Kirsten (Rodgers) Mount is a Trinity alumna and former Trinity math teacher. Kirsten graduated from Trinity in 2006, though back then she was Kirsten Rodgers, and went on to earn a mathematics degree from Grove City College. After graduating, she spent time teaching in Asia and then earned her master's in education from Indiana Wesleyan University. After she got her master’s degree, she returned to Trinity as a math teacher from 2015 to 2018. She is now married, has three beautiful children, and lives locally. Most recently, she started her own company called Creative Prayer Collaborative. In this episode, she talks about her experience at Trinity as both a student and a teacher, how her experiences helped to mold her into the woman she is today, her particular passion for prayer, and her new business! 

In this special episode of "Mind and Heart," we sit down with Head of School Dr. Thomas as he both reflects on his time so far at Trinity and looks forward with great hope and excitement to what's to come!

We sit down with Pastor Garrett Kell from Del Ray Baptist Church. Over the past few months, Pastor Kell and his family have walked through significant hardship. He has shared about that openly with the Trinity community, even sharing with our students in Upper School Chapel. In this episode, he talks with us about what he and his family have experienced in this season, how he has seen the hand of God through it all, and how we as Christians can have hope and faith even as we walk through great trials.

In today's episode, Trinity Chaplain David Stephenson sits down with a mental health panel to discuss issues specific to high school-age students. He is joined by Leecie Brown, a licensed clinical social worker and TCS parent;  our own Peter Schnuda, TCS Dean of Campus Life, sixth-grade teacher; and TCS parent, and Kelly Stephenson, a licensed professional counselor. 

We sit down with Upper School Christian studies teacher Miss Hawraa Salama. Hawraa is new to Trinity this year and is teaching Christian Ethics to eleventh-grade students. In this episode she discusses imparting biblical truth and wisdom to students, the unique challenges these students face, and the true value of Christian education. As someone who grew up in Palestine, she also educates us about what makes Christianity unique from other religions like Islam and discusses how to best approach faith conversations with people of other faith backgrounds.

We sit down with the lovely Mrs. Beth Thomas, wife of our new Head of School, Dr. Matt Thomas, and mother to their three beautiful daughters. Having served as an English teacher in a private school for 15 years, and as a mother to three girls, Beth is passionate about providing spiritual mentorship for girls, young women, and young married couples. Listen in as we get to know Beth better, discussing books, marriage, and our true identity as women of God. 

This is a special, short episode featuring a clip from a speech that was given at this year's annual Trinity Classic by Trinity parent and board member, Kristen Short. She shares her own experience as a parent and points to the impact a Trinity education can have on the lives of students, an education that many would not be able to afford without gifts to our annual fund from generous people like you. Enjoy!

We sit down with former Trinity nurse Gayle Fuller. Having been part of our school community for over 20 years as both a staff member and a parent, Gayle developed quite the reputation for hospitality, hosting constant gatherings in her home, making people feel welcome with her warmth, and now even writing a book on the subject. Today, she will talk to us about what it truly means to be hospitable, and the Christian calling to love one another well. Gayle, thank you so much for joining us today.

We sit down with Mrs. Caroline Guirgis as she shares the story of her late brother and his recovery from drug addiction. Because September is National Recovery Month, Caroline talks with us about that story, common misunderstandings about addiction, and how, as Christians, we can help those who are struggling.  

We sit down with Trinity’s new Head of School, Dr. Matt Thomas as he answers our most pressing questions about his new leadership position and vision for Trinity. We also ask him some fun, get-to-know-you questions! 

We sit down with Trinity graduate and former Head Girl, Christine Sinn. Christine is a leader amongst her peers, both formally and informally, and in this episode, she talks to us about what it means to live a life of Christian service and the important role that service plays in leadership. 

In this episode, we sit down with TCS senior Eliott Renenger, who has undergone more challenges in his young life than many people will experience in their lifetime. But through it, he has earned a true heart of courage. Listen as he talks to us about his experience and how the Lord has taught him to live courageously, trusting not in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. 
(TW: medical trauma) 

We are returning to our special "Wisdom from a Grad" summer series! In this episode, we are talking about Trinity's core value of truth with two very special guests: father-daughter duo, Jamison and Jianna Coppola. The Coppolas are a Trinity family, and they talk to us about standing firm in truth, leading in truth, and raising children to love and seek truth. 

We sit down with safety expert and Trinity parent, Duncan Lingle,  as he educates us about personal safety, particularly regarding safety on college campuses. 

TW: mentions of sexual assault and mental health

 We sit down with Cara de Gastyne, wife of one of our beloved Christian studies teachers, Mr. Aaron de Gastyne, as she talks to us about her experience as a child being removed from her home and how the church stepped up in a big way to help raise her and her siblings.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Miller, TCS parent and Regional Initiatives Coordinator at Young Life. With over 20 years of experience in youth ministry, Mike talks to us about the unique spiritual challenges facing today's youth and how we can successfully communicate with them about the God who created them and loves them. 

In this second and final installment of our “Ask Dr. Vanderpoel” series, Dr. Vanderpoel continues to answer listener-submitted questions! From questions about his personal life to life advice, Dr. Vanderpoel delights and intrigues through both his wit and his wisdom. Enjoy! 

In this special episode, we sit down with our beloved Head of School Dr. Vanderpoel, who will retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. We reached out to our community to see what questions you had for him, and you did not disappoint! From questions about his personal life to life advice, Dr. Vanderpoel delights and intrigues through both his wit and his wisdom. Enjoy! 

We sit down with TCS alumna Lauren Allen ‘21 as she shares about her experience serving in Africa this past summer, what it taught her about missional living, and how we as Christians can all live missionally wherever we find ourselves.  

We sit down with Trinity parent and Founder and Lifestyle Mentor at Life Unburdened LLC, Michelle Konson. As both a Christian and professional organizer, Michelle finds deep meaning and value in helping others to live unburdened by clutter, both in their homes and in their hearts. In this episode, she teaches us about what it means to live unburdened, gives us practical lifestyle tips, and helps us to understand the power of letting go.   

We sit down with Trinity's Director of Counseling, Nancy Linton, and Trinity Upper School Counselor Ellen Hilliard to discuss the social and emotional challenges students are facing today, common stereotypes and misinformation regarding mental health, and what parents need to know. As Christians and licensed, professional counselors with years of experience working with students, Nancy and Ellen offer expert wisdom on this pressing issue from both a psychological and spiritual perspective. 

We sit down with Trinity's Head Boy Jonathan Meeker and Head Girl Christine Sinn. As seniors and leaders of the school, the two share their insights into what it means to be a leader and how they strive to use their influence for the good of the community. Fueled by a love for their fellow students and a desire to serve others, Christine and Jonathan strive to emulate Christ in their roles. These students are truly wise beyond their years, and offer excellent advice for students and adults alike about leading others well.

We sit down with scientist, entrepreneur, professor, speaker, and published author, Dr. Caroline Crocker as she discusses what makes her so passionate about the natural world, what it can reveal to us about God, and her experience with the intersection between science and faith. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to stay curious and fearlessly seek truth from a place of security in Jesus’ arms.

We sit down with TCS alumna, Grace Whitaker. Grace graduated from Trinity in 2021and finished her first year at the University of Virginia this spring. In this light-hearted yet insightful episode, Grace shares with us some wisdom about transitioning from high school to college and remaining faithful as a Christian in a secular environment.  

We sit down with TCS graduating senior David crouch. Like all our Upper School students, David is required to complete 40 hours of community service per year. While these service hours are commendable, it is his seemingly natural heart for service toward his peers and community in his everyday life that make him stand out from the crowd. Those who know David describe him as a humble, yet strong leader amongst his peers who emulates servant leadership from a quiet confidence, often serving behind the scenes and seldom taking the spotlight. In this episode, David talks to us about what it means to have a heart of service and why it is so important to serve those around us as Christians.