Support Pine Hills

Staff

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

David Carreon

Principal

  • Master of Divinity, Andrews University, 1998
  • Bachelor of Arts, Theology, minor in Physical Education, Pacific Union College, 1993

Teaching since 2016

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

Pine Hills has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence in an environment that fosters a deeper connection with Jesus. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing all students the resources they need to achieve their academic goals. But more importantly, we are committed to creating opportunities for students to encounter the unlimited love and grace of Jesus.

A key component of Pine Hills is a strong sense of family. Together, we collaborate to provide students with opportunities for leadership development in our local churches as well as service in our surrounding community. We strive to build positive and meaningful relationships throughout the entire student body. These connections last a lifetime!

I'm eager to see how God will lead us in our journey together. I am always available for you to stop by the office. If you're new to the area and want more information about Pine Hills, please give us a call.

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

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Cora Clark

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

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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

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Brad Ludwig

Teacher (Computer Applications, Economics, Government, History, Maker Space, Spanish 2, McGraw Hill Site Administrator)

  • Master of Arts, Administration and Leadership, La Sierra University, 2016
  • Bachelor of Arts, Religion, Pacific Union College, 2002

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Elementary Education, Kindergarten, Religion; endorsements in History, Spanish

Teaching since 2002

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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

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I absolutely love 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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