FACULTY PROFILES
We are in the process of updating the complete list of faculty and staff for the 22-23 school year
Philip G. Stockin
Interim Head of School
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M.A. Grace Theological Seminary
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B.A. Houghton University
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High School: Houghton Academy
“If you are walking along a field and see a turtle on top of a fence post, you can be
pretty certain it did not get there by itself.” Any achievements in my life are the result of the influence of others God brought into my life.
After graduating from college, I served 44 years in Christian Education at the secondary level. Forty of those years were here at Houghton Academy with the last twenty-eight of them as Head of School. Since I retired in 2011, I have continued to live in Houghton and cheer on Academy students at games and programs. It is an honor and a privilege to once again serve my Alma Mater as Interim Head of School for this indefinite period of time.
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Kathie Hilsher
English Teacher & Volleyball Coach
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M.A. SUNY Brockport
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B.A. Houghton University
“I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God. It changes me.”~C.S. Lewis
“We read to know we are not alone.” ~William Nicholson (often misattributed to C.S. Lewis)
“A word after a word after a word is power.” ~Margaret Atwood
Working at Houghton Academy, I can combine my faith with my passions for reading and writing; then, I am invited to share all three with my students. The fact that God spoke the world into creation illustrates the awesome power words have, both the words that we read and the words that we write. Additionally, our Creator God, whose creativity is all around us in this world, made us in His image; therefore, we have the capacity to be creative. Because of these truths, I am convinced that our words can create change in ourselves and in others. What an awesome opportunity I have to weave together reading, writing, and faith as I teach at this school.
Jonathan Keith
CFO, Boarding Program Director
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C.A.S. National Louis University
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MBA Northern Illinois University
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B.S. Houghton University
Mr. Jon Keith is an international educator with 40 years’ experience leading Houghton Academy's (HA) boarding program. In addition to creating educational programs emulated by schools all over the USA, Mr. Keith has led elite Summer English Camps both in the USA and China and recruited and placed students from 15 countries into a network of 50+ USA schools. Before coming to HA, he divided his time between multiple Chinese cities and Chicago for four years while working for numerous international schools and agencies. He offered USA Prep Programs, taught Communication and English classes and held Vice President, CEO, American Principal and Marketing Director roles. He continues to maintain close relationships with students, alumni, parents, schools and agents throughout the world.
Robin Pawling
Science, Math & Chemistry Teacher
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M.S. Ed. SUNY Geneseo
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B.A. Houghton University
Quote from Albert Einstein: “Science without Religion is blind; Religion without Science is lame.”
Quote from Rev. Dr. Sir John Polkinghorne (Mathematical Physicist and Anglican Priest):
“A fundamental experience in science is the experience of wonder - the respect and awe that we feel at the beautiful structure of the world that is revealed to our inquiry. In fundamental physics, that is most powerfully expressed through the equations that are specified, fundamental physical theories which are always found to be characterized by the unmistakable character of mathematical beauty.
Unmistakable to those who happen to speak that sort of language; it’s a rather austere form of aesthetic pleasure, but it is a very real one…. I have been describing a physical world which in its rational transparency and rational beauty is a world shot through with signs of mind. And it is a proposition worth giving serious consideration to. And that is because there is indeed a Mind, of God the Creator, that lies behind the rationally beautiful order of the world…. Scientists are very happy that the world is like that, very happy to exploit the intellectual opportunities that provides. But science of itself does not explain why it is so.”
Jeff Prentice
Athletic Director, Physical Education
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B.S. Houghton University
In my role as the Athletics Director and Physical Education/Health teacher, I have the unique opportunity to encourage and facilitate growth in the physical, mental, social and emotional development of my students and athletes. Success for me means creating an environment in my classes where each child feels safe, engaged and challenged to learn how to become healthy, fit and an active participant in life time sports. In the area of interscholastic athletics, I expect us to do the best we can with the ability God has given us. We will encourage our athletes to improve in their fundamental skills and their ability to work as a team. Lastly, our coaches, myself, and our athletes will develop and model the fruits of the Spirit as we interact with each other, the referees, and our opponents and do our best to be salt and light in our sphere of influence.
I'm excited to be returning to Houghton after graduating in 1992. I have spent the last 26 years at a Christian school in NJ and I look forward to continuing the tradition of a unique Christian school that Houghton Academy was, is and will continue to be.
Joellyn Reitnour
Art Teacher
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B.A. Houghton University
"Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life." (John Lubbock)
"The manifesto is this: Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use - do the work you want to see done." (Austin Kleon - Steal Like An Artist)
Pamela Litchner
Middle School History & Culinary Arts Teacher
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B.S. Colorado Tech
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A.S. Community College
“The best kind of people are the ones that come in your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in you so much, you start to believe in you too. The people that love you, simply for being you. The once in a lifetime kind of people.” -Anonymous
“To quit or give up is a failure; to try, push and endure is a win.”
I live by both of these mottos daily. I teach them to my own children and to my students. Children are the sun, and they need to understand that. They have so much potential that I won’t let them quit. I teach them that, yes, times will be hard, but with friends and family, and with God’s help, everything can be overcome.
Ashley Schultz
Middle School Teacher
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B.S. St. Bonaventure University
Mrs. Ashley Schultz is a knowledgeable educator with many years of experience providing educational guidance and mentorship to all types of students. She began her journey at St. Bonaventure University, in New York State. Ashley shifts teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the needs of all students, providing a nurturing and positive learning environment. She is caring, enthusiastic and eager to bring her teaching expertise to a new level.
Kerrie Stockin Davidson
Substitute Middle School Teacher
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BA Houghton University
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MA University of Maryland
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." -Aristotle
I am thrilled to be back at my alma mater after 22 years of living the military spouse life. During the majority of those years, I was classically educating my four children at home. This experience solidified my belief that a Christian education is a vital part of raising children who will remain true to God despite adversity.
The need for schools like Houghton Academy is greater than ever, and I am thankful to be a small part of this ministry.
Joyce Klau
Basic Bible Teacher
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1978 graduate of Bartlesville Wesleyan College (now OKWU)
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B.A. Theology
Since retiring to the Houghton community in 2020, it has been my desire to find a place where I can serve. It is my great joy to be teaching Basic Bible (or Bible 101) to international students. Over the years, I have hosted international students in my home and visited Russia many times on friendship evangelism trips with Perm Mission Network to conduct American English Camps for young people between the ages of 13-18, as well as provide Christian retreats for our many Russian teacher friends in the city of Perm. I have a special interest in people of other countries and cultures, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel of Jesus, and I especially enjoy my friendships with teens and young adults. I want them to know they are welcome to visit me in my home, especially as they are so far from their own homes and may need a cup of tea and encouragement from time to time.
One of my favorite pass times is exploring the many trails and ravines in the Houghton area, identifying food in the wild and plants for natural remedies. (Houghton woods provide a riot of wild ramps in the spring and tasty mushrooms in the summer and fall!) I believe God wants us to have a knowledge of the many herbs He has provided, and their uses. I also enjoy drawing, painting, cooking, a good hand of rummy with friends, gardening, and spending time with my grandson.
"Secular knowledge is power, but the knowledge of the Word, which has a transforming influence upon the human mind, is imperishable." E.G.White
"Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you." John 15:16