Kim Nielsen
Mrs. Nielsen served as the founding headmaster of Charis Classical Academy and is currently the Curriculum/Teacher Development Coach. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Northern Iowa and her Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies at University of Iowa. She practiced for a number of years before accepting faculty positions at two different PA programs, where she realized her true love of teaching. After being introduced to classical education and the university model, she and her husband helped found Oak Grove Classical Academy in Albuquerque, NM. In 2010, they moved to Madison with their four children to plant The Vine Church. Kim’s passion for education, for seeing the gospel displayed in every aspect of life, and for her own family came together once again in the birth of CCA. She loves spending time with her husband and four kids, investing in their church community, reading, gardening, and re-purposing furniture (nothing better than seeing something old revitalized!).
Jay & Katie Tuck
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Jay and Katie met in their hometown of Rockford, IL when they both became involved with a college/career ministry inspired by Passion conferences. Katie had recently returned from Biola University and Jay graduated from Vanderbilt University. After a whirlwind romance they were married and headed off to Chicago where Jay began medical school.
Almost 15 years, 4 cities, 3 kids, and 2 dogs later, the Tucks have settled in the Madison area where Jay works as a Pulmonologist & Intensivist at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. Jay and Katie are members at Red Village Church where Jay has served as an elder. Jay also enjoys reading, jogging, biking and nature hikes with his family. Katie enjoys spending time outside with her family, discipleship, reading, running, and the arts.
The Tucks became interested in classical education before they even had children when they read Dorothy Sayers’ essay, “The Lost Tools of Learning.” They are excited about being a part of Charis Classical Academy.
David Gennrich
Dave graduated from UW-Madison and currently works as a Mechanical Engineer and project manager for Delve, a product design consulting firm. He has designed over 30 products ranging from medical equipment, to motorcycle wheels.
Dave and his wife Lindsey were married in 2007, and now live in Fitchburg. They enjoy camping, softball, biking, gardening and spending time with their extended family. Their 3 daughters attend Charis Classical Academy. Their oldest daughter Lily is now in 7th grade, Sophie is in 4th grade, and Abby will be entering kindergarten this year. They were initially attracted to the Classical approach and the way that learning points to Christ.
The network of inspirational people at Charis, and the excellent teachers have been a blessing to them as a family. Dave is excited to be a part of the Christian classical education movement.
David Berner
Dave and his wife Bonnie have grandchildren who attend Charis Classical Academy, and he wants you all to know he considers serving as a Board member an honor and privilege. He desires to do all he can to support the parents, headmaster, teachers and staff of the Charis community, and mission of classical Christian education.
Dave and Bonnie have been married for forty-three years, have three adult children who have blessed them with fourteen grandchildren. All reside in the Madison/Dane County area. Their one step-grandson is with the Lord. Scot and Laura Berner’s four children, Eli, Noah, Matthew, and Emma all attend Charis.
Dave is a graduate of UW-Lacrosse, and has over forty-three years of experience in serving Wisconsin municipal governments. He served as the mayor in his hometown of Rice Lake and as manager/administrator in the Town of Menasha and cities of Tomah, Monona, and Platteville. He retired from full-time public service as the City Manager for the City of Platteville in 2011. He has been actively consulting for municipalities since 2011 primarily serving as interim manager/administrator and as a recruiter. He has served on numerous public and non-profit boards and committees.
Dave has served as an Elder for over fifteen years with Monona Oaks Community Church recently completing his last term in December of 2021 and has been part of the leadership that has cultivated a partnership with Charis since it began in 2012.
Will Click
Will graduated from Wheaton College in 2006 and works in financial services. His day to day consists of meeting with financial professionals, consulting on institutional investment management, and presenting current macro economic trends and outlooks.
He and his wife Janet have four children: Wyatt, Owen, Lucy, and Ruth. The family moved to the Madison area in the summer of 2019. All school age children attend Charis Classical Academy.
Will and Janet are passionate about the integration of faith in learning and the implementation of classical education as foundational to childhood development.
When not working, you can probably find Will at their local church (Red Village Church), cheering for his kids in their ever increasing sporting events, in a deer stand, or on the golf course.
Michelle Culley
Michelle and her husband, John, moved to Sun Prairie in 2010. They are Kansas natives, having met at Kansas State University in 2002. Their three children attend Charis- Shannon, Peter, and Erin. Michelle has a passion for Christ centered classical education and what is good, true, and beautiful. She and her family are so grateful for the Charis community!
Michelle and John actively serve in their church (Providence OPC) where John is an Elder and Michelle leads women’s ministries. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, decorating cookies, going for walks, and drinking chai tea lattes.
