Saint Winefride's Society

A Fellowship of Teachers and Learners

About

The late Harry Lacey, Founder and Fellow of the College of Saint Thomas More, once said that the light of civilization cannot be entirely put out. Even when things seem bleakest, it continues to burn, though it may be only in isolated pockets. As the world around us has sunk further and further into the mire of confusion, Mr. Lacey’s words have proved true. For those who have eyes to see, the truth has continued to shine forth, here and there, like islands of light amidst the gathering darkness, as bright and beautiful as ever.

But the Enemy’s war on beauty never ceases. In recent decades, many of these islands have come under attack, and some lights have gone out. We remember the Integrated Humanities Program, Saint Gregory’s Academy, and the College of Saint Thomas More. Others that were once beacons of truth have been beset by outside forces or simply lost their way, and though they continue to exist, it is in name only. But even in death, their witness (Gk. martyria) was not in vain. Time and again, the people impacted by their light have gone on to seed other institutions, organizations, and missions and carry the flame forward to new places and new generations.

Saint Winefride’s Society was formed in 2024 as a fellowship of likeminded friends united by our passionate commitment to the perennial truths and beauties of Western Civilization and authentic classical, liberal arts education. It is our fervent hope to shine forth the light of those truths and beauties which we were blessed to receive.

Our Work

Saint Winefride’s Society exists because we are passionate about truth, goodness, and beauty and the role of authentic, classical liberal arts education rooted deeply in Western Civilization in transmitting participation in these transcendentals to the next generation. We work to champion and support teachers, learners, schools, and organizations through coaching, consulting, courses, and training as well as creating opportunities for connection by hosting special events.

To learn more, visit our Services page, reach out directly, and sign up to receive occasional updates via our newsletter.

Who We Are

Thomas Beyer

Founder and Fellow

Thomas Beyer was educated at the College of Saint Thomas More, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of Dallas, receiving his Master of Humanities in Classical Education in 2021. He spent 8 years teaching and leading at Great Hearts Irving Lower School, during his tenure one of the largest and consistently highest-performing classical schools in the United States. Father to Evie, Penny, and Ezra.

Benjamin Moore

Fellow

Ben Moore attended the University of Texas at Dallas before obtaining his Master of Humanities in Literature from the University of Dallas. He has more than 15 years of experience teaching and leading at public, private, and charter schools across North Texas, including 5 years on the leadership team of Great Hearts Irving Lower School. Husband to Christie and father to Conrad, Jackson, and Finn.

Mary Pantin

Fellow

Mary Pantin studied horticulture at Texas A&M College Station and taught in public and private schools for many years before becoming a founding faculty member of Great Hearts Irving and serving on the leadership team for more than 5 years as Dean of Academics and later Dean of Culture. Wife to Rob and mother to Bob, Carol, and Travis.

Robert Tiffin

Fellow

Robert Tiffin earned a BA from the Torrey Honors College at Biola University and an MA in Theology and Culture from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He served on the leadership team of Great Hearts Irving Lower School for more than 4 years and currently covers the Dallas Stars for D Magazine.

Grant Beardslee

Associate Fellow

Grant Beardslee earned a Bachelor’s in Communications Studies from the University of North Texas, joining Great Hearts Irving Lower School as a Third Grade teacher and later Director of Campus Operations in 2022. Grant is currently helping to launch Heritage Classical Academy, a new classical public charter elementary in Houston. Husband to Marie and Father to Edison.

Gabriel Michalak

Associate Fellow

Gabriel Michalak received his BA in History with a Minor in Secondary Education from the University of Dallas before spending more than four years as a Fourth Grade teacher and Dean of Students at Great Hearts Irving Lower School. During that time he also earned a Masters in the Art of Teaching from the University of Dallas. Gabriel recently took the reins as founding Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy. Husband to Phoebe.

Advisors