For the past 15 years, my family and I have been deeply blessed by the love, support, and strong sense of community at Ben Lippen School.
Dr. Ben Porter
Head of School
Dr. Ben Porter has devoted 23 years to education, with the past 15 years spent at Ben Lippen School in various leadership roles, including House Parent, Athletic Director, Lower School Principal, and Assistant Head of School. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbia International University. A 2001 graduate of The Citadel, Dr. Porter is passionate about prioritizing the student experience at Ben Lippen. He and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 22 years and have two sons, Drake (11th grade) and Stone (9th grade), who have been part of the Ben Lippen community since they were in Pre-K4.
Administration & Staff
Chris Johnson, BLSO Director & Instructional Designer
Emily Thompson, Admissions Assistant
Joined BLSO: 2025
Education: BSC in Intercultural Studies and Bible - Columbia International University
About: I'm married to Nate and we have 2 amazing boys, Owen and Clif! I came to faith at a very young age as a result of my dad's vibrant children's ministry in our church! My faith continued to grow over the years through loving church communities and Christian education. In 2009, I started attending Columbia International University where I learned about the Bible and how God's message of salvation spreads cross-culturally. After graduation in 2013, I served in recruitment and enrollment at CIU for 4 years. Then I moved to Liverpool, UK for a few years for my husband to complete a doctoral degree. Now we live in Chicagoland with our 2 boys. We love enjoying the outdoors together, especially summertime at our community pool!
Most called upon scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12
Fun Facts: I love thrifting, board games, and a good chai latte!
Hannah Sullins, Records & Billing Assistant
Joined BLSO: 2025
Education: BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Covenant College; Lookout Mountain, GA)
MA in Biblical Counseling (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Kansas City, MO)
About: I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 8 years old, and since then have grown in my faith through different seasons of trials, family sicknesses, and hardships. Through it all, I've seen the power of God's grace, mercy, love, and sovereignty through His Word, His Spirit, and His Church. He has truly "granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3)!
Most called upon scripture: 2 Timothy 4:17
Fun Facts: I won two state championships in soccer during my high school years, I've visited 7 different countries on mission and vacation, and I have a twin brother.