Faculty and Staff
“All Konos teachers are carefully chosen based on their experience, education, love of learning and teaching, godly character, and spirit of enthusiasm. We have complete confidence in the education we provide through our teachers.”
— JOHN LEE, Headmaster
Administrative Staff
JOHN LEE (Konos Academy Headmaster and Financial Aid Administrator)
John graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Brown University and Masters degree in Pastoral Divinity from the Log College at Heritage Church. John, with his wife Joanne, co-founded Grace Christian Academy, a classical Christian school in NY, and served as its principal, Bible and literature teacher until moving to Georgia in 2001. He is the homeschooling dad of five children, all of whom have attended Konos.
john@konos.org
SHANNON CULL (Operations Manager)
Shannon earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana University in 1996. Shannon and her husband Chris graduated two boys from Konos. Shannon coordinates all operations and events at Konos.
shannon@konos.org
DALE DRIVER (Assistant to Director, Enrollment and Admissions Manager, IT Manager)
Dale graduated with a B.S. Ed. in Business Education and M. Ed. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Dale worked at the University of West Georgia where he served in varying roles over 27 years, retiring in 2022 as the Chief Information Officer for the University. Dale and his wife Monica have homeschooled all four of their children, with all four graduating from Konos Academy. Dale supports the head of school in special projects and manages the processes for enrollment and admissions through the FACTS information system.
dale@konos.org
SARAH JIMENEZ (Office Manager, Tuition Administrator and Registrar)
Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in English from Oglethorpe University. She worked at Fayetteville Public Library before coming to Konos. She has been married to Carlos Jimenez for thirteen years. Contact Sarah for tuition and billing questions.
sarah@konos.org
LEAH SMITH (Accreditation and College Guidance Counselor)
Leah Smith joined Konos Academy as Guidance Counselor in 2021. She creates and submits accredited Konos transcripts, advises on Konos course selections, performs yearly transcript meetings with each KA student, coordinates Dual Enrollment for students, assists with the college admission process and HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship applications. Leah is the primary administrator for the FACTS Student Information System. She supports Google Classroom and Google Admin functions for grades 1-12 and staff. Leah also maintains Konos Academy’s accreditation through Georgia Accrediting Commision and NCAA.
leah@konos.org
KONOS Academy Teachers
JOHN LEE (Bible and Literature)
John has a B.A. in Economics from Brown University and a Masters degree in Pastoral Divinity from the Log College at Heritage Church. Mr. Lee, with his wife Joanne, co-founded Grace Christian Academy, a classical Christian school in NY, and served as its principal, Bible and literature teacher until moving to Georgia in 2001. The Lees homeschooled their five children, all of whom graduated from Konos.
john@konos.org
JOANNE LEE (Academic Coordinator, High School English and Speech/Debate Instructor, Performing Arts Director, and Kidlets Coordinator)
joanne@konos.org
Elise has a B.S. in History from Clayton State University. Elise has two children she is currently homeschooling. She has taught a variety of history classes throughout her career. Elise also volunteers at her church with the college and career class.
elise@konos.org
Emily has a B.A. in English from the University of West Georgia, and her passions include literature, writing, and the arts. She was overjoyed to join the Konos family in 2023 and now loves working as a composition teacher and stage manager for the Konos Performing Arts program. Emily finds great joy in being part of the Konos family and hopes to encourage others and inspire them through Christ, English, and the performing arts. She also volunteers at her church in the choir and youth ministry.
emily@konos.org
Sarah is a 2020 Konos alumna who has since graduated from the University of West Georgia with a B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish. During her college career, she served as an editorial intern for UWG’s undergraduate research journal. In addition to reading and writing, of course, Sarah enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new coffee shops.
sarah.harris@konos.org
Cindy has a B.S. in Home Economics and M.S. in Housing/Education from Auburn University. As a graduate student, she taught freshman level courses at Auburn. Cindy is the mother of two children (both college graduates) whom she home-schooled for fifteen years. She previously worked for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service as a County Agent/Home Economist and at Delta Airlines before becoming a teacher at Konos Academy.
cindy@konos.org
Ray has a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and a Master of Music (Conducting) from Samford University. Ray worked fifteen years as a music director and director of music ministries in churches and Christian schools. He also spent 25 years in avionics and quality fields with Delta Air Lines and Organizational Strategies. Ray and Donna home-schooled all three of their children, and all three children attended Konos Academy. Ray has been teaching at Konos since 2018.
ray@konos.org
Julia received a B.A. in Humanities from Boyce College. She attended Konos from 6th grade until she graduated in 2016. After graduating college, she spent a year working in women’s temporary housing at City of Refuge in Atlanta, teaching empowerment and Bible classes. She is excited to encourage students to grow as creative writers just as she did in her high school education.
julia@konos.org
natalie.pinson@konos.org
Dr. Rhymer has a Master’s of Divinity from Reformed Baptist Seminary, a PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Half of his 24-year career was teaching engineering at the United States Air Force Academy. Dr. Rhymer has also served as the Head of the Department of Engineering Mechanics and the Academy’s Associate Dean for Research. Don’s wife, Dawn, teaches physical science for Konos; they are the parents of five homeschooled children. Don also coaches Konos Cross-country and track.
don@konos.org
Dr. Sellers has a Ph.D. in American Studies from Emory University. Prior to teaching at Clayton State University for 30 years, she taught at Emory (as a graduate student) and at the University of Texas in Austin, as an undergraduate English major. She has volunteered, as an advanced literature teacher at the Konos Academy since 2005.
ssellers4@gmail.com
KONOS Juniors
TIFFANY McBRYDE (Lead Teacher of Konos Juniors)
Tiffany has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida. She worked in technology and recruiting before homeschooling her four children for several years. Teaching World Geography and Cultures in Konos Juniors since 2015, Tiffany loves to invite middle schoolers to explore God’s amazing world and the beautiful tapestry of cultures within it.
tiffany.mcbryde@konos.org
TIFFANY HORTON (Teacher of Konos Juniors)
Tiffany Horton has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. She has been teaching for many years both in private and public schools. As a wife and a mother of two children, she loves spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys reading, teaching Jazzercise, and tutoring students in reading and math. She is looking forward to a new adventure and teaching at Konos.
tiffany.horton@konos.org
KONOS Kids 5/6
GINA BLEDSOE (Konos Kids Supervisor and KK 5/6 Lead Teacher)
Gina earned her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, taught in public and private school for ten years, and homeschooled twenty years with her own children, all of whom have attended and appreciated their time at Konos. As a wife and mother of four, she loves spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys canning, crocheting, cooking, and planning lessons for teaching Konos Kids. Gina considers it a blessing to serve the Konos community through teaching Konos Kids and encouraging families in their homeschool journeys.
gina@konos.org
STACY BARBER (Teacher of Konos Kids 5/6)
Stacy has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in English and Art from Mercer University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from LaGrange College, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. She taught English and Literacy in Fayette County Schools for 18 years and English, science and math in the private school setting for two years. Stacy teaches social studies, science and writing at Konos. She enjoys traveling, writing, painting and spending time with her husband Ronnie, and her two sons and their families.
stacy@konos.org
KONOS Kids 3/4
GINA BLEDSOE (Supervising Teacher of Konos Kids 3/4)
Gina has a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education, taught in public and private school, and homeschooled 20 years with her own children, all of whom attended Konos Academy. As a mother of four, she loves children, family and learning! Along with Joanne Lee, Mrs. Bledsoe (KK 5/6 Lead Teacher) will assist KK 3/4 with the coordination of the program’s KONOS-based unit studies and curriculum and will serve in an advisory capacity throughout the school year.
gina@konos.org
MARGARET BOHLER (Teacher of Konos Kids 3/4)
Margaret has degrees in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities from Monmouth College. She is experienced in teaching all elementary and middle grades as well as a variety of learning differences. Margaret homeschooled her own children, the youngest of whom attended Konos. Most recently, Margaret taught at a hybrid homeschool in Brooks, GA, teaching grades 3-7. Her passion is building relationships with students to help them develop a love of learning and a life-long faith in Jesus Christ. Margaret and her husband Chris love to travel and spend time with their four children, spouses, and fourteen incredible grandchildren. Margaret is delighted to be a part of the Konos Kids team.
margaret@konos.org
LORI WALKER (Teacher of Konos Kids 3/4)
Mrs. Walker is thrilled to serve as a classroom teacher for KK 3/4. Lori has completed 20 years of homeschooling and has formerly served as a teacher and the co-op director of the Eagles Nest’s Explorers program. Additionally, she served on the board of Eagles Nest Christian Homeschool Educators for eight years. Lori is married to Jamie Walker, who teaches Konos Plus classes. Her two older sons, Micah and Jonas, are continuing their education at Auburn and LSU, respectively. Her youngest son, Joshua, is taking a gap year to complete Air National Guard basic and tech training before pursuing his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
lori@konos.org
KONOS Kidlets
ABIGAIL CAUBLE (Lead Teacher of Konos Kidlets)
Abigail and her husband Geoff, both homeschool alumni, have been educating their three children at home for ten years, and schooling with Konos for five. As a Konos Kidlets teacher, Abi is delighted to have the opportunity to share the light of the gospel with little ones, and encourage their love of learning through Scripture, science, literature, activities and art.
abi@konos.org
MONICA DRIVER (Teacher of Konos Kidlets)
Monica homeschooled her children for twenty-four years, and all four of her children attended and graduated from Konos Academy. Her oldest daughters have both graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree while her only son, Timothy, recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree. Her youngest daughter, Natalie, is beginning her freshman year at UWG. Monica has taught Kindergarten for five years in public schools, taught Sunday School, and directed a homeschool co-op, Morning Glory, for over 15 years. Monica has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in early childhood education and has a love for children and helping them learn. This is Monica’s third year working with the Kidlets program.
monica@konos.org
KONOS Plus Teachers
CARLI BURDETTE (5th Grade Math, 7th Grade Math, College Math Readiness)
Carli earned a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and a master’s degree in Teaching, specializing in Secondary Math, from Lagrange College. Following three years of teaching 8th grade math in Coweta County schools, she took on the role of a stay-at-home mom for the last year, looking after her two young daughters. For over four years, Carli has been supporting homeschooling families and providing tutoring services. Growing up in a homeschooling environment herself, she is enthusiastic about helping parents and providing students with learning experiences both at home and in conventional school environments.
carli.burdette@konos.org
KENDRA CAUBLE (Spanish)
Kendra graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Spanish Literature. Her love for the Spanish language and communication took her into the medical field, where she has worked for many years as an interpreter. As a homeschool graduate herself, she has had the opportunity to teach in homeschool environments as well as in virtual classrooms. She is a lifelong learner and aficionado of all things wordy.
kendra@konos.org
CARRIE CRAYCRAFT (7th/8th Science)
Carrie has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, an M.S. in Quality Assurance from Southern Polytechnic State University, and is a dissertation short of a PhD in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama. Carrie worked as a Quality Management Professional and taught graduate courses in Systems Engineering before taking on the adventure of homeschooling her two sons. Since 2020, Carrie has taught physics and physical science at Eagle’s Nest Eluminatus. She is also active in her church and teaches for Bible Study Fellowship.
carrie@konos.org
JODETTE DIDOMIZIO (Classical Art)
JoDette and her husband Chris have a successful art studio located in Atlanta for 25 years. JoDette discovered her passion by teaching students to develop a foundation of artistic skills in classical art. Her original art designs and commissioned works have been represented in a children’s card collection, art shows, galleries, and beautiful homes. She represents Konos Plus art students who are winners of GAPPS awards each year in regional and state art competitions. Our exercises are designed personally and specifically by JoDette and Chris to encourage students who love to grow skills and prepare for a future in art. Chris is noted for having a portrait in the Smithsonian Art Gallery 2023, Washington, DC.
jodette@konos.org
MARIELLE HERSEY (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II)
M.A. Masters in Education from the University of Michigan and MBA from Baker University. A former engineer, technical training consultant, web designer, technical writer, and photography business owner, she left her career to stay home with her children and homeschooled them. A native of Switzerland, Marielle is fluent in four languages. She also tutors math classes at various locations.
marielle@konos.org
RAY LEWIS (Chorus, The Importance of “Why”)
Bachelor of Music Education, Baylor University; Master of Music (Conducting) from Samford University. Ray worked fifteen years as a music director and director of music ministries in churches and Christian schools. He also spent 25 years in avionics and quality fields with Delta Air Lines and Organizational Strategies. All three of the Lewis children were home-schooled and attended Konos Academy.
ray@konos.org
DAWN RHYMER (Physical Science)
Dawn has a B.S. in Physics from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and Master of Physics from the University of New Mexico. Mrs. Rhymer served as a physicist at the USAFA for 5.5 years and taught physics at the USAFA for 2.5 years. Mrs. Rhymer is the homeschool mom of five children, her oldest attending the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army). Her desire is to help students see the beauty of God’s creation through science and admire the One who has revealed His glory in that creation.
dawn@konos.org
DR. DON RHYMER (Physics)
Dr. Rhymer has a Master’s of Divinity from Reformed Baptist Seminary, a PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Half of his 24-year career was teaching engineering at the United States Air Force Academy. Dr. Rhymer has also served as the Head of the Department of Engineering Mechanics and the Academy’s Associate Dean for Research. Don’s wife, Dawn, teaches physical science for Konos; they are the parents of five homeschooled children. Don also coaches Konos Cross-country and Track.
don@konos.org
JAMIE WALKER (Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, and Computer Science)
Jamie has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and an A.S. in Chemistry from Waycross College. He has been teaching science, math, and Bible to high school students in the Coweta-Fayette area for a decade now. He spent 25 years as a computer programmer in the corporate world before beginning to teach full-time in 2021. His passion, however, is declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his love for teaching academics is fueled by a desire to direct His students to the God who designed the laws and principles that govern the universe. Jamie is a homeschooling dad of three sons. His wife, Lori, also teaches at Konos in Kids 3rd/4th.
jamie@konos.org
Competitive Arts and Academics
NIEN-HWA CHIN (Cello instructor and Chorus accompanist)
Ms. Nien-hwa Chin is a concert cellist and a pianist. She holds bachelor’s degrees in piano and cello performance from Taiwan and graduate degrees in cello performance, piano collaboration and music education from Pennsylvania State University and the University of North Texas. She was under the tutelage of Professors Kim Cook, Martha Gerschefski, and Eugene Osadchy. She also took master classes with Yo-Yo Ma, David Finckel, and Anne Williams. Ms. Chin has taught in K-12 public schools, universities, and her own music studio in Taiwan, the US, and US military bases in Japan for the past 25 years. She has also performed solo and in ensemble settings in Asia, Europe, and the US. Growing up in a Christian family, Ms. Chin and her brother have served in music ministry for a long time. She believes that worship through music is a moment to recognize the goodness of God, to speak the word of God, and also to glorify our God. In addition to music, Ms. Chin enjoys traveling, reading, dancing, and cooking with her two teenage children.
RAY LEWIS (Chorus 9th-12th)
Ray has a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and a Master of Music (Conducting) from Samford University. Ray worked fifteen years as a music director and director of music ministries in churches and Christian schools. He then spent the next 25 years in avionics and quality fields with Delta Air Lines and Organizational Strategies, but continued to stay in music as the accompanist at Heritage Reformed Baptist Church for over twenty years before turning over the piano bench to Konos’s Kim Pollard. Ray and Donna home-schooled all three of their children, and all three children attended Konos Academy before heading off to college. In addition to starting the Konos Chorus in 2018, Ray works part-time as his church administrator.
ray@konos.org
NATALIE PINSON (Violin and Viola instructor)
Natalie Pinson is an expressive violinist who is passionate about growing students into violinists who love to play and love to learn. For Natalie, learning an instrument is about finding and fostering the connection between the “right-brained” creative side and the “left-brained” logical side of an individual. Natalie believes that the joy in teaching is working one-on-one with each student to achieve their personal goals. Along with the standard Suzuki repertoire and supplemental exercises in theory and technique, Natalie also encourages students to pick pieces of music they want to learn, ranging anywhere from traditional fiddle tunes to video game music and beyond. Natalie strongly believes that part of creating a love of music and the violin is finding what you love to play, and she truly enjoys helping her students in their musical exploration.
natalie.pinson@konos.org
KIM POLLARD (Chorus 5th-8th)
Kim holds a degree in Music Education from Furman University (1990). She has worked with Joanne Lee and the drama production team for seventeen years as musical director for Konos plays. She is currently a piano teacher and has served the Konos chorus as accompanist for six years. She also plays piano for Heritage Reformed Baptist Church, her home church. She and her husband, Mike, homeschooled seven children, all Konos graduates.
kimpollard@konos.org
