Amy Darpel is a lifelong Northern Kentuckian. She graduated from Villa Madonna Academy and pursued degrees at Thomas More College. She has spent her entire teaching career advocating for gifted students and working with students who struggle with Executive Functioning Disorder. Amy has had various roles at Covington Latin School, including admissions, marketing, Executive Director of ExploreMore!, Dean of Studies, and Director for Advancement.
Mrs. Darpel is married to her high school sweetheart and has three children and one grandchild. Her son, Jake, attended CLS and graduated in 2016.
Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.
- Einstein
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Samantha Darpel grew up in Northern Kentucky and attended Notre Dame Academy and Thomas More University, where she majored in Communications, English, and Theater. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands. Samantha has served as CLS's Theater Director for many years, using her vast experience from high school and college productions. In addition to theater, Samantha teaches English, Speech, and Film. She has served as the Director of ExploreMore! and Camp Invention summer programs.
Ms. Darpel is married to her college sweetheart and has one son, Edwin, and a dog, Clyde.
Alexandra McIntosh is a writer and teacher living in Kentucky, her favorite place in the world. Her debut collection of poetry, Bowlfuls of Blue, was published by Assure Press in 2021. Her background is varied—she received her B.A. in Adventure Leadership from Asbury University in a program that used outdoor activities (backpacking, rock-climbing, and canoeing) as the basis for theoretical discussions about nontraditional education; her M.A. is in English from Northern Kentucky University, where her thesis focused on women writing about nature; and she earned an MFA in Poetry from Miami University. Some of Alexandra's favorite writers include Wendell Berry, Jorrie Graham, Christian Wiman, Elena Ferrante, and Thomas Merton; she especially likes books contemplating the natural world and our place in it. Alexandra serves on the Board of the Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy, planning and hosting events at the Harlan Hubbard Studio and Nature Preserve and overseeing the Hubbard Artist-in-Residence program in conjunction with the Behringer-Crawford Museum.
Randy Dennis was named the 16th Head of School of Covington Latin School on May 15, 2025. Mr. Dennis has spent his entire professional career in education. Prior to serving as the Head of School of Covington Latin, Randy served as the Principal of St. Lawrence School (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) and St. Mary School (Aurora, Indiana). During that time, he was instrumental in the successful merger of the two schools, all while increasing the enrollment. Prior to serving as a Principal, Randy spent 17 years in the classroom teaching history at South Dearborn Community Schools. During that time, he was involved in coaching football and basketball, sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society, coaching Academic Teams, and serving as an Instructional Leader. Randy also worked with gifted students during the summer to facilitate year-round learning.
Mr. Dennis earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University and his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Mary.
Magister Ryan Divine grew up in Sugarland, Texas, and Northern Kentucky, where he graduated from Covington Latin School in 2016. While at Latin School, he was involved in the National Junior Classical League (NJCL) all four years and the Basketball, Cross-Country, and Golf teams. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Minors in Mathematics and Chemistry. He completed his Master's in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2022.
Ryan heavily indebts himself to the Classics. He has traveled to Greece and Rome to experience firsthand the literature, archeology, and mythology taught in the classroom. While in college, he attended nine NJCL conventions and served as the 2018-2019 National Senior Classical League Historian, NSCL Website Committee member, and NSCL Publications Committee member. He is currently serving as the Kentucky JCL State Chair.
Magister Divine teaches Latin II and III, Pre-Algebra, Honors Statistics, and Introduction to Business and Financial Literacy through Thomas More Dual Enrollment. He sponsors the school’s JCL chapter, Ski Club, and House System. He is beyond excited to return as part of the Latin School community and share the same passion for education and the classics that he gained through CLS.
"To make the ancients speak, we must feed them with our own blood." - Ulrich Von Wilamowitz-Moellendor
Mr. Evan Harmeling has lived in Northern Kentucky his entire life. He graduated from Covington Catholic High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Thomas More University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education. Mr. Harmeling worked in a veterinary clinic for four years before becoming the biology teacher at Covington Latin. He discovered his love of teaching while working as a T.A. for several biology labs during his undergraduate career. He is excited to be teaching in the Diocese of Covington.
Mr. Harmeling enjoys spending his free time experiencing the natural world. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman. He hopes to one day visit all of our nation’s national parks. His other interests include spending time with his family and playing musical instruments.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God remains forever.” –Isaiah 40:8
Since Ms. Haynes could walk and climb onto her Dad’s desk, she was stealing highlighters and ink pens, drawing rudimentary figures onto his paperwork and documents. Since then, art has been her passion. She draws almost every day to express herself.
Ms. Haynes attended Dixie Heights High School in Edgewood, Kentucky (2017). She was a finalist in the Overture Awards for Visual Art in her senior year. She is a two-sport letterman in Track and Cross Country. After high school, Madyson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Thomas More University (2021). Her artwork has been published in various books, “Words” “SOS Art Food and Justice,” and ``ABC Book for Waste and Recycling.” Her art medium specialty is Ceramics, Illustration, Printmaking, and Watercolor.
She was an Outreach Art Instructor for Baker Hunt in Covington, KY. She went to Sixth District Elementary School, Newport Intermediate School, and John G. Carlisle in the Outreach program. She is still an instructor for numerous youth classes at Baker Hunt.
When she is not working, Ms. Haynes stays busy spending time with family, staying active at the gym, making numerous art pieces, and enjoying being outdoors.
Ms. Light is very excited to be returning to her alma mater as a history teacher! Inspired by the great teachers who taught her, Ms. Light earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Thomas More University in 2019, with minors in English and Philosophy. She worked in the fine art and antique auction business for almost four years. There she had hands-on experience with some of the most valuable and unique privately held artworks and artifacts in the world. While working, she earned her Master of Arts in Public History from Northern Kentucky University in 2022.
Ms. Light has a dachshund named Lady Sybil, “Sybbie” for short. She enjoys live music, classic literature, and traveling. She is a parishioner at the Cathedral and is deeply impacted by her Catholic faith.
"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it." - Flannery O'Connor
"Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy..." - Thomas Merton
"To remain ignorant of history is to remain forever a child." - Cicero
Zorada Porter was born in the Appalachian Hills of Eastern Kentucky and graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 2015. She moved to Northern Kentucky to begin her undergraduate degree program at Northern Kentucky University, graduating Summa
Cum Laude with a B.A. in English literature. After feeling her calling towards teaching, she is working on her MAT at Northern Kentucky University. When she is not teaching or working on her degree, she enjoys spending time at home with her cats, drinking a cup of tea, and relaxing with a book. Her hobbies include crafting, and working on her novel.
Zack Ryle joined Covington Latin School in the Spring of 2025. Zack has a long career of working with gifted and talented students. Following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast News from Western Kentucky University, he started working at the Center for Gifted Studies under the tutelage of Gifted Education expert Dr. Julia Roberts. In 2014, Zack earned his Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Administration with a focus in Media and Branding from WKU. Also in 2014, Zack assumed the role of Assistant Director of Admissions and Public Relations with The Gatton Academy, a role he held for more than 6 years. In 2020, Zack returned to his alma mater and worked for The Mahurin Honors College as their Assistant Director for Enrollment and Brand Management. In 2023, Zack left WKU to work for the US Equestrian Federation, which is the National Governing Body for Equestrian sports (and was a part of the communications team during the 2024 Paris Olympics). Zack is excited to return to working with gifted students and returning to his home in Northern Kentucky!
Zack is married to Mary Katherine and has one daughter (Oaklynn) and two goldendoodles (Penny and Rosie).
James Stebbins was born in Salt Lake City, UT. He spent his childhood in many places, including Houston, TX, and New York City, before moving to Northern Kentucky. He graduated from Covington Latin School in 2016. At Covington Latin School, he was involved in JCL and played golf. James then attended Xavier University, graduating from the CPHAB program, with minors in Biology and Philosophy, in 2020. The Classics and Philosophy Honors Bachelor of the Arts program has given James profound respect for the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. James completed his Masters in the Arts of Teaching at Thomas More University.
James has been in love with the Classics since entering Covington Latin School. He has tutored Latin at all levels for seven years, and Greek for three years. He also studied ancient medical ethics and doctor-patient relationships for his CPHAB thesis and earned the Zahurancik award for distinction in the CPHAB program upon graduation. James will be teaching AP Latin and Ancient Greek, and cannot wait to share his enthusiasm for the ancient world with his students.
Non scholae sed vitae discimus. -Latin Proverb
Susie Steele is a compassionate guidance counselor who supports students in their personal, academic, and career journeys. She was born and raised in Perry County (Southeastern Ky). She moved to northern Kentucky to further her career in school counseling. Mrs. Steele has worked in education for the past 10 years, wearing many different hats along the way.
Mrs. Steele received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Morehead State University in 2021. She’s known for creating a welcoming space where everyone feels heard and valued. Inspired by the principle “treat others how you want to be treated,” Mrs. Steele brings kindness and respect to every conversation. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, lake and beach trips, spending time with her friends and family and her golden retriever, Leo.
