Meet Our Faculty
Miss Lilah Barth; B.S. in history from Liberty University. history and drama teacher
Miss Barth has blessed CHESS with her amazing teaching skills since December, 2021. She is a born teacher, and her enthusiasm for relaying amazing historical facts and analysis and promoting critical thinking in her students is evident the minute her class starts.
Miss Barth loves to serve her homeschooling students! She, herself, was homeschooled beginning with the 4th grade and up through grade 12. She graduated as a homeschooler, and she loved being homeschooled so much that she says, “Actually, when I hit my final year I didn’t want to graduate, I wanted to continue homeschooling :).” (And if God blesses this Christian young lady with a family, homeschooling is definitely on the agenda!!)
Miss Barth’s credentials include not only her history degree, but also her several past years’, and ongoing work, at a living history museum. She loves the many opportunities there to talk about history and to study it. Miss Barth also spends much time on the side studying history, including a current study of church history.
Miss Barth on history: History in general is such a fun subject to teach. There’s so much to explore, and inspiring my students to get excited and curious about the past is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love the look students get when something just clicks with them. History has so many complexities. When I get questions or that moment where I can audibly hear “oh” in the class makes me so excited. One thing I also love about CHESS is that I can teach history from a Christian standpoint, and just be honest about my opinions. For example, I’m preparing to teach Colorado history [at CHESS], which means I have to talk about Native Americans. At the museum I can’t share my opinion on this very morally complex issue, but at CHESS I can teach that God owns the land and sovereignly has control over who is living on it. It’s such a blessing.
Favorite Bible Verse: There are so many amazing Bible verses I don’t have one…I have many! My favorite quote from church history though is, “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” This is from Jonathan Edwards, my favorite Puritan preacher.
Hobbies/Interests: I have too many :). I am an avid audiobook listener, artist (digital and sketching), a wannabe novel writer, and playwright. I also love dancing (folk, square, and line dances), and over the summer I teach middle school and high school kids’ theater.
Mr. Phil Boonstra, Entrepreneur. teaches FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP, U.S. CONSTITUTION, AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Mr. Boonstra has been teaching for CHESS since 2023. He studied history and education at CSU and uses this experience as well as his invaluable entrepreneurship experience to bless our school and students. Mr. Boonstra’s enthusiasm for Christian education, excellent teaching and communication skills, and dedication to our students and school is integral to the fabric of CHESS.
Mr. Boonstra on Christian Education: Though I currently own a residential construction company (PR Builders based out of Loveland, Colorado), my passion is Christian Education. I was blessed from my youth to go to great schools. My parents pushed education on me and my siblings, all 8 of us! They highly valued a liberal arts education for us while teaching us skills on the farm. I also had great teachers throughout who dedicated their lives to educating Christian youth. I believe a Christian education is crucial for Christian young people as they go out into the world.
Mr. Boonstra’s passion for education is not just in words, but also in action. Mr. Boonstra dedicates two days a week from his busy schedule to teach classes at CHESS. His wealth of knowledge and experience in real-world work challenges and demands gives him a distinct advantage and ability to teach our students how to analyze and to apply what they learn to real-life situations.
Favorite Bible Verses: Psalm 56 and Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Mrs. SHANA CHAVEZ; b.s. IN eLEMENTARY eDUCATION & MATHEMATICS FROM BOB JONES UNIVERSITY. CHOIR ASSISTANT/instructor, Elementary Math, SEWING/crafts
Mrs. Chavez has been teaching and volunteering for Colorado Heritage Education School System since 2017. She is a veteran homeschool mom as well as a dedicated pastor’s wife.
Mrs. Chavez’s love for the Lord and her joyful use of the gifts and abilities He has given her is a continual blessing for our students and families.
Mrs. Chavez’s lunchtime snack shop is always a hit with our students!
Mrs. Chavez on Christian Education and Homeschooling: I taught in Christian schools for four years before the Lord blessed my husband, David, and I with children. We always knew that we wanted to homeschool. We have taught two of our children K-12 and have just one more year with the youngest. It has been a blessing to have the privilege of seeing our daughters grow and pursue the different areas for which the Lord has equipped each of them. The older two went on to earn an Associate’s degree and a Master’s degree from Chambers College. Both are serving the Lord. Praise be to Him!
I have taught a variety of "fun" classes at CHESS over the years: Sewing, knitting, crocheting, Math Lab, Patch the Pirate Club, and Elementary Choir. I enjoy tying all subjects to the wonderful works of God and tailoring instruction to the learning style of each student. I have especially enjoyed tutoring individuals in math and seeing them grasp the challenging concepts.
Favorite Verse: Psalm 62:5-8 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved. And God is my salvation and glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."
Mrs. Mary DeJong, A.A. in Early Childhood Education. Zoology teacher
Mrs. Dejong joined our CHESS teaching staff in 2024. She holds a deep commitment to Christian Education. Her three previous years teaching in a Christian school gave her valuable and solid experiences and knowledge that will bless her students at CHESS.
Mrs. DeJong is married to her best friend, Calvin.
Mrs. DeJong’s interests: I enjoy plants and flowers; so, you can often find me working in my garden or watering my flowers! I love to play volleyball, go to the beach, and go camping.
Mrs. DeJong’s favorite Bible verse: I read/recall often Lamentations 3:21-23. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Mr. Joshua Franklin, B.A. in History from Colorado State University, Co-Author of America from the Beginning, A U.S. History Curriculum for Grades 3 - 8. history teacher
Mr. Franklin’s homeschooling journey: I was homeschooled from beginning to end. My wife, Rachel, and I homeschool our two children (Admittedly, Rachel does most of the work).
Mr. Franklin loves his history classes and enjoys helping students learn to analyze and critically assess resource content, and then to clearly articulate what they have learned, both in speaking and writing.
Mr. Franklin understands the importance of teaching and learning history from a Biblical point of view, and from a historically correct and frank lens. Mr. Franklin has been teaching for CHESS since 2012.
Mrs. Amy Kearns, B.A. in Sociology. Math Teacher*
Mrs. Kearns’ Homeschooling Journey: “I have been homeschooling my children since before my oldest was in kindergarten. Neither my husband nor I had been homeschooled. In fact, neither of us even knew homeschooling was a thing. Then, as new Christians, we encountered a homeschooling family of nine. I was so impressed with those homeschooled kids. They were very capable of talking to all ages, older and younger than themselves. They were amazingly socialized! That's when we knew that we would homeschool. We have encountered so many joys through the art and discipline of homeschooling our children. We've encountered some heartbreaks as well, but the benefits have always shown themselves to outweigh the doubts that sometimes arise. We've now homeschooled for 16+ years and have four more years to go before our youngest graduates from high school.
“I have a BA in Sociology. That being said, I do not recommend college for all students. I believe that college is a waste of time and money for a large population of kids. I thank God for leading me and guiding me through my life even before I acknowledged His existence. I thank Him and His ability to save me and all those who accept Him into their hearts. I met my husband in college through the Lord's leading. However, that is the only real use to my college career. IF a student KNOWS what he or she wants to do, and it requires college, then, by all means, this student should go to college and get that degree. But no one should go to college just because that's what everyone does, or because the student doesn't know what else to do. However, with the difficult post high school decisions students sometimes face, they can also have the confidence that God can work miracles ‘and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ Romans 8:28”
Mrs. Kearns on Math: I was a good student. I always wanted to please my teachers. I was always a good tester. Sometimes I even tested well by guessing without knowing the material. (That got me into a bind once, so it's not necessarily a good thing.) I never memorized the basic math facts as a child. That made math more difficult the older I got. By the time I got to long division, I felt sunk. In long division, you have dividing, multiplying, and subtraction. If you're completing each and every problem while counting on your fingers, you are setting yourself up for a lot of hard work and wasted time. Then I went into Pre-Algebra. All the sudden, there were letters in math. It was so much fun! (Yes, I do hear myself and understand that this is a sentiment not shared by many.) Math was still lots of hard work for me. I often compared myself to my Valedictorian brother. He was so smart - and everything, learning-wise, seemed to come so naturally to him. I even had a Chemistry teacher say to me in class in front of my classmates, "You really aren't as smart as your brother, are you?" I thought that needing to work hard to understand my schoolwork made me a lesser student. But, in fact, it helped me learn how to learn, and it set me up for success in life. (My brother failed out of college in his first attempt because he didn't learn how to learn in high school.) Math was work for me, sometimes hard work. But I enjoyed it and the sense of accomplishment it gave me. I feel that this hard work has helped me be a better math teacher than I would have been if math had come easily to me. I can show my students how to understand and work the new concepts because I also struggled with these same concepts at some point.
Final thoughts from Mrs. Kearns: I am so very thankful that God has worked in my life, led me, and saved me. It's wonderful to know that He is in control, and that I don't have to be. I can leave the anxiety behind and "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, [I can let my] requests be made known to God, and let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding [guard my heart and mind] through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7 "God is [my] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore [I] will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though it's waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling." Psalm 46:1-3
*Mrs. Kearns is also our talented and proficient Admissions Coordinator for the Independent School and Academy. Mrs. Kearns has served at CHESS since 2019.
mr. Paul leDuc, studying pastoral ministry at Chamber’s College. teaches bible classes for grades k-2 and 3-5, and Junior High Literature
In 2015, my parents enrolled me in Colorado Heritage where I learned the value of a solid education that is Christ-centered. I graduated from the Colorado Heritage Diploma Program in 2021 and have since been enrolled in Chambers College where I am working on a degree in Pastoral Ministry. I am trusting in the Lord to guide me in future plans.
Mr. leDuc’s Favorite Bible passage: I love Philippians 2:5-11 as I believe it summarizes the Gospel message and the calling of the Christian in Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Mr. leDuc’s interests: I love anything Bible-related and enjoy having long in-depth conversations with people about the Scriptures. Outside of that, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and doing a bit of everything with them, whether it be hiking, turtle-hunting, board games, sketching pictures of each other, trying weird foods, going on scary rides at amusement parks, and many other such adventures. I am always up to trying something new at least once.
Mrs. Annie Nelson, B.A. in Education from Northland Baptist Bible College. Teaches Literature classes and kitchen home economics; advisory board member
I was given a solid Christian education by parents who believed in the value of a Christ-centered education. I loved books from an early age and read my way through several books each week. My life, you could say, was shaped by stories. After graduating from Northland Baptist Bible College with a BA in education, I married a rancher from Northern Colorado, and God graciously gave us ten children, all of whom needed educating! I have been a homeschool mom for thirty years now, and they have been sanctifying years where God has met me in my deepest failures and days of need. We also discovered CHESS, where other faithful Christians mentored and taught my kids—huge blessing!
I began teaching a literature class in my home in 2003 for my children and their friends, and when I was invited by CHESS to teach with them in 2007, I quickly discovered how much better it is to not have to clean your house each time before class. 😊My love for good stories has only deepened, and I have a passion to see my students shaped as they read and question and write about the beauty found in literary classics.
I also love dirt (because flowers) and working with my hands to make delicious food or organize books in a bookcase in a way that piques one’s interest. My thirteen grandchildren (soon to be sixteen) take up a bountiful portion of my time and affection, and I try to be available for my five married children, and my five unmarried children. Life is full and overflowing with the goodness of God and there is truly never a dull moment.
Mrs. Nelson has been teaching and volunteering for CHESS since 2008.
PASTOR BAXTER ONG, B.A. in CHRISTIAN MINISTRY from chambers college; Master of divinity from shepherds theological seminary. teaches: bible, church history, apologetics, logic, philosophy, hermeneutics, greek and hebrew
Baxter was born the year CHESS was founded by his parents, Steve and Teri Ong. He grew up attending classes at CHESS and graduated from the Honors Diploma Program. He was co-enrolled in Chambers College his junior and senior years and graduated at age 19 with his Bachelor of Arts of Christian Ministry degree. While in Chambers College, he sat under the teaching of Dr. Doug Bookman, a faculty member at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, North Carolina.
Baxter earned his Master of Divinity degree from Shepherds and returned to Greeley. He served as associate pastor with his father at Reformation Baptist Church for a year, then becoming the senior pastor in 2023.
He loves teaching Bible, apologetics, logic and philosophy classes. He is most passionate about teaching hermeneutics, so students are able to rightly understand and apply Scripture for themselves and have a defense against unsound interpretations.
Hobbies: Baxter loves doing artwork in various mediums, playing games, and watching good biopics.
Pastor Baxter Ong has been teaching for CHESS since 2018. He is the pastor of Reformation Baptist Church as well as the president of Chambers College.
Mrs. Teri Ong, B.A. in Church Music Education from Denver Baptist Bible College, M.A. in Elementary Education from University of Northern Colorado, M.A. in Christian Liberal Arts from Chambers College. music teacher; board member
My husband, Steve, and I founded CHESS in 1991. I have been teaching a variety of classes at CHESS ever since, but my forte is music. I teach the choir and ensemble classes and oversee a fall semester and a spring semester concert each year.
We homeschooled all seven of our children from beginning to end. Two of them you are likely to run into in CHESS, Baxter Ong, who is the pastor of Reformation Baptist Church, and Alice Wishart, who teaches a variety of classes.
Like Mrs. Charles Spurgeon, I was a pastor's wife for 46 years (until my husband went to heaven) and now I am a pastor's mother! One of my guiding scriptures is Ephesians 2:8-10. I hope to continue to walk in the works God has foreordained for me at CHESS.
Hobbies and Interests: My hobbies are all things creative-- writing of all sorts, sewing, painting, and of course, music. I play violin in the Loveland Orchestra, one of my chief delights.
Mr. matthew salzmann, weight training
Mr. Salzmann comes to us having recently graduated from the Colorado Heritage Education School System Diploma Program with the designation of All-Star Student.
Mr. Salzmann is a godly young man who is committed to serving the Lord in his personal life as well as in his current and future career endeavors. Mr. Salzmann invests in the spiritual well-being of others and has shown himself exemplary as a reliable leader.
Mr. Salzmann desires to give back to those institutions who have been integral and helpful in his Christian walk and growth, including Colorado Heritage. He has a keen understanding of the challenges of young people, and desires to help them grow in the Lord in the midst of the constant temptations of this life.
Mr. Cliff Smart, b.a. bIOLOGY, minors in chemistry and psychology. science teacher
Mr. Smart has been a science freak all his life, and it’s only gotten worse! For over 40 years he worked as an analyst in testing laboratories and as a chemist and environmentalist in a power plant.
He and his wife, Christina, homeschooled their three children from kindergarten to college, and both Mr. and Mrs. Smart have taught in co-ops, enrichment programs, and now both are teaching at Colorado Heritage! (See Chris Smart’s bio).
Mr. Smart’s Interests: Mr. Smart enjoys a wide range of interests, including astronomy, ISS flybys & space flight, studying God’s Creation, firearms, Ham radio, fixin’ things, history, current events, politics, reading, and pursuing the Lord.
Favorite Bible Verse: Eph 6:10 & 11, “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Mr. Smart on Christian Repurposing: “I asked God to ‘re-purpose’ me after retirement, and now, I am teaching science to young people! I am blessed to have been given this opportunity and am THRILLED to be working with junior and high school students!”
Mr. Smart has been teaching for CHESS since 2023 but also lent a helping hand to CHESS as a former advisory board member.
Mrs. Chris Smart, B.A. in christian ministry from Chambers College. Writing teacher, grade levels 3-5, 6-8, 9-12; history teacher for grades k-2, 3-5
Mrs. Smart is a veteran homeschooler who has taught private and enrichment classes for over 26 years, including 14 years with CHESS!
She and her husband, Cliff, homeschooled their three children. All of the kids graduated from college and are now busy being adults.
Though the Smarts are done raising their children, life has not slowed down! Mrs. Smart continually finds herself engaged in family, ministry, and her forever puppy, Marty; plus, she enjoys a great many interests including gardening, cooking, and crafts.
Following God’s direction, she continues serving the homeschool community through teaching at CHESS.
Although Mrs. Smart loves to teach many subjects, her favorite is writing. Mrs. Smart truly loves helping students discover that writing does not need to be a chore; it can actually be fun!
Mrs. Smart has been teaching for CHESS since 2009. She also blessed us with her care and wisdom for several years as a former board member.
Mrs. Alice Wishart, B.A. Chambers College; majored in Communication and minored in Education. art teacher
Mrs. Wishart was not only homeschooled, but she was also born the year that CHESS was founded by her parents, Pastor and Mrs. Ong!! She was happily homeschooled by her parents from kindergarten through high school, and she took CHESS classes from age 4 - 18. Alice graduated from the CHESS Diploma Program as an Highest Honors, All Star Student.
Mrs. Wishart on homeschooling and on creativity: “I am in the process of homeschooling my very own children and plan to continue for the foreseeable future. I loved being homeschooled, and I am enjoying the journey myself of homeschooling.
“I have always loved being creative. I enjoy beautiful things. And I love understanding why they are beautiful - from book art to fine art. God has created us to be makers, and it is delightful to use that in re-creating His lovely world in the form of art. In recent years, I have taken several mini, online art classes to keep advancing my own skills.”
My favorite Bible verse: Psalm 73:28: But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me; I have made the Lord God my refuge, So that I may tell of all Your works.
My hobbies and interests: Making things. I love painting, drawing, floral arranging, house renovation projects, building with wood, exploring nature with my husband and kids. I enjoy playing my instruments cello, piano, violin, and plan to learn the hammer dulcimer. I love good Bible studies and playing a variety of board games.
Mrs. Wishart has been teaching for CHESS since 2017.
Stay tuned for more bios on the rest of our wonderful teachers!!