Faculty

Education: PPSC Pre K Director License Program

Mrs. Atkins was born and raised in Colorado Springs and is an ECA alumni. She married her high school sweetheart, Luke, and together they are raising their 4 children and running their plumbing company. Justine was the pre-K aide at ECA for 6 years, and this year she is the Pre-K Director. She is so thankful for the way Biblical truth and character building are at the forefront of ECA’s education model. She also enjoys coaching volleyball and hiking and camping with her family.

Bible verse: Jeremiah 32:38-41. “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.”

Education: M.A., Teaching from Grand Canyon University; B.A., Elementary Education from Dordt University

Mrs. Stephens came to teach at ECA in 1987 as her first job after college and has been teaching here ever since. From attending elementary and high school in Denver to a Christian college in Iowa, she’s spent her whole life in the Christian school setting. Throughout those years as a student, Mrs. Stephens’ own teachers continuously modeled their love and commitment to the Lord. This was incredibly impactful as she grew into the teacher and leader she is today, and she desires to show that same love, commitment, and enthusiasm in her own classroom. Her favorite verse is from I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. It is Mrs. Stephens’ continued prayer that each child who enters her classroom would find joy in learning and love serving the Lord in all that they do.

Education: Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington

Shoshana Boswell is new to ECA in 2023. She was married to her husband, Brett, in June of 2023 and moved to the Springs shortly after. Mrs. Boswell grew up in southern Virginia. She earned her degree in Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington.  This is her first year teaching, however she was the maternity leave teacher for a semester in Kindergarten at a Christian, classical school in North Carolina where the Lord showed her His will. She is passionate about theology and classical education. Her favorite bible verse is Romans 5:1-5. ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’

Education: B.A., Elementary Education from Covenant College 

Miss Geving feels extremely blessed to have attended ECA as a student from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In fact, it is due to the love and the impact of her incredible ECA elementary school teachers that she was inspired to become a teacher. Miss Geving’s prayer is to impact the lives of her students for Christ.

Education: B.A., Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado with minor in Earth Sciences

Mrs. Cupples considers it an honor and blessing to be able to teach God’s truth in the classroom here at ECA. She takes ECA’s mission to heart to “educate, equip, and empower students to pursue their purpose in Christ”.  It is Mrs. Cupples’ prayer that her classroom be one of academic excellence to the glory of God and a place for students to grow in their relationship with Christ. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Education: B.S., Intercultural Studies. Certified TEFL instructor

Over the past 10 years, Miss Vann has taught both abroad in Southeast Asia, and in the States, as an ESL instructor and as a teacher in a Classical Christian school.  This is her first year at ECA. Miss Vann enjoys teaching her students about the world and our place in it as followers of Christ. She feels privileged to work at a school that cares for every student, partners with parents, and keeps Christ at the center of everything.  Her favorite verse is: Zephaniah 3:17, which says, “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a MIghty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”  Her prayer is that her 5th graders will love the Lord more as they gain a deeper knowledge of Him throughout the school year.

Education: Bachelor of Music /Education- instrumental focus from Belmont University

Jennifer Hoppe is a Colorado native and always involved in music. She toured for four summers in high school and college.  Her first teaching job was in WI at Faith Christian School where she birthed a small band program. After starting her family in WI, she returned to CO with her children.  In 2009, she began working mornings as a preschool aide at a First Pres. In the fall of 2019 she returned to her passion of teaching beginning band at ECA.

Education: M.Mus. in Choral Conducting, Butler University (1996);

B.S., K-12 Music Education with a concentration in organ performance, Eastern Nazarene College (1994)

Mr. Howard has been teaching at ECA since 2006. He teaches general music, handbells, choir, Latin, Art Appreciation, coordinates the elementary chapel program, and maintains a private piano teaching studio. He holds degrees in music education, choral conducting and organ and is the 2023 recipient of the ECA Ezekiel Award for Excellence in Teaching. Born in the South and raised in New England, Mr. Howard has called Colorado Springs home for 18 years. He loves hiking and exploring the wonderful outdoors Colorado has to offer, but does wish there was at least one beach close by. In addition to his teaching career, Mr. Howard has served as Music Director & Organist at St. George’s Anglican Church for the past 15 years. When not at school or church he can be found working in his yard or on home improvement projects or reading a good book on his front porch. He is father to two grown daughters and a son who are three of the greatest joys in his life.

Education: B.A., History from UCCS

Mrs. Hrdlichka was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up on a military base in Japan. She learned to love God with her missionary friends in Japan. She accepted Christ in the 2nd grade and has always loved to teach others about God. She moved to Colorado in 2000 after she graduated from high school and went to UCCS. She received her Bachelor’s degree in History in 2005. She married her husband, Robert, in 2004 and had her son Sabin in 2012. Sabin currently goes to ECA. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Education: B.A., Religion with a minor in Psychology from St. Andrews University.

Mrs. Schaap grew up in Georgia and was an ECA parent for 16 years. Her three children attended ECA and two graduated from ECA. She has coached multiple sports over the years and has taught 4th grade and aided, while also substitute teaching.  She previously worked in children and youth ministries. Along with her passion for sports, she brings a high level of energy and creativity. It is her goal to foster an environment in Physical Education where students are engaged in challenging activities that team build, problem solve, and provide an outlet for movement and fun. She loves watching her students develop new skills and grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Her life verse is Isaiah 61:1-3. She loves John 8:36 “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

When she is not at ECA, you can find her playing pickleball, watching USWNT soccer, hiking in the mountains with her husband and dog, and enjoying good music.

Education: B.A, Biblical Counseling from Masters Divinity College

Mrs. Bundy is an Aide at ECA Elementary in Pre-K and 1st Grade (2023). She is a Colorado Native and came to live in Colorado Springs August of 2010.  Her, her husband and two sons moved down here for her husband’s job and that is when the Lord led them to ECA.  Both of their boys have attended ECA. The oldest, Levi, started in kindergarten and is now at PPSC. Josiah started in Pre-K and is currently at ECA starting his sophomore year.  She is so thrilled that the boys have had a Christian, Classical education throughout their formative years.  Mrs. Bundy says she was fortunate to be able to volunteer at ECA for many years, supporting teachers and staff in whatever they needed.  Now she is thrilled to help out as an Aide.  Her hobbies include reading and music and spending time with family and friends.  One of her favorite passages of Scripture right now is Colossians 3:10-17.  Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 25:11. She is so thankful that she gets to be a light for the Lord in the lives of these kids.

Education: B.S., Criminal Justice from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA

Ms. Gaines is a Colorado native and an ECA alumni who graduated in 2013. She has a deep love for ECA and the students who attend. Ms. Gaines is momma to the two best kiddos who hopefully one day, when they come of age, will attend ECA. She loves camping, football and spending time with her family. She also coaches the C Volleyball team at the secondary campus. One of her favorite things about being a Pre-K aide at ECA, is that she has the opportunity to share the gospel with every kiddo who steps foot in the Pre-K classroom.

Education: B.S.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis 

Mrs. Newton is thrilled to call Colorado home after spending most of her life moving as a military kid and then military wife. She has been married to her husband, Justin, for 20 years and they have 5 kids, 2 that attend ECA. She loves hiking and cheering her kids on at sporting events. Her favorite Bible verse is Job 42:2. “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Education:  M.A., Organizational Leadership from Regent University. Advanced Literature and English Certificate from CSU Boulder; B.A., Organizational Communications from Murray State University. 

Mrs. Butler teaches CCU Dual Enrollment Courses for 11th Grade Humanities, AP Language and Composition, and Senior Thesis. With 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Butler is passionate about teaching literature that allows students to experience models of virtue and God’s truth. “The beautiful truth begins and ends in these two statements: Humans are flawed and need a savior, and Jesus died for us. What a joy it is to discover beauty and truth alongside our students.

Education: B.S., Education from Baylor University

Mrs. Chance has a BS in Education from Baylor University with emphasis in secondary art and math. She taught for 9 years before moving into the admin and finance field for 12 years. She is overjoyed to be teaching again at ECA for her 3rd year. Her favorite mathematical concept is the golden ratio as its applications so perfectly reveal God’s beautiful creation as revealed in math, art, and nature.

Education: Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School;

B.A., Theology and Philosophy from Quincy University, IL 

Mrs. Evans has always loved learning, especially in subjects related to humanities and language. Her background includes studying Spanish, Koine Greek, and Biblical Hebrew. She loves reading/listening to classical works; one of her favorite books is Jane Eyre. Mrs. Evans sees teaching as a ministry.  She strives to teach students knowledge as well as virtue and emotional awareness–to introduce students to truth, beauty, and goodness as a means of helping them to know God. She often prays with the words of Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom should I be afraid?”

Education: B.A., Elementary Education from Calvin College.

Mrs. Jones attended Christian schools from Kindergarten through college and has taught in Christian schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Fort Collins, CO, and she wholeheartedly values the importance of Christian education and the impact it can have on the children in our society.  After working in the ECA Pre-Kindergarten program, Mrs. Jones currently serves as the Assistant Principal, Middle School in addition to teaching Pre-Algebra and Middle School Writing. “I desire to be a teacher and administrator who can open up every child’s heart and mind to learning and to loving the Lord so that they may find their purpose in the Lord.” Favorite verse: Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. 

Education: B.S. from Berry College

Mrs. Hill is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA. She spent many years in non-profit communications before transitioning into classical education. Mrs. Hill currently teaches drama in our Middle School in addition to her role as our Communications Coordinator. Mrs. Hill is a married mother of two children, one a current ECA student and one an ECA graduate.

Education: M.Div from New Geneva Theological Seminary; M.A., Historical Theology from Westminster Seminary California; B.A., Secondary Education from Washington Baptist College

Mr. Holst originally taught at ECA from 2000-2022, where he taught numerous Bible classes, coordinated Chapels, Discipleship Groups, and service projects. After a brief “retirement” he is now back teaching 11th Worldviews, 12th Senior Seminar, College & Career, and a CS Lewis elective. Mr. Holst is also serving as the College & Career Counselor and helping with our Dual Credit program.

Mr. Holst is married to Shaunna, the Receptionist at ECA. They have four children, all of whom are ECA graduates. Mr. Holst is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and has served as Pastor of a PCA congregation in Colorado. He has also taught Apologetics at Sangre de Cristo Seminary in Westcliffe, CO, and Old Testament Survey at New Geneva in Colorado Springs.

Mr. Holst loves to read and watch Sherlock Holmes, is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoys reading theology and history, and watching thought-provoking movies.

“My hope is that ECA students will grow in their love for the Word of God, that they will agree with the Psalmist who wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). By loving God’s Word, they will see more clearly the Person and glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Education: Master of Divinity from Sangre de Cristo Seminary; B.S., Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University

If there’s one thing that Mr. Imperato is passionate about, it’s the Bible. You may find him in his classroom catechizing his students with memory verses and shorter catechism questions, perhaps even singing with his students! You may also find him downstairs training students to take care of not only their minds, but also their bodies in personal fitness. Outside of school Mr. Imperato enjoys hikes, pickleball, and almost any backyard game. Mr. Imperato plans on pursuing licensure and ordination exams to become a pastor in time. However, ECA is where the Lord has called him at this stage in life to invest in the lives of the future—our children.

Favorite Verse: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Education: B.A., K-8 Education with a Psychology and Bible minor from Tennessee Temple University

After teaching various grades and subjects in several Christian schools in various states, Mrs. Leidecker joined the faculty at ECA initially in 1995.  All four of her children graduated from Evangel Christian Academy.  She enjoys gardening, exploring God’s creation in the beautiful state of Colorado, and swimming.  Investigating God’s orderly design in creation with students is such a blessing. A thought provoking book that was read is Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su.  This year, she is exploring Creation principles and its orderliness while teaching Physical Science to 8th grade and 9th grade children, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, and Advanced Financial Algebra.  Isaiah 40:28: Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Education: B.A., Music Composition and Sound Design from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Before joining ECA, Mr. McDowell worked both as a freelance composer for film/television and a before-and-after school childcare director. “God fulfilled a lifelong desire of being able to share the process of creating music through teaching here at ECA. While watching concert pieces come together certainly is the goal of directing a band, watching students consider and develop their character is the best part of teaching! I want my students to use their skills, talents and drive for their Godly purpose; my hope is that they will use the bandroom as a practicing ground for that.”

Education: M.S., Industrial Engineering: St. Mary’s University; B.S., Mathematics: University of Denver

Mr. Murphy is in his second year teaching at Evangel, but he is anything but new to ECA. Mr. Murphy has been a part of ECA sports for over 8 years working as Elementary, Middle and HS soccer coach, and assistant MS track coach.

Mr. Murphy is a 23 year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. During his military career, Mr. Murphy spent time at the Air Intelligence Agency at Kelly AFB, TX and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and NORAD and US Northern Command at Peterson AFB, CO. For approximately 17 years, he served in various capacities at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. During that time, he taught numerous mathematics, economics, and operations research courses to hundreds of future Air Force officers. He held the titles of Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Assistant Professor of Economics, and Deputy Department Head. Finally, Mr. Murphy wrapped up his time at the Air Force Academy as the Department Head for the Department of Economics and Geosciences. 

Today, in addition to teaching and coaching, Mr. Murphy owns his own small business and spends his days doing minor home construction, landscaping, and handyman work. He teaches youth and adult Bible and apologetics courses in his church – recently leading a study entitled “A Classical Guide to Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.” 

Mr. Murphy and his wife, Holly, have 9 children including one ECA graduate so far.

Mr. Murphy loves teaching math and economics as they help students understand the world God has created and how to maximize use of the Earth’s scarce resources to enable human flourishing.

Education:  M.F.A., Ceramics from Fort Hays University; B.F.A., Visual Arts and a business minor from Georgia Southern University

Miss Panhorst grew up in various places in the eastern half of the United States before moving to Kansas to study ceramics. Most recently, Miss Panhorst moved to Colorado Springs to teach art at ECA in order to better share the gift of creativity and love of God’s beauty with students. Outside of school, Miss Panhorst spends time hiking, reading, cooking, completing,and, of course, creating art.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Education: M.A., Mathematics Education from University of Northern Colorado

B.S., Physics from Geneva College

Mr. Pinson teaches Geometry, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Chemistry, HS Computers and Honors Physics. Before joining ECA he built decks for about 9 years. Mr. Pinson loves math and science, and considers it a joy to explore these fields with students, seeking to unfold a little bit of the mystery and wonder as well as the orderliness of God’s creation. Mr. Pinson has a wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1

Education: M.A., Humanities from California State Dominguez Hills, B.A., European and American History from The Masters University

Mrs. Rodarte is thrilled to be a new member of the teaching team at ECA! A little about Mrs. Rodarte: she received her BA in history from the Masters University in 2004 and her MA in the Humanities from California State Dominguez Hills in 2017. She will be teaching 7th and 10th grade Humanities with an emphasis on Ancient History and Literature through the Reformation period. She has been married for 16 years to her husband, Hector, and they have two beautiful boys-Marcus (12) and Vincent (9). As a family, they enjoy hiking, attending their boys’ taekwondo demonstrations and hanging out with their puppy, Cicero. She enjoys reading in her spare time; her favorite book is Exodus by Leon Uris. Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” She loves this verse because it was the verse that God used in her life the most when she first came to know Him in her early twenties. 

Education: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Applied Linguistics from University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.; B.A., Spanish, Secondary Education from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. 

Mrs. Sánchez has taught Spanish and English for 20 years to learners of all ages. She was a missionary in Spain for 4 years, and is excited to be teaching at ECA. She hopes to inspire students to love languages and language learning, and to use their abilities to extend Christ’s kingdom to all peoples, tribes and languages.

Education: B.A., History from Shepherd University 

Prior to transitioning into teaching, Mrs. Smathers spent many years writing professionally for newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. She has a passion for Classical education and helping students grow into disciples of Christ.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Attributed to Socrates. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves! Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Education: B.S., K-8 Education from Grand Canyon University

Miss Wingett is an ECA graduate from 2021 but she has been connected with the school for many years. Through ECA she found her future husband who she is getting married to next year. She feels so beyond blessed to return to ECA and help grow the minds of our Middle School students. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33