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New Faculty & Staff

ELC
Preschool Prep 2's

 

Welcome to the Ladybug classroom!  I’m Laticia Matlock, and I will be inspiring young minds as a Preschool Prep teacher. With over 20 years of experience and a loving family of my own, I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected, and loved. Here, your child will blossom and flourish as they explore and learn new things, empowered to express themselves and reach their full potential.
Lower School
Grade 3
 

 

Mrs. Kaitlyn Gove graduated from POPCS in 2010, where she met her husband. They have a one and half year-old daughter and she is a student in the Early Learning Center at Prince of Peace. The 2024-2025 school year will be her 9th year in teaching.

Mrs. Gove graduated from the University of North Texas with a teaching degree and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented.

Mrs. Gove enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. She has a passion for teaching kids and making sure they have fun while learning. Mrs. Gove can’t wait to see how God works in the lives of her students this year. She is looking forward to an amazing year in 3rd grade.

Lower School
SmartLab
Hi! I’m Dana Mendoza. I am a native Dallasite and graduated from Garland Christian Academy a long time ago. I received my Bachelor of Science from UT Dallas in 2005 with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with studies in Mathematics and Neuroscience as well. I was involved in multiple research projects, one of which led to a second authorship on a paper regarding the molecular aspects of developing Alzheimer’s disease. My background in education spans a wide range of subjects and ages. I have worked in early intervention on therapy teams for children with developmental disorders where I implemented behavioral therapy protocols.  I also shadowed these students as they transitioned into the classroom.

Most of my 20+ years of education experience comes in the form of teaching and tutoring multiple math and science classes for the middle school, high school, and college level. I have been teaching high school math classes for the past three years and am really excited to be back in a laboratory setting. I’m also looking forward to working with elementary age children that still have so much curiosity and a love of learning and doing. 

Lower School
Grade 1

 

 

Mrs. Lori Jenkins previously  taught 3rd grade in Plano and in Arlington.  She will be teaching 1st grade at POPCS this year and couldn't be more thrilled to start!  She received her Bachelors Degree from TCU and have a certification in EC-4 and ESL. Lori and her husband Jake have been married since 2009. They have two beautiful children, Kennedy  who will be starting 5th grade at POP and Knox who is in 2nd grade at Centennial Elementary in Plano.  They have a Great Pyrenees (dog) named Junie and two cats named Minus and Emmie, who she says truly bring a lot of fun and craziness into her home!  When she's not teaching you can catch her attending all of her kids' games and activities, but she also loves to travel, shop, and spend time with friends and family!  She is so excited about making this the best school year yet! 
Lower School
Kindergarten
Mrs. Ashley Priest is thrilled to join POPCS and can’t wait to started inspiring little learners! A product of Christian schooling herself, she has an undergraduate degree from Baylor University (Sic ‘Em!) and is in her third year as a Kindergarten teacher. Bringing fun into the classroom is her jam, and she can often be found using her Golden Retriever, Biscuit, in all of her example problems! In her spare time, she can be found antiquing and cooking exciting meals from her cookbook collection. Mrs. Priest is looking forward to sparking a life long love of learning in your Kindergarten kiddos!
 
Lower School 
Grade 5
Hi, I am Tiffanie Keys! I am an experienced educator entering my 16th year of teaching. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in education and a Masters Degree in education, with an emphasis in reading from Northeastern State University. Over the years, I have taught students from 5th to 8th grade. I like to bring a hands-on approach to learning and make lessons interactive. In 2020, I relocated from Oklahoma and joined the June Shelton School and Evaluation Center as a middle school math teacher. My husband Tyler and I have a son named Bentley, who will start 4th grade at POPCS. We are thrilled to become part of the POPCS family and look forward to this new chapter in our lives.
Lower School
Grade 4
My name is Jessica Saunders and I am very excited to be joining the POPCS 4th grade team, teaching Math and Science. Coming from Wylie ISD, I have 7 years of experience in teaching as well as leadership roles within my team. Teaching is my passion, and I strive to create a supportive classroom community where all learners feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I grew up in Illinois, attending Eastern Illinois University for my Bachelors in Elementary Education. Moving to Texas in 2010, I attended the University of North Texas where I obtained a second Bachelors in Speech and Hearing Sciences. My husband, Nate, and I were married in 2014 and we have a son, Colten, who will also be joining the POPCS family in Kindergarten. We are very involved in our church, love to camp, have games nights and travel.

I can’t wait to be a part of what God has in store for our POPCS family this school year!

Lower School
Kindergarten
Jocelyn Kennedy is so excited to join the POPCS community as a kindergarten teacher!  Jocelyn attended the University of Oklahoma and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching for 11 years. Her favorite thing about kindergarten is her students' young, inquisitive minds, and the never ending excitement they bring to the classroom each day! Ms. Kennedy has a daughter, Brooklyn, who will be starting 5th grade at POPCS this year. Ms. Kennedy enjoys watching her daughter do gymnastics, traveling, reading, live music, volunteering and fostering puppies at Operation Kindness, as well as checking out new exercise classes at the YMCA. Ms. Kennedy can’t wait to be a part of the amazing kindergarten team and is looking forward to meeting her students and their families. 

 

Lower School
Eagle Success Center
Howdy, Eagles! I’m Olivia Salinas.  My husband, Robert, and I have 2 daughters who attend POPCS! I grew up in San Antonio, graduated from Texas A&M University with my Bachelor’s degree, and received my Masters from the University of Texas at Arlington. I worked in public education for many years in various roles, including classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and administrator. After having my 2 daughters, I took on roles at St. Andrew preschool, followed by 2 years serving as Events Coordinator for the church. I'm very excited to join the POPCS staff as part of the Eagle Success Center!
Lower School
Grade 3

Hello, my name is Britni Stinson and I am excited to be joining the third grade team at Prince of Peace Christian School!  I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus in Child and Family Development.  Before coming to Prince of Peace I taught for four years at a Christian school and five years at a public school. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Texas about thirteen years ago with my husband Tim and our three children Zakary, Haydyn and Harlie. In my spare time I enjoy crafting of all kinds, spending time with my family and being a French bulldog mom. My greatest joy is teaching children to have a love of learning, watching them master their goals, and guiding them to the word of God. I know this is going to be the best year yet! 

Lower School
Grade 1

Hi! My name is Kellie Martin. I was born and raised in Saranac, New York before moving to Virginia where I received my Double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Human Development from Virginia Tech in 2022. I just moved to Texas within the last few days and I am so excited for you all to be another reason why I will love Texas! When I am not teaching I love to spend my time reading, exploring with my dog, Maple, cooking/baking new recipes, and finding reasons to go to Target. I am so excited that my path has led me to POPCS and you all!  I cannot wait to have an amazing year in first grade at POPCS!
 

Middle School
English

My name is Jayla Tucker and I graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. I realized I wanted to go into education my senior year of high school and I am so glad that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of so many students' journeys since then as I am going on my fourth year of education. I have a passion for storytelling, whether it be podcasts, movies, or books, so I am blessed I get to combine that passion with my dedication to supporting students as an ELAR teacher. I look forward to guiding young adults as they build academic and social confidence this year!

Middle & Upper School
English

Mrs. Riley Bandstra has worked in education for ten years, where over the last seven years she has primarily taught college preparatory English. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English from the University of Dallas and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, where she solidified her love of literature, especially Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Riley holds teaching certifications in English for grades 7-12 as well as ESL, and this past year TEA designated her as a Master Teacher--the highest level--in its Teacher Incentive Allotment. Riley lives in Dallas with her husband, Samuel, and their three-month-old son, Josiah, along with their two cats.

Middle School
Math & Academic Support

Mr. Paul Outlaw has 32 years of classroom experience .  He has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Sam Houston University.  He has taught mathematics at the Middle school level and High School level.  He has a passion for teaching mathematics and strives to ensure that his students understand the concepts that he is teaching . 

Middle School
Science

Crystal Johnston graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  She has taught various science and math classes over the last 25 years in public, private and university model schools.  She holds certifications in elementary education, middle school science and middle school social studies.  She is pursuing her certification in middle school math as well as a master’s degree.  She actively volunteers with her church AWANA ministry as well as being an active lifetime Girl Scout member.  She loves to teach students to love science and to help them reach their goals.

Upper School
Math & Theology

Abby Bamsch is entering her 4th year of teaching in Lutheran education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics with a focus on Lutheran Education from Concordia University Chicago. She enjoys hiking, tending to many houseplants, reading, and playing games with friends and family. One of her favorite verses is Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” It reminds her of God’s promise to not only continuously surround us with His love and care, but also of our mission as Christians to share that love and good news with others.

Upper School
Assistant Principal
Director of Culture & Engagement

Mr. Daniel Parsons will add Assistant Principal to his role as Director of Culture and Engagement. He has been at Prince of Peace for three years, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He enjoys coffee, music, and cheering on our POPCS sports teams, in addition to leading the Varsity Tennis program. He loves working to find ways to help students thrive and lead in the POPCS culture of Welcome, Known, Connected, and Prepared through opportunities like the Upper School Retreat, Family Groups, chapels, and various community events. He is looking forward to continuing to serve the POPCS community by equipping students to grow in who God has designed them to be and treat others as Christ would.

Upper School
Assistant Principal
Academic Dean

Mrs. Rebecca Weiss will add Assistant Principal to her role as Academic Dean. She has been at Prince of Peace since 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and History, and a Master’s degree in American Studies. She is passionate about working with Upper School students to personalize their high school journey as they grow and prepare for God’s plan for their lives. She enjoys travel, experiencing new cultures, all things civics, and podcasts. She also is a certified Advanced Placement U.S. History reader and a proud POPCS parent of three little eagles. One of her favorite verses is from Esther 4:14 “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” She loves the reminder that God is at work in our lives and has brought us to positions where we can use our gifts and abilities to serve others and bring glory to Him.

Upper School
College Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Vicky Herget is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience and has been a member of the POPCS community for more than 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Elementary Reading and Bilingual Education from Texas Woman’s University. She is also a candidate for a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from the University of California-Berkeley Extension. In her new role as the Director of College Guidance in our Upper School, she is eager to provide comprehensive college admissions counseling and assistance to our students and families throughout the entire process. Vicky and her husband Charles have three children, all of whom are proud Eagles and have been welcomed, known, connected, and prepared!