I grew up in a ranching family in Comanche, Texas and graduated from Tarleton State University with a BS in mathematics.  I left grad school to marry Johnny and moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where I taught school for a short time.  We moved to Spring and had three kids, Cole (7), Hassyn (5), and Chase (3).  My favorite thing to do is to watch them interact with each other, their father, and their grandparents, aunts, and uncles.  I enjoy baking, puzzles/brain teasers, and home remodeling.  We love our friends, our home, and our church!

I have taught upper school math at Legacy for the last three years.Simply put, God has gifted me with the ability to give understanding to others, both in math and in revelation of His word.  My heart for my Legacy students, academically, is for them to leave my classroom with both a functional knowledge and a keen understanding of the ‘why’s’ of higher mathematics.  I love for them to see how mathematical relationships and theory reflect and give insight into our Creator. 

More than this, though, I want them to be aware of the constant Presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, to know that they can listen for His voice and His directives daily so that they will make decisions based on God’s revealed Word to them rather than on analysis of circumstances.  I want them not to simply know the content of the Bible, but to know the Word Himself by communing with Him one on one, and to be able to discern the world around them because they know the heart of the God.  I desire my students to be fully confident of Christ’s finished work, of the love of the Father for them, of their specific calling, gifts, and position in God’s kingdom now, and of the Power that is in them and works through them and for them to accomplish His task at hand. 

Fall 2009 will begin our 4th year here, and I am very grateful for what Legacy has been and is to my own children.  I look forward to what He has in store for our school as we follow His lead this year. 

“I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.”  John 5:30 (amp)

Amanda Carrico - Math Teacher

This is my second year teaching at Legacy and have previously taught pre-K, kindergarten, and sixth grade.  I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from North Georgia College and State University. My passion is teaching the younger grades.  I am so excited about the upcoming year and cannot wait to see how God blesses our year together.

I have been married to my wonderful husband Todd for 13 years.  We have three children; an 11 year old daughter, a 9 year old daughter, and a 7 year old son.  We have been in The Woodlands almost 10 years. 

My favorite bible verse is Isaiah 40:31- but those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

Ashley Crowder - Kindergarten Teacher

After staying home with my daughters, Carlee (3) and Maggie (1), I was thrilled when the opportunity arose for me to teach first grade at Legacy.  It is the desire of my heart to raise Godly young women and I know Legacy is the perfect place to help me in that journey.  The Lord has definitely proven himself FAITHFUL in providing this job for my family at this time in our lives. 

My passion is to work with young children.  To instill a love for learning and reading, especially God’s word, is my ultimate goal for their little lives.  The verse I have claimed for the past 3 years is Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  What a blessing to know that God is faithful.  Always and forever…he never fails, he is FAITHFUL!  I am blessed to share this year with Legacy.

Bridget Abdo - 1st Grade Reading

I moved to Spring, Texas, as a freshman in high school and have never left. I graduated from Klein High School, then went on to Howard Payne University where I earned a degree in Behavioral Science / Bible. I spent the next fifteen years working for a local church and a local evangelist, until John and I were blessed with our first of two children. When she entered PreK, I began teaching PreK. Seven years later Legacy was established, and I was privileged to begin teaching Kindergarten that first year. My passion for early education has always been to make my students first experience with school a positive one – to help them develop a love for learning and an enthusiasm for understanding the world from a biblical point of view.

My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” I can give students instruction, but only God can give understanding. What a privilege to be His instrument in their young lives!

Debbie Pirkle - Kindergarten Teacher

I arrived to Texas by way of Southern California four years ago right after marrying my best friend, Jason. It was a hard transition as we left all our family to go where we knew God was calling us to be. He has led me to Legacy, an oasis on my life journey. I lived 23 years in Southern California; graduated from the University of Redlands in 2004 with a BA in Education and a minor in Mathematics. I enjoyed being very involved in student government and school activities, playing on the college softball team and serving Christ in Australia during the summer of 2003. While I was planning on a career in pediatrics, God lead my heart to math and placed the desire to teach middle school kids. I love to bring math to their realm and see the light and inspiration turn on when they can see God’s fingerprints in the world around them and how math is in everything He created.

Brief Testimony:

I had been brought up Catholic and attended a Catholic private school until 3rd grade when my parents divorced due to my father’s recent salvation.  God used him to bring me to knowing Him on a deeper level  on January 7, 1991 on the way to my grandma’s house for dinner. I lived with my mom and was persecuted for my faith verbally, but grew closer to my Savior through the involvement and encouragement of my father. My faith really began to take wind when I went to college and was a part of the leadership team for Campus Crusade for Christ. I was able to lead my first person to Christ while in Australia. Recently, I have found Christ challenging myself and my family to seek Him not only first, but foremost in this world. To know the plans that He has called us to by seeking Him with our whole hearts. I know that God has called me to Legacy to help build an important part of the wall through the ministry of showing His wonder through the world of mathematics.

Favorite Scripture:
Psalm 37:7 ” Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Hobbies:
Playing tennis, softball, volleyball, or anything sports related; scrapbooking and playing with our kids.
Oh, and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers!!

I Know This To Be True:
“Be the change you want to see in the world”. We have so much power in the blood of the Lamb through our testimony and can overcome so many obstacles in our way because Christ is on our side. We need to be the change in this world around us.

Family Members:
Husband: Jason, Kids: Joshua (Sept 2006), Jenna (Dec 2007), and Julianna (April 2009)

Jaime Hulbert - Math Teacher

I am a wife of ten years, and mother of two wonderful children.  I grew up in Maine, and graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in the year 2000.  I taught fourth grade in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was an instructor in fourth and fifth grades in New London, Connecticut.   I loved being in the classroom working with children, but felt that it was a travesty to not be able to share Christ with my students. 

I have home schooled my children for the past 3 years.  When my family moved to Texas in August of 2008 I found out about Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy.  I felt instantly in my spirit that it would be a blessing for my family.  I am looking forward to being part of the faculty at Legacy, as well as having my own children immersed into the Christian school culture while still getting critical hours at home. 

My favorite scripture is Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”   This scripture is essential to live by in the world, and in the classroom. 

Joann Manning - 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher

I have a passion for children and a strong desire to teach young minds.  I believe showing love and respect to a child is the foundation in building a confident and well rounded individual. I have been blessed by the Lord with an over abundant gift of love, patience, and understanding for children.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time and exploring new things with my husband of twelve years and my three children:  Tray (11), Kyra (9), & Andrew (6). I like spending time with my friends and family too. I also enjoy scrapbooking, and studying the Word of God.

My favorite Bible verse is Romans 3:24; it’s the perfect conclusion to the condemning verse that we, as children, were encouraged to memorize. Our dire need for a savior, stated just previously in Verse 23 is spelled out to show that Grace has been afforded to us so that we may be justified as righteous.

God has given me a heart and desire for children; and it is with His Blessings that I will start this new school year.

Kim A. Wright - Pre-K Teacher

I grew up in Boerne, the Texas Hill Country, but have lived in the Houston area for the last 14 years. I taught 3rd grade at a public school in Pearland for 2 years until my first daughter was born after which I became a stay at home mom.  I joined Legacy as a teacher the very first year it opened 5 years ago and have seen it grow from meager beginnings to what it is now, a flourishing school.  I grew to love Legacy's mission so much that last year my husband and I decided it was time to enroll our own 3 children. 

I love spending time playing and being with my family, reading, and teaching in a fun way.  I also love to make our house a home and visiting wide open spaces where I can see for miles and miles.  As I grew up I always knew I wanted to be a teacher because I never thought school should be boring.  I believe that learning should be a fun journey that can incorporate all kinds of learning styles while in a Christ centered learning environment. 

I adore the entire Bible, but there are a few verses that I love to hear constantly and they are:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with soul and with all your mind" (that about covers it).Matthew 22:37

"And pray to the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:22

"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans not to harm you, but to prosper you and give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Kristan Williams - 3rd Grade

I grew up in the beautiful Woodlands, Texas with my very large family and most of my close relatives! (There are lots of DePrangs here!!) I attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development with in 2002. WHOOP!!!

I moved to the Heights in Houston and taught 1st grade for 2 years, then began working for a clothing designer as the Art Director. I just recently moved back to The Woodlands and really excited about getting the opportunity to teach at a school that I get to share my faith and my God with everyday!! I am getting married in November in the hill country at Lake Travis in Austin. My fiance works as a Petroleum Engineer and is a graduate from University of Texas. Duncan and I are excited to start our family roots here in The Woodlands.

My favorite Bible verse is Deuteronomy 33:27. " The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." This verse means a lot to me, knowing no matter how far out we go, He always has arms long enough to bring us back.

Leah DePrang Ford - 1st Grade & Elementary Art

Like many little girls, I grew up wanting to be a teacher. That dream never really went away even as I pursued a career in corporate writing. God reawakened my passion for teaching through my role as the children’s ministry director at our church. As we worked on our vision for the ministry, God planted a strong desire in my heart to come alongside parents in raising up children who deeply love and trust the Lord.

I graduated from the University of Texas and met my wonderful husband shortly thereafter. When our children started school, God called me to go back to school, too! I started working on my certification in elementary education and began teaching at their school. My two children attend Legacy, and it has been life-changing for our family to spend time together in our classroom at home, cultivating a love of learning and a love of the Lord. I also enjoy teaching

Sunday school with my husband. My favorite verse is Mark 9:23 in which Jesus says, “If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes!” I focus on cultivating strong belief in each of my students – that we can do all things, even succeed in math and science, through Christ.

Lisa Railey - 3rd Grade Teacher

I graduated from Magnolia High School, then went on to Sam Houston State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in mathematics and early childhood. I spent the next six years teaching kindergarten in the Montgomery Independent School District. This teaching experience was truly a blessing. I have such a heart for early childhood education. The children are so eager, excited, curious, forgiving and loving. What more could a teacher ask for.

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Brit, for almost 10 years. We have two beautiful children, Jenna (4) and Britton (1) who have truly blessed our lives. I feel very fortunate to have been home with my children since the birth of my daughter. Now that my daughter is entering Pre-K, I feel privileged that I have the opportunity to be apart of the Legacy family. I am so excited to be teaching “ the little ones “ again in a Christ centered environment.

My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Lori Kelley - Pre-K Teacher

I grew up in Conroe/The Woodlands and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University. After graduation, I married my high school sweetheart, and we moved back to The Woodlands where I taught 5th and 6th grade for several years until my son, Nate, was born. I have been blessed and privileged to stay at home full time with Nate and my daughter, Anna, for the past 3 1/2 years.

This year, God has called me back into the classroom at Legacy. My desire is to instill a lifelong passion for literature and the written word in each of my student's lives. I believe that God equips those he calls to serve him, and I am grateful for the opportunity and ability to serve the Lord by educating, loving, and nurturing his children.

My favorite scripture is Deuteronomy 32:4.

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

Melissa Eickenhorst - 4th Grade Teacher

My name is Shelly Smyth and I am so excited to be joining the Legacy family this year.    I am a native Texan and have lived most of my life in the Houston area.  I graduated from Magnolia High School in 1993.  I then enrolled at Texas A&M University and earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  Having spent four years at Texas A&M, I developed a deep passion for education and children. After graduating, I spent the next four years teaching fourth grade language arts at a local elementary school in The Woodlands. 

In addition to being a teacher,  I am a wife (married 13 years to my wonderful husband Kevin) and a mother of three precious children:  McKenna (9), Cameron (7) and Kaili (4).  I have had the privilege of staying home to be a “Mommy” since the birth of my first daughter.

I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade once again, only this time I will have the benefit of teaching in a Christ-centered environment.  What a joy to be able to love and teach students in a way that glorifies the Lord. 

One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 2:9
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 

I can’t wait to see all He is going to do in and through our students this year.

Shelly Smyth - 4th Grade Teacher