James Stuart grew up in Walla Walla and spent his high school years at Walla Walla Valley Academy. After graduating, he attended Walla Walla University where he got his degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish. Later on, he completed his Masters in Science Education from Montana State University.

Jana grew up in Bozeman with Mount Ellis Academy a regular presence in her life. She graduated from MEA in 2000. She went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2005 from Loma Linda University. After 20 years working in the dental field and years of volunteering her time at MEA, she followed God’s call to officially become part of the staff at Mount Ellis.