About Us

Faculty

Jackson Hole Classical Academy is fortunate to have a dedicated and talented faculty. Academy teachers – with a rigorous, content-rich curriculum as their road-map – guide and mentor students with care and intentionality. Both in and outside the classroom, our faculty strives to fulfill our school mission: to cultivate within students the wisdom and virtue necessary to discover their God-given potential and contribute to a flourishing and free society.

List of 21 items.

  • Mrs. Emily Fieser

    Kindergarten Teacher

    Hillsdale College, B.A., History
     
    A recent transplant to Jackson Hole, Mrs. Emily Fieser hails from Ohio and received her bachelor of arts degree in History from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Previously, she worked at a Christian estate planning firm as an archivist, where she had the opportunity to meet many different people. She loves living in the Tetons and looks forward to building lasting relationships with her new colleagues and students.
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  • Mrs. Kimberly Nichols

    1st Grade Teacher
    Acadience Coordinator

    Regis University, M.Ed., Special Education
    Grand Valley State University, B.S., Film and Video Production
    State of WY Professional Teaching Certificate, Standard, Endorsements: Exceptional Generalist K–12

    Mrs. Kimie Nichols brings more than two decade of experience to JH Classical Academy; she has taught K–8 students in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Korea at public, private, and Christian schools. Her undergraduate years concentrated heavily in psychology with a degree in film and video production. She received her master’s degree in education from Regis University in Colorado, giving her insight into K–12 generalist and special education. 
     
    "What I love about JH Classical is that I can really teach, encourage, and inspire my students. The literature-rich curriculum enables me to go deeper and foster an environment of thoughtful inquiry and deep wonder."
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  • Mrs. Tracy Court

    2nd Grade Teacher

    University of Dallas, B.A., Theology


    Mrs. Tracy Court grew up in Houston and earned her bachelor of arts degree in Theology from the University of Dallas. She has five years of experience teaching in public, charter, and private education. Most recently she taught 3rd grade at Founders Classical Academy near Dallas.
     
    She says, "I love how children of this age are becoming independent thinkers. I get to help them form ideas by teaching them how to think. They are so excited to learn!"
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  • Ms. Catherine Stypa

    3rd Grade Teacher

    Wyoming Catholic College, B.A., Liberal Arts


    Catherine Stypa joins JHCA after receiving her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Wyoming Catholic College—the perfect confluence, in her opinion, of a Great Books curriculum and an epic location. As WCC is set against the Wind River Mountains with sprawling backcountry access, Ms. Stypa was a Field Instructor with COR Expeditions during college. After graduating, she taught high school math and science at a private, Catholic school in California while attaining the prerequisite education to pursue a career in medicine. However, her profound love of teaching and passion for classical education, along with a strong desire to serve, led her to Jackson Hole Classical Academy.
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  • Ms. Alice Lyons

    4th Grade Teacher

    University of Cambridge, M.Phil., Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic
    Claremont McKenna, B.A., Classical and Religious Studies

    Ms. Alice Lyons attended Claremont McKenna for a bachelor’s degree in classics and the University of Cambridge for a master's degree in Anglo-Saxon. She has since taught at classical and private schools. Ms. Lyons says her favorite thing about teaching is, "how quickly you can witness change."

    She says, "Students begin a class not knowing a concept, and by the end of the class they know and apply it freely. Seeing students daily develop their minds and souls is rewarding."
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  • Mrs. Kate Rudolph

    5th Grade Homeroom
    6th Grade Informal Logic; 9th & 10th Grade Rhetoric

    Oxford University, M.St., Study of Religion
    Providence College, B.A., Theology, Minor in Dance


    Mrs. Kate Rudolph grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut, and attended St Joseph's high school. Her liberal arts studies gave her an early taste for the value of classical education. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Providence College in Rhode Island, where she studied theology with a minor in dance. Upon graduation, she matriculated into Oxford University for a master’s in theology.

    As a teacher, Mrs. Rudolph nurtures students' natural desire to learn. She says, "What I love most about teaching is to see students ask the right questions. My job is to encourage their curiosity and to guide their inquiry."
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  • Mr. Benjamin Corcoran

    6th Grade Homeroom
    5th Grade Math & Science; 6th Grade Math & Science
     
    Wyoming Catholic College, B.A. Liberal Arts
    Olympic College, A.S., Biology
     
    Mr. Benjamin Corcoran holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Wyoming Catholic College and an associate's in Biology from Olympic College in Washington. Previously, Mr. Corcoran taught and worked as an administrator, launched an intramural athletics program, and was a dean of students in a classical charter school network in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. He has taught 4th grade, 9th grade Literature and History, Euclidean Geometry, and physical education.
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  • Mr. Nathan Sparks

    6th Grade Literature & Composition; 6th & 7th Grade Latin, 8th Grade Logic, 9th Grade Latin III

    Columbia University, M.A., Classics
    Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, M.Div., Theology
    St. Mary’s University, B.A., Philosophy
     
    Mr. Nathan Sparks holds a master of arts in Classics from Columbia University in New York City, a master of divinity in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. Most recently, Mr. Sparks was a paraeducator in the special education department at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Washington. He previously taught high school courses in philosophy, scripture, and classics at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, South Dakota and Boston College High School in Boston, Massachusetts. 
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  • Ms. Laura McMillion

    7th Grade Homeroom
    2nd & 4th Grade Latin; 7th Grade Ancient History; 7th Grade Typing; 11th Latin IV; High School Spanish I

    University of Notre Dame, MTS, Biblical Studies
    Baylor University, B.A., University Scholars

    An Indiana native, Miss McMillion earned a master of Theological Studies from Notre Dame in Biblical Studies after earning her bachelor of arts from Baylor University. A fan of the out-of-doors who explored the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, where she previously taught, Miss McMillion had visited Jackson several times and was always struck with the beauty of the mountains and tranquility of the lakes. JHCA is a place where she can combine her passion for teaching the classics along with her outdoor interests. Miss McMillion is a competitive cyclist, an aspiring skier, an avid hiker, and when not pursuing athletic endeavors, loves to curl up and read a book.

    "I love working with the outstanding faculty at JHCA. My goal is to always help students encounter—and hopefully fall in love with—literature and Latin the way I did!"

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  • Mrs. Abigail McRae

    8th Grade Homeroom
    8th Grade Literature & Composition; 8th Grade Medieval History; 1st & 3rd Grade Latin; 5th Grade Intro to Latin I

    University of St. Andrews in Scotland, MLitt., Intellectual History
    Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, B.A. Liberal Arts


    Mrs. Abigail McRae hails from New York, where she taught skiing for over ten years, and most recently taught at a K–12 classical school in Connecticut. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire and a master’s degree in intellectual history through the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

    "I’m most excited to be working with faculty and students I admire towards the common goal of forming minds in truth and virtue."
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  • Mr. Ian McRae

    9th Grade Homeroom
    6th Grade American History and Geography; 7th Grade Literature & Composition; 9th Grade Humane Letters

    University of St. Andrews in Scotland, MLitt., Intellectual History
    Hillsdale College, B.A., History & Politics

    Mr. Ian McRae hails from the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in Oregon near Seattle. He holds a bachelor of arts in history and politics from Hillsdale College, where he also studied Latin, and a master of letters in intellectual history from University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where he also studied seventeenth century natural law.

    “My favorite part about teaching is sharing the best stories from history and getting students interested in the past, and its significance in the present. The look in their eyes when they have their ‘a-ha’ moments is the best.”
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  • Mr. Kyle Botkin

    10th Grade Homeroom
    8th Grade Algebra I; 9th Grade Geometry; 11th Grade Calculus; High School Practical Arts

    Harvard University, ALM, Mathematics Education
    Texas A&M, B.S., Youth Development


    Mr. Kyle Botkin is a Texan with family roots in Houston and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M. His background has always oriented around education, though it has developed over time. His undergraduate study in the agricultural department of Texas A&M focused on parks and recreation management and youth outdoor programming.

    "The best part of teaching is meeting new students every year and making a positive impact on their lives. While I love math in its own right, I also view it as a powerful way to mentor students."
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  • Dr. Daniel Russ

    10th & 11th Humane Letters

    University of Dallas, Ph.D., Literature and Psychology
    Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A., Biblical Studies
    University of Dallas, M.A., English
    University of Evansville, B.A., English

    Dr. Daniel Russ has four decades of experience in education and leadership. He retired in 2015 as a professor of English at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts where he also served as academic dean and the director of the Center for Christian Studies from 2003-2015. Dan is a Senior Fellow with The Trinity Forum where he served as a project director and resource scholar. He has contributed to a number of books on classics, biblical studies, and cultural leadership. He holds an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, an M.A. in English from the University of Dallas, as well as a Ph.D. in Literature and Psychology from the University of Dallas. He also serves on the JHCA Foundation Board.

    "Having been involved in school education for over 40 years, I can truly say that Jackson Hole Classical Academy is the most impressive and transformative school I have experienced. The students are alive to learning and the faculty to teaching and learning with them. The faculty and administrators share the dual love of all great educators: the love of truth and the love of their students."
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  • Ms. Kirby Feaver

    Faculty Coordinator
    7th Grade Science; 8th Grade Science; 9th & 10th Grade Conceptual Physics; 11th Grade Anatomy & Physiology; 7th & 8th Grade Study Hall

    Fresno Pacific University, B.S., Biology


    Ms. Kirby Feaver was born and raised in California. She attended Fresno Pacific University, where she earned a degree in biology. She has twenty-five years of teaching experience at private, charter, and public schools in California and Colorado.

    "I love working with young people. They fill me with hope and keep me sharp with their inquisitiveness."
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  • Mr. Andrew Vitale

    Athletics & Community Relations Coordinator
    7th Grade Math; 10th Grade Algebra II; 11th Grade Study Hall; 7th–12th Grade P.E. Teacher

    Concordia University Irvine, M.A., Coaching and Athletics Administration
    Eastern Connecticut State University, B.S., Mathematics

    Mr. Andrew Vitale was born and raised in Connecticut, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine. He spent the last sixteen years at Marianapolis Preparatory School in teaching and advisory roles, and as the director of athletics.
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  • Mrs. Tanya McDaniel

    K–5 Art Teacher

    Mrs. Tanya McDaniel has lived in Jackson for over ten years. She teaches private art lessons to adults and children, and has previously taught at children’s art camps. Mrs. McDaniel attended Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia as a pre-med student with a minor in art, and studied abroad in Cortona, Italy through her college's art program. She has spent many years in international mission work, including when she taught at a K–8 Christian school in Kenya.

    "Everyone has the ability to be an artist; they just need to break down that initial barrier.”
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  • Ms. Tamara Callens

    6th–12th Art Teacher

    Studies in Masters Techniques, New York City Art Students League
    Munn Fellowship Artist Residency, Versailles Foundation, Claude Monet's Home and Gardens in Giverny, France


    Ms. Tamara Callens has a lifetime of experience in the world of classical art. An award-winning and widely published artist, Ms. Callens studied techniques of the masters at the New York City Art Students League. In 2018, she was awarded the Versailles Foundation’s prestigious Munn Fellowship Artist Residency Award, which allowed her to spend three months living and painting in the gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France, with an honorary exhibition at the end of the fellowship. She was the Oil Painters of America National Award Winner in 2006 and was selected for the National “Art for Parks” Top 100 Best Paintings in 2002.
     
    “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to share with students my knowledge of the masters, art history, and techniques in hope of passing on a love and appreciation for the process and discipline of visual art. I love classical training because it instills a solid foundation that enables a student to pursue a lifetime of learning and achievement.”
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  • Dr. Evan Campbell

    K–12 Music Teacher
    Choir Director

    McGill University, Ph.D., M.A., Music Theory
    McMaster University, B.Mus. with Honors; Performance Diploma, Classical Guitar


    Dr. Evan Campbell holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Music Theory from McGill University in Montreal, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Performance Diploma in Classical Guitar from McMaster University in Ontario. Most recently, Dr. Campbell was a Visiting Professor of Music Theory at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam in New York.  His Ph.D. research explored Renaissance psalm and canticle settings, a reflection of his Christian faith.
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  • Mr. Jozef Benko

    K–8 Chess Teacher
    Maintenance Manager

    University of the Slovak Republic at Nitra, M.S., Environmental Ecology

    University of the Slovak Republic at Nitra, B.S. Environmental Science

    Mr. Jozef Benko hails from Czechoslovakia, where he studied environmental science and environmental ecology. He is our K–8th grade chess instructor and assists with grounds and facilities maintenance. Mr. Benko has always been interested in the game of chess and has been playing seriously for nine years.
     
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  • Mr. Jeff Eckart

    Clubs, Programs, & Camps Manager
    K–6 P.E. Teacher

    Concordia University, M.A., Teaching, Health and Physical Education Emphasis
    Portland State University, B.S., School of Community Health
     
    Born and raised in small-town Oregon, Mr. Jeff Eckart earned a Bachelor of Science in the School of Community Health at Portland State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in health and physical education from Concordia University. He joins JHCA as the K–6 physical education teacher, having previously taught and coached in both Oregon and Arizona. He also manages our athletic clubs, programs, and camps.
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  • Mr. Chase Court

    Learning Support Coordinator

    Texas A&M University, B.S., Psychology and Sociology

    Texas A&M University, M.A., Psychology
    Licensed Specialist in School Psychology


    Mr. Chase Court earned his bachelor of science in psychology and sociology in addition to a master's degree in psychology from Texas A&M University. He also has a specialized degree to work in schools as a psychologist and previously worked for six school districts near Dallas providing student psychology and support services.

    He says, "The rewarding aspect of my job is the ability to build relationships with students and work with them to help them develop the social and emotional skill sets to become successful."
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Mountain Range

Contact

Physical Address:
2500 S. Park Loop Rd.
Jackson, WY 83001

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7466
Jackson, WY 83002
 
Enrollment Inquiries:
Polly Friess, Head of School
(307) 690-8396
 
All Other Inquiries:
School Office
(307) 201-5040
 








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Nondiscrimination Policy: Jackson Hole Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or 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 or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance, athletic, arts and other school administrated programs.