At FHS we have an incredible staff. Each staff member is state certified and/or certified through ACSI. They have all been through Trauma Based Relational Intervention Training as well as many other trainings that help them to teach every child in a way that is best for them to learn. Each of our staff knows the Lord personally and believes that each child is created in His image as unique individuals. As such, we desire to show them how the Lord is in everything they see and do.
Lauren Straka
Owner
My name is Lauren Straka. I own For Heaven's Sake Christian Child Development Center, along with my husband and mother. Growing up my mother's profession was the children's minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Yukon, Oklahoma. I continue to live in Yukon. I've been married for 27 years and we have 7 children, 2 son-in-laws and 1 grandbaby.
Growing up under my mothers influence, God furthered a heart in me to provide Christian childcare for my community. Our childcare center opened in August 2003. We were able to open our private school in August 2018. God continues to make a way for us to further His kingdowm in our community. So grateful for the opportunity to serve Him.
Caleigh Brown
Head of Schools
My name is Caleigh Brown. I have been married to my husband, Taylor for 15 years. We have 7 precious children through the gift of foster-care and adoption. I graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a major in Early Childhood Education. I taught in public school for 5 years. Following teaching I was a child development specialist. I have been at FHS Christian School for 5 years. My family and I are so grateful for the opportunities, relationships and gifts FHS brings.
My name
Amanda Abernathy
Director of Curriculum and Accreditation
My name is Amanda Abernathy. I am originally from Texas where I was born and raised until I left for college in 1995. I graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1999 with my degree in education with minors in science and english.
I married my best friend in 1997 and we have 5 beautiful girls (ages 9-23). I taught Prek and Kindergarten for 8 years and I loved every minute.
I love working at FHS now with curriculum and accreditation. It's an amazing place to work with wonderful students and staff. I'm excited to see how God uses our students to further His kingdom.
Allyson Hinkle
Administrative Assistant
Hi! I'm Allyson Hinkle--wife, mama, and follwer of Christ. I've been connected to this wonderful school community for 15 years, and it's been such a blessing to watch it grow while staying rooted in faith, love, and a heart for families.
I find joy in the simple everyday moments--especially in the kitchen! Baking and cooking are some of my favorite ways to serve and connect with others, whether I'm whipping up something sweet for my family or sharing a warm meal with a friend. I believe food is one of the many ways we can reflect God's love and hospitality.
My heart is grounded in faith, family and intentional living. I'm passionate about creating a Christ-centered home and being a source of encouragement wherever God places me. I value kindness, authenticity, and community, and I'm truly grateful to walk this journey alongside other families who share the same heart.
Kelli Bolton
Pre-K Teacher
Hi my name is Kelli Bolton. I have been married to my husband Jonathan for 22 years. Together we have three children-Parker, Brooks, and Ruby. I felt called to work in ecucation from a young age and I find great joy in helping children discover their potential in a nurturing, Christ centered environment. I love Jesus and I'm actively involved in my church. My greatest hope is that every child feels seen, loved and supported as they grow academically and spiritually.
Macy Burch
Pre-K Assistant
My name is Macy Burch, and I am excited to serve as the Pre-K assistant at FHSCS. I'm currently a senior in college pursuing a degree in general studies with a minor in Pre-Law, I plan to apply to law school in the near future. I have deep love for working with children and hope to continue serving them through a future career in the legal field. It's a blessing to be part of a Christ-centered environment where I can help support and guide young learners each day. In my free time I love spending it with my family and friends, spending a week at Lake Eufaula or playing with my mini labradoodle, Pete.
Raven Hayworth
Pre-K Assistant
Kelsey Bailey
Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Kelsey Bailey. I am the Kindergarten Teacher at FHS. I have been teaching gor three years and working at FHS for eight. years. I was born in Oceanside, California and raised in Yukon, Oklahoma. I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelors in Family Life Education-Child Development and a minor in Human Environmental Sciences. My passion has always been working with children and being able to witness them grow educationally and spiritually is one of my greatest joys in life. I am a proud dog mom to a golden retriever named Honey.
Bretyn Wise
Kindergarten Assistant
My name is Bretyn Wise and this is my 2nd year working at FHS. I graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2020 and have worked in education for four years prior to this in the Putnam City district. Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family, especially my two nieces , and bake. I am so excited to be the new Kindergarten Paraprofessional to see how each child progresses through the year.
Jennifer Williams
1st Grade Teacher
Hello, I am Jennifer Williams. This is my first year at FHS. I hold a bachelor's in early childhood education fron Ashrod University. With 30+ years of experience working with children, including seven years teaching Montessori, I now live in Arcadia with my husband of 25 years. We have a blended family, Uncle Randy and a grandbaby. In my free time, I enjoy painting, creating, swimming, relaxing on the back porch, and spending time with family. Teaching is my dream job, especially when i see children engaged and learning about Jesus. I'm excited to see what the year holds and I look forward to working with my new little 1st grade family as we learn and grow together.
Charli Lewis
1st Grade Assistant
My name is Charli Lewis and I am a paraprofessional at For Heaven’s Sake Elementary. I assist in the 1st grade class. I think it is very important to equip our children for the future, both educationally and even more so biblically. I love the heart and mission of FHS: “Enter to learn as unique individuals; exit to serve as the body of Christ.”
I attended Colorado Mesa University in Colorado and studied for my undergraduate in Business Travel and Tourism: Commercial and Recreation Management. In addition to being a paraprofessional, I am also a licensed real estate agent in Oklahoma. I have been married for 14 years to my husband Andy Lewis. We share two children: Effie (9) and Asher (11). I love spending time outdoors, whether it is taking a walk around the neighborhood or jumping on my bike for a quick ride. Being outside in God’s beauty makes me come alive. I also love relaxing with a good book and cup of coffee. Thankful for the Lord and the opportunities he has given me!
Carli Rexroad
2nd Grade Teacher
I have been a passionate educator for 5 years, and worked for FHS for 10. I am dedicated to fostering a love for learning in students.
I believe in creating an engaging and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to find and explore their relationship with Him.
Outside the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and traveling. I am excited to bring my passion for education, and lifelong learning to FHS.
Tess Stover
3rd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Tess Stover and this is my xecond year teaching at FHS. I am a Yukon High School and UCO graduate. My love and passion have been working alongside families and children in various settings. I currently live in Piedmont with my husband of 19 years and my 2 sons that are in Middle School. In my free time, I love spending time on my farm with my animals, fishing, swimming and spending time with the Lord, whether that be through worship or getting into His Word. I'm honored to be a part of this school and to be able to shape and grow every kiddos heart and mind that walks into my classroom! I am especially grateful and overjoyed that I get to include Jesus into our daily class time and life lessons.
Kendall Neese
4th Grade Teacher
Hi, I am Kendall Neese and I am thrilled to be part of the team at FHS! I'm originally from Texas, but Oklahoma quickly stole my heart, both literally and figuratively, when I met my husband, Andrew, at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. We enjoy spending time with family, friends and our mini Golden Doodle puppy, Pepper (short for my favorite drink, Dr. Pepper!)
This will be my third year teaching. However, from a young age, I have felt the Lord calling me to invest in and pour into the lives of students. I am excited to see all that God has in store for this upcoming school year.
Brandi Rowley
5th-6th Grade Teacher
My name is Brandi Rowley. I was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. I have been married for 27 years and have 6 amazing boys. I love spending family time playing games, doing puzzles or just snuggling up and reading a good book. I have worked for FHS since 2019. My goal as a teacher is to help all students grow socially, academically and spiritually throughout our time together
Candi Dixon
5th-6th Grade Assistant
Hi! My name is Candi Dixon and this is my first year teaching at FHS. I graduated from Putnam City West Hight School and Southern Nazarene University with a degree in Theology and Ministry. My passion is pouring into th elives of young people and helping them see the love of Christ and reach their full potential. I strive to help others see themselves as God sees them! I am very excited to be able to contunie using that passion while I am an assistant for 5th and 6th grades. I ihave been married to my husband Andy for 17 years and together we have two beautiul girls. My hobbies include spending time with my sweet family, sampling my favorite coffie shops, reading, and slowly perusing the aisles of Target. I am s o excited to be teaching at FHS th is year and cannot wait to form relationships with my students and their families.
Charity
7th-8th Grade Teacher
Mary Rachel Fenrick, CALP
Dyslexia Specialist/Special Education Teacher
My name is Mary Rachel Fenrick. This is my 2nd year at FHS in Special Services, ,but it's my 12th year of teaching. I got my degree in Special Education from OU in 2009 and have spent my career teaching children with special needs, first in Norman Public Schools for 7 years and then in Yukon Public Schools for 3 years. I was also briefly the director of the special education department at a private Christian school in OKC and became a dyslexia specialist (Certified Academic Language Practitioner) in 2024.
My husband and I have been married for 16 years and have four daughters (ages 7-12) and two black labs. We have been foster parents since 2018 and are currently fostering. Two of our girls are adopted out of foster care and have special needs, so special education is very near and dear to my heart. I became a Christian in my twenties and am looking forward to using my gifts to further HIs kingdom. I am grateful I am able to speak openly about the goodness of God at FHS.
Lexi Jobe
Special Services
My name is Lexi Jobe. I grew up in Tuttle where I still live today. My husband and I have two daughters named Andi and Konnor and two dogs, Cap and Abbie. I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2019, and started my teaching career in 2020.
I love that I have the opportunity to pour into kids daily, and love them deeply for who God created them to be.
Matthew 5:16 "...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Kassidy Burkes
Music, Spanish, PE
My name is Kassidy Burks and I have been teaching since 2018. I love teaching all ages of children and watching them grow and learn about the wonderful world that God has given us. I teach Spanish and Music. I love crafting, playing music, traveling and working out. My two daughters attend FHS. It is such a special place for our family.
Avery Smith
Special Services
Hello! My name is Avery Smith and thsi is my second year at FHS as an assistant. I graduated from Yukon High School in 2020. I have lived here in Yukon my entire life. My passion is working with kids with special needs. Im my free time i enjoy quality time with friends and family. I have two cochlear hearing aids. I love spending my Sundays in church worshipping the Lord and serving in the nursery. I am beyond grateful to be working for such an amazing school, helping all the kids grow and teaching them about our Lord and Savior!
Beckie Workman
Library, Permanant Sub
My name is Beckie Workman. I served as a sub at FHS in the 2024-2025 school year and so enjoyed getting to know each of the students and staff. I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I have two sons, a daughter in law and my one grandson, my Sweetpea.
I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in business administration. I retired from OGE in 2019 after 30 years.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my grandson, Colton, traveling with my mom and sister, reading and exercising.
I am excited to be at FHS and look forward to watching each student grow academically and spiritually. I love that my grandson is blessed to be a student at FHS. I am excited for the amazing things that are ahead for FHS!