Alumni Faculty Spotlight: Courtney Huenink Ellis ‘02
Source/Author: Stacy Alexander, Director of Alumni and Community Engagement
September 18, 2020
It’s no secret that Shorecrest is a special community—in fact it pulls many of our graduates back to campus to serve as members of the faculty. In classrooms across campus, our alumni are leading new directions in education and teaching the next generation of Charger alumni.
Currently, eleven members of the Shorecrest faculty and staff are teaching or coaching at their alma mater. These members include Skyler Ellenberg ‘14, Courtney Huenink Ellis ‘02, Anne Michelle Frey ‘02, Blair Davis Gil ‘07, Bill Leavengood ‘78, Paul Miller ‘05, Lillian Nelson ‘82, Beth Wilmarth Rauman ‘85, Khana Riley Rebman ‘05, Chris Powers ‘00, and Alissa McBee Vigue ‘97.
Over the course of the year we will spotlight these special Chargers. We hope you enjoy hearing their stories from days as students. Their deep knowledge of our Shorecrest community certainly helps to guide us as we move forward.
Courtney Huenink Ellis ‘02
AP Psychology Teacher & Upper School Counselor
How did Shorecrest impact your life as both a student and faculty member (similarly or differently)?
As a student, Shorecrest provided me with a strong foundation of both security and encouragement. That foundation allowed me the freedom to challenge myself in academics and athletics; to try new things - sometimes successfully, sometimes unsuccessfully; and take ownership of my efforts. Shorecrest provided rare, lifelong friendships that I am forever grateful for. And Shorecrest taught me the value of education, something that no one can take away from me - and something that truly prepared me for college, for grad school, for business ownership, and for my current position in the Upper School.
As a fairly new faculty member, I’ve been reminded of how important these young people are in our world and future. It’s fun to watch them learn, and I can see the passion in every teacher and faculty member as they pour their heart and soul into these students. This personal care is something that I surely took for granted as a young, Shorecrest student - but now I am able to see the behind-the-scenes work and feel a renewed sense of gratitude that so many intelligent, caring teachers invested in me. Shorecrest is a community; a family - and that sense of connection is a special thing that provides students a healthy place to learn & thrive.
What made you want to return to Shorecrest for work?
Honestly, my return to Shorecrest was unexpected but exciting. I had stayed in contact with Dr. Hamilton throughout the years, as she was the counselor and AP Psych Teacher when I was in high school, and was surprised to get a phone call from her one day informing me of her retirement. I was unsure at first, but she had such positive things to say about the position and I couldn’t help but apply. After 10 years in private practice, it was a big change to move into a structured position and a school environment. But I am so privileged to hold this position as it provides me the opportunity to both counsel and teach. It provides me the ability to have day-to-day connections with these students in a way that private practice never did. It provides the opportunity to help students in-the-moment rather than wait for their next appointment when the dust has already settled. And one of the greatest gifts of this new position is my fellow faculty members - people who I respect and learn from and laugh with. It is a joy to go to work and spend time with them in the day-to-day as we seek the common goal to support our students.
Did you ever expect yourself to return back to Shorecrest for a professional career?
If you had asked me as a high schooler if I would return to Shorecrest to work, I would have definitely said no. I loved my experience there but was ready for big changes and new places. After 10 years of building a business and working in private practice, and with two small children, it seemed strange to make such a big change. But after returning to campus for my interviews, an excitement sparked within me. Seeing these students’ faces and getting to hug faculty members who had taught me - it quickly felt like home again. There are so many things this job offers me that private practice was unable to, and I felt confident that I could help make a difference in the lives of these students. And let’s be honest - having summers off to spend with my family is a huge draw! I highly recommend it!
Fun fact: Courtney was named Most Spirited in her class!
Currently, eleven members of the Shorecrest faculty and staff are teaching or coaching at their alma mater. These members include Skyler Ellenberg ‘14, Courtney Huenink Ellis ‘02, Anne Michelle Frey ‘02, Blair Davis Gil ‘07, Bill Leavengood ‘78, Paul Miller ‘05, Lillian Nelson ‘82, Beth Wilmarth Rauman ‘85, Khana Riley Rebman ‘05, Chris Powers ‘00, and Alissa McBee Vigue ‘97.
Over the course of the year we will spotlight these special Chargers. We hope you enjoy hearing their stories from days as students. Their deep knowledge of our Shorecrest community certainly helps to guide us as we move forward.
Courtney Huenink Ellis ‘02
AP Psychology Teacher & Upper School Counselor
How did Shorecrest impact your life as both a student and faculty member (similarly or differently)?
As a student, Shorecrest provided me with a strong foundation of both security and encouragement. That foundation allowed me the freedom to challenge myself in academics and athletics; to try new things - sometimes successfully, sometimes unsuccessfully; and take ownership of my efforts. Shorecrest provided rare, lifelong friendships that I am forever grateful for. And Shorecrest taught me the value of education, something that no one can take away from me - and something that truly prepared me for college, for grad school, for business ownership, and for my current position in the Upper School.
As a fairly new faculty member, I’ve been reminded of how important these young people are in our world and future. It’s fun to watch them learn, and I can see the passion in every teacher and faculty member as they pour their heart and soul into these students. This personal care is something that I surely took for granted as a young, Shorecrest student - but now I am able to see the behind-the-scenes work and feel a renewed sense of gratitude that so many intelligent, caring teachers invested in me. Shorecrest is a community; a family - and that sense of connection is a special thing that provides students a healthy place to learn & thrive.
What made you want to return to Shorecrest for work?
Honestly, my return to Shorecrest was unexpected but exciting. I had stayed in contact with Dr. Hamilton throughout the years, as she was the counselor and AP Psych Teacher when I was in high school, and was surprised to get a phone call from her one day informing me of her retirement. I was unsure at first, but she had such positive things to say about the position and I couldn’t help but apply. After 10 years in private practice, it was a big change to move into a structured position and a school environment. But I am so privileged to hold this position as it provides me the opportunity to both counsel and teach. It provides me the ability to have day-to-day connections with these students in a way that private practice never did. It provides the opportunity to help students in-the-moment rather than wait for their next appointment when the dust has already settled. And one of the greatest gifts of this new position is my fellow faculty members - people who I respect and learn from and laugh with. It is a joy to go to work and spend time with them in the day-to-day as we seek the common goal to support our students.
Did you ever expect yourself to return back to Shorecrest for a professional career?
If you had asked me as a high schooler if I would return to Shorecrest to work, I would have definitely said no. I loved my experience there but was ready for big changes and new places. After 10 years of building a business and working in private practice, and with two small children, it seemed strange to make such a big change. But after returning to campus for my interviews, an excitement sparked within me. Seeing these students’ faces and getting to hug faculty members who had taught me - it quickly felt like home again. There are so many things this job offers me that private practice was unable to, and I felt confident that I could help make a difference in the lives of these students. And let’s be honest - having summers off to spend with my family is a huge draw! I highly recommend it!
Fun fact: Courtney was named Most Spirited in her class!
