Jay Burcham, President, has been associated with Brentwood Christian School for over 25 years. He is a graduate of Abilene Christian University with both a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He went on to complete post-graduate work at Stanford-Saybrook in Neurological Psychology.

Jay served on the BCS board for eleven years and as Board Chair for four years. Before coming to Brentwood Jay co-founded and co-owned a company that provided educational and behavioral resources to schools across the country. Jay is the father of 3 BCS alumni and is married to his wonderful wife Sylvia, a long-time 1st grade teacher for Brentwood. For many years Jay has professed his three loves in life – Our God, Our Family, and Our School. Jay and his family attend Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ.

Wayne Marks serves as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Security Officer at Brentwood Christian. He studied business administration at UT-El Paso and over the past 40 years has successfully managed a multitude of diverse technology organizations in both the private and public business sectors. Wayne is the father of two Brentwood graduates and attends Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ.

Kimberly McLain, Director of Admissions, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas at Tyler.  She has over thirty years of business leadership experience, both in the corporate and private sector.  Both of her kids are BCS graduates having attended kindergarten through twelfth grade.  She and her family attend Round Rock Church of Christ.

Jennifer joined BCS in 2024 after serving as PTF President for 4 years. Jennifer Smeltzer comes to us with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas, specializing in interior design and business management. She has worked for KB Home as an interior design consultant and studio manager for over 16 years. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys quilting and reading. Jennifer and her husband, Thomas, have been married for eleven years. They are blessed with a fifth-grade daughter, Scarlett. Jennifer and her family attend Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Carol Johnson, Secondary Principal, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from New Mexico State University and a Master degree in Educational Administration from Texas State University.  She has over 10 years of classroom teaching experience as well as 7 years in the role of Assistant Principal at the secondary level with Round Rock and Leander ISD.  Carol holds a Principal certification with the Texas State Board of Education. She and her husband attend East Side Church of Christ.

Leah Smith, Middle School Principal & Academic Advisor, Earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Texas State University and a Master of Education from Angelo State University, as well as being a certified school counselor. She brings years of experience having been a high school science teacher and a counselor in Taylor ISD and Thorndale ISD respectively. Leah and her family attend Highway 95 Church of Christ in Taylor, TX.

Jeremy Thornton, Elementary Principal, is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He is a Texas certified Principal K-12 and also holds certifications in Professional Development and Appraisal, Instructional Leadership Development, and Advanced Educational Leadership. Jeremy has 20 years of teaching and administration experience working in private and public school systems including more than two years as the  Associate Director for Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). He and his family attend Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ and have a son who is a current student at BCS.

Jason Montier is the Director of Fine Arts. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music from East Central University and a Texas Educator Certification in Music for grades PK-12. Jason has 20 years of experience teaching band and orchestra, and in 2022 was named the TAPPS 5A Fine Arts Director of the Year. Most recently, Jason served as the Orchestra and Band Director, along with being an Assistant Swim Coach at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. Jason has been a member of the TAPPS State Music Committee since 2011, serving initially as Region Chair for East Texas, and since 2015 has served as State Music Chair. Jason is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Association of Texas Small School Bands.

Kyle Maxfield, Head Football Coach & Associate Athletic Director, is a Texas A&M graduate. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas A&M, a Master’s Degree from TAMU-Commerce, and Texas principal certification. While attending college (1991-1994) he lettered as a defensive back and special teams player, Coach Maxfield was part of a team that was 28-0-1 in Southwest Conference play, earning three straight Southwest Conference Championships. After beginning his coaching career in the Mesquite and Cypress Fairbanks ISDs, Coach Maxfield got his first head coaching job at Olton in 1999.

AD over Football, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Baseball, Golf, and Track & Field

Brentwood Bear Since 2023
Coaching Since 1995

Denise Riley, Controller, studied accounting at Austin Community College and has been in the accounting field since 1995. Denise and her husband, Jonathan a graduate of BCS, have three children, all of which are BCS alumni.

Angela Taylor, Senior Accounting Manager, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin.  She has over ten years of previous accounting experience and formerly taught in the BCS Preschool.  Angela and her husband, David, attend Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, where he serves as an elder. They have two children which are both graduates of BCS.

Tere Hager, Director of Academic Advancement, holds a B.S. in education from ACU and an M.L.S. from Texas Woman’s University. She and her husband Mark are the parents of three graduates of BCS, and they attend Westover Hills Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2006
Teaching Since 1989

De Shondra Booker earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas at Austin. She is also the Director of the Brentwood MOPS program that began in the fall of 2018. She and her family attend East Side Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2011

Granville holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. He has 18 years of experience working in the education industry. He has served as teacher, assistant principal, dean of students, athletic director and head of school. Most recently Granville joined us through Catapult Learning to aid in the counseling and academic advising office. He has now joined us full-time in the capacity of Academic Advisor.

Katara Scott, Director of Extended Day, has served as a preschool teacher at Greenville Avenue Child Development Center, an administrative assistant for the City of Austin, and an Intake Specialist for Cigna Healthcare. However, her most relevant experience is the 6+ years she served as a site director for Texas Afterschool Centers on Education 21st Century. In this capacity, Katara served Richardson ISD, Katherine Anne Porter Charter School, and San Juan Diego Catholic High School. Katara and her husband Aaron attend East Side Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2022

Joe Rispoli is a recent addition to Brentwood Christian School, bringing over 25 years of experience in Christian education. He holds a Master’s degree in Education and Educational Leadership from California Baptist University. Throughout his career, Joe has taught in both public and private Christian schools and since 2006, he has held administrative positions at four different Christian institutions.

Before entering education, Joe enjoyed a successful career in the disaster recovery industry with a national company. He has also served in ministry as an elder, Pastor of Marriage & Family, and a national conference speaker, training others through The Truth Project and The Engagement Project. Along with his wife, Rhonda, Joe leads Christian Worldview studies in their home and at local churches.

Joe is deeply passionate about Brentwood Christian School and looks forward to using his giftings and experience to serve our school community.

Caleb Rektenwald brings a wealth of musical expertise and educational experience to the role of band director. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Abilene Christian University and certifications in Music EC-12 and Google Educator Level 2, Caleb is well-equipped to lead and inspire students. His diverse performance background includes participation in esteemed ensembles like the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra and ACU Wind Ensemble. At LBJ High, Middle, and Elementary Schools, Caleb has demonstrated his leadership skills by designing marching band visuals, conducting rehearsals, and collaborating on concert programming. His commitment to music education is further evident through his clinical teaching experience at Cooper High School and Madison Middle School, where he mentored symphonic and jazz bands while addressing instrument maintenance needs. Caleb’s proficiency in multiple instruments and dedication to fostering musical talent make him an invaluable addition to any music program. Caleb is married to Emma Rektenwald and they attend Austin Oaks Church.

Brentwood Bear since 2024

Kelli Platt is an EL3 teacher who previously taught Special Education in the Houston area before moving to Round Rock during the summer of 2024 to be closer to family.  She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology in 2000 and returned to school to obtain her teaching certification in Elementary and Special Education.

Greg Brinkley is in his first year at Brentwood teaching 8^th grade U.S. History, 6^th & 8^th grade Bible, and MS Speech. He is also a PSIA Academic Coach in the categories of Impromptu Speaking and Modern Oratory. He and his wife, Crystal, have been in the BCS community for 6 years; his daughter, Amayah, is currently in the 10^th grade and a member of the state champion Lady Bellas.

Before becoming a teacher at BCS, he had a combined 27-year career with the State of California and the Social Security Administration focused on Social Security disability programs. He has over 30 years of ministry experience as a youth minister, associate minister, worship/praise leader, and ministering evangelist before relocating to Texas. He is also certified as an executive Coach, professional speaker, and trainer by John C. Maxwell.

Originally from Oakland, California, Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from California State University, Hayward (now CSU East Bay) and has continued post-graduate studies at Lubbock Christian University, East Oakland Bible Institute, and Golden Gate Bible Institute.

Rachael Owens joins our Christian private school as the Middle School English Teacher with a wealth of experience and dedication to educational excellence. Graduating from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Rachael holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and boasts a diverse range of professional certifications including Elementary Self-Contained (1-8), Generic Special Education (PK – 12), and Gifted Education. With a robust background in education, Rachael served as a Grade Level Team Leader, Literacy Coach, and Gifted and Talented District Coordinator at Yoakum ISD from 2016 to 2022, where she orchestrated district-wide gifted services and provided instruction for grades K-8. Her expertise extends to balanced literacy components, 6 traits writing, and administering various assessments including DRA, TPRI, Cogat, and Iowa. Prior to her tenure at Yoakum ISD, Rachael honed her teaching skills at Sinton ISD and Cuero ISD, where she excelled as a Teacher, Literacy Coach, Interventionist, and Special Education Instructor. With her passion for education and proven track record of leadership and innovation, Rachael is poised to inspire and empower our students to achieve their fullest potential in English and beyond. Mrs. Owens is married to Rick Owens; they have two children, and they attend Faith Family Church of Yoakum.

Lisa holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Angelo State University and an
M. Ed. in Biology Education from Texas State University. Prior to
coming to Brentwood, Lisa worked as a Chemistry Media Editor for
Macmillan Learning, specializing in the creation of assessment and
media assets for college science textbooks. Lisa is married and has
four children who attend Brentwood. Lisa has a passion for mission
work and has done short term mission work in St. Lucia, Jamaica,
Mexico, Malaysia, and Paraguay. From 2019-2022, the Kennedy family
worked as missionaries in Singapore. They worship with the Southwest
church of Christ where Lisa coordinates the Christian Women’s Studies
Program for the Southwest School of Bible Studies.

Emma Rektenwald brings a wealth of academic and teaching experience to her role as High School English Teacher at our Christian private school. Holding a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Music from Abilene Christian University, Rektenwald’s educational background is diverse and enriching. Her teaching journey includes roles as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at Austin, where she facilitated courses on film history and media studies, and as a Substitute Teacher in the Dripping Springs Independent School District. Rektenwald’s dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom as demonstrated by her work as a Writing Consultant at both Abilene Christian University and the University of Texas at Austin. With a commitment to service evident through her editorial and academic involvement, including roles as Managing Editor of Praxis and Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society, Rektenwald is poised to inspire and guide students in their English studies. Emma is married to Caleb Rektenwald and they attend Westover Hills Church of Christ.

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Brentwood Bear Since 2011
Teaching Since 1988

Cynthia Hutson, K4 teacher previously taught second grade for eight years at BCS.  She taught 9 years in public schools prior to her time at BCS.  She holds a B.S. in elementary/special education from ACU and a master’s in education from Texas Woman’s University.  Cynthia and her family attend Leander Church of Christ

Brentwood Bear since 2023
Teaching since 2006

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and a Texas Educator Certification as a Generalist in grades EC-4, Special Education, and ESL as well as a Legacy Master Teacher certification in Reading. She has twelve years of teaching experience at public and charter schools. She and her husband have two boys who attend BCS. Their family attends Westover Hills Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2003
Teaching Since 2003

Sylvia Burcham holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from ACU with reading and early childhood endorsements. She has taught at Brentwood for over twenty years.  Sylvia and her husband Jay, who is the President of BCS, are parents of three graduates. They attend the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2021
Teaching Since 2017

Sanitra Forte is a graduate of Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Literacy from the University of Texas Arlington. Sanitra began teaching middle school in Houston in 2008. After moving to the Austin area, Sanitra served as a preschool teacher at Westside Christian Preschool for three years. Sanitra taught first grade in Pflugerville ISD for a few years before joining the BCS family. Sanitra and her family enjoy worshiping and serving at the Westside Church of Christ in Round Rock. She believes that all children can learn with encouragement and support in a loving environment.

Brentwood Bear Since 2022
Teaching Since 2018

Katherine is a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Child Development and holds a Texas Educator Certificate in classroom teaching for EC-6th and ESL. Prior to joining BCS, Katherine taught in Round Rock ISD. She and her husband have two daughters who attend BCS.

Brentwood Bear Since 2020
Teaching Since 2019

Janaye is a graduate of Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She taught fourth grade for one year, and has now taught second grade since joining BCS in 2020. She also enjoys working with upper elementary students as the faculty sponsor for National Elementary Honor Society and Gal Pals.

Brentwood Bear Since 2022
Teaching Since 2022

Emma is a recent graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She holds certification to teach through the state of California for EC-12th grades. Emma comes to us from San Diego where she volunteered and worked as a student teacher in the Unified School District. She has a love for soccer playing all four years through university and coaching local club teams.

Brentwood Bear Since 2003
Teaching Since 1985

Evelyn Ellis, who now teaches fifth grade at BCS, has a B.S. in education from ACU. Evelyn has over thirty years of teaching experience with the majority of that time being in Christian education. Evelyn and her family attend Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ.

Brentwood Bear Since 2016
Teaching Since 2016
Paul Morrow, a fifth-grade teacher, holds a B.A. in youth ministry and a M.Ed. in education from Lipscomb University. Paul also serves as our after-school study hall teacher for our secondary students who participate in the Extended Day program. He served as a missionary in Brazil for 13 years. Paul is a Brentwood alumnus, class of 1996, and is the parent of two current BCS students.

Yen-Ching holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Taipei University and a Master of Arts in Music, Voice Performance from Texas State University. She is credentialed as a Secondary Music Teacher in Taipei, Taiwan and is a member of the Maryland State Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. Yen-Ching has over 10 years of experience teaching, conducting, and directing music and choirs. Most notably Yen-Ching served as Music Director and Conductor for the Greater Washington Taiwanese-American Choir in Potomac, Maryland, Music Director for the 2019 Taiwanese American Conference – East Coast and was invited by the Taiwanese government in 2017 to perform at the National Day celebration. Yen-Ching and her husband have two children, the oldest of which will attend BCS in the fall.