Verity Institute

John Apple

Computer Information Systems

John is the oldest of three children, and attended Verity with his next younger sister Alex. John’s goals is life are to be a man of integrity that seeks God’s will and to make sure that his job serves the ministry that God has him in and never the other way around.

John currently works with the Royal Rangers ministry in North Carolina, and is employed by Progress Energy as a UNIX Systems Administrator.

Jonathan Boulden

Music

Jonathan is the oldest of six children and spent twelve years in ATI. Following his graduation from Verity, he joined ALERT Unit 37 in the spring of 2007 and graduated from the ALERT program this past May. He is returning this fall for a third round as a squad leader in Basic Training. When at home, Jonathan continues to write solo and ensemble music, and has composed soundtracks for Providence Studios and Crystal Creek Media.

Larissa Collier

Music

Larissa graduated in 2006 with a degree in Music. She still lives at home with her family and works as a Para-educator at a public school. She teaches Sunday school and is involved with her church's nursing home ministry. Larissa also teaches private violin and performs with the Heritage Philharmonic, a community orchestra in Missouri.

Courtney Craig

Music

God brought Verity into Courtney Craig’s life at the perfect time! After having to drop from the music program at a traditional four year institution due to a frustrating injury, Courtney was able to complete her music degree through alternative methods through Verity Institute! Currently, she continues to teach music full time. She is publicity chair for the East Texas Music Teachers Association where her students participate in local and state music events. Her goals include further training in music ministry, music therapy and continuing to live of a life of worship for the Creator.

Lela Decoteau

Political Science

Since graduation, God has provided Lela with several opportunities to serve in the political arena. Currently she is working on Congressman Bobby Jindal’s campaign for Governor as an assistant to the financial director. One of Lela’s favorite things to do outside of work is keep up with her amazing Verity friends. "It was at Verity that I met my best friends. If it weren’t for them I don't know how I would survive the working world. God used my time at Verity to strengthen and prepare me for some of the many challenges of life in the “real world.”

Rebecca Derhammer

Communications

Rebecca is currently working full time at an inventory warehouse in Ohio while actively looking for a job in the communications field. She is leading a teenage girls’ Bible study right now and is helping with the 3- and 4-year-olds at her church. Additionally, she is getting involved with drama in her church. The skills she learned in her Theatre course have greatly helped her with that ministry. She says, “Verity has changed my life, and I will never be the same (in a good way of course) due to all the wonderful people at Verity I got to know who helped me grow in my Christian life.”

RJ Dickie

Communications

RJ earned his degree in Communications and is now sharpening his skill-set through a TESOL course with the aim of teaching English in China. His goal is to serve the Lord overseas.

Josiah Faas

Business Administration

Since graduating from Verity in May 2006, Josiah has taken employment as an engineer for Pulse Combustion Systems in Payson, Arizona. Meanwhile, he is still exploring future business opportunities. Josiah has a heart for ministry and currently is engaged in youth work through the Ponderosa Baptist Church. He writes, "My desire is for the supremacy of Christ to reign in all things, to His glory and the exceeding joy of His people."

Rachel Hung

Communications

Rachel counts her experience at Verity as an invaluable time where she grew, learned, and saw God’s goodness.

She is now preparing to serve with her family overseas and is excited to see how God has given further direction since graduation. They will be involved with the IBLP ministry in Hong Kong.

Lori Jones

Music

After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Music, Lori is keeping herself busy with as many musical opportunities as she can. She has a full slate of piano and flute students along with several accompaniment opportunities. In her spare time she continues to write music for her students, sews all kinds of clothes and keeps caught up with her Verity friends. She has also joined her family in helping out at the local community theater. She praises God for the time that He allowed her to spend at Verity and for all that He taught her there.

Kristina Kroon

English

“While going through the Verity program, I was inspired and instructed to draw closer to Christ, as well as to gain a clearer vision for becoming the person, proclaimer, provider, partner, and parent that He created me to be. After graduating from Verity, I decided to return home to be with my family while exploring my various interests in the creative arts. Juggling a number of jobs this year—working at a flower shop, substitute teaching, playing violin in a string quartet at special events, babysitting, etc.—offers me a smorgasbord of experiences. It will be interesting to see how God is using this season of my life to prepare and direct me for what's to come.”

Peter Kroon

Business Administration / Computer Information Systems

Upon graduating with a degree in Business Administration / Computer Information Systems in the summer of 2006, Peter took on the responsibilities of Webmaster and Graphic Artist for the Verity program. His interest and talent in digital media has enabled him to meet the rigors of the tasks assigned to him. Throughout his years at Verity he has also acted as the official event photographer, and he continues to do so even now as a staff member. Peter is delighted to be working with the dynamic Verity staff and to be able to give back to the program that assisted him in earning his degree in less than two years.

Grayson Stallings

Communications

“My name is Grayson Stallings and I am currently located in the bustling city of Shanghai, China. I am working with a company that supplies me with clients that I teach English, math, and some art for. Classes can consist up to fifteen local teens or a three-year-old Japanese child. This city is also heaven for a photographer like me, and it seems like there is an unlimited possibility of shots just waiting to be taken! I love the diversity in this city and all the opportunities that have been given to me by God. If it weren't for His help with my degree completion through Verity then life would not be this awesome. Jiao-jiao! to the next Verity students.”