Faculty Directory

Lauren Morath was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she and her husband taught religious education and Natural Family Planning for several years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Lauren is passionate about classical, Catholic education and taught at Notre Dame Catholic School for 5 years and Holy Family Classical Academy for 2 years. She has 5 children who attend Holy Family Classical Academy, Chesterton Academy of Wichita Falls, and the University of Dallas. She lives in Charlie, Texas, where she and her husband own and operate The King’s Good Vineyard & Berry Farm. She is also co-owner of The Taxidermists’ Woodshop and co-founder of Holy Family Classical Academy and Chesterton Academy of Wichita Falls. Lauren loves working with the students, faculty, and families at Chesterton Academy as the Executive Director and Ballroom Dance instructor.

Michaela Loomis was born and raised in Tracy, California. Following in her father's footsteps, she graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Science and a focus in Microbiology and Nuclear Engineering. In 2021, she completed the requirements for her master's degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University, and earned the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing her as the graduate with the highest GPA in the program. She spent one year teaching math and science at Father Vincent Capodanno High School before accepting a position at the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases at Ft. Detrick, Maryland. During her time at the Institute, she studied emerging tick-borne viruses that have the potential to have a serious impact on the health of millions of people around the world. Michaela is excited to bring her hands-on science and math experience into the classroom this fall! In her spare time, Michaela loves to read (anything), write historical fiction and fantasy novels, work on her French language skills, and go running with her Collie puppy, Sully.

Jordan Mascari was raised in Pilot Point, Texas. From his catechesis at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, he developed an early interest in philosophy. He received his Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 2018 and his Master’s in Philosophy from Texas Tech University in 2021, where he lectured on logic, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy, among other subjects. His areas of interest are religious epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy. He spent the next few years working as a paralegal and is now excited to join Chesterton Academy. Jordan will be teaching Philosophy and History this year.

Betsy Porter is new to Wichita Falls having moved from Denver, Colorado. She is a lifelong Catholic and currently attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She holds a PhD in molecular biology from Baylor College of Medicine, an MTS from Madonna University, and a Scripture Certificate from the Denver Catholic Biblical School. Betsy is passionate about Catholic education, especially for teenagers and is very excited to work with the students at Chesterton Academy. Betsy has been a teacher and administrator in Catholic education for 20 years teaching in both theology and science classes. As an administrator, she has held many leadership roles including Assistant Principal at Mullen High School. Her goal is to use her gifts to serve the Lord in whatever way possible, and feels called to be at Chesterton at this point in her life. Betsy has two adult children and two grandchildren. She is looking forward to teaching theology, Latin, and Spanish this year.

Leilani Barnett is a new resident of Wichita Falls, but her family ties in the area go back to her great-great grandparents. She is delighted to join Chesterton Academy, having enjoyed spending the last three of her 28 years in education, teaching English for Bishop Lynch, a Catholic high school in Dallas. Barnett holds an M.A. in literature, an M.A. in educational leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and journalism. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in education and working on her third non-fiction book. In her free time, Barnett enjoys traveling, watching classic black and white movies, and playing with her little chihuahua-mix dog. She looks forward to sharing her passion for literature and writing with the students of Chesterton. Ms. Barnett will be teaching literature this year.

Kimberly Gordon serves as the Drama instructor at Chesterton Academy of Wichita Falls, where she brings a rich blend of professional experience in education, performance, and production. With a background in Special Education and a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Kim is dedicated to helping students build confidence, creativity, and character through the study of theatre.

A longtime member of the Wichita Falls theatre community, Kim has performed in and directed numerous local productions and has worked closely with both Wichita Theatre and Backdoor Theatre. She believes in the power of storytelling and the stage to inspire, challenge, and transform, and she encourages her students to approach the arts with both discipline and joy.

Her teaching philosophy centers on cultivating imagination, teamwork, and self-expression in all students.

Laura Ward moved to Wichita Falls in 2021, returning to her West Texas roots. Together with her husband, Chuck Ward, and twin sons Michael and Matthew, the Ward family has embraced the rich Catholic community of Wichita Falls. As members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Ward family serves their Parish as active volunteers with Religious Education and the Pastoral Council. Laura holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University as well as a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Midwestern State University. Laura enjoyed an international career as an opera singer in Italy, Austria, Germany, Poland, England, Scotland, Mexico, and throughout the United States. With gratitude for her Christian musical upbringing, Laura has always had a passion for the important role of sacred classical music in the overall formation of children. As both a private voice instructor and professional church musician, Ms. Ward brings more than two decades of experience to her role with Chesterton Academy. Laura’s desire is to give the children of Chesterton a musical foundation and passion that will allow them to discover their own unique singing voice. Whether as a professional musician or member of the local church choir, Ms. Ward believes everyone can use their voice to further God’s kingdom.

“…Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19

Katherine Lenotre hails from Little Rock, Arkansas, but her Texas roots run deep. She grew up visiting her grandparents every summer in Houston and spent four transformative years at the University of Dallas studying art and literature. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in literature at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. During her five years there, she kept up her art by copying oil paintings at the National Gallery of Art. She has experience teaching students of all ages from kindergarten to college, and has spent time as a historic restoration painter working in churches. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her six children.