ADMINISTRATIVE
Mr. Wade Ortego
Head of Schools
Bio
B.S., Business, Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee; M.Ed., Abilene Christian University.
As a leader in classical Christian schools, my great passion is to assist families in the education of their children toward a Biblical worldview that acknowledges Christ as the author and perfecter of the Christian faith. I am committed to the classical Christian model of education and enjoy introducing families to its many benefits. I put a strong emphasis on maintaining and building a student culture.
I was most recently Headmaster of the Classical Christian Academy in Post Falls, Idaho. Prior to that, I led the Classical School of Wichita in Kansas.
My wife Rachel and I have been married for over 25 years and have three boys: Matthew, Elijah, and Jedidiah.
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Mr. Joe Gerber
Upper School Dean
Bio
B.A., History, Boise State University; B.B.S., Biblical Studies, Calvary Chapel Bible College; Masters Social Work, Northwest Nazarene University. I started teaching at The Ambrose School in 2013.
I chose to teach at The Ambrose School because of the profound focus that Ambrose places on teaching the students to love that which is good, beautiful, and true. At The Ambrose School, there is an appreciation for embodied practices meant to move one’s worship toward God. Discipleship involves not only the information provided to another soul but also the proper formation of that soul through the development of a student’s affections. This focus at The Ambrose School is especially suited to the joy that I receive not only in learning but also in growing in my relationship with Christ in a community of like-minded believers. My philosophy of teaching is that learning to love God is not mutually exclusive of learning about God’s wonderful creation. To love God is to love to learn because God made all things to say something very important about Himself. The more we discover truth, the more our hearts will be transformed into the source of all truth, God.
I am married to my amazing wife, Janice. We have four sons and love living in the Boise area because we both grew up here, and being close to family and friends is very important to us.
Church Affiliation: Ruling Elder, All Saints Presbyterian Church
Mr. Nathan Dowd
Grammar School Dean
Bio
I am a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a degree in Social Studies Education. I began my teaching career in the public school and transitioned to pastoral ministry in Ephrata, Washington, where I was an associate and youth pastor for seven years. I then took over the administrator position as Head of School at New Life Christian School in 2017. I led the transition of NLCS to the classical model while also teaching logic, and 7th and 8th grade humanities.
I first came in contact with classical Christian education when I read Douglas Wilson’s The Case for Classical Christian Education. From that moment on, I have jumped fully into the classical pool. My greatest desire is to help my students develop a love for reading the Great Books and seeing God’s hand in history. I also want them to catch a passion for cCe and see what a wonderful gift they have been given by this form of education.
I am married to Rachel and we have three children: Molly, Liam, and Clive. We love going for walks, fellowshipping with friends and family, and playing sports. We also love supporting Arsenal FC and the L.A. Rams. My favorite thing is reading a good book with a good cup of coffee. We are so excited to be part of the Ambrose family and live in Idaho!
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Mrs. Mandi Moore
Bridge Campus Dean
Bio
M.A. Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; B.S. Multi-Disciplinary Science, Texas Tech University – College of Education; Secondary Education Teaching Certification: Composite Science Grades 6-12 – State of Texas.
While prayerfully researching education options for our oldest child, my husband and I became convinced that classical Christian education is the most effective method for raising our children to love the Lord whole-heartedly, think deeply from a Biblical worldview, love truth, goodness and beauty, and share the gospel winsomely.
This conviction led us to serve on the founding board of Cross Classical Academy (CCA) in 2010. When my husband accepted a cardiology position in Boise in 2015, our family relocated to Idaho where our two children continued their journey in classical Christian education at The Ambrose School.
We are deeply committed to the school’s mission and are daily blessed by the community of exceptional staff and families. It has been an honor to serve at the Ambrose Bridge Campus since its conception in 2016.
As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, running, rafting, camping, skiing as well as cooking and enjoying time with family and friends.
Church Affiliations: Christ the King Anglican Church – Meridian; Cross Classical Academy – Board President
Mrs. Kajsa Wilkins
North Campus Dean
Bio
B.A., Piano Performance, University of Idaho
I have been surrounded by classical Christian education for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents were involved in teaching and leading in the classical Christian world, and I graduated from a K-12 classical Christian school. After having children of our own, my husband and I felt that God called us to educate our children with a Biblical foundation-and that classical Christian education is the model that best provides this. We wanted our children to not only seek and be given knowledge, but to follow Christ’s command in the Great Commission-to not just be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word.
My husband and I both have degrees in music and followed his operatic career around the country for the first 15 years of our marriage. This led us to many cities, but we were in New York for the longest period. There, I was hired to teach music by the only classical Christian school in Manhattan, and both of our children were able to attend. After several years of teaching, I began to feel called to be in administration. God provided an unexpected opportunity through the Covid lockdowns. My husband was no longer able to perform, and we began looking for the next steps. An opening arose in Wichita, Kansas at the Classical School of Wichita, and I became their Director of Academics and Fine Arts.
I am thrilled to have stepped into the role of Dean of the North Campus! Ambrose has been a staple for a long time in the world of classical Christian education, and it is so exciting to see how God is blessing the fruits of their labor! I am eager to further the mission and vision of The Ambrose School with this campus and reach even more families, growing the community throughout the city. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Hab. 2:14
My husband, Bray, and I have two teenage children, Hobbes and Madeline. They are in high school and are excited to experience all Idaho has to offer! As a native of Idaho, I am so happy to be returning to the mountains and rivers of my home state and to get to share it with my family.
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Dr. Heather Jennings
Academic Dean
Bio
Ph.D. in English literature, University of California Davis; M.A. in English literature, Boise State University; B.A. in government, Patrick Henry College.
My engagement with classical Christian education spans nearly twenty years, from taking courses on the literature and history of Greece and Rome in high school from Andrew Kern, a leading thinker and teacher in the cCe movement; to teaching 5th then 12th grades at The Ambrose School; to writing my dissertation on habits of learning in medieval England. I appreciate how classical Christian education situates learning as an expression of loving God with all our minds, equips students to be life-long learners by approaching education not simply as dispensing information but as the formation of habits, teaches students to make connections among all subjects they study, and prepares students to be culture-makers by engaging with the art and ideas that have shaped our world.
I grew up in Boise, Idaho, and spent the past six and a half years in the Sacramento and beautiful San Francisco Bay areas, pursuing my doctorate and teaching at the University of California Davis and Sonoma State University. My husband Brian and I have two preschool aged daughters; we love to read and discuss what we’ve read, entertain, do CrossFit, and spend time in beautiful surroundings by camping, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling.
Church Affiliation: Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Mrs. Amy Yenor
Events Director
Bio
B.A., Business Communication, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
I grew up in Wisconsin, met my husband at college, and when we graduated we moved to Chicago so he could attend graduate school. During that time, Target entered the Chicago market. I was involved with opening new stores and making sure the stores were staffed.
Our oldest child started kindergarten at The Ambrose School and we now have four graduates and one child enrolled at the school.
The Ambrose community is our family here in Boise and we have been blessed to be involved. I coordinate the major events at the school including Serve with Compassion Day, the Christmas program, the annual auction, and various other events.
Church Affiliation: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Mr. Kelly Barbour
Athletic Director
Bio
B.S., History, Political Science, Classics (minor), College of Idaho; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law.
I have been involved in coaching and mentoring for most of my life. Starting with teaching Sunday School as a 9th grader, I went on to coach high school baseball and served as a youth and young adult leader while in college. I have coached youth sports for nearly 30 years. From 2014 – 2017, I had the privilege of serving as the radio analyst for football broadcasts for my alma mater, the College of Idaho.
I was raised in a home that valued literature and scripture and I was exposed to a wide variety of educational environments and philosophies over the years (one-room schoolhouse, home school, private Christian school, public school, classical studies in college, law school). With that backdrop, I discovered the classical Christian world just in time to enroll my son Wyatt, and later, my second son, James, at The Ambrose School.
After serving on the Ambrose Board of Directors for several years and being exposed to the beauty of and need for classical Christian education in our world, I left behind 17+ years of private law practice and hospital administration and joined the staff of the Ambrose School in April, 2019.
Church Affiliation: Faith Community Bible Church
Mrs. Cynthia Hymer
Admissions Director
Bio
A.A., Fullerton College, Liberal Studies, Fullerton, CA. B.S., Business Management, University of Phoenix, Irvine, CA. Nouthetic Counseling Training, The Institute for Nouthetic Studies, Simpsonville, SC.
I grew up in Northern California near our family dairy and vineyards in Sonoma County, CA. I enjoyed everything from picking apples, feeding the chickens, cows and calves, climbing hay bales, playing with my cousins from the hillsides to the pond, and baking with my grandmother. I uprooted myself and traveled south in my early 20’s where I spent half of my life living and working in Southern California pursuing a college education and career.
My husband, Brian, and I met and married the same year in 1999. Brian, a Solutions Architect works with Quest, Inc., where he is to date. I worked for Apple, Inc. and enjoyed many years in the K12 Education Regional Sales Division. After several years working in the corporate environment, I felt called to end my professional career at Apple and retired to being a full-time wife, mom, and homeschool educator of our two children in the classical education model. We moved to Idaho in 2008. Our son is a homeschool graduate who is now attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona. We have enjoyed Classical education for our children for many years, and when we heard about The Ambrose School Bridge Campus, we knew it would be the right place for our daughter who was homeschooled through her 5th grade year. She began at Bridge, the inaugural year, in the 6th grade and graduated in the spring of 2024 from the Locust Grove Campus.
I enjoy traveling, running, long walks, staying busy with family life, and staying intimately involved in our children’s pursuits. I love to study God’s truth through expository biblical studies, discipleship, and a desire to finish well.
Church Affiliation: Treasure Valley Bible Church
Mr. Jonathan Jones
Operations Director
Bio
B.A. in Bible and Piano Performance at Cairn University. Additional graduate work in Music History at Temple University.
Inspired by the educational philosophy of my late mentor Dr. Samuel Hsu, a piano student of Mme. Rosina Lhévinne and long-time elder at the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, most of my career has been committed to classical Christian education to guide the next generation back to the sources. I began teaching upper school courses, including Mathematics, Music, Physical Science, Latin, Rhetoric, Old Testament, Physical Education, Literature, and History. Then I transitioned to administration as the Headmaster of Stratford Classical Christian Academy and Principal at Tall Oaks Classical School. From 2019-2022 I took a call to pastoral ministry in Florida at Royal Palm Presbyterian Church.
My wife Laura and I grew up in the greater Philadelphia area, and we have ten children together: Sophia, Olivia, Caleb, Naomi, Henry, Lucy, Eli, Aaron, Phoebe, and Wesley. Our family especially loves taking camping trips together to savor the treasures of America. I am an avid tennis player, a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, and enjoy refined cuisine. We are delighted to join the Ambrose family!
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Mrs. Michele Vernon
Development Director
Bio
I began working at The Ambrose School in January 2015 when my two boys were in 4th and 7th grade. We were already part of the school family since my oldest started kindergarten at The Ambrose School, formerly Foundations Academy, in 2007. From the first time my husband and I visited the school, we knew this was the place for our kids. We love the classical Christian education and my boys are challenged academically and spiritually by teachers who love them and care about their character. I am truly blessed to be able to work at the school where my boys attended.
My family loves the Idaho outdoors. We love water sports and to explore the Boise foothills on our mountain bikes.
Church Affiliation: Calvary Boise
Mrs. Debbie Skinner
Bookkeeper
Bio
B.S., Information Systems, University of Colorado
I started working at The Ambrose School in the fall of 2005. After helping in the classroom with anything from lunch duty to substitute teaching, I was confident I wanted to work at a place that is making an impact in our world. Working close to my children was a bonus. I started as the headmaster’s assistant working on special projects, eventually taking on additional duties as bookkeeper.
My husband and I chose a classical Christian education for our children not only for the rigorous educational experience but also because God’s word is interwoven throughout every subject. The Ambrose School guides students to live for God in all areas of their lives.
All three of my children graduated from The Ambrose School, attending from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Church Affiliation: Rock Harbor
Mrs. Susan Sawyer
Human Resource Manager
Bio
B.S., Business Marketing, University of Idaho
I was introduced to classical Christian education in college when I began dating my husband. He graduated from a classical Christian high school and spoke highly of the academics, but more importantly the emphasis on the Christ-centered education and character development. My husband and I were married in 2001. We have three wonderful children, all of whom have attended The Ambrose School.
My family and I moved to Meridian from Moscow in 2017. My children attended a classical Christian school in Moscow and we were thrilled to learn that our move would allow us to continue their education at The Ambrose School. I began working as the Human Resource Assistant in 2019 and stepped into the role of Human Resource Manager when the previous manager retired in 2020.
We love all the opportunities the Treasure Valley offers to spend time together as a family. The mild winters and abundant sunshine make it an amazing place to live.
Mrs. Suzi Kramer
Graphic Designer
Bio
B.F.A., Interior Architecture with an Architecture minor, University of Idaho
Classical Christian education was not something my husband and I were familiar with, but after a lot of research we felt this was the best type of education for our kids. When our daughter started kindergarten at Ambrose in 2008, we saw firsthand what classical Christian meant and we were so grateful we had found The Ambrose School. It was an environment that not only focused on education, but the development of a student’s character, which we felt was so important. Our son started kindergarten two years later and we have been at the school ever since!
I became involved at the school when my daughter was in kindergarten. I was a homeroom parent, classroom volunteer, and volunteer graphic designer. Eventually my volunteer hours became a paid job and in 2010 I became an official employee of Ambrose. I love that I am able to work where my kids went to school.
My husband, Adam, and I have two kids: Rylee and Jackson. We love to have BBQs and movie nights in the backyard with friends and family.
Church Affiliation: Ten Mile Christian
Mrs. Rachel Wallace
Registrar
Bio
I attended Boise State University, studying English for Secondary Education and Political Science, and Spirit Life Bible College in Irvine, California. After spending 17 years in the title and escrow industry, most recently leading a successful, five-member team and training to be the manager of my department, I felt the Lord leading me to leave the industry to focus on my family. Since then, I have worked in bookkeeping at The Ambrose School, taught a Personal Finance preceptorial at the Locust Grove Campus, served as a substitute teacher, and obtained both a Classical Educator Certificate and a Scholé Educator Intensive Certification from ClassicalU.
I have always possessed a passion for education, whether it be teaching children about Jesus in Sunday School, equipping teammates to be successful in the title and escrow industry, or arming new real estate agents with information to help them succeed. I loves learning, and consider myself to be a life-long learner. I firmly believe that, second to Jesus Himself, Christian Classical Education is the most valuable thing we can share with our families and our world. I am passionate about helping students discover who they are as children of God, discover the wonders He left for them to find, and shepherding them as they learn to think God’s thoughts after Him.
I am thankful to share this “Great Adventure” with my husband Erik, my daughter Austin, and my three bonus sons, Andrew, Christian and Greyson, and I became a grandma in April of 2024. I play the piano and lead worship at my church, and love to cook and bake.
Mrs. Sara Nordio
Uniform & Logowear Coordinator
Bio
B.A. Recreation Administration, Therapeutics emphasis; previously certified Recreation Therapist and Developmental Therapist
I have held interesting and fulfilling work and volunteer positions with children and adults with special needs for over 20 years and have been a service dog trainer for the past 8 years. My positions have included program manager and grant writer, volunteer coordinator, hospice care team, adaptive aquatics instructor-trainer, and university research team associate.
My family and I were unfamiliar with Classical Christian education, and when our daughter was completing her second year of preschool with Ten Mile Christian, we researched, toured schools, and talked with other Christian families that led us to The Ambrose School. I enjoy volunteering and getting to know fellow parents, teachers, and staff, and I have a great appreciation for our teachers and their dedication to the students at Ambrose.
Our family loves river days with our dogs, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family!
Church Affiliation: Redeemer Church
Mr. Nathan Luotonen
IT Administrator
Bio
Since I was a kid, technology has always fascinated me and made me curious about how it can work and apply to modern needs. My grandma first showing me how computers worked as a young kid propelled me into the field of IT. Technology has always come naturally to me and I have always done my best to fill the void of a role that does not always come naturally to some. I received my first official job in IT as a Geek Squad Agent, where not simply understanding technology was key, but how that relates to people and their lifestyles. I moved up to assisting in IT management for multiple businesses and schools and eventually landed at The Ambrose School. The school’s philosophy on classical Christian education and putting Jesus at the center of it all made it a “no brainer” as to where I wanted to put my time and effort.
Growing up in Michigan for most of my life, I moved to Idaho in 2014 where I met my beautiful wife, Amariah. We married in 2021 and have two beautiful baby twin daughters that we are loving every day and learning how much we value sleep. We enjoy the outdoors with paddleboarding, biking, camping, and going on walks. My personal hobbies include gaming, going to the shooting range, and preparing my list of dad jokes for when my girls get older.
Church Affiliation: Celebration Church, Nampa
MRS. emily Adams
Communications Manager
Bio
I joined The Ambrose School as an Administrative Assistant in 2022 before stepping into the role of Communications Manager during the summer of 2023. It has been a joy to be a part of Ambrose, and to get to know the wonderful families and faculty that make the community what it is. I was homeschooled all through my school years, while taking Jr. High and High School classes through Biola University’s Star program in Southern California. There, I gained an appreciation for classical literature and saw first-hand the benefits of a Christian education.
I moved to Idaho in 2017 after graduating High School, and am so grateful to live in this beautiful state. I am a freelance watercolor artist, and love exploring the beauty of Idaho and the surrounding states while painting my adventures. In October of 2024, I married my best friend Trent, and together we enjoy hiking, cooking, bird-watching, and spending time with friends and family.
Church Affiliation: Riverside Community Church
Ms. Michelle Keener
Office Assistant
Bio
B.A. Journalism/Public Relations, California State University Fresno
Having attended Christian schools across the U.S. while growing up in the military, my faith is deep and my feet love to wander, hiking whenever I can and admiring God’s handiwork. What better place than Idaho to celebrate God’s beautiful creation! My background lies in marketing, public relations, administration, event coordination and tourism. As a Certified International Tour Manager and Certified Interpretive Guide I love hospitality with a purpose by taking care of others and making learning fun. I’m delighted to work at the Ambrose School where I can continue helping students, parents and staff on a daily basis in a Christ-centered environment.
I greatly enjoy Bible studies, reading, audio books, crafting, baking, and practicing “the art of gathering” with family and friends in an effort to slow down and build meaningful relationships. When my physical training is up to par, I love competing in Spartan races, having competed in my first obstacle race at 52 and again at 56. I’m thankful to live here in Boise close to my daughter and my parents, and help my mom navigate dad’s dementia journey.
Church Affiliation: Ten Mile Christian Church
mr. daniel kidder
facilities manager
Bio
United States Navy, Petty Officer Second Class (YN2) 2019-2023
Before joining the Navy, I grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL and attended a reformed PCA church known as Riverwood my whole life. My high school years were full of Cross-Country and dreaming about making movies. Once I finished High School, I attended the University of Alabama from 2016-2018 and always joked about joining the military. Little did I realize that this was a seed God had planted in my heart, as in the Spring of 2019 I felt that call. Something inside me was pushing me with great force, yet I did not know the reason. I figured out that reason when I was stationed in Washington State. There, I met my wife, Faithlynn in 2021 and we got married 6 months after meeting each other. We traveled around the Pacific Northwest and saw some amazing sights.
We have two wonderful kids: Obadiah, born in April of 2022, and Abram born in December of 2023. I deployed on the USS George H. W. Bush 3 months after my son Obadiah was born. It was extremely difficult to be away from family after so short a time meeting my firstborn. I got to see Italy, Greece, France, and Germany, and after finishing my contract in the Navy in August 2023, I achieved my Associates degree with American Public University. We now attend The King’s Congregation every Sunday and enjoy it a lot.
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Mrs. Olivia nisle administrative assistant
Bio
I attended Biola University (MA History), Concordia University – Irvine (Single-Subject Teaching Credential), and am interested in attending New Saint Andrews College (MFA).
I grew up in Orange County, California, just 15 minutes away from the beach and 30 minutes away from Disneyland. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading, writing, and being part of a tight-knit community. In college I focused on East European and Slavic cultures, and it was there that I met my husband, Cody. We married in 2022.
After university, I pursued teaching and received my Single Subject Credential to teach Social Studies. My time seeing the flaws in the world of secular education showed me the importance of receiving an education in the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. As a Christian student of history, I recognize that civilizations depend upon generations of people who are well-educated and highly competent. The Lord commanded that we be actively involved in our world, and we can only do so if we are well-educated. I believe that the Classical Christian model of education rightly equips young minds to fulfill that commandment.
My husband and I moved to Nampa in September 2024 with our baby daughter Sophia. I enjoy traveling, writing, learning languages, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. My husband received an education in the biblical languages, and we love studying God’s Word together every morning.
Church Affiliation: The King’s Congregation
Mrs. Ahna Strand
Testing Coordinator
Bio
B.A. Biology, Pacific Lutheran University; M.H.A. University of Minnesota
My husband Jonathan and I have four children, all Ambrose students. We appreciate the classical school unification of eternal truths with practical pedagogical practices, and value the pursuit of virtue, elevation of beauty, and integration of faith that characterizes the classical Christian school. In my free time, I volunteer at church, read, cook, and embroider.
Church Affiliation: Good Shepherd Lutheran
