OUR TEAM
Click on the photos to read about our amazing team members.
"Hitch your wagon to the stars, but keep your wheels on the ground."
-Mordecai Pinkney Horton
Andrew Podoll
Head of School
​​Today, Andrew finds himself at the intersection of a complex system of US American education and a society wanting something better for the young minds of the future. This is where he now stands. At Vandermont, Andrew will use his talents and strengths to lead others into a new journey of educational thinking. He hopes to inspire, educate, grow, tinker, and pray alongside the best educators and students in the country as we work collectively to build a new model of education that authentically meets the needs of all children...wherever they may be...and in whatever way might be best for each individual child. And the best part is, the students’ voices will be informing how we shape education forward. Andrew is making this happen here at Vandermont. He thanks you for the prayers and the opportunity to trail blaze together. His wife, Meredith, and two sons have the same bug for travel, and they, too, are partners in transforming education.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
"It's a good day, I've already decided.
-Self
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
SCHOOL COORDINATOR/HOS ASSISTANT
BIO SOON!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back." - Harvey Mackay
Natalie Newton
Spark Studio ~ Ages 4.5-7
Natalie Newton is a Mississippi native who planted her roots in Texas years ago. With a Masters Degree in Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction, she has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade. She has a son and daughter who also attend Vandermont! Natalie stands firm on the idea that uniqueness is something to be celebrated. She desires to help her students discover and apply their own unique learning and leadership styles! Her studio is a safe and caring environment where students are able to express their thoughts and feelings and show empathy for others. She supports a studio ecosystem of communication, critical thinking, collaboration, independence, creativity, goal setting, leadership, and innovation. She aspires for students to develop positive attitudes towards learning so that they will take pride and ownership over all of their achievements. She is so happy to have found a school where Christian leadership, everyday life skills, deep creativity, responsibility, goal setting, and positive social interactions are fostered for both learners and staff. She understands that learning through our mistakes gives us the tools that we need to conquer more in the future, which she believes is a great skill for people of every age! She says, “Learn, Lead, LIONS!!”
" The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 8:28
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only rememb-rs to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
JAMIE WILLIAMS
DISCOVERY STUDIO~ages 7-9
I am a PNW native who loves to explore the outdoors. I was raised in a Christian home, and the importance of a relationship with Jesus was instilled in me from a very young age. I have a close-knit family that loves to spend time together. I have four amazing nephews and I love the role I get to play in their lives as auntie.
I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and teaching has always been a passion of mine! I have taught in the public school setting for 7 years, and in that time, I learned how to facilitate fun in the classroom while also helping my students grow in their learning. I had the privilege of embarking on a mission trip to Mexico where we helped with a private christian school that is run very similarly to Vandermont. On this trip, God lit a fire in my heart to explore new ways of learning and new adventures in teaching.
I am excited be at Vandermont because I love the way that students are encouraged to be themselves and embrace the way God created them. My teaching strategy is to encourage learners to experience new things through exploration and curiosity. At Vandermont we are all working to instill that in our learners!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
-J.R.R. Tolkien
Mrs. Brett Miller
ADVENTURE STUDIO ~ ages 9-11
Hi! I’m Brett Miller, the new Educational Designer for the Adventury level. I’m an elementary educator with a heart for making learning meaningful, exciting, and just the right amount of silly. I believe that education should spark joy and curiosity—and I am so grateful for the opportunity to design experiences that help kids feel seen, capable, and excited to grow.
My journey to this role has been such a clear example of God’s guidance, and I’m incredibly thankful He’s led me here. Outside of work, I live on a farm with my husband, our two kids, and our dog, cozied up in a camper as we enjoy this season of building together. I’m so excited to be part of the Vandermont team and can’t wait to dream, create, and grow together!
"For by the grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8
"Darkness can-not drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out gate; only love can do that."
-MLK Jr.
Amy Perea
THRESHOLD STUDIO ~ ages 11-13
Amy Perea has been married to her husband Mike for 12 years and is a proud mom of 3 children. Anthony and Ava will be joining her at Vandermont this next school year. Alysssa is 3 years old and will hopefully be joining Vandermont soon. She is extremely honored that she and her family will be a part of what God is doing at Vandermont.
She is passionate about God's word and having intentional conversations.She loves to spend time with her family creating memories. When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys a long lunch date laughing with her friends.
She is joining us with over 10 years of experience in education. She has taught in Mesquite and Rockwall ISD. Her experience ranges from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She cultivates an environment that encourages students to recognize the strengths and positive qualities in one another. Her mission as a teacher is to have each student feel valued and empowered as they leave her classroom. She is eager to begin her journey at Vandermont.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Philippians 4:8
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
- C.S. Lewis
Liz Payne
LAUNCH STUDIO ~ ages 14+
Raised by a teacher and a pastor, Liz has spent her life in schools and churches. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science and began her teaching career as a high school science teacher. After many years in the classroom, she earned a Masters of Library Science degree from Sam Houston State University and spent six years in high school libraries. She believes that learning through projects and hands-on experiences is the best way for students to understand concepts deeply. She uses her blended background of technical instruction, research and literacy, and project-based learning to Vandermont. When not at school, she enjoys camping and hiking with her family, swimming, and reading.