top of page
Faculty / Staff
Click Faculty/staff picture for more information.
Azmat Ayub, B.S.
Math, Science, and Bible Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy 2024
B.S. (Honors) in Biotechnology, pursuing graduate level M.Ed courses from SUNY Empire.
Certifications: ACSI Standard Teaching Certificate
Joined Houghton Academy 2024
B.S. (Honors) in Biotechnology, pursuing graduate level M.Ed courses from SUNY Empire.
Certifications: ACSI Standard Teaching Certificate
Michael Burgett, M.Ed.
Interim Head of School, Math and Science Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 1993
M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarks Summit University
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
Joined Houghton Academy in 1993
M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarks Summit University
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
Shawn Currier, MBA, MHA
Facilities and Maintenance Manager
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
MBA, MHA
B.S. in Business Management
Certifications: Certified Special Olympic Coach, Certified in commercial pool and spa maintenance and management, American Heart Association certified in First Aid, CPR, AED, Certified Hemp Sampling Agent - United States Department of Agriculture
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
MBA, MHA
B.S. in Business Management
Certifications: Certified Special Olympic Coach, Certified in commercial pool and spa maintenance and management, American Heart Association certified in First Aid, CPR, AED, Certified Hemp Sampling Agent - United States Department of Agriculture
Kerrie Davidson, M.A.
Homeschool Coordinator, MS Geography and Bible Teacher, Board Member
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
M.A. from University of Maryland
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
M.A. from University of Maryland
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
Jean-Marie Elwell
Resident Assistant
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
Pursuing B.A. in Business at Houghton University.
Member of National Honor Society
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
Pursuing B.A. in Business at Houghton University.
Member of National Honor Society
Diane Emmons, M.S.
Reading Teacher, English Language Learner Tutor
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
M.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo
Certifications: Permanent NYS certification in Music K-12, Elem. N-6
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
M.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo
Certifications: Permanent NYS certification in Music K-12, Elem. N-6
Doug Flitcroft, M.A.
Social Studies Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
M.Ed from Grand Canyon University
Certifications: NYS Permanent Certification in Social Studies 7-12, CPR/AED
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
M.Ed from Grand Canyon University
Certifications: NYS Permanent Certification in Social Studies 7-12, CPR/AED
Timothy Foss, M.S.T.
Dorm Parent, MS History Teacher, and Curriculum Development
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
M.S.T. from SUNY Plattsburgh- Adolescent Education
B.A. from Empire State University- Historical Studies
Certifications: NYS Teaching Certificate in Social Studies, TEFL
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
M.S.T. from SUNY Plattsburgh- Adolescent Education
B.A. from Empire State University- Historical Studies
Certifications: NYS Teaching Certificate in Social Studies, TEFL
Nancy Gates, M.S.
Middle School Principal; MS Literature & History Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
M.S. Ed. from Houghton University, Literacy; thesis in Interdisciplinary Education
B.A. from Houghton University, English & Secondary Education
Certifications: ACSI Teacher, ACSI Principal
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
M.S. Ed. from Houghton University, Literacy; thesis in Interdisciplinary Education
B.A. from Houghton University, English & Secondary Education
Certifications: ACSI Teacher, ACSI Principal
Mark Getzin, B.A.
Board Member, Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
B.A. in History from Hobart College
Certifications: Certified military foreign language instructor (ASI 5K-L)
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
B.A. in History from Hobart College
Certifications: Certified military foreign language instructor (ASI 5K-L)
Kathie Hilsher, M.A.
English Language Arts Teacher, Volleyball Coach
Joined Houghton Academy in 2019
M.A. in English from SUNY Brockport
Certifications: ACSI, CPR/AED, IMPACT & SafeSport
Memberships: National Honor Society
Joined Houghton Academy in 2019
M.A. in English from SUNY Brockport
Certifications: ACSI, CPR/AED, IMPACT & SafeSport
Memberships: National Honor Society
Kelly Holden, B.S.
Technology Support
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
B.S. in Religion from Liberty University
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
B.S. in Religion from Liberty University
Fionah Nanungi
Mulema, M.Ed.
Science and Math Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023.
M.Ed. in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University, Florida
B.S. in Education from Makerere University (Biology , Chemistry)
Certifications: ACSI Professional Level
Memberships: Life member of Gideons International Ministry
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023.
M.Ed. in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University, Florida
B.S. in Education from Makerere University (Biology , Chemistry)
Certifications: ACSI Professional Level
Memberships: Life member of Gideons International Ministry
Joel Mulindwa, MFA
Visual Arts Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
MFA from The University at Buffalo
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
MFA from The University at Buffalo
Shewon Nasir, B.S.
House Dorm Parent
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
B.S. with Honors in Physics from Forman Christian University (Lahore, Pakistan)
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
B.S. with Honors in Physics from Forman Christian University (Lahore, Pakistan)
Steve Olsen, M.Mus
Transportation Manager
Joined Houghton in 2024
M.Music in Conducting Performance from Georgia State University B.Music Ed. from Houghton College
Retired public high school choral director
Church music ministry 40+ years
Joined Houghton in 2024
M.Music in Conducting Performance from Georgia State University B.Music Ed. from Houghton College
Retired public high school choral director
Church music ministry 40+ years
Jeffrey Prentice, B.S.
Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2018
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
Joined Houghton Academy in 2018
B.S. in Physical Education from Houghton University
David Pritchard, M.A.
High School Principal
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
MDiv and MaBS from Asbury Theological Seminary
Pursuing EdD in Educational Leadership from Liberty University
Joined Houghton Academy in 2023
MDiv and MaBS from Asbury Theological Seminary
Pursuing EdD in Educational Leadership from Liberty University
Derek Scapaccino, A.A.S.
Grounds & Custodial Manager
Joined Houghton Academy 2024
Associates Degree in Hoticulture from SUNY Delhi
Urban
Forestry/Landscaping-Northern Westchester Tech Center
Joined Houghton Academy 2024
Associates Degree in Hoticulture from SUNY Delhi
Urban
Forestry/Landscaping-Northern Westchester Tech Center
Ashley Schultz, B.S.
Middle School Core Teacher
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
Bachelor of Social Sciences and Human Services from St. Bonnaventure University
Certifications: ACSI Certified Educator
National Honor Society St. Bonnaventure
Joined Houghton Academy in 2022
Bachelor of Social Sciences and Human Services from St. Bonnaventure University
Certifications: ACSI Certified Educator
National Honor Society St. Bonnaventure
Amy Simanowski, B.A.
Instrumental/Vocal/General Music Teacher, Musical Theater Director, Bookkeeping Specialist
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
B.A. in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam
Certification: K-12 Music Education
Joined Houghton Academy in 2025
B.A. in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam
Certification: K-12 Music Education
Rene Sompie, M.Ed.
Bible / Technology
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction / Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Professional Level ACSI, Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), ACSI Bible Specialist Certified
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction / Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Professional Level ACSI, Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), ACSI Bible Specialist Certified
Gelene Sousa, B.A.
Science Curriculum Consultant
Joined Houghton Academy in 2026
B.A. in Moderate Special Needs and General Education from Fitchburg State University
Certifications: Massachusetts State license in Middle School Science
Joined Houghton Academy in 2026
B.A. in Moderate Special Needs and General Education from Fitchburg State University
Certifications: Massachusetts State license in Middle School Science
Phil Stockin, M.A.
Interim Head of School
Joined Houghton Academy in 1971
M.A. in Christian School Administration from Grace Seminary
B.S. in Business from Houghton University
Administration Lifetime ACSI
Joined Houghton Academy in 1971
M.A. in Christian School Administration from Grace Seminary
B.S. in Business from Houghton University
Administration Lifetime ACSI
Kayann Taylor, MBA
Office Manager
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
MBA from the University at Buffalo
B.S. in Business Administration from Houghton University
Joined Houghton Academy in 2024
MBA from the University at Buffalo
B.S. in Business Administration from Houghton University
bottom of page