Our Faculty and Staff
Our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, but there is a common interest that unites them: a passion for education and dedication to the cultivation of academic excellence in middle school students. Step into a classroom and you quickly see why we have the reputation of having the best educators in the Valley. Read below to learn more about the talented and dedicated staff who call Headwaters Academy home.
Faye McDonough - Interim Head of School
Faye is our Interim Head of School; she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Headwaters Academy community with her vast experiences in independent schools. She most recently served as Head of School at Capital Day School in Frankfort, Kentucky. Engaging students in educational experiences has been a life-long career for Faye as she has enjoyed teaching learners of all ages. Now she will be recruiting her favorite age group to Headwaters Academy. “Letting the Gallatin County community know about the choice that our middle school offers students will be my pleasure. Our offerings are enhanced because of the small class size and the willingness of the faculty to go beyond the traditional school goals.”
Originally from Kentucky, Faye moved to Bozeman in 2012 with her husband who is also an educator. She earned a B.A. in music from the University of Oregon; K-12 elementary M.A. from the University of Louisville; and most recently worked as an administrator after receiving an M.A. in administration from Bank Street College of Education and the Parsons School of Design. Faye has fallen in love with Montana.
At HWA since 2012
Email: admissions@headwatersacademy.org
Faye is our Interim Head of School; she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Headwaters Academy community with her vast experiences in independent schools. She most recently served as Head of School at Capital Day School in Frankfort, Kentucky. Engaging students in educational experiences has been a life-long career for Faye as she has enjoyed teaching learners of all ages. Now she will be recruiting her favorite age group to Headwaters Academy. “Letting the Gallatin County community know about the choice that our middle school offers students will be my pleasure. Our offerings are enhanced because of the small class size and the willingness of the faculty to go beyond the traditional school goals.”
Originally from Kentucky, Faye moved to Bozeman in 2012 with her husband who is also an educator. She earned a B.A. in music from the University of Oregon; K-12 elementary M.A. from the University of Louisville; and most recently worked as an administrator after receiving an M.A. in administration from Bank Street College of Education and the Parsons School of Design. Faye has fallen in love with Montana.
At HWA since 2012
Email: admissions@headwatersacademy.org
Brody Johnson - Art & Technology
Brody graduated from Saint Cloud University with a B.A. in art, and he also has a B.A. in music from Minnesota State University of Moorhead. He taught art for four years in Minnesota before moving to the Bozeman area. Brody is enamored by observing and moving in nature: field sketching, climbing, snow and water kiting, skiing and being present in the outdoors. He is a lifelong learner who has been a student and a teacher of many different subjects including: rock climbing, kayaking, guitar, and the visual arts. He achieved training as a licensed visual arts instructor at one of Minnesota’s most forward-thinking high schools focused on technology integration, 21st Century Skills and academic achievement. At HWA since 2013 Email: bjohnson@headwatersacademy.org 
Susan Schwab - English & Spanish
Susan doesn’t consider working at Headwaters Academy a job; it’s pure pleasure for her! She has been teaching Spanish and English since the days of big hair and shoulder pads. Today her hair may be smaller–and grayer!– and the shoulder pads gone, but her enthusiasm and passion for teaching are at an all-time high. “Working with middle school students keeps me laughing and challenged to find new ways to channel their boundless energy.” When she is not creating lesson plans, she is with her husband Steve pedaling a bike, paddling a canoe, skiing, camping, or hiking. Susan has a B.A., M.A. and teacher certification from the University of Montana. At HWA since 2002 Email: sschwab@headwatersacademy.org 
Sayer Wickham - Science, Geography
and Tech/Spanish Sayer grew up exploring the streams and forests of Vermont. He graduated from Hampshire College in Massachusetts where he studied science and sculpture. Before moving to Montana, Sayer worked as an educator in a program that focused on place based, hands-on learning for at-risk students. Most recently, he spent the summer as an instructor for the Montana Outdoor Science School. Sayer enjoys getting children outside to share his passion for exploring and understanding the natural world. He spends his free time hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. At HWA since 2015 Email: swickham@headwatersacademy.org |
Abby Carruthers - Physical and
Outdoor Education Abby is originally from Northern Michigan. She spent five years in Driggs, Idaho before moving with her husband to Bozeman in 2008. She is currently our physical education, outdoor education instructor. She also serves as our student adviser and student council sponsor. She loves sports, being outside, and traveling. “I enjoy working for a school with Headwaters Academy’s reputation and having a great time with the students.” She enjoys spending downtime with her husband, son Brewer, and daughter Page. Abby has a B.A. from Ferris State University in Recreational Leadership and Management. At HWA since 2010 Email: acarruthers@headwatersacademy.org 
Deborah Schuerr - Music
Deborah loves coaching students to develop as musicians and creative young artists. Since 2006, she has taught piano and songwriting and has an active studio of 50 students. Her students have won the BHS Hawks Night Live and several songwriting contests. During the summer, she’s taught at Equinox Summer Theater Camp and Kids Singers Club. Deborah has her B.A. in English and B.A. in History from Calvin College and her M.A. in History from Montana State University. She was active in public speaking, fundraising, and event planning during her tenure as Development Director for Gallatin Valley Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity. She has the equivalent of a music degree from Montana State University and private studies. She has performed her original compositions on Yellowstone Public Radio, toured with a Windham Hill artist, composed music for a fashion show, jazz orchestras, and short films. She’s accompanied for the Ellen Theater, Missoula Children’s Theater, and Equinox Theater Co., played violin in the Bozeman Symphony, and sang in a variety of church choirs. She also likes to hike, bike, Nordic ski, play tennis, dance, read, and spend time with her friends. At HWA since 2011 Email: dschuerr@headwatersacademy.org |
