Emma Brenneman Becomes Hillcrest Academy’s First Dean of Students

Head of School, Nate Miller is excited to announce Emma Brenneman as the Dean of Students starting in the 2026-27 school year. As Dean of Students, Emma will support positive student relationships, student and parent communication, and school culture. She will also work through discipline and attendance issues while supporting teachers with classroom management.

Emma (Yoder ’11) is a Hillcrest alumna who went on to get a BA and MAT from the University of Iowa. She is a lifelong learner who has also earned a Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Awareness and Resilience in Educational Environments from Eastern Mennonite University and is currently in the midst of the University of Northern Iowa’s Principalship program. Emma has experience teaching middle school science at both Clear Creek Amana and Mid-Prairie and is currently serving as an Induction Coach with Grant Wood Area Education Agency. She is excited to get to know everyone at Hillcrest and help Hillcrest thrive and grow.

Emma is married to Colin and they live on their farm with their two children Walker (5) and Maisie (4). They enjoy the outdoors and spending time together as a family. Emma also enjoys running, yoga, sewing, crafts, reading, and baking bread. Emma is a member of East Union Mennonite Church (Kalona).