Faculty

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.
  Read More
  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 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."
  Read More
  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.
  
  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!"
  Read More
  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. 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.
  Read More
  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 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."
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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."
  
  Read More
  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

  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.
  Read More
  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. 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. 
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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!"
  
  
  Read More
  She says, "I've had a broad education in philosophy, literature, and history, and this education has taught me how to examine the big questions that have faced people at all times and in all places. This came into sharper focus as I delved into the ancient languages of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Syriac, and my thesis described how Augustine and Jerome's disagreements were shaped by the different translations each preferred." 

   

  A fan of the out-of-doors who explored the woods of North Carolina, where she has been teaching, Miss McMillion has visited Jackson several times and has always been 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, and an avid hiker. "My primary hobby is cycling, including cyclo-cross and racing." (Cyclo cross is a form of bicycle racing that features wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount and carry the bike.) A typically modest Hoosier, Miss McMillion must be pressed for specific accomplishments. She adds, "I recently competed in the Jefferson Cup Race and placed 7th. That's all right, but I'd like to be better!"

   

  When not cycling, Miss McMillion spends her time reading. "I like to keep up with Latin and Greek. I also am constantly drawn back to the great novels. My favorite book is Crime and Punishment."

   

  Miss McMillion was a research fellow at the Trinity Forum Academy, an institution that grants only 12 fellowships each year to outstanding young professionals, scholars and artists. The sanctuary-like facility, Osprey Point, is a meeting place for leading Washington, D.C. intellectuals. 
• 

  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."
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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.”
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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."
  
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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."
  Read More
  Dr. Russ was headmaster of Trinity Christian Academy, a K–12 college preparatory school in Dallas, Texas, from 1994–2002. He served on the boards of Covenant Christian Academy, a K-12 classical school in Peabody, Massachusetts and on the Salzburg Institute. He is a board member, lecturer and consultant of the MacMillan Institute in Dallas, Texas and of the Foundation Board of the Jackson Hole Classical Academy.
  
  Dan and his wife, Kathy, have four grown children, eight grandchildren, and lived in Centennial, Colorado before moving to Jackson.
• 

  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."
  
  Read More
   

  Ms. Feaver knows and loves science, but her success in the classroom comes from more than knowing her subject well. She is also an excellent communicator who can explain complex concepts with fluidity. Her enthusiasm is infectious in labs. Moreover, she has the essential quality of loving her students and being able to engage with them daily. She says, "I love working with young people. They fill me with hope and keep me sharp with their inquisitiveness."

   

  Although she had never taught at a classical school before coming to JHCA, both the Academy and its vision instantly resonated with Ms. Feaver. She says, "While there are many wonderful teachers in mainstream public education, the system as a whole does not often serve the student well. We should be holding high expectations and challenging young people to aspire to great things. When I researched JHCA and was amazed at the philosophy. I thought, 'This is what education can and should be!'"

   

  Despite the demands of teaching, Ms. Feaver is a consistently voracious reader. She reads 20-25 minutes a day, every day, outside of her subject of science. In her spare time she also enjoys calligraphy and laughing at the antics of her "cowardly house panther" who runs away from mice. Having lived in Colorado, Ms. Feaver is no stranger to teaching in small towns and living in the mountains. She loves hiking and biking, taking advantage of the glories of nature. She says, "A hike is manna for the soul. It reminds you that no matter what is happening in the world, our God is king and creator."
• 

  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.
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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.”
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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.”
  Read More
  Ms. Callens specializes in oil and watercolor painting, charcoal drawing, and mono-printing. She is proficient in landscape, figure, and portraiture art, while utilizing traditional painting techniques in a decidedly contemporary fashion. While her subject matter remains timeless, she favors dramatic yet intimate compositions that feature shimmering color harmonies and painterly brushwork. Ms. Callens’ luminous oils and murals reflect clarity of vision, passion, and a spiritual focus reminiscent of earlier American impressionists such as Edgar Payne, Guy Rose and William Wendt, and many others.

   

  She says her love for art began at an early age with the encouragement of her mother (an art teacher), the training she received under American realist painter Mary Beth McKenzie, N.A. at the Art Students League in New York City, and from painting alongside many well-accomplished artists over the years.

   

  Ms. Callens was raised in the lush redwood landscape of the Pacific North Coast in California and currently resides in the Jackson, Wyoming, where she enjoys the vast Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. In her free time, she loves visiting her children, spending time in the outdoors with her dog Sargent, fishing, hiking, and plein air painting. 
• 

  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.
  Read More
  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.
• 

  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.

   
  Read More
  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–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.
  Read More
  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. 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."
  Read More
  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!