Meet our Staff

Join Our Team!

All positions are currently filled. However, if you’re interested in future opportunities, please feel free to submit your resume.

We’d love to have it on file for upcoming openings.

Brandolyn Than

I believe school choice is essential for fostering a vibrant, diverse educational landscape. Nevada Classical Academy Elko presents an unparalleled opportunity to create a school where students can be nurtured and supported to reach their full potential.

Credentials:

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Health. My background includes experience as a high school science teacher and serving as the Associate Director at Nevada Outdoor School.

Expertise:  

As a former microbiologist with the U.S. Department of the Army and the owner of Perspective Scientific Consulting, I bring a wealth of experience in science, research, and problem-solving. My expertise spans both practical and academic realms, equipping me with skills to support Nevada Classical Academy Elko’s mission of academic excellence.

Personal Passion:

In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, flat-water kayaking, quilting, solving puzzles, and reading. I have been married to my husband, Robby, for 27 years, and together, we have a young-adult son who works full-time as a cowboy.

Email Mrs. Than

Katherine Hearon

I chose to work for Nevada Classical Academy Elko because I find great joy in working within an educational environment—supporting students as they learn and growing alongside them. Their curiosity is inspiring, and I’m always eager to help however I can. I’m thrilled to be part of a school that values traditional, classical education.

Credentials:

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Associate’s Degrees in Automation Management and General Studies. My background also includes experience in Library Science and bookkeeping.

Personal Passion:

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, baking, cooking, reading, and hiking. I also spend time weaving baskets, making soap, and caring for my animals. I’m a lifelong book lover and dedicated collector—my home is often described as a library of its own, a love instilled by my family and teachers.

Email Ms. Hearon

Renee Denny

I love supporting kids and families, and NCAE’s focus on classical education, strong character, and individualized attention aligns with my personal values. After living in Elko for 14 years and raising my children here, I’m especially excited to help provide more educational choices for local families.

Credentials:
I previously taught Pre-K in a Christian school and have extensive experience supporting families of children with special needs. My background also includes nonprofit leadership, business administration, and program management.

Expertise:
My areas of expertise include early childhood development, family engagement, and support for children with special needs. I have a strong foundation in program coordination, staff mentoring, and team leadership, along with experience in administrative management, budget oversight, and community outreach. I’m passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments where children can thrive.

Additional Information & Experiences:
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping children and families—particularly within the special needs community—through both educational and nonprofit work. I enjoy building programs that make a meaningful difference and fostering collaboration between families and educators.

Personal Passion:
I love spending time outdoors, especially in nature with my family. My faith is central to my life, and I strive to bring that love and care into everything I do, both personally and professionally.

Cynthia Gonzalez

I believe NCAE is building a strong moral foundation in its students through the intentional structure and classical approach it offers. I’m proud to be part of a school that values rich academic content and character formation, and I’m excited to contribute to that mission each day.

Credentials:
While I do not currently hold a degree, I bring five years of experience in office administration and am passionate about continuing my education with the goal of becoming a counselor.

Expertise:
My professional strengths include administrative support, organization, and communication. I enjoy working in environments where I can help things run smoothly behind the scenes while also supporting students, staff, and families. I’m committed to creating a welcoming and efficient school environment.

Additional Information & Experiences:
I’ve worked in a variety of office settings and have developed a strong understanding of day-to-day operations, multitasking, and service-oriented support. I look forward to continuing to grow in the educational field and being part of a mission-driven school community.

Personal Passion:
I was born and raised in Elko, Nevada, and I’m a proud new mom to a cheerful, beautiful baby boy. In my free time, I enjoy being active—going to the gym, taking walks, traveling, and trying new foods. Most of all, I love spending time with my family and embracing each day with gratitude.

Shania Harris

I believe NCAE provides students with a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth. I’m honored to be part of a school that values the whole student—mind, heart, and character—and I’m excited to walk alongside them as they learn and thrive each day.

Credentials:
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University, as well as an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

Expertise:
With nearly ten years of experience in education, I’ve had the opportunity to work across preschool, elementary, and high school settings. My strengths include classroom instruction, student support, and adapting to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Additional Information & Experiences:
I began my teaching journey at Great Basin Child Center at 19 years old, where I quickly discovered my love for working with children. I taught there from 2016–2021 before joining the Elko County School District as a paraeducator at Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy from 2021–2023. Most recently, I taught an elementary class at Carlin Combined Schools, continuing to deepen my passion for education and student growth.

Personal Passion:
Outside of the classroom, I love being outdoors—camping, fishing, and boating. I also treasure time spent with my son, especially when we get to play video games together and make fun memories.

Delores Haynes

I chose NCAE because I was ready for something new and a positive change. I look forward to being part of a school community where I can continue to grow while also supporting students in their own learning journeys.

Credentials:
I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood and General Studies, as well as a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. I am currently working toward my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, which I will complete in March 2026.

Expertise:
I bring 28 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Over the years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of child development, teaching strategies, and the importance of building strong foundations in young learners.

Additional Information & Experiences:
I enjoy helping out wherever I’m needed and take every opportunity to learn something new. My career in education has been defined by a willingness to grow, adapt, and serve the children and families I work with.

Personal Passion:
My family means the world to me, and I love spending time with them. In my free time, I enjoy diamond painting, bowling, playing games, and making memories with those closest to me..

James Hedrick

I chose NCAE because of its rich academic content and exposure to classical material, from Renaissance paintings to literary masterpieces like A Tale of Two Cities. I am excited to be part of a school that values depth of learning and encourages a genuine love for knowledge.

Credentials:
I earned my teaching license from Great Basin College and am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. I have completed many courses in history and bring a strong passion for the subject to my teaching.

Expertise:
In addition to my background in history, I have developed a wide range of skills, including carpentry and computer repair. My diverse experiences allow me to bring creativity, problem-solving, and practical knowledge into the classroom.

Additional Information & Experiences:
Growing up in Elko, Nevada, I value the opportunity to serve the community where I was born and raised. My connection to the area and its families motivates me to contribute to a strong and thriving school environment.

Personal Passion:
Outside of teaching, I enjoy practicing martial arts, playing video games, studying history, and exploring languages. Learning in all its forms is something I deeply enjoy, and I bring that same excitement into my classroom..

Jennifer Koopman

I chose NCAE because my life has been dedicated to serving others—through military service, education, the non-profit sector, pastoral ministry, and healthcare. Being part of a school that values character, knowledge, and service gives me another meaningful way to continue that mission.

Credentials:
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Great Basin College. I am licensed by the Nevada Department of Education as both a School Nurse and a Substitute Teacher, and I maintain current CPR-BLS certification. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Chaplaincy and Divinity at Liberty University and have also studied at Whitworth University as a Commissioned Ruling Elder. In addition, I served as a Commissioned Lay Pastor with the Presbytery of Nevada from 2023–2024. I am a certified PREPARE/ENRICH Program Facilitator, authorized to solemnize marriages in Elko County, and trained in suicide awareness (safeTalk) and domestic violence prevention through the North America Learning Institute.

Expertise:
I bring more than 20 years of healthcare experience, including leadership roles as Director of Physician Recruitment, Relations, and Outreach for our local hospital, where I developed and executed strategic planning for physician and hospital services. I also served Veteran students at Great Basin College as the Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official and Coordinator for the Veterans Resource Center, helping them pursue and achieve their educational goals. Beyond healthcare and education, I have extensive experience in the non-profit sector, both as the founder of a non-profit and as Interim Executive Director of a local organization.

Additional Information & Experiences:
I am a proud United States Coast Guard veteran, and my time in service continues to shape how I lead, serve, and support others. My work across healthcare, education, and ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to helping people grow and thrive.

Megan Marrs

I have had the privilege of teaching within the Classical Curriculum throughout my entire career, and it has continually deepened my appreciation for the richness of knowledge it provides students. Through timeless works, rigorous thinking, and meaningful discussions, I have seen how this approach cultivates not only intellectual growth, but also character and virtue. Teaching classically allows students to encounter truth, beauty, and goodness in ways that shape both their minds and their hearts, preparing them to lead lives of wisdom and integrity.

I chose to teach at NCAE because it embodies this vision of education. The school offers a unique opportunity to create a space where students are challenged academically while also being supported socially. At NCAE, students are welcomed and valued for who they are, while being encouraged to grow into the best version of themselves. My personal goal is to foster an environment where students feel safe, respected, and inspired. I strive to build strong relationships, guide students in developing virtues and moral character, and nurture a genuine love for learning.

Credentials:
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and am a Licensed Cosmetologist in Nevada. In addition, I have completed 50 hours of training in Literacy Essentials, 7 hours with the Institute for Excellence in Writing, 25 hours in the Singapore Math Curriculum, and 4 hours in Socratic Seminar.

Expertise:
My teaching career began in February 2022 as a substitute teacher at Founders Classical Academy of Las Vegas, where I taught Elementary PE and a Sophomore Health class. From August through November 2022, I completed my student teaching before moving into a full-time role teaching 4th grade at Founders from November 2022 through May 2025. I am now honored to be teaching 3rd grade at NCAE.

Additional Information & Experiences:
Alongside my teaching career, I have been a Licensed Cosmetologist for 15 years and worked for five years as a receptionist at my local church. These experiences strengthened my communication, organizational, and people skills, which I carry into my classroom each day.

Personal Passion:
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I met my husband during high school. We have shared life’s journey for 16 years and have been married for 12 of those years. Together we are raising two wonderful children—our daughter Mikala, who is beginning her freshman year of high school, and our son Jayce, who is entering 3rd grade at NCAE. Our family recently relocated to Elko to pursue our dream of cultivating a small homestead. This new chapter has allowed us to embrace rural life, raising ranch animals and stewarding land where our children can grow up surrounded by both responsibility and beauty.

Heather Mentaberry

I was drawn to NCAE because of its time-tested curriculum and the strong values it upholds. What truly set it apart for me is the holistic approach to education—one that nurtures not just the mind, but also the body and spirit. NCAE doesn’t just prepare students to graduate; it helps guide them toward discovering their purpose. The school’s values closely align with my own, and I am grateful to teach in a place that prioritizes character and whole-person development alongside academics.

Credentials:
I was born and raised in Elko and graduated from Elko High School before earning my nursing degree from Great Basin College. My healthcare career began at St. Luke’s in Boise, where I worked in both the oncology and neonatal intensive care units. After returning to Elko to be closer to family, I transitioned into education so I could continue caring for others while also balancing my children’s schedule. I earned a dual license in Elementary and Secondary Special Education from Western Governors University and have taught at both Elko High School and the Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy.

Expertise:
I bring a diverse professional background that combines healthcare and education. My experience includes critical care nursing (oncology and NICU), dual licensure in elementary and secondary special education, and teaching both high school students and at-risk youth. I have a strong focus on social-emotional learning and whole-child education, ensuring that students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Additional Information & Experiences:
My transition from nursing to teaching was guided by my desire to continue caring for people in a meaningful way—one that shapes lives and futures. I bring empathy, structure, and a deep personal investment to my classroom each day, helping students grow in character as well as knowledge.

Personal Passion:
I am a proud mother of four beautiful children. Caring for others has always been at the heart of who I am—whether through nursing, teaching, or parenting. I love spending time with my kids, being in nature, traveling, reading, and caring for animals. I feel honored to help students grow in ways that prepare them for purposeful, fulfilling lives.

Paige Rockwell

I love the structure of NCAE and its pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. Being part of a school that values these timeless principles allows me to help students grow not only in knowledge but also in character.

Credentials:
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Expertise:
My teaching experience includes working with English Language Learners as well as teaching 3rd grade. These roles have allowed me to support students in developing both foundational skills and a love for learning.

Additional Information & Experiences:
In addition to teaching, I coached softball at Elko High School for five years. Coaching gave me the opportunity to mentor students outside the classroom and encourage teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Personal Passion:
Outside of school, I love playing pickleball. It’s one of my favorite ways to stay active, connect with others, and have fun.

Chynna Shaner

I’m drawn to NCAE because I truly believe in the power of classical education. I love the idea of using time-tested methods and foundational principles to help children grow into thoughtful, capable individuals. It’s a beautiful way to cultivate both character and knowledge.

Credentials
While I do not hold formal teaching credentials, I bring valuable real-world experience. I previously ran my own in-home daycare and, as a dedicated mother, I have gained hands-on understanding of early childhood development, learning styles, and the importance of nurturing young minds.

Expertise
My strengths lie in creating a structured, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. I am experienced in managing routines, guiding behavior with patience and consistency, and encouraging learning through play, conversation, and exploration. I bring organization, empathy, and dedication to everything I do.

Additional Information & Experiences
Running my own daycare taught me to balance structure with flexibility, manage multiple children of different ages, and communicate effectively with parents. I have also volunteered with homeschool groups and community events focused on education and child development, further strengthening my commitment to serving children and families.

Personal Passion
I’m a hands-on, heart-led person who loves creating memories with my family and learning alongside my children. I am passionate about helping kids thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Katie Ward

I find great value in a holistic approach to education. The mission of NCAE fully supports teaching the whole child—challenging students academically, developing their sense of civic responsibility, and guiding them toward a deep understanding of what it means to live virtuously.

Credentials:
I hold an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English Language Acquisition and Development. I am also currently pursuing a Master of Education in Instructional Design.

Expertise:
My teaching experience includes six years in Pre-Kindergarten and serving as a 2nd grade interventionist. These roles have allowed me to support early learning as well as provide targeted instruction to help students succeed.

Additional Information & Experiences:
My background has given me insight into the importance of building strong foundations for young learners while also tailoring support to individual student needs. I bring patience, dedication, and a love of lifelong learning to the classroom.

Personal Passion:
Outside of school, I stay busy with a very active blended family of seven children, ages 11–16, who all play sports. I also volunteer with a youth cheer league, so when I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me at the field. As a family, we love to hike, kayak, and spend time outdoors with our dogs.