Shenandoah Welcomes New Teaching Faculty

Story by Janel Haas Ware

For the 2026–27 academic year, Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) welcomes four new faculty members to its campus.

New chaplain and Bible teacher Josias Flores is passionate about Seventh-day Adventist education. He graduated from Mount Pisgah Academy (N.C.), where he later served as associate pastor and Bible teacher. He holds a Master of Divinity from Andrews University (Mich.), which fueled his passion for learning and discipleship. Flores is looking forward to being part of the faculty and staff and to helping students discover ways to walk in the way of Jesus. Born in Venezuela, Flores enjoys spirited soccer games, laughing with friends and visiting new places with his wife—and favorite travel companion—Chelsea (’13).

Devon Genus, the new chemistry, physics and math teacher, migrated from Jamaica to the United States at the age of 12. He brings 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and four years teaching adult education. He holds degrees in medical technology, chemical engineering and a master’s degree in Engineering Management. Genus is passionate about helping students understand challenging concepts, connect learning to real-world applications and see God’s hand in science. He enjoys gardening, hiking and spending time outdoors with his wife, Hillary. Married for 30 years, they are the parents of SVA alumni, Stephen (’16) and Brendan (’19).

Tiffany Elliott is the new director of the Dream Management student success program and life skills teacher. She holds a master’s degree in School Counseling and brings 15 years of experience as a school and college planning counselor. Elliott is passionate about working alongside students to help them discover their God-given purpose. She strives to create an environment where students feel valued, understood and encouraged to grow at their own pace. She is looking forward to this year and to learning from everyone in the SVA community. Elliott enjoys time outdoors, water sports, the beach and hiking with friends and family. She is an avid reader with 86 books on her wish list!

New math teacher Brody Wiedemann (’07), born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, is excited to come home to SVA! He is not only teaching math, but you might even see him helping in the music department or driving the bus. Previously, he taught math and music at Richmond Academy (Va.) and Spencerville Adventist Academy (Md.). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting. As brother of Associate Music Director Kelly Wiedemann Jaen (’03), he often joins the ensembles. He says, “SVA students are always great to work with. I look forward to doing that every day, and to growing in Christ as a school family.” Wiedemann enjoys the outdoors, baseball games and adding to his sneaker collection.

The SVA family welcomes these four new faculty members and praises God in advance for the positive impact they will have on students and across campus.