Our board of directors

Mr. Jake Thompson has taken the role as Valor's Academic Dean. Mr. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Biblical Studies from Bethlehem College and Seminary. He is well-learned in the classical liberal arts tradition and has profound passion for the retrieval of classical education in the life of the Church. He sees this noble work as one of the most essential and effective means of raising up the next generation of wise and virtuous Christians. His vision for cultivating the virtuous life and the life of the mind resonates with the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." 

Mr. Thompson is an aspiring academic and theologian with a passion for classical theism, Thomistic philosophy, and the Reformed Protestant tradition. He is also passionate about Christian culture, the role of liturgy in the life of the classroom, and classical pedagogy. It is his joy and privilege to participate in the great calling of Christian classical education and help students see and savor God's truth, goodness, and beauty in every sphere of life.

He lives with his wife and daughter in St. Paul and is an active member of the North Church in Mounds View.

Mrs. Carey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She  is dually licensed in Elementary and Special Education and taught first grade for 7 years in a classical setting. She tutors several students from the Twin Cities area focusing on fundamental reading and math skills. Jade and her family attend Crossroads church in Woodbury where she serves as the preschool teacher in children's ministry. She is passionate about the mission of Valor and excited to partner with families in developing each child's God-given talents and abilities. Through a nurturing and structured environment, students will grow spiritually, academically, and socially. 

Jade loves spending time with family and friends, baking, growing things in her little garden, and playing outside with her kids. She and her husband Adam live in Lake Elmo with their two children Miles (5) and Olivia (2). 

 Mrs. Emily Secord has a deep passion for Classical Christian Education and is excited to join the Valor Classical Academy’s teaching team. Since 2018, Emily has been classically educating her own children, and throughout the last four years, she has also been teaching dozens of students of various ages using the Classical Conversations curriculum. She loves to make learning interactive, fun, and memorable, and desires to see students grow in their love of God.

Mrs. Secord received a degree from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul and gained experience in higher education working at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She loves being active with her family, running, swimming, rollerblading, and biking to the local parks and libraries, while exploring God’s creation together, especially the zoos and local ice cream parlors.

Emily also has a passion for the local church where she has served in a variety of roles. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, Levi, and their four children, and they attend Christ Bible Church in the Twin Cities. 

Mrs. Ryden holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in K – 12 Classroom and Vocal Music from Augsburg College and a Masters of Arts in Music Education degree, with a certification in Orff-Schulwerk, from the University of St. Thomas. She has taught in public schools, homeschool co-ops, and her church, teaching/directing a variety of ages from kindergarten students through adults. Within the last five years, Mrs. Ryden has also been teaching voice lessons…and loving it!

Diane finds delight in watching her students grow in their skills and love of singing and music in general. However, her greatest passion is getting to witness them using their gifts in music to offer up to the Lord a sweet fragrance of praise, both individually and corporately!

Mrs. Ryden and her husband have three adult children and live in Minneapolis.

Mr. Litrenta holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Letters, and  Master of Arts in Theology & Biblical Studies from Bethlehem College and Seminary. He is currently finishing a Master of Theology at Union Theological College. He loves to contemplate God and all created reality in light of God. Mr. Litrenta is earnest about understanding humanity's intellectual history, everything from ancient philosophy to modern dogmatic theology. Some particular interests include the Reformed Tradition and the relationship between the Reformed reception of the Thomistic tradition, 17th century English history (especially John Owen), and 20th century theology. Having served the church in various Sunday school and youth ministry settings, Mr. Litrenta is enthusiastic about discovering the truth of reality and showing the goodness and beauty of that truth to his students.

Mr. Litrenta and his wife, Abby, live in Minneapolis with their son Ambrose. They are members of Cities Church in Saint Paul. He likes to spend his free time reading, taking walks with his family, learning languages, and playing piano.