FACULTY
Grace Dickow
Principal & Founder
Grace Dickow's passion is to introduce students to a deep, close relationship with Jesus Christ. As an educator and founder of Valeo Academy, Grace empowers teachers and students to experience their God-given potential. Receiving her teaching degree from the University of Illinois, her down-to-earth communication style quickly removes barriers, making it easy for people of all ages to receive God's unconditional love and limitless power for their lives.
Ashley Hines
Vice Principal of School Administration
Ashley Hines, a passionate and dedicated educator, brings over thirteen years of teaching experience in history, civics, and economics at the secondary level. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in History Education from Old Dominion University and a Master’s in School Administration from Grand Canyon University. She is committed to fostering a thriving academic environment while guiding students to cultivate a deep and lasting connection with God. Her unwavering dedication to character development and building lifelong habits of success makes her an invaluable part of the Valeo Academy community.
Dunia Baca
Vice Principal of Operations
Dunia Baca serves as Vice Principal of Operations at Valeo Academy, where she brings strong leadership, administrative excellence, and a heart for Christ-centered education. In addition to her role in school leadership, she has taught a range of subjects including Spanish, health, economics, consumer education, mathematics, and fine arts. All four of her children are proud Valeo Academy graduates. She and her husband, Galo, also serve on the Pastoral Support Team at Life Changers Church.
Paty Rodriguez
Office Manager
Paty Rodriguez serves as Valeo Academy’s Office Manager and has been an integral part of the school community since its founding in 2004. She is deeply committed to Valeo’s mission of cultivating both academic excellence and Christlike character in students. Paty’s long-standing dedication and heart for the school make her a vital part of what makes Valeo feel like home.
Maria Aguilar
Pre-K4
Mrs. Maria Aguilar serves as the Pre-K4 teacher at Valeo Academy, where she brings excellence, warmth, and purpose to the classroom. For her, teaching is a calling to lay a strong, Christ-centered foundation in the lives of young learners. She is passionate about shaping future leaders by instilling godly character, academic readiness, and a love for Jesus from the very beginning. Mrs. Aguilar considers it a true honor to partner with families and invest in the hearts and minds of Valeo’s youngest students.
Samantha Lockwood
Pre-K4
Miss Samantha Lockwood is a dedicated and compassionate K4 teacher who is passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she also played volleyball, Miss Lockwood brings her love of learning, teamwork, and encouragement into the classroom. She is passionate about nurturing each child’s development—not only academically, but also as kind, confident, and capable individuals. In addition to teaching, Miss Lockwood coaches volleyball, allowing her to continue encouraging and mentoring young people both in and beyond the classroom.
Jessica Ibarra
Kindergarten
Ms. Jessica Ibarra is a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Valeo Academy who brings warmth, creativity, and intentionality to the classroom. She is passionate about helping young students grow academically while establishing their identity and purpose in Christ. Through interactive lessons, hands-on learning, and Christ-centered conversations, she cultivates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Her heart is to lay a strong foundation that equips students to become confident, faith-filled leaders.
Zaminee Bates
First Grade
Zaminee Bates is a passionate and dedicated member of the Valeo Academy team, serving as our First Grade teacher. She loves being part of Valeo’s unique learning culture, where both teaching and learning are designed to celebrate each student’s individuality. Zaminee earned her bachelor's degree from Rust College and brings a wealth of experience working with children. She is joyfully married and a proud mother of four children, all of whom are Valeo Academy attendees.
Mao Her
Second Grade
Mao Her is a committed educator at Valeo Academy, where she teaches with a strong passion for our mission to awaken academic and spiritual greatness in every student. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, and is a firm believer and practitioner of the Principle Approach. Mao is also a proud Valeo parent, with all four of her children Valeo Academy attendees.
Mel Islas
3rd & 4th Grade, Instructional Coach, Social Media Manager
Miss Mel Islas is a creative and passionate educator. She earned her bachelor’s degree and an LBS1 Endorsement from Judson University. She has worked with students of different backgrounds, including students with disabilities. Miss Islas also works as our Instructional Coach, and collaborates with our teachers and administrators to ensure character and curriculum development and academic strategies. She plays a vital role in our school to build a strong student community and creative teaching practices to remind our students of who they are in Christ.
Joanne Movsessian
5th Grade, Music Director
Joanne Movsessian teaches fifth grade at Valeo Academy, as well as serving as Valeo’s Music Director. She brings a unique blend of creativity and energy to the classroom, drawing from her background in Mass Communication, Theater, Voice, and Commerce. Joanne is passionate about helping students discover their God-given identity and purpose, and she loves that at Valeo, students are continually reminded of their immeasurable worth through the truth of God’s Word.
Norma Hernandez
Secondary Spanish, Prep School Coordinator
Norma Hernandez serves as the Prep School Coordinator and Spanish teacher at Valeo Academy. Her journey at Valeo began through a deep commitment to the school’s mission, which ultimately led her to join the staff. Norma is passionate about the Academy’s dedication to developing students in both character and excellence, and she values the strength of its rigorous, Christ-centered curriculum. She plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the school and helping students thrive in their academic and personal growth.
Suzanne Knoerr
Fine Arts Director, Secondary Literature, History & Technology
Suzanne Knoerr serves as Valeo Academy’s Jr. Prep Lead Teacher and Valeo Academy's Fine Arts Director. She brings a deep passion for cultivating creativity and excellence in the arts. With a BFA in Painting and an MA in Art Education from the University of Illinois, she leads our students in exploring artistic expression through both visual and performing arts. She leads one of Valeo’s hallmark events, the Annual Shakespeare Festival, a highlight of the school year—showcasing students’ talent, hard work, and dedication, while reclaiming theatre and the arts for the glory of God. Suzanne is honored to be part of a school community that values creativity, character, and Christ-centered education.
Beth MACKINNEY
Secondary Math, Elementary Art
Beth MacKinney is a dedicated member of the Valeo Academy faculty, where she teaches mathematics with excellence and passion. A graduate of Evangel University, Beth deeply values Valeo’s mission to awaken both academic and spiritual greatness in students. She is married and a proud mother of four, with her youngest having graduated from Valeo.
Barry Lapping
Secondary Math
Mr. Lapping, in his second year at Valeo Academy, brings a wealth of educational expertise and experience to our community. He received his Masters of Arts in Math Education from DePaul University as well as Bachelors degrees in both Mathmatics and Economics from Illinois State University. He has seventeen years of teaching experience as well as thirty-five years of expereicnce in private tutoring. Mr. Lapping is dedicated to fostering a positive and effective learning environment for students at Valeo Academy.
Anu Sharma
Secondary Science
Mrs. Anu Sharma serves as Valeo Academy’s secondary science teacher, bringing both depth of knowledge and a passion for inspiring young minds. With advanced degrees in Science and Science Education from UIC Chicago, she is committed to creating a classroom where curiosity is ignited and students are challenged to think critically about the world around them. Mrs. Sharma sees science education not only as preparation for future academic and professional pursuits but also as a way to engage with meaningful, real-world issues. Her commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching strategies, and student-centered learning aligns with Valeo’s mission to empower students to discover and fulfill their God-given potential.
Patsy Shackelford
Secondary History
Patsy Shackelford is a passionate and dedicated educator at Valeo Academy who believes deeply in the school’s mission to provide a high-quality education in an environment of excellence and unconditional love. She pursued her Master’s degree in Education with a desire to become a master teacher—equipping students with the principles, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive in their God-given purpose. Patsy is honored to be part of a team united in awakening both academic and spiritual greatness in every student.
Steven Knoerr
Secondary English & Literature
Steven Knoerr teaches secondary literature and history at Valeo Academy, where he brings a deep love for language, critical thinking, and powerful storytelling into the classroom. With a background in Social Epidemiology from the University of Illinois and experience in both publishing and media, he offers students a rich and thoughtful perspective. Steven is passionate about cultivating a learning environment that encourages curiosity, clarity of thought, and strong character—the very heartbeat of Valeo’s mission.
Alex Cisneroz
Physical Education, Athletic Director
Mr. Alex Cisneroz brings a passion for athletics, teamwork, and student development to Valeo Academy. He earned his master’s degree from Indiana State University, where he also gained experience working with the Indiana State University Men’s Basketball team and the Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport (KRS) Department. With a strong background in basketball and youth athletics, Mr. Cisneroz is committed to creating a positive and engaging environment where students can develop physical skills while building confidence, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. He believes physical education provides valuable opportunities for students to develop important life skills, including teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence. At Valeo Academy, Mr. Cisneroz is dedicated to investing in students through physical education, athletics, and mentorship. He is passionate about encouraging students to challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and develop a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and healthy competition. Through his work, he seeks to help students grow in character, confidence, and physical well-being both on and off the court.