The quality of teaching is vital to the success of The Academy. All classes are taught by clergy, experienced professionals, or well-qualified lay people.
Rev. Jennifer Arnold
Rev. Jennifer Arnold, is a Licensed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church with a degree in elementary education and over ten years experience as an elementary school teacher. She served as the Director of the Nursery program at St. Andrew for eight years and was instrumental in founding the Gary’s Angels Ministry for children with special needs at our church. She has also received training in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.
Laura Atterstrom, M.A., LPC, LMFT
Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years experience in counseling, consulting, coaching, educating and training. Laura holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from St. Mary’s University and B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas.
Bill Brewer
Bill Brewer is Director of the St. Andrew Crown Financial, Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University, CareerCare, and FinanceCare Ministries. He is a retired Financial Advisor, Certified Crown Budget counselor, St. Andrew Stephen Minister, and Seekers Sunday school member. He and his wife Debbie lead Bible studies and workshops. Bill also often speaks to church groups.
Rev. Janet Collinsworth
Rev. Janet Collinsworth is a Certified Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church and is working on a Masters of Theology at SMU Perkins Seminary. Janet works part-time in St. Andrew Missions, and her love for history and theology makes her a natural teacher in The Academy.
Frankey Commer
Frankey Commer is one of the most beloved teachers at St. Andrew. She has been part of The Academy from the beginning and all of her classes have been well attended. Frankey is a long-time member of St. Andrew and the United Methodist Church, as her husband was a UMC pastor.
Rev. Jay Cousino
Rev. Jay Cousino is the Youth Pastor, and has been at St. Andrew for seven years. He calls St. Andrew his extended family. Jay is passionate about students getting real in their walk with Christ, while being steeped in a community of believers that truly loves one another. Rev. Cousino received his Masters of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary and is currently a Provisional Elder of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Edlen Cowley
Rev. Edlen Cowley is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Prior to coming to St. Andrew, Rev. Cowley served on the staff of St. Luke "Community" UMC, led a conference initiative and was the founding pastor of The Foundry Church of the North Texas Conference. He last served as Senior Pastor of Owenwood UMC before coming to St. Andrew. He received his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Dallas, and his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has done further work on new church development in The Fitzgerald Academy, and he currently teaches the United Methodist School of Congregational Development.
Vicky Dearing
Vicky Dearing is a life-long United Methodist, a professional educator and a credentialed coach through the International Coach Federation. She is a former principal and Senior Vice President of Training and Implementation for a national education company. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Coaching For Results, Inc. Vicky holds a Masters of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University. She has been a member of The Academy faculty for the past three years.
Dr. Scott Engle
Scott Engle is St. Andrew's Teaching Pastor. Scott preaches in the 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary service each Sunday and has been a regular teacher in The Academy. Since the Bible Academy’s inception in 2001 more than 2000 adults have enrolled in Scott’s Academy classes, in addition to the 150 members of his Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. class. Scott also writes the weekly Bible studies that are part of the worship bulletins each Sunday. Scott holds an MBA from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.
Bob Pannell
Bob Pannell has researched, developed, and presented original Bible-based Sunday School lessons to adult audiences for over 40 years. During the early years of St. Andrew, Bob was known in the Sunday School program as the 'utility teacher' available on any Sunday to substitute when a teacher was needed for various classes. For nine years he taught exclusively in the St. Andrew Joy Class, and teaches a series every fall for this class. He is a charter member of that class and St. Andrew.
Eric Roberson
Eric Roberson has been a frequent teacher in The Academy and thoughout St. Andrew. A trial lawyer by profession, Eric has completed a year of seminary at TCU's Brite Divinity School and is currently Chair of St. Andrew's Discipleship Committee.
Rev. Steve Robertson
Steve Robertson, the Executive Pastor at St. Andrew, is a native of Dallas, graduating from Dallas Sunset High School. His undergraduate degree was earned at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He received his seminary education from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. Prior to his appointment to St. Andrew, Steve was the Senior Pastor at Floral Heights UMC in Wichita Falls, Texas. Before going to Floral Heights, Steve was the Executive Pastor at University Park UMC in Dallas for seven years. Steve has also served as Senior Pastor at Wesley UMC in Wichita Falls and First UMC in Forney, Texas.
