Our Staff

Executive Director / Principal

Financial Operations Manager

Head of Security Team

I have a Bachelor's in music therapy. This will be my 21st year teaching at CHET. I've been married to Tim for 37 years. We have two daughters, one in Hawaii and one in Florida. I love to crochet, sew and embroider. We attend Bethel Free Will Baptist in Ashland City, where I am currently the pianist. I also play occasionally with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra. My main instruments include bassoon, piano and flute. I also play sax, oboe, guitar and a few others. I love southern gospel music, and host concerts at Bethel. I want every student to excel at their chosen instrument, which requires discipline and the desire to.

I have a Masters of Science in Engineering Science and Mechanics, and have been teaching at CHET for 10 years. I have been married for 30 years and have four children. The two oldest children were homeschooled and attended CHET. They have both graduated from college and have moved into careers. The two youngest children are currently enrolled at CHET. Before beginning my homeschool family journey, I worked as an engineer in the automotive industry for 10 years. We attend Crossroads Baptist Church, where I teach a Sunday School class. I have always enjoyed math, science, and problem-solving, and hope to impart my love of learning to all my students.

I have BAs in Business Administration and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute & Welch College, 20+ years of teaching experience, and 14+ years of business management experience. I began teaching at CHET in the Spring of 2025. I have been married to my husband, Luke, for 19 years, and we have two teenage sons, Gavin and Elliott. I enjoy woodworking, gardening, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and fishing. As a teacher, I believe students learn best when they’re active explorers, not merely listeners. I strive to make my classroom a place where curiosity drives discovery via hands-on projects, group discussions, and real-world challenges.
 

I was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Learning and Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Free Will Baptist Bible College, now known as Welch College. This will be my third year teaching at CHET. I have been married to my college sweetheart for 26 years. My husband Gary and I have two wonderful daughters, Grace and Faith. We have homeschooled since 2012, and our girls have each attended CHET since K4. My family attends New Hope Free Will Baptist Church. I have been blessed to travel to 37 of the 50 states (so far) and I’m excited to share my experiences with your children.

With over 20 years of experience in teaching private music lessons, I am passionate about sharing the joy of music with students of all ages. I teach acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, clawhammer banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. This is my 3rd year teaching at CHET, where I strive to inspire young musicians and help them discover the same opportunities that music has provided in my own life. Beyond the classroom, I am an active performer traveling with Joe Hott and the Short Mountain Boys, as well as various other groups. My love for music extends into ministry, having served as the worship leader at Flewellyn Baptist Church for the past five years. At CHET, I am dedicated to creating a fun and engaging learning environment where students can develop their musical talents and build confidence in their abilities. My goal is to ignite excitement for music, encouraging students to explore their creativity and embrace the many possibilities it offers.

I have had the pleasure of performing on The Grand Ole Opry for 29 years with the Opry Square Dancers. My first night there, I was only 13. I have been teaching music and dance for over 30 years and have played professionally since the early 90’s. I owned and operated several music and dance schools in the Middle Tennessee area, The Main Stage, where many of our students competed and won National Championships for Country Music Beginners. I have been married over 30 years to my best friend, Larry "Pokey" Chunn. We have two awesome sons, Brayden, who graduated from CHET and Treble, who attends CHET. I have been a homeschool mom for over 11 years. I truly enjoy teaching and helping to preserve the art of Old Time dance and music. CHET has been such a wonderful blessing to our family, and I am excited to be part of their caring staff. 

After earning an Associate of Science from Lexington Community College, I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a dual degree in Special Education, LBD and Elementary Education. I have been married to Travis Claypool for 19 years, and we have six children, ages 7-16, who all attend CHET. I have been homeschooling for eleven years and this will be my third year teaching at CHET. My hobbies are watching my kids play on their sports teams, playing board/card games, biking, attempting to garden, baking homemade bread, watching movies, and reading. My goals for older students are to help them be able to make wise decisions by thinking through situations, to know what they believe, to be able to articulate their values, and to stand up for what they think is right. For younger students, they are to create a love for learning and provide basic knowledge of English grammar.

I go by “Ms. Bee.” This will be my 4th year teaching at CHET, and my family’s 5th year being a part of this program. We love the sense of community and fellowship we receive while the kiddos get to attend a classroom setting once a week! Before teaching at CHET, I taught in daycare and preschool settings for over 10 years, slowly working up into admin positions until staying home with my own children in January 2020. My husband of 13 years and I are leaders in the Children’s Ministry at our church, Calvary Baptist in Greenbrier, where we attend faithfully with our three children. COVID helped persuade us to begin homeschooling in the 20/21 school year and we never looked back. The freedom it gives us, not only in our schedules, but the curriculum and materials we use is something we value greatly! We are able to camp whenever we want (our favorite pastime!) without fear of missing days or homework piling up. We can make sure the books and subjects covered are age-appropriate, while taking the time to linger on lessons that need more attention and moving past the ones that are mastered quickly. We are also a part of two different homeschool groups that meet various times throughout each month, one being a Wild + Free group that introduced us to the 1000 Hours Outside movement…something we embrace every year. It has truly made a difference in how we experience adverse weather conditions: "There is no such thing as bad weather!" - if you know, you know! This is also the group that led us to CHET when we met Ms. Hannah. I look forward to continuing my PreK class this year. Each year I learn what works for this age group, and I also find out quickly what doesn't! 

I have loved art for as long as I can remember and sold my first painting at age 13. My main influence and my main instructor was Eloise McClelland, who taught at Tulane University and painted many of the portraits of senators in the U.S. Capitol. This will be my 23rd year at CHET, since the very first day the school was open. Beginning as a muralist, I have done murals throughout the Nashville area as well as Chicago. Many of the murals are in churches, schools, restaurants, public libraries and homes, including the home of Ambassador Guildford Dudley. One of these murals was featured in the Wall Street Journal. In a teaching career that has spanned 30 years, I have taught many students who have gone on to become art teachers, graphic designers and won many, many awards on the local, state and national level. In 2004, I entered and won Saveur Magazine’s recipe contest, for which the prize was a culinary tour of Italy, including classes at the Villa Antinori, Castello della Sala and Guado al Tasso. I have catered many large events, including the senior banquet at CHET each year. Travel is one of my great passions. I have visited many of the world’s great food cultures and brought back knowledge, skill and ingredients from each. I love to pass this knowledge along to my students. In addition to traveling, I love learning languages, photography, knitting, reading, and playing Scrabble with my husband. I am also a proud cat lady and the cat mommy of Blitz. I am a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which is the oldest church in Nashville. My husband, Pasquale is my traveling companion, inspiration and partner in all that I do. My daughter, Noel, is both a symphony musician and a registered nurse in Chicago. Her husband, Eric is an architect and their daughter, Sophia is entering high school this year and is also an artist. My son, Vincent, has autism, so he has a unique perspective on just about everything. He keeps me busy and no one could ever be bored with him around. I believe that learning should never stop. I continue to learn and I hope to instill in my students a love of learning, a love of art, and a love of cuisine that will stay with them forever.

I graduated from Belmont University with a BA in Art/Graphic Design and a minor in English. This will be my 3rd year (2nd consecutive) teaching at CHET, as I previously taught English and Drama here a few years ago. My husband, Ed, and I have been married for 26 years. We have three boys ages 22, 19, and 15. All attended CHET and Beck is currently in 9th grade here. I love growing flowers and vegetables, cooking, painting, and raising chickens. My goal is to encourage my students to be responsible for themselves, help each other, and to want to do their best. I like to make lessons fun for everyone and my goal is that my students learn something new every time we meet. I believe in each one of them. 

I am a 2017 graduate of Greenbrier High School. I attended Tennessee Tech for Engineering until COVID. I was unable to finish my degree due to finances, but I am planning to go back. This will be my first year teaching at CHET. My husband and I have been married since September 25, 2022. We have known each other since we were six years old and grew up together. He joined the Marine Corps after high school, and we were married when he came home. We welcomed our first child, Colt Timothy Escue, on November 23, 2024. He is the absolute light of our lives. Outside of work, I teach horseback riding lessons and compete as well. I enjoy all sorts of crafts, reading books, and going to the zoo with my son. I have a side business designing, making, and selling horse show tack. My family and I attend Long Hollow Church, and we love it! I adore teaching our younger generation. My goal is to be able to do that while also having the time to be there for my son as much as I can while he is growing up. 

I graduated from Dickson County High School. I have worked in childcare for 6 years. I serve faithfully in our church each Sunday in our children’s and youth departments. I truly enjoy teaching kids about just about anything. I have homeschooled my children for 8 years now. This will be my first year teaching at CHET. I am married to my husband of 15 years, and we have two girls (Lizzi and Cara) who are in 7th and 9th grade. I love doing any craft, really, but sewing holds a deep love in my heart. I love anything that has to do with coffee, Jesus, and the beach! Our family has faithfully attended Cornerstone Nashville for 13 years. My goal at CHET is teaching things that may be hard to find outside your home. I have a passion to help families succeed in their homeschool journey, while making it fun!

I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's Degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy. I have over 15 years of teaching experience in Kindergarten and first grade. I also teach a variety of ages in ministries at my church. This will be my 2nd year teaching at CHET. I have been married to my wonderful husband Stephen for almost 15 years (in November). We have four amazing children, age one year through 6th grade. We love to volunteer with our church in a variety of areas, including AWANA, youth, choir, and more. I love to craft and cook. Hubby enjoys shooting and hunting. The kids enjoy reading, archery, shooting, music, and we all enjoy camping together! I am very excited about our second year at CHET and I am looking forward to getting to know more people!
 

I grew up on a dairy farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where I attended Salisbury State University and earned a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature. After teaching part-time for two years at a community college, I taught for five years at Woodbridge Jr.-Sr. High School in Bridgeville, Delaware. I've been teaching at CHET for thirteen years. My wife, Chris, and I regularly travel internationally for our work. We have been married for 32 years and have four kids: Joel (28), Rebekah (25), Olivia (22), and Luke (17).

My husband and I have been homesteading for the last 12 years, along with our children, who are 13, 11, and 10. This will be my first year in a classroom at CHET, although some of you may recognize me from the front door on Thursdays, where I have been working for the last five years. I stay pretty busy caring for my family and our animals, but love to read and go kayaking when time permits. I have a profound love for agriculture, as I see it as a beautiful gift from God—a way to honor His creation and nurture the earth He entrusted to us.

I have been a part of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for 18 years. The first few years I studied leadership, missions, the Bible, and evangelism with YWAM’s University of the Nations. All that time my family has also been traveling together and doing evangelism and training young people in missions and evangelism in over 10 different countries. We also work with YWAM Nashville’s missions training campus, as well as among the poor and broken in inner-city Memphis. This will be my first year teaching at CHET. I have been married to my lovely wife Kassie for 17 years! We have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls: David (16), Raeanna (14), Isaiah (10), and Halle (8). I enjoy hunting, fishing, watching sports, and spending time with Jesus and enjoying my family! I’m excited to be able to inspire students to fall more in love with God and find out how exciting (not boring) He really is!

After graduating with my business degree (specializing in paralegal studies), I came home to raise my kids and be a homeschool mom. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children at all ages, stages, and skill levels, both in my own family and in my roles teaching at homeschool co-ops and working in ministry. When I’m not busy homeschooling, I work for Not Consumed Ministries. I got started as an editor in 2020 and have worked in various roles throughout the company, including my current position as a content creator. I also love reading, animals, and plants. This will be my second year teaching at CHET. My husband and I live in Cottontown and have four amazing children who we have homeschooled since the beginning! Our oldest three kiddos have graduated and gone on to college, while our youngest currently attends CHET. My classes are rich in projects or discussion (or both!) and I am passionate about helping kids grow in their love of learning. I’m looking forward to a great year at CHET and can’t wait to meet your kiddos! 

I graduated from WGU with a Bachelor's in Education in 2015. This is my 10th year teaching at CHET. I have been married for 25 years and have 6 children, ages 29, 24, 21, 17, 13, and 6. Outside of CHET I have been a horseback riding instructor for 30 years and manage a local stable in Hendersonville. My goal as a teacher is to teach in a fun and interesting way to help students develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Krystin Larsen has a passion for the performing arts that began at a very young age. That passion led to her earning a bachelor’s degree in Theater Education with a minor in music from MTSU. Krystin is a dancer, choreographer, coach, actress, and director with a long career pursuing the arts. She began teaching ballet to a small group at age 10 and taught swing dance to large crowds at age 13. Her joy for sharing dance is felt in her classes. She specializes in swing era dances including lindy hop, Charleston, and other 1910-1950’s styles. She trained under world-renowned 1940’s dancers. She’s performed in music videos and TV shows and with musical groups on the Ryman Auditorium stage. She is a decorated 1st place champion in swing dance styles from the west to east coast. Her greatest memory while teaching dance was on the mission field in Kenya with children in Mbita. She loves to worship God with her whole heart, with her voice, and through dance. Her favorite book of the Bible is Psalms, and she likewise chooses to worship the Lord in all seasons. Krystin lives in Hendersonville, TN with her husband Kevin and daughter Evelyn.

I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio. In 2002 I married my wonderful husband. That brought us to Tennessee for his military duty station. We loved Tennessee, so we decided to make it our home. We have two beautiful children who are also homeschooled and attend here at CHET. I love anything outdoors: animals, gardening, archery, fishing, kick boxing/jujitsu, crafting and scrapbooking, to name a few. I've been a hair designer/stylist for 30 years, and since my career is a bit flexible, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with all of your wonderful children!

I have a Business Management Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. I was on the College Yearbook Staff and worked as a professional photographer for several years before starting homeschool with my kids. This will be my 3rd year teaching at CHET, and our 9th year attending as a family. My husband is Stanton Lee. We've been married 17 years and all four of our kids attend CHET. My hobbies are photography, sewing, reading, and other interests include history and genealogy, music and art, and being outside on our farm. My goal is to bring students with different talents together to work as a team. A strong Yearbook Staff includes skills in creative writing, photography, attention to detail, graphic design, marketing, and more. Every role is important! I'm excited to jump into year #3!

I hold a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in teaching from Austin Peay University. This will be my 11th year teaching and my second year with CHET. I am thrilled to be your guide on this year’s ACT journey! My greatest joy comes from my two amazing kids, Seven (11) and Colonel (10). We love spending time outdoors—whether we’re running, hiking, skating, or playing pickleball. My goal, here at CHET, is to create an engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a growth mindset. This year, we won’t just aim for high scores—we will embrace the challenge, grow as learners, and build confidence along the way. I am looking forward to a fantastic year together!

I graduated from Tennessee School for the Deaf. I used to work there for a few years as a school assistant, one-on-one staff with special needs students, and as a cheerleading coach. I volunteered at Tennessee University and taught American Sign Language. I’m a Deaf mentor and camp coordinator at Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I work with the Deaf community and teach hearing kids and parents ASL. I love teaching American Sign Language. It’s a part of who I am. Sign Language is just like any other language. There is no negative aspect to knowing sign language. It’s beautiful, elegant and expressive. This will be my second year teaching at CHET. I am happily married with five amazing children. My oldest stepson, Jordan, is 21, and another stepson, Jonah, is 20 years old. My stepdaughter Jenna is 16 years old and in her junior year. My firstborn daughter, Talia, is 12 years old and in 7th grade, and my last daughter, Emilia, is nine years old and in 3rd grade. I love to spend time with my family, and I enjoy cooking. I like to read a good book that pulls me into another world. I enjoy glamping, swimming, hiking, and traveling. I am truly blessed! My goal as a teacher at CHET is to not just impart knowledge in ASL, but to inspire and empower students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. 

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I studied psychology at Judson University. I met my husband Steve in college, got married and relocated 21 years ago to Nashville. I discovered my passion in the fitness industry, training clients' functional fitness, mobility and flexibility. I have also found a second passion in nutrition. I love to cook and experiment with altering any recipe to make it fit a nutritional balance. This will be my 6th year teaching at CHET. My goal is for students to recognize their ability to perform both mental and physical tasks functionally without holding back, using the tools God has given them. We are God's masterpieces! Fearfully and wonderfully made and molded in His own image. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). I enjoy and participate in the art and strength of calisthenics as well as watching my daughter perform ballet and my son in baseball. Some of my favorite verses are, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor 6:19-20). "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:29-31).

I hold a Master of Education from Western Governors University and am a graduate of both Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and Bethel University. I continued professional development by studying with the late Shawn Lane of Memphis, TN. I serve on faculty for Bethel University (27 years) in McKenzie, TN and Union University in Jackson, TN. In 2025, I'll begin my 8th year as CHET faculty. I've worn many hats as a musician: performer, session musician, arranger, transcriber, editor, film scorer, consultant, teacher, school director, clinician, video director, technical writer, and technician. Playing steadily with various groups, including my own, The Danny Ray Martin Quartet (sometimes a trio, quintet, or big band), and was called “West Tennessee's answer to John Scofield” by The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) after the release of the album Translation. I also designed the guitar curricula for Bethel and guitartricks.com, founded the East Nashville School of Music, and scored the independent shorts Dreams and For Annie and stage productions I, Frankenstein, The Diviners, Aric Cushing's Dracula, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Crucible. I was recognized as a finalist by the 2009 Nashville Emerging Leaders Awards, named the Bethel University Young Alumni Award in 2011, and was a Mary Catherine Strobel Direct Service Award Finalist in 2015. 

I graduated from David Lipscomb University with a B.S. in History and obtained a Masters in Secondary Education from Peabody College (Vanderbilt University). This will be my 7th year teaching at CHET. My husband Kevin and I have four children. Our three boys graduated from CHET in the past four years. Zach is a senior film student at Trevecca University, Zane is in the USMC, Zeke is working with Madison Church of Christ and helps out with CHET functions when needed. Our daughter Izzie will be a senior at CHET this fall. Madison Church of Christ is our church home. I teach Sunday School for 1st-3rd grades. I'm a big fan of books and UT football. I want to instill the wonder of God's creation, the joy of a good book, and, most importantly, the love of God's Word in each of the classes I teach at CHET.

I completed a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology, a Master’s Degree of Science in Forensic Medicine, and I am a Certified Traditional Naturopath. I was an Organ and Tissue Transplant Coordinator for several years, worked in a Cardiology Cath Lab, and then taught various science classes at the Homeschool Co-op we attended in NY. We’ve been at CHET for two years now and love it. I am wife to Jesse, whose job in Cyber Security brought our family to Nashville two years ago, and a homeschooling mom of three girls, who all attend CHET. I am fascinated by the intricacies of God’s creation, and thoroughly enjoy sharing that with others. I look forward to sharing this with your kids!
 

I have a B.S. in Mathematical Education from Pensacola Christian College. I taught for eight years in Memphis and 12 years at Hendersonville Christian Academy, for a total of 20 years' teaching experience. This will be my 3rd year teaching at CHET. I have been married to Joshua Perry for four years now. I love reading, hiking, and playing/coaching volleyball. I attend South Haven Baptist Church. I am passionate about teaching math to my students in a way that is easier for them to grasp and understand. I want them to enjoy the time in my classroom and also feel like they are learning and becoming more confident in their math skills.

I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and have been teaching, writing, and consulting with schools, churches, and youth organizations around the country ever since. I have taught service-learning, project-based learning, leadership, writing, rhetoric, life skills, and personal development classes at Harpeth Hall School, Northern Arizona University, the University of Tennessee, West High School, and CHET. I've co-authored eight books for educators, youth workers and families, including bestseller Great Group Games. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Dan, and our four children by playing sports, reading, playing games, and worshiping at 24 Church.  

I have been homeschooling for the last nine years, and my children have been at CHET for the last eight years. My four kids have only known the homeschool life. My husband, Josh, and I are both from Ohio, and we have lived in Nashville for the past 17 years. Even as a child, I wanted to homeschool my children, and have loved the adventures my family and I have been able to take over the years. I love being outside, gardening, hiking, and enjoying nature while teaching my children the wonders of God's creation. I've had a blast teaching STEAM for the past two years. I love seeing the kids' creativity and thirst for knowledge. My goal is to have fun while learning and allow for a space to create opportunities to have hands-on learning and foster curiosity. "Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction" (Psalm 119:18).
 

I am from a family of artists and love being creative. Making art, cooking, gardening, parenting, grandparenting, serving at church, and teaching at CHET all bring me joy! I have been teaching at CHET (mostly on and a little off) for 22 years. In June 2025 I will be celebrating our 36th anniversary with my adventurous and woodworking husband, Scott. We are the parents of six homeschooled and CHET-schooled "children" (ages 34-16) and of six grandchildren, and are getting geared up to start our 29th year of homeschooling - oh, my! The theme for this year is found at the very beginning of the Bible, "In the beginning, God created...” Through teaching at CHET, I hope everyone learns to love to express themselves through the making of all kinds of art!

I studied photography at Nashville State Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in Visual Communications. I have experience with wedding photography, portraiture, real estate photography, and have worked with the Freeman-Webb Company photographing renovation projects. This will be my 5th year to teach photography at CHET. I live in Nashville with my husband of 22 years, David, who is a Nashville Fire Chief, and our three children, Casey, age 20, Adrianna and Elizabeth, age 16 and who currently attend CHET; our Giant Schnoodle, Millie Bear, aka Precious Angel Baby Girl, and many other animals, such as Tom Petty the Turkey. My heart is happiest spending time with my family, reading and drinking coffee on my front porch with my Millie Bear by my side. I try not to take those moments for granted. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of photography with the students at CHET. My goal is to get students excited about seeing the world through the lens of a camera and to see the value of photography in the arts and documenting life’s “little” moments as well as the “big” moments. 

I have a B.A. in Chemistry Education from Louisiana Tech and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. This will be my 7th year teaching at CHET. I've been married to Scott for 20 years, and we have two adult children, Mark and Heather. I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with family. My desire is that students would gain a greater sense of God's glory by studying His creation and how it works.

I received a degree in vocal performance from Welch College, with a secondary emphasis in piano. I’ve taught piano and voice lessons for twenty years. This will be my 12th year at CHET. I currently teach the children’s choir at my church, and was a music teacher and choir director before my children were born. I homeschool my three children. My goals are to work with students’ individual needs, help develop self-confidence, musical potential, and cultivate a love of music in each student.