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Denise Burgess is the director of Veritas Classical Schools - Nashville. She will be teaching the 5th/6th grade humanities class, and the 5th/6th grade science class.
After eighteen years of homeschooling, Denise's children have all finished high school. Before Denise started her family, she taught in public school for eight years and private school in Medellin, Colombia for two years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and a Master of Education from Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego, California. Recently Denise taught for four years at the Veritas Classical School in Chattanooga. She loves all things teaching and learning. She reads books about how to make teaching more effective and recently took a class called "Learning how to Learn." It is her desire to come alongside the next generation of homeschoolers, to encourage and assist them in the challenging and rewarding task of homeschooling.
Emily Leake will be teaching the kindergarten class for the 2020-21 school year, as well as the 1st/ 2nd grade science class.
Emily was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, where she attended the University of South Carolina and received a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has teaching experience in kindergarten and first grade, and spent two years as a reading intervention specialist focusing specifically on early literacy development in grades K-2. Emily is married to Brad, and they have twin boys who keep them on their toes and laughing daily! They are very active in their church, where Brad serves on staff and Emily teaches Sunday School. Weekend activities usually include playing outside, exploring Nashville, and hanging out with family and friends.
Rachel Lyles will be teaching the 1st grade class for the 2020-21 school year.
Rachel Lyles earned her B.A. in English Literature from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Rachel thought she’d move home after graduating from college. Over 20 years later, she finally returned last fall with a husband and two kids in tow! Rachel has trained a wide range of age groups in both the industries of business and fitness, as well as in past volunteer work. She has a passion for teaching and is ecstatic to join the Veritas staff to serve the Veritas families. Rachel is married to Matt and is mom to Veritas students Allen and Thomas,
Rebekah Baker will be teaching the 2nd grade class for the 2020-21 school year.
Rebekah Baker graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education. Once in the classroom, she quickly discovered the joy that is found in helping children grow in wisdom and knowledge. She sees teaching as not only growing the mind but also growing the heart to love and follow Jesus. She has taught in both public and private schools and has spent the last 7 years homeschooling. Rebekah is married to her high school sweetheart, Benji, and they have three children Caroline, Anna Laura, and Reid.
Nicole Richardson will be teaching the 3rd/4th humanities and science classes for the 2020-21 school year.
After graduating from MTSU with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies, Nicole worked as a parent advisor in the Early Intervention Program. She has also worked as an educational assistant in Murfreesboro City Schools and as a pre-school teacher. Nicole is presently homeschooling her daughter who will be in the eighth grade. Together with her husband Jason, she attends World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro. Their family enjoys outdoor activities, especially camping and spending time on the lake.
Julie O'Bryant will be teaching the 7th/ 8th grade humanities and science for the 2020-21 school year.
Julie Walter O'Bryant has been a Nashville resident for a full year! Prior to that, she has had successful teaching experiences in North Carolina, Ohio, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, and Georgia. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and looks forward to meeting her 7th and 8th graders at Veritas. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, Jeep-ing, and spending time with her family: husband - Scott and three children - Ian, Katie and Cami, and two dogs - Sparky and Rocky.