Secondary Teachers

Ms. Brace has a love and passion for High School Chemistry and Physics and looks forward to guiding scholars through the wonder and beauty of both and helping scholars enjoy and appreciate the truth we can understand through them.  

Mr. Raffa was drawn to John Adams Academy’s Vision and Mission of Restoring America’s Heritage by developing servant-leaders. Mr. DeFaria loves being part of the John Adams Academy online team preparing this new generation, under these values, for the future.

Mrs. Erbe’s favorite part about teaching is watching scholars make discoveries and connections as they progress through their learning journey. 

Mr. Haskins absolutely loves the Vision and Mission of John Adams Academy and feels strongly that the 10 Core Values closely model his own personal values. 

Mrs. Sanders loves that John Adams Academy focuses on developing servant leaders.  To lead is to serve. 

As a poet and an educator, Mrs. Umlas knows the power that is inherent in studying the classics and will guide scholars in a learning adventure that will encourage their development into servant leaders. 

Mrs. Wood loves how JAA brings scholars together online to create community and extend our American Classical Leadership Education model to families near and far.   

Mr. Morgan deeply loves history, especially American history, and is an avid reader. His favorite classic novel is Animal Farm, as he loves the beauty of the metaphor and the clarity of its message.

Mr. Haymond holds a master’s degree in Education and Instructional Technology and is thrilled to be a part of the JAA family of schools that focuses on changing hearts and minds, inspiring a love of liberty, developing a self-governing citizenship—all through the greatest and most relevant books of all times.  

Coming from an artistic family, Hannah Mitchell was encouraged by her parents and given many opportunities to develop an appreciation for art and experiment with many mediums.

Jennifer Hobbs has loved science since she was little and plagued her family with questions about everything. Even in Kindergarten she enjoyed teaching her peers and was sometimes allowed to lead reading groups.

Mr. Simon is a huge advocate for the online program because it allows parents to exercise their natural right to educate their child, while also providing helpful resources for parents to use.  

Mr. Jensen has extensive experience with the classics and has a great love for reading deeply from those classics.

Mrs. Smith enjoys that working with computers frequently involves solving puzzles, and even mysteries. 

Martin states, “Through the principles of learning how to read, write, and discuss well, I believe that young people will develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life.” 

The study of language has always been a guiding passion for Nathan, as he states, “Whenever I have any free time, I am usually reading something in English or Latin - or starting on something new.”

Dr. Schulthies served as a limited advisory role in the founding of John Adams Academy and served as its first "headmaster" where he also taught and advised the first graduating senior class.  

Karalee loves mentoring scholars and helping them discover who they are destined to be while seeking truth, goodness, and beauty throughout each year. 

Dr. Morgan Ricks is a currently practicing physical therapist with a passion for human biology and philosophy.  He has published research in the International Journal of Physiotherapy and loves to study and share what he learns.