Spencerville Adventist Academy Welcomes New Staff
Story by Heidi Wetmore
The Chesapeke Conference Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) family is excited to introduce new staff members for the 2018–19 school year.
With more than 40 years of experience in teaching, staff development and training and education administration, Jim Martz is interim principal this academic year. Martz is a graduate of Andrews University (Mich.), and holds dual bachelor’s in Behavioral Science and secondary education. He received a master’s in reading instruction from Michigan State University. He is qualified to lead SAA during the upcoming year of transition while SAA searches for a permanent replacement.
Ellenor Paul-O’Neil (right) joins the administrative team as high school vice principal. A graduate of Walden University (Md.) with a master’s in education, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Education from the same university.
Leah Jordache (left) joins the staff as one of the high school Bible teachers and the middle school chaplain. A graduate of Southwestern Adventist University (Texas) with a bachelor’s in theology, Jordache is currently pursuing her master’s in theology through Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary (Calif.). She has been a educator, pastor and Discipleship Ministries coach.
John Musselman (right), who has a love for his subject matter, will be teaching geometry, pre-calculus and personal finance. An educator who most recently taught at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa., Musselman has a bachelor’s in mathematics education, with a certification in secondary education from Andrews University (Mich.).
Also new to the high school is Yekaterina Unnikumaran (left), who will help expand SAA’s STEM curriculum and instruction that incorporates authentic learning experiences.
Unnikumaran has a bachelor’s in biology from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., and a master’s in education from the University of Maryland.
Alumna Lisa Froelich (’10) (right) is the new band teacher, and will divide her time between SAA and Atholton Adventist Academy in Columbia, Md. She tries to make music a fun and rewarding experience.
Shelley Tenali (left) will be teaching first grade. Tenali earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from Andrews University (Mich.) and her master’s in education, with an emphasis in reading from Johns Hopkins University (Md.). She brings 18 years of experience teaching grades K-2 and is dedicated in helping children grow spiritually.
Teaching third grade is Liza DaCunha (right), who graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in special education. She is dedicated to creating an interactive and encouraging classroom environment where students feel accepted and appreciated.
The new sixth-grade teacher is April Nixon (left), who has a bachelor’s in English from Oakwood University (Ala.) and a master’s in teaching, with an emphasis in English from Andrews University. She brings a wealth of experience and passion.
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