Highland Academy 2022-2023 STAFF

Jennifer Southard

Asst. Dean of Women/Director of Health Services

Jennifer graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2001 as a Registered Nurse. She has worked in Emergency Departments across Tennessee and in Ohio, where she served as a department Team Leader for the last 7 years. Nursing has allowed Jennifer to work at youth camps as year-round staff and as Nursing Director for summer programs, including Camp Alamisco, Indian Creek Camp, and Camp Mohaven. Until recently, she also home-schooled three daughters: Callian, Alena, and Lydia, who now attend Highland Academy and Highland Elementary school, respectively. She has enjoyed helping with their Pathfinder and Adventurer programs, and running youth/young adult career mentorship programs through her workplace and in local churches. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, camping, exploring new foods and places, and reading.

Bliss Kuntz

Life Science Instructor/Library Specialist

Bliss Kuntz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Western Kentucky University and her Master of Library and Information Science through the University of Denver. Her science teaching experience includes Springfield High School, Highland Academy, and Union College. Bliss is married to Timothy Kuntz, a Physician’s Assistant, and has two children; Lily is a student at Highland Academy, and Linus is a student at Union College. Bliss enjoys reading, knitting socks, and gardening.

Roger Schmidt

Junior Bible, World History, American Government and Economics

Roger Schmidt began his career as an academy teacher, serving at both Madison Academy and Mt. Pisgah Academy before returning to school to study for the ministry. He served 5 years in the Gulf States Conference as pastor of the Bass Academy Church which included teaching Bible at the academy. His wife, Latonia, and two children, Sam and Madison, moved to the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference in 2005 to pastor the Jackson/Leach district. In 2010 he was able to once again blend his teaching and pastoral ministries by moving to Highland where he served as the lead pastor of the Highland Seventh-day Adventist Church as well as teacher of Junior Bible. After 12 years in this role, Pastor Roger decided to return to the teaching ministry full-time. He earned his undergraduate degrees in History and Theology as well as his Masters of Religion from Southern Adventist University. Pastor Roger’s favorite hobbies are backpacking, kayaking, and motorcycling.

Sara Bagshaw Equestrian Director

Sara Bagshaw was born and raised in Portland, TN, and is a proud graduate of Highland Academy’s class of 2016. After graduating, she went on to obtain a Veterinarian Technician Assistant license as well as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician License. She is also a certified instructor through Certified Horsemanship Association. When she is not riding and working with horse’s, she enjoys boating, camping, canoeing, and simply being with her dog.