About Us
Administration
Mrs. Sheila McDoniel, Executive Director
Executive Director
Abilene Christian University, B.B.A., Marketing
Abilene Christian University, B.B.A., Marketing
Sheila McDoniel brings more than a decade of executive leadership experience in classical education, guiding schools through seasons of growth, transition, and strategic development. As a former Chief Operating Officer, she has overseen every major operational area of a thriving classical school—including admissions, marketing, facilities, finance, communication, and community care—while partnering closely with Boards, Heads of School, and leadership teams to strengthen mission alignment and organizational health. Known for her steady presence and relational leadership style, she has led schools through significant leadership changes, built high-performing teams, and helped shape long-term strategic plans that support academic excellence and a vibrant school culture.
With a background in marketing, customer experience strategy, and community engagement, Sheila is passionate about creating school environments where families feel welcomed, faculty feel supported, and students flourish. She brings certified training in organizational leadership, culture building, and hospitality-driven service, along with a strong commitment to the formative power of classical education. Her enthusiasm, discernment, and love for people fuel her mission to serve schools with clarity, joy, and a deep sense of purpose.
Sheila and her husband, Ray, have 3 adult children – Reagan, Maci, and Spencer who all attended a classical school from K-12, fueling her passion for helping classical institutions reach their full potential. She enjoys time with her kids, time with friends, travel, and faithbooking.
Mr. Ian Landis, Head of Lower School
Head of Lower School
6th Grade Homeroom; 6th Grade Math; 5th & 6th Grade Science
Pennsylvania State University, B.S., Elementary Education
Mr. Ian Landis, a founding teacher at JHCA, has enjoyed teaching science and mathematics at multiple grade levels at JHCA for ten years. Drawn to Wyoming to be near extended family, Mr. Landis has previously taught in Arizona as well as South Dakota. Mr. Landis’s logical approach to his teaching disciplines makes him a model of excellence in the classroom for his students. Mr. Landis enjoys riding his motorcycle, studying his Bible, and exploring the beauty of Wyoming with his wife and two children.
“I love seeing students mature in their learning, whether it be coming to love mathematics or science, or just deepening their understanding of the world around them. To love to learn is one of our highest aims, and to be able to guide students to this love through proper training and habit formation has been a blessing. I love coming to work every day, connecting with families in our community, and pointing students to what is true, good, and beautiful.”
Mr. Landis sees wonderful results from this course. He says, “The students appreciate being able to apply the math they are learning to practical, everyday life. They realize that what they’re learning will benefit them both immediately and in the future.”
The thing Mr. Landis loves most about teaching is how it reveals the interest and understanding of the students. “I love to see students excited about math and science,” he says. “There is nothing like seeing them have the ‘aha’ moment.” The shared experience and excitement Mr. Landis has with his classes is evident; he is a cheerful presence at school and clearly loves being in the classroom. “I always enjoyed being in school, even as a kid.” He says he will never forget his pre-calculus teacher who inspired him in high school. Math was Mr. Landis’ favorite subject. What he liked then is still what interests him now: “I’m fascinated by the patterns of math. Students can get the same solution in different ways.”
After earning his bachelor's degree in education at Pennsylvania State University, Mr. Landis immediately began teaching mathematics. He taught at Mifflinburg Elementary in central Pennsylvania, at the Pierre Indian Learning Center in South Dakota, and at Superstition Mountain Middle School in Arizona.
Mr. Landis says teaching on the reservation was an excellent learning experience. “The school had really tough kids from broken homes, but it was wonderful to be an influence for good in their lives,” he says. Likewise, the school in Arizona was an impoverished Title 1 school in a challenging environment. Mr. Landis says that these teaching experiences taught him how to relate to students from all backgrounds and ability levels. He brings this range of experiences to bear when evaluating, tutoring, and creating placement tests.
As a child, Mr. Landis loved the outdoors, exploring the woods of his native PA. He played tennis in high school, as well as soccer and basketball. Moving to Jackson provided him the opportunity to experience the grandeur of nature in an amazing way. He incorporates local nature into his science classes as much as possible.
It had been Mr. Landis’ dream to move to Jackson for years, since the majority of his extended family moved to Jackson in the 70’s. The scenery has not disappointed. “I love being able to see God’s handiwork when seeing the Tetons and all the wildlife,” he says. “There’s never an ugly day in Jackson.”
Dr. Joseph Rudolph, Head of Upper School
Head of Upper School
11th & 12th Grade Humane Letters; Middle School History
Fordham University, Ph.D., English
Fordham University, M.A., Medieval Studies
Thomas More College, B.A., Literature
Dr. Joseph Rudolph grew up in the rural town of Conesus in New York state. He majored in literature at Thomas More College and then taught at New England Classical Academy in New Hampshire. Teaching made Dr. Rudolph realize how much he loved language, especially ancient language. He decided to continue his education and received an MA in Medieval Studies and a PhD in English from Fordham University. Dr. Rudolph's dissertation centers on the literature of eleventh-century Europe.
"The wonderful part of teaching is to witness a student grasp something—when it 'clicks'—for the first time. It is a privilege to help someone come to knowledge and wisdom."
11th & 12th Grade Humane Letters; Middle School History
Fordham University, Ph.D., English
Fordham University, M.A., Medieval Studies
Thomas More College, B.A., Literature
Dr. Joseph Rudolph grew up in the rural town of Conesus in New York state. He majored in literature at Thomas More College and then taught at New England Classical Academy in New Hampshire. Teaching made Dr. Rudolph realize how much he loved language, especially ancient language. He decided to continue his education and received an MA in Medieval Studies and a PhD in English from Fordham University. Dr. Rudolph's dissertation centers on the literature of eleventh-century Europe.
"The wonderful part of teaching is to witness a student grasp something—when it 'clicks'—for the first time. It is a privilege to help someone come to knowledge and wisdom."
Dr. Rudolph describes his journey to classical education as gradual. For one, his innate love of language was inspired by an encounter with Latin in college. Looking back on the journey, Dr. Rudolph says, "The amount of care required to recognize intricate inflections made me see the intrinsic value of studying ancient language, not only for the amazing texts they enable us to read, but also for the mental discipline they require."
Looking further back, he also credits his inspiring teachers in high school. He recalls, "I had an art teacher taught me how to be exact and pay attention. The patience and precision needed to complete an accurate pencil-drawing carried over to how I began to look at my other academic studies: truth, whether in the form of a visual image or a philosophical proposition, demands careful, total, and often exhausting attention.”
Along with realizing the discipline of learning, Dr. Rudolph came to understand the beauty that there is in knowledge. Reading poetry in college opened Dr. Rudolph to the textures and rhythms of language and how truth can be communicated through exquisite turns of phrase. His favorite poets? "Robert Frost and John Keats come first. Emily Dickinson and Gerard Manley Hopkins are in close competition."
As a teacher, Dr. Rudolph finds reward in observing in students the same kinds of revelations he has experienced. He says, "The wonderful part of teaching is to witness a student grasp something—when it 'clicks'—for the first time. It is a privilege to help someone come to knowledge and wisdom."
Dr. Rudolph loves to spend time with good friends, most especially his wife, Kate (also a teacher at JHCA). He also enjoys fishing and hunting and running on trails. Speaking of fly fishing, Dr. Rudolph sometimes exchanges the medieval Latin texts for fishing literature, such as the essays of Roderick Haig Brown and Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It.
Why Does Dr. Rudolph Love Teaching at JHCA?
Why Does Dr. Rudolph Love Teaching at JHCA?
"I love getting to be a part of an amazing community of educators committed to our model of education. Every single teacher at JHCA is passionate about learning and cares deeply about the souls of our students. This shared vision and shared purpose fosters an atmosphere of joy—even in the face of challenges and hardships."
Dr. Kerry Lee, Dean of Academics
Dean of Academics
Lower and Upper School Latin
Dr. Kerry Lee is a published Bible scholar, Christian classicist, and experienced Latin teacher who brings a deep love for language and history to the classroom. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, he has spent years inspiring students to discover the beauty of Latin and the wisdom of great thinkers through songs, stories, and engaging lessons. Since 2018, Dr. Lee has taught elementary Latin at Great Hearts Northern Oaks, also leading school clubs, coaching chess, and guiding faculty seminars.
Lower and Upper School Latin
Dr. Kerry Lee is a published Bible scholar, Christian classicist, and experienced Latin teacher who brings a deep love for language and history to the classroom. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, he has spent years inspiring students to discover the beauty of Latin and the wisdom of great thinkers through songs, stories, and engaging lessons. Since 2018, Dr. Lee has taught elementary Latin at Great Hearts Northern Oaks, also leading school clubs, coaching chess, and guiding faculty seminars.
Mr. Scott McGihon, Senior Director of Community Engagement
Senior Director of Community Engagement
Mr. Scott McGihon brings over two decades of leadership experience as a coach, business owner, and school administrator, most recently serving four years as Head of School at Horizon Prep in Rancho Santa Fe, California. With a background that spans education, athletics, and organizational leadership, Mr. McGihon is passionate about fostering community, encouraging excellence, and helping students, families, and staff thrive together.
Mr. Scott McGihon brings over two decades of leadership experience as a coach, business owner, and school administrator, most recently serving four years as Head of School at Horizon Prep in Rancho Santa Fe, California. With a background that spans education, athletics, and organizational leadership, Mr. McGihon is passionate about fostering community, encouraging excellence, and helping students, families, and staff thrive together.
Come visit us!
Physical Address:
2500 S. Park Loop Rd.
Jackson, WY 83001
2500 S. Park Loop Rd.
Jackson, WY 83001
Contact Us
Enrollment Inquiries:
Lisa Landis, Admissions
(307) 201-5040
All Other Inquiries:
School Office
(307) 201-5040
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7466
Jackson, WY 83002
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Nondiscrimination Policy: Jackson Hole Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Jackson Hole Classical Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.