Our Founders and Staff
Rebecca Ballard (left), Marla Ray (middle), and Katie Finkenbinder (right) came together in the spring of 2022 after receiving a calling from the Lord to have a presence in downtown Greenville. Their hearts and passion for discipling students has transformed into a new adventure in one of the most historic places in Greenville, the Katy Depot. Their hope and vision is for students to learn to connect in community while exploring their God-given passions.
Meet Our Staff
Katie Finkenbinder
Principal and Elementary Teacher
Katie Finkenbinder is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has 20 years of teaching and coaching in various capacities including public school, private Christian school, and homeschooling. She has completed training for dyslexia coaching and has experience teaching students with various learning needs. Katie is a Greenville native and has been involved in the community since early childhood. She resides in Hunt County with her husband. Her passion for discipling students in walking with Christ is the main focus of her role as the elementary educator and all-school principal.
Rebecca Ballard
Community Outreach Coordinator, Junior High and High School Teacher
Rebecca Ballard is a graduate of the University of North Texas. She has a BA in English Linguistics as well as French and a minor in history. She has a total of 29 years teaching experience including homeschooling, private Christian school, adult education classes, and private French classes. She teaches both junior high and high school classes. Rebecca resides in Greenville with her husband and 2 daughters. She is active in various organizations in Greenville and has a passion for connecting with people.
Marla Ray
Pathway Counselor, Junior High and High School Teacher
Marla Ray is a graduate of Howard Payne University. She has a BA in Christian Studies and Music and a minor in English. She has 24 years of teaching experience in various capacities including public education, private Christian education, and private music instruction. She is also the Region 3 Middle School Choir Coordinator. Marla resides in Greenville with her husband and their 3 boys. She has a love for aiding junior high and high school students in the pathway that God has chosen for them and is looking forward to partnering with families to guide their students on that journey.
Marleny Escobar
Spanish and Library
Marleny Escobar is a native Spanish-speaking teacher of foreign language and library. She also assists in various teaching capacities as needed. Marleny has been on staff at the Depot since 2023. She enjoys baking, gardening, tending her animals, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband have three daughters and reside in Greenville.
Tara Hix
Science and Math
Tara Hix is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she earned a BS in Zoology. She homeschooled her children for 11 years before joining the staff at The Depot Christian School. Tara and her husband live in Greenville with their son and 2 daughters. She spends a great deal of time volunteering in the youth and children’s ministries of her local church, co-teaching a preteen class on Wednesday evenings with her husband and hosting youth events in their home. Tara has a heart for discipling and connecting with young people. She also loves learning about God’s creation through science, encouraging students to marvel at the mighty God we serve.