THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Covenant Academy is a State Registered Church School administered by Covenant Family Educational Ministries. Inc., a 501c3 non-profit entity directly governed by a School Board of Directors. 

Meet our Board Members

Tina and James Alderton began homeschooling in 1986 with the birth of their first child. By the year 2000, the Aldertons had 9 children and were still homeschooling. It was then that Tina contacted Lynda Coats, and her relationship with Covenant Academy began. In 2005, the Aldertons were blessed with their 12th and final child. To date, 8 of the Alderton children have graduated from Covenant Academy and 4 are currently enrolled. This is Tina's first year as a school board member. She is a Spirit-filled believer in Christ who regularly attends services with her family at a non-denominational church where she ministers to the toddlers. Tina and James are also the grandparents of 2 young boys.

Lynda Coats met both the Lord and Lauren Coats in college in the 1960’s. She and Lauren were married in 1972 and began their family two years later. From the very beginning, they wanted a different type of schooling experience for their children and began homeschooling in Texas in 1980 --- before homeschooling even had a name. After moving to Alabama and being unhappy with the options here, they helped start Covenant Academy, opening its doors in 1993. Lynda became the first administrator and has served in that position --- except for a few years hiatus --- ever since. She feels that God called her to homeschool and to a ministry to homeschoolers.

Rebekah Coats is a Covenant Academy graduate who considers herself fortunate to have been homeschooled for almost all her school career. Rebekah was beginning her senior year of high school when Covenant Academy was formed by her parents, Lauren and Lynda Coats. She considers herself honored to have been in the very first graduating class of CA.  Following her graduation, she spent the next 12 years serving in many different capacities within Covenant. Her experiences and skills have been proved as she filled such roles as Registrar, Bookkeeper, Dean of Administration and more.  No matter where she found herself, she has always striven to ensure that CA provides the best possible education and ethical instruction while preserving the highest level of organization and operational integrity. Though she has not been active in Covenant Academy for the last few years, she still believes in the school and is now feeling called to become involved in helping to strengthen Covenant and to help it grow once more.

Having been in private schools for most of her educational career, Robyn Snapp-Chastka developed a firm belief that most government-run schools do not provide an acceptable quality of education nor a basis for behavior and morality.  When Robyn was first introduced to homeschooling and Covenant Academy in 2005, she became intriqued with the family-focus, individuality, and flexibility homeschooling allowed.  She spent the next five years working in the office at Covenant Academy, serving at various times as office manager, file clerk and Dean of Students. She dedicated her efforts to improving and maintaining the efficiency, quality and reputation of homeschooling in general and CA in particular.  She is serving on the board to continue doing the same.  Her goal is to introduce new ideas, address concerns, and seek to make Covenant the best it can be.

Originally from Kansas, Jay Thompson has been the Preaching Minister at Cornerstone Christian Church since 2001. He believes in the freedom and responsibility of parents to provide education for their children, and as a result is a supporter of the home school movement. He and his wife Kelley have two grown homeschooled daughters, one of whom, Elisa, is a Covenant Academy graduate. He enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends. He has been active with Covenant Academy since 2006 and this is his sixth year on our board.

With 20 years of experience in the education field, Tapango Williams brings valuable contacts to her board position. She first became involved with Covenant Academy in 2003- 2004 school year when her son --- who has since graduated from Covenant --- was in the 7th grade. Since that time, she has helped many other families home educate their children and tutored several of our adult students --- including some of her own family members --- to complete their education. She is pleased to continue her involvement by serving as a board member.