REBEKAH SHAFFER
Lower School Principal / Kindergarten Teacher
Rebekah Shaffer is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Mrs. Shaffer taught school for four years before deciding to stay home with her two children, Grace and Luke. After her children enrolled in Covenant School, she began working as a substitute teacher, art teacher, and full time first grade aide. Rebekah’s husband, Jeremy, is the executive pastor at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church.
DEIDE MCCOMAS
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
Although Deide McComas is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a young girl her family moved to Barboursville. In 1992, the year after she married her husband, Kevin McComas, they moved to Columbus, Ohio. After their twins, Jake and Maddie, enrolled in Brice Christian Academy, she began working as an aide there—preparing her for her current position. In 2005, the McComases returned to West Virginia, where she homeschooled Jake and Maddie until their graduation in 2016. Mrs. McComas is also co-director of the children’s ministry at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church.
MINDY STANLEY
First Grade Teacher
Mindy Stanley has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and B.A. in Elementary Education from Marshall University. She began teaching in 1975, and came to Covenant when it first opened in 1995. She and her husband, Rocky, attend Redemption Church in Huntington. Together they have two sons and two grandchildren. Mrs. Stanley’s goals for her classroom include instilling a love of learning, shepherding children’s hearts, and infusing a love for—and awareness of—Christ in all areas of life. Mrs. Stanley is convinced that educating these students is “educating for eternity.”
KATIE ROBERTS
First Grade Teaching Assistant
Katie Roberts graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Special Education as well as some graduate studies in teaching students with learning disabilities. After three years teaching in public schools, she started two small local businesses: The Clutter Busters and an art and handcrafted jewelry business. For the past several years, she has been dedicated to motherhood and helping her husband, Chris, with the campus ministry, Herd4Christ. The Roberts and their two sons worship and serve with the 26th Street Church of Christ in Huntington.
SUSAN BROOKS
Second Grade Teacher
Mrs. Brooks has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Marshall University. Prior to Covenant, she spent six years teaching at Our Lady of Fatima Parish School. Mrs. Brooks lives in Huntington with her husband, Mark. She has three children and two step-children: Hunter, Grant, Laura, Marisa, and Matt. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking with her husband, long walks, singing, reading, supper club, traveling, decorating, and going to Marshall football and basketball games.
ABIGAIL RAY
Third Grade Teacher
Abigail Ray graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Prior to Covenant School, she worked for Cabell County Schools, First Baptist Academy in Hurricane, and at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church. She loves Covenant because of its close community. Mrs. Ray and her husband, Austin, attend Lewis Memorial Baptist Church.
LEIGH BUCKLAD
Fourth Grade Teacher
Leigh Bucklad graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Over the years, she’s taught a variety of different grade levels, including pre-kindergarten, first, second and fifth grades. She loves teaching and creatively engaging students with the curriculum and seeing them grow during the school year. Leigh’s husband, Brad, has been the Area Director for Young Life in Huntington since 2013. They have three children, all of whom attend Covenant School.
BETH BUTCHER
Fifth Grade Teacher
Beth Butcher has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Marshall University. Before Covenant, she taught in the Rock Hill Local School District. Mrs. Butcher enjoys spending time with her husband, Kyle, and their four children. She is thankful for the opportunity to shape minds and hearts every day. Mrs. Butcher enjoys reading, traveling, arts and crafts, and singing in the praise team at her church, First Baptist Church of Kenova.
SHEREE YEAGER
Sixth Grade Teacher
Sheree Yeager is a licensed professional counselor, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling from Marshall University. Prior to teaching, her work focused on counseling women, children, and families experiencing emotional and physical abuse. God led her to Covenant as a parent and eventually opened the door for her to teach. Mrs. Yeager enjoys exploring new concepts and watching students’ critical thinking skills expand, while participating in the formation of students toward bible truth and a love for others. She lives in Huntington with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Emma and Eli.
SARAH LAFFERTY
Lower School Music & Fine Arts Teacher
Sarah Lafferty has a B.A. in Music Education from Morehead State University. She taught fourth grade at Covenant for seven years, and has spent more than ten years working with Chesapeake High School’s Marching Band. She and her husband, Heath, serve in the worship team of The Crossing Baptist Church. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to and make music, and spend time with her family and friends.
STEPHANIE DAY
Lower School Latin Teacher
Mrs. Day has bachelor’s degrees in Latin and Humanities with an emphasis in Classical Studies from Marshall University, where she also minored in Ancient Greek. Her experience includes teaching in the Classics department at Marshall, teaching Latin and Language Arts at the Academy of Huntington, and teaching Lower School Latin at Covenant from 2009-2011, leaving when her second child, Millie, was born. Mrs. Day lives in Huntington with her husband, James, and their two daughters, Penelope and Millie. In her free time, she likes to sing, play piano, cook, bake, and spend time with her family. She is very involved in her church, Christ Temple Church, where she sings in the choir and praise team.