Dr. Andrzej Noyszewski
Dr. Andrzej Noyszewski is a scientist, educator, and biotechnology professional with over a decade of experience in biological research and scientific training. He holds a Ph.D. in Genomics and Bioinformatics from North Dakota State University and has worked in both academic and industry settings, including research focused on genetics, molecular biology, and gene therapy.
Throughout his career, Andrzej has mentored students, trained researchers, and developed educational programs in biology and biotechnology. He is passionate about making science understandable and engaging, helping students connect scientific concepts to the world around them through curiosity, observation, and critical thinking.
Beyond his scientific work, Andrzej has taught Religious Education for high school students at St. Mary's Cathedral for the past several years and leads Lux Verbi, an adult discussion group dedicated to exploring faith, philosophy, literature, and culture. He believes that effective education begins with asking questions and fostering a genuine desire to learn. His goal is to help students develop both a strong foundation in biology and an appreciation for the wonder, complexity, and beauty of life.
Tanis Lee, College Algebra Tutor
Hi, I’m Tanis Lee! I’m a sophomore at Concordia College majoring in Business Finance. I have a passion for leadership, business, and helping others. I work as a lifeguard, swim instructor, tennis coach, and photographer, and I enjoy taking on roles that allow me to connect with people while making a positive impact. Words that describe me include driven, competitive, and always looking for opportunities to learn, improve, and challenge myself inside and outside the classroom. Whether I’m on the tennis court, at the pool, or working on a new project, I strive to bring energy, professionalism, and a positive attitude to everything I do.
Some math courses I’ve taken are Accounting 1, Global Economics, Business Stats, and Calculus 1.
Teaching has always been in my life; my mother and grandmother were both teachers, so I’ve been around it all my life. Previously I enjoyed tutoring various pertinent subjects middle school math, Algebra 2, College Algebra, Calculus 1, and Chemistry. I am so excited to help tutor OnWord students with College Algebra! I hold this class is very close to my heart--it is where I met some of my best friends!! We were able to grow with each other and excel together through our classroom experiences.
I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you grow this fall!!
Sociology Course Assistant
This position remains open until 7/15/26. OnWord is excited to offer this course assistant position to a strong Christian leader with a 4-year degree or above, a major or minor in Sociology, or with significant life experience in this discipline. Please contact us for more info!
Benton Schmidt
Benton Schmidt is a multi-faceted church musician and teacher currently serving at St. Paul's Newman Center in Fargo, ND, where he directs all aspects of liturgical music. Benton was homeschooled from first grade through high school graduation. He earned his first bachelor's degree in business through distance learning and alternative college online learning formats. He completed his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at North Dakota State University, where he developed his enthusiasm for choirs and early music, inspired by yearly performances of Handel’s Messiah each Christmas. He earned his Masters of Sacred Music at the University of Notre Dame, where he became especially interested in early German organ repertoire by Heinrich Scheidemann and Matthias Weckmann.
Schmidt is in the process of finishing his doctoral degree in church music at the University of Kansas, where his focus includes both modern and French Classic repertoire. His academic interests include the classical Solesmes method of Gregorian chant as taught by Dom André Mocquereau and the tradition of organ alternatim in the Latin liturgy. Recently, his travels have taken him to give recitals at Marquette University, St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D. C., and Cosenza, Italy. Outside of music, Benton is an ardent Anglophile who enjoys the mystery novels of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie, the fantasy literature of Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, and dabbling in the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar.
Bethany Johnson
A Red River Valley native, Beth Johnson, graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Financial Management. She worked in finance in the trucking industry prior to graduating from UND. She then specialized in the public sector at the city, county, and state levels of government. She was involved in all financial aspects including HR/payroll, fixed assets, contracts, projects, investments, budgeting, reporting, property taxes, special assessments, software upgrades, etc.
Mrs. Johnson has a heart for homeschooling families and seeing them equipped to be successful on their journey both to have courage to begin, to finish well, and be prepared for the beyond. She is involved in the North Dakota Classical Conversations community in various academic and business/administration capacities for the last 14 years and in OnWord as a Course Assistant for 3 years.
Mrs. Johnson is married to Nate, who works for NDIT. They have two children. Their son is a homeschool graduate and currently an NDSU student with a major in mechanical engineering. Their daughter is a homeschool senior.
Mr. Scot Sorrells
Raymond Sorrells was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Minot, North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Business Administration from North Dakota State University. During his graduate studies, he worked in the Center for Writers, where he consulted with students on theses, dissertations, and professional application writing.
Mr. Sorrells is a full-time project manager and writing consultant with extensive experience coordinating communication among international technology teams. Many of the stakeholders he works with use English as a second language, an experience that has strengthened his ability to help students communicate clearly, thoughtfully, and effectively. He specializes in guiding writers as they refine complex ideas into clear, engaging texts for a wide range of audiences.
In addition to his academic and professional work, Mr. Sorrells is active in community theatre and film. He enjoys exploring the strong parallels between theatre and writing, particularly the idea that rehearsals mirror drafts and performances mirror final publications. This perspective shapes his teaching approach: students bring their best ideas to early drafts, refine them through revision and feedback, and ultimately share their work confidently with an audience.
Aaron McWilliams
Aaron McWilliams grew up in central Louisiana. After high school, he studied with the Benedictine monks for two years and eventually discerned away from a religious vocation.
Upon moving to North Dakota, he started Spiral Light Candle Corp., receiving a patent for his invention in 2014 and distribution grew to over 1,100 locations around the country and internationally.
Aaron was recruited for and elected to the office of State Representative for North Dakota District 20 in the fall of 2016 and served until 2020. With a growing interest in law and political processes, Aaron completed his undergraduate studies at Mayville State University in 2019 and began a Masters degree in American Legal Studies.
In 2021 Aaron started McStash Mills, a custom sawmill suppling the niche market of axe throwing target boards for venues across the country and an array of services and products.
Aaron currently homeschools his daughter alongside his wife and serves as the chairman of ACE (Aquinas Catholic Educators). He hosts weekly radio shows on KNOX AM1310 in Grand Forks, ND, on local and regional topics.
