Our Staff

Founders: Wes White and Brandy White

Our inspiration for starting Oklahoma Premier Private School was to provide a learning environment where students benefit from hands-on teaching in a small class setting. By doing away with busywork and truly focusing on core concepts, teachers can care for each child as their own, ensuring no one falls through the cracks and all students maximize their potential.

Our hope for Oklahoma Premier Private School is that in addition to becoming fully educated at the highest level and ready to take their next steps academically, our students also understand there is so much more to being an adult than just a passing grade. We want students to leave knowing their worth, recognizing others around them, understanding respect, valuing hard work and having developed a plan for where they are headed next.

Brandy homeschooled their four children before starting Oklahoma Premier Private School and is extremely passionate about pouring into the development of all aspects of a child, mentoring them and maximizing their potential.

Brandy was one of the founders and directors of Camp 925 summer camps, Focus 27 summer camps and the Premier Youth Volleyball league serving over 1,000 players a year. She served as the Community Center Director at CrossPointe Church and is the Vice President and Coaching Director of OK Premier Volleyball.

Founders: Pete and Patty Mills

We started Oklahoma Premier Private School because we saw the need for a place where children could grow and learn using a hands-on approach. We wanted students to enjoy going to school and to remember what they learn. We believe small classes make all the difference. With this structure, school is more of a family environment, where students feel comfortable to ask questions. By asking questions, they are truly gaining understanding of what they are learning.

"goal is that students at Oklahoma Premier Private School take pride in everything they do and make a difference in the world. To us, making a difference means doing the little things that no one ever knows you do. We want all students to be happy with who they are without the need of recognition from others to make them feel complete.

Peter and Patty have two children and have been married for 32 years. They are two of the owners of Premier Sportsplex, which serves our community through sports and fitness. In addition, Peter serves as President and Director of OK Premier Volleyball. Patty serves as Secretary and Club Administrator of OK Premier Volleyball and one of the founders of Camp 925. Both play critical roles in growing many programs in our community!

Principal: Ms. Kim Cagle

Kim Cagle graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in Bible and Education in 1992. She has always loved working with children. Her first teaching position was at a private school in south Dallas. She has taught in schools in Texas and Oklahoma, as well as, in China, where her family lived for seven years. In addition, Kim has coached competitive gymnastics and taught varying ages of Sunday School at her church. For the past ten years she has served in her church youth group. In addition, Kim teaches at a summer camp for foster and adoptive at-risk teens. Kim is certified in Special Education by the State of Oklahoma. She most recently served as Dean of Students at Le Monde International School. Kim's joy is her family. She has nine children — four biological and five adopted — ranging in age from 17-29 years old, along with two 'bonus boys'. Kim homeschooled many of her kids for much of their education. Kim is also Gammy to 6 beautiful grandchildren ages 3 months- 7 years- 3 girls and 3 boys. Kim loves spending time with her family in any way; hanging out on her back patio, having cookouts, and playing games. Kim has a passion to see children of all ages grow to know they are loved and that they can succeed. She also has a desire to equip and support teachers to do the same.

Administrative Assistant: Ms. Marissa

Ms. Lemmert graduated from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to being OPPS's Administrative Assistant, she is the Director of our Mothers Day Out program. She is passionate about all Premier has to offer families in our community. She has also been a lead teacher in Camp 925, the director of our fall and spring break camps, and a teacher with OPPS. She has a love and passion for serving the needs of others. Anything you need to know about programs for your student she will be able to answer. She has played a primary role in all departments. She looks forward to serving Oklahoma Premier Private School!

Pre-K: Mrs. Andrea Chastain

Andrea Chastain is married to her husband, Clifford, and is a proud mom of three- Ali, Gracie, and Case. She’s been in the classroom on and off since 1996, taking time away to raise her children when they were young. Andrea spends her free time supporting her children in their endeavors and is a lover of animals. Andrea strives to set a solid foundation for education in her students, believes all students can be successful, and all children learn through play. Andrea has a love of early childhood education and has been teaching for over 15 years. She is also the the director of our summer camps and has directed our Mother's Day Out. She is a huge blessing to OPPS and makes life long connections with her families.

Kindergarten: Mrs. Helenschmidt

Ms. Amanda Helenschmidt originates from Texas and moved to Oklahoma ten years ago. After starting her family and raising her two girls, Scarlet and Saylor, she quickly fell in love with teaching the young mind. That soon turned into a passion for teaching other children. She comes to us with seven years of combined classroom experience between preschool, PreK, kindergarten and kindergarten Art. Coming from Shiloh Christian Academy, she has a background in Classical Christian education that she will be able to pour into our OPPS students. Amanda finds great joy in sharing the love of Christ to children of all ages.

1st/2nd: Mrs. Moore

Mrs. Jennifer Moore grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Carl Albert High School. She went on to attend St. Gregory’s University and received a degree in Biomedical Science. In addition to that she has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has taught in the public school system along with being a marriage and family therapist. She loves the classroom setting and being able to support and empower her students. Mrs. Moore is passionate about helping children become their best. A fun fact about her is that she played soccer from childhood through college and continues to coach. She has been married for almost 10 years and has 2 children. She loves being with family, traveling, being outdoors, and cooking.

3rd/4th grade: Ms. Craig

Ms. Gabby Craig was born and raised in Elk City, OK. She recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in English Literature. She realized she loved working with kids after spending 4 years at the Boys and Girls Club of Norman. She has taught 4th grade students for many of those years. Her experience in teaching multi-level grades and ability to maximize the potential of all students within her class makes her a perfect fit for the Lab School of Oklahoma. She has training in suicide prevention, conflict intervention, behavior management, parent communication, and loves to volunteer with Donate a Miracle LLS and work with the students of Elk City Public Schools. She sees the benefit of creating engaging, hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy. She believes that learning should be fun, even when it’s challenging. Her personal walk with Christ also makes her a great mentor for our students. In her free time, Gabby loves reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family, including her three dogs: Gromit, Chili, and Palmer.

5th grade: Mrs. Bren Petroski

Bren is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Technology emphasizing in cardiac rehabilitation while competing as a collegiate track and field shot put and discus thrower. Having been an athlete since she could walk, as well as a daughter to two lifelong teachers and coaches, her love for education and sports were ingrained within her. In her early career, Bren worked for the YMCA in various capacities: Coordinator, Instructor, Personal Trainer, as well as, developed and directed a Cardiac Rehabilitation program maintaining more than 100 senior citizens. She has taught children’s Sunday School for more than 16 years, directed various levels of AWANA for more than 15 years and coached the past three years at Norman High School as the Throws Coach. This is her 2nd year teaching with OPPS.

She has been married for more than 23 years to her husband, Tom. They met on a blind date in 1999 and have not looked back since. Bren and Tom have three children.

6th grade: Mr. Carr

Mr. Carr grew up as a military kid. His mothers service landed them both in Lawton as their final destination. He graduated from Lawton Christian High School on the Dean's Honor Roll, Presidential Honor Roll, as a state champion in basketball and state runner-up in cross country. He then moved on to graduate from Cameron University with his Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science and Digital Graphic Design from Great Plains Technology Center. He quickly became passionate about teaching and sharing the love of Christ. He has taught in the Cache Public School, Geronimo High School and has served on the Baptist Collegiate Ministries team, Lawtons First Assembly high school lead team, Coached U10 & U12 basketball, and worked in veteran affairs. He is excited to be at OPPS.

Upper JR High Humanities, JR and SR High Bible: Mr. Demarchi

Mr. Demarchi has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Excelsior College in Albany, New York and a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California. His religious instruction includes a degree from a non-accredited theological seminary. His teaching certificate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education accredits him to teach American History, Economics, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, U.S. Government, and World History to students in grades 5-12, and his experience includes two years at a private parochial school and 13 years at a public charter school.
Mr. Demarchi spent 28 years of active service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard included four years of service afloat on four different ships and eight years of service ashore in Southeast Asia, the Arctic and Alaska, and the Middle East. His travels have taken him to every continent except Antarctica and South America.

His classroom experience includes developing curriculum using the system known as Understanding by Design, assessing student performance using the system known as Standards Based Grading, and teaching literacy to students struggling with the English language using the system known as Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol. His approach to teaching is to inspire students to want to come to class and to want to learn rather than come to class and listen to a boring adult. In other words, instill in them the belief that learning is a lifelong positive experience rather than drudgery to be tolerated.
His professional development has included travels to Israel, Germany, and Poland with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to learn about the effects of World War Two, travels to Greece and Turkey with the Biblical Archaeological Society to learn about the actions of the Apostles, travels to Spain with the National Geographic Society to learn about the Camino de Santiago, and travels to New Mexico with Dar al Islam to learn about Islam and Muslims.

Upper JR and SR High Science and Math: Mr. Carr

Mr. Carr will be teaching Physical Science, Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 1, and Advanced Math.
He holds a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Central Oklahoma. With over 30 years of experience in Information Technology, he has made a significant transition to Christian education. For five years, he was fortunate to teach various math and science classes at Christian schools, an experience he deeply cherishes. He is happily married and has two daughters, one of whom is a student right here at OPPS! In his spare time, he enjoys family activities, reading, biking, hiking, and music. Feel free to ask him about DCI—I'm always excited to share! Most importantly, he is a Christ follower, striving to seek His will every day. He is incredibly excited to return to the classroom and explore God's creation through the disciplines of math and science with your kiddos.

Upper JR and SR High Science and Math: Mrs. Kelly Roberts

Mrs. Roberts is in her 12th year of teaching. Nine of those years have been in private schools. Mrs. Roberts has a Bachelor's Degree in Education and an Associate Degree in Psychology, along with advanced education in both math and science. Outside of school Mrs.Roberts is married to our very own Mr. Roberts and has two sons, one of which has graduated from college with a Bachelor's Degree in English. When not teaching Mrs. Roberts enjoys baking, reading, traveling and decorating those amazing cakes she bakes!

JH Math and SR High Humanities and Language: Mrs. Heidi

Mrs. Heidi Cantrell has taught Honors and American History in the Moore Public Schools. After 22 years in banking and business careers, she had a change of heart and decided to become a teacher! She is currently finishing up her Master of Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. In addition to that, she holds a Master of Human Resources degree from East Central University and a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University. When not teaching, she is raising her four kids, Zoe 20, Andrew 11, AJ 8 and Essie 5. She is a proud adoptive mom and wife of 15 years to Mr. Chase Cantrell. Their family has attended Victory Family Church in Norman for eight years. Heidi serves as a team lead in preschool ministry and teaches the 2–3-year-old class. This summer, she and her son Andrew are planning to learn to play disc golf.

JH Humanities, Latin and SR Cap Stone: Mrs. Hellmuth

Mrs. Kelly Hellmuth developed a passion for Latin while homeschooling her own children. For five years she instructed students in classes and equipped parents to continue the development of Latin skills at the middle and high school level. Mrs. Hellmuth firmly believes that through the study of the root language, students can learn more about their own language and what is going on in the world around them. She loves the creativity of The Lab School and looks forward to integrating a largely academic language in a new and exciting way.

In addition to Latin, Mrs. Hellmuth has a passion for understanding the Bible. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry from LeTourneau University, a Biblical Studies-Based Degree with an inclusion of youth sociology and psychology.

By combining this with her experience in classical education, Mrs. Hellmuth looks forward to leading thoughtful discussions about events that happen throughout the Biblical narrative, but also unpacking the ways for students to apply them to their lives today.
When not delving into academic pursuits, Mrs. Hellmuth loves all things artistic. Music, painting, pottery...she loves to dabble in all of it. Her first artistic love, however, is writing fiction. She loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story, whether she's writing it or reading it.

Speciality teachers:

High School Choir: Mr. Randy Presley

Mr. Randy Presley was raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He graduated from Stillwater High School in 1976 and then attended Oklahoma Baptist University for his first year of college. He later transferred to Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1981. He is married to Kathy Presley, Lab School’s lower elementary music teacher. They have 12 children. Mr. Presley has been a worship pastor since 1977, serving churches in Anadarko, Sallisaw, Stillwater and Cleveland, Oklahoma. Currently, Mr. Presley serves as worship pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, Oklahoma. He has served in this position since 1995.

Elementary Music: Mrs. Kathy Presley

Kathy Presley has taught children in a choir setting for more than 30 years for the love of both children and music. Believing that music is a gift from God to teach almost anything, she also sees it as a powerful way to connect and simply have fun. Kathy and her husband of 37 years have 12 children — two bio and 10 adopted. They have served in ministry together their entire marriage. They both are on staff at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman. Randy is on staff as a worship pastor and Kathy as their Children’s Director.

Physical Education: Coach Angela Madory

Coach Angela Madory has always been a lover of physical fitness. She taught PE at CCS and coached soccer and volleyball. She holds state titles in both of these sports. She believes in creating unique opportunities for students to be active and learn the love of play. Utilizing sports, games and team building opportunities your students will not want to leave this class. Coach Madory has 3 children of her own and coaches special olympic powerlifting. Her oldest daughter Madi "Maddog" just recently brought home 4 medals at the USA games. Jentrie and Lonnie are very successful in their college endeavors and she could not be more proud of them. Coach Madory looks forward to being apart of our OPPS family.

Band and Strings: Mrs. Engles

Guitar: Mr. Baker

Art and Home Economics: Mrs. Brandi Carroll

Mrs. Carroll graduated with her teaching degree in Family and Consumer Sciences at UCO in 2005. She is so excited to be teaching Art at Lab School. She loves to make learning fun and exciting. The things she loves the most is spending time with family. She has been married 17 years and has 2 amazing children.