Chief of Grass Operations or Chief Grazier—a self-appointed title as we grow our family farmstead. My focus is to naturally raising our ruminants (cattle, goats, etc.) as a means to steward our land. Regenerative ranching through rotational grazing our pastures and woodlots. The goal with our animal operation is to grow excellent grass and maintain thriving silvopastures.Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Shalah Hills is a first-generation farmstead tended by Ian and Alexa Heung. We steward a mix of field and forest, bubbling springs, and shady oaks. Under Ian’s watch, heritage Irish Dexter cattle graze rotationally on pasture, while Alexa is delving into the world of wild-tending, encouraging pockets of the property to flourish with native edibles and medicinal herbs. Our children are our most important investment—we focus on truth + beauty daily in our home(stead!) school.

The purpose of the Equity & Justice Committee is to address diversity and equity issues as they emerge in the Association and recommend initiatives for the Association to undertake as it endeavors to reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion in itself and among the member schools. The length of a term on the committee is 3 years.

Current roles include Visual & Performing Arts Department academic chair, member of the Teaching & Learning Committee, member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and SEED facilitator.

Grade 9 Team Leader in the 2019-2020 academic year. Collaborated with and led a team of six grade-level teachers charged with shaping the academic and co-curricular experiences for all grade nine students, including the planning of a first-week grade-level orientation trip and community-building experience. Taught courses Musical Arts 6 / 7 / 8, Instrumental Music, Digital Music, and Design Thinking for Social Justice. Member of the Teaching & Learning Committee and the Strategic Planning Group on Athletics. Serving as SEED (The National SEED Project) Seminar facilitator for a cohort of faculty and staff.

Music Faculty and Interim Communications Manager in the 2018-2019 academic year. Along with building the instrumental music program from the ground up, coordinated the institution’s social media and communications efforts. Served on search committee member for a Director of Institutional Advancement and a Communications Manager. Member of the Technology Committee that facilitated the search for a Founding Director of Technology. Collaborated in and led a number of interdisciplinary efforts including a Grade 10 leadership retreat, a student-led Bentonville Community Dialogue event, and a Radio Thaden intensive that yielded finalists in the nationwide NPR Student Podcast Challenge.

Most recently, retained by San Ramon Valley Christian Academy to help with a major transition in their educational technology program. Charged with evaluating, envisioning, and designing the next step for their technology needs with a mind towards faculty- /student-needs and changes to their curriculum and campus. The five month consult also included helping to prepare the job description and hire their next Technology Coordinator.

As a member of the middle school faculty primarily works with the instrumental music program. Within the middle school, teachers create cross-curricular, interdisciplinary-minded units and lessons (i.e. the physics of music; music, art, and poetry in the Harlem Renaissance, etc.); value of collaboration and being able to teach outside of one’s content area. Directed beginning 6th grade ensembles, and intermediate and advanced ensembles. Assisted upper school band and strings program.Beginning in the 2012-2013 academic year, assumed the role of the Middle School Technology Facilitator which evolved to a Technology Integration Specialist role, working collaboratively with the the middle school faculty and school’s technology department in developing and enhancing the curriculum and work in class through the use of educational technology (i.e. iPads, Macbook Airs, computer lab, etc.).Also during the 2012-2013 academic year, assumed the role of the Middle School Community Service Coordinator, facilitating a program and activities which aim to help students develop many of the skills and traits central to an Athenian education through their involvement in community service.

High school swim team, ages 14-18With the need to balance academics and athletics, emphasis on the “student-athlete”

Private lessons to students (elementary through high school aged)Focusing on the study of the fundamentals of string playing

Served as assistant director to the instrumental program, working with both string and wind ensembles, instructing students with a wide range of instrument proficiencies, and collaborated with program director to plan curriculum and repertoire for the school year.

Served as assistant director, working with both wind and string ensembles. Primarily directed chamber wind and string ensembles, while assisting with marching band, jazz ensembles, wind ensembles, string orchestras, and full orchestras. Instructed students of varying levels. Supported the direction of the program and curriculum.Directed chamber string ensemble at the 2011 Anaheim Heritage Music Festival and 2011 San Francisco Heritage Music Festival where they were awarded a Gold Rating and placed first in the high school string ensemble division. Consequently, ensemble was invited back to the 2012 Festival of Golds.

High school swim team, ages 14-18, 25+ swimmersCreating and implementing season-long training program

Head Coach (April 2006 – August 2008)Assistant Head Coach (April 2006 – August 2006)Competitive Swim Club, age 4-18, 160+ swimmers, lead staff 8+Instructing proper technique, and strength/endurance training

Year-round program sanctioned by USA SwimmingWork with ages 7-15, primary focus on refining stroke technique