Armis Teachers

Mrs. Olivia Rhodes

Mrs. Olivia Rhodes is our 1st/2nd grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Reinhardt University. Before completing her degree, she gained valuable experience working with children at the Boys and Girls Club and later student-taught at Hill City Elementary School. Mrs. Rhodes began her teaching career at Hill City, where she taught 3rd grade for two years across all subjects. Most recently, she participated in the Growing Readers cohort—a statewide initiative focused on evidence-based reading instruction.
In March, Mrs. Rhodes became a mother and felt called to spend more time at home with her son. This led her to Armis, where she is excited to continue her passion for teaching in a Christ-centered environment. She’s grateful for the opportunity to help young learners grow both academically and spiritually. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Rhodes enjoys leading worship and serving at Woodstock Church Jasper, spending time with her husband and son, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves! 

Mrs. McKenzi Fenn

Mrs. Fenn is our 3rd and 4th grade teacher. She graduated Cum Laude with Honors in Education from Anderson University in Indiana. She has a Masters of Music Education degree and more than twenty years of teaching experience. Additionally, she has been homeschooling her own children since 2013. She resides in Jasper with her husband and six children. Her passion for making learning fun keeps her students engaged! She loves the Lord and wants to continually point her students at Armis to Christ and the good news of the gospel.

Mrs. Marlou Kapelet

Mrs. Marlou Kapelet, our 9th grade science teacher, began teaching in 1986. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Florida Bible College. Over the years, she has taught in Christian schools and public schools. She also has experience working with special education. In 2018, Mrs. Kapelet published her children’s book A Pony, a Promise, and a Prayer to help children understand the valuable lesson of trusting God and the rewards of being obedient. Mrs. Kapelet is married to Mark, and they have two boys, Christopher and Stephen. She loves horses and crafting. She is the Children’s Director at Cool Springs Baptist Church in Tate and has been faithfully praying for Armis since last summer.

Mr. David Trimble

David Trimble joins Armis as the high school History, Bible, and Logic teacher. Mr. Trimble has a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music from the University of the Cumberlands and a Masters of Religious Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mr. Trimble recently retired from full-time ministry having served as a pastor in two churches over 43 years in Northern Indiana. He and his wife, Barb, moved to Jasper to be close to their daughters & families in Kennesaw. They attend Woodstock Church Jasper where they serve as small group leaders. Here, they heard about John and Paula Carpenter’s passion for Armis. Mr. Trimble loves to teach God’s Word and mentor young believers, so when Paula asked him to consider helping teach, he and Barb began praying about God’s direction. He believes the Lord is directing him to teach at Armis! Mr. Trimble is excited to see what the Lord is going to do with Armis Christian Academy.

Mrs. Paula Carpenter

Mrs. Paula Carpenter will be teaching high school English as well as serving as the director of Armis Christian Academy. She is overwhelmed with God’s goodness as He has faithfully blessed Armis with a location, amazing teachers, and a committed Board of Directors. Mrs. Carpenter has been teaching for more than 30 years. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in philosophy from Centre College and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Chapman University. Among several academic jobs, she has served as a Site Director for Vincennes University’s military education program in San Diego, Director of Curriculum Development for Florida Community College at Jacksonville, college instructor, and high school English teacher. Recently, she authored a girls’ Bible study, Who Do You Want to Be? Growing Your Character in Harmony with God’s Desire for You. Mrs. Carpenter serves in the Student Ministry at Woodstock Church Jasper where she attends church with her husband and daughters.

Mrs. Becky Cantrell

Mrs. Becky Cantrell is our 7th/8th grade science teacher. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Kennesaw State University. She spent over a decade in applied research, including roles as a scientific data analyst at the CDC and in a senior statistical role supporting Phase II clinical trials at AbbVie. Her analytical work has been published in respected peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University Press, and the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences.

In recent years, Becky co-founded a family business with her mother and sister, which has allowed her to remain active in both entrepreneurship and education while being present with her young children. She has spent the last 2.5 years homeschooling her daughter in an accelerated, STEM-enriched program, blending classical instruction with hands-on exploration and faith-based learning. Becky is passionate about helping students develop scientific curiosity, logical reasoning, and a strong foundation rooted in biblical truth.
 
She is honored to be part of the Armis Christian Academy team and looks forward to supporting its mission of academic excellence grounded in Christ. Her daughter is also excited to begin her first year as a student at Armis this fall, making it a special season for the entire family.