Zollikon Institute Instructors

Ben Beachy leads the Information Technology department at Keim—the team responsible for technology systems and technology strategy. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and has taught for several universities. Ben and his family live just south of Berlin. When not gardening or cycling, Ben enjoys making music, working crossword puzzles, and reading any book that comes to hand.

Steve Byler has served in pastoral ministry for thirty years in the conservative Anabaptist world in both Virginia and Ireland. The classroom has been one of his joys; he has taught for multiple Mennonite Bible Institutes and schools in addition to teaching in churches stateside and abroad. In his interactions across the Anabaptist communities, he carries a deep concern for the ongoing development of teachers and leaders within our churches and schools. He and his wife Rosalind live in Harrisonburg, VA. They have seven children and are enjoying the arrival of grandchildren.

Lisa Covington holds a Master of Science in Sociology from Longwood University and a Master of Science in Occupational and Technical Studies from the Darden College of Education at ODU, with concentrations in Psychology, Business and Industry Training, and College Instruction. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a management concentration. With 20 years of experience in higher education, she has served as a professor, curriculum coordinator, Assistant Academic Dean, Chief Academic Officer, and in various institutional effectiveness and accreditation roles. Currently, she is grateful to be serving as Chief of Staff at Zollikon Institute. Lisa is passionate about applied instruction, professional development, and fostering student engagement, and has prior experience as an entrepreneur and in administrative management roles in healthcare and manufacturing.

Mrs. Covington and her husband, Garry, reside in Alton, Virginia, and they have one son, Cameron. She is a Christian, saved by grace through faith and loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her family, her personal passions include lifting praises in song to God, her music devotional ministry, reading, blogging, and photography.

As Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Zollikon Institute, Michael Miller brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, teaching, and legal practice. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Biblical Languages from Bob Jones University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Theology focusing on the intersection of apologetics and behavioral economics. Michael previously served as Dean and Provost, where he led the institution to successful accreditation and oversaw all aspects of its academic programs. His administrative career has also included roles as Title IX Coordinator and Assistant to the Provost at Bob Jones University, where he managed complex legal, accreditation, and compliance responsibilities. His professional journey also includes years of practicing law in South Carolina with an emphasis in business.

Beyond his academic and legal accomplishments, Michael’s life and work have been shaped by a transformative conversion experience that ignited his passion for ministry and education. He has dedicated years to teaching biblical studies, apologetics, and homiletics at both secondary and collegiate levels. His ministry experience includes preaching, leading adult Sunday school classes for nearly two decades, and engaging in Christian prison ministry. He is committed to discipling young Christians, believing deeply in the power of Christian education to cultivate thoughtful, kingdom leaders. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Santa Maria, California, where he teaches history. They have two grown sons and one grandson.

Cody Sensenig has a diverse background in business management, marketing, and technology. Currently the IT Manager at Century Components, he applies his expertise to enhance technological infrastructure and streamline operations. With previous roles as General Manager at BURK Digital and Director of Marketing at Sattler College, Cody has demonstrated a strong ability to drive business growth through rebranding initiatives, increased digital traffic, and workflow optimization. As an instructor for Zollikon Institute he draws on his practical experience to illuminate the intersection of business, technology, and innovation. Cody holds a B.S. in Business with a Minor in Computer Science from Sattler College, graduating summa cum laude, and is dedicated to empowering others to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

Ryan Taggart has a diverse background, with 20 years of experience in fostering student success and leadership in education. He also has experience in the private business sector. Currently, he serves as the Director of Operations for Logivision Technologies, where he applies his technological expertise. As an instructor for Zollikon Institute, he draws on both his significant educational training and his business acumen to convey both technical skills and to provide applied knowledge for students. Ryan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Walsh, and he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Salem International University. He is dedicated to serving others and empowering them to learn about and to navigate technology in the workplace. Beyond his professional career, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors as an avid bass tournament angler and golfer. He also cherishes time spent with family, including his wife, Megan, a teacher at Garaway, and their two children, Olivia (13) and Redik (10). 

Larry Troyer serves as the CFO at ProVia, a manufacturer of exterior doors, windows, siding, veneer stone, and metal roofing.  He also provides counsel for two family-owned businesses with his sons and is involved with several nonprofit organizations, including the local community school where he provides financial oversight as a board member.  In recent years, Larry has been involved in a number of financial educational venues and finds fulfilment in passing along the business principles he has learned in real life practice.