More Leaders
Sarah Spaulding, Headmaster
Mrs. Spaulding is Thomas More Classical’s Founding Headmaster. She comes to Alaska from Columbus Classical Academy in Ohio where she most recently served as the founding Principal and helped shape an academic program renowned for rigorous academics and a purpose-driven culture. Prior to Columbus, Mrs. Spaulding was a founding faculty member at Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, where she taught Literature and Literacy. Mrs. Spaulding has over a decade of experience in the classroom as well as nearly a decade of experience as a classical homeschool mom. Mrs. Spaulding and her husband, Gus, came to Alaska to be a part of the opportunity that is the “Last Frontier.” They attend Cornerstone Church in Anchorage, have two adult children, Samuel and Natalie, and one adventurous tabby cat named Novi.
Board of Directors
Charles Gartland, President
Charles Gartland served (retired) as Chief of National Security Law for Pacific Air Forces, where he advised the Commander on all legal matters related to military operations in the Pacific theater. He holds dual B.A. degrees in English and History from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law, and an LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from The George Washington University Law School.
A founding board member, Charles was elected Board President in August 2025. He brings extensive experience in law, governance, and strategic counsel to the leadership of Thomas More Classical School. Charles and his family are parishioners at Holy Family Parish in Anchorage.
Niki Tshibaka, Vice President
Niki Tshibaka serves as the Executive Pastor of Unite Church, where he oversees discipleship, pastoral counseling, and The Foundry—Unite’s equipping ministry. From 2019 to 2021, he was the Assistant Commissioner and Education Policy Coordinator for Alaska’s Department of Education and Early Development. Niki previously co-planted and led The Lighthouse Fellowship from 2006 to 2017 and has served on the boards of Reset180 (formerly the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative) and the Richmond Justice Initiative.
He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Amherst College, a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, and is a Publius Fellow of the Claremont Institute. As a founding board member, Niki brings a wealth of legal, human resources, nonprofit, and educational policy expertise to the school. He and his family attend Unite Church.
Stephen Cox, Treasurer
Stephen Cox is a founding board member and past Board President of Thomas More Classical School, helping launch Alaska’s first Hillsdale College–supported classical school. Stephen was appointed Attorney General of the State of Alaska in 2025. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal and Strategy Officer at Bristol Bay Industrial and as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. Stephen brings extensive experience in law, strategy, business, public policy, and nonprofit leadership.
He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and a J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center. As a co-founder of Thomas More, Stephen focuses on governance, fundraising, and strategic planning, contributing his expertise in organizational leadership, legal counsel, and public advocacy. He is a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Christina Bryant, Secretary
Christina Bryant is a founding member, wife, mother of four, and a pilot for Alaska Airlines. She has also served as an adjunct professor in the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Aviation Department. Christina was recruited by the Federal Aviation Administration where she lead National Inspection Teams, and became a Subject Matter Expert for Airshows, Iditarod Air Force, and pilot training programs. A dedicated community volunteer, she has coached for Junior Nordic and Club Sports Alaska.
Christina holds a B.S. in Spanish from Minnesota State University, Mankato, along with Certified Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot Certificates. As a parent committed to finding the highest quality education for her children, she brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to the board. Christina is known for stepping in wherever there is a need and contributing with a hands-on approach. She and her family attend Change Point Church.
John Davidson, Director
John Davidson, a founding member, is a senior editor at The Federalist and author of Pagan America: The Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come (Regnery, 2024). His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, First Things, The Guardian, and other publications. He is a former senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a Lincoln Fellow of the Claremont Institute.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Classics, from Hillsdale College (’04). An Alaskan and Hillsdale alumnus, he is committed to advancing TMCS’s mission through writing, speaking, media engagement, and board governance, particularly in public relations. He seeks to help make the case for TMCS to Alaskan families seeking a rich, rigorous classical education for their children. John is a parishioner at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer, Alaska.
Fred Owen, Director
Fred Owen is an entrepreneur with more than 35 years of experience and a founding board member of Thomas More Classical School. For the past 16 years, he has served the community as a real estate professional assisting clients with their residential and commercial real estate needs.
Beyond his professional work, Fred has a long history of service and ministry. He served on the missionary board of a large church, led a local youth group for eight years, and has been part of or led multiple missionary teams over the last 23 years.
Fred brings to the board a heart for service, practical leadership experience, and a strong desire to help provide families in Anchorage with a healthy, high-quality alternative to the public school system. He and his wife currently home church and enjoy time with their grown children and grandchildren.