Meet the Staff of Veritas Academy

Jennifer Hotopp – Head of School

Mrs. Hotopp graduated in 2001 from Concordia University in Austin, Texas with a B.S. in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement and specializations in reading and math. With over 20 years of teaching experience in varied learning environments she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring children and youth and seeks to lead other educators with innovative practices, creative teaching, and dynamic ministry. Her husband and five children keep her a busy mom and wife, but in her spare time she loves making art, reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Rachel VanderWoude – PreK 3 & 4

Mrs. van der Woude is excited to walk alongside our youngest learners this year! She looks most forward to watching her class use their 100 languages to express, explore, and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginations! Mrs. van der Woude feels that the potential to learn and grow is endless and she cannot wait to guide the fun and exciting projects that her students will choose. Outside of school she loves spending time with her husband and 3 children, visiting family in Canada, crafting and friends.

Crystal Yusten-Li – K-1st Grade Guide

Ms. Yusten graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2008 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in Missions. She has been teaching for 16 years as an elementary teacher and as a childcare teacher. She spent 6 years in China where she taught many different grade levels. She has also taught in South Korea and the Virgin Islands. She has two beautiful boys and loves to crochet in her free time.

Jessica Grohs – 2nd-3rd, 6th-9th Math Guide

Amy Reinert – 4th-5th Grade Guide

Mrs. Reinert loves to learn right along-side the students in her group. One of her favorite parts of the day is the read-aloud because she loves to stretch the thinking of her learners with deep questions and discussion. Developing a learning environment with both structure and freedom is something that Mrs. Reinert prioritizes to empower students to begin to drive their own learning. Outside of school she loves to spend time with her husband and four children and take spontaneous trips to the beach.

Ashley Marshall – 2nd-3rd, 6th-9th Literacy Guide

Mark Hotopp – 6th-9th Grade Science, History, and Theology Guide, Campus Pastor

Pastor Hotopp loves to see these students grow in their faith and knowledge of God’s world. Serving as the Middle and High School guide for science and history suits him well from his previous schooling and interests. As the campus pastor he also helps our students develop as disciples of Jesus and help them grow in life skills and their emotional intelligence. He is the pastor of Veritas Community Lutheran Church which is currently in its infancy as a new church plant. We continue to seek God in the timing for starting a church plant out of Veritas as well where Pastor Hotopp will lead adults in their discipleship. Outside of school he enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and playing guitar and piano.