ABOUT US

Annette Runion, Art Teacher

My name is Annette Runion and I teach Kinder-8th Grade Art. It is my joy to educate, encourage, and weave Jesus’ gift of creativity into our students. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I started teaching Art at Trinity Christian Academy in 2009. I grew up in San Antonio learning the Arts through singing, dancing, and community theatre. I continue my Art education with classes from the Southwest School of Arts. It is my privilege to teach Art at Trinity Christian Academy and Bracken Christian Schools. My teaching philosophy comes from encouraging students to appreciate God’s creation through art history, technique, and inspiration for their own pieces. Students create unique works of art using the artist’s technique through painting, pastels, and sculpting. We work on collaborative projects for all the grades throughout the year. I enjoy spending time with my husband of 20 years and our two children, creating sculptures and finding new projects for my students. We currently attend Community Bible Church. We know it pleases God immensely when we create works of art to glorify Him. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Patricia Martinez, Third Grade

My name is Patricia Martinez. I am married and have two grown daughters. My family and I love the Lord, and we have attended the same church since 1983. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a Bilingual Endorsement from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. I have been ministering at Trinity Christian Academy as a third grade teacher since 2005. While teaching at TCA, I have enjoyed the closeness that is shared between the faculty members, the administration, and the Academy families. My favorite part of teaching at the third grade level is introducing the Writing Process. Through the Writing Process, the students learn the steps of writing book reports. They enjoy the special projects they experience when presenting their reports to the class. Some of the book report projects include poster board reports, dioramas, “Book in a Bag” and dressing up as American Heroes.

Di Quarles, Computer Teacher

I have been blessed to be a part of Trinity Christian Academy since July 2000. I began as a librarian and then became the Computer teacher for 2nd through 6th grade in 2012. I also teach Distance Learning classes, and I am the Health Coordinator. In computer class, students learn how to be good digital citizens. We cover many aspects of computer technology, including typing, coding, G Suite, Office applications, and how to search the internet safely and efficiently. These subjects are taught through age-appropriate activities. What I love so much about working here at TCA is the wonderful support from my fellow teachers, staff, and administrators. It is true that there is a wonderful family atmosphere here. We really care deeply about our students, parents, and each other. What a blessing to see students grow over the years and see them succeed in a variety of disciplines. I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior as a freshman in high school. I graduated from Pacific Christian College, now Hope International University, with a BA in Christian Education. I have been married to my wonderful husband Howard since 1982. My family also includes two grown children, Katherine and Jonathan, and an adorable mutt named Milo that we took in from the street. I currently attend Trinity Church and serve on the worship team behind the scenes in the sound room.

Karen Silvia, Fifth Grade

Welcome to Trinity Christian Academy! I am Karen Silvia and am thrilled to teach 5th grade here at TCA. My husband, Mitch, and I are members here at Trinity Church. We have four children and 5 grandchildren. I attended both Texas A&M and Texas State University where I received my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an endorsement in Reading. This is my 17th year in education with the first 16 being in the public school setting. I have taught 3rd- 5th grade during my first 12 years as a teacher and spent the last 4 years as an Instructional Coach. As a teacher, I partner with parents in preparing my students to grow into knowledgeable, prepared, and productive citizens- academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I want every child to recognize their God- given gifts and talents and to confidently use them to enhance our learning community and others. Together, we will learn, grow, and celebrate our successes. I strive to provide engaging lessons which pique my students’ interest and help them to see the relevance of what they are learning and how it applies to their own lives. We will utilize authentic brain- based learning experiences and a variety of learning styles to promote critical thinking, reflection, and creativity. After working in the public school arena for so long, I love that I now have the freedom to integrate God’s truth and His character with all the academic disciplines. Children (and teachers) no longer have to compartmentalize their learning and their faith. As a parent, a verse that I hung onto is Deuteronomy 11: 18- 19-- “ Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; …..Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” It is an incredible privilege, and responsibility, to be able to extend this verse into my classroom on a daily basis.

Ivette Velazquez, Music/ Spanish Teacher

Blessings, my name is Ivette Velazquez. I have a passion for teaching Music and Spanish. I believe that every student is unique and special; a fingerprint of God. I strive to make a difference in each student’s achievement by integrating music into every area of education. I aim to make music class a fun and hands on experience with different instruments in the classroom. I possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Music Education from the University of Puerto Rico; a BA-BS in Business Administration and Human Resources Management from Colorado Technical University, and a PhD in Christian Counseling. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Music Education from Liberty University. Music is my passion, my second language. In my classes, we work on the National standards in music that bring out creativity, movements, music reading, and singing. Our 4th graders concentrate on recorders in preparation for 5th grade Band. The curriculum for music at TCA is rigorous and provides multicultural experience for the students. Spanish is a beautiful language to learn. It can open many doors and opportunities for our students. TCA has integrated Spanish in their curriculum for Elementary and Middle school grades which enables students to learn the language from a beginner’s stage and accelerates to advanced Spanish in 6th, 7th, 8th grades. The use of great books, emphasis on pronunciation, pictures, games, flashcards, dialogues, pantomimes, conversational Spanish and grammar are part of this great curriculum. I am elated and ecstatic to work for TCA because the academic standards are set high and Christian Character is cultivated. TCA gives me the freedom and opportunity to praise God, pray, meditate in God’s word and talk about God’s great love and creation. TCA has an excellent, professional, caring and loving Staff and a passionate principal that has great love for everyone.

Alejandra Gallardo, Student Accounts Representative

Jaime Bailey, MS Domestic Arts

My name is Jaime Bailey, and I am the Domestic Arts teacher here at Trinity Christian Academy. I grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Mac Arthur High School. I went on to college at Oklahoma Christian University where I received a bachelors in Elementary Education. Right after high school, I met my husband, Ben, and we were married in 1999. We have three children who have all attend TCA. I have 10 years teaching experience in elementary school, preschool, and tutoring. I was thrilled to come into the classroom part time teaching Domestic Arts. What a joy to combine two of my favorite things - homemaking and teaching. I am so blessed to share these passions with my students. Domestic Arts is an elective class where students explore the many facets of maintaining a home. We learn how to cook, sew, clean, babysit, basic household economics and budgeting, party planning, etiquette, and so much more. Students learn very practical life skills that they will need in order to successfully live on their own someday. My class is full of fun and hands-on activities. Being a part of the TCA family is truly a joy. I love working in an environment where God is the center, students are loved, and parents are a priority.

Andrea Claybrook, Registrar

Diane Boren, Librarian

I began serving at Trinity Christian Academy in 1990, the year my son began attending school here. My daughter began attending TCA the following year. I have served at TCA in many capacities. I began with after school care and helping in the cafeteria. I soon became friends with the librarian, Mrs. Harmon, and when her aide left I stepped in to take her place. I am now serving as the main librarian. I have also worked with the Summer Camp Program at TCA. At the age of 16, I gave my heart to Jesus and began my walk with Him under the Pastoral leadership of Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Church in Santa Anna, California. I grew up in Southern California, but I married a “Texas guy” in 1972. This eventually resulted in us moving to San Antonio. I now attend Community Bible Church. My background prior to TCA has included ten years in Banking which resulted in being a department head and two years as a Preschool teacher. I enjoy working with children, love to read, and find joy in leading others to Jesus. My job is a joy and a blessing here at Trinity Christian Academy.

Mitch Silvia, P.E. Teacher, Tennis Coach

We are pleased to announce Mitch Silvia will be the new P.E. Coach and Athletic Director starting this fall at TCA. Mitch has worked with children from Preschool- 12th grade all his adult life. After earning a B.A. degree in Theology/Sociology from Oral Roberts University he worked with Middle School kids at Trinity Church for an internship and then overseas in Augsburg, Germany for 3 years directing outreach ministry to Middle and High Schoolers of U.S Military families and volunteered coaching various sports. After earning a K-12 teacher certification in Physical Education from UTSA, he was an elementary P.E. Coach in the Judson ISD for 15 years before an opportunity opened up to become a Children's Pastor. For the last 8 years Mitch has served as the full-time Children's Pastor at Trinity Church. Mitch has a heart for kids and is so excited God has opened the door for him to return to being a P.E. Coach here at TCA.

Kay Williams, First Grade

I am Kay Williams, and I am the 1st-grade teacher at Trinity Christian Academy. I love children, and I love to teach them. I have taught for over 25 years at various grade levels, which include Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade. I have a BA degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and am working toward my Master’s Degree. I am married to Sanford Williams who serves as one of the Associate Pastors on the Trinity Church pastoral staff. We have two amazing children and five delightful and talented grandchildren. My classroom has several dimensions which I work very hard to maintain. First, on my list is Biblical integration into all core curriculum. The understanding of Jesus and His teachings is mandatory for building a strong foundation for children. Secondly, I want to instill in each child the wonder of learning, the joy of wanting “to know.” That is accomplished by having lessons that interest and challenge each student. Thirdly, my mode of behavior modification is based on I Corinthians 13 which is the Love Chapter. Everything we do or say should be exemplary of the Love of Jesus. I am very dedicated to the mission of giving children the very best academic education and equally as dedicated to teaching them the Bible and how to put the Word of God into practice in their lives. I teach because it is my vocation and my avocation. I am passionate about the classroom and try to make it a place that each child looks forward to attending. I try to create a homelike welcoming décor. The classroom also includes a Science research center to encourage experimentation, an art center to encourage creativity, manipulatives to encourage students to engineer various creations and a Math Center to encourage problem-solving.

Jeanette Brown, Kindergarten

My name is Jeanette Brown, and I am blessed to teach kindergarten here at Trinity Christian Academy. I always knew I wanted to work with children in one way or another and went to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to become a teacher. I graduated in 1997 and have been teaching Pre-K to 1st grade ever since. I landed in Kindergarten, what seems like a million years ago, and found it is my favorite grade to teach. I love teaching all subjects but especially reading. In 2008, I graduated with a Masters in Reading from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I married my wonderful husband, Travis, in June of 2015, and we are expanding our family by fostering to adopt. I can honestly say that fostering to adopt is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I have loved every minute with my children and would not give back one day. When not at school I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and traveling to the Colorado Mountains every summer. When you walk into my classroom you will notice right away that it is very colorful and focused on the children in it. I have student artwork everywhere, their names are in several places, and there are lots of things to do. My room is a safe place for the students to learn in and to express their feelings. I believe that learning should be fun, loud at times, and sometimes messy. I feel it is my job to not only teach academics, but to also teach my children about God and His love for us. When my student’s leave my class not only are they fully prepared for first grade, they also have developed a true love for Jesus. I love teaching at Trinity Christian Academy because it is my second family. When I came to teach in 2004, I knew that God put me here for a very important reason. I love knowing that my co-workers, students, and families are praying for my day and my personal needs. I believe that Christian Education is successful when the parents, the church they attend, and the teacher are all on the same page and teaching the same principles. I truly feel this is what we do at TCA.

Noemy Rico, Fourth Grade

My name is Noemy Rico, and I teach 4th grade at TCA. I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2011. I am married to my wonderful husband, Vince Rico, and we have a sweet little girl named Hadassah Hope Rico. I enjoy reading, painting, serving in my church and going to the park with my family. I love teaching because I enjoy investing in the next generation and teaching them about God’s word. I strive to have a welcoming and loving classroom. We engage in fun hands-on activities that reinforce our daily lessons from Bible all the way to Math. Teaching at Trinity Christian Academy is a blessing. We strive to foster a family environment and an open door policy. We have a wonderful staff and all the families that choose Trinity Christian Academy as their home are welcomed with open arms. We aim to lock arms with parents to help shape and encourage their children in the ways of the Lord and academic success.

Chris Belyeu, Head of School

I have a heart to practice innovative educational leadership to facilitate teachers and help students identify their God-given gifts, train them to steward those gifts wisely with strong Christian character, and allow God to use them to fulfill the Great Commission to take the Gospel to all the world.

Robin Davenport, Secondary Teacher

My name is Robin Davenport. My husband and I live here in San Antonio and we have two children and five grandchildren. San Antonio has been my home for the past 36 years. Education is a big part of my life. I enjoy students and the learning process. Most of my life I have been in a school and spent my time with kids. I find fulfillment and enjoyment knowing that I can be a small part of helping others be successful. We serve the Lord in a church close to our home. I serve on the praise team and sing in a ladies ensemble. I look forward to serving here at Trinity Christian Academy.

Chrissie Belyeu, Second Grade

Chrissie has been a Christian educator for 20 years, mostly as a secondary and elementary classroom teacher and most recently as an assistant principal. She received two undergraduate degrees from Family of Faith Christian University in Secondary English and in Church Ministry. She is currently working to complete her Master's degree in education as well. Mrs. Belyeu demonstrates a strong, sincere love for her students, is committed to strengthening home-school connections, and desires to help young men and women grow into the destiny to which God has gifted and called them.

Rhonda Stein, Secondary Math Teacher

Hello, my name is Rhonda Stein, and I've taught in the San Antonio area for 33 years.My husband, Kevon, and I serve actively in our church ministering to men and women, and I participate in the choir. I love teaching the students Math using an approach which is creative and allows the students to explore mathematical concepts using a variety of tools and techniques. As we use play dough to create examples of positive and negative integers in the real world to learning the traditional methods of problem solving, the students are encouraged to think about God's greatness and creation of Math as seen in Biblical examples. My goal is to guide each student to reaching their fullest potential in our Lord, becoming a lifelong learner, and develop an appreciation for Math and its various uses in our world.

Heather Slater, Secondary Teacher

Hi, I'm Mrs. Slater. I have been teaching in Texas since 2009. I grew up in Spring Branch Texas on a Farm. I taught at Fort Stockton HS for 2 years, Incarnate Word All Girls Catholic HS for 4 years. I was blessed enough to have taken off the last 3 ½ years to raise my sweet baby girl Ella Grace. She is currently 3 ½ years old. I missed the classroom very much and am honored to be a partner in teaching here at Trinity Christian Academy. My undergraduate degree is from University of Texas San Antonio. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Physics. I am certified Science 8-12 Composite and qualified to teach 6th and 7th grade Science. I have coached Cross Country for 6 years and Girls Basketball for 2 years in Fort Stockton. My philosophy is to teach from the heart while allowing students to discover their own abilities to be a scholar and positive Christian leader in our school community.