Our Faculty

THIS IS TRINITY

Our Faculty


At Trinity School, our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our mission, bringing it to life each day with dedication and passion. Our team is not just academically accomplished but also deeply committed to fostering a nurturing and enriching learning environment.

Our educators create a vibrant, interactive educational landscape where the principles of Charlotte Mason and classical education blend seamlessly to emphasize character development and the joy of lifelong learning. In their classrooms, they offer personalized attention to ensure that every child feels valued and understood.

Beyond academic achievements, our teachers focus on character building to instill values of respect, responsibility, and learning that transcend the classroom walls.

At Trinity, our teachers and administrators serve as mentors, guides, and caring adults who truly know and love each student. These professionals work together to craft an atmosphere in which every child can not only grow but thrive.

With more than 11 years of instructional experience on average, our teachers are seasoned professionals who excel in connecting with each student, recognizing their unique potential and nurturing their innate curiosity.
 

57%

of the faculty at Trinity School have an advanced degree, either a master’s degree or a PhD.

6%

of the faculty possess a terminal degree (for example, a PhD). ​

43%

of the faculty at Trinity School have been teaching for 10 years or more.

Faculty & Staff Directory

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Leslie Alkins
Trinity Neighborhood Staff
Olga App
Teacher - 4th Grade
My teaching career began in 1999, and over the years I have taught in a variety of school settings, which has given me the wonderful opportunity of getting to know people from many different backgrounds. Most recently, I have taught fifth grade in a Christian classical school. I have also loved teaching math to middle schoolers through the Liberty Partnership Program and teaching literacy to struggling readers in the Healthy Kids After School Program. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with family. My favorite Bible verse is Genesis 50:20, because these are the words of forgiveness that Joseph speaks over his brothers but can also be the words of Christ and all who follow him.
Morgan Arant
MS Latin Teacher
I have taught at Trinity since 2020, after teaching high school Latin for a number of years at public and private schools throughout the Southeast. Latin is an essential foundation for students as they begin to examine language more closely in their studies. And while language skills are the focus of the course, I love sharing so much more with the students—knowledge of Roman history, mythology, and the society in which Jesus lived and the early Church served. I grew up in Memphis, but family in Durham brought me to the area frequently over the years. Outside of school, you’ll likely find me spending time with family, running on area trails, reading, or watching basketball. One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 John 4:16: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
Tianna Berkel
Trinity Neighborhood Assistant
Ami Berry
3rd Grade TA
After spending 23 years as a pharmacist, I felt led by the Lord to explore my interest in elementary education. I started working as a fourth-grade teaching assistant in February 2022 at Morris Grove Elementary School. I’ve always been interested in various styles of education and found myself drawn to an ecumenical classical Christian school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in the mountains with my husband and children, frequenting farmer’s markets, and all things creative and artistic. Favorite Verse: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 BS in Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University
Gregg Bordeaux
Maintenance Technician
Sarah Brignoni
US Mathematics Teacher
Having grown up in England and various places in the southeast, I finally settled in North Carolina, where I attended university at Chapel Hill. After graduating in 2013, I came to Trinity to teach algebra and Latin in the Middle School. In 2019, my family and I moved to Northern Virginia where I taught upper school mathematics, and I was pleased to return in 2021 to serve Trinity's students again in the Upper School. Prior to joining the faculty at Trinity, I served as a math lab assistant at St. Thomas More School, and additionally taught catechesis and Taekwondo. To delve into “the language in which God has written the universe”, as Galileo has observed, is a passion of mine. To be able to explore the patterns and relationships in the world He has created with our students, moreover, is truly a privilege. When my two young daughters aren’t keeping me busy, I enjoy exploring languages, singing polyphonic music in my church choir, and playing games (all sorts). ”Our Lord does not so much look at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them.” – St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Missy Brinegar
Art Teacher
Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. - John W. Gardner BA, Art History, Barat College ASID, Harrington College of Design
George Brunner
Assistant Director Advancement, Capital Campaign, and Annual Fund
I began at Trinity in the Spring of 2024. Prior to this, I served as the Director of Development for Elon Catholic Campus Ministry, and before that, as Assistant Director of Development at the Duke Catholic Center. I’ve served the Church for over 12 years. I’m married and have four children. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, board games, and officiating lacrosse. My favorite Scripture passage is Matthew 16:13-20. BA in Political Science, Mount St. Mary's University
Micah Buchanan
Latin Teacher
I started teaching in 2021, just shortly after graduating from UNC-CH here in the Triangle. Latin lives today in the vocabulary of the Romance languages and the grammar of many Teutonic languages. Studying it from an early age provides students with the fundamentals to go on to study a variety of literatures and cultures. It also helps develop key skills in analysis and linguistic creativity. I’m excited to share my passion for language through teaching Latin to Lower School students with creative and interdisciplinary instruction. I was raised in the mountains of North Carolina, surrounded by forests of towering pini strobi and ever-versatile acri rubri. I began my linguistic study with Spanish in the eighth grade, and went on to study Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Ancient Greek and Latin in my pre-collegiate and university careers. In my spare time, I enjoy practicing martial arts, catching up on my favorite series, cooking, woodcarving, and reading. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. –??Philippians? ?2:3?
Cathleen Buckley
6th Grade Science and Bible Teacher
I began my career as a science teacher in a small Christian school in the Washington, DC area. After I met and married my husband, Stephen, I enjoyed a decade at home with our two (now-adult) children. Over the years I’ve directed children’s ministries and taught science or math in Kenya, Brazil, Florida, and Zambia. What a gift it is to return to my roots to teach sixth grade Earth Science and Bible. I pray that students will know, believe, and proclaim Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were born, Before you gave birth to the earth and the world, From beginning to end, You are God.”
Julie Burson
Lower School Librarian
I have taught first or second grade for a total of seven years in Atlanta, Chapel Hill, and Los Angeles. My children began Trinity School when they were in Kindergarten and it feels more like a family than simply a school. We recently lived in Switzerland for two and a half years. Returning to Trinity feels like coming home. While away it was obvious that our family approached our school relationships differently than most people at our international school. Often, people we met became curious to learn more about our background which gave us ample opportunity to share why we might seem different–to God be the glory! But it reminded me of a Winnie the Pooh quote that I love: “Some people care too much. I think it's called love.” It’s my privilege and delight to join the faculty and staff in service to Jesus Christ and Trinity School.
Ashley Cade
Learning Specialist
I am a native of O-H-I-O and graduated from Marietta College with a BA in accounting. I also spent the majority of my time outside of the classroom rowing on the Muskingum River. I recently completed my certificate in Counseling Education at North Carolina State University. God has used many surprising twists and turns along my path to lead me to my heart's longing…a career in education and working with children. My husband, Todd, and our three courageous children, Lucy, Emily, and Will (and chocolate lab Haven Grace), moved to Durham in June 2020 after 18 years in St. Louis. I spend most of my free time with my family. We love to hike, read, laugh, and explore our new state together. I love running with my pup, cooking, working out, reading, good coffee, and cool mornings sitting quietly on my front porch. My favorite verse is Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst; a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Joy Campbell
Director of Trinity Neighborhood and Camp Programs
I am a native of Durham, NC. I have had a love for children since I was in high school and knew that I would always work with children and families. I have two children, Emmanuel and Mason, and I love singing, traveling, worshipping, doing hair, and spending time with family and friends. I started my work in after-school as a group leader with Durham Public Schools in 2001, and have enjoyed creating long-lasting relationships with families. My favorite scripture is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." God is doing a great work in me, and I want to show it to the world and anyone whose path I may cross.
Candace Cansler
Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
My career started in 2003, and over the years I have worked in a variety of roles within education. I first began in a Title I public school system for ten years. Much of my time was spent volunteering in the community and school. This fondness led to creating many resources within my community for students & parents. I then relocated to the Durham area in 2012 still in education. Since, I've moved into a variety of roles within the school system as MTSS grade level chair, teacher representative, team lead, teacher, and more. I'm beyond excited to be part of the Trinity Community, and serve as Assistant Director of Enrollment Management while still being able to connect with students and families. My favorite bible verse is Chronicles 15:7, as it reminds me of the importance of having faith and leaning on God.
Andrew Carlson
US Humanities Teacher
I joined Trinity after finishing my doctorate in English at Rutgers University. In the past I’ve taught classes on poetry, writing, and Renaissance drama. My research on topics in Renaissance culture appears or is forthcoming in English Literary History and Studies in Philology. My wife and I have two wonderful boys, Felix and Charlie, who keep us very busy and highly entertained. As a teacher I’ve taken to heart some words from Maria Montessori, who said that “joy is the indicator of interior growth.” I consider my teaching to be successful if I see not just increasing knowledge in my students but increasing joy as well.
Laura Caulfield
Humanities Teacher
After studying English and film at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I began teaching English and history at a small school in Matthews, North Carolina. I have a passion for inspiring students to become better writers and thinkers. I am grateful to have found Trinity after moving to Durham in 2020. Growing up in West Virginia, I developed a love for the outdoors. When I am not reading or writing, I can be found hiking, climbing, or out on a whitewater river somewhere. My favorite verses are Job 12:7-9: “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"
Amy Chauncey
Director of Lower School
Lisa Chetelat
Enrollment Management & Flexible Tuition Administrator
I am grateful to God for taking my career in independent schools from Connecticut to North Carolina and now here to Trinity. I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to invest in the lives of our young people, and I am glad to play a small part in their educational and spiritual development. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 AS, Accounting, Post University
Donna Clark
College Counseling Program Manager
I have served in many roles as a mentor to college and high school students. I also ran an internship program for college students along with offering career counseling, job shadowing, mock interviews, and resume writing assistance and have served as a guest speaker at several college career night events. My professional career as an economist was spent in the public utility and environmental economics fields where I did research, statistical analysis, and market valuations and assessments. I am thrilled to be part of the Trinity community working in the college counseling office. I look forward to helping students navigate the college search and application process and helping them with this part of their life journey in discovering and following the path that God has chosen for them.
Nathan Clendenin
Assistant Director of Advancement for Marketing and Communications
I've been a storyteller in various capacities my entire life. I graduated from the UNC School of Journalism with a Masters in Visual Communication in 2006. I worked at a Raleigh TV Station website (WRAL.com) for two years as the first Multimedia Producer. Then in 2008 my wife and I left our jobs to spend a year in South Africa doing community development work with a local church. Upon return, I formed a video storytelling company (StoryDriven). The company has earned ten Emmy Awards for excellence in storytelling. My personal mission is to tell stories of great things happening in the Kingdom of God. I have the privilege of sharing the great works of God in our midst. I've been doing that at Trinity since 2020. I have four children that keep me and my wife pretty busy! I love running the Blue Ridge Relay each year in September. I am seldom found without music or a podcast playing. "Storytelling offers the opportunity to talk with your audience, not at them. " –Laura Holloway BA Philosophy, The University of the South (Sewanee) MA Visual Communication, The UNC School of Journalism
Mike Colby
9th grade Humanities Teacher
I started teaching Literature in 2001 at a small church school in Baltimore city, working with students with remedial needs and diverse learning differences. My wife (also a teacher) and I were married during Christmas break of my first year of teaching. After four years, we transitioned to a private, college-prep high school where I taught history for grades 9–12 for nine years. In 2014 our family moved to Budapest, Hungary, where we taught at an international school. Along with teaching high school literature again, I pastored a small Chinese church for four years. E. H. Gombrich begins The Story of Art by saying, “There really is no such thing as Art. There are only artists.” This always reminds me that behind the material there is always a person. This invites us into experiencing relationships and community and not just learning ‘things.' Ultimately, everyone is invited into relationship with the unmade Maker.
Nikki Colby
Learning Specialist
I began teaching in 2000 in a private school in Baltimore City for students with a variety of academic, social, and emotional needs. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to come alongside many kinds of learners from many walks of life, all over the world. For the past eight years my family and I have lived in Budapest, Hungary. There, my husband and I taught at an international Christian school, where our children also attended. Our time in Hungary gave me a deep appreciation for diversity and a heightened sensitivity to the stories of the people around me. I am passionate about helping students find their voice, discover their gifts, and experience success. I believe that making space for students, families, and teachers to engage with the tools and support they need provides fertile soil for the truest kinds of learning and growth. Psalm 27:13
Jack Colston
US Math Teacher
I'm excited to join the Upper School faculty and have come here from Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, VA, where I taught a variety of high school math courses for four years from Algebra through Honors Precalculus as well as Old Testament. I have been involved in my church, volunteering his time with the youth group and was very involved in CRU during college. He received his B.S. in math and his M Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. My wife and I are members of Summit Church and are enjoying getting to know Durham. BS, Math, Virginia Tech
Rachel Colston
Biology Teacher
Before coming to Trinity in fall 2021, I taught chemistry and physical science at a Christian school in Northern Virginia. I love teaching science because of the opportunity to explore God's creation through hands-on observation and experimentation. I love spending time with my husband (who teaches math here at Trinity), friends, and family, and I enjoy travelling and hiking. One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 5:8: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse is such a great reminder of the gospel! B.S. Biological Sciences, N.C. State University
Dana Crain
IT Support Specialist
Dana Crain is in the IT department at Trinity, specializing in solving tricky tech issues for teammates and students alike. Outside of work, she's a knitting aficionado and avid camper who cherishes family time outdoors. Dana is a poultry enthusiast, spending quality time in her backyard coop with her dogs, Spike and Matthew. Her latest read is Gods, Wasps, and Stranglers, which delves into the enthralling narrative of fig trees, intertwining their ecological, historical, and mythological significance. A.A.S., Information Systems-Network Administration and Support, DTCC Microsoft Windows Training, New Horizons, Greensboro, NC Accounting and Business Studies
Katie Crews
MS Science & Bible Teacher
I'm a Tarheel born and bred, graduating from UNC in 2013 with a degree in middle grades science education. I taught in Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools before coming to Trinity in 2017, and I was drawn in by the school's mission and the opportunity to freely share the Gospel with my students. I believe science is another language of God and am honored to continue to share my love of it through my teaching. I'm originally from the coast and love to spend time near the water with my husband and my golden retriever mutt, Barnes. B.A. Middle Grades Science Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Matt Crimmins
Controller
I joined the Business Office in Summer 2024 as the Controller. I’ve been an accountant for more than six years, with previous experience as a tax accountant and four years in private industry. I’m originally from Orlando, FL, and earned my Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. After moving to North Carolina in 2016, I received my Master of Accounting degree from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and became a Certified Public Accountant. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with my wife and two sons, golfing, hiking, and watching sports, especially those involving Florida State. Favorite verse: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23 BS in Sport Management/Business, Florida State University Master of Accounting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Megan Daniel
IT Helpdesk Support Technician
I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I worked in Knox County Schools for several years as a computer technician, specializing in iPads and Macbooks. I moved to Raleigh in 2015 to work for Wake County Public Schools. Together, with a small team, we managed all of the iPads and Chromebooks for the district. We also managed Microsoft Office 365 and the Google for Schools infrastructure. In my free time I love to travel, as well as spend time with my 3 dogs, Monkey, Wednesday and Chase. I am thrilled to bring my experience to Trinity, and I look forward to assisting in any way I can!
Chip Denton
Head of School
After college, I taught seventh grade English and coached in an independent day school for boys in Memphis. Newly married, I moved to Chicago, where I attended divinity school. In 1986 we moved to North Carolina when I began a PhD program in New Testament at Duke University, and I was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. I served as associate pastor of The Church of the Good Shepherd for several years and was part of the group that started Trinity School. In 1996 I came to Trinity as its first headmaster and have been here ever since. My wife, Desirée, and I have three children (all Trinity alums) and four grandchildren. I love to read, write, and play with my grandchildren. B.A. English, Emory University M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Ph.D. Religion City and Regional Planning, UNC Chapel Hill

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