Spencerville Adventist Academy Welcomes New Staff

Story by  Lauren Esveld

The Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) family is excited to introduce new staff members for the 2024–25 school year.

Robert Martinez, former SAA vice principal, now serves as head principal. His love for Jesus and SAA is truly evident. He has been a prolific and steadfast contributor to the growth of SAA over the last 18 years. SAA staff are thankful he has accepted God’s call to continue serving as a leader of the school.

Daniel Miongo joins the administrative team as the new business manager. Originally from Cameroon, Miongo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He earned his Bachelor of Business Accounting from Valley View University (Ghana) and completed his Master of Business Administration at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. His impressive career includes roles in banking, auditing and academia, with his most recent position at the General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS).

Heidi Campbell, a lifelong educator with experience teaching at the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels, joins the high school English Department. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Southern Adventist University (Tenn.), a Master of Arts in English from Andrews University (Mich.) and has nearly completed her Ph.D. in History at Baylor University. She also contributes to the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists as a sub-editor and author.

Hadid Cortez joins the high school Bible Department as the middle school chaplain, bringing a rich heritage and deep passion for Seventh-day Adventist education to SAA. Born and raised in Montemorelos, Mexico, he is a third-generation Adventist and pastor. Cortez majored in Religion and Music at Andrews University, graduating in 2018, and earned a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.) in 2023. He served as a pastor in the New Jersey Conference from 2018–2024.

Lauren Salazar is SAA’s newest middle school Bible and history teacher. She graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has spent her career teaching at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Mich., and Amazing Grace Academy in Palmer, Alaska.

Sara Neill is joining middle school as its math and science teacher. She has been a teacher for 19 years, serving in eight different schools. She is married to Ryan, an Adventist pastor who is currently serving as an Air Force chaplain.