our faculty

 

Gary Ball

Head of School

Rev. Gary Ball moved to Asheville in 2013 to plant Redeemer Anglican Church. A short time after landing in North Carolina, he and his wife Susannah started Canterbury with just a handful of students, and now all 4 of his children attend. Gary received his undergraduate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University before studying at Fuller Theological Seminary. Most recently, he finished a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Nashotah House Theological Seminary.

Stephanie Huxter

kindergarten Teacher

Stephanie Huxter is excited to embark on the journey of teaching Kindergarten at Canterbury this year, viewing it as a joy and privilege to invest in the next generation. With a background in education, Stephanie taught at Winthrop University for six years and served as the Editor-in-Chief of a Christian magazine before transitioning to motherhood. Over the past nine years as a stay-at-home mom, she maintained a focus on discipleship. Last year, Stephanie published a book titled "Intentional Pursuit," aiming to help women grow in their faith. Stephanie's family plays a significant role in her life. Married to Brad for fifteen years, they are parents to twins, who are entering fourth grade. Her central aim is to lead a faithful life, echoing the ancient words of Isaiah: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Valerie Mitchell

Kindergarten Aide & Interludit Teacher

Valerie Mitchell joined the Canterbury team in the fall of 2021 after serving within the Buncombe County school system for 15 years, most recently as the STEM lab teacher and computer lab assistant at one of the local elementary schools. Additionally, she enjoyed the opportunity to homeschool one of her children and her granddaughter. She enjoys the opportunity working with the Canterbury Classical School family. Valerie loves inspiring children, and sharing life’s new learning experiences with them.

Kristina Sanford

First Grade teacher

Kristina Sanford is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University located in Nashville, Tennessee where she received a B.S. in Education with minors in Early Childhood Education and Christian Education. She began her career running Christian education programs for churches across the South East for ages birth through 6th grade. Kristina began her career at Canterbury Classical School in the fall of 2014, coupling her passion for Christian education together with her love of the elementary classroom. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and three children, sitting on her back porch with a cup of coffee and a good book, and working in her flower garden.

Joy Arthur

Second Grade teacher

Jessica Burleson

Third Grade teacher

Jessica Burleson joined the faculty of Canterbury in the fall of 2021 with prior knowledge of classical education, a background in helping start another local classical Christian school, and experience in homeschooling her children. She is a native of WNC and a graduate of A-B Tech. She and her husband, Branton, and their four children minister together at Grace Baptist West Asheville where Branton serves as the lead pastor. (This facility hosts Canterbury’s Logic and Rhetoric Schools.) The Burlesons love getting outdoors and exploring Asheville and the mountains. They are grateful to be apart of the Canterbury family!

Lori Tyson

fourth Grade teacher

Lori Tyson began teaching at Canterbury Classical School in 2021. She is a graduate of Montreat College where she received a B.A. in Bible and Religion, and were she previously taught a Bible class. Additionally, she completed a Masters of Theological Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. Lori and her husband, Tim, have three children, whom she previously homeschooled. She has a deep appreciation for the classical model of education and enjoys being involved at her local church. When not in the classroom, Lori enjoys the outdoors, reading books by Lucy Maude Montgomery and Edith Nesbit and various other topics, including fashion, home, and garden design. Lori loves having theological and philosophical discussions!

Suzanne Carlisle

fifth Grade teacher

After being awarded a B.A. from Michigan State University, Suzanne Carlisle has had a variety of teaching experiences. Among other jobs, she was the Media Aide for a large elementary school and has had years of teaching adults how to use complex computer systems. In addition, she had the privilege of being the Children’s Ministry Director at East Jordan Community Church, before moving to Asheville. One of her passions is bringing any subject matter alive for students. She is delighted to be a member of the Canterbury Classical School team, and has a deep respect for classical education. When not reading or gardening, Suzanne loves to spend time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

Bonnie Furlong

Sixth Grade and grammar school lead teacher

Hannah Hoffman

Grammar School Aide & Financial Administration



Jonathan Atkinson

Logic & Rhetoric Schools Lead Teacher

An Asheville native, Jonathan Atkinson received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from North Greenville University, SC. His Interdisciplinary approach to learning and teaching allows him to feel right at home teaching many different subjects at Canterbury. He currently teaches literature and writing to our Logic and Rhetoric Schools. He is also the proud founder of the Canterbury Running Club. In addition, Jonathan is a skilled musician and serves as the Music Director at Redeemer Anglican Church. He lives in Black Mountain with his wife and two children.

Kevin Ude

Logic & Rhetoric Schools Teacher

Kevin Ude lives in Asheville, NC and is a proud member of the Game Designers of North Carolina. His first published game, Redcap Ruckus, was published by WizKids in 2021. Kevin teaches Logic and Rhetoric level math, science, and humanities classes. He and his wife, Alice, and their two children can be found exploring the outdoors, playing board games, and homesteading in their free time. He is Canterbury’s only movie star!

Liz Duncan

Greek & Logic School Teacher

Liz Duncan is thrilled to be invited to teach Logic, Classical and Christian Studies, and Greek to the 7-9th grade students at Canterbury. With 6 years of experience teaching in private and public schools, 3 years classically homeschooling her children, and 2 years as an adjunct at a community college, Liz brings a wealth of educational background. Additionally, she has been actively serving in youth ministries for over 20 years and holds a master's degree in Communications. Passionate about studying God’s Word, Liz is dedicated to inspiring curiosity to constructively criticize goodness, truth, and beauty, promoting character and habits to glorify God. In her spare time, she enjoys coordinating gatherings, especially those involving good music and food. Liz loves adventuring with her family, including her husband and three children, on camping trips, skiing, and biking. She looks forward to serving Canterbury families as they embark on a journey of learning together.

April Watson

Latin 1 & 2 and Logic School Teacher

April Watson grew up on the other side of the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. She earned a BA in Communication and completed coursework for a MA in Philosophy. After a brief career in the non-profit sphere, April spent 10 years at home with her 4 children, home making, homeschooling, and freelance writing. The Watson family began attending Redeemer Anglican Church in 2015 and became part of the CCS family in 2021. In the fall of 2022, April embraced a new role as the 5th & 6th grade Latin teacher at Canterbury, expanding her classes to the Logic School. Beyond the classroom, the Watsons are on a journey of homesteading, cherishing moments together at home through board games, shared reading, and collaborative cooking sessions.

Colby Truesdell

culture & religion seminar teacher

Rev. Colby Truesdell, an Anglican priest residing in Asheville with his wife and two sons, is dedicated to his roles at Redeemer Anglican Church and as a healthcare chaplain for a local palliative-hospice agency. His academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Eternity Bible College and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Colby finds joy in various interests. He enjoys the art of cooking, savoring a good cup of coffee, and engaging in spirited wrestling matches with his two boys, a playful endeavor aimed at ensuring they tire out and adhere to bedtime.

David Butcher

Rhetoric school Teacher

David Butcher, a native of Asheville, is currently training to be a chaplain in the Orthodox Church. At Canterbury, he teaches high school history, logic, and Dante's Divine Comedy, showcasing a profound passion for all things medieval, from etymologies to Tolkien's inspirations. David has immersed himself in the culture and language of Georgia, even learning some Georgian. He recognizes the vital role of classical education in today's changing world, emphasizing Christian values and critical thinking skills. Beyond his role at Canterbury, David loves day hikes shared with his wife Cassie and two daughters. His interests span various activities, including baseball, basketball (with a soft spot for the Nuggets), comic books, and roasting marshmallows around the fire.

Ed Renz

rhetoric school statistics teacher

Laurel McClure

Rhetoric School Anatomy & Physiology Teacher

Laurel McClure is delighted to serve as an adjunct Anatomy teacher for 11th and 12th grade at Canterbury, seizing the opportunity to share the intricate beauty and wonder of human creation with our students. With a BA in Biblical Studies, an AD in Nursing, and a BS in Nursing, Laurel brings a diverse educational background, primarily rooted in teaching and pediatrics in the hospital setting. Recently, she has enjoyed the flexibility of working part-time from home, engaging in activities such as painting, making jewelry, and managing a rental. Laurel and her husband Kent reside in Black Mountain with their family, including a 1st grader at Canterbury, 2 dogs, 8 chickens, and 2 fish. Her free time is filled with activities she loves, including gardening, building things, running, hiking, fishing, and climbing. Their adventurous family thrives on exploration and laughter along the way.

Lindsey McCann

Spanish & Logic School Teacher

Lindsey McCann has had a love for the Spanish language and different cultures from an early age when she had several exchange students who lived with her for several years, opening her eyes to a world beyond the United States. She has had the experience of traveling to many different Hispanic countries including Spain, Mexico, Chile, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica. While in college at Furman University, Lindsey studied abroad for three months and lived with a local Spanish family in Vina del Mar, Chile. After college, she married Sean who pursued seminary ordination which led to the Lord calling them to serve as missionaries in Latin America for three years. The McCanns have four daughters, two of which were born in Latin America, therefore having dual citizenship. In her role as a Spanish teacher at Canterbury, Lindsey brings her passion for the language and cultural understanding to the classroom. Beyond teaching, she finds fulfillment in reading, hiking, and actively participating in her local church community.

Aaron LaFalce

Music Teacher

Aaron LaFalce is a native of Asheville, NC. He is a graduate of A.B. Technical Community College. Aaron is a performing musician, hosts a local radio program since the early 2000s, and serves as worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Asheville. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Weaverville with their four children. Aaron enjoys songwriting, reading non-fiction, U.S. history, and spending time with family.

Rebekah Linton

Art Teacher

Rebekah Linton, an experienced art teacher of over 10 years, has shared her passion in diverse settings such as schools, afterschool programs, churches, and camps. Holding a B.A. in Art from Wheaton College, IL, Rebekah brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her personal artistic pursuits include graphic design, illustration, and liturgical art, although these days, her creativity is channeled into lesson planning at Canterbury. Outside of the art studio, Rebekah's fascination with history is evident as she nerds out listening to history podcasts while tending to household chores. Residing in West Asheville with her husband and two children, Rebekah finds joy in puttering around the garden and engaging in creative projects with her family.

Lauren Sosler

Yearbook Advisor

 

our STAFF

Heather Covington

Director of Administrative Services & Academic Support Specialist-Grammar School

Heather Covington joined the faculty of Canterbury Classical School in the fall of 2018 with an extensive knowledge of classical education and experience in homeschooling her own children. She is a native of Michigan and attended Asbury University in Wilmore, KY graduating with a B.A. degree in Christian Ministries/Missions with an emphasize on children and youth ministry. She and her husband, Jason, reside in Hendersonville with their two sons, Stephen and Jonathan. They are active members at Biltmore Church in West Asheville. In their free time, they all love to travel-whether that means a day trip, camping or heading out of the country.

Lindsey Potter

Director of Finance

Lindsey holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Berea College and an M.B.A from the University of Tennessee. The last decade of Lindsey's career was spent managing global logistics networks and financial consultants for Dell Computer in Austin, TX. Seeking a slower pace of life for their kids and closer proximity to family, Lindsey and, her husband, Andy relocated to Asheville several years ago. Lindsey loves all things finance and is so thrilled to be able to contribute her skills to Canterbury. In their free time Lindsey, Andy, Kate, Alex, and Clarke love traveling, live music, and food!

Kendra Cathey

Admissions coordinator & Administrative support

Kendra Cathey joined Canterbury’s team in the fall of 2021. She graduated from Lander University in Greenwood, SC with a B.S. in Business Management. Prior to joining Canterbury Classical School, Kendra worked in administration in various capacities. Kendra and her husband, Paul, along with their two children are actively involved at their church, Biltmore Church in West Asheville. As a family, they love taking bike rides, playing games, and camping in their retro Airstream. Kendra has a deep love of Jesus and Canterbury Classical School.

Hannah LaFalce

Communications Coordinator

 

Board of Directors

Gary Ball – Founder & Chairman of the Board, Brenda Canter – Treasurer, Scott Schindler – Board Member, Sean McCann – Parent Board Member, Kristi James – Parent Board Member

 

Quick Statistics

  • Kindergarten - 12th Grade

  • Serving over 135 students from 5 counties in the Asheville area.

  • Latin is taught 1st-6th grade.

  • Greek is taught 7th & 8th grade.

  • Cursive writing begins in 1st grade

  • Member of the Classical Latin School Association

  • Kindergarten + Kindergarten Interludit available

  • Low teacher to student ratio.

  • Best Christian educational value in Asheville.