Staff

List of 8 items.

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  Ms. Deb Bentlage

  Kitchen Manager 
  
  

  Ms. Debora “Deb” Bentlage was born in Casper, Wyoming and lived her childhood in the Equality State. After graduating high school in Jackson, she studied for a year at Central Wyoming College and a year in Laramie before entering the U.S. Army and becoming a paratrooper, serving in Korea and Germany. Ms. Bentlage’s experience is varied and strong for her position at JHCA. She started as a cook at her grandmother’s café at the Teton Gables Hotel and has not looked back since! Ms. Bentlage lives in Jackson with her two beautiful children, Sarah and Jacob.
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  Ms. Debora Bentlage was born in Casper, Wyoming and moved around the state as a youth before her family settled in the Valley in 1978. Ms. Bentlage’s grandparents lived in Hoback and owned the Teton Gables Hotel. She now lives in her grandparents old home on the Snake river with her children, Jacob and Sarah.

   

  After graduating high school in Jackson, Deb studied for a year at Central Wyoming College and a year in Laramie. After that she entered the US Army. “I went to non-commission officer school and then became a paratrooper. I don’t think I’d ever have been jumping out of planes if it weren’t for the army.” Deb’s military duties took her to Korea and Germany.

   

  She also was recruited for security work, running background checks on soldiers applying for top security clearances. Deb enjoyed the challenge. “It’s a detective position, really. You dig up dirt on people to see if they’re eligible for clearance. I had to manage six of the Delta Group, as well as the battalion drug testing.”

   

  Being in Korea was a memorable experience for her, especially seeing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the North and the South. “I got to jump out of a helicopter onto a golf course near the DMZ. From a bird’s-eye view I got to compare the two sides. There is an incredible change in the landscape across the DMZ.” She also appreciated the people she met in Korea. “They are so generous to American soldiers.”

   

  Deb’s experience is varied and strong for her position at JHCA. She had cooked for her grandmother’s café as well as for her own daycare. Deb likewise finds joy being able to serve the students at JHCA. She says, “I love working here. The positive attitude is the best thing about the school. Everything is done for the benefit of the kids, and I like that.”
• 

  Mr. Peter Freund

  University of Kansas, B.S., Political Science
  
  Director of Finance
  
  Mr. Peter Freund is the Director of Finance at JH Classical Academy. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Political Science. Prior to moving to Jackson, Mr. Freund and his family lived in Colorado, where he worked in hospitality running his family’s lodge. 
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  Previously, Mr. Freund worked in the Kansas legislature as the Chief of Staff to a majority leader, where he ran campaigns and debate schedules, and administered legislation. Mr. Freund also worked for a nonprofit organization in China for six years, helping schools in China with education training and establishing partnerships with schools in the United States. He also taught English in China for one year.

   

  Classical education is important both to Mr. Freund and his family. He believes that “classical education is the critical foundation that we have to be a part of if we are going to affect any kind of positive change or impact in our culture and in our children for the next generation.” Mr. Freund is excited to contribute to this important effort. He says that “ministry doesn’t take root if an individual’s heart hasn’t been opened.” He believes that classical education is the way to open hearts and minds to truth, goodness, and beauty.

   

  Mr. Freund is most looking forward to “being part of a community that’s pursuing truth and excellence” and furthering the mission of JH Classical Academy. He is excited to use his experience and skills to support the important work JH Classical Academy is doing for its students. 

   

  In his spare time, Mr. Freund loves being in the mountains, especially exploring on a good hike with his family. He also enjoys fixing things and figuring out how things work—something he learned to love while working at the lodge his family built in Colorado.
• 

  Mrs. Lisa Landis

  Ithaca College of New York, B.Mus., Music Education; Piano
  
  Admissions Coordinator
  
  

  Mrs. Lisa Landis is the Admissions Coordinator at JH Classical Academy and, in previous years, served as the school's founding music teacher and choral director. She loves working alongside her husband, Mr. Ian Landis, and the admissions team to help grow the Academy. She attended Ithaca College of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree, double majoring in Music Education and Piano. Mrs. Landis grew up in Quakertown, PA and appreciates the opportunity to live in and enjoy Jackson with her husband and two children.  
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  Since the age of four, Mrs. Lisa Landis has been playing piano. Her love of music continued and expanded, as she went on to study voice, and play alto saxophone in middle school and bassoon in ninth grade. She was also the drum major of her school’s marching band in senior high.

   

  With such an early love for music performance, and ability to play many instruments and sing, Mrs. Landis’ experience is both broad and deep. She brings incredible versatility and expertise to the music program at JH Classical Academy.

   

  Previously, Mrs. Landis was the Choir Director of Cactus Canyon Junior High School and Apache Junction High School, where she taught grades seven through twelve students both choir and piano. Prior to that, she taught pre-K through sixth grade general music at Four Peaks Elementary School in Arizona.

   

  Since she has worked with students that had extremely varied musical abilities and backgrounds, Mrs. Landis learned how to choose repertoire that fits every grade and skill level. She makes music both accessible and rigorous part of out classical curriculum. Mrs. Landis’ experience with K-12 music education has helped her with creating the K-12 curriculum map for JH Classical Academy. She has well-planned goals for the high school years, including chamber ensembles, choir, and AP music theory.

   

  Mrs. Landis loves the outdoor life of Jackson—especially the snow sports. She says her favorite things here are, “The wildlife and skiing, if I can pick two!” From the time Mrs. Landis could walk, she remembers snowmobiling on trails around and over frozen lakes with her family in upstate New York. Mrs. Landis is married to JHCA faculty member Mr. Ian Landis and together they have two young children.
• 

  Mrs. Ana Orsini

  West Virginia University, B.A., Elementary Education
  
  Assistant to the Head of School
  
  Mrs. Ana Orsini is the Assistant to the Head of School at JH Classical Academy. She was born and raised in West Virginia and attended West Virginia University for a degree in elementary education. From 2010 to 2020, she has served in a number of roles, including as associate director of admissions in a pre-K–12 independent school in Las Vegas.
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  Mrs. Orsini says that what drew her to education administration was being able to serve behind the scenes. She says, “I like organizing and laying the groundwork for others to do what they need to do.”

   

  Mrs. Orsini’s husband works in forestry and wildlife management. Jackson Hole was on their radar of places to live. She says, “It seems that God was leading us to Jackson, as I discovered this wonderful school.” She loves the rich, Christian education that students receive at the Academy and “was blown away by what it has accomplished with students” when she visited. Mrs. Orsini especially noticed the lively interaction between teachers and students in class. She says, “The natural beauty surrounding the school highlights the beauty of the curriculum.”

   

  Having lived in the desert for ten years, cold and snow was a bit of a tough sell for Mrs. Orsini, but she and her husband are both outdoor enthusiasts eager to adapt. Besides hiking and biking, she will pick up skiing or snowboarding!

   

  Mrs. Orsini says, “I am excited to be a part of a new school and looking forward to helping in any way I can.”
• 

  Chef John "JB" Park

  Masters College in Santa Clarita, Liberal Arts Degree in Business, Music and Bible
  
  Academy Chef
  
  Mr. John "JB" Park is the JH Classical Academy chef. He was born in Korea, moved to the United States when he was three, and became a citizen at nineteen. JB attended the Masters College in Santa Clarita, where he received a liberal arts degree in business, music, and Bible. Since moving to Jackson from California, JB has worked as a special events caterer for Jackson Hole High School and as a school bus driver. He also was a chef for JHCA from 2017 to 2019. His outgoing, humble demeanor and delicious food brightens the days of colleagues and students alike. He is very excited to be working at JHCA.
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  Mr. John "JB" Park is the JH Classical Academy school chef. He was born in Korea, moved to the United States when he was three, and became a citizen at nineteen. Since moving to Jackson from California, JB has worked as a special events caterer for Jackson Hole High School and as a school bus driver. He also was a chef for JHCA from 2017 to 2019. His outgoing, humble demeanor and delicious food brightens the days of colleagues and students alike.

   

  When JB works in the kitchen he bustles with enthusiasm and passion for his food. The topic quickly switches to food in a conversation with JB. He says that cooking and eating was a strong part of his childhood. “When I was a kid, I loved to work with my mother in the kitchen,” he remembers. Another inspiration for cooking comes from his early desire to make food that he liked to eat. He also has a more sensitive palate than most people. “My tongue can taste more flavors than the usual set of taste buds,” JB explains. “I was tested with a supertaster strip, which has a bitter flavor very few can detect.”

   

  JB attended the Masters College in Santa Clarita, where he received a liberal arts degree in business, music, and Bible. While in college he worked as the college cafeteria manager. Once he graduated, JB started out his cooking career by working at a Korean barbeque restaurant in California. He visited Jackson in 2009 and fell in love with his church and the beautiful environment. Someday, he dreams of starting the first Korean barbeque place in Jackson. “Is that a surprise?” He chuckles. “It’s my favorite food.”

   

  JB’s favorite part about cooking is providing a service to others. He says, “I love when a serve a dish and it makes people smile. I enjoy it when someone enjoys my food.” Food is also a way to make friends. JB says, “I like to get to know people through food. By eating with someone, you can learn so much about what they’re like and where they’re from.” He also appreciates the social dynamic to food. He continues, “I like the social aspect to food as well—especially small groups where you can really engage in conversation.”

   

  “I am so excited to make delicious dishes for the students and teachers, hear feedback, and tailor the food to the school,” he says.
• 

  Mr. Jason Quattlebaum

  University of Georgia, B.A., Accounting
  
  Registrar & Information Coordinator
  
  Mr. Jason Quattlebaum grew up in Augusta, Georgia and received a B.A. in accounting from the University of Georgia. Mr. Quattlebaum’s wife Ashton, who he met in Augusta and married in April 2019, is the Kindergarten teacher at JHCA. He is enthusiastic about his role at JHCA and says, “I’m looking forward to helping JHCA grow and fulfill its mission. I would love for the school to become a staple of Jackson Hole.”
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  Mr. Jason Quattlebaum grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and received a B.A. from the University of Georgia. Mr. Quattlebaum started his study as a pre-med student, but later switched his major to accounting. Mr. Quattlebaum and his wife Ashton, the Kindergarten teacher at JHCA, met in Augusta and married in April 2019.

   

  Mr. Quattlebaum’s previous work was in accounting at Cadence Bank. He is enjoying the switch from corporate to non-profit culture. “I like being in direct contact administration. My current position affords me a lot of room to learn and the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for them.” He is enthusiastic about his role at JHCA and says, “I’m looking forward to helping JHCA grow and fulfill its mission. I would love for the school to become a staple of Jackson Hole.”

   

  After his own experiences in high school, Mr. Quattlebaum has a passion for volunteering, specifically with youth summer camps. He has been camp counsellor or camp coordinator every year since he was 18. He says, “The best part is being able to mentor young people and be a role model for them.”

   

  An avid runner, skier, and mountain biker, Mr. Quattlebaum is thrilled to be living in Jackson Hole. He has visited twice a year since 2008, and now looks forward to being able to participate in his favorite sports year-round. He also likes the sense of community he already feels here. He says, “The small town feel is something Ashton and I have always wanted.”
• 

  Mr. Jeff Schuller

  Princeton University, A.B. Economics; Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  
  

  Business Consultant
  
  

  Mr. Jeff Schuller has served JH Classical Academy as a business consultant since Fall of 2020. He grew up in New York, north of Manhattan. After graduating from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in economics, he became a Chartered Financial Analyst. From 1994 to 2004, Mr. Schuller worked as an analyst and portfolio manager for mutual fund companies in Denver and Kansas City.
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  In 2005, Mr. Schuller moved to Jackson with his wife and two children to join a news aggregation and analysis company focused on the financial industry. He served as the head of a fifty-five member team in charge of content creation. He has loved living in Jackson ever since, enjoying the stunning mountain views while hiking, skiing or riding a motorcycle. 
  
  

  Mr. Schuller retired in 2019, but soon realized that he wanted to be engaged in a meaningful project. Intrigued by the opportunities of helping advance a young organization like JHCA, Mr. Schuller joined the school in October of 2020 to assist the Head of School and the finance team with strategic analysis and operations. Leveraging years of experience analyzing business models, Mr. Schuller has encouraged the school to adopt Tiered Tuition as a way to drive enrollment, enhance the social experience for students and shore up the school's finances.
  
  

  He truly enjoys his work at JHCA and says, “I love getting to work with such a dedicated bunch of faculty and staff. Their passion for the students is inspiring and brings the mission of the school to life.” He's excited about the school's future as it develops plans to initiate the construction of its permanent facility.
• 

  Ms. Brittany Semco

  Waynesburg University, B.A., Public Relations; Graphic Design
  
  Marketing & Academy Events Coordinator
  
  Ms. Brittany Semco joined JH Classical Academy in 2021 as the marketing and communications coordinator. She hails from Jamestown, Rhode Island where she attended a classical Christian school from K-12. She attended Waynesburg University, where she double majored in public relations and graphic design. At JHCA, Ms. Semco's responsibilities include advertising, print marketing, digital marketing, website design, social media management, and assisting with marketing strategy. In short, she will execute marketing strategies and initiatives. She says, "I'm excited to help further the mission of JHCA to educate and grow students so that they are fully prepared for life after they leave."
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  Ms. Brittany Semco joined JH Classical Academy in 2021 as the marketing coordinator. She hails from Jamestown, Rhode Island where she attended a classical Christian school from K-12. Graduating from high school as valedictorian, she attended Waynesburg University, where she double majored in public relations and graphic design. She also spent a semester abroad through University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program, in which she studied classical architecture, contemporary literature, and fine art photography in the Mediterranean.

   

  At JHCA, Ms. Semco's responsibilities include advertising, print marketing, digital marketing, website design, social media management, and assisting with marketing strategy. In short, she will execute marketing strategies and initiatives. Ms. Semco says, "Everything I've done has prepared me for this job." In fact, her resume is impressively stacked with experience in marketing and design.

   

  During college, Ms. Semco interned at Hasbro, Inc.’s Corporate Design Studio and then worked as a graphic designer for a printing press. She also worked in marketing for CVS Health for two years and then was the creative director for a public relations agency representing K-12 schools. Most recently, Ms. Semco has built her own real estate and architecture photography business while also doing freelance design work.

   

  Herself a product of classical education, Ms. Semco is enthusiastic about JHCA's philosophy. She says, "Classical education taught me to think critically and gave me a solid education in virtue that has enabled me to act with principle." She also notices that "Small private schools allow you to be part of a community and build friendships not just in your class, but with students much older and younger. For example, a ninth grade student can be a role model to a third grade student."

   

  Ms. Semco says that every step of the way to her working at JHCA felt led by God. She has always wanted to live in the mountains and loves to be able to work for a classical Christian school. She says, "I'm excited to help further the mission of JHCA to educate and grow students so that they are fully prepared for life after they leave."