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Clara grew up in Freeman, SD. She received a degree in English Education from the University of Sioux Falls.
She and her husband, Billy, are parents to daugher Bella, born in March 2023. Clara’s hobbies include baking, reading, and drinking tea.
When asked what her favorite activities are at Freeman Academy, she said, “I love all the music concerts; our students’ hard work and dedication to put them together never ceases to amaze me.”
Amber grew up near Menno, SD and received degree in Elementary Education and Music from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, and a Master's degree from Northwestern College.
Her family includes husband, Mark, and four children, Abigail, Hannah, Jordan, and Sarah. Amber enjoys playing piano and leading the children's music for church. She loves singing and playing for weddings as music is her favorite hobby.
Her favorite Freeman Academy activity is the grades 4-6 Science Fair. “It is so much fun watching these students take ownership of their projects,” she said.
Tiffany is originally from Texas, where she taught fine arts in some capacity for the first 10 years of her career in education. She began by teaching elementary music and art, moving on to middle school theatre arts, and finally high school theatre arts before moving to South Dakota to teach at Freeman Academy for the 2022-2023 school year. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband to rodeo events, spending time with her horses, playing various bluegrass musical instruments, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She resides in Davis with her husband, Rodney, and their two Australian Shepherds.
Lynelle grew up in Goshen, Indiana. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Goshen College and has minors in Spanish and TESOL.
Her family includes husband, Josh, and two children, Gideon and Lena.
Lynelle loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
When asked her favorite Freeman Academy event, she said, “Schmeckfest is probably my favorite. It's hard to go wrong with good food, a good show, and lots of family and friends coming to visit!”
Sarah grew up in Farmington, MN outside of the Twin Cities. She has a B.A. in Psychology from North Central University in Minneapolis with a minor in Biblical Languages: Greek/Hebrew. She also earned a M.Div. in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul. Then, Sarah went on to Marquette University earning an M.A. in Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity which was originally called Biblical Theology. Her interests include reading (biblical studies, theology, history, fiction or really anything with words). Sarah also enjoys camping trips in the mountains, photography, drawing or just watching bad disaster movies.
Jason grew up near, and currently lives in, Menno, SD. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from South Dakota State University, where he studied Sports and Recreation Administration with emphases in Education and Management. He has experience working in education, housing, program planning and implementation, and administration. In his free time, he reads, listens to music, plays games (board and video), and spends time with his dog, Neo. Schmeckfest is his favorite Freeman Academy event, because he likes all the food, the atmosphere of excitement and wonder, and a show that can’t be missed.
A native of Vermillion, SD, Dr. Rolf Olson has taught music at Northern State University, the University of South Dakota, Augustana University, and Arlington and Vermillion public schools. Choral conducting experience includes Arlington public schools, First Lutheran Church (Sioux Falls), and Dalesburg Lutheran Church. He is also an active trumpet player as a member of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Brass Quintet, and has played professionally with the Carson & Barnes Circus Band, Gene Pitney, and Myron Floren. Dr. Olson is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for numerous music contests and festivals in the Midwest. Awards received include the South Dakota Outstanding Bandmaster of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the SDHSAA. He is one of only two inductees into the Vermillion High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame. Dr. Olson earned degrees from Northern Colorado, University of South Dakota, and Augustana College. His family includes Dr. Anne Waltner and their triplet girls, Greta, Alice, and Lydia. He is excited to begin the journey at Freeman Academy in the Fall of 2022 along with the girls who will be in kindergarten. Dr. Olson enjoys sports, good food/drink, and traveling. He looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in music at Freeman Academy.
Kelsey grew up in Freeman, SD. She is a graduate of Freeman Academy and received degrees in History and English from Bethel College. She also received her master’s degree in Education from the University of Sioux Falls.
Kelsey is married to Brett Pidde and enjoys singing with family or choirs in her spare time.
Her favorite Freeman Academy activity is Schmeckfest. “It is such a highlight. I enjoy the food, the show, and watching students interact with the community.”
Karla grew up in Springfield, SD. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Northern State University with an Early Childhood/Kindergarten endorsement. She also has her master's in Classroom Teaching and Elementary Administration along with a middle school endorsement.
Her family includes, husband, Wade, and two sons, Tanner (and Katie), and Kade.
She enjoys camping and other outdoor activities with family.
Musicals are her favorite events at Freeman Academy.
Nick grew up on a farm in rural Marion, and Freeman, South Dakota. He received a BS degree in elementary education and special education from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. His family includes wife Sonja, and son Olan. Nick has many hobbies including gardening, bread baking, fishing, photography, disc golf, general tinkering, and many more. Quilt Fest was for a long time one of his favorite Activities at Freeman Academy. It was an amazing and extremely underrated art show in a style of art that is disappearing. It featured quilting artists and their beautiful handmade ornate quilts.
Carol grew up on a farm outside of Wagner, SD at the Stastny Corner. She received a B.S in Biology and a B.S. in Biology Education with minors in Chemistry and Physical Science Education from the University of South Dakota. Go Yotes! Carol enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her passions are things that allow her to be creative and the love of learning. She enjoys music, sports, baking, traveling, the outdoors and basking in God’s creation. She appreciates working with the students and families at Freeman Academy and enjoys seeing students become engaged in learning.
Craig grew up on a farm near Menno, SD. He received his degree in agriculture from Freeman Academy Junior College, and his degree in mathematics education from Tabor College.
His family includes, wife, Lois, and two daughters, Bethany, and Andrea.
He enjoys leading worship music, farming, biking, hiking and photography in his spare time.
Craig enjoys coaching middle school volleyball most at Freeman Academy. He says, “they are such an energetic and fun-loving group to work with.”
Mataya recently moved back to her hometown of Sioux Falls were she lives with her husband, Ozi, and her two cats Luna and Rose. In the fall of 2017, Mataya graduated with her Bachelor of Music Education at the University of South Dakota. Mataya previously taught 5-12 band in Avon (2018-2023) and in Tripp-Delmont (2021-2023). She has been the guest director of the Alcester-Hudson Honor Band Festival, and she also performs with a professional choir, Transept, that is based in Sioux Falls (transept.org). In her spare time you can find her frisbee golfing, reading, practicing multiple instruments, or hiking. Mataya's favorite part about Freeman Academy is the love for the arts. "It is refreshing to see a community that supports the arts and is very involved in the multiple art programs that the school offers."
Brad (Braden) grew up in Wichita, Kansas, part of a family of educators. He earned a BA in Political Science/History from Wichita State, at which point he worked as a quality assurance manager for aviation-related companies in Wichita. Discerning a call to academics, he then completed a MA in Political Science from the University of Kansas. After reading Anabaptist theology and political thought, Brad shifted his focus to theology, earning a MA and PhD from Marquette University, with a focus on Theology and Society. He went on to teach courses at the college level in theology, ethics, and politics, as well as work in academic administration, non-profit program direction, and private consultancy. He is the author of Chosen Nation: Scripture, Theopolitics, and the Project of National Identity, as well as journal articles on Christian nationalism and biblical interpretation. Brad came to FA in 2017, teaching high school Bible and Social Studies, and serving as Assistant Head of School and then Academic Dean. He began as Head of School in July, 2022. Brad is married to Elizabeth, with whom he shares three children: Benjamin (FA ’21), Madelyn, and Katelyn. He enjoys piano and arranging music, reading fiction and history, watching movies, playing strategy games, and conversation and laughter with friends. The Andersons are active at Salem Mennonite Church, southeast of Freeman.
Elizabeth grew up in Texas and Kansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Wichita State University. Prior to having children, she worked in accounts receivable for a mechanical contractor and later as the receptionist for a seminary in Kentucky. After having children, Elizabeth focused her time and attention on her home and family, which includes husband, Brad, and children, Benjamin, Madelyn, and Katelyn. Somewhere along the way, Elizabeth discovered a love of baking and enjoys sharing this love at the local farmers market and with friends and family. She also enjoys board games, word puzzles, and coffee. Her favorite activities at Freeman Academy are the many music programs and stage productions.
Sheila grew up on a farm in Henderson, NE and attended Bethel College in North Newton, KS where she earned a BA in Music Education. She is married to Nathan and they have two children, Kaitlyn and Connor. She enjoys camping with her family, reading, playing piano and organ at church (Salem-Zion Mennonite), and watching America’s Got Talent. One of her favorite Freeman Academy events (there are so many it is hard to choose) is Opening Convocation. I enjoy seeing everyone come together, parents, students, family and friends, to start the new school year!
Eric grew up in Illinois and attended a small high school similar in size to Freeman Academy. He earned his Masters in Business Administration from Western Illinois University in 2005. For many years, he worked for financial institutions in various roles that typically involved business unit ownership. He also taught adjunct courses at the college level. By 2019, he decided to answer a strong calling to help others and pursue his Masters in teaching from the College of St. Marys. Eric taught high school Finance in Nebraska for 4 years and cherishes his time as a teacher. He was repeatedly nominated for teacher of the year. During his time teaching, Eric discovered his truest calling to help others on a scale beyond the classroom. He spent his evenings and weekends studying school administration at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and finished his coursework in 2022. Eric has two wonderful daughters who live on their own. Eric and his girlfriend Chris have three dogs. Chris is from Sioux Falls and brought Eric to South Dakota in June. Eric says “South Dakota is so beautiful, especially the Black Hills.” Eric enjoys lifting weights, eating pizza, and meeting new people. “Please stop by anytime for a cup of coffee.”
Kory was born and raised in Freeman, SD and graduated from Menno High School. After high-school Kory worked in the optics industry for over 10 years running an eyeglass manufacturing business in Sioux Falls. He moved back to Freeman in 2022 with his dog Zella to be closer to parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Kory enjoys participating and watching sports including his favorites: darts, golf, and basketball. He also enjoys learning to play guitar and bass and checking out live bands around the area. He is active on the Freeman Vounteer Fire Department and enjoys all the athletic activities happening at the Freeman Academy.
Suzanne grew up near Freeman, SD. She has a degree in Animal Science from South Dakota State University. (Go Jacks!) Her family includes husband, Todd, and four children, Andrew, Lillie (and Andre), Clara (and Billy), and Jada. Her hobbies include hiking and gardening. Her favorite activities at Freeman Academy include the Freeman Academy-Marion (FAM) Invitational Cross Country meet. She said, “Seeing our athletes race the walking paths with other teams in uniform through the prairie grass and lovely flowers of our Arboretum is soul filling.”
Nathan grew up in Freeman, South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota for his bachelor degree in political science, before farming full-time in East Freeman.
His family includes his older brother, Eian, his Mom, Audrey, and housecat, Pumpkin. Nathan has many hobbies: sound engineering, video production, golf, music and guitar, farm maintenance, and tech support for the broader community.
Nathan's favorite activities at Freeman Academy are coaching golf and participating in Fine Arts programs and events.
Karen Schultz graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, with a computer technology/accounting degree. She followed her husband back home to the family farm located eight miles south of Freeman, where she lives today. Karen and her husband Stewart have three grown daughters, Chelsea, Carissa, and Chandra and their growing families have added much joy with the arrival of grandchildren. Karen is a member of the Peace Christian Reformed Church in Menno. In her free time, you can find her enjoying a good book, golfing, cooking, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Troy was born and raised in Wausa, Nebraska. He graduated from Wausa Public School and received his B.S. Degree in Business Administration (Management & Marketing) from Wayne State College. Troy has lived and worked in Yankton for more than 25 years. He has worked in consumer banking, law, and in adolescent health care. Troy has been active organizing and coaching soccer for many years on the Yankton Soccer Board.
Troy has one daughter, Courtney, a high school math teacher, a son in law Beto who is an accomplished soccer coach & two grandchildren.
In his spare time, Troy enjoys teaching vacation bible school, doing yard work, bicycling, swimming, kayaking, fishing, picnics, frisbee golf, and most importantly spending time with his family. Troy's favorite activities at the Freeman Academy are working with teenagers and their families from across world. Recruiting new students and assisting K-12 youth are Troy's favorite passions.
Barb currently lives in the house in which she was raised, but lived in Florida and Pennsylvania during her 20's. She graduated from Freeman Academy and Freeman Junior College, receiving an AA in secretarial studies. Both of Barb's two children are FA alums currently living in Virginia.
Her hobbies include, playing piano, gardening, and solving number puzzles (Sudoku and KenKen). She thoroughly enjoys being part of the Freeman Academy family.
Faith-Inspired Learning for Life.
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Freeman, SD 57029
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