Our Team

Lisa Schade, CEO, brings a dynamic blend of business acumen and non-profit expertise to her leadership role at Trinity School. Her experience spans various industries, emphasizing organizational management, strategic planning, and financial stewardship. Under her guidance, Trinity has transformed into a center of excellence, focusing on diverse learners’ needs. With her leadership, Trinity remains dedicated to inclusivity for students with learning differences, significantly expanding faculty and staff, academic programs, and student opportunities, ensuring a holistic education and a more enriching experience. Throughout her career, Lisa has sat on numerous boards and championed initiatives addressing societal challenges and enriching the community.

Lisa and her husband, Michael, live near OU’s campus in Norman with their daughter Genevieve.

Mike Smith is our Head of School and Head of Operations and Administration. Mike also manages our student services team, creating meaningful enrichment programs for our students.

Mike joined Trinity with extensive experience. He began his career in education in 1996 as a high school social studies teacher and football coach. In addition, he served as a school administrator in Oklahoma, both as an Assistant High School Principal and a Middle School Principal.

Mike is a certified administrator, principal, and 7th-12th-grade teacher. He earned his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and his Master’s in Educational Administration from SWOSU. He is a current Doctoral student at Liberty University with an emphasis in Educational Leadership.

Mike’s wife Ann is a State Farm agent in Edmond, and together they have two children, Samantha and Terry. In his free time, Mike enjoys taking trips to the mountains with family and spending time building hand-crafted wood furniture and decor in his shop.

Shelli Thomas is Trinity School’s Upper Division Head. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and Certified Dyslexia Therapist. She is very experienced at remediating students who have dyslexia. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and she has been with Trinity School since 2007.
Shelli has taught various subjects and grade levels. The majority of her teaching career has been devoted to helping students improve their reading skills. Teaching children to read has always been her passion! Shelli is always the first to jump in with field trips, activities, and just about anything that helps Trinity students grow. She is a mentor for new teachers at Trinity and a resource to organizations and families dealing with learning differences.

Shelli has three sons and four grandchildren. Her youngest son is a graduate of Trinity School and has a bachelor of fine arts from Oklahoma Christian University. She credits the teachers he had at Trinity for giving him the tools he needed to be successful. Shelli loves horses, sports, and Peanuts. Trinity students recently assembled a Snoopy puzzle for her that hangs in our reading therapy room.

Laura Sheriff joined Trinity School in October 2026 as Chief Financial & Operations Officer, bringing more than 30 years of experience in finance, human resources, operations, and organizational leadership. Her career includes extensive service in the nonprofit sector, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, where she helped strengthen financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, and strategic initiatives supporting nonprofits across Oklahoma.

Laura holds a degree in Finance and is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is passionate about building healthy organizational cultures, developing people, and creating systems that allow organizations to thrive. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, accountability, and the belief that investing in people is essential to organizational success.

Laura loves supporting teachers and is particularly drawn to Trinity's mission of creating a place where students who may not have found success or a sense of belonging in traditional educational settings can feel understood, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. She believes every child deserves an environment where their unique strengths are recognized and celebrated. At Trinity, she is committed to ensuring the school's resources, people, and operations support that mission and foster a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Laura and her husband have been married for more than 30 years and have three children and two grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and her 3 dogs, practicing yoga, and serving her community.
 

Dr. Andrews is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and is a licensed clinical psychologist and health services provider. Her practice focuses on pediatric neuropsychology, and she provides clinical services to children and teenagers with a wide variety of developmental and neurological concerns.

Ariel Austin graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU. Her education career started as a paraprofessional in a special education K-3 classroom. After completing her Bachelor's degree she took a classroom teaching position in that same classroom. Ariel’s love for special education stemmed from her experience helping her youngest child navigate school as a child with ADHD, both in public school and homeschooling. Her classroom philosophy is that every student should have the ability to be taught in a way they learn best and she loves incorporating different learning styles into her teaching.

Ariel resides in Yukon with her husband, daughter and two dogs. Fun fact, before she started teaching, Ariel made the USA Today Bestsellers list writing under a ‘secret agent’ name. She has a lifelong love of reading and writing, which was reflected in her success as an author. When Ariel isn’t in her classroom, she enjoys either laying out in the pool or traveling the world.

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Mackenzie joined the Trinity team in the summer of 2021 as our Chef & Head of Child Nutrition. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma, where she was a walk-on for the Track and Field team.

Upon graduating, she joined the 4HIM Healing Hands nonprofit, ministering to children and young adults in Togo and Sierra Leone, West Africa, working in two children’s orphanages.

Mackenzie became the second female to complete the three-year culinary apprenticeship at The Coach House in Oklahoma City. Mackenzie has spent 10 years in the restaurant industry, learning various roles. First, as menu developer/Executive Chef for Coolgreens in Nichols Hills, OK. Then, she moved on to Washington D.C. to work at Komi Restaurant, a Michelin Star restaurant. She then moved to Boulder, Colorado, where Meadowlark Farm Dinners worked out of a school bus-turned 5-star kitchen. Mackenzie then moved back to OKC, where she became Executive Chef at The Lobby Bar and Tasting Room and eventually became the Chef de Cuisine at The Jones Assembly.

While back in Oklahoma, Mackenzie has worked in the oil and gas industry, sales, and as a private chef/caterer for five years. During the time back, she coached a girls basketball team for two years. She has recently pursued her love for painting and is currently the prayer pastor at The Table OKC.

She loves nature and adventure, hot yoga, cooking for friends and family, reading, writing, learning new things, her dog Luna. She is excited to become an aunt for the first time!

She loves nature and adventure, hot yoga, cooking for friends and family, reading, writing, learning new things, her dog Luna, and is about to be an aunt for the first time.

Zach teaches elementary physical education and 7th grade math at Trinity. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from Northeastern State University. During his educational journey, he has obtained the CSCS credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and his parkour teaching certification through Adapt qualifications. Zach also played 15 years with the Tulsa Rugby Club and has trained and taught parkour for the past decade. 
 

Tom Bliss, a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, initially aspired to attend the Air Force Academy to fulfill his passion for flying. Overcoming learning difficulties, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kent State University, eventually joining the Air Force as a First Lieutenant.

Throughout his 30-year Air Force career, Tom accumulated over 6,000 flying hours, serving in notable roles, including Commander of the E3 in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. Post-retirement, he spent 14 years in Financial Services before returning to education through Troops for Teachers.

Tom’s dedication led him to roles in Jefferson Middle School, the Edmond School District, and Emerson South, teaching Science and supporting disadvantaged students. Despite attempted retirements, he continued at Christian Heritage Academy.

Passionate about teaching children with learning difficulties, inspired by his twin grandsons, Tom is committed to providing the best education with love and kindness. Married to Glenda, they have seven grandchildren and two grown children in Edmond, except for a son stationed in Italy.

Now part of Trinity’s staff, Tom ensures every ounce of energy goes into making children successful. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and quality moments with his grandchildren while tending to their backyard pool.

Julie Brooks serves as Head of Development at Trinity School, where she leads efforts to expand the school’s reach, strengthen community and philanthropic partnerships, and build sustainable support for its mission of serving neurodiverse students. A former Trinity educator, she brings a unique perspective to her role, combining firsthand classroom experience with a deep understanding of the individualized support students need to thrive. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has more than fifteen years of experience in education.

Julie’s professional background spans education, nonprofit leadership, development, and community engagement. She has contributed to curriculum development through writing and leading a writing team for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, served as Director of Special Campus Events at the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation, and held leadership roles in growth and development for nonprofit and community organizations. Throughout her career, she has focused on building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and connecting people and resources to strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Julie lives in Edmond with her husband, Billy, a retired U.S. Army veteran who served for more than 20 years and earned his master’s degree in business during his military career.  Together they partner as real estate agents for LRE Realty in the state of  Oklahoma. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.
 

Noell is thrilled to join the team at Trinity. As an experienced educator with over a decade of service in the school system, she earned her bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Noell is excited to collaborate with a team of educators that values the unique needs of each individual child and works diligently to ensure their success. She is dedicated to providing individualized support that helps meet the diverse needs of her students. Noell especially loves to see children build confidence and feel successful as they learn to read. She deeply understands the lifelong impact of literacy and aims to make the learning process both fun and engaging.

When not in the classroom, Noell enjoys baking, photography, and spending quality time with her family. Together, they love going on walks, watching movies, and working on creative crafts.
 

Emily is a versatile and service-oriented artist passionate about creating safe and welcoming environments that encourage open expression, confidence, creativity, joy, and hope for the future. With over 12 years of experience working independently and collaborating with other businesses and organizations, Emily has a colorful background that has always centered around community, which ultimately led her to Trinity.

She attended Moore-Norman Technology Center part-time while in high school and became certified by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology at age 18. She later studied Voice with Dr. Marilyn Govich at the University of Central Oklahoma, earning her Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre in just three years!

Throughout college and following graduation, Emily continued to pursue a variety of creative and professional endeavors, including color and bridal hairstyling, directing children’s theatre productions, teaching dance, private voice lessons, and performing professionally with local production companies.

Although she now spends her days as a Trinity Tiger, Emily still participates in different theatrical projects (from choreographing, to performing) depending on the season. Let’s show our support for the arts!

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An experienced educator and administrator, Morgan has spent her career guiding students, mentoring teachers, and leading departments to foster excellence in learning. She has enriched the learning environment at Ada, Public Schools, Norman Public Schools, and Casady School. Morgan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, both from East Central University.

Outside of her professional life, Morgan loves spending time with her husband, John, and their son, Cooper. As a family, they love outdoor activities, enjoy both watching and participating in sports and cherish moments with their extensive extended family.

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Courtney is thrilled to join the team at Trinity! She is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. During her time at OCU, she fell in love with being able to give kids the opportunity to shine in the arts. She is grateful to the team at Trinity for allowing her to share her passion for the arts with the kiddos here!

When not in the classroom or performing, you will be able to find Courtney reading, watching movies with her cat, and enjoying an ice cold Coca-Cola! 

Ashley Crain is in her third year at Trinity and her first year as a Scooter Commuter! You may have seen her zipping between buildings on her scooter. That's a pretty good representation of her: purposeful, energetic, and always up for a little fun.

This year, Ashley is excited to serve as Trinity’s librarian while continuing her work as a certified academic language therapist. With a Master’s in Education in Library Media and experience as a reading therapist, she is passionate about helping students find books they can enjoy and building confidence through reading and learning. Her motto going into this new role is ""access isn't accidental!""

Ashley and her husband, Lee, have been married for 16 years and have two sons, Hudson and Barrett. Their family spends much of their time cheering on the boys at lacrosse, cross country, basketball, and golf.

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Leilani Dade joined the Trinity team in August 2021. She teaches music and art history. Her primary instrument is classical guitar, though she dabbles in a variety of instruments.

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Leilani Dade received her bachelor’s degree in music and French at Hollins University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a specialization in classical guitar and a certificate in arts management. She studied guitar and music theory at l’Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, France, as part of the Hollins Abroad Paris program (2011-12) and received her M.A. from the University of California Riverside in 2017 with a master’s thesis titled Alejandro Caturla and Alejo Carpentier’s La Manita en el Suelo: A Creative (Re)Staging. She recently received her doctorate in music with a dissertation titled “La Sulamita: Reviving Joaquín Turina’s First and Nearly Forgotten Biblical Opera.”

In her spare time, she enjoys teaching computer science and Minecraft classes online, collecting Legos, and making 3D art. She also coaches Tiger Bytes, Trinity’s lower school gaming club.

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Britain joined the Trinity team in the summer of 2023 as the Head of Student Services and as a Bible instructor. Britain received his undergraduate degree in Theology from Southern Nazarene University and his Master’s in Theological Studies degree from Duke University. In addition to teaching at Trinity, Britain is an adjunct professor at Southern Nazarene University in their religion department. His specialities and interests are focused on biblical languages (Greek/Hebrew), biblical studies, and the intersection between students and their conceptual picture of who God is.

Prior to working at Trinity, Britain taught middle school and high school Bible/Theology at a private K-12 school in Kansas City, Missouri. When Britain is not teaching, he enjoys woodworking, a good coffee shop, and spending time with his wife, Kenedy, and their dog Blue.

Gina hails from Mustang, Oklahoma, and after graduating from college, relocated to New Hampshire, where she met and wedded her spouse, Tony. Over the years, they have lived in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Nevada and have returned to Oklahoma. Gina has been an Art Teacher for 17 years in Catholic Education and one year in a charter public school. Gina has a daughter who lives in Manchester, NH, with her family and a son who lives in Turin, Italy, with his family.

Since her youth, Gina has had a strong passion for the arts, which began when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She has been drawing and painting for most of her life. Gina gained national recognition as a pastel artist and was featured in the Best of America Artists and Best in North Carolina. Additionally, she has illustrated a book and a Christian CD cover and has exhibited her artwork in numerous galleries throughout North Carolina.

Gina is passionate about the arts and enjoys sharing her talent with her students. She feels grateful for the gift that God has given her, and she hopes to inspire others by teaching them about the history of art and various techniques and styles.

Traci Epperson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and she joined Trinity as a school counselor in early 2020.
Traci received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Before joining the Trinity team, she administered psychoeducational assessments at the Child Study Center for three and a half years. Traci has worked with children of all ages to determine how best to help them succeed academically. Her specialty is helping children to address problems related to learning and executive function differences due to neurodiversity.

Traci is excited about Trinity’s focus on providing what each student needs exactly to be successful. The opportunity to see her recommendations in action for the betterment of our students is, perhaps, what she looks forward to the most!

Traci has two school-aged daughters who attend independent schools, and the appeal of their schools is very much like what draws many students to Trinity! The smaller class sizes and more individualized support have allowed both of her girls to thrive. In her leisure time, Traci enjoys reading good fiction and cooking yummy food for her family.

Tracy Fields teaches 4th and 5th-grade English and 5th-grade Social Studies. Tracy attended college at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in reading and language arts in 1985.

Over the past 35 years, Tracy taught elementary and middle school in Oklahoma and Texas schools. Much of that time was spent serving as a substitute teacher across several schools. During that time, she mastered the skill of quickly changing and adapting lesson plans as needed, on short notice.

Her son Colton brought Tracy to Trinity when he enrolled as a sophomore in the fall of 2010 to get the help he needed for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. It was then that Tracy began substituting and working with students in the after-care program. Tracy began teaching at Trinity full-time in 2015 while continuing to help with the after-care program and various other roles in the school.

Tracy has always loved reading and knows how important it is for children to learn the basics of reading. She loves showing students the history of authors and the timeline of when and why books were written. In addition, she believes in the importance of learning how to express oneself in writing. By understanding the fundamentals of the English language, students can become better writers as they go through school.

Because of the help her son Colton received at Trinity, he was able to continue his education. He graduated from college with a fine arts degree and, while in college, was able to advocate for himself. She loves to share his success story with all Trinity students!

Marcus Gonzalez is a classroom instructor for Lower and Middle Division students, and he takes great pleasure in witnessing his students reach their full potential.

Marcus graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and is originally from Lawton, Oklahoma. Marcus has since obtained his Oklahoma Teacher’s Certification. He has brought his skills to the classroom, dedicating himself to his students’ education. Marcus is passionate about teaching students about history so that they can understand the society around them. By incorporating a mix of core curriculum and fun daily lessons, he has helped many students find a passion for Social Studies, just like he did.

Marcus has worked as the Youth Coordinator for the Stayton YMCA in Oregon, specifically in Youth Sports. He was in direct contact with parents and was an inspiration to kids. Marcus enjoyed his time working in youth sports and uses his passion and experience for physical fitness as our Track and Field Coach during the Spring season.

In this spare time, Marcus enjoys running and playing video games. He loves his work with the Trinity School at Edgemere community and is proud to call himself a Tiger!

Bobbie Haddad is thrilled to be joining the team at Trinity. With three years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, Bobbie has developed a passion for teaching reading and literacy. After spending fifteen years as a corporate trainer doing adult education, Bobbie decided to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education after witnessing her own son’s reading struggles. Bobbie is dedicated to helping children learn in their own unique ways and is constantly researching new methods to support their learning. Outside of work, Bobbie enjoys spending time with family, attending children’s soccer games, traveling, practicing yoga, and gardening. Bobbie is excited to be a part of the Trinity community and looks forward to supporting all students in their educational journey and growth.

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Kathy is beginning her 18th year of teaching. She began teaching students with learning disabilities for five years at a Putnam City elementary. She took a sixteen-year hiatus after adopting her oldest child, who is a person with autism. During that time, Kathy learned about autism and sensory issues to better help her son. She became an autism advocate in her community and her son’s school system. She also worked as a receptionist at Sensational Kids for a year. Kathy returned to the classroom as a special education middle school ELA teacher in Edmond and remained there for eight years. She is beginning her fifth year at Trinity.

Kathy is a lifelong Oklahoma resident. She graduated from Bishop McGuinness and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCO. Kathy resides in Edmond and has two adult sons and her morkie, Quinn. In her free time, Kathy likes to go to festivals and spend time with friends and family. She loves trying new restaurants, following OU football and softball, reading, gardening, and enjoying great music.
 

Kara Jamet is a Reading Therapist, serving students in grades 3-7. She is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, confident, and excited to learn. She is a full-time Reading Therapist and it is a dream job! Being privileged to be a Trinity Tiger is icing on the cake!
Kara received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Central Oklahoma. She is certified in Special Education. She earned Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and trained in LETRS too. Teaching in public school led to her passion for diverse learners, guiding her to pursue special education. 

This is her 26th year in education. She has experience in leadership roles and as an advocate for reading intervention and students with learning differences. She has taught in OKCPS, Edmond Public Schools, and Epic Charter School. 

Kara and her husband, Philippe, live in Oklahoma City. They have two daughters, two grandsons and one granddaughter. Her kids and grandkids are her joy! She also enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, working out, and watching sports — especially OU Football, OKC Thunder, and OSU Wrestling. 
 

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Meet Kristyn, our school nurse who joined our team in the school year of 2022-23. She comes with a wealth of experience having previously worked as a pediatric nurse in Neurology, Neurosurgery, and General Pediatrics, as well as in different areas of pediatrics. Kristyn takes great pleasure in getting to know and providing care for the students of Trinity and supporting our school’s mission. Kristyn is a recent transplant to Oklahoma and enjoys spending time with her husband Andy and their son David.

Stephanie Jones serves as the Manager of Student Services and Athletic Director, bringing a passion for creating inclusive, engaging experiences that help every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In her role, she oversees a wide range of student-centered programs, leads student services operations, coordinates the school's After-School Enrichment Clubs, Bonus Round activities, Volunteer Programs, and Summer Camp Programs, family and community engagement initiatives, and collaborates closely with students, staff, and caregivers to foster a supportive and welcoming school environment.

As Athletic Director, Stephanie oversees the school's athletic programs, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and personal achievement. She is committed to providing students with opportunities to grow as leaders, build self-confidence, and experience the benefits of active participation in athletics.

Stephanie is passionate about creating a positive school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential and is dedicated to developing opportunities that promote independence, build confidence, and encourage meaningful connections for students of all ages and abilities. She believes that every child deserves access to programs and experiences that support personal growth and lifelong success.

Outside of her work at Trinity, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and pets, often cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or exploring the great outdoors. Whether supporting her family’s activities, enjoying nature, or making memories with loved ones, she values the importance of connection, balance, and adventure in everyday life.

Matthew holds a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is certified in Elementary Education (Grades 1–8) and Social Studies (Grades 5–12), holding a Professional Educator License issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. With a background in coaching, curriculum development, and leadership, Matthew brings a relational and well-rounded approach to teaching history that encourages critical thinking and fosters meaningful connections.

Mandi Lash is the Event Coordinator at Trinity School and serves as President of the Trinity PTO. She is passionate about creating memorable experiences, celebrating milestones, and supporting the school community wherever she’s needed. Mandi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design with a Business Minor in Marketing from Georgia Southern University, where she was also an NCAA Division I softball pitcher. Before starting her family, she gained experience in sales, marketing, and administrative support.

Mandi lives with her husband, Andy—Director of Logistics for Gemini Motor Transport with Love’s—and their two daughters. Their oldest, Austin, thrives at Trinity and inspired Mandi’s dedication to the school, while their youngest, Mollie, is a vibrant public school student whom Mandi also coaches in softball. In her spare time, she enjoys family adventures, coaching, and celebrating all of life’s special moments. Known for her vibrant spirit, she strives to always make others feel valued and appreciated.

Addie serves as a teacher’s aid in the lower division. She is an Alum, having graduated in 2015. After graduation, Addie completed a four-year on-campus transition program and graduated from the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, in the spring of 2019. She returned home and has completed a one-year internship with Trinity. Addie is so excited to have the opportunity to join the Trinity family in a full-time position. She loves her family, dogs, and, of course, the beach!

Margo attained her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Central Oklahoma. She devoted many years working with elderly patients, mainly treating stroke and swallowing impairments. However, when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, she obtained her CALT certification and began assisting children with reading instruction.  This is her fourth year at Trinity School and she loves sharing her knowledge of dyslexia remediation with her students and sharing in their success.

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Cindy Marden serves as an Advisor for Special Education and Mathematics at Trinity School. Cindy was a substitute teacher at Trinity for many years and was well-acquainted with the school before becoming a faculty member. Because of her experience serving kids with learning differences, Cindy was thrilled to see a school fully dedicated to meeting the needs of children who may otherwise fall through the cracks. In addition, she admired how the staff at Trinity poured their hearts into the school.
Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in science and education from the University of Kansas. However, she quickly realized her passion for teaching lies in supporting those students who are often overlooked in conventional schools. As a result, Cindy returned for her master’s degree in science education, emphasizing orthopedic disabilities and different learning styles. After a few years as an educator in Kansas, she moved to Edmond, Oklahoma.

Early in her career, Cindy forged an inclusion program to help kids with unique needs remain in their classrooms with the support of specially trained teachers. Cindy worked in a conventional classroom, supporting the primary teacher, helping all the students present, and assisting students who learn differently. This led her to a career fully dedicated to differently-abled students. Her teaching philosophy centers around smaller class sizes and plenty of one-on-one time with students. After 23 years of teaching, she has worked with every grade and development level. Much of her time in the classroom has been spent helping students with physical disabilities or learning differences.

Cindy and her husband Steve have three children and five grandchildren, most of whom live in Colorado. In her time outside of the classroom, Cindy likes to spend time cooking meals from scratch, reading, and taking walks with her dog.

Mary-Abigail joined Trinity in December 2025, bringing more than five years of experience in education and a genuine passion for serving others. She has loved working in education because of the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, encourage students, and make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

An Oklahoma native, Mary-Abigail loves to unplug and spend time outdoors while making memories with her friends and family. In her free time, she enjoys working on puzzles, reading, going on walks and trying new things!
 

Ms. McCombs is originally from Altus, Oklahoma. She moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 2006 with her daughter to obtain her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Ms. McCombs graduated with a Bachelor’s in General Studies, with a Minor in Criminal Justice in 2011. While in college, Ms McCombs tutored at Taft Middle School with an after-school program that led her to alternative education.

In 2011, she began teaching reading at Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy. Here, she developed her true passion for serving the whole child. She feels it’s paramount in her teaching practices to ensure that children are set up to succeed and thrive in school and life, always being mindful of what children need and deserve.

In 2019, Ms McCombs transitioned to Oklahoma City Public Schools. She became the Head of the English Department and facilitated 11th & 12th grade ELA at Putnam Heights Academy.

Ms. McCombs has had the opportunity to work with both high school and middle school scholars. She is ecstatic to be a part of the Trinity family, helping students ignite a passion for English Language Arts that will help them reach their full potential. She currently teaches High School English Language Arts.

Meet Lacie McCrackin, our new school counselor. Lacie began her career as a school counselor in 2019. She is originally from the tiny town of Verden, OK, but now lives in Yukon with her husband and fur baby, Lola.

Lacie never imagined working in education until she began her Master’s program in Counseling at Oklahoma State University. But now, she can’t imagine herself anywhere else. She is passionate about helping students build confidence in all areas of their lives and helping them recognize their strengths socially and academically. Her favorite part of school counseling is working with students one-on-one and getting to know them on a personal level. She is so thankful for the opportunity to play a small role in the development of students at Trinity.

Teaching isn’t a job, it’s a calling, and Norma Morton heard that call her freshman year of college. After 39 years of teaching experience, Norma joined Trinity School to lead the kindergarten and first-grade programs and has since shifted to teaching fourth and fifth grade.
Norma’s teaching career began in 1981 on a reservation in Montana, where she worked with early elementary students. She has experience in public and private schools, teaching in a Minnesota private Christian school and Oklahoma City Public Schools. She has also helped kids with reading intervention who experienced trauma at a Houston drug and alcohol treatment center.

Seeing children whose needs were not met in conventional schools drew Norma to institutions focusing on learning differences. She has come to value the importance of individualized education, and Trinity School was a perfect fit.

Norma earned her associate’s degree from Golden Valley Lutheran College and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest State University in Minnesota. She grew up in the northern central US, living in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. She has been married to her husband for 37 years, and the two have three children and two grandsons together.

If she isn’t teaching, Norma is probably baking. Her favorite recipe is cherry turnovers, but she regularly scouts for new recipes and unique methods of baking her old favorites. She has several vegans in her life, and her vegan baked goods have become so good that you’d never know the difference. In her downtime, Norma loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and crafting.

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Zac Niles joined the Trinity team as Chaplain and Head of Religious Education Programs in December of 2020. Zac received his undergraduate degree in History at The University of Central Oklahoma and his Master’s in Ministry at Grace College and Seminary in Indiana.

Before joining the Trinity team, Zac worked as a Director at King’s Gate Christian School in Yukon. Also, he served as the Senior High Minister at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. Zac has also served as a House Parent in a group home, a Camp Director at a Christian Summer Camp, and as Pastor at various other churches in Oklahoma and Texas.

Marcelle Oats is a dedicated educator, seasoned basketball coach, proud U.S. Air Force veteran, and entrepreneur rooted in faith and family. A 21-year veteran teacher growing up in Tulsa Oklahoma, Marcelle has spent over two decades empowering students through PE, mathematics and specialized college readiness courses in Tulsa and in Oklahoma City area coaching and teaching Multiple sports. His commitment to youth development extends seamlessly to the basketball court, where he is currently in his 22nd year of coaching, including 17 impactful years as a Head Coach and 9 years as an Athletic Director.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Marcelle’s basketball journey began at Tulsa Central High School under the legendary Coach Terry Scott, followed by a collegiate playing career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO).  I got a bachelors degree in Physical Education and Health from Langston University. I have been certified in PE and Health since 2007. I resides in the Oklahoma City metro area with his family. Married and a father of three, his youngest child attends Deer Creek Schools. Guided by his Christian faith, Marcelle strives to practice holiness daily in his leadership, teaching, and business ventures, aiming to leave a lasting, positive legacy in both the community and the business world. Owner CEO Truth-1G Youth Development Organization and Truth-1G LLC.

Ms. Petsemoie’s journey into education began while her children were young, when she started working as a substitute teacher. She later became a paraprofessional, where she discovered her passion for helping students recognize their strengths and reach their full potential. With a degree in psychology and a deep interest in understanding how people think, learn, and grow, she decided to pursue a career in the classroom. Certified in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Ms. Petsemoie taught at Byng Junior High for five years before beginning a new chapter in Oklahoma City.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Petsemoie enjoys cheering on her daughter, Rivi, from the sidelines of the soccer field, keeping up with her son Koah’s latest adventures, and sharing a little friendly competition with her siblings during family game nights.
 

Alex Reed grew up in Turpin, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Turpin High School. He continued his education and football career at Southern Nazarene University, where he played football and earned a degree in Exercise Science. He later his teaching certification in Science.

Alex began his career in education at El Reno Public Schools, where he taught high school Anatomy and Physical Science while also coaching football. He later taught Physical Science and Anatomy and coached football at Putnam City Schools. Alex then spent five years at Chandler, teaching 8th-grade science and coaching football.

Most recently, Alex coached football at Edmond Santa Fe High School while teaching 6th-grade and 7th-grade science at Summit Middle School in Edmond. This is Alex's first year at Trinity School, where he teaches 9th-grade Biology and 10th-grade Earth Science and also coaches football at Bishop McGuinness High School. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed combining his passion for science, education, athletics, and building relationships with students.

Alex is married to his wife, Elizabeth, who serves as a Reading Specialist with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Together, they have two children, Theodore age 3 1/2 and Eloise, age 1. 
 

Cathy Reim is Trinity School’s Director of Academic Services and School Psychometrist. She serves Trinity students through standardized testing and also tracks data from formative assessments to identify student progress, inform instruction, and guide individualized learning plans. Cathy strongly believes that every student deserves a quality education that is designed to meet their unique learning differences and develop their cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and spiritual potential to the fullest. For these reasons, Cathy is extremely excited to be part of the Trinity team.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Cathy went on to serve students as a classroom teacher for thirteen years. She soon felt the need to broaden her knowledge and expertise to help the struggling readers she encountered each year. She earned her Master’s degree in Education, with a specialization in reading, from the University of Central Oklahoma and later earned her School Psychometrist certification through East Central University. Cathy has supported teachers and served struggling readers in a variety of roles as a reading specialist, Literacy Coach, and School Psychometrist for seventeen years.

In her free time, Cathy loves to cook, read about reading, and has recently discovered an interest in vegetable gardening. Cathy and her husband reside in Norman. They have 3 children and three adorable grandsons.

Karmyn graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in music. She received her Masters of Reading from East Central University in 2001.
Her teaching career began in 1997 at Tecumseh Public Schools, where she taught first, fourth and fifth grades. In 2006 she was hired as a Reading Specialist at Cross Timbers Elementary in Tecumseh, working closely with teachers and students to help in all areas of reading. In 2012, she started her training with Payne Education Center as a Dyslexia Therapist. Karmyn finished her C.A.L.T. certification, completed the Qualified Instructor program with Payne, and became a reading specialist for Tecumseh Schools. Recently Karmyn worked for Little Axe Public Schools in Norman, OK, as the Reading Sufficiency Coordinator.

Karmyn loves to help students become better readers, spellers, and writers, and her passion is seeing dyslexic students excel.

She loves spending time with her family, her husband Jason, an educator, and her son Isaac. In addition, she enjoys a lifelong talent for singing, even having the honor of singing with Oklahoma’s Canterbury Choral Society. Karmyn also loves to cook, do leather crafting, and sew.

Richard Ritz leads Trinity School’s custodial team, and as he says, he keeps the tigers clean and tidy. It’s no small task, given that Richard is helping keep the whole school healthy and safe!
Richard is originally from southeast Iowa, and his family roots there run deep. He moved to Oklahoma City for a job in 1987, and he’s lived here ever since. He worked for 7/11 for over two decades before coming to join the Trinity School staff.

Richard’s wife, Denise, spends most of her days babysitting their grandkids, and she works part-time as a cook in Western Heights School District. The couple has been married for 40 years, and they have three kids, Adam, Austin, and Erica. Between them all, Richard has four grandkids.

Richard is a big Nascar fan; outside of school, he spends a lot of time cheering on his favorite drivers.

With a robust background in technology and management, Russell Rosen serves as the Director of IT at Trinity School at Edgemere. As a dedicated Computer Information Systems and Management major, Russell has a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management, reflecting his commitment to advancing educational technology.

Russell’s career in IT began in the trenches of various local computer stores, where he honed his technical skills while earning his degree. He then embarked on his journey in educational technology as a Tier 2 Technician at L.H.U.S.D., demonstrating an early aptitude for solving complex IT issues. His proficiency and leadership quickly led him to the role of Director of IT at C.R.U.H.S.D., where he spearheaded the successful deployment of a 1:1 Technology Solution, ensuring every student had access to a Chromebook.

Now at Trinity School at Edgemere, Russell continues to leverage his expertise to enhance the learning environment for students with learning disabilities. His role involves overseeing the school’s IT infrastructure and ensuring that technology supports the unique needs of each student.

Beyond his professional life, Russell is passionate about maintaining a balanced lifestyle. He enjoys bowling, playing board games, and exploring video games. His commitment to a healthy lifestyle complements his professional achievements and underscores his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both students and staff.

Russell’s blend of technical expertise and personal interests reflects his holistic approach to both work and life, making him a valuable asset to the Trinity School community.

Stefan serves as Office Manager for Trinity’s Hudson Campus (K–3). He joined Trinity in March 2026 as Finance Coordinator before transitioning into his current role, where he helps support daily campus operations.

A graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Stefan earned a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law and Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. Before joining Trinity, his professional experience included serving as a legislative intern at the Oklahoma State Capitol, working as a property manager for Wilhoit Properties in Texas, and holding several positions at Paycom, including Executive Specialist of Implementation, New Specialist Trainer, Setup Academy Senior Specialist, and Candidate Ambassador. He has also worked in private and club security throughout Oklahoma City and currently trains new bouncers.

During his time at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Stefan was an offensive lineman for the Rangers football team. He is also a former public speaker and has built a diverse professional background spanning government, property management, security, and corporate training.

Outside of work, Stefan enjoys spending time with his wife, Sierra Simpson, hosting gatherings for family and friends, attending church, and playing volleyball.

Trisha holds a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. She is certified in Mild to Moderate Disabilities and Elementary Special Education with over a decade of experience. Trisha brings a strong foundation in individualized instruction, literacy support, and student advocacy to Trinity.

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Skyler is currently a junior at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She serves as a Behavior Aid and is passionate about supporting students through individualized behavioral and emotional interventions.

With three years of experience in behavior intervention, Skyler spent two years working at an ABA clinic with children ages 2–8. Much of that time was spent in a mock preschool program designed to help prepare students for a successful transition into a school setting. She also worked at the high school level, specializing in behavior intervention and providing support for students' individual behavioral and emotional needs.

Skyler is CPR and First Aid certified and believes in meeting students where they are. Her approach focuses on helping students develop healthy ways to express their emotions and build coping skills that fit their individual needs. She believes every student deserves support that encourages growth, confidence, and success.

Outside of school, Skyler enjoys spending time with her animals and rescuing cats whenever possible. She also loves drawing, painting, and crocheting blankets. Recently, she began fostering three young girls and plans to adopt them in the future.

Cindy Sturm holds a Master of Science in Economics from Oklahoma State University and is a certified Oklahoma teacher in Early Childhood and Special Education (K–12). She is trained in LETRS, Structured Language Basics, Foundations for First Grade, and Navigate Kindergarten. With expertise in literacy and child development, Cindy is dedicated to supporting students’ growth through evidence-based instruction and a strong foundation in early learning. 

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Teresa Sullivan’s role as Head of Human Resources and Finance didn’t begin at Trinity until August 2020; however, she was already well acquainted with the school. Teresa worked for the CPA firm DWG for several years, handling Trinity's finances.

Teresa is the definition of a hard worker. With over 25 years of self-taught accounting experience, she enjoys her role with Trinity and has a rich appreciation for its commitment to helping children find their potential and academic excellence.

Teresa enjoys spending time with her three children, 10 grandchildren, and her “spoiled rotten” Yorkie-Poo, Rascal. She also enjoys camping, boating, and reading a good murder mystery book, especially one by Stephen King or James Patterson.

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Sandra Valentine is a passionate educator who believes every child deserves the best school experience. She is a fierce advocate for her students and loves to see them grow to their fullest potential. Sandra has wanted to be a teacher since she was eight years old when she had the best teacher ever, Mrs. Najera. Mrs. Najera continues to mentor Sandra in her educational journey.

Sandra graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with two degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She is currently working on her Special Education certification as well as earning her Master’s. She has taught kindergarten, fourth grade, and third grade. She loves teaching children to read and write and engages in their excitement when they proudly show off their work. Sandra has taught in public education and for the private sector. In the private sector, she created a curriculum for kindergarten math students and third grade reading students. She also developed formative and summative assessments for English Language Arts for grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

Sandra moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma 20 years ago when she took a leap of faith to leave her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas for her husband’s home town. Together they have 5 energetic children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys making memories with her family and spending time with her October Book Club discussing a wide variety of books.. She loves attending OSU football games, eating pecans and pralines ice cream with her grandchildren, and preparing meals with her husband.
 

Jess Warren serves as a Math Instructor and Assistant Division Head K–12 at Trinity. Before joining Trinity, she spent more than a decade teaching in public schools in Florida and Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Flagler College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction through Western Governors University, with an expected completion date of February 2027.

Jess has always viewed teaching as more than a job. She enjoys finding ways to make learning accessible for students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom. Trinity’s focus on students with learning differences is what first drew her to the school and continues to shape her work. She believes students grow when they are given the right tools and support and when their strengths are recognized.

In addition to teaching, Jess works with teachers on curriculum, instruction, and ways to better support students across grade levels. She values practical strategies that make learning clearer, more engaging, and more manageable for both students and teachers.

Jess has four daughters: Harper, Nina, Charlie, and Samantha. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, watching documentaries, and reading.

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Janice earned a degree in Math Education from USAO and went on to teach math at Jones High School. After five years, she took a break to start a family but continued teaching Geometry and Algebra 2 for a homeschool co-op. When her children began school, one of them had difficulty with reading, which sparked her interest in finding ways to help. Janice completed LETRS training and tutored K-3 students in Yukon. She also taught 2/3 grade last year, focusing on helping students improve their reading skills. This year, Janice is excited to return to teaching High School math.

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As a high school special education teacher, Katelyn has dedicated her career to supporting students with learning differences in their English studies. Her passion lies in helping students discover and reach their full potential. Katelyn finds joy in helping students overcome both educational and personal challenges and works to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters growth, confidence, and independence. She enjoys finding innovative ways to teach lessons that are engaging and make learning fun.

A lifelong Oklahoma resident, Katelyn currently resides in Piedmont with her family, which includes her husband, daughter, and two dogs. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys decorating her home, exploring new restaurants in Oklahoma City, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with her family.