Kindergarten

Shanna Petty lives in Birmingham with her husband, Will, and their two children, Liam (3) and Jonathan (11 months). She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama and later received her Master’s in Instructional Leadership from the University of Montevallo. She taught in public school for five years before staying home with her children. She and her husband attend the Church at Brook Hills where they lead a young marrieds small group and lead discussion in college ministry. In her free time, she loves to travel, take photos, spend time with her family, or enjoy a cup of hot tea. She is overjoyed to be part of Oak Hill Classical Academy! Shanna will be teaching one of our two Kindergarten classes.

Kindergarten

Jess Beatty lives in Birmingham with her husband John, and two children, Addie Mae (9) and Henry (7). She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and later received her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. She taught in public schools all over the country for ten years and then stayed at home for several years to be with her children. She has been teaching at a classical Christian school for the past four years. Jess and her family are active members at Faith Presbyterian Church. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, walking, and hiking. Jess is excited for her family to be a part of Oak Hill Classical Academy. Jess will be teaching one of our two kindergarten classes.

First Grade

Mary Catherine (MC) Godfrey lives in Indian Springs with her husband, Dan and treasures time with her four adult children, two sons-in-law,  granddaughter, and grandson! MC earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College. She began her teaching career in Marietta, Georgia, in second grade, before moving to Birmingham, where she taught first grade for several years in Shelby County. After staying home to raise her four children, she returned to the classroom in 2010 and taught first and fourth grades for 16 years. MC and Dan have been active members of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church for over thirty years. When not in the classroom, she enjoys singing at church, savoring coffee with friends, taking road trips to national parks, and sharing meals and playing games with her family. MC is thrilled to join the Oak Hill family and walk alongside this year’s first-graders and their families!

Second Grade

Though originally a Mississippi girl, Liza Kinsley has called Alabama home for 25 years now. She lives in the Oak Mountain area with her husband, Chris, who is on staff at the Church at Brook Hills. Liza recently wrapped up her 21st year of teaching, twelve of which were in a classical Christian classroom, and she and Chris have also chosen a classical Christian education for their two children, Story (17) and Haven (13). Math is her favorite subject to teach where she helps children find grit and determination to solve problems. She also loves to discover threads of the gospel in every book she reads with her students. Liza hopes her classroom will be full of joy, a safe place to make mistakes, and abundant with opportunities to point students to our need for a Savior. In her spare time, you can find her cheering on her children at their various sporting events or planning gatherings with good food and great friends.

Third Grade

Kristi Miller lives in Birmingham with her husband, Chris, and their two younger children, Jacob (19) and Hannah (16). Their oldest daughter, Samantha, has just launched into the world as an art teacher. Kristi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from UAB. She started teaching in public school, homeschooled for nine years, then transitioned to teaching at a classical Christian school for eight years. She is a member of Faith Presbyterian Church. Kristi loves reading and learning as well as spending time with family, friends, her two dogs and her cat.

Fourth Grade

Laura Kay will be moving to Birmingham this summer with her husband, Tom, to be closer to their two grown children. She spent the last 17 years teaching at The Covenant School in Dallas, Texas. She is passionate about classical Christian education and is excited to teach 4th grade at Oak Hill Classical Academy. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds teaching certificates in elementary education and special education. Outside of school, she loves to spend time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, Elsa and Haley. She is excited to meet her students and become part of the Oak Hill community.

Fifth / Sixth Grade

Hailee Park lives in Pelham with her husband, Nelson, and their two children. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary, Special, and Early Childhood Education from Samford University. She taught in public school for three years before having children. She and her family are members at Christ Fellowship Church in Homewood. In her free time, she loves baking, spending time with friends and family, and going for walks outside. She is so excited to join the team at Oak Hill to teach fifth and sixth grade this fall!

Fifth / Sixth Grade

Kathy Blythe comes to Oak Hill with 18 years teaching experience, including 14 years at a classical, Christian school. Kathy earned her B.B.S. in Communications and Political Science from Hardin-Simmons University and received her teaching certification from Colorado Christian University. She has been married to her husband, Dennis, for almost 34 years, and they have two adult children and an 18-month-old grandchild. Kathy and Dennis attend The Church at Brook Hills, where Dennis serves as the Executive Pastor, and Kathy is involved with the Hospitality Team. In her free time, Kathy enjoys reading, time away in the mountains, and getting as much time as possible with Alice, her granddaughter. She’s always on the hunt for a really good chocolate chip cookie. Kathy is excited to be a part of the Oak Hill community and can’t wait to see the Lord’s plans for this school unfold!