Venture Prep Staff
Danielle Caskey
With over 25 years experience in education, Danielle Caskey brings a deep passion for academic excellence, Christ-centered leadership, and whole-child development to her role as Head of School at Venture Prep. From her early days as a PE teacher to her work as Principal and beyond, Danielle has led with purpose—cultivating strong teams, fostering spiritual growth, and creating nurturing environments where students thrive. She views leadership as a calling and is dedicated to raising up the next generation of faith-filled leaders equipped to make a lasting impact. Danielle holds degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies and Curriculum & Instruction, and remains a lifelong learner, committed to both academic innovation and biblical truth. Outside of school, she loves writing, sports, travel, and time with her family.
Louis Ontko
Louis is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and composer who teaches guitar, bass, voice and piano. He has over 30 years of experience, instructing students of all ages in a wide variety of styles from folk to rock and jazz, along with theory, composition and songwriting. His goal is to empower music students on their path of discovery. As a musician in the Austin community, he’s played venues including Jack and Ginger’s, the Enchanted Forest, Salt Lick Driftwood, Wild Flower Coffee House, Art Outside and AlleOveUs Fest. He was a regular featured cover artist at Maggies Mae’s on 6th St. and the Downtown Hall of Fame. He has toured as a guitarist and vocalist in Italy, Mexico, Spain and Canada, and traveled the southwest U.S. during college as lead guitar for a cover band. Louis and his wife reside in Driftwood where they live a faith based life close to nature and to God, always seeking to live in accordance with Christian values.
Noelle Schmidt
Noelle Schmidt is originally from California but has been living in Texas for the last 9 years. She has been teaching for 10 years and has experience with multiple grade levels and subjects, however, she truly enjoys the middle school years! She lives in Austin with her husband, two kids, a dog and a pet snake. In her free time, Mrs. Schmidt enjoys going on walks, reading, and going to the movies with her family.
Julie Blumhagen
Julie Blumhagen is thrilled to be part of the Venture Prep community, where she embraces the mission of helping students grow in their relationship with Jesus—no matter where they are on their spiritual journey. She currently serves as the Student and Young Adult Associate at Faith Bible Church, where she teaches, disciples, and models a life fully devoted to Christ. With a deep passion for teaching the truth of God’s Word, Julie is excited to bring that same heart and commitment to her role at Venture Prep. She is also a full-time student, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. Julie enjoys connecting over coffee and hearing how God is at work in others’ lives. She’s always up for anything athletic and never turns down a glass of sweet tea!
Kris Maquire
With a heart for Christ and a passion for inspiring awe and wonder in children, Mrs. Maguire brings joy, warmth, and purpose to every moment in the classroom. She believes each child is uniquely created by God with their own remarkable “superpower” and finds great joy in nurturing both their academic growth and spiritual development. Whether she’s teaching history, sharing the Bible, or celebrating small victories, Mrs. Maguire views her work as a calling—not merely a career. Her greatest fulfillment comes from helping children discover their God-given potential and instilling in them “something they won’t forget.” Mrs. Maguire earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design from California State University, Chico. She began her professional journey in advertising as an Art Director, a career that later took her and her husband to Munich, Germany, where they lived and worked for eight years. Upon returning to the United States, they brought home three wonderful children, whom she homeschooled using a classical education model for 20 years. Following this, she transitioned to the classroom, teaching elementary students for eight years at Dripping Springs Christian Academy.
“Having a Christian school that is also teaching leadership and financial literacy has been a huge blessing to our kids and community. Our kids love going to school at Venture Prep!”
— Kate Smith, Parent