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.
