Faculty

List of 23 items.

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  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. Fieser became interested in the Academy because of our dedication to classical education and the call for Christ-centered teachers. She says that after getting to know the faculty and staff, she is pleased to start teaching here. Mrs. Fieser believes classical education is important because it strives to educate the student as a whole person and to equip them to become a good member of society.

   

  In addition to snowshoeing, paddleboarding, and hiking, Mrs. Fieser is a cellist and vocalist who loves playing classical and religious music. She and her husband moved to Jackson in 2021 and love the wild beauty of the Tetons.
• 

  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 decades 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. 
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  Mrs. Nichols’ students find her energy and joy for learning contagious from the moment they enter her classroom. Her passion for helping students rise to their full potential is reflected in her involvement with Young Life, where she has served as a leader for multiple years.
  
  Mrs. Nichols has a passion for helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom. For the past six years, she has been a leader with Young Life, a non-denominational Christian organization that reaches out to children and teenagers by building meaningful mentoring relationships. Mrs. Nichols said that she has grown in understanding kids for who they are and helping them to experience their full potential.
  
  "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."
  
  Mrs. Nichols’ many years in the classroom let her see the unique development of each child. The small class sizes at JH Classical Academy allow her to focus and adapt her expertise for every student. Mrs. Nichols said, “Because I’ve had so many experiences and worked with such a wide range of students, I can recognize where each student is at and what exactly they need at each step in the learning process.”
  
  Mrs. Nichols appreciates the impact classical education can have on the life of a school and the quality of learning. She was frustrated by the testing and common core requirements of the public school. Since moving to Jackson, she has said, “At this school, I’m now actually able to use my teaching abilities in the classroom to guide students.”
  
  Mrs. Nichols had already committed to living in Wyoming before coming to Jackson. She taught in Powell for four years and wanted to continue to live in a place with wide-open spaces and the mountains. She loves the outdoor life that Jackson offers, and especially the sense of community. Mrs. Nichols senses it present in Jackson in a way that she has been looking for and rarely found elsewhere. “This place is a blessing. I’ve been to many different schools, and this place is unique and wonderful."
  
• 

  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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  Having taught at a classical school, Mrs. Court appreciates how classical education explains the foundations of Western Civilization and all the disciplines; moreover, it forms not only students' minds but also their virtue.

   

  When not at school, Mrs. Court and her husband Chase, JHCA's learning support coordinator, enjoy being outdoors hiking and camping. Mr. Court "dabbles in gardening and woodwork" while Mrs. Court loves to bake and practice calligraphy. Together they enjoy exploring their favorite region in the country, the mountain west!
  
  Why Does Mrs. Court Love Teaching at JHCA?
  "What I love about teaching at JHCA is getting to use the Spalding phonics program. It is structured in such a way that helps my students become phonetically aware through the memorization of phonograms and the many rules of the English language. My students aren’t taught to memorize a list of words, but they are expected to understand the WHY behind the way a word is spelled. This is what makes them such gifted writers and readers!"
• 

  Ms. Jamie Cure

  3rd Grade Teacher

   

  Oral Roberts University, Bachelor of Education, Elementary Education

  Concentration: Teaching English Language Learners

   

  Ms. Jamie Cure joins JHCA as our third-grade teacher. Originally from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, she taught for nine years in the public school system. She was first introduced to classical education through a friend over two years ago. As her friend described classical literature’s relevance for today, Ms. Cure felt like she was starting to come alive as a teacher again. This discussion brought a sense of meaning, purpose, and hope to Ms. Cure. She realized we don’t just have “grin and bear it” to get through life, but that God has provided good, true, and beautiful things in this world and through literature that we can explore as a way of drawing closer to Him. She is excited to be teaching in an environment that is good for the soul of the teacher and good for the soul of the student. 
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  Ms. Cure is originally from the plains of northeastern Colorado where her family farms and ranches. She grew up riding horses, going on cattle drives, bottle feeding bucket calves, and playing sports. She is thankful for her time growing up on the plains but is also excited to explore the mountains. She is looking forward to connecting with students and families through JHCA and with the community in Jackson.

   

  She enjoys biking, talking on the porch with friends, crocheting, and reading. She is eager to explore cross country skiing and to refine her downhill skiing skills on the mountain this winter.
• 

  Ms. Catherine Stypa

  4th Grade Homeroom
  4th Grade Math; 6th Grade Literature & Composition; 9th Grade Rhetoric; High School Practical Arts; Senior Thesis
  
  Wyoming Catholic College, B.A., Liberal Arts
  
  Ms. 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. Stypa articulates that classical education is timeless—not only enriching each student’s life, but also giving them the ability to enter the workforce as a strong and effective candidate. She says, “I believe in the mission of JHCA because of its curriculum, combined with its commitment to cultivating a rich community within the greater Jackson Hole community.” She is excited to help further that mission.

   

  A product of classical education herself, Ms. Stypa believes that “crafting logical arguments, playing chess, and studying poetry will allow a student to step beyond factual knowledge, and form a versatile mind, capable of synthesizing information or pivoting between fields of study.” Her own experience leads her to this conclusion, explaining, “I find that previous studies in literature or mathematical theory keep recurring in new light and with new meaning.”

   

  Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Ms. Stypa grew up trail riding, hunting, and camping with her large, active family. She is excited to get to know the community of JHCA, as well as the larger Jackson Hole local community. An avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, she says, “I am looking forward to some stellar skiing this winter!” Her hobbies also include reading science fiction by a fire in the winter or riding her mountain bike in the summer.
• 

  Ms. Alice Lyons

  4th Grade Language Arts, History, & Geography; 1st, 3rd, & 5th Grade Latin
  
  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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  Ms. Alice Lyons comes to Jackson Hole Classical Academy from a family of teachers. Her mom taught computer science at her high school in West Chester, New York. Her dad was a business professor. Growing up in the beautiful meadows and woods of rural New York gave her an appreciation for living and playing in the outdoors.

   

  Ms. Lyons attended Claremont McKenna for a bachelor’s degree in classics. After graduation, she taught at a classical Christian school in San Diego for two years. She says, "It was the perfect fit at the time. I remember thinking within weeks, 'This is what I want to do!'" Subsequently, Ms. Lyons attended the University of Cambridge for a master's degree in Anglo-Saxon.

   

  Teaching at a classical school gave Ms. Lyons insight as to the way in which the two previously separate aspects of her life—classical Latin education and Christian faith—could come together. She says, "Classical Christian education is interdisciplinary and tries to make sense of everything through synthesis. It does not give you a fragmentary, but a whole, picture of the world. It finds connections between subjects and adds the 'missing piece' of faith."

   

  A sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors led Ms. Lyons to leave teaching briefly to work in event planning in Zion, Utah for Under Canvas, a "glamping and luxury camping company." She says, "Although I loved the outdoors aspect of the job, my favorite part was teaching people how to camp."

   

  What is Ms. Lyons favorite aspect of teaching? " I love how quickly you can witness change. Students begin a class not knowing a concept, and by the end of the class they know and apply it freely."

   

  When not teaching or camping, Ms. Lyons likes to read. Her current genre of choice is female diaries. About to move to the northern Rockies, Ms. Lyons found the 19th century account "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" particularly relevant. She says, "The diary documents Isabella Bird's journey through New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. It's amazing and humbling to think about making that kind of trip back then, when the area was pure wilderness." Ms. Lyons also appreciates Jane Austen and the Roman pastoral author, Tibullus.

   

  Ms. Lyons and her husband Kyle married in the spring of 2020 and are enjoying life together in Jackson Hole.
• 

  Ms. Britney Poland

  4th Grade Science; 5th Grade Math & Science; 8th Grade Earth Science; High School Practical Arts

   

  Clemson University, B.S., Animal and Veterinary Science

   

  Ms. Britney Poland grew up in rural South Carolina town, where her love for science blossomed on her family’s small cattle farm. She participated in all things equine, from 4H to showing horses nationally. Her love for horses led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science from Clemson University, where she also competed on their Equestrian Team. Originally, Ms. Poland intended to become a large animal veterinarian, but God had other plans. He placed teaching in her heart instead and she has never looked back.
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  Ms. Poland has taught for the past seven years in private schools, beginning at her alma mater in South Carolina and most recently at a school in Dallas, Texas.

   

  As a huge sports fan—mainly basketball and football—Ms. Poland is looking forward to the many winter sports and activities that Jackson offers. Other than sports, her main hobbies include spending time with family and friends, riding horses, and playing around behind the camera.

   

  “I am excited to be a part of a school where nurturing wisdom and virtue into our students is a major part of our mission. I am also looking forward to helping JHCA grow their agricultural education initiative in the coming years!”
• 

  Mrs. Kate Rudolph

  5th Grade Homeroom
  5th Grade Literature & Composition, European History, & Geography; 6th Grade Informal Logic; 7th Grade Ancient History
  
  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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  After finishing graduate school, Mrs. Rudolph worked for her parish in Connecticut, as well as taught high school theology and helped coach the drama club at her alma mater, St. Joseph's.

  
  

  Mrs. Rudolph enjoys using Socratic methods of inquiry, as well as honing her students' critical thinking skills. "I'm love working with 'logic stage' students. Their willingness to question everything is amazing!"

  
  

  Mrs. Rudolph is thrilled to be living in the Jackson Hole valley. She says, "I visited Yellowstone first as a child and then on a family vacation a few years ago. I fell in love with the landscape and the life!" As an avid hiker and aspiring fly fisher, she enjoys some of Jackson's most popular summer pastimes.

  
  

  When she has time to read, Mrs. Rudolph likes to dip into the essays of C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, or John Henry Newman. These authors are particular favorites because "as master teachers, they explain well and use analogies skillfully. Their focus is on educating the reader in a clever, entertaining, and winsome way."
  
  Why Does Mrs. Rudolph Love Teaching at JHCA?
  

  "I love teaching at JHCA because students are always curious. Every day is a new adventure. Our classical curriculum allows and encourages students to make connections across subjects and years of study, which truly leads to a love of learning."

  
  
• 

  Mr. Benjamin Corcoran

  Assistant Dean of Students
  6th Grade Homeroom
  2nd & 4th Grade Latin; 6th Grade Science; 9th Grade Conceptual Physics
  

   

  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. Corcoran believes that classical education is valuable because it operates from the perspective that the traditions we have inherited are to be honored, not blindly followed, and that education concerns itself with persons fully alive and aimed at achieving the Good Life. He is happy to be part of the JHCA community because of the mission, the emphasis on organizational health, classical education of children, and Christian ministry.

   

  In his spare time, Mr. Corcoran enjoys reading about philosophy, history, literature and poetry of all kinds, including that of Richard Wilbur and John Donne but especially the genre of fantasy, and listening to long-form conversational podcasts. Additionally, he loves biking, computer science, cooking, going to art museums, playing games with his brother and best friend, as well as the works of the Coen Brothers, Arvo Part, Vivian Maier, Flannery O' Connor, to name a few.

   

  Mr. Corcoran enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons and is happy to live closer to his parents and in-laws. He said, “I look forward to my kids knowing their extended family. I am excited to connect with the school community and Jackson more broadly. The reality that my wife and children will have support and friendship here fills me with joy.”
  
  Why Does Mr. Corcoran Love Teaching at JHCA?
  "I love working for JHCA because it is a school that is clear about its mission, and its mission is grand. I feel a sense of focus among faculty and staff that is energizing, and it cultivates joy in the students."
• 

  Mr. Ian McRae

  6th Grade American History & Geography; 7th Grade Literature & Composition; 9th Grade Humane Letters; Latin I
  
  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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  Prior to teaching at JHCA, Mr. McRae taught Latin at a charter school in Colorado Springs. He says his 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.”

   

  Asked what he was most excited about in coming to teach at our school, Mr. McRae replied “the curriculum,” in addition to being inspired by the enthusiasm he witnessed in our students when he first visited.

   

  Having spent his summers on lake Washington growing up, Mr. McRae is excited to be living in Jackson. In May to June 2017, he hiked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (also known as the Way of St. James), an ancient pilgrimage. He walked “the French Way” beginning in Saint-Jean-pied-de-port and finished at Santiago. In his free time, Mr. McRae enjoys being outdoors so he is looking forward to hiking, fishing (and learning to fly fish), and just being out in the fresh mountain air. He is also very interested in films and English and Russian literature.
• 

  Mrs. Catherine Sparks

  7th Grade Homeroom

  7th Grade Life Science; 10th Grade Chemistry; 11th Grade Biology; French III

   

  University of British Columbia, B.Ed., Biological Science 

  Simon Fraser University, B.S., Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Honors Program)

   

  Born in Switzerland and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Mrs. Catherine Sparks comes to Jackson Hole as a native of the mountains. Mrs. Sparks completed her K–12 education in a French immersion program, earning a dual diploma in both English and French. She went on to pursue the sciences at the post-secondary level. After graduating from the honors program at Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Mrs. Sparks spent the following year working in an immunology laboratory, where she studied transplant arteriosclerosis and published in the American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology. She left laboratory research to pursue a teaching career and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus in secondary biological science education from the University of British Columbia. Before coming to JHCA, Mrs. Sparks taught science and math at Notre Dame Regional Secondary School in Vancouver, Canada.
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  Mrs. Sparks agrees with celebrated educator John Bosco’s statement that “education is a matter of the heart.” She believes that teaching cannot merely comprise the communication of facts but must also attend to the liberation of the human person. This is done through the transmission of a coherent and comprehensive vision of life whose truths awaken students to the most profound meaning of human freedom. 

   

  Mrs. Sparks looks forward to living in the shadow of the Tetons with her husband, Nathan, and rescue dog, Scribble. When not hiking, skiing, camping, or fly fishing, you can find her reading her favorite authors: Hugo, Dickens, or Dostoevsky, to name a few.
• 

  Mr. Steve Spence

  7th Grade Pre-Algebra & Computer Skills; 10th Grade Algebra II; 11th Grade Pre-Calculus; High School Computer Science

   

  Notre Dame De Namur University, M.A. in Education

  Chico State University, B.S. in Computer Science

   

  JHCA welcomes Mr. Steve Spence, joining us this year as an Upper School Math, Computer Skills, and Computer Science teacher Most recently, Mr. Spence taught at the Mountain Academy in Jackson.

   

  Mr. Spence is originally from the Bay Area of California, near San Jose. During his undergraduate studies at Chico State University in California, he majored in Computer Science and minored in Math. He then earned an M.A. in education from Notre Dame De Namur University, also in California. Mr. Spence began college hoping to become a math teacher, but after taking a few computer science classes, he realized that "computers were about to explode in popularity.” Consequently, he changed his plans and worked in the tech industry for many years. His love for teaching persisted, however, as he homeschooled his children while working. He eventually retired from the tech industry to teach full-time.
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  Mr. Spence’s teaching philosophy is formed by his observation that “somewhere along the line in middle or high school, a lot of students just decide that they’re not good at math.” His goal is “to turn the tide on that mentality, to teach them and instill in them the confidence that they can in fact do math, that they can apply math concepts and techniques to solve problems, and that they can do it well.” By building students’ confidence in math, it builds their confidence in every area of school and life—if they can do math, they can do anything.

   

  Having used classical curricula to homeschool his own children, Mr. Spence values classical education’s focus on maximizing students’ abilities at each stage: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. In his view, you pass through these three stages each time you learn about new topic. You first learn the grammatical building blocks of the topic, you then learn the logic of how the blocks are put together, and finally, you can create something new using your obtained knowledge. He observes, “by passing through grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, you can learn anything from math to aerospace engineering. Classical education lets anyone teach themselves.” Mr. Spence notes that “while job skills go out of date quickly and often don’t match more than one particular company, teaching students how to learn, how to be human, and how to recognize goodness, truth, and beauty will enable them to quickly obtain technical skills in any job."

   

  In his free time, Mr. Spence enjoys doing everything one can do in the Tetons: fishing, biking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, climbing, and reading (especially the Great Books). We are happy to have Mr. Spence aboard!
• 

  Mr. Nathan Sparks

  8th Grade Homeroom
  6th Grade Latin; 8th Grade Formal Logic; 12th Grade Civics and Government; Latin II, III, & IV
  
  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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  Mr. Sparks said, “I have a passion for an educational approach that takes into account the value of wonder, the humanities, and philosophical approach to the world. I see education as cura personalis, that is, as extending beyond the mere transmission of knowledge and skills to the formation and care of the whole human person and their God-given dignity. It entails modeling both an awakening of the heart to beauty, goodness, virtue, and love of neighbor, as well as a habituation of the mind towards truth, wonder, curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual honesty. It is rooted in and directed towards the divine Logos that undergirds all of reality.”

   

  Mr. Sparks looks forward to living among the beautiful Tetons with his wife, Catherine, and working with like-minded colleagues at JHCA. In his free time, Mr. Sparks enjoys exploring the outdoors—backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, running, fly fishing—and reading classical literature.
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  Mrs. Abigail McRae

  8th Grade Medieval History
  
  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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  Mrs. McRae says her favorite part about teaching is learning alongside her students, and watching them gain confidence as skills or concepts ‘click’ in their minds.
  
  When asked what she is looking forward to at JHCA, Mrs. McRae said, “I’m most excited to be working with faculty and students I admire towards the common goal of forming minds in truth and virtue. I’m also thrilled to be so close to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where I plan to ski any chance I get!”

   

  In her free time, Mrs. McRae enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, running, mussel hunting, and having long conversations over tea or coffee. She is married to JHCA teacher, Mr. Ian McRae.
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  Ms. Evyn McGraw

  8th Grade Literature and Composition; 8th Grade Art; 12th Grade Great Books; High School Art History, Studio Art, & History of Christianity
  
  University of St. Andrews, M.Litt, Theology and the Arts
  John Brown University, B.A., English
  
  Ms. Evyn McGraw is from Greenville, Texas, outside of Dallas. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from John Brown University in Arkansas, with a double minor in Religion & Philosophy and Art & Illustration. “I took on all of these disciplines,” she says, “because I wanted to learn 'all the things'—my parents homeschooled me with a classical curriculum where there’s no hard distinction between disciplines, and I appreciate this approach to education as a valuable means of understanding the world and ultimately as a means of worship.” She also holds a master’s degree in Theology and the Arts from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
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  Previously, Ms. McGraw taught for two years at St. Isidore Academy, a classical school started on a farm. When asked what makes classical education particularly valuable, she says, "Fundamentally, I think education ought to lead us to God. I'm drawn to classical education from the conviction that all things good, true, and beautiful come from God; when we pursue this goodness, truth, and beauty in our studies, we are better able to know and love God and his creation, and are therefore better able to worship.” Coming to JHCA, Ms. McGraw found the school's philosophy of education very attractive: “It is devoted to truth as few other places are, and I also wanted to be part of the beautiful community the school has.”

   

  Other than teaching, she looks forward to being outdoors, being close to Yellowstone and the Tetons (two of her favorite places in world from childhood memories of visits here), working on her nature journal and sketchbook, and becoming part of the local church community. In her free time, Ms. McGraw is an amateur artist and fantasy novelist (describing her current work as “Flannery O’Connor for nerds”), and is currently working on some video game programming. JHCA is very excited to have such a multi-talented member of faculty joining us!
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  Mr. Kyle Botkin

  9th Grade Homeroom
  8th Grade Algebra I; 9th Grade Geometry; 12th 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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  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.

   

  After graduation, Mr. Botkin spent most of his 20's running a Christian backpacking camp in Colorado. The program taught team building and mentored students. For example, he explains, "One talk we might give at the end of a trip is drawing an analogy from the physical work of climbing a mountain to the spiritual work of drawing near to God."

   

  Eventually, Mr. Botkin realized that if he transitioned from being a camp leader to a classroom teacher, he could continue to have a positive impact on young peoples' lives, but for more time out of the year. Mr. Botkin says, "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."

   

  Because he had always enjoyed and excelled at math, Mr. Botkin decided that this would be his discipline of choice. In his late 20's he earned a master's from Harvard in math education. He and his wife Christina then moved back to Houston to teach and be close to family.

   

  Since then, he has taught at both private and public schools. With all this experience, he feels especially drawn to the mission and vision of JHCA. "One of the things that drew me to the Academy was that many things I believe about teaching—but hadn't yet put into words—are stated on the school website."

   

  Besides math, Mr. Botkin enjoys linguistics and history. He tries to intertwine these subjects where appropriate. For example, he will explain Greek and Latin etymologies in a geometry lesson to create a historical understand and context of the topic. This multi-faceted enthusiasm for learning and making connections helps to make him a dynamic teacher. He says, "Math is stereotypically a 'dull' subject, but I hope that my passion for the subject rubs off on the students!"

   

  Mr. and Mrs. Botkin are happy to be able to raise their five children in the Rocky Mountain West. In particular, they are looking forward to backpacking, something of an area of expertise for Mr. Botkin. In Colorado he summited almost one hundred peaks, and even guided Governor Rick Perry on a strenuous backcountry excursion.

   

  When not teaching or helping to take care of his children, Mr. Botkin enjoys reading, sports, and spending time on the water.
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  Mrs. Tanya McDaniel

  K–7th Grade 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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  Prior to moving to Jackson, Mrs. McDaniel and her family lived in Mexico, where she and her husband — Pastor Ray McDaniel of Jackson’s First Baptist Church — served as co-directors of the Central Christian Schools for the Deaf. Since then, their international work has mainly been Kenya and Guatemala. Mrs. McDaniel taught for multiple years at a K–8 Christian School in Kenya, which she greatly enjoyed. “My favorite thing to teach in Kenya was African History because I was in awe and excitement of it. That excitement transferred to the kids,” she said.

   

  Classical education is important to Mrs. McDaniel. She believes that it is the best way to educate children because when they are inspired by and learn from the past, they are more likely to be innovative and creative.

   

  She is most excited about helping her students to “see something in themselves that they thought they weren’t capable of.” She believes that “everyone has the ability to be an artist; they just need to break down that initial barrier.”
  
  

  Mrs. McDaniel believes that when students see themselves succeed when they thought it was impossible, they will be more willing to take on new challenges in their other classes. “Encouragement goes a long way, and being proud of themselves goes even further.

   

  In her spare time, Mrs. McDaniel enjoys anything that she gets to do with her husband and daughter, especially taking road trips and doing international mission work. She met her husband while attending art classes.
• 

  Dr. Evan Campbell

  K–12th Grade Music Teacher
  Choir Director
  
  McGill University, M.A.,  Ph.D., 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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  Dr. Campbell’s experience at a K–12 Christian liberal arts school led to his Ph.D. in Music Theory as well as a passion for classical education. “To draw on Plato’s "Allegory of the Cave," a classical Christian education helps us to escape to the surface and see the world in its true light. This, in turn, provides a path to a good life.” He goes on to say, “my role is to inspire students, emboldening them to undertake a journey of discovery, awe, and understanding. In my classes, inspiration begins with active engagement. My students make music every day, no matter the topic, including music history.”

   

  Dr. Campbell is cognizant of music’s role in a well-rounded classical education, and his pedagogy incorporates late-Renaissance and early-Baroque methods firmly rooted in the Trivium. Dr. Campbell is excited to work with students at JHCA and “give them the very best music, even at the earliest age.”

   

  He and his wife Julia recently moved to Jackson Hole. Dr. Campbell is especially looking forward to making music within the Jackson community, exploring nature, and learning how to fly fish.
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  Mr. Jozef Benko

  K–7th Grade Chess; 12th Grade Physics; High School Chess
  
  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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  One of Mr. Benko's hobbies is studying advanced mathematics and physics. He explains, "Chess complemented my love of mathematical theory and helped my critical thinking skills in calculations. Chess is not just a game, it's a subject of study." He adds, "There's an art to chess as well—the game allows you to develop and innovate strategy."
  
  One of the beauties of chess, according to Mr. Benko, is that it is a dynamic game. No two games are alike, and constant practice yields steady improvement.

   

  Since he was in college, Mr. Benko has wanted to teach. He is happy to be at Classical Academy and looks forward to sharing his knowledge of chess with students.

   

  Mr. Benko will be assisting Coach Jay Stallings with the the chess program. Mr. Benko says that "Coach Stallings is both a great chess teacher and player and has helped the transition happen smoothly from this year to next."

   

  Mr. Benko is pleased to see where JHCA students are in their chess games and sees exciting opportunities for improvement. He says, "Every grade has some surprisingly strong players. Now that students will be practicing in person again, I look forward to seeing the classes make even bigger gains."

   

  One way Mr. Benko hopes to further strengthen the chess program is by starting a Chess club so that students will have the opportunity to become more involved and delve deeper into chess tactics.

   

  Mr. Benko, his wife, and three daughters live in Victor, Idaho, which has been home for his family the past thirteen years.
  
  Why Does Mr. Benko Love Teaching at JHCA?
  "I enjoy teaching at JHCA for several reasons. I believe that classical education is a superior form of education which JHCA is all about. I also like the people that I work with because we all share the same beliefs. JHCA is not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus and makes sure that Christ is the center of our education. Lastly, I just love to teach chess to our students!"
• 

  Mr. Jeff Eckart

  Clubs, Programs, & Camps Manager
  K–8th Grade 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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  Pursuing a classical education for his two sons originally brought Mr. Eckart to JHCA and the opportunity to teach at his children’s school was a dream come true. Mr. Eckart believes that “the classical approach nurtures a child’s natural desire to learn” and is “excited to enter a program that values a student's need for daily physical activity, who sees the character that can be built through group sports, and is intent on providing a foundation for lifetime healthy practices.”

   

  When asked about his professional accomplishments, Mr. Eckart points to his role as a coach, stating, “I have enjoyed playing an integral role in the life of student-athletes. It brings me great joy to see many of these young individuals continue to participate in athletics after high school, including the D1 collegiate and even professional level.”

   

  Moving to Wyoming was a long-standing goal for Mr. Eckart, his wife Kayla, and their two boys, as vacations in the Jackson area never felt enough. In addition to watching just about any sport, Mr. Eckart loves coaching and playing basketball, baseball, and most recently, golf.
• 

  Mr. Andrew Vitale

  Athletics & Community Relations Coordinator
  5th–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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  Mr. Vitale says, “Looking at the school from a parent’s perspective, it has helped me to see that not only is it a great place for my children, but also a community I want to support.” He has coached seasons of boys lacrosse, boys soccer, baseball, softball and girls tennis, and was an Eastern Connecticut soccer referee for twenty-one years.

   

  Mr. Vitale says “I am really excited to be working with the faculty and community in developing an athletic program that allows students to progress in their athletic endeavors.” His specialty is in coaching boys basketball and is a two-time recipient of NEPSAC’s (New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference) basketball coach of the year. He has been coaching for 22 years.

   

  Mr. Vitale enjoys coaching, watching, and playing all kinds of sports, and spending time outside with his family. His wife, Mrs. Monica Vitale, is our Dean of Academics and College Advisor. Together they have two daughters who both attend JHCA.
• 

  Dr. Kayla Eckart

  High School Health Teacher

   

  National University of Natural Medicine, Ph.D., Naturopathic Medicine 

  Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, M.A., Acupuncture

  Portland State University, B.S, in Community Health and Health Sciences 

   

   Dr. Kayla Eckart received her Doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. To further her studies, she then received her Master of Arts in Acupuncture while teaching anatomy/physiology and medical terminology to graduate students. She established a medical practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, which she continues to maintain part-time and is happy to now call Wyoming home. 
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  Born in Wyoming, Dr. Eckart has always loved the Jackson area and spent a lot of time in the Valley throughout her childhood and adult life. She and her family relocated from Arizona to Wyoming last year and have immense gratitude for this beautiful place, the opportunity to be close to family, and the JHCA school community. 

   

  Dr. Eckart is eager for the opportunity to teach high school students at JHCA. She believes that by teaching students to understand and care for their health, she is practicing true preventative medicine. Young adulthood is the optimal time to encourage healthy living and habit formation. Her goal is to inspire students to understand how to care for their physical, mental, and spiritual health, thereby preventing disease and modifiable risk factors. She is motivated by the potential individual impact and ripple effect through families and communities. 
• 

  Mr. Chase Court

  Learning Support Coordinator
  
  Texas A&M University, M.A., Psychology
  Texas A&M University, B.S., Psychology and Sociology
  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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  While already impressed with the mission of JH Classical Academy on paper, Mr. Court says that witnessing the mission concretely enacted in the classrooms sold him entirely to the school. He noticed, "The teachers are positive, and they care deeply about the students. The school's mission is a living reality that is creating a vibrant learning community

   

  When not at school, Chase and his wife, Tracy, enjoy being outdoors hiking and camping. Mr. Court "dabbles in gardening and woodwork" while Mrs. Court loves to bake and practice calligraphy. Together they look forward to exploring more of their favorite region in the country, the mountain west!