King's Gate Christian School
TEAM
Administration
Wyndi Bradley, Ph.D
Head of SchoolsI started my career with King’s Gate in 1996 as the Director of the part-time programs and I became the lead administrator in 2003. I received my undergraduate degree in business from the University of Central Oklahoma where I also completed my master’s degree in Education. I received my Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and my Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. I married the love of my life, Bryan in 1986 and we celebrated 35 years this year! He still takes my breath away like he did the very first time I saw him. I have admired King’s Gate for the way the staff loves and respects children since our daughter attended as a preschooler over 30 years ago. I am humbled to be part of something so special, to be counted among such a gifted and loving staff, and to see our GOD work in the lives of so many every single day. I am convinced that King’s Gate is an exceptional place where the King’s Gate Team and families work together to prepare and empower students for their individual purpose. Thank you for sharing your family with us!
Ed Thomas
Upper School PrincipalI served as King’s Gate Upper School Advancement Partner from 2014-2019 and rejoined the King’s Gate team during the summer of 2021 as the Director of Upper School Advancement. I became the Upper School Principal in March of this year. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biology, Health and Physical Education at Baylor University and my master’s degree in Education Administration at Stephen F. Austin University. I am a certified principal and a superintendent. I’m also certified to teach Biology, Physical Education, Health, and Special Education. I have served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, elementary principal, secondary principal, and a superintendent. My total experience covers 42 years with 25 in Christian education. Currently serving on the ACSI Accreditation Commission, I have served as the Chair and the Vice Chair in the past. I am also an ordained minister. I married my wife, Dana, in 1974 and we have two daughters and six grandchildren.
Jennifer Clark
Director, Child Development Center/Elementary PrincipalI learned about King’s Gate when looking into private Christian schools for my son, Tyler. We’ve been at King’s Gate since he started Kindergarten. We have been so impressed by the love and passion the teachers have for not only teaching, but for GOD. I graduated from Northeastern State University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Family Relations and Child Development. I then went on to teach three and four-year-olds at Head Start and later at a local childcare center. I wanted to further my education, and received a master’s degree in Family and Child Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012. The next four years were spent as a Parent Educator for Oklahoma Parents as Teachers. I loved working with families one on one, doing assessments, and giving activity suggestions to help with their child’s development. I had the opportunity to join the King’s Gate staff in fall 2016, and I have greatly enjoyed being a part of this incredible team. We have amazing parents and children at King’s Gate. It is truly a privilege to work here.
Linda Ford
Office ManagerI joined the King’s Gate staff in 2012. I received my undergraduate degree in Personnel Psychology from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. I married my wonderful husband, David, in 1993 and we have 2 amazing children, Caitlin and Matthew. It is a blessing and honor to work with the families, students and staff of King’s Gate every day. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you through this wonderful, growing, Christian school.
Stephanie Scott
Assistant to Head of SchoolsI love being a member of the King’s Gate team! I have been a registered nurse since 1995 working in organ, tissue, and eye donation and transplantation. While I love nursing, and am especially passionate about donation and transplantation, I am super excited to now be serving on the team at KG! I married my husband, Rick, in 2010. I have two wonderful stepchildren (Quinten & Katie), and was blessed to become a mom to my son, Lynden, who attends school at KG. We are members of the Deer Creek Church of Christ in Edmond. I love getting to know all the kids here at King’s Gate and enjoy driving the school bus, as well as helping in classrooms when needed. I have the privilege of being Dr. Bradley’s assistant, and learn more every day how KG functions and thrives! The verse I’ve been clinging to recently is 2 Timothy 1:7—”for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind.”
Angie Steedman
Communications & Events Director; Journalism & YearbookAfter over three decades of involvement with King’s Gate, I’m finally part of the team. I’m a parent of 5 adult daughters, all of whom had attended either King’s Gate preschool, CDC or Summer at King’s Gate or a combination of all and worked here in various capacities. I served on the Board many years ago and am now the wife of a Board member. I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s in Journalism/Advertising, served as youth minister at Our Lord’s Community Church, and homeschooled my daughters before embarking on this adventure. All of these experiences serve me well as Communications Director and Journalism/Yearbook teacher. I am beyond excited about the way GOD orchestrated this opportunity for me to join King’s Gate and look forward to encouraging our students and families in their spiritual journeys while I tell the King’s Gate story. I am amazed at the beautiful ways Proverbs 16:3 has played out in my life: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Paula Gage
Administrative AssistantI am privileged to have joined the King’s Gate staff in 2005. I received my Associate in Applied Science degree from OSU Tech in Okmulgee, OK. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, Nelson. We have been married since 1998 and have a beautiful and fun-loving daughter Hannah, who was able to attend King’s Gate her first three years of early education. It is a true blessing to be here working with all the amazing families, children and staff.
Cassie Kuykendall
Administrative AssistantI joined the King’s Gate staff in 2017. I have been married to my wonderful husband Kile since 2009 and the LORD blessed us with our sweet girl Kaylee in 2013. We moved from Moore to Yukon in 2016 to be closer to better schools and out of tornado alley! Once we settled in, we enrolled Kaylee in King’s Gate Preschool at Surrey Hills Baptist Church. We fell in love with the teachers and staff and Kaylee thrived. I joined the office staff shortly after. As a parent turned staff member it has been amazing to get to know the parents and staff better. It is apparent GOD is hard at work here with our children. I especially enjoy working at the front desk, so I get to see all the students and many of our families. The King’s Gate community is one big family and I feel blessed to be part of it.
Kelli Duke
Upper School GuidanceIt is an honor to serve the King’s Gate Upper School as the College and Career Advisor and Administrative Support. I have been a part of the Upper School staff since 2021, when I started teaching the middle school and high school Art classes. It has been a great privilege, and challenge, to now pivot to helping our high school students chart their course to and after graduation! I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design in 1999 and have 25+ years of experience in various design fields including interior design, visual merchandising, graphic design, stage design, and web design. I am now using the business side of my degree to walk students through making college and career choices, provide opportunities to explore careers through our Life Launch and Springterm events, and help to manage the day-to-day functions of our growing Upper School. My husband Ron and I were married in 2000, and we became Oklahomans thanks to the Air Force. We are now empty nesters with one son, Khy, who is a proud OSU Cowboy studying Mechatronics Engineering. Ron is a retired veteran and serves as an Elder at our church as well as the Operations Manager for a local Audio/Video company. I also serve as a part of the Ministry Leadership Team and Worship Team at our church. While I would struggle to sum up in one verse what God has in store for me and for my students here, it is my greatest desire (1 Thessalonians 5:11) that they learn that God knew them before they were created (Jeremiah 1:5), has loved them through every stumble (Romans 5:8) and every success (Zephaniah 3:17), and that He has a plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11) that they are already on a path (Philippians 3:13-14) to fulfilling!
Kevin Thornton
Athletic Director, PE, & Intermediate BibleBefore accepting the role of Athletic Director, I worked for Armstrong Relocation and United Van Lines. Prior to Armstrong, I coached baseball at Southwestern Christian University, where I started the program from scratch. The Eagles went on to eventually win a National title. Before that, I was an assistant basketball coach at SCU, helping with development of players. My wife, Lysa and I, were founders and executive pastors of Life Covenant International Ministries for over 15 years. We also founded Savin’ Souls, an organization that purposed to put brand new shoes on the feet of every child in OKC. We’ve spent the last 23 years focusing on raising our children, Harrison, Colin, Haydn and Bliss. My vision is to develop an athletic department at Kingsgate that will produce Christian athletes in multiple sports, including individual sports and team sports. I genuinely believe we can produce young disciples of Christ, while setting our sights on winning championships.
Child Development Center (CDC)
Brittany Hammons
Baby RoomI have been with King’s Gate since 2021. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am so grateful I get to not only share my love, but also share my love for Christ. I’ve been working with children for seven years and I have three of my own. I have two daughters. Lily and Ily and a son, Micaiah. There is no other place like King’s Gate. We are so blessed to be part of such a God loving and sweet community.
Stacey Tarter
Kindergarten AssistantI am honored and thrilled to be part of the King’s Gate family and team. I have been walking with Christ for over 22 years. I strive to root everything in my life in the Lord. Nick and I have been married for over 18 years. We have four children and one fur baby, a 6 month old King Charles Cavalier puppy. Nick serves as the Lead Pastor for New Covenant Fellowship in Bethany, OK. I am very active in our local church, serving and leading in ministry to young children and to women. We live in Yukon, OK. I graduated from Norman North High School, then attended the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. I have a passion for education, believing that it can be engaging and fun. I have honed my skills as an educator over the past 13 years as I have dedicated my life to being a full time mom to our four kids, ranging in ages from 13 to 4 1/2. I have found great joy in that role and feel very blessed by the Lord’s kindness towards me. The Lord brought King’s Gate to my path and it is beautiful seeing how He has orchestrated this journey, knowing that this is a place which greatly honors the Lord by loving children and giving them the tools they need to excel in life.
Janet Hunteman
Toddler 2sI was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1994 and married my college sweetheart, Steve, the following week. We spent ten years in New Orleans then five in Springfield, Missouri before finally getting back to Oklahoma. Our twin boys, Nathan and Jarrod, are juniors at OU. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking long walks, playing with my dog Chloe, all things OU, playing pickleball, and watching sports. I taught kindergarten for seven years in New Orleans then pre-k in Edmond for five years at a Parents’ Day Out program. I was a substitute/floater at King’s Gate in the spring of 2024 and I’m so blessed to be one of the Toddler teachers this year. I’m very thankful God placed me at King’s Gate. I’m excited to be part of the staff. This is such a wonderful environment for the children and the teachers! I’m looking forward to teaching your gifts from God!
Melinda Leach
Toddler 2sI am so grateful that my family and I are part of King’s Gate Christian School! My husband and I have been married since 2008 and have one daughter. She attends King’s Gate and has loved being here. I started out as homeroom mom, participated in PTO and then eventually found myself being on staff! When we are not at work or school, some of our hobbies include camping or spending time at the barn taking care of or riding horses. I attended a Christian school as a child and was homeschooled starting in 5th grade through graduation. I value Christian education and I’m so excited to be a part of the King’s Gate teaching team!
Kate Gleichman
PrimerI graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2024 with my Bachelor’s degree, and I will start graduate school this Fall 2024 at Southern Nazarene University working toward a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. I married the love of my life, Stuart, in 2021, and we have a sweet fur baby named Tate that is a Border Collie and Australian Shepherd mix. I enjoy going on walks with my little family, serving at our church, watching football and playing fantasy football, hanging out with friends, and playing games. I worked for King’s Gate from 2015-2017 in various capacities, and I have loved every role I have performed over the years. Fortunately for me, you have blessed me with the opportunity to return to this wonderful Christian school, and I can’t wait to have your precious little one in my class.
Emma Waldrip
Preschool & Elementary Life SkillsI have worked at King’s Gate since 2012, starting in high school as support staff and now working as one of our Preschool teachers! I attended King’s Gate in Preschool myself and then was homeschooled from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. I am passionate about helping children grow in their love for the Lord while working with them through new stages of development. I’m grateful to have grown up in a Christ-centered home with a loving family who are all involved with King’s Gate, having also worked here or been on the board! I married my favorite man, Hunter Waldrip, in July of 2021. I have a bachelor’s in Family Life Education-Child Development from UCO. I intend to stay a King’s Gate Lion as long as GOD has me here and I hope to have your kiddo come through my classroom!
Alexes Leyba
PreschoolI am excited to be part of the King’s Gate staff! I have been married to my wonderful husband, Joshua since 2017. I have my degree in Early Care and Education from Oklahoma State University. I am originally from Indiana but moved to Oklahoma when I was in 9th grade. I enjoy working in early childhood settings and have always had a passion for teaching little minds. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Victoria Price
Pre-K & CDC MusicI have been a part of the King’s Gate family for 4 years now and I truly believe there is no better place to be! This community has changed my life and has given me great purpose and the sweetest friendships than I could have ever imagined! Before early childhood education, I was very active in many facets of the performing arts and worked as a professional actor and vocalist in Oklahoma and Louisiana. In 2014 I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where I attended ministry school, met, and married my husband, and made my early childhood education debut. Nearly 2 years ago, we were gifted a new member of our family named Mylo. He is our sunshine and snuggle bug and he is a proud King’s Gate Lion Cub. We enjoy serving at church, family walks, singing, dancing, watching a good movie, and exploring the city in our spare time.
Linda Barnett
Pre-KThe teacher shortage moved me out of retirement and back to the classroom. I have been a classroom educator for over 40 years. Most of that time was in Special Education in grades Pre-K through 12th grade. I moved to Yukon to be closer to my grandchildren, my son and his wife. I have to give the Lord special thanks for leading me to KGCS. Never in my career have I ever been so fulfilled in the classroom.
Elementary
Jennifer Plattner
KindergartenI feel extremely fortunate that the Lord brought me to be a part of the King’s Gate Family! My husband and I have been married since 1993 and have four children, one daughter-in-law and the most beautiful granddaughter with an undoubtedly perfect grandson on the way. Our youngest daughter, Libby, attends King’s Gate, and will be a part of our first graduating class! I earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood, and began my teaching career in 1995, having taught both Pre-k and Kindergarten. I joined the King’s Gate family in 2015, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my former kindergarteners grow with our school. The feeling of GOD’s love within our building is almost unexplainable until you have witnessed it personally. It is a place that you wish to spend your days, and where you know that your child will be loved beyond measure and cared for in the best way possible. The growth and maturity that takes place in the children while in Kindergarten are remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoy being a part of shaping their minds and hearts. I am undoubtedly very blessed to be at a school where we can worship and study together in the LORD, and I look forward to each year more than the last.
Jenna Taylor
Baby room
MaKylah LaTray
1st GradeI am so thrilled to be teaching this year at King’s Gate! I first came on as support staff in 2021, and now have the privilege of teaching full time after the completion of my Early Childhood Education degree. I graduated with this degree from UCO in 2023. I married my husband, Devin, in 2021. We welcomed our first baby, Oliver, into the world on August 23, 2023. Oliver is our biggest joy! We also have 2 sweet fur babies- a standard poodle and Shih-tzu corgi mix. I am an active member in our church. We attend Eastland Hills Church in Choctaw. I have been attending that church for 9 years now, and I have the honor to be able to teach and direct in our children’s program. I am so thrilled to see God move in our school. King’s Gate and its students hold such a special place in my heart, and I know that God is going to continue to move here!
DeeAnn Gardenhire
1st Grade AssistantI moved from West Texas to Oklahoma in 2022 to join the King’s Gate team. God always has a plan; he orchestrated and opened the door for me to join this amazing team of educators. He has been preparing me for this place before I even stepped in the door. I am so excited to see where God is leading us this upcoming school year. I have no children of my own, but I have three amazing nephews and three talented goddaughters. All six of them keep me on my toes, they have blessed and impressed me more than they will ever comprehend. I look forward to fulfilling my purpose and calling at this remarkable school and seeing your children find who they are and what they are called to be.
Marlisa Price
2nd GradeI am so excited to be a part of King’s Gate Christian School! I have taught K-6th grade in Texas and Wyoming. I have a degree in Elementary and Special Education. I enjoy working in a Christian environment and sharing GOD’s word. I am blessed to be chosen to be a part of such a great school. I love children and the opportunity to teach. I always wanted to be a teacher and feel blessed that GOD has allowed me to work in my dream job! I have been married to my husband, George, for 30 years. We moved to Oklahoma in 2018. We have 3 adult children: Amanda, Brennan, and Gabby. We enjoy camping, kayaking and fishing as family. I enjoy knitting, reading and gardening. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Kayla Mason
2nd Grade Assistant/Elementary & Upper School Art TeacherI am so excited to be part of King’s Gate! My husband and I met doing ministry and have been married since 2018. We have two sweet daughters, Victoria and Ellington. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and certification in Art Education. I have taught elementary and middle school in Oklahoma and Texas since 2018. Throughout my life, I have worked with many different organizations ministering to children of all ages. I enjoy being in a Christian environment and using my talents to glorify the Lord.
Nicole Payne
3rd GradeI have been at King’s Gate since 2018. I am so happy to be teaching 3rd Grade and Life Skills at King’s Gate this year! My husband, Matt, and I met in high school and we have four children and one grandchild. I have also taught Kindergarten and 6th grade Bible as well as art during Summer at King’s Gate. Before moving to Surrey, I taught lower elementary art at Studio B in Claremore, OK. I was also the Preschool Ministry Coordinator at Cedar Point Church in Claremore before moving here. I am grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with all the wonderful people who GOD has brought into my life through King’s Gate and I can’t wait to see what amazing things GOD has in store for the future of our school!
Robin Phillips
3rd Grade AssistantI feel very blessed to have been chosen to teach at King’s Gate Christian School. I graduated from OSU and taught two years in Duncanville, TX. After I moved back to Oklahoma, I taught 25 years in 4th and 5th grade at Piedmont Elementary School, then retired from public education. My love for teaching brought me back to the school setting. I was a kindergarten assistant and taught K-5th grade technology/Spanish and served as a resource specialist at St. John Nepomuk Catholic School for eight years. Last year I transitioned to a teacher assistant in Putnam City. I missed being able to share my Christian values and prayer which led me to Kings’ Gate Christian School. Joe and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary in June, 2024. We enjoy gardening, raising chickens, fishing, and dining out. I enjoy traveling, working out, and loving on our two Aussie fur babies. We have three adult children…Morgan, Kiefer, and Grayson. Morgan and her husband blessed us with our precious Ellia, on 3/21/23. Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the Lord.”
Colin Thornton
4th GradeI am so grateful to be a part of King’s Gate Christian School! This is my second year here, after serving in an assistant teacher role in the 2022-2023 school year. I teach 3rd and 4th grade Bible classes. I plan to pursue my master’s in Counseling. When I am not at the school, I am usually at my church with my community group or serving for the youth group. I am honored and privileged to teach God’s Word to your children this year.
Hazel Gardenhire
4th & 5th Grade Social StudiesI am so excited to be a part of King’s Gate team. I love teaching and working with children. I graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) with a degree in history. I have taught many grade levels for over a decade in Texas. My family just moved here from Texas where it is hot and dry with very little rain. I am loving Oklahoma where people are friendly and helpful, God’s beauty is all around in the lakes, beautiful countryside, and glorious rain. Where I am from you must drive 300 miles any direction to reach water. However, I am a tad scared about the snow possibilities in Oklahoma. In Texas we close the schools when it snows. I am very blessed I have two beautiful children and four grandchildren and one grandson who is watching from heaven. All three of my grandchildren will be attending King’s Gate and I couldn’t be more pleased. I look forward to this year’s journey as we travel and explore history and the bible while in a loving safe environment.
Laurie Gillum
Science Teacher Preschool – 5th gradeI started my journey with King’s Gate in 1997 when I enrolled my middle child in preschool. In 2001 I joyfully accepted a position to teach science. I received my undergraduate degree at Lewis and Clark College in biology. For the next 6 years I worked as a wildlife biologist in the rainforests of Hawaii and the oceans of Alaska and Canada. I got my graduate degree from UMASS-Amherst where I did research on the Piping Plover along the barrier beach systems of Cape Cod, MA. For the next 6 years, I worked as the endangered species biologist for the state of Maryland and taught conservation biology at John Hopkins University. I married my best pal in college, Tim, and we have 3 children; Trevor, Haley, and Jack. King’s Gate truly has impacted our family deeply. It was only through King’s Gate leadership and staff that Tim and I were able to find and stay on the right track for Haley who has special learning differences. GOD truly brought the opportunity to me for teaching science here at King’s Gate. I am finally able to teach science from a creation perspective and highlight so many of the truly amazing things in our world, giving GOD all the glory. I never imagined the depth of understanding that these kids would gain. I have been so blessed by passing these biblical messages on through GOD’s creation.
Simcha Bloomfield
Elementary AssistantMy name is Simcha Bloomfield. I am so honored and very humbled to be a part of this amazing school. My family and I moved to Oklahoma in 2023 after my husband retired from the Army. He and I met in Iraq in 2004, where we both worked on helicopters. We have 2 teenagers and have lived in many places. We are really enjoying Oklahoma, especially because of our King’s Gate family. I recently started working as a 2nd grade Assistant Teacher after my kids began in the upper school. It is such a joy and pleasure to share Jesus with our students here.
Ali Otterbine
Elementary AssistantMy name is Ali Otterbine. I am so excited to have joined the King’s Gate family! I grew up in Allen, Texas and I graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a degree in Elementary Education in 2022. After graduating, I worked in the Lufkin area as a third grade teacher and enjoyed every minute of it. However, I loved the idea of being closer to family and friends and made the move to OKC. I’ve always had a heart for working with kids and spent many of my college years working in Children’s Ministry. I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams to be in that kind of position again, doing what I love most. I’m so excited for the opportunity to help students grow in their faith and find a love for learning. I also look forward to getting to know all the King’s Gate families and staff!
Reid Rowland
Elementary MusicI am thrilled to be joining the wonderful teaching team at King’s Gate Christian School! I have always had a love for children and a passion for extending a love of music to future generations. I have teaching experience in both vocal performance and musical theater, and I have performed in various musicals in multiple theaters around OKC for several years. I am thrilled to be able to use my piano and vocal training and personal performing experience to bring joy and excitement to the classroom! My teaching goals are inspired by the quote, “Excellence honors God and inspires others.” I’m looking forward to a year of excellence, and I’m excited to help each child learn to use their talents to glorify the Lord!
Intermediate
Kim Matias
Intermediate ELAI’m so excited to be a part of King’s Gate Christian School. I have been married to my husband since 2011 and we have 5 children ranging from ages 3 – 13 years old. I attended Ashford University in 2010 and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development. I have worked with children in after school programs and in an Applied Behavioral Analysis setting. I have always known I wanted to work with children and following GOD’s plan for my life and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I know that I am right where I am supposed to be. I am so thankful to be a part of King’s Gate.
Diana Gray
Intermediate Math / Student Support CoordinatorI’ve served at King’s Gate since 2017 when I started in the CDC. I have a degree in psychology and a minor in child development from Ashford University. I served in special education in public school for three years and taught Title I math for one year before joining King’s Gate. My husband Stephen and I have been together since 2007 and we have four children who all attend King’s Gate. Music is my love language! Harmonies are my favorite! I love experiences like axe-throwing, archery, escape rooms and any kind of puzzle or game. I would love to travel to Israel, Greece and Scotland. I have never worked with a better group of people and I love all the students and their families!
Regan Osborn
Intermediate TeacherI am thrilled to become part of the King’s Gate community this school year. I will be teaching reading and art in the Intermediate School. Personally, I am excited to resume teaching after taking time off to start a family. My husband and I have been happily married since 2017, and we are blessed with two spunky children. I earned my degree in Fine Art with a focus on Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2018. Previously, I taught middle school art and leadership before dedicating time to our family. Upon hearing glowing recommendations about King’s Gate from friends whose children attend, I knew it was the perfect place for me to return to teaching. I am honored to be among such wonderful staff and look forward to seeing the impact God will make through our teaching!
Upper School
Dr. Doug Brown
Social StudiesI have two great blessings that take place on the same campus. First, I have the privilege of serving as the pastor of Surrey Hills Baptist Church. Second, I have the privilege of serving as the upper school history teacher at King’s Gate Christian School. I have two earned advanced degrees from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. I have a master’s degree in theological studies and a doctorate in educational ministries. My dissertation developed a strategy using God’s Word to help people make wise decisions. This strategy will be put to the test every day with my students. My calling and passions have aligned in a way that could only be orchestrated by God. I love students, I love teaching, I love history, and I love God’s Word. This time in my life affords me the opportunity to fulfill all my passions. My goal in class with students is to help them discover God’s amazing work throughout history and most importantly what we can learn from those who have gone before us. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Katie, for 33 years. We have 3 amazing children and one daughter-in-law. We have also been blessed with 2 of the most perfect granddaughters ever born! My goal is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “…do everything for the glory of God.”
Jacob Keely
Social Studies/8th Grade Bible, OK History, Economics, & Technology Teacher; Honor Society AdvisorI am so excited to be a part of the King’s Gate family! I am from Wichita, Kansas, and I received my Bachelor’s degree in Secondary History Education from Emporia State University. After graduating, I taught for three years at Ponca City public High School. Education is important to me, but the most important thing in my life is the sustaining love of Christ. I’ve had so many incredible, God-fearing men and women pour into my life, and what I want most is to pay that forward to the next generation. I love seeing young people overcome obstacles and reach their potential, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us!
David Cartwright
ScienceMy name is David Cartwright and I graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2010 with a degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Math. I’ve been teaching natural and life sciences from 5th grade to high school ever since. My lovely wife Allyson and I have three children, currently 8, 5, and 2 years of age. We live in Bethany and attend Covenant Community Church, where my wife has gone since childhood. In the classes I teach, I place a great emphasis on a biblical worldview, seeking to bring glory to GOD through an understanding of His Creation. A favorite verse of mine is Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world GOD’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Darren Grant
ScienceI have been married to my beloved wife Cara since 1999 and together we have 6 children ranging in age from 14 to 23 years of age. I have a M.S. in Science Education from the Institute for Creation Research Graduate School, a Masters Level Content Area Instruction Certificate in Integrated Biology from the American College of Education, and a B.S. Ed. in Chemistry / Psychology from Pittsburg State University. I hold a lifetime professional level teaching certificate through ACSI. I have taught 6 years as a university assistant professor and adjunct professor and over 25 years as a high school science teacher for public school, private Christian school, and homeschool. Prior to teaching I worked four years in an industrial chemical research lab. After becoming a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ August 18, 1983 I have been seeking to follow His leading. My family has a small homestead where we raise Scotch Collies, Royal White sheep, Alpine goats, and Dominic chickens.
Angela Griffin
English Language ArtsI am thrilled to return to King’s Gate Christian School after a one year hiatus. Since 2006 I’ve taught secondary ELA and history classes for homeschooled students, and I’m excited for the opportunity to have more classroom time with King’s Gate students! My husband, Harve, and I have been married since 1991 and we have two grown sons. Our oldest, Mike, is married to his sweetheart, Katie, and they have blessed us with our first grandchild, the gorgeous and wonderful Evie Rose. Our youngest, Dan, recently graduated from Southwestern Christian University and is hopeful to eventually teach secondary history classes in a Christian environment. I gradated from California State University in 1991 with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in history. My intention was to get a master’s in education and teach middle school history, but I fell into a job I loved at the same time I got married, so teaching was put on hold for fifteen years. During that time, I was a stay-at-home mom, and when we decided to homeschool our boys, I was able to dust off my degree and finally do what I was headed towards back in 1991. I loved teaching our sons and I have loved teaching the many English and history students who’ve passed through my classes over the years. Reading, writing, speaking, and thinking are essential to living and functioning in the world, and I’m passionate about helping students improve those skills and prepare them for their next level of education and, ultimately, whatever the Lord calls them to do in their life. Soli Deo Gloria!
Amy Huff
English & Social StudiesI am Amy Huff and this year I am teaching English and Social Studies in the Upper School. I started my professional teaching career in Virginia and earned my Master of Education from Regent University. I am married to my wonderful husband, Joe. I have one adult son and one grandson living in Virginia. We also have two little ones at home, Emily, who is 6 and in first grade here at King’s Gate, and Joshua, who is four. We are currently attending Putnam City Baptist Church. I love the Lord and am deeply honored that He has given me this ministry opportunity. I love the King’s Gate mission and I look forward to serving the King’s Gate family in this new role.
Debbie Neal
EnglishI graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a major in education and a minor in piano/music. I retired after a 27-year career in public schools teaching reading and language arts then joined the King’s Gate team. In the spring of 2022, I retired from King’s Gate Christian School. This fall I accepted the position helping with English Language Arts in the Upper School on Mondays. I am very excited to be back doing what I love and I am confident that this year will be a beneficial experience for your student educationally, developmentally, and spiritually.
Rebekah Maynard
MathI am excited to be working at King’s Gate! Before moving to this area, my family lived in the Dallas area where I taught at a Christian university-model school. My husband’s name is Evan, and we have been married since 2013. We have two kids, Jack and Caroline who both attend King’s Gate. We also have a very loving and energetic Labrador-Collie mix named Sadie. When we have time, we all love to be outdoors hiking or camping. I also love all things in the cooking/baking realm. I have a degree in Secondary Math Education from Texas A&M (WHOOP!!!), and I have been teaching since graduating in 2012. One of things I love the most about math is the opportunity we have to form a deeper understanding of how God organized the universe. All the minute details up to the huge expanse of the galaxy were put in place by God using mathematical concepts and order. He has put together the way that we move, live, breathe, and have our being. My hope for the students in my classes is that they will come to a deeper understanding of the wisdom of our Creator.
Donna Bridenstine
MathI’m a retired teacher, former business owner and farm wife, mother, grandmother and wife of 40 years. My husband, a blessed memory, and I have two beautiful daughters who are married and have seven children between them with one on the way. I am so blessed to be joining the Kings Gate community where my daughter also works. I’m excited to see what God has in store for the future of Kings Gate and the students we serve. May God continue to bless the work of our hands as we serve Him according to his will.
Maggie Webb
Bible & ChapelI am so excited to be teaching at King’s Gate Christian School. I earned my Education degree with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. My husband and I were married in 2010. We have been together since I was 16 years old. God has given us three beautiful blessings: Lucy, Norah, and Judah. All three attend King’s Gate and it is a joy to see them serve with me in various ways. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I specifically prayed for GOD to open doors for me to teach Bible. King’s Gate is an answer to my prayers, some I didn’t even realize were in my heart. I am humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude knowing that I get to play a small part in shaping and pouring into my students’ lives. My prayer is that the Lord speaks through me in such a way that, each student who walks into my classroom leaves not just knowing more about Jesus, but becomes a life transformed by His Sprit, for His glory. I pray in faith that He do abundantly more than I can hope our imagine in the lives of His precious children. “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Missy Wood
DramaAs a playwright and director, I have transformed student actors into all kinds of entertaining characters and transported audiences to imaginary worlds of adventure, mystery and comedy. A forty-year performing arts instructor in musical theater and stage performance, I have brought hundreds of productions to life for audiences numbering in the thousands. Much loved, I have inspired students to pursue drama degrees in college and as a profession. Presently, I am the director and owner of Spotlight Productions OKC, which conducts year-round productions and drama camps for aspiring students. I also conduct theater classes for several homeschool co-ops and private schools.
Joanie Gregory-Pullen
Music 6th Grade & Upper SchoolI bring a well-rounded variety of experience to all my endeavors. I use my knowledge from my Vocal Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and studies at the master level in Music Performance and Education at the University of Oklahoma to successfully tap the talent of everyone from preschool aged children to senior adults. As Programs Manager for Canterbury Voices, my recruitment efforts nearly doubled the size of the four youth choirs and I successfully led 190 people to travel and sing for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. I developed a Wednesday night children’s program called B.L.A.S.T., combining music, scripture memory and missions for PK-5th grade. Countless children flourished in their joy and knowledge of the Lord during this time. I am most proud of my 36 year marriage to John, my 2 beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Jill, son-in-love, Colton and the cutest grandbaby ever, Weston. I am excited to continue teaching choir in the Godly setting of King’s Gate Christian School and thanks God for the opportunity. Soli de Gloria!
Services
Laura Gautreaux
Reading TherapistI first became involved in 2016 after my husband, Nic, and I toured King’s Gate; he attended as a child, and we thought we might want our kids to attend. We quickly fell in love with this special place! I love that I get to help support the learning taking place here. I graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a degree in Elementary Education and additional certification in Early Childhood Education. I taught second grade for several years before earning my master’s degree in reading. After becoming a certified reading specialist, I decided to further my education to provide specialized pull-out support for students struggling in the classroom. I became a CALT (certified academic language therapist) and an IDA-certified structured literacy/dyslexia specialist. I am continuing my educational journey as a doctoral student through Mount St. Joseph’s Reading Science program. I love to stay involved in various aspects of reading in the community, including seeing private therapy students at my clinic, Encouraging Words, training teachers as a qualified instructor at Payne Education Center, and serving as a board member for the Oklahoma chapter of The Reading League. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Nic, and our children, Hadley and Jack, and our two dogs, Honey Bear and Jinx. Together, we love camping and traveling, especially to National Parks. In my rare but cherished free time, I enjoy going for walks, yoga with my friends, reading almost anything, and bingeing on Netflix.
Meghan Thompson
Reading Therapist/Speech Pathologist/CALTI am a speech-language pathologist and certified academic language therapist. King’s Gate has been wonderful and the opportunity to serve students has been a blessing. I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology in 2010. I have worked in public and private schools, early intervention and private practice. After working with students on my caseload who continued to struggle to read, I went through training to become a certified academic language therapist. I love my job and feel that it is a true calling. In addition to serving students at King’s Gate, I also work with students at Encouraging Words in Oklahoma City and I am currently working on becoming a qualified instructor, so I can help train teachers about the science of reading. I enjoy traveling, hiking, trying new recipes or restaurants and spending time with family and friends. My favorite people are my husband Tyler and our wonderful children Stella and Brooks.
Coaches
Quinn Mason
Bowling & Girls VolleyballI grew up in Jones, Oklahoma playing football, baseball, basketball, and rode bulls in rodeo. Sports were the second most important thing in my life other than my faith in Jesus. This led me to a baseball scholarship at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Sports Ministry. While in college, I had the opportunity to do a secondary sport of bowling. This ended up turning into a primary sport my junior and senior years. My wife Kayla is the Art teacher at King’s Gate. We have been together since 2015 and married since 2018. We met doing sports ministry camps traveling the U.S. in the summers of college. During those summer camps, I coached football, soccer, and basketball. I’m out numbered by girls in my house with two daughters and a Golden Retriever, but I love them all so much. I coach with the filter of the Bible by making fighters for the Gospel who are disciplined in hard work and teamwork. As an adult, I enjoy playing beach volleyball, disc golf, bowling, and pickleball. I’m going to continue to build sports at King’s Gate now and into the future.
Adam King
Flag FootballI started coaching flag football in the fall of 2022 when we signed our son Jackson up with Upward sports. This was his first time to play competitive sports, and my first time to coach. I used my own football experience and management skills to teach the basics of football techniques and skills. Our team of 7th and 8th grade boys went un-defeated that season. It was such a wonderful experience for me to be a part of that amazing season. With three of our players being students at King’s Gate, the word got around of our team’s success very quickly. Enough so, that some of the staff from King’s Gate came to watch our young men play and win. Mr. Thornton asked me at the end of that season if I would be willing to help him grow King’s Gate sports as the coach of their very first football team. I have now coached my son’s team for 3 seasons and hope to continue our success for the years to come. I truly love seeing God’s presence on a competitive field as he molds our boys into young men.
