Elisabet Kirkland

Each school year brings new faces to Rocky Mountain Conference schools—educators who have answered God’s call to invest in the lives of young people. More than teachers, they are mentors, disciple-makers, and role models helping shape the next generation of faithful Adventist leaders.

To help our school communities get to know these new educators, we invited each of them to share their journey into Adventist education, their passion for ministry, their hopes for their students, or a few personal insights about who they are beyond the classroom. We hope their responses offer a glimpse into the hearts of the those preparing students not only for success in this life, but for eternity.

Isaac Avila  |  Science – Mile High Academy

What made me first realize God was calling me to teach was in high school at Campion Academy. My science teacher, Mr. Kast, asked if I could help tutor some of the chemistry students and I realized that I loved seeing the “ah-ha” moments and that realization was solidified during my student teaching.

[As an interest outside of the classroom,] I love working on my 2001 Toyota Celica, fixing it up and making it into a cool car, that hopefully will help enhance my personal mission. I also love to play tennis and pickleball as well as hiking and drawing.

Gisèle Brown  |  Registrar and Pre-Algebra – Campion Academy

If I could leave my students with one truth about Jesus, it would be that He cares about every part of their lives and will guide them when they seek Him. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way (ERV). My hope is that whether they are studying, making decisions, or facing challenges, they will learn to ask what honors Christ and trust Him to direct their path.

One of my favorite interests is studying—not only the Bible but also subjects that help me understand people and situations more clearly. I enjoy learning because it prepares me to respond thoughtfully, with both intelligence and wisdom.

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to be ready to explain the hope within us with gentleness and respect. For me, learning is not simply about gaining knowledge; it is about becoming better equipped to serve, encourage, and guide others.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15 KJV).

Jessica Chitura  |  Head Girls’ Dean – Campion Academy

[If I could leave students with one truth about Jesus it is that] Jesus really sees you. He sees every tear, every trial, every smile, every joy, every failure, every success. He sees you when you’re lonely, when you’re happy, when you doubt Him, when you dare to hope. He loves you through it all. He promises to never leave or forsake you. There is nothing you could ever do to separate yourself from His love. Wherever you go, whenever you call on Him, He is there and He will answer.

As an interest outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, puzzles, and cooking.

Bobi Crenshaw  |  Teaching Principal – Sonshine Academy

I knew I wanted to be a teacher before I even started school. I took a few detours along the way, but God was leading all along, and I ended up teaching with an even more rich experience to share with my students and their families. These experiences have led me to have the view that I will go wherever God calls. After teaching in several different parts of the United States, I am settling into Wyoming and eagerly looking forward to this next school year and the adventures that it holds.

And even though I got my teaching training through a public university, I was very clear that I would be specializing in ultra small schools. I am excited to be in Worland because it is a very small school. I am eager to meet my new students and get to know them and their families. School is always a mission field, and I enjoy teaching the children about God and introducing them to my friend Jesus.

RD Gallant  |  Principal – Mile High Academy

Jesus is the Great Educator, and He invites me to partner with Him as I learn, grow, and become more like Him. The more I come to know Christ, the more I desire for His character to be reflected in my leadership and ministry. I believe Adventist education is about much more than academics—it is about helping young people know Jesus, discover His purpose for their lives, and prepare for His soon return. It is a privilege to serve in this calling and to invest in students with the hope that they will experience God’s love and choose to follow Him for eternity.

[As a personal interest,] I really enjoy reading, and I use new books to help me decompress after long days. Last year, I read 100 books and this year I am shooting for 50. Learning never stops, and I am always excited to learn something interesting when I pick up a new book.

Bayli Hold  |  Fifth Grade – Mile High Academy

The mission of Adventist Education means that my responsibility as a teacher goes far beyond helping students succeed academically. I have the privilege of mentoring young people into their God given purpose and pointing them toward a relationship with their Savior.

My prayer for my students this year is that they leave my classroom not only ready for their next chapter in life, but also having grown in character, endurance, compassion, and, most importantly, with a deeper desire to know Jesus.

One of my favorite quotes that sums up what I want my students to become is from Ellen G. White’s Education: “Men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, pp. 56–57).

That is what Adventist education means to me: preparing students not only for success in this life, but for a life of faith, service, character, and ultimately eternity with Jesus.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and skiing. I also love being creative and crafty, especially through sewing and other creative projects.

Gerson Martinez  |  Chaplain and High School Bible Teacher – Mile High Academy

I am excited to join Mile High Academy as a Chaplain and High School Bible Teacher! I have had the privilege of teaching at both the high school and university levels, including nine years at Tecnológico de Monterrey, one of Mexico’s leading private universities, at Universidad de Montemorelos, and most recently at Christian Academy of Louisville, the largest Christian high school in Kentucky.

My passion is helping young people discover that the Bible is about Jesus. My doctoral research focused on teaching the Bible to young people in Christian education. I have also preached and taught in churches, conferences, and schools across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries. In addition, I have participated in academic leadership programs at Harvard, MIT, Yale, and the University of California, Berkeley.

If I could leave my students with one truth about Jesus, it would be this: Jesus is enough. He is the only one who offers eternal salvation and a truly abundant life.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my wife, exploring new restaurants, reading books, and taking walks.

Sarah Rogers  |  Agricultural Program Director – Campion Academy

When my students face challenges, which they inevitably will, my prayer is that they will discover that God’s grace is sufficient for them. My hope is that all students will experience His tender patience towards them, realizing that He is not standing over them, waiting for them to fail; rather, that He is always available to give them a hand up and to guide their hearts and minds. May the Holy Spirit minister through us all this year as we teach and interact with students, and may they see Christ’s character in us!

Walter Rogers  |  Chaplain – Campion Academy

Working at summer camp and volunteering in Children’s Church, I really felt God using me to make a difference in the lives of kids. I loved teaching about God’s love and building a team of youth to do life-changing ministry together. [As educators,] we have a bigger view of more than just “career success.” We are striving for Godly success in all areas, with Jesus as the center, and wholistic healthy living that flows out of that with love, excellence, and passion.

[When my students face challenges, I hope they discover] that God is bigger than any problem they have. If they truly seek God’s kingdom first, everything else really will be added to them as well. [One prayer I have for students is] that they would regularly spend time with God, walk with God and trust in God. Only one life will soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last.

[One thing people do not know about me is] that I almost dropped out of pre-med to be a full time, professional Christian Mime.

Denison Sager  |  Director of Recruitment and Marketing – Campion Academy

Having attended Adventist schools from first grade through his master’s program, Sager credits Adventist education with shaping his faith and life, saying it led him to follow Jesus, meet his wife, and build lasting relationships with teachers who invested in his growth. As a former boarding academy student, he understands the challenges of leaving home but also the opportunities for personal and spiritual development. Now, he hopes to encourage students in the same way others encouraged him, helping them discover their potential while sharing the unconditional love of Jesus.

Sager enjoys traveling, time with friends, and serving with several North American Division ministries outside of work. He enjoys volleyball and basketball, and is Advanced Open Water scuba certified. Sager has traveled extensively, including visiting all 50 states, and is looking forward to exploring Colorado again as a family.

Tressa Thompson  |  History – Campion Academy

One truth about Jesus that I hope to demonstrate to my students is that they can depend on Him no matter what challenges life throws at them. When life seems uncertain, they can count on Jesus to provide peace and guidance.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy traveling to explore museums and to hike with my family. We especially enjoy art museums and National Parks.

Denae Yuros  |  Vice Principal – Mile High Academy

Derae Yuros will be returning to Mile High Academy as vice principal. She taught third and fourth grade at MHA from 2018–2025 before earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in neuroscience and teaching in Oregon. She now returns to Colorado to begin this new leadership role, bringing expertise in curriculum alignment, literacy development, and the Unlocking the Reading Code framework. Since leaving MHA, Derae also married Christopher Carpenter, brother of RMC Associate Superintendent, Andrew Carpenter. She looks forward to supporting MHA’s teachers and helping classrooms continue to thrive both academically and spiritually.

Jill Harlow – Sagunto, Spain … Twenty current and former students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, wrapped up their six-week study abroad program in Sagunto, Spain, coming home not only with fun memories, but with a greater perspective of the world, themselves, and God.

In the second half of the program, the students took a five-day tour of the Madrid area, including visiting the deeply historical cities of Segovia and Toledo.

Josh P., CA junior student, commented, “I think that my favorite part of the tour in Madrid was touring the Royal Palace. From the very first room you’re met with jaw dropping views of intricately painted ceilings, grandiose wallpaper, and carefully crafted furniture. Every room becomes more impressive and awe inspiring than the last. Furthermore, as you walk through rooms constructed hundreds of years ago it gives you a very tangible sense of just how much history can be found in Spain. Being able to wander throughout the palace in awe was truly an unforgettable experience.”

The last two and a half weeks were more academically focused, digging deeper into the language and getting more serious about homework and tests.

Natalie B., CA junior student, reflected, “The classes were hard at first, mostly because teachers only spoke in Spanish, which personally overwhelmed me a bit. But once I got the hang of it, it was exciting to see improvements in myself. Something that also helped was how patient teachers were. Whenever I needed help or encouragement, they were always willing to be there for me. I was excited to learn a new language within another culture, and I hope I can learn more.”

One of the greatest opportunities of the trip was to make friendship bonds not only with our Campion group, but also with students from around the world, and the Spanish college students who worked for the program.

“All the friends I was able to build made my trip extra special because I got to meet amazing and funny people that I would have never been able to meet in any other circumstance,” shared Dayanara Z., CA senior student.  “Meeting new people made my summer better because they would get me to do things that I would not normally be willing to do like sing up front or dance flamenco for the talent show.”

Dayanara continued, “I appreciated how friendly the people from Spain were. They were always willing to help you with your homework. They made our daily worships fun and always made sure everyone was involved.  What I appreciate from the culture was how welcoming and how friendly they were to everyone making sure we were always included.”

Finally, the time away from family and our home country was a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth.

Annalise G., CA senior student, recalled, “The experience in Spain made me want to connect with God more and let Him guide me in the right way. I came into this trip never being away from home and so shy, and I had to learn to be patient with myself and give myself the time I needed to get comfortable and come out of my shell a bit. Once I did I slowly grew to be not only more independent but to be ok with putting my trust in others to rely on them for help when needed. I got to meet so many amazing people that helped grow and be ok with just being me. They treated me like family and supported me through every high and low.”

CA senior student Teagan P. furthered, “The trip to Spain was a big growing experience for me. Being away from my family and country challenged me to look at myself from a different perspective. The personal intentionality to go to church and other events helped me be more responsible for my spiritual growth. I learned many different things and became more independent as a person. I am so thankful that I was able to have this experience.”

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Spanish, English Language Learner (ELL), and Communication director. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Parker, Colorado … Kenneth Martinez, now having served for almost two years as the teaching pastor at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, was publicly affirmed and ordained into ministry, August 1.

“Whether you attended in person or online, you witnessed the memorable celebration of Kenneth’s ordination,” remarked Lisa Cardinal, lead pastor at Newday. “Leaders from the Rocky Mountain Conference and Mid-American Union attended. Family and friends attended. Several from Refuge, the church Kenneth planted in Seattle, drove more than twenty hours straight to attend, and of course, many from Newday attended. Congratulations, Kenneth and Addi!”

Martinez was born and raised in a Christian family in Mexico where he felt the first call to ministry when he was 14 years old. He did not initially take this call, studying computer sciences at university and eventually moving to the United States with his wife and ministry partner, Addi, to work for Microsoft.

But that call never left, and Martinez and his wife became core members of a Hispanic Church plant church plant in Washington State. He later became a lay pastor for a new church plant for young adults and finished a Master of Arts in Theology and later a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching.

Martinez’s path to ordination spanned eight years—both in volunteer time and employed—in which he also ministered around 30 baptisms, published two books, and is regularly requested for speaking engagements.

“We were reminded of Kenneth’s journey and the many lives impacted through his ministry, which began as a high school student serving God. Kenneth’s ministry continued even as he chose to become a software engineer and was appointed as a lay pastor. Eventually, Kenneth left Microsoft and was hired as a full-time pastor in Washington and in 2024, he accepted a call to become the teaching pastor at Newday. In every season, Kenneth has ministered as a faithful disciple and disciple-maker,” reflected Cardinal.

The Candidate for Ordination was introduced by Cardinal, followed by the Ministry Affirmation provided by Jay Mamanua and Katherine Cobb, members at Newday. The Ministry Charge was presented by Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director, and Craig Carr, Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Ministerial director, and the Ordination Prayer was offered by Nathaniel Gamble, RMC vice president for Administration. Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director, presented a Ministry Welcome.

Cardinal closed, “Kenneth responded by sharing his confidence in God’s faithfulness to complete the good work He began in Kenneth’s life. He pledged to give himself wholly to the calling of ministry and committed to follow Jesus daily. Thank God for creating Kenneth just as he is! Thank you, Kenneth, for saying yes to God. We look forward to Kenneth’s continued ministry, his anointed Biblical teaching, his passion to make disciples, and our continued journey together.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Jay Mamanua.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Each year, Adventist educators from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) are pulled together prior to the start of the school year to be encouraged, inspired, and connected through worship and professional development.

“Across our conference, you serve students of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. Yet we are united by one mission: to help every student know that they are seen and loved by God, gifted for a purpose, and equipped to serve,” was the connecting reminder from Diane Harris, RMC superintendent to the almost 80 conference educators at the 2026 RMC Teachers’ Convention, August 1-2. Harris was joined with co-convention coordinator and new associate superintendent Andrew Carpenter.

This sentiment was supported with this year’s theme of “Known. Called. Sent.” which was expanded to “Known by God. Called to become like Him. Sent to make Him known.” Harris commented, “This theme begins with what is already true because of God. He knows us completely, calls us with purpose, and sends us into the lives of others.”

The convention began on Saturday with an opening Sabbath service and message by Dave VandeVere, RMC president, who tied the biblical story of the Samaritan woman at the well to the weekend’s theme and had attendees break into several small group discussion. He urged the educators, “We cannot be so distracted that we forget our call to lead students to Jesus.”

Timothy Gillespie, vice president of Mission and Ministry for AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region, provided two messages for the attendees that day. Gillespie, while now a healthcare administrator and previously a pastor, had brief experience as a physical education and Bible teacher and has a number of family members in education.

Gillespie’s first message weighed heavily on the relationship between the educator and student as Chirstian Adventist teachers: “Education is the baseline of what you do. Education can be transactional, but the best education is relational.” He stressed the importance of creating a culture to foster this relationship for authentic impact in a student’s life.

“I think it’s so easy nowadays for our students to put on a persona for their friends and to be in that social media culture, which is something Tim Gillespie talked about,” commented Mathias Gallaher, new headteacher at Brighton Adventist Academy. “It’s really important as educators—and something that will be a challenge—to really help our students break down those walls and feel known. And when we start there, and help them to feel known, then we can show them the mission and we can show them they’re calling and then send them out to share it with others.”

The following day of the Convention was a full day of professional development led by Kristin Poage, an associate at Marzano Resources,* who reviewed an instructional framework to improve student achievement termed The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Of the new teaching staff present at the convention was the teaching principal Bobi Crenshaw from the Sonshine Academy in Worland, Wyoming, that has just reopened for the 2026-2027 school year. “Two years ago, I got the very strong impression that it was time for me to leave where I was, and I prayed about it. I listened to my shepherd who said, ‘I have somewhere else for you to go.’ I really felt called that Worland was where I needed to go.”

Crenshaw continued, “When we were getting ready to go. My house sold within ten days. We found a house, and I just feel that God has sent me here. So, I feel very known, very called, and very sent.”

The format of the convention was different this year, being held at RMC’s Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. Remarking on the change, Harris said, “Our time together at Glacier View Ranch will give us an opportunity to pause before the school year begins, to worship, reconnect, learn, and remember that none of us carries this calling alone. My hope is that teachers leave Glacier View Ranch reminded that they are deeply valued, renewed in their calling, strengthened for the students God has entrusted to their care, and more deeply connected to the larger family of RMC Education.”

* Marzano Resources is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—RMCNews, Photos by Liz Kirkland.

By AWL News 

We asked the Adventist Women Leaders (AWL) community what’s one habit, mindset shift, resource or practice that made you a steadier leader? Here’s a collection of your responses.

FIND AWESOME MENTORS

My leadership tip is to be a great follower. Doing this means having awesome “mentor-mentee” experiences. No matter what experience we have gotten climbing the leadership ladder, there are best practices that are innovative and personal. These practices may never be documented and have proven to be successful over the years. Learning from mentors enriches any leader’s worldview and brings more than average value to the community one is leading. I believe we will pass on the torch of leadership better than we received it.

Shared by AWL member Ima-Obong Monday Jonathan 

LISTEN & OBSERVE

Be a good listener and observer. Identify the positives and potential in others and encourage them to be active in co-labouring in God’s Kingdom.

Shared by AWL member Kareen Robinson-Simpson

HAVE A PLAN

Be intentional to stay organized. “If I fail to plan, I plan to fail.”

Shared by AWL member Marleena Debrough

RECOGNIZE THE WINS

I take time to publicly recognize the “behind the scenes” wins of our team members. While I appreciate these contributions privately, I believe it is important to share them publicly.

Shared by AWL member Betty Toussaint

CULTIVATE YOUR CURIOSITY

“Curiosity, a desire to know more about what God has for you, is the secret to shifting into a higher purpose. Curiosity is always the catalyst to calling. And it’s the antidote to the spirit of the ordinary. The voice of heaven is leading you off the mundane path of predictability and onto a more anointed, adventurous one.” — 100 Days to Believing Bigger Devotional Journal by Marshawn Evans Daniels

Shared by AWL member Deborah Egger

LISTEN

Listen and then make a tangible solution. Bible scriptures and prayer are fine, they should be done. Sometimes a person just needs soup or a car wash.

Shared by AWL member Bobbe Reynolds

FOLLOW THE SAVIOR

To me, in order to lead, I must follow my savior. Through His example, that is the only thing that can help me lead the way He did.

Shared by AWL member Bobbe Reynolds

TRUST GOD TO LEAD EVERY DAY

It was an especially stressful day in the office. I was the director of Human Resources at a university and the need to terminate an employee due to indiscretions had become necessary. 

These conversations are never easy. As the employee sat uncomfortably in the chair in front of my desk with their immediate boss in the next seat. I asked God for words to say that were both accurate and clear and compassionate. And I felt so inadequate. 

How did this person feel, knowing they were about to lose their job, their livelihood? This would mean an end to the comfortable life they now lived. There seemed no way to make this easy. Then, I saw the hand stitched plaque on the wall, done by a friend that knew my daily challenges: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:6

“Lord,” I silently prayed, “please help me to have the words to let this person know they are loved by you, even though they can’t continue in their position.”

The conversation began haltingly, and awkwardly. But as we got to the heart of the matter, I could feel a calming in my heart and mind as we also recognized that things couldn’t continue as they had been. God was working in this situation. He was helping this person to see that there might be a better place for them in another work situation. 

As the employee and their boss left the office, there was a hug and a tear. They knew we didn’t want to make this decision, it was really their decision made through actions they had taken. “Thank you, God,” I breathed. 

Divine guidance and grace in every situation is a prayer we know God will always answer. And He does it graciously, without judging or condemning us. With this understanding of how God is with us and works on our behalf, we can face anything in the future knowing he will guide us through the valleys and rough roads of human interactions.

Shared by AWL member Linda Becker

—Republished with permission from the July 14, 2026, Adventist Women Leaders email newsletter. Photo by Pieter Damsteegt/NAD.