, and an 8-year-old daughter. Our home is filled with music, laughter, and daily reminders of God’s grace.

Steve Horvath

Hi! My name is Steve Horvath. I am originally from California, but after I met my beautiful Texan wife, the rest was history! I have been in the Lone Star State about 16 years now. I have 15 years of private guitar teaching experience, as well as 7 years of worship leading experience in which I have led and directed a band. I have been playing and studying the guitar for the past 23 years. I love teaching and helping people reach their musical goals and aspirations!

I have been married to my wife Courtney for 16 years and we have three sons – Seth (13), Caleb (11) and Ian (4). I am also a fan of bold coffee, traveling and photography. I have traveled overseas on missions trips to Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Ecuador. I was home schooled myself until I reached the 8th grade!

Students also have the option to participate in recitals and various other performance opportunities. You can also look at our website or FB page included in the links below if that would be helpful.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thank you!

Experience:

Yidan Rogers

I was born and grew up in Beijing, China. I have a BSc. degree from Peking University. Then I went to Canada for graduate study. I earned a MSc.degree in Physics from the University of British Columbia and a MSc. degree in Computer Science from the University of Toronto. My husband and I moved to Plano due to his work.

I have been a teaching assistant and tutor during the time in the graduate schools, and I also taught ESL and high school math in Toronto.

I like to draw, watercolor paint, and Chinese paper cutting.

Jeni Tomlinson

Jeni Tomlinson has been working professionally as an artist for over thirty years. Murals, portraiture, children’s book illustration and her own original work has been collected all across the globe. Teaching workshops, small groups and one-on-one has been a joy to her and continues to this day. Born in McKinney, Texas, Ms. Tomlinson has sought out the beauty of God’s creation loves to show and to express it on canvas. The play of light and shadows, musicians in performance, the beauty of a cutting horse at work; these are some of her favorite things to paint.

Ms. Tomlinson is currently exhibiting at the LAST Art Gallery in McKinney,Texas.

He collection and portfolio may be viewed on her website at www.jenitomlinsonstudios.com.

Support Staff

Behind every great teacher is a support system that makes learning possible. Our administrative and support staff ensure smooth operations, warm welcomes, and excellent service for every THEO family.

Linda Wynn
Business Support Administrator

Maintains and manages all THEO finances
Earned a degree in Finance and worked in the banking sector
Homeschooled her only child
Her favorite color is navy
Has a heart of gold

Laura Hough
Front Desk Admin

One of the welcoming faces that greets our students and parents
Has graduated two sons and her youngest will graduate in 2027
Taught 2nd & 5th grade before starting her family
Has a Masters in Gifted and Talented education
Enjoys crocheting

Lori Vogel
Administrative Assistant

One of the welcoming faces at the THEO front desk
Has four homeschool graduates
Welcomed her first grandbaby in the summer of 2025
Supports the Director of Operations in day-to-day operations
Enjoys serving at her church in the mentor program

Katie Bourque
Administrative Coordinator

Oversees back-office processes for admission, invoicing and more
21+ years of administrative experience
Homeschooled all three of her children, two graduated and the youngest will graduate in 2027.
From the great state of Louisianna
Is the second born of four sisters
She and her husband enjoy exploring the rugged outdoors