Department: Religion
Ms. Jean Benincasa
Ms. Jean Benincasa
LuHi Role: Teacher (Dance, Religion), Religion Department Chair; joined the LuHi faculty in 2008
Education: Hofstra University, Bachelor of Arts; New York University, Master of Arts; I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Learning and Teaching at Hofstra University.
What I love about my role: I love teaching Dance because it allows me to share my passion for dance and connect with students through the arts. I also love teaching Religion because it allows me to share in the faith journeys of our students.
Other professional experience: Prior to teaching at LuHi, and still currently, I own and direct a private dance studio. I am also the adjunct program director for Dance Education at Hofstra University.
Hobbies: Dancing!, Spending time with family and friends, reading
Family: I love spending time with my family- parents, siblings, niece, and nephews. My furbaby is an eight year old Shih Tzu names Zeus.
What I love about LuHi: The LuHi community and the relationships with students and co-workers.
Mrs. Elizabeth Tillinghast ’15
Mrs. Elizabeth Tillinghast ’15
LuHi Role: Teacher (Religion; World Language); joined the LuHi faculty in January 2020
Education: Gordon College, BA in Education and History
What I love about my role: I love welcoming sixth graders to the LuHi community. I love the opportunity to spark a love of learning in my students and to inspire them to think creatively to solve problems.
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, ballroom dancing, and reading. I also love volunteering and serving the local and global community. In college, I led the Gordon College Beekeeping Association for 2 years.
What I love most about LuHi: I love being able to equip students with the tools they need to grow academically and spiritually!
Ms. Nicole Nicholson
Ms. Nicole Nicholson
LuHi Role: Teacher (English, Religion, Theatre), joined the LuHi Faculty in 2021
Education: Hartwick College (2005), B.A. Performing Arts Management, Music (Magna Cum Laude); New York University (2007), M.A. Educational Theatre (Summa Cum Laude, Kappa Delta Pi- International Honor Society in Education); Hunter College (2011), Masters in Education – Child and Adolescent Duel Certification Program for General and Special Education
What I love about my role: I love that I can teach such diverse subjects and that it really allows me to utilize the different skills and talents that I have gained and share them with the amazing LuHi community.
Other professional experience: I taught in New York City in various capacities from 2005-2014 as an arts, general and special educator. I then taught in Long Island for 3 years before venturing back into New York City, to serve as the Director of Education for The Little Orchestra Society, which brought music and arts programs to under-privileged schools throughout the five boroughs. I was delighted to return to the classroom this past September, and join the faculty at LuHi this year.
Hobbies: Playing the flute, singing, choral conducting, sound design, writing.
Family: My husband Andrew is from Australia and works in IT, Information Technology. Our cat, Marco, has a ton of personality and always keeps us smiling and laughing.
Awards/Professional highlights: Presenter at the Impact Education Conference 2021: Honoring Student Dignity – The Importance of Social Emotional Learning
What I love most about LuHi: I am amazed at the kindness, focus, and collaboration of the faculty, students and staff. I wake up everyday, and can’t wait to get to work. I am so grateful to have found LuHi!
Rev. Adam Schoepflin ’05
Rev. Adam Schoepflin ’05
LuHi Role: Campus Pastor, Teacher (Religion/Social Studies); joined the LuHi faculty in 2011.
Education: Adelphi University, BS Mathematics, (Summa Cum Laude, Honors Diploma); Adelphi University, MA Adolescent Education (Summa Cum Laude, Pi Mu Epsilon, Kappa Delta Pi); Concordia Seminary, SMP Pastor
Other professional experience: Teacher, Mepham High School; Currently serve as Assistant Pastor at The Life Lutheran Church.
Hobbies: Reading, fishing, soccer
Awards: NCMTA Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics Education Award
What I love most LuHi: Mission/service work