Introducing Our GS Teachers

Mrs. Susan Riddle – Director

Susan Riddle, a homeschooling veteran of 13 years, has served for 23 years at First Baptist Church of Keller in various capacities: Preschool Ministry Director; VBS Director; Sunday School Teacher; and Preschool Weekly Teacher. She has eight children ranging in age from 24 to 5, and is currently homeschooling the youngest five. Her years of homeschool experience include two years as coordinator and teacher of the Glenview Baptist Church Homeschool Program, and leadership positions in two homeschool co-ops. Susan’s desire is to help children find the joy of learning.

Mrs. Carol Coy, Kindergarten

Mrs. Heather Dowlen, Level A

Heather Dowlen is in her 8th year of homeschooling very bright, well-behaved children.  In addition to homeschooling, Heather has been a Preschool Choir Director, 1st-3rd Grade co-teacher, 8th Grade girls Youth Leader, Women’s Bible Study Leader, Homegroup Leader and Choir Member over the past 13 years.   She is a mother of 3 + 2 children.  This means that 3 actually belong to her and the other 2 are borrowed 90% of the time.  When not cuddling with her cat, Pat, she loves to crochet for charity and friends while hanging out with her family.  Heather has enjoyed following God’s call in her life to daily serve Him while showing His love to children and their parents.

Mrs. Susan Vanderlaan, Level B

Susan, a homeschooling parent of eight years, has four daughters ranging in age from 21 to 4.  In addition to raising their daughters, she and her husband have also been foster parents to a total of 10 children over the past five years.   Susan has a passion for teaching and in addition to homeschooling her own children, has taught in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher, BSF children’s leader, Sunday School Coordinator, and homeschool co-op teacher.  She and her husband currently serve at Springdale Baptist Church as Children’s Ministers.   Susan loves nothing more than helping children discover new things about the world they live in and nurturing in them a true love for learning.

Mrs. Lolita Minor, Level C

Lolita Minor, a Private Tutor, holds a B.A. in Political Science/International Relations from Tulane University. She has taught for 10 years at Pre-K through 5th Grade levels. She and her husband have two daughters. In addition to homeschooling, Lolita has served children in other capacities in her roles as Children’s Ministry Chair, Community Bible Study (CBS) teacher, and currently as Children’s Praise and Worship Leader in her church. She loves spending time with her family, especially for Sunday Dinners, knitting and singing. As a teacher, Lolita loves to see children gain confidence as they recognize their success with learning.

Mrs. Laurie Thompson, Language Arts C/D/E

Laurie earned her B.S. from John Wesley College, Owosso, MI, where she majored in Psychology/Sociology and minored in English, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She taught at Metroplex Chapel Academy and Restoration Home School Assistance Programs and has homeschooled her four boys throughout the last 15 years. Laurie’s goal in teaching English is that the students don’t just read great literature, but experience it and communicate that experience to others in a clear and engaging manner.

Mrs. Shellie Jones, Science and History Teacher C/D/E

Shellie holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Speech Communications. She is a homeschooling veteran of 17 years and is currently teaching her youngest son through high school. She has served for 19 years at Spring Valley Baptist Church in various capacities: Sunday school teacher, Youth worker, and a missionary in Scotland. Shellie loves to teach students both academic and spiritual truths. It is her desire to be an encouragement to parents in their homeschooling journey.