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.

Esther Quintanilla

Teacher (Forest Kindergarten)

  • Bachelor of Arts, Christian Education (minor in Health Ministry), Weimar Institute, 2016

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Standard, with an endorsement in Elementary Education

Teaching since 2016

Heading

Blurb

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

Heading

Blurb

Cora Clark

Teacher (Grades 3 & 4)

  • Master of Arts, Education, Andrews University, 2014
  • Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Walla Walla University, 2006
  • Bachelor of Arts, Music, Walla Walla University, 2006

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, Junior Academy General Science, Music and Religion

Teaching since 2007

I love teaching because it’s relational.

We were created to enjoy relationship with God and with others. Nurturing positive, loving, and mutually respectful relationships is the highest joy of the human experience. In a world of brokenness, it is an honor to work in a career that centers on building, teaching, and modeling healthy relationships.

Each year, my students and I embark on a learning journey. We learn many things: our academic curriculum; music; sport; and community service; but above all, we learn to live together, work together, play together, and pray together. This is why I love teaching.

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.

Cristy-Anna Martinez

Teacher (Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Statistics)

  • Bachelors of Science, Mathematics, Pacific Union College, 2001
  • Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, La Sierra University, in process

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Professional, with endorsements in Mathematics, and Junior Academy English, General Science and History

Teaching since 2002

Heading

Blurb

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

Heading

Blurb

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

Heading

Blurb

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

Heading

Blurb

Gabriel Martinez

Director of Spiritual Life, Teacher (Bible, Music Ministry, Spanish 1, Yearbook)

  • Bachelors of Arts, Religion, La Sierra University, 2006

North American Division Teaching Certification:

  • Standard, with endorsement in Religion

Teaching since 2006

Heading

Blurb

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!

©2024 Pine Hills Adventist Academy. All rights reserved
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram