Founder and Teacher

MATTHEW STEPHENS
Matthew Stephens is the author and teacher of Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University with emphasis in Middle School and High School English. Matthew taught in public education before founding Essentials in Writing and is a certified teacher. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and is known for his animated and energetic teaching style. Stephens also earned a Master of Education (Administration) at William Woods University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Texas State University. He is the founder and director of South Austin Academy of Vocal Arts in Austin, Texas conducting three choirs for all ages. The academy serves private and homeschool students in the Austin area. Stephens and his wife, Jenny, have three children ages 23, 20, and 17.
Operations

Chris Mendez
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Jenny Stephens
OPERATIONS
Tina Evans
Project CoordinatorCustomer Service

Heather Baronet
HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
Hannah Blackwell
DISTRIBUTOR/CHARTER SCHOOL REP
Randa Jordan
Senior Customer Service Rep
Karissa Lund
Customer ServiceCurriculum Development

Stacy Prewett
HEAD OF EDUCATION & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Athena Lester
HEAD OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND SCORING
Erika Larkin
Curriculum Editor and Scoring Service
Cassie Hein
Curriculum Team Member and Scoring ServiceProduction

Boston Stephens
VIDEO EDITING AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE
Katie Carico
GRAPHIC DESIGNTeachers

Mary McGee
Elementary Writing Specialist
Dianna Locke
ONLINE TEACHER & SCORING SERVICE
Jolie Washam
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Tracie Joiner
STUDENT PLACEMENT
Spencer Beard
Teaching Assistant & Scoring ServiceParent-to-Parent Support

Katie Gibbons
HOMESCHOOL ADVISORScorers

Danielle Nettleton
SCORING SERVICE
Dr. Gregory Carter
Scoring Service
Pam Savage
Scoring Service
Abigail Conrad
Scoring Service
Alyssa Bennett
Scoring Service
Cole Stoecker
Scoring Service
Samantha Melton
Scoring Service
Tessa Mathews
Scoring Service
Allison Maddox
SCORING SERVICE
Alysia Kinney
SCORING SERVICES
Lindsay Recar
SCORING SERVICEConvention Representative
