Meet Our Staff
Teena Bertinetti | Founder, Principal & Teacher
All-Subjects | Faith-Driven Educator | Heart Behind the Vision
At 65 years young, Teena Bertinetti is the vibrant, faith-filled founder and principal of Pro Education Academy, a private learning space in Midlothian, Texas, where students are not just taught—they are known, nurtured, and truly seen. A lifelong Texan and proud Protestant, Teena has devoted her life to shaping young minds with compassion, wisdom, and a lot of love.
With over three decades of classroom experience and advanced degrees in English, Fine Arts, and Early Childhood Education, Teena brings a wealth of expertise—but even more importantly, a heart full of grace—to everything she does. She teaches every subject at Pro Education Academy, tailoring lessons to each child’s pace and personality, ensuring every student feels welcomed, wanted, and worthy.
Pro Education Academy was born out of Teena’s desire to offer families an alternative to the rigid structures of public education. Here, children are free to explore, grow, and learn in a peaceful, personalized environment that feels like home. Her school is not just a classroom—it’s a sanctuary, a safe space where kids can flourish without fear.
A devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend, Teena is deeply rooted in her community and anchored by her faith. She celebrates each child as if they were her own, believing in the magic of learning and the power of love to change lives. Her energy is radiant, her joy contagious, and her legacy—unmistakably one of purpose, passion, and God’s grace in action.
Robin H. Bass | Dean of Students | Math Teacher
Compassionate Leader • Literacy Advocate • Champion for All Learners
With three decades of experience in public education and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Robin Bass brings unmatched expertise, heart, and wisdom to her role as Dean of Students at Pro Education Academy. As a longtime resident of Midlothian and a respected educator in the community, Robin has dedicated her life to creating environments where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Throughout her career—from classroom teacher to assistant principal across multiple campuses in Midlothian ISD—Robin has been a steady and nurturing presence in the lives of students, families, and staff. Her extensive background includes early childhood education, special education, and administrative leadership, including roles as testing coordinator, RTI facilitator, and crisis response leader.
Now at Pro Education Academy, Robin serves as a guiding force behind the school’s mission: to offer students a more personalized, peaceful, and faith-rooted alternative to traditional public school. She partners closely with founder Teena Bertinetti to ensure each student receives individualized support in a warm and flexible environment.
Kallie Dillow | Kindergarten Teacher
Joy-Bringer • Early Learner Specialist • Smiles and Structure in One Package
Kallie Dillow is the kind of teacher little ones never forget. With over 5 years of experience in early childhood education and a natural gift for connection, she brings joy, structure, and high energy to every day as the Kindergarten teacher at Pro Education Academy in Midlothian, TX.
Kallie is known for her bubbly personality, bright smile, and firm-but-loving approach that instantly makes children feel safe, seen, and excited to learn. Her classroom is a place where giggles, growth, and grace collide—a nurturing space filled with hands-on fun, imaginative learning, and the belief that every child is deeply capable.
Rooted in her Midlothian community, Kallie holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught at various centers and programs, always creating environments where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Her passion for young learners goes far beyond academics—she truly treats every student as her own.
Outside the classroom, Kallie is a devoted wife and proud baseball mama. Her heart for others, especially the little ones, radiates in everything she does.
Joshua Hersey | Junior Master Gardener Teacher
Certified Horticulturist
Joshua Hersey brings dirt-under-the-fingernails wisdom and a deep-rooted passion for growing things—both in the garden and in young hearts. As the Junior Master Gardener Teacher at Pro Education Academy, Joshua teaches students how to nurture plants, steward the land, and grow with intention.
A certified horticulturist, Joshua uses his expertise to lead hands-on garden education, helping students explore everything from soil science and plant care to sustainability and responsibility. But his real gift is in cultivating confidence and wonder in every child he teaches.
More than a gardener, Joshua is a devoted father, husband, coach, and man of faith who pours his heart into everything he does. Whether he’s tending to raised beds or leading a group of curious kids through a harvest, his calm strength, patience, and genuine joy in teaching are unmistakable.
Lydia Walle | P.E. & Bible Study Teacher
Faith-Filled Leader • Joyful Motivator • Growing Strong Bodies & Hearts
Lydia recently graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Ministry, Missions, and Leadership. With a heart for the Lord and a passion for investing in the lives of children of all ages, she is excited to combine her faith, energy, and love for others in the classroom.
A gifted musician, Lydia enjoys playing several instruments and loves staying active through sports and time outdoors. When she isn’t teaching, you can usually find her spending quality time with family, sharing her joyful and contagious spirit with those around her, or playing with her dog.
As Pro Education Academy’s P.E. and Bible Study teacher, Lydia looks forward to encouraging students to grow physically, spiritually, and in confidence. Her hope is to create a fun and uplifting environment where students feel loved, challenged, and encouraged while growing in both their faith and their abilities.
Stephanie Walle | Secretary | 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Educator at Heart • Organizational Anchor • Friendly Face of the Front Office
With over 35 years of experience in education, Stephanie Walle is the steady and smiling presence that keeps the heart of Pro Education Academy running smoothly. As the school secretary and 1st-2nd grade teacher, Stephanie is often the first face you’ll see and the warm voice behind every call, note, and detail that helps the school thrive day to day while also teaching teaching in the classrooms.
A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts, Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with specialties in Reading and Social Studies, and is certified to teach grades K–8. Her background gives her a unique ability to support both staff and students with insight, empathy, and care.
Sarah Frantzen | Reading & Writing | 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Gifted Educator • Literacy Champion • Heart-Driven Teacher
With over 15 years of experience in both public and private education, Sarah Frantzen brings a deep well of knowledge, warmth, and creativity to her role as Reading & Writing Literacy Teacher at Pro Education Academy. Known for her compassionate, student-centered approach, Sarah is passionate about helping children grow into confident readers, expressive writers, and lifelong learners.
Before joining the Pro Ed family, Sarah served as a Gifted & Talented Specialist at Longbranch Elementary in Midlothian ISD, where she designed innovative instruction for K–5 GT students and led teacher trainings in best practices for gifted education. She also spent seven years in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD as a first and second grade teacher, where she thrived as a team leader and mentor.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, along with Texas certifications in ESL and Gifted & Talented Education. Her ability to connect deeply with students and families is matched by her high-level instructional expertise—especially in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Whether she’s inspiring a reluctant reader or nurturing a young author’s voice, Sarah brings joy, professionalism, and heart to everything she does. At Pro Education Academy, she’s not only teaching literacy—she’s building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for language.
Savanna Francis | Pre-K Teacher
Chris Bertinetti | Science Enrichment
Science Teacher • Summer School Instructor • CSI Leader
With a diverse background in operations, leadership, and service, Chris Bertinetti brings depth, heart, and real-world wisdom to his role as Science Enrichment Teacher at Pro Education Academy. He also serves as a Summer School Instructor and CSI (Character & Spiritual Integration) Leader, where his guidance extends beyond academics into faith, integrity, and personal growth.
Chris has decades of experience as a business owner, operations manager, and CDL-licensed professional driver. His work in leadership and consulting has equipped him with the tools to mentor both students and peers through structure, encouragement, and purpose. His ability to connect life skills to classroom learning makes his science lessons engaging and relevant.
As a leader in CSI, Chris helps students explore their identity, purpose, and values through a biblical lens—challenging them to grow in both character and conviction. During summer school, he brings that same energy and intention, ensuring that every student is supported, seen, and strengthened.
Married to founder Teena Bertinetti, Chris shares a deep love for the mission behind Pro Ed. His presence is steady, faithful, and uplifting.
Tamara Cox | Creative Arts Teacher
Master Educator • Lifelong Artist • Creative Hands
With nearly three decades of experience inspiring young artists, Tammy Cox serves as the Creative Arts Teacher at Pro Education Academy, where imagination is not just encouraged—it’s celebrated.
Tammy holds both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Art Education from the University of Evansville in Indiana, and she is certified to teach Kindergarten through 12th grade. For the past 28 years, she has guided students through the world of color, form, and expression, helping them find their voice through art.
Her classroom is a space of exploration and encouragement, where every child is empowered to create with confidence and curiosity. Whether introducing foundational techniques or pushing advanced students toward deeper expression, Tammy brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to every lesson.
Hunter & Jessica Dewey
Hands-On Mentors • Faith-Filled Teachers • Learning Through Life & Adventure
Hunter and Jessica share a love for faith, learning, and helping young people grow through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Jessica brings more than 10 years of experience in childcare and education and is completing her bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies. Her studies have also included psychology, speech and behavioral therapy, special education, ESL, and Spanish. She has a heart for understanding the world through a child’s perspective and creating an environment where students feel known, encouraged, and excited to learn.
Hunter is a pilot with a background in aircraft maintenance and other hands-on trades. He has mentored high school students in building aircraft parts, safely using tools, and following technical plans, and currently teaches an early-morning Bible study for high school students at his church four days a week. He especially enjoys making lessons practical, engaging, and applicable to everyday life.
Together, Hunter and Jessica love camping, hiking, fishing, climbing, skiing, sports, cooking, traveling, and trying new things. They are excited to bring that same sense of faith, curiosity, adventure, and real-world learning into the classroom and are grateful for the opportunity to invest in Pro Education Academy students.
Lydia Holt | Self-Contained 3rd–5th Grade
Nurturing Teacher • Confidence Builder • Helping Every Child Thrive
Lydia has a deep love for teaching and a passion for helping children grow in both knowledge and confidence. With 14 years of teaching experience, she has worked with students across a variety of learning environments, including preschool and homeschool co-ops, and has homeschooled her own two children. Her background in early childhood development and experience with diverse student needs have shaped her patient, individualized approach to the classroom.
Before beginning her career in education, Lydia spent 10 years as a firefighter and EMT, working in a fire department, urgent care, and a hospital emergency room. Those experiences strengthened the compassion, patience, adaptability, and calm presence she now brings to her students each day.
Lydia’s faith in Christ is at the heart of the way she teaches. She strives to create a classroom where students feel known, encouraged, and capable—a place where they can build strong academic foundations, grow in confidence, and experience Christ’s love through the way they are taught and cared for.
Gwen Toliver | Music Teacher
Joyful Music Maker • Piano Mentor • Helping Little Hearts Find Their Song
With more than 30 years of music teaching experience, Gwen Toliver brings a lifelong love of music into the classroom. A pianist since the age of five, Gwen grew up playing in church and competitions before an inspiring college instructor helped turn her love of music into a lifelong calling. She went on to earn her degree in Piano Performance and has spent decades teaching private piano lessons and elementary music, while also having the joy of homeschooling her own children.
Gwen believes a great teacher can make all the difference, and she loves being that person for her students. Whether a child dreams of pursuing music professionally, using their gifts in ministry, or simply enjoying music for a lifetime, her goal is to help each student discover the joy and confidence that music can bring.
Gwen continues to teach private piano lessons in her own studio and especially loves helping children discover their God-given abilities and their own unique love for music.
Caitlin Rodgers | Media & Communications Coordinator
Creative Heart • Community Builder • Behind-the-Scenes Magic Maker
If there’s a photo, post, video, or heartfelt moment shared from Pro Education Academy, chances are Caitlin Rodgers had a hand in it. As the Media & Communications Coordinator, Caitlin brings stories to life—capturing student joy, managing the school’s online presence, designing graphics, and supporting school events and PTA projects with creativity and care.
With an AA in Business Management and Social Media Marketing, Caitlin combines skill with passion. From running the school website to highlighting milestones and managing behind-the-scenes projects, she serves wherever she's needed—with excellence and warmth.
Outside of school, Caitlin is a devoted wife, proud mom of two, animal lover, and co-owner of a family-run pool business. Her deep love for children and the mission behind Teena is evident in everything she does.