Instructors

Mrs. Christel Allen

Mrs. Allen has always enjoyed science which led to her completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Secondary Education with a minor in Chemistry.  Her degree was heavy in lab classes and included a senior honors research project and presentation on the socialization patterns of bottlenose dolphins at a nearby aquarium. Upon completing her degree, she worked as a science teacher in a public, medical magnet high school.  During that time, she piloted the school’s AP Chemistry program, created and taught a course in microbiology and genetics, and taught freshmen biology.

After that experience, she went on to obtain her master’s degree in marine biology.  These classes included marine mammal studies, marine mammal stranding training, necropsies of marine mammals, research methods, and oceanography. Her degree culminated in a thesis on the reproductive genetics of the North Atlantic Right Whale population.

Her next season of life was to begin a family.  During that season, she and her husband decided to homeschool their children.  Mrs. Allen spent 17 years on that process, covering classes from pre-K through high school. This homeschool journey was rich in science and included experiments, nature explorations, baking soda/vinegar rockets and volcanoes, bug collections, dissections, and many other options to encourage exploring the surrounding environment. Mrs. Allen also taught lab classes for one of her children and two other homeschool students in Biology and Chemistry.

Her experience in both public and homeschool teaching make her a perfect blend for teaching at Highland Academy.  Mrs. Allen understands that high school should be a place where students are challenged enough to prepare them for college as a possible option. It is also a place for students to learn and explore different sciences before facing the rigors of college work.  Providing this experience in a way that challenges students to grow both in their objective analysis skills and their pure love for science is Mrs. Allen’s teaching desire. 

Mrs. Rachael Clay

Hello! My name is Rachael Clay, and I’m the instructor for Intro to Herbalism and The Art of Poetry!

First and foremost, I’m so excited to introduce students to the world of plant medicine. 

A little bit about me… I am a second generation homeschooling mom of two children that God blessed us with through adoption. For the past ten years I have been a homesteader, raising goats, ducks, pigs, and various other animals while also growing a large vegetable garden and too many herbs to count. I have my certificate in Introductory Herbal Studies from The Herbal Academy of New England, and am currently working on earning my Advanced Herbal Studies certificate. Herbs, teas, tinctures, and salves have been part of my life for years! 

I also have a passion for, and love to introduce people to the beautiful world of poetry. Lingering over beautiful verses, and dwelling on what the poet intended is such a wonderful exercise in slowing down and taking notice.

In my spare time, I love to play piano, lead worship, go for hikes, and play video games with my kids. 

Mr. Ken Clough

I attended Western Carolina University and received  a BS in science education. I taught middle science for 10 years and then taught at East Burke High School for 20 years teaching physical science, biology, and applied biology and chemistry. After retirement I taught part-time at Morganton Day School teaching middle grades science. I enjoy watching students taking challenging classes and making it understandable for them and encouraging them to continue their science education.

Mrs. Elizabeth Dayton

“To teach is to touch a life forever.” This quote captures my heart and love for teaching. I have taught in the public school, private school, and homeschool settings for almost 20 years. Homeschooling for fifteen of those years has allowed me the joy of learning and growing alongside my own three children. I have also directed high school students in the Classical Conversations program for six years covering subjects from Latin to British Literature to Biology. I have a love for literature, writing, and history and enjoy offering fun learning activities to accompany the academic curriculum. I am excited to join this hybrid homeschool community to see how the Lord will use it for His glory!

Mrs. Ruth Elben

Ruth Eblen brings a diverse background in practical expertise in financial literacy,
homeownership, construction, business operations, communication, and
problem-solving. As a licensed educator, she comes to her role with classroom
experience.

Her technical proficiency is rooted in her professional history of implementing new
software systems and educating employees on efficient work procedures, skills she
translates directly into the Tech Skills: Google Suite course. Furthermore, as a licensed
real estate broker with experience in property management and contract negotiations,
Ruth is uniquely equipped to teach Life Skills.

Having previously created instructional plans for 7th and 8th-grade students, she
understands how to engage middle and high schoolers in mastering essential "adulting"
tasks. She is passionate about preparing students for life after graduation by connecting
classroom learning to real-world applications and equipping students with essential life
and career skills.

Mrs. Jess Fryer

Hi, I’m Jess Fryer — proud wife mom of three (Kohl, Jace, and Callie) and the owner of Liazzo’s Catering for the past 20 years. I’m not a classically trained chef, just someone who genuinely loves preparing, serving, and eating food from all over the world. This semester I’m excited to share that love with you as we cook from scratch, try new flavors, and build real kitchen confidence together.

Mrs. Christina Garris

Christina Garris is a mother of 3. She has an almost 19 yr old son and 13 & 10 yr old daughters. She has been homeschooling her two daughters since January of 2023 but, also, homeschooled her son during his 3rd and 4th grade years. She has been involved in the theater world for around 2 yrs by helping backstage and participating in several productions with The Green Room in Newton, NC. However, her love for theater and, especially, musical theater spans back as far as she can remember! She is excited to join Highland Academy and help your student explore, learn, and grow their knowledge and love for the theatrical arts!

Mrs. Bethany Guthrie

Mrs. Guthrie has played piano from a very young age and studied it through college at Moody Bible Institute. She also played woodwind and percussion instruments throughout her schooling. She’s homeschooled her and David’s kids for 10 years and has one in EC public school. She has a special place in her heart for neurodiversity and how music is a form of occupational therapy! She has played on worship teams since becoming a Christian 25 years ago and enjoys teaching private lessons. She’s been told she has endless patience.

Miss Abigail Kilcoyne

Hi! I’m Abigail Kilcoyne, and I’m so excited to be teaching pottery. I’ve been working with clay for over ten years—ever since I first started learning from my mom, who is a potter and sparked my love for creating with my hands.

I went on to study ceramics at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), where I earned my Associate of Fine Arts and Associate of Visual Arts degrees. Since then, I’ve continued exploring pottery from all angles, and now I teach weekly at CREATIVE, our Paint-Your-Own Pottery and Clay Studio. This studio is ran by my mother and I! 

I love helping students discover how fun and relaxing clay can be, whether they’re trying something totally new or building on skills they already have. My goal is for everyone to enjoy the process, learn something new, and leave proud of what they’ve made.

Abigail Kilcoyne

Director

CREATIVE | Maker's Market and Studio

Art and Clay, The Creative Way

Mrs. Stephanie McQuinn

I am Stephanie McQuinn, a dedicated mathematics educator. I teach Saxon 7/6, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Financial Literacy. Throughout my teaching experience, I have developed a unique ability to “speak math” in a way that makes complex concepts clear, understandable, and relatable for students. My approach focuses on helping students see the connections behind the numbers, build confidence, and understand how math applies to real life.

In addition to my mathematics courses, I am a Certified Banking and Budgeting Specialist through the Next Generation Personal Finance (NGPF) platform, bringing real-world financial skills and practical applications into my Financial Literacy course. My goal is to go beyond traditional money management by helping students develop the knowledge and decision-making skills needed to confidently navigate their financial futures.

Mrs. Challen McRee

My name is Challen McRee. I am happily married with 4 sons. I was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education from UNC-Charlotte. I completed my student teaching at East Lincoln High School & graduated with a 3.5 GPA as well as being a Dean’s List student. I have taught at Maiden High School for 2 years, East Burke Middle School for 1 year & Jenkins Elementary School for a semester. I have always had a passion for art and teaching!

I incorporate art history into each lesson by teaching my students about a featured artist. I will adapt lesson plans according to each individual child's need and/or talent level. 

"Art should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further." - Keith Haring

Mrs. Sarah Paschall

Mrs. Paschall holds a masters in English education and has worked in a variety of teaching roles for the past 16 years. Whether through public schools, Christian schools, online schools, College Board training, or homeschooling; her main focus is English language arts. Through literature, writing, and communication; her passion is to help each student find confidence and enjoyment in learning.

She especially looks forward to returning to Highland Academy because she sees this unique environment as a very effective pipeline for personalizing student goals, creating a supportive culture, and really getting to know families.

Mrs. Paschall’s hobbies are limited but joy-filled in this stage of life with four energy-filled kids, two dogs, and the one love of her life-- her husband,Josh. When she finds time, she likes to read (of course!), run off the crazy, and pretend like she’s a decent gardener.

She greatly looks forward to working with your family this year.

Mr. John Sorensen

Education
Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts
Bachelor of Science in Movement and Sport Studies, May 2001
Program Certification in Physical Education, K–12

Professional Experience
Schenectady City School District (2001–2006)

• Physical Education Teacher

• Junior Varsity Lacrosse Coach (4 seasons)

• Middle School Basketball Coach (2 seasons)

Additional Coaching Experience

• Grades 3–5 Basketball, Our Saviour’s Christian School (2017–2018)

• Grades 1–2 Rec Lacrosse, Shenendehowa (2019)

• Middle School Lacrosse Coach, Lincoln Charter School (2022–Present)

Teaching Philosophy
I believe a positive experience with physical education plays a vital role in developing a young person’s confidence, character, and lifelong fitness. Exposure to a variety of sports allows students to discover new interests, learn the value of teamwork, and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. It can also increase the likelihood that they will engage in athletic activities throughout their lives.

Mrs. Melani Sorensen

Melani Sorensen, is a certified health and wellness coach with four years of experience helping people create sustainable, healthy lifestyles. I currently coach men and women in midlife, teaching them how to build muscle while losing body fat through balanced nutrition, macro coaching, strength training, and healthy habits.

I believe nutrition doesn’t have to be restrictive or confusing. My goal is to help people understand how to fuel their bodies with whole, nutrient-dense foods while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. I’m passionate about making health practical, approachable, and sustainable.

I’m excited to share this passion with students by teaching the basics of nutrition, healthy cooking, and simple habits that can set the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. My hope is that each student leaves feeling empowered to make informed, healthy choices and confident in the kitchen.

Mrs. Emily Stewart

Emily Stewart is a long time Catawba county native. She homeschooled her children for 13 years.  She acquired her Bachelor's degree from NC State University in Mathematics Education and her Master's degree from Appalachian State University in Mathematics Education as well.  She lives with her family in Conover.

Mrs. Hillary Trivette

Hello Highland Families!

I’ve been an professional freelance editor for 20 years, starting with running a weekly magazine
for teenage girls in 2005 which resulted in a published book and progressing to working with sports figures on memoirs, pastors on self-help and
devotionals, and other books ranging from fantasies about dragons to business books about dental offices. I worked on financial reports with a Forbes
recognized business analyzing franchises. Taking Informatics and Journalism in college prepared me not for coding as originally planned but for all of
this.

I have taught sign language in Classical Conversations Essentials classrooms, online, and in libraries and tea shops.

My favorite things include dachshunds, parakeets, being an Awana leader, and making sourdough English muffins.

I am excited to work with your student!

Mr. Ed Weidman

Ed Weidman brings 25+ years of experience in management, sales, marketing, and consulting, with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and expertise spanning IT consulting and digital marketing. He has coached and trained more than 2,000 digital marketing agency owners and taught over 500 students worldwide.

Ed founded his digital marketing agency in 2016 and has served hundreds of clients. Today he owns and operates an agency spanning the East Coast, focused on leveraging Google and AI to help clients grow — giving him a front-row seat to both entrepreneurship and the practical application of AI in business.