HIGH POINT BAPTIST ACADEMY - Key Persons
Adrienne grew up in Pennsylvania and attended college in southern California. She met her husband, Sean, in a freshman English class at college and they have been married for ten years. After relocating back to Pennsylvania, Adrienne and her husband moved to Lancaster County and began attending High Point Baptist Chapel. Adrienne then began to teach Spanish at High Point Baptist Academy.
Adrienne received her degree in Spanish Education from West Coast Baptist College and a Master's degree in education from Bob Jones University. She has been teaching Spanish in private schools as well as private tutoring for the last ten years. She is passionate about helping her students to learn about other cultures and to work toward reading, writing, and using Spanish in real world situations.
In her free time, Adrienne enjoys being outdoors, reading, drinking coffee, working in the children's ministry at church, and spending time with her husband and two toddler-aged sons.
Job Titles:
- Admissions Director
- Admissions Director Drama Teacher
Andrea grew up in West Chester, PA and always has had a love for art. She graduated from Houghton College with a Bachelors of Fine Art in art, with concentrations in painting and ceramics, and a minor in education. She has taught in many different roles since high school, and especially loves teaching elementary art at HPBA.
Andrea met her husband at Houghton College, and they have been happily married for 24 years. They live in Elverson and have three children, Jamison, Ethan, and Emmaline, who attend the academy. She enjoys spending time with her family outside and going to the beach.
It brings Andrea joy to teach students about famous artists and see the students' excitement as they learn new techniques. She wants her students to grow in their love and appreciation of art, as well as in their art skills. Her goal is to have each of her students know that God is the Master Artist, as displayed in His creation, and that each of them are artists because they are created in His image.
Brenda Hoffman and her husband Jonathan grew up in the area and are both alumni of the academy. They live in Morgantown with their three children, Brad, Drew, and Kelsey.
After graduating from HPBA, Brenda received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Cedarville University. She then taught for five years before having children. She taught third grade for three years at West-Mont Christian Academy and fourth grade for two years at High Point. While at home with the children, she home schooled each of them for kindergarten, first and second grades. She is now happy to be back at HPBA with her children and teaching fifth grade.
Whether being at home or going to a baseball game, Brenda enjoys just being with her family doing many different activities. Together they enjoy things like family outings, the beach, board games, audio books, and biking.
She also desires to continue growing in her relationship with Jesus and to see her family and students do the same.
Charissa was born in West Chester, PA and attended the academy for her junior and senior years of high school. She majored in History Education and minored in Computer Education. During the summers she served in various roles at High Point Camp - from counselor to snack shop manager or office staff to craft shop manager - she enjoys working with people from all walks of life. She has taught history and computer both in Memphis, Tennessee and Geigertown, Pennsylvania. After five years of teaching she became a full time foster and adoptive parent and has served on various boards to support local foster and adoptive families ever since. Charissa and a close friend started a non-profit closet for foster and adoptive youth, and she continues to be passionate about strengthening individuals and families.
Once her four children were old enough to be enrolled at the High Point, she returned to the classroom with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoys spending her days teaching keyboarding, getting to know students and their families, and serving at the non-profit. She's experienced firsthand how technology, used correctly, can be a powerful tool for good and she's passionate about equipping her students with the tools they will need to help others throughout the rest of their lives.
Cherith is from Northern Ireland. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree at Queen's University, Belfast. She then went on to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Cherith has experience in teaching different grade levels but especially loves teaching the foundations in lower elementary. She enjoys being with her students, and as she came to faith in Christ as a child is thankful for the opportunity to share Christ's love with these little ones.
Cherith is married to Stephen, and they have 5 children. The Pollock family moved to the USA from Northern Ireland in 2017, after Stephen received a call to pastor a church in Malvern. Their family are now permanent residents. When not teaching Cherith loves to spend time in the kitchen baking and visiting new places with her family.
Job Titles:
- Teacher Learning Support K - 4
Colleen is married to Jon Eckert, and has 2 little girls, Morgan and Charlie. Colleen is an alumni of HPBA and then obtained her degree in Early Childhood Education from BJU in 2009. She taught in a public school in South Carolina for 2 years before moving to Pennsylvania with her husband. The YMCA became her professional home for a few years before she came back to HPBA to teach Kindergarten for 3 years. After that, she worked part-time at Reading Hospital and loved the excitement of that atmosphere. Colleen then spent a few years at home raising her girls. Now she is back at High Point as the office secretary. Her family loves to take walks and bake cookies.
Colleen grew up in New Hampshire where she met her husband, Matt, in elementary school. After graduating from Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, she taught 6 th grade in Santa Rosa, Florida. After moving to PA in 1999, Colleen taught 4 th grade at High Point, but left teaching in 2000 after the birth of their oldest child. Colleen and Matt have been blessed with five children. Their oldest son, Josiah, serves in the United States Marine Corp and is currently overseas. Their two oldest daughters, Kiersten and Charity, are in college and their two youngest, Bethany and Carter, attend High Point Baptist Academy. In 2010 Colleen returned to the early childhood education classroom. Her favorite hobby is driving children to various jobs and sporting events and cheering them on from the sidelines. When she has a spare minute, she loves to read. Colleen and Matt have been active in High Point in many different areas. Colleen has served as nursery director, AWANA secretary, and most recently as Jr. Crew preschool coordinator, and Matt is the director of High Point Youth Baseball. Her favorite things are family, chocolate and coffee. Since college, Colleen has claimed Jeremiah 29:11 as her life verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Cory and her husband, John, have been married over 25 years. They met while working together at Case New Holland. They have two children: Paige and Isaiah. When Cory isn't at one of her kids events, she can be found gardening, shopping, hanging by the pool and watching "DUKE" play basketball.
Cory spent most of her days before teaching volunteering at HPBA and her church. Cory has a heart for mentoring youth and teaching sports. Her desire is to use her passion for youth and Christ and help develop a lasting relationship between the two.
CRAZY, UNPREDICTABLE, and PASSIONATE: these are the three adjectives that describe Courtney Hoffman. Life can get CRAZY in the Hoffman household. From baseball games to soccer trips, half-marathon races and photography sessions, their schedule is always filled. However, with that much activity there is bound to be an UNPREDICTABLE moment or two.
In spite of all the busyness of life, Courtney still has the desire to be PASSIONATE about two major areas in life. She has learned so much throughout these past few years about the mighty and gracious God that we serve. She is also passionate about her job, which is partnering with parents to teach their children. Students spend time in the classroom learning the correct usage of grammar, evaluating the classics in literature and establishing a Biblical worldview that will set a foundation for them to build on throughout the course of their lives.
Teacher | Fourth Grade - Lead Elementary Teacher
Erin and her husband Ben were born and raised in the Boyertown area, and they met while attending youth group at Berean Bible Church in Pottstown. Berean has since been their home church where they have served as youth leaders and Sunday School teachers. Erin and Ben live at Camp Sankanac where Ben serves full time on the maintenance team. They have been married for thirteen years and have three children: Jacob, Samuel, and Kate. Erin enjoys cooking, antique shopping and spending time with her family in Potter County.
Following high school graduation, Erin attended Cairn University where she dual majored in Elementary Education and Bible. She spent six years teaching fourth grade at Penn Christian Academy in East Norriton, and it was at this time that she received her Master's degree in Education from Cabrini University. Following her years of teaching fourth grade, Erin spent four years as an Activities' Director in a retirement community then four years as the Director of Food Services at Camp Sankanac. Erin was led back to Christian education in 2018 as High Point's Academic Services coordinator. Her desire is to see young women come to know Christ and follow His will for their lives.
Job Titles:
- Teacher
- Teacher Kindergarten
Jan received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern University in 2002. When she graduated from Eastern she got a job teaching 3rd grade at The Christian Academy in Brookhaven, PA. She met her husband Seth, and was married in 2005. While Jan taught 3rd grade, Seth was busy running his own business as a hearing specialist. After teaching for 5 years, Jan spent the next 11 years raising her children at home. Jan and Seth have 4 children. Carter, Mason, Trey, and Ellie all attend High Point. They are a busy family who enjoy sports, going to the beach in the summer, and simply spending time with friends. Soccer is a big part of their lives, as they spend many hours on the soccer field where Seth helps coach the boys varsity team. In 2017 Jan became the kindergarten teacher here at High Point. She really enjoys making learning fun for the littlest of the High Point crew in hopes that they develop a real love for learning.
Janelle received her degree in English Education from Cedarville University. It was there that her connection with High Point began when she became friends with a sweet group of HPBA alumni and ended up marrying her favorite one! After marrying Jeff and moving to the Reading area in 1994, God unexpectedly led Janelle to teach English at High Point for two years. Isn't it ironic that 22 years later, she is teaching in the exact same room as before?
Janelle and Jeff have three children: Olivia, Brynn, and Braeden. The Beilers enjoy vacationing at the beach. Outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking, have always been their favorite things to do together. The sport they most enjoy is soccer. With the exception of a two-year stint in West Virginia, High Point has been the Beilers' school home since kindergarten, and they love it!
Janelle has spent the last 18 years serving as a wife, mother, and Premier designs jewelry consultant. She has taken pleasure in sharing her love of learning as she teaches the Bible in Kidside at church. She is excited that God has once again led her back to the classroom where she can help students be successful readers and writers and most importantly, grow in their love of the Lord.
Jill Young grew up in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Iowa before her family came to call Chester County, PA their home when she was in 11th grade. She and her husband, Neil, met in Youth Group and still worship with some of the same families they grew up with at Providence Church, West Chester. They live at their Funny Farm with their four children.
Jill studied at West Chester University, earning a bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design. She worked as a graphic designer prior to having children. She now teaches Middle and High School Art at High Point. Sharing her creative passion through teaching Art here at HP is one of her life's greatest joys!
A Biblical worldview guides her instruction and drives her philosophy of Art Education. Humanity has incredible capacity for innovation and creativity BECAUSE we are created in His image to bear it to the world around us. It is Jill's goal to disciple her students to "glorify God and enjoy him forever" through their exploration and production of Art.
A few of Jill's favorite things are making beauty from worn out or trashed treasures, seeing projects come to completion, and vacationing at the lake with her family.
Job Titles:
- Teacher
- Assistant Professor at Lancaster Bible College
Jim Cox is an assistant professor at Lancaster Bible College where he covers American Government, Law & Public Policy, Public Speaking, Criminal Law, and other related courses. Jim attended Pensacola Christian College in Florida and earned his law degree at Regent University School of Law in Virginia, where he served on the law review staff and board.
In 2007, Jim began serving the people of the 129th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Shortly after he took office, he was appointed to serve on the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform, a prestigious and historic group that developed and implemented a comprehensive series of reforms aimed at increasing transparency and integrity in the legislative process.
Prior to taking office, Rep. Cox served as chief of staff to former state Rep. Sam Rohrer. In that position, he earned a valuable understanding of the legislative process as well as the state programs and services available to help Pennsylvania residents. Before that, Cox served as the government affairs coordinator for The Rutherford Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Jim has a history with High Point as his wife Kelly is an alumna. For several years, he served as the middle school and then varsity soccer coach. He has two sons that are graduates from the Academy, as well as a son who is still a current student.
Teacher | Secondary Chemistry, Physics, & Physical Science
Josh Brackbill received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Elizabethtown College. During his college years he spent his summers on staff at Camp Sankanac, where he met Becky. They became friends and eventually married in 2000. Josh started full-time with Camp Sankanac right out of college in the fall of 1998 where he has spent the last 18 years serving in a variety of ways, one of which included teaching Outdoor Education Science lessons from a Biblical Perspective. He developed a love for teaching science in order to show God's handiwork and point people to Christ.
Becky served alongside Josh in the summer camp programs and wherever else she was needed. God has blessed them with four lovely children, Benji, Grace, Charlie, and Pearl. If the Brackbills are not at school or camp, you can usually find them at the beach, camping (and hiking) with family, or camping near the beach.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Director
Josiah Rohrer has attended High Point Baptist Chapel all of his life. He attended Bob Jones University and then worked locally for several years. Since completing the A+ certification through CompTIA, he enjoys learning anything new. Josiah is involved in helping with tech with church and is also a sponsor in the youth ministry.
Josiah enjoys outdoor sports such as rock climbing, spikeball and mountain biking. He also enjoys landscaping, woodworking and learning new skills.
Julia was born in Washington Township, New Jersey and moved to Geigertown, PA in 2020. After graduating from Liberty University with a bachelor's in Family and Child Development, she was excited to begin working with children. She met her husband, Eli, while serving at High Point Camp together in college. As Julia began teaching at High Point, Eli began working as the Guest Services Director at camp. After getting married in 2022, they now live at camp and love getting to be a part of High Point's three ministries at the church, school, and camp. When Julia isn't at school, you will likely find her reading, baking, or spending time with Eli and friends. Julia is so thankful that God directed her path to High Point Baptist Academy. She has a passion for working with children and loves getting to watch them learn and grow. She is excited to be the librarian and hopes to encourage a love for reading in her students.
Karen was born in Houston, Texas, and moved to Reading, Pennsylvania in 2010. She is the oldest of 4 children and her youngest sister is a student at High Point. Karen attended Reading High School and studied Music Education at Lancaster Bible College. She is currently studying Music at Berklee Online School of Music. She is a member of La Roca de Reading Bible Fellowship Church.
Karen loves all things music! She is a saxophonist and vocalist who loves to serve on worship teams. She has been playing saxophone for 11 years and singing in choirs for 10 years. In her spare time, Karen likes to stay home and have ice cream, or go shopping with her sisters. She has a beagle named Bella whom she loves! Karen is also a coffee enthusiast!
Karen is teaching elementary music at High Point and directing the choirs, band, orchestra and ukulele club!
Job Titles:
- Academic Programs Coordinator
Kate received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in 1994 from West Chester University. She met Dave at church and they married in 1995. Kate taught Preschool and Kindergarten while Dave began a successful career in sales. Dave and Kate have two children, Lindsey and Daniel, who have attended HPBA since preschool. They both love to play soccer. Kate spent 13 years as a homemaker and serving at High Point Baptist Chapel. She and Dave worked with the Jr/Sr High youth group for several years. Dave continued to help with the youth group and Kate began teaching the 3-5 year olds and eventually directed the Awana Cubbies for 3 years. She also spent many hours volunteering at the academy helping with lunch, parties, tutoring, and aiding teachers.
Kate was hired in 2011 as a Search and Teach therapist and also works in the Learning Support Program. When students come to her room, they may participate in all kinds of fun activities and games to reinforce learning, and they will always find M&M's. She has a weakness for all things chocolate. When not at school or at a soccer game, Kate loves to read or scrapbook. Kate and her family love traveling, going to the beach and amusement parks. Her favorite thing in life is spending time with her family (and chocolate).
As an alumna of High Point Baptist Academy, Kelly is glad to be back and part of the HPBA family again. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Clarks Summit University, and taught 5 th grade for 5 years before taking some time to stay home with her 3 children. Kelly also has her Master's degree from Wilkes University in Instructional Media which equipped her to integrate technology into her classroom in creative ways.
One of Kelly's greatest passions is connecting with people and her role as Advancement Director allows her to do just that. Working with donors, volunteers, administration, and staff has opened doors that have been exciting for her to see God's work and faithfulness!
Outside of High Point, Kelly and her husband Drew enjoy serving at their church and in various ministries in the city of Reading, where God has created some exciting opportunities for their family. All 3 of their children Addie, Garrett, and Eliza attend the Academy. Kelly enjoys cooking, reading, getting involved in her community, and taking road trips with her family.
This year Linda will be beginning her 36th year of teaching at High Point. Upon graduating from Bob Jones University, Linda came to High Point and the Lord has allowed her to remain here teaching.
Her husband, Parke graduated from High Point Baptist Academy and is High Point's mechanic and grounds keeper. God has blessed them with a son, Gregg, who married Erin in 2014 and recently gave Linda and Parke their first grandbaby, Elena.
When they have time and opportunity, the Hayes family enjoys playing games and visiting the coast of Maine.
Job Titles:
- Communication & Marketing Consultant
Lisa Stoltzfus is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and was relocated to PA when she married her husband who is a native Pennsylvanian. Zach and Lisa met in Oklahoma, through mutual friends, where she was an assistant administrator for a residential youth program for 6 years. Since moving to PA, she has had a myriad of different job experiences including serving as a youth director at her previous church, tutoring, and being an office manager. However, her favorite job is that of being "Mom" to her four children: Jayden, Logan, Charlotte, and Evie. All four of her children are current students of the Academy.
Lisa has a business degree from Waldorf University and has a passion for administration and office workings. Even more she has a heart that desires to see students using their full potential and giftings to bless others and to glorify God. She enjoys the arts, creative ventures, and a good book; however, you mostly find her enjoying time with her kids at their different sporting events and games.
Luke is a Pennsylvania native, born and raised in Ephrata. He is the youngest of 4 children and has had the privilege of being raised in a home where both parents followed the Lord. Luke put his faith in Jesus Christ at age of 6 and by God's grace continues to grow in that faith. After high school, Luke attended Bob Jones University where he graduated with a B.A. in Humanities and met Ellen Saunders who became his wife in May of 2000, 3 weeks after graduation. Luke and Ellen moved to Lansdale, PA, where he attended seminary, and taught and coached in a Christian school there.
In July of 2007, one year after graduating seminary, God brought them to High Point Baptist Chapel where he accepted the role as youth pastor. Luke likes to stay connected to teens any way possible, so he has also coached girls basketball and is currently teaching a Bible class in the school and heading up secondary chapels. Luke and Ellen now have 3 children, Jadyn, Ashlyn, and Kamryn. Some of Luke's favorite activities are using his chainsaw to cut up firewood, doing handyman projects, riding his motorcycle, playing basketball, golf, soccer (really any sport), and going on dates with Ellen.
Melissa was born and raised in Downingtown, PA. She earned a One Year Concentrated Bible Certificate from Lancaster Bible College and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Computer Science from West Chester University as well as completing coursework in Accounting at Immaculata University. She worked for several different Christian organizations before getting married to her husband, Chuck and was then blessed with two children, James and Tara. While her children were young, she began teaching piano from home which she continued for over 10 years. Once Tara entered kindergarten, she began working outside the home again and worked at Conestoga Christian School and then Twin Valley High School. She was excited to be given the opportunity to join the High Point family and to have James and Tara attend here as well! She looks forward, Lord willing, to many years with the staff and students here! When not at school, she enjoys music, the beach, watching football and movies and just spending time with family!
Melissa has taught high school and elementary Spanish for many years. She will be focused this year on Elementary Spanish. She is looking forward to a great year with the children and helping them see the need to learn a second language.
She spent a lot of her childhood on the mission field in Iquitos, Peru, where her parents were missionaries. She has a love for students to learn Spanish to communicate with the Spanish speaking world here and abroad. Her husband and her are both graduates from High Point. They have two children, one graduated from High Point, and a granddaughter that attends the academy right now.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Faculty and Students
Melissa has been happily married to her husband, Bryon, for 20 years. She met him in 1st grade at High Point and it was love at first sight! They have four children: Lexie, Zachary, Mia, and Jack. On any given day, you likely will find Melissa at one of her kids' games or practices, working in her yard (she loves her flowers and garden), cooking up a feast, hiking, or with her family enjoying the outdoors. Melissa and Bryon are very active in church as they teach Sunday school and work with the youth group.
Melissa has a long history at High Point where she was a student from 1st through 12th grade. Melissa was a cheerleader and a softball player while a student at High Point. Melissa went on to attend Cedarville University where she dual majored in Elementary and Special Education. After she worked at Twin Valley Middle and High School in special education, she decided that she would like to be in Christian education. Melissa has received certification from the National Institute of Learning Development. Melissa has her Master's degree in Administration and Curriculum from Alvernia University and is in the process of working towards her Principleship.
Melissa joined the High Point staff in 2008 as the Learning Support and Curriculum Director and since then her role has grown to include teacher development and overall program enhancement. Her passion is seeing children grow in their ability to learn and achieve success in the classroom and beyond. One of Melissa's favorite parts of her job is discipling young women to be more like Christ.
Job Titles:
- Learning Support Director