Faculty
If you visited Veritas Collegiate Academy and strolled down the hall between classes, or if you lingered in the cafeteria during lunch, you would see teachers and students talking together. You would hear teachers and students talking not just about their classes, but about their lives and about their faith. Here at Veritas Collegiate Academy we have teachers who pray for their students and care about them personally. One of the best things about a school of our size is that the teachers can get to know every student. In our small classes, your child will never be just a number.
"Christ is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:28-29
Mr Kiffer is proud to be the 5th and 6th grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. He began his teaching career at Georgetown University while being a full-time PhD candidate in the history department (degree in progress). He later transitioned to teaching the later stages of grammar school, where he has taken great pleasure in fostering pupils’ nascent independent thinking and analytical skills while taking advantage of their natural high energy and enthusiasm for learning.
Mr Kiffer is proud to be the 5th and 6th grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. He began his teaching career at Georgetown University while being a full-time PhD candidate in the history department (degree in progress). He later transitioned to teaching the later stages of grammar school, where he has taken great pleasure in fostering pupils’ nascent independent thinking and analytical skills while taking advantage of their natural high energy and enthusiasm for learning.
Mr Kiffer is proud to be the 5th and 6th grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. He began his teaching career at Georgetown University while being a full-time PhD candidate in the history department (degree in progress). He later transitioned to teaching the later stages of grammar school, where he has taken great pleasure in fostering pupils’ nascent independent thinking and analytical skills while taking advantage of their natural high energy and enthusiasm for learning.
Ms. Velasquez
Ginny Paige Velasquez recently moved from London, England, where she researched the benefits of Classical Education in a postmodern context. Before studying abroad, she taught elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee, where she enjoyed creating a nurturing environment that fostered both excellence and community. She is delighted to join the Veritas community as a Kindergarten teacher and looks forward to seeing her students grow in knowledge and in their understanding of God’s love.
Mrs. Kanthula
Majoring in Elementary & Early Childhood Education at Oral Roberts University and University of Hawai'i, Laura Kanthula spent the summers of her undergraduate years serving in schools in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and enrolled at Beijing Language and Culture University. She is delighted to ensure our 1st grade students love learning and approach life with wonder.
Mrs. Maxwell
Joanna Maxwell is the 2nd grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. She holds a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from University of Adam Mickiewicz in PoznaÅ„, Poland. She began teaching in the 1990s. When she wasn’t working as a teacher, she was volunteering in her own children’s classrooms. She believes teaching is a life-long vocation, taking care of whatever educational, emotional, and developmental needs students have.
Mrs. Andrews
Amy Andrews is delighted to teach 3rd and 4th grade. She graduated from Liberty University with a K-8 Elementary Education degree and continued her training at George Mason University, earning her Master of Education degree with Reading Specialization. After homeschooling her three children and directing a local Classical Conversations community, she was grateful to join the Veritas family. She enjoys directing the Awana Club at her church and spends her free time gardening and baking.
Mrs. Neal
Alexandra Neal is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for shaping young minds. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University, she went on to build an impactful career in secondary education, where she has been teaching for the past eight years. Currently, she serves as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy, where her commitment to her students shines through in the classroom.
Mr. Kiffer
Phil Kiffer is proud to be the 5th and 6th grade teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. He began his teaching career at Georgetown University while being a full-time PhD candidate in the history department (degree in progress). He later transitioned to teaching the later stages of grammar school, where he has taken great pleasure in fostering pupils’ nascent independent thinking and analytical skills while taking advantage of their natural high energy and enthusiasm for learning.
Ms. Elgut
As a passionate advocate for the arts of thinking, reasoning, and writing, Rebekah Elgut is dedicated to cultivating these essential skills in her students. A proud alumna of Veritas School, Rebekah earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has a deep passion for the arts, serving as a Theater Director where she brings stories to life on stage. This love for the arts enriches her teaching, inspiring students to think creatively and express themselves fully.
Mr. Wahler
Mr. Wahler is a Virginia native. Prior to receiving his MBA from Longwood University, he graduated with a B.S. from James Madison University. He teaches a variety of social studies courses under the AP curriculum. He previously taught for a decade across South America and Asia where he spent the majority of his time teaching AP subjects at international schools. Mr. Wahler is ecstatic about illustrating the interdisciplinary connections between social sciences so that students develop a holistic understanding of how humans rationalize their decisions.
Mr. Hunt
Matthew Hunt is passionate about two things: ancient and modern languages and the Bible. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature from Georgia State University. He is now working on a master’s degree in Latin literature from Kent State University. He has taught both in the United States and in Spain.
Mrs. Sumner
Carissa Sumner has a bachelor's in Childhood Education from Houghton College and a master's in Literacy Education from City College New York. She taught for five years in New York City Public Schools, where her classroom was part of Columbia University's Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. The most important thing she wants to teach her students is the love of Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Cako
Mrs. Çako, a science educator with over 32 years of experience, holds a bachelor’s in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Gjirokastër, in Albania, and a master’s in Education and Leadership from Liberty University. She teaches biology and chemistry, fostering students’ curiosity. A translator, proofreader, and author of educational materials, she remains committed to advancing student learning and academic excellence.
Mr. Song
Edward Song teaches computer science. He has a master's degree in Computer Science from New York University. He views the rigorous, logical structure of computer science as the perfect vehicle for developing problem-solving skills in his students.
Dr. Gertz
Steven Gertz teaches ancient and medieval Omnibus classes as well as AP history courses. He holds a PhD in Theological and Religious Studies from Georgetown University as well as master's degrees in Islamic studies from the universities of Oxford and Edinburgh. He also has a bachelor's in history from Wheaton College (IL), with a focus on church history. In addition to teaching at Veritas, Dr. Gertz serves as a professor of Theology at his alma mater of Georgetown University.
Mrs. Chapman
Madame Chapman is the French teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy. A native of France, she earned her degree in Business from the Université Paris-Sorbonne. She is passionate about languages, about her Christian faith and about instilling the love of French culture and of the French language to her students. She homeschooled her five children and taught homeschooled students for many years.
Mr. Lee
Mr Lee is the current art teacher. During his undergraduate years at Pratt Institute, his choice of studies was in the field of industrial design. However, after receiving his bachelor’s degree in industrial design, he decided to continue his journey of becoming a professional and inspiring art instructor to the new generation of students and has successfully acquired his master’s degree in art education in Teachers college Columbia university.
Mr. Schwertfeger
Scott Schwertfeger completed his studies under distinguished teachers Dr. Nels Leonard (West Liberty University), a friend and student of renowned international artist Andrés Segovia (and one of the worlds foremost, classical guitarists), and Stephen Aron (Oberlin Conservatory/ University of Akron). Upon graduation Scott served as lecturer on the faculty of Bethany College, and teacher of classical guitar at Cleveland Institute of Music.
Mr. Higgins
William Higgins has come to know the surpassing value of a deep literary education. He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Classics from Samford University and a master's in Political Science from Boston College. In his classes at Veritas he teaches students to read, write, and speak well in order that they may become persuasive communicators and life-long learners.
Dr. Tong
Wenjing Tong grew up in China. He studied medicine at Beijing Medical University. He studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the graduate level at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Before coming to Veritas, he conducted biomedical research for over twenty years at the University of Miami and Johns Hopkins University.
Ms. Zhai
Congyun Zhai trained as a teacher with a focus on Chinese History. She holds a certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. She taught high school in Beijing before moving to the U.S. With over ten years of experience in the U.S. teaching K–12 students and AP Chinese, she helps Veritas Academy students develop their Chinese language skills and gain a deeper appreciation for Asian history and diverse cultures.
Mr. Thrash
Michael Thrash is passionate about inspiring the next generation to understand a Christian worldview, think critically, and embrace learning. He has a background in training and leadership. His goal is to motivate students to pursue lives of honor. He loves working with students as they step into new seasons of responsibility.
Mr. Melgar
Mr. Melgar is an exceptional P.E. teacher at Veritas Collegiate Academy, known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to fostering a love for physical activity in his students. With a knack for making every lesson engaging, he seamlessly blends fun, teamwork, and skill-building into activities that cater to all ability levels.
Mrs. Menora
​Diane has a passion for the kids at Veritas to find a love for learning and have fun while doing it. With a bachelors and masters degree she spent her time before Veritas for many years as a Congressional Aid on Capitol Hill. She and her family have been long time residents in the Washington DC metro area. Diane, her husband and their son, are very involved in the Scouting America Organization and she enjoys cheering on Veritas growing athletics programs.
Mr. Boichot
Allen Boichot, a US Navy Veteran with over 40 years of IT experience, supports the academy's lunch program and enhances security to create a safer learning environment. Initially contemplating retirement, he found a new vision upon joining the academy. Grateful to God, he’s humbled to be part of an amazing faculty and excited to provide new educational opportunities for students and staff.
Ms. Harris
Kiere A. Harris is the kindergarten teaching assistant. She is from Washington, DC. She developed a love for teaching when she began working in early childhood development. She is excited to help your children learn and grow.