Samuel Kingsbury
Born and raised in Kenya, East Africa, I experienced a diverse educational journey. My schooling ranged from a private Kenyan school to homeschooling, attending West Nairobi School in Nairobi, Kenya, a private Christian school in the US, and ultimately graduating from Rift Valley Academy.
During high school, I met Hanna, and we began dating. Our relationship continued, and we got married while finishing our undergraduate degrees. This July, we will celebrate 16 years of marriage.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Theatre Education at Appalachian State University. Shortly after graduation, Hanna and I joined Africa Inland Mission to teach at Rift Valley Academy, where we have dedicated the past 13 years. My roles at RVA have been varied and enriching, including Social Studies Teacher, CIT Teacher, Director of the Theater Extracurricular Program, Academic Area Lead, Jr. High/High School Guidance Director, Jr. High Girls’ Dorm Parent, and Elementary 5th and 6th Grade Girls’ Dorm Parent.
During my time at RVA, I furthered my education by earning a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from Texas A&M. My journey in education continues to be driven by a passion for teaching and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.
Hanna Kingsbury
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya to missionary parents, who raised me both there and in Uganda. I attended British school, international Christian day schools, public schools while on furlough in the United States, was homeschooled, and then shifted to boarding at Rift Valley Academy. Of all my schooling experiences, my two years at RVA were some of the most formative, academically, socially, and spiritually. The staff there came alongside me to encourage my passions, facilitate conversations about faith, mentor, disciple, and love, and I left RVA knowing who I was in Christ and committed to following Him, wherever He would lead.
I met my husband Sam while we were students at RVA; we dated through my last years of high school, got engaged after graduation, and married after my second year of university. When I left RVA, I knew that God was calling me back there to continue the work of educating and discipling TCKs. After graduating from university with an education degree, Sam and I worked for a year and a half in the US while we completed the application process with AIM and formed partnerships to raise support. We returned to RVA as staff in 2011, and we’ve been there – minus home assignments – ever since!
At RVA, I’ve worn many hats, including that of teacher (for sixth grade, junior high English, and senior English), dorm parent (for junior high girls and elementary girls), and administrator (as Assistant Principal, Academic Lead, and Student Life Lead). Each role has come with challenges, of course, but also with immense joys as we partner with parents to educate and disciple their children. Rift Valley Academy holds an incredibly special place in my heart, and I am so grateful that God called us here to serve.
