Faculty & Staff

Staff

Miriam Andrews

Director of Development
Capital Campaign Manager

Miriam started at Covenant in 2019 as a part-time Grammar School Aide and now works as our Director of Development & Capital Campaign Manager. Miriam attended Women’s Christian College in Chennai, South India, and majored in English Literature. She served as Head of the Department of Music and Drama in a Christian school in Bangalore for 10 years and directed several productions of musical theater in the school and city. She moved to PA in 2014 and directed Fiddler on the Roof in Spring 2017 for Cedar Cliff High. In addition to helping out at Covenant, Miriam is also the Director of Children’s Ministry at the Trinity United Methodist Church. She lives with her husband, Arun, and her two children, Nihal and Nehara. Arun serves as a Minister at the Trinity United Methodist Church in New Cumberland. Nihal is a student at Messiah College, and Nehara is a student in Covenant’s Upper School. In her spare time, Miriam enjoys theater, music, and floral art.

Katie Broeg

Director of Admissions

Katie began working as the Admissions Director in 2017. Prior to joining Covenant she was a stay-at-home mom for six years. Professionally, she worked as the middle school science and math teacher at West Dallas Community School, and then upon moving to PA, she worked in a Leukemia research lab at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Katie studied Biology and Religious Studies at Southern Methodist University. Some of her hobbies include running, reading books with her two daughters, and going on nature hikes. She loves musicals, farm show milkshakes, Aldi, Sara Groves, science and nature, and 80s/90s music. Katie attends West Shore Evangelical Free Church with her husband, Jay, and their children.

Jessica Fisher

Communications Coordinator

Peggy Frantz

Director of Events & Logistics

Peggy Frantz is our Director of Events & Logistics. She joined the Covenant community in 2017. Peggy graduated from Penn State University. Her hobbies include dancing, gardening, music, and reading. She is interested in photography and loves a good arts festival. She has one niece here at Covenant and two nieces who graduated.

Carolyn Haas

Office Manager

Carolyn Haas began working at Covenant in 2017 as the Office Manager. However, she has been part of the community for quite some time as her son, Daniel, graduated from Covenant in 2014. Carolyn is an avid reader and enjoys baking and crafting. She loves cutting and splitting wood with her husband, Barry, and loves preparing for cozy evenings by the fire. Apart from her work at Covenant, Carolyn is very involved in camp work at Greenwood Hills Bible Conference in Fayetteville. She attends Harrisburg Bible Chapel.

David Sonju

Head of School

Dr. David Sonju became Covenant’s third Head of School in the summer of 2014. Dr. Sonju has earned a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews, where he also enjoyed living by the sea and trying to golf. A lifelong lover of learning and avid reader, Dr. Sonju experienced a renewed interest in classical Christian education as his children approached school age. He is excited to lead a school where a wonder for God and His world is cultivated in the hearts of students. David and his wife, Joy, met while working at a Christian family ministry in the Adirondacks of New York and were married in 2006. They have five children. The Sonjus enjoy hiking, reading, and living life in central PA.

Ann Rasmus

College and Career Advisor

Sara Thomas

Front Desk Manager

Sara began working as the Front Desk Manager in 2021. An alum of Waynesburg College, she was involved in non-profit management for 13 years.

Sara was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for many years and now her son attends Covenant. Some of her hobbies include baking homemade bread, reading, hiking, running, board games and spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband, Jim, have one son and they attend Lifepoint Church.

Jennifer Weaver

Lunch Director

Jen’s career at Covenant began after 22 years in the banking industry. Her degree in business administration from Harrisburg Area Community College and her industry experience has been helpful as she manages all aspects of our hot lunch program, including planning, ordering, cooking, serving, and accounting. Jen established, and continues to refine, a nutritious lunch program that serves our students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as our staff. Jen also takes care of our entire curriculum ordering and tracking. She, her husband, and son enjoy outdoor activities together, including camping, ATVs, and competitive BMX bike racing.

Tom Weimer

Facilities Manager

Tom Weimer started working at Covenant in 2016 as the Facilities Manager. Prior to working at Covenant, he worked for the U.S. Post Office and served in the U.S. Army from 1978-1981 as a Track Vehicle Mechanic Recovery Specialist. He and his wife, Donna, have three children, Jessie, Amanda, and Jacob, and also have six grandchildren. Tom attends Living Water Community Church and thoroughly enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, and boating.

Grammar School

Marina Allen

Sixth Grade Teacher

Marina Allen joined the Covenant staff over fifteen years ago, first as a part-time teacher, and for several years now as the sixth grade teacher. Marina grew up in the former Soviet Union country of Moldova and graduated from the State University of Tiraspol with a B.S. in teaching English, Russian, and Russian Literature. She also has earned a B.S. in Bible at Lancaster Bible College. She describes her time of teaching at Covenant as a thrilling journey where she enjoys showing her students God’s hand through history and in the lives of each individual person. She enjoys reading, singing, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. Marina and her husband have a son and daughter attending Covenant’s Grammar School.

Ashley Cossin

Grammar School Dean

Ashley Cossin became the Grammar School Dean here at Covenant in 2020. She has many years of teaching experience in various educational settings. Moving all the way from California, Ashley and her family are new to Central PA. She attended Dartmouth College with a major in Biology. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from University of California (Irvine) and a Certificate in Bible from Reformed Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Jim, have one daughter and two sons. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys reading, hiking, playing games, and spending time with her family.

Rebecca Diehl

Kindergarten Aide

Jennifer Erickson

First Grade Aide

Jennifer Erickson joined the Covenant community in 2018. She serves as a First Grade Aide. Prior to Covenant, she taught second and third grade in public school and homeschooled her three sons for 11 years. She studied Elementary Education at Westminster College. Jennifer’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, reading, walking, swimming, being outside, baking, cooking, and drinking coffee with her husband. She and her family are involved in their church, Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Elizabethtown. Two of her sons are attending Covenant’s Upper School, and one has already graduated.

Carrie Finch

Fifth Grade Teacher

Carrie joined the Covenant community in 2016 as the fifth grade teacher. She studied Biology and Middle Grades Education at Augusta State University. Carrie and her husband, Daniel, have two children, Mira and Dominic. They attend Second City PCA in Harrisburg. Carrie enjoys reading, jogging, baking, and visiting museums.

Susan Geer

First Grade Teacher

Jennifer Glass

Kindergarten Aide

Sarah Gridley

Grammar School Spanish & Writing/Logic Teacher

Sarah Gridley began teaching Grammar School Spanish and seventh grade Writing and Logic in 2019. She went to Grove City College and studied Spanish K-12 Education. She attends Trinity PCA in Harrisburg. In her free time, Sarah enjoys writing poetry, playing the flute, piano, and guitar, and having good conversations with friends. Sarah spent a semester studying Spanish and teaching English to high school students in Quito, Ecuador, and three summers teaching the Bible to kids with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Dauphin County. She loves to share the beauty and power of language with her students.

Nathan Grim

Fourth Grade Teacher

Nate has taught fourth grade at Covenant since 2012. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College where he earned his B.S. in Music Education and a B.A. in Music Performance. His musical background lends itself well to the classical method of teaching in rhyme, chant, and song. He feels blessed to work at Covenant in a Christ-centered, classical atmosphere where he leads his fourth grade class to find God’s beauty in all academic subject areas. Nate enjoys camping, teaching private music lessons, and performing in a local concert band and orchestra.

Malea Haflett

Support Aide

Although Malea has been a Covenant parent for a while, she joined us in 2019 as a Support Aide. She helps with front desk duties and offers assistance to Pre-K and Kindergarten. Malea attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor’s degree in English and later received a Master’s degree in Education. She enjoys drinking good coffee, being outside, and traveling to new places. She loves spending quality time with her family, especially with her husband, Matt, and her children, Lilia and Dex. The Haflett family attends Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in McAlisterville where Malea serves as the Faith Connection Coordinator. Malea has always enjoyed being part of the Covenant community as a parent and is delighted that she is able to work more closely with students and see the joy they experience every day at school.

Brianna Helton

Science Teacher

Erin Hoover

Athletic Director & Grammar School Aide

Erin has been at Covenant since the fall of 2011 where her role has evolved from teachers’ aide to adding Athletic Director responsibilities. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a B.A. in Psychology. After working as a certified athletic trainer for 11 years, she “retired” to be at home with her children. Erin and her husband have two children at Covenant, a daughter and a son. She enjoys spending time with her family and dog, reading, kayaking, and being outdoors.

Johanna Levi

Pre-K Aide

Shannon Lasse

Pre-K Teacher

Shannon Lasse joined the Covenant community in 2021 as the Pre-K teacher. She moved to Pennsylvania from Connecticut where she taught elementary school in the public school system for 20 years. Shannon earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in General Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and an M.S. in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Shannon and her husband, Brien, have two children, Mirella and Noah, who are students at Covenant. Shannon enjoys making crafts, playing pickle-ball, and vacationing on the beach with her family. They attend Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill.

Elizabeth Martin

First Grade Teacher

Mary Lynne Martin

Kindergarten Teacher

For over twelve years Mary Lynne has taught kindergarten, where she loves seeing the excitement of the smallest Covenant students as they acquire new abilities. Pointing her students to the gospel in both joyful and challenging times to help them realize their need of God’s grace in all situations is a very rewarding aspect of her time in the classroom. Mary Lynne is a graduate of Monmouth College with a degree in Business Education. Her interests include sewing, needlework, and playing with her granddaughter. She looks forward to ushering for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and doing some vegetable gardening. Mary Lynne has raised three children, one of whom graduated from Covenant in 2011.

Jesse Maurer

K-12 Music Teacher & Choir Director

Jesse has taught music at Covenant since 2010. He holds two degrees from Lebanon Valley College, a B.S. in Music Education and a B.A. in Music Performance. He has developed a music curriculum and vocal choirs, and has implemented a violin program for grades five and six. He feels blessed to be a part of a loving community with such a passion for truth, goodness, and beauty. He plays many instruments but focuses mostly on voice and piano. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, being outdoors, time with family and friends, and playing with a local jazz quartet.

Valerie McClymont

K-12 Art Teacher

Valerie began teaching at Covenant in 2009. Her love and curiosity for God’s created world began during her childhood in the woods of North Carolina. She has spent her lifetime in awe of God’s workmanship and encourages the observation and development of that in her students. She has developed a comprehensive art curriculum for all grades, and the evidence of its effectiveness is on display throughout the hallways of our building. She believes that every student can learn to carefully observe, to practice the discipline of making what they see, and to express their own distinct personhood and imagination in material objects. Val completed an Associate’s degree in Visual Arts from Harrisburg Community College after which she apprenticed with a master ceramist. She is currently pursuing a B.F.A. at Messiah College. She was a working artist until her employment with Covenant. Valerie and her husband have three children who attended Covenant and one who is still in Upper School.

Sarah McCollum

Science Teacher

Sarah McCollum started teaching at Covenant in the spring of 2018. She teaches Upper School Biology, Life Science, Fourth & Fifth Grade Science, and has taught several electives including Human Body Systems, Microscopes, and Embroidery. Sarah was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She graduated from Stephens College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in General Science. She received her Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Iowa. Sarah loves to read, hike, embroider, and spend time with family and her dog, Brandywine. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, James and Rachel. They attend Community Alliance Church.

Elisabeth Munson

First Grade Aide

Elisabeth Munson became the First Grade Aide in 2020. She attended Wheaton College and studied Elementary Education. She also has an MA in Language Arts. Elisabeth enjoys jogging, baking, playing the piano, German, and knitting. She recently discovered her love for 3B ice cream and Beethoven slow movements. She and her husband, Paul, have five children. Their youngest two children attend Covenant.

Laura Ryan

Second Grade Aide

Laura became the Second Grade Aide in 2020. She and her husband, Steve, have two children at Covenant. Laura attended Messiah College and studied Sport and Exercise Science. She enjoys crafting for her Etsy shop, nutrition, reading, and spending time walking, swimming, and hiking with her family. Laura and her family attend Susquehanna Valley Church.

Stephanie Schwab

Kindergarten Teacher

After graduating with a B.F.A. and Art Ed. teaching certification from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Stephanie made her teaching debut in a kindergarten classroom over two decades ago. She has been teaching nonstop in one capacity or another ever since. Prior to teaching at Covenant, she spent four years teaching art to various age groups at CHESS in Elizabethtown. She has been teaching Kindergarten at Covenant for over seven years. She and her husband have four children, all graduates of Covenant. Stephanie enjoys reading, creating and looking at art, and the outdoors. She and her husband also enjoy worshipping with the PCA mission church plant congregation, Proclamation PC in Mount Joy.

Julianna Stalker

Second Grade Teacher

Dawn Swartz

Third Grade Teacher

Dawn found joy in serving as the Grammar School Dean for four years, where she had the opportunity to serve both students and teachers. She now loves teaching third grade at Covenant. With a degree in education from Messiah College, Dawn began a teaching career in public school. She was introduced to classical education and continued her teaching career as a classical educator when a new school opened near her family in Virginia. Along with a move to the Harrisburg area in 2004 came the opportunity to enroll her children and to teach fourth grade at Covenant. She and her husband have two Covenant graduates, a son from the class of 2011 and a daughter from the class of 2014. Outside of school, Dawn enjoys spending time on the Chincoteague Island with her family, reading mysteries, pursuing dark chocolate, and playing the cello.

Karil Yawger

K-12 Physical Education Teacher

Karil has been teaching physical education at Covenant for over six years. She studied Nutrition and Fitness at Liberty University and Visual Arts at Harrisburg Area Community College. Her approach to physical education is holistic, seeking to engage the mind, body, and soul. She believes that play is important and necessary for all ages. To the classroom she brings elements of play while weaving the fruits of the spirit into team building games, fitness components, sports fundamentals, and nutrition. She hopes to cultivate lifelong lovers of wellness. She and her husband have two children at Covenant, and one who graduated in 2021. She enjoys running, racing in 5Ks to half marathons, hiking, healthy cooking, reading, singing, and gathering with family and friends.

Upper School

Peter Allen

Teacher

Bryan Hoover

Algebra II Teacher

David Kemper

Lead Humanities Teacher

Since completing his B.F.A. at Messiah College in 1997, David has taught a wide variety of courses at Covenant. Over that time he has helped forge the curriculum and course work for third and fourth grades, eighth grade humanities, tenth grade Reformation History, Rhetoric I and II, and other classes for the Upper School. He enjoys teaching the core eighth grade classics, which include Greek and Roman History, and Greek- and Roman-themed literature taught in tandem with Rhetoric I and culminating in the Forum et Agora each spring. David and his wife enjoy spending time with family and friends. He has a step-daughter who attends Covenant and a son and daughter who both graduated from Covenant.

Elizabeth Lynn

Upper School Dean

Kristen Miller

Lead Math Teacher

In 2009 Kristen completed her mathematics degree at Messiah College and began working at Covenant in the fall of that year. Because of her own education at a classical Christian school, she was seeking a place to teach where she could teach in the same kind of environment. Covenant was that place. Kristen’s first love is teaching math and helping students to gain an appreciation for the subject. She enjoys living in the Harrisburg area with her husband, daughter, and dogs, and she is grateful to be a part of the Covenant Christian Academy community. In her free time, she likes to cook, bake, crochet, and spend time with family and friends.

Anna Munson

Humanities Teacher

Anna Munson joined the Covenant community in 2017 teaching seventh and twelfth grade history and literature. She graduated from Grove City College with a degree in history, and she grew up in Grove City as well, along with her four delightful younger siblings. When not lesson planning, Anna enjoys reading, stargazing, singing hymns with family and friends, (low-key) hiking, and spending time in Germany.

Elliot Neff

Humanities, Logic, and Latin Teacher

Mr. Elliot Neff became a full-time Upper School faculty member in 2018. Elliot teaches Logic II, Medieval History and Literature, Intro to Philosophy, and Latin. He hails from the Lancaster area where he worked for the PA House of Representatives and attends One Life Church. Elliot graduated from Grove City College in 2016 with a major in Philosophy and minors in Classical Studies and Mandarin Chinese. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, writing, playing board games, participating in sports and spending time with friends.

Jed Stalker

Humanities Teacher

Jed Stalker began teaching at Covenant in 2020. He teaches Upper School English Literature and History. He attended Bloomsburg and Radford Universities and has earned a Masters in English Literature. Jed enjoys spending much of his time running, reading, raising his children, participating in church small groups, and complaining about the Eagles. He and his wife, Julianna, have three daughters – Beatrice, Lucy, and Jane. Jed and Julianna have been foster parents in the past and hope to do that again in the future.

Herb Stoner

Geometry Teacher

Herb Stoner became the Geometry instructor in 2020 but has also been a substitute teacher at Covenant for a number of years. He and his wife, Sandra, have a son who graduated from Covenant in 2014 and a daughter who also graduated from Covenant in 2019. Herb graduated from Oberlin College with a major in Music and a minor in German Studies. He also has an MBA from Penn State. Herb enjoys music, woodworking, reading, and fitness. He attends Times Square Church Summit Campus.

Ed Suthers

Bible and Theology Teacher

Ed began teaching Bible and Theology classes at Covenant in 2015. Some of the courses under his belt include Old Testament and New Testament Survey, Historical Theology, and Systematic Theology I and II. Ed studied Biblical Languages at Miami Christian College and earned his M. Div. at Biblical Theological Seminary. He married his wife, Beverly, in 1982. Together they have four adult children and five grandchildren. Ed attends Grace Fellowship Church in Steelton. He enjoys going camping and listening to classical music. Ed also enjoys completing projects around the house and occasional woodworking.

Sharon Wolcott

Algebra Teacher

Sharon joined the Covenant community in 2016. She has been teaching mathematics since given the opportunity to serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant at Houghton College. By the time she received her mathematics degree, she had also gained a passion for teaching and a love for students. After earning a M.S. in Applied Math from the University of Delaware and then relocating to Harrisburg, she began teaching at Harrisburg Area Community College, where she has been an adjunct professor for 15 years. She has cherished the opportunity to teach part time while raising a growing family and being actively involved in her church. Now the mother of four Covenant students, she feels privileged to be a part of the Covenant community in such an active way.