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Staff

Our staff are our most valuable asset, each one is passionate about their mission. There is not another place they'd rather be!

Amy Miller

Principal

  • Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, Pacific Union College

North America Division Teaching Certification: 

  • Standard with endorsements in Jr. Academy Biology, Jr. Academy English, Jr. Academy History, Jr. Academy Math, and Jr. Academy Religion.

Teaching since 1996

I'm humbleded and honored to serve as your Principal.

I grew up watching the impact my dad had on students as a teacher and principal, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to make that same kind of difference in the lives of children.

Teaching is about so much more than academics. It is about creating an environment where students are challenged to grow, encouraged along the way, and reminded that learning can be filled with joy, curiosity, and purpose. I love kids, and I can’t imagine a better calling than one that allows me to spend my days investing in them, cheering them on, and helping them discover the gifts and potential God has given them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff of Pine Hills Adventist Academy, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Niki Eby

Teacher (Forest Kindergarten)

  • Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, emphasis in Psychology

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with an endorsement in K-8 Elementary Education

Teaching since 2012

Christ-centered, Nature inspired learning

I’m passionate about helping children experience the wonder of God’s creation while learning about His love and character. In our Forest Kindergarten, your child will discover, play, and grow in an environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a connection with Jesus through the beauty of the outdoors. I can’t wait to welcome you to our Pine Hills family!

Carrie LeBarre

Teacher (Grades 1 & 2)

  • Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, Andrews University, 1991
  • Bachelor of Arts, Spanish (minor in Religion), Southern College, 1984

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Elementary Education, Spanish

Teaching since 1985

I am passionate about teaching because...

these early years are where a child’s love for learning and understanding of God’s love begin to take root. In my first and second grade classroom, every lesson is an opportunity to nurture curiosity, kindness, and confidence while pointing students to Christ. Through stories, hands-on learning, prayer, and encouragement, I strive to create a safe and joyful environment where children feel known, valued, and capable. Teaching at this stage is a blessing, as I get to help shape not only academic foundations, but also hearts that are learning to love God and others.

Carolyn Ramirez

Teacher (Grades 3 & 4)

  • Master of Arts, Education, California State University San Bernardino, 2004
  • Bachelor of Arts, La Sierra University, 1996

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, Multiple Subjects endorsements in Elementary Education

Teaching since 1996

I love teaching because it’s relational.

 I am thrilled to serve as the 3rd/4th grade teacher at Pine Hills Adventist Academy. I truly hope that our time together will be a blessing! My passion for teaching and learning runs deep and I look forward to inspiring others on this exciting path! I believe that each individual child brings a special quality and talent that complements the class. As an experienced and passionate teacher, I am dedicated to creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, encouraged, and inspired. My teaching style blends academics with creativity, structure, and compassion. My focus is to help students build strong character, develop critical thinking skills, foster a love for learning, and most importantly, lead them to Jesus as their personal Savior. In my class, your child will be supported spiritually, academically, nurtured emotionally, and guided to reach their full potential in a safe and positive setting. I pray we can all work as a team to make this a successful and meaningful year for your child! Blessings!

Melinda Fletcher

Teacher (Grades 5 & 6)

  • Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies (with SDA and California state teaching credentials), Pacific Union College, 2006
  • Master of Education, Pacific Union College, 2012

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Elementary Education, Kindergarten, and Junior Academy English, General Science, History and Religion

Teaching since 2006

The reason I choose to teach is because...

I love to see kids get excited about learning something new or conquering a challenge.

Raina Jackson

Teacher (Grades 7 & 8)

  • Bachelors of Science, Elementary Education and Language Arts, Andrews University, 2021

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Basic, with endorsements in Elementary Education, and Junior Academy English and Religion

Teaching since 2021

My name is Raina Jackson and I am blessed to teach 7th/8th Grade here at Pine Hills Adventist Academy.

I love teaching because I LOVE to learn! Through teaching I get to help my students learn in their own way and become lifelong learners day-by-day. I love to see how creative my students can be and the different experiences they bring into my classroom— I learn something new every day.

Bryce Sampsel

Teacher (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Physics)

  • Bachelors of Science, Mathematics, Walla Walla University, 2005
  • Master of Education, Education Leadership, Walla Walla University, 2023

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Mathematics, Physics, Religion, General Science

Teaching since 2005

Passionate about Mathematics

I enjoy teaching because it gives me an opportunity to share my love of mathematics with others. My hope is that through the study of mathematics, my students will come to appreciate it and the methods of thinking required to become proficient mathematicians. Even those that are reluctant can develop the skills for success.
With all the different forms of technology around us, I want my students to learn when and how to use it appropriately to augment their learning. Tools like AI, can aid in learning, but can also hinder it, so they must be able to recognize when they are proper to use and when to push themselves.

Lorelie Krussow

Teacher (English, Life Skills, Personal Finance)

  • Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction (emphasis in Language and Literacy), University of Texas, 2006
  • Bachelor of Arts, English and History (minors in Psychology and Religion), Atlantic Union College, 1998

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Curriculum & Instruction, English, History, Religion

Teaching since 1998

I love teaching because ...

it gives me the privilege of shaping both minds and hearts. In the English classroom, words become more than assignments—they become tools for truth, empathy, and faith. Through stories, essays, and discussion, I get to help students find their voices, think critically, and see the world through a Christ-centered lens. Teaching allows me to point students toward what is good, beautiful, and true, while encouraging them to use language wisely and courageously. It’s a calling that reminds me daily that education is not just about knowledge, but about character, purpose, and growth in God’s grace.

Tom Amato

Teacher (Biology, Chemistry, Health, Lifelong Fitness)

  • Master of Science, Geology, Loma Linda University, 2008
  • Bachelor or Science, Natural Science with an emphasis in Biology, Pacific Union College, 2000

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Biology, Chemistry, Elementary Education, English, Physics and Junior Academy Religion 

Teaching since 2004

I love teaching because...

it allows me to share my passion for learning and the wonders of God’s creation with students of all ages. Teaching is a collaborative journey, and I cherish the opportunity to learn alongside my students. My goal is to inspire within them a deep curiosity and appreciation for the beauty and intricate design found in God’s creation and the physical laws that govern it. I hope that through our time together, my students will leave with a clearer understanding of who God is and a profound sense of His amazing love for them.

Adam Weeks

Teacher (History & Technology) 

  • Master of Arts, Educational Administration, Concordia University Irvine
  • Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Pacific Union College
  • California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
  • California Administrative Services Credential

Teaching since 2005

Why I enjoy teaching at Pine Hills...

My career has taken me through education, ministry, technology, and entrepreneurship, but I have always been drawn back to helping students learn and grow. I’m excited to be back in the classroom at Pine Hills, where I teach history, government, economics, computers, and makerspace.

My experience in education includes both Seventh-day Adventist schools and five years in classical education. Those experiences have shaped my belief that students learn best when they are challenged to think deeply, ask good questions, engage with meaningful ideas, and understand why what they are learning matters.

My work outside the classroom has also given me extensive experience with technology, artificial intelligence, digital media, and entrepreneurship. I enjoy bringing that perspective into my teaching and helping students develop both the timeless skills of critical thinking and curiosity and the practical skills they will need in a rapidly changing world.

Most of all, I want students to leave my classes more curious than when they entered, confident in their ability to think for themselves, and excited about what they are capable of learning and doing.

Ryan Thomas

Director of Spiritual Life, Teacher (Bible, Photography, Yearbook)

  • Bachelors of Arts, History, minor in Religious Studies, Southern Adventist University, 2020

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Standard, with endorsement in History and Religion

Teaching since 2020

I absolutely love teaching because ... 

I enjoy helping young people connect with the Bible in meaningful ways. It’s a privilege to walk with students as they grow in their faith and discover how God’s Word speaks to their everyday lives. I’m excited to be part of this school community that values both learning and spiritual growth.

Terri Taaffe

Teacher (Elementary Music and High School Band, Choir, Choralaires and Drama)

  • Bachelor of Music, Music Education, Pacific Union College, 2004

Teaching since 2004

Hi, I’m Terri Taaffe and it is my joy to serve as the music and performing arts director at Pine Hills Adventist Academy.

I believe that God gave us the gift of music as a way to emotionally connect with Him, with others, and with our own feelings; and I consider it a privilege to guide students as they discover this gift for themselves.

My goal as an educator is to help students fall in love with music through the process of learning to use their individual musical talents to create something beautiful together. In my classroom we sing and play passionately, laugh together joyfully, learn mindfully, and serve God intentionally.

The Pine Hills music department is the place to be!

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