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 three graduating from Konos Academy and the fourth to graduate in 2024. 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 was delighted to join Konos Academy as Guidance Counselor in 2021. She coordinates dual enrollment, creates and submits accredited Konos transcripts, and assists with applications for college and the HOPE Scholarship. She particularly enjoys helping students through the process of making excellent and informed decisions for their future. Leah has one daughter currently attending Konos and one daughter who is a graduate of Konos.
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 has a B.S. in Business Marketing from Long Island University and an M.B.A. from St. John’s University. Joanne worked as an underwriting and human resources manager before she and her husband, John, co-founded Grace Christian Academy at Merrick, NY, where Joanne researched curriculum and taught elementary English and Latin. The Lees homeschooled their five children, who have graduated from Konos Academy. Mrs. Lee coached Konos Communicators debate and speech (interpretive, platform, and limited prep) for eight years and has co-directed Konos productions since 2006.
joanne@konos.org
 
DR. CHARLES THAXTON (KONOS Founder, History Teacher)
Dr. Thaxton received a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University before studying and teaching at L’Abri. He completed post-doctoral work in the history of science at Harvard University and molecular biology at Brandeis University. He held a faculty position at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. He is co-author of The Mystery of Life’s Origin and The Soul of Science (both translated into several languages) and contributor to several books and journals. Dr. Thaxton has lectured worldwide. His specialty is issues in science/faith relationship and the history and philosophy of science.
thethaxtons@aol.com
 
ELISE BARRETT (History)
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 BILES (Writing)
Emily has a B.A. in English from the University of West Georgia and is passionate about literature and language arts. Emily was overjoyed to join the Konos family in 2023 as teaching assistant for Konos Juniors and assistant stage manager for the drama program. She also volunteers at her church in the choir and children’s ministry and finds great joy in encouraging others and inspiring them through literature.
emily@konos.org
 
CARRIE CRAYCRAFT (History Assistant)
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
 
CINDY JOHNSON (English)
Cindy has a B.S. in Home Economics and M.S. in Housing/Education from Auburn University. 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 LEWIS (Government, Literature)
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
 
MARY JANE MACALUSO (Writing)
Mary Jane earned her B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish from Valdosta State University in 1989. She worked as a copywriter and writing tutor before traveling to Seoul, South Korea, where she taught ESL to school-age children and medical professionals. Mary Jane has three children, two of whom graduated from Konos and one who is a senior in the Academy. She has a passion for language arts, art, music and interior design, and finds great joy in helping students become the best writers they can be.
maryjane@konos.org
 
JULIA MAY (Writing)
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
 
DR. DON RHYMER (Bible and Literature)
Dr. Rhymer has a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Baptist Seminary, a PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, having spent half of his 24-year career teaching engineering at the United States Air Force Academy.  He has held leadership positions at the Air Force Research Laboratory and served as the Deputy Chief Scientist of Air Force Space Command. Dr. Rhymer has also served as the Head of the Department of Engineering Mechanics and as Associate Dean for Research. Don’s wife, Dawn, teaches physical science for Konos; they are the parents of five homeschooled children as well as coaches for Konos cross-country and track.
don@konos.org
 
DR. SHARON SELLERS (Advanced Literature)
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

ELIZABETH FRY (Head Teacher of Konos Juniors)
Elizabeth has been the KJ English teacher since 2011. With a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma, she formerly served as the executive director of a non-profit organization and was a newsletter editor and designer before homeschooling her four children for fifteen years (three of them attended Konos). She is passionate about inspiring students to read, think, and communicate their ideas and faith effectively.
elizabeth@konos.org

TIFFANY McBRYDE (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. Tiffany loves to teach middle schoolers about this amazing world God has given us and the beautiful tapestry of cultures within it. 
tiffany@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 Art in Teaching from LaGrange College, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. She has taught English and literacy in public school for eighteen years and English, science, and math in private school for two years. Stacy enjoys traveling, writing, painting and spending time with her husband, Ronnieand her two sons and their families. She is looking forward to a new year of teaching adventures and opportunities at Konos.
stacy@konos.org

ASHLEY COFFEY (Assistant for Konos Kids 5/6 and 3/4)
Ashley has a B.S. in Child and Youth Development from Point University and has applied her degree in many areas such as theater, choreography, stage management, and teaching elementary and preschool classes.  She has been with Konos Performing Arts since 2020 as stage manager for the Konos middle and high school plays, and will serve as the Konos Kids 5/6 performing arts director. She is excited to serve the Lord at Konos.
ashley@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 eleven incredible grandchildren. Margaret is delighted to be joining the Konos team in 2023.
margaret@konos.org

ASHLEY COFFEY (Assistant for Konos Kids 5/6 and 3/4)
Ashley has a B.S. in Child and Youth Development from Point University and has applied her degree in many areas such as theater, choreography, stage management, and teaching elementary and preschool classes.  She has been with Konos Performing Arts since 2020 as stage manager for the Konos middle and high school plays, and will serve as the Konos Kids 5/6 performing arts director. She is excited to serve the Lord at Konos.
ashley@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

MELISSA FUTCH (Head Teacher of Konos Kidlets)
Melissa is excited to be returning as the Head Teacher of Konos Kidlets for the 2022-23 school year.  Previously, Melissa taught as an assistant teacher for Konos Juniors and co-developed Preschool Praise for Carriage Lane. She has also served as a director, assistant director, choreographer, stage manager, director of hair and makeup, and drama camp teacher for Konos Academy, drama director for Georgia Singers, and drama director for Covenant Kids.  She is a 16-year homeschool veteran. Her four children graduated from Konos Academy. Melissa considers it a great privilege to come alongside families to provide a classroom experience emphasizing loving God, loving others, academics, character development, and creativity.
mel@konos.org

ABIGAIL CAUBLE (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

ERICA ROBINSON (Teacher of Konos Kidlets)
Erica has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. Erica is a trained and eager teacher of young children. She has over twenty years experience working with children in and out of the classroom. She taught public school before deciding to stay home to focus on her special needs daughter. She loves teaching and fostering a love of learning in children and is a perfect fit for the Konos Kidlets program. Erica is the Family Ministries Director at Gospel Community Church.
erica@konos.org

KONOS Plus Teachers

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

DENISE CHRZANOWSKI (Science 7th/8th)
Post-Masters Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of California, San Diego; Masters degree from the University of Tennessee – Memphis; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis; Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University. Denise has been working in Urgent Care as a nurse practitioner for the past 20 years, and has homeschooled four children since 2004. In addition to teaching, her lifelong interests include outreach/evangelism, horses, and children’s Bible ministry.
denise@konos.org

MICAYLA CLARK (Math 4th/5th, Math 6th/7th, Statistics) 
After receiving a B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of West Georgia, Micayla continued her education at Georgia State University, earning an M.A. in Political Science in 2019. Micayla is currently a doctoral candidate at Georgia State in political science, where she has taught freshman American Government for a few years. She met her husband through homeschool speech and debate and they currently have a son. Statistics is an integral part of Micayla’s doctoral research, and she cannot wait to share her love of statistics with the high school students at Konos Academy.
micayla@konos.org

CARRIE CRAYCRAFT (Science 7th/8th)
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 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. JoDette and her husband, Chris DiDomizio, are the owners/operators of a successful art school in Atlanta, DiDomizio’s Art Center, Inc., where she is an art instructor and director of Children’s Art Program which encompasses ages ten through high school.  She represents Konos Plus art students who are winners of GAPPS awards each year in regional and state art competitions. In 2010, JoDette opened a non-profit organization, “Art With a Mission, Inc.”, which reaches out to orphans and needy families through art fundraising.
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, Critical Thinking, Leadership Principles)
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

CHERYL TURNER (Biology, Anatomy and Physiology)
Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, both from the University of Georgia. She is a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She has 20 years of homeschooling experience with her 4 children, two of whom work in healthcare, one in college, and the other attends Konos Academy. She has taught science, health and wellness classes at the elementary, high school, and collegiate level. She seeks to instill in her students a love for learning about God’s marvelous creation by making science interesting, applicable, and most of all, fun!
cheryl@konos.org

JAMIE WALKER (Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Web Development)
Jamie has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and an A.S. in Chemistry from Waycross College. Jamie has been teaching science, math, and Bible to high school students in the Coweta-Fayette area for nearly a decade now.  He also has 25+ years of computer-programming experience in the corporate world. 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 guide the physical universe. Jamie and his wife, Lori, homeschooled all three of their sons–Micah, Jonas, and Joshua.
jamie@konos.org

Competitive Arts and Academics

JOANNE HARMAN (Arts and Academics Director)
Originally from Britain, Jo studied speech and drama with the Guildhall school of Music and Drama, London  U.K, for eight years.  She also sang with her National Youth Choir for four years, including a tour in China.  These give her a desire to see other people have similar life shaping opportunities through the Arts and Academics program at Konos where her youngest of five is still in high school.
artsandacademics@konos.org

RAY LEWIS (Chorus)
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