John Parkhouse - he/him

Mr. Parkhouse

Character Dean

jparkhouse@sierraacademy.net

As a member of the Crew since 2016, Mr. Parkhouse loves watching the students grow over their four years here at SAEL. He enjoys seeing their Character grow as they learn what each Student Norm is about and how it relates to life. He loves when students grit through tough challenges, when they find that honesty within themselves and the integrity to take on all their commitments. He loves seeing when they learn how to collaborate with others and work as a Crew member and when they show curiosity in their learning and strive to learn more than they thought possible. He likes when they show pride in their high quality work showing their craftsmanship, but especially when they learn to advocate correctly for themselves, or for a project that means something to them. He enjoys supporting them to build strong Character and Leadership skills. He enjoys supporting our students to become strong productive members of our community, people who are willing to lead the charge in taking on challenges of life ahead.

He was raised in Nevada County and has always loved the many outdoor activities that the Sierras have to offer. He enjoys backcountry adventures with his horses or backpacking. He considers myself an outdoorsman and conservationist. 

He attended college at Sierra College and California State University at Chico, where he studied Criminal Justice and Animal Science.

He is retired from 30+ years in Law Enforcement. He has worked as a Reserve Game Warden, a Police Officer, and retired as a Deputy Sheriff / Coroner. While in that profession, he worked as a Search and Rescue Coordinator, a Field Training Officer, Rangemaster, and Weaponless Defense Instructor. I also had many different assignments from Patrol, High Country, Civil, School Resource Officer and Court Security / Bailiff. 

He has also worked as a backcountry outfitter guide and horse/mule packer. He loves going on fieldwork with the students - helping to support both students and staff as they learn about outdoor skills and “Leave No Trace” principles.

He loves working with this team of dedicated professionals here at SAEL and this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.