FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Weimar University Announces Distinguished New Faculty Appointments
Weimar, CA – July 29, 2025 – Weimar University is pleased to announce the addition of several highly qualified and mission-aligned individuals to its faculty across various departments, reinforcing its commitment to a Christ-centered educational experience. These new faculty members will significantly contribute to the university’s mission while fostering an environment where students thrive both academically and spiritually.
Frederick Rudolphus Oberholster will serve as the Chair of the Christian Education Department. Dr. Oberholster brings over 30 years of cross-cultural experience in Adventist education across five different cultures. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a cognate in Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.A. in Educational Administration, both from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in the Philippines. His extensive administrative career includes serving as Vice President for Academic Administration at Middle East University and AIIAS, as well as various principal and director roles in academies and K-12 schools. Dr. Oberholster is recognized for his ability to integrate faith and learning, a skill he has honed throughout his diverse teaching and administrative roles. He is passionate about influencing others to seek a deeper knowledge of God and promoting transformed thinking.
Tania Pintos has accepted the position of Elementary School Administrator. Tania is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from UNASP. Her experience includes serving as an Elementary School Teacher and a Pedagogical Coordinator, as well as homeschooling her two children for 11 years. Beyond her formal teaching roles, Tania has been deeply involved in church ministries for over 24 years, including Adventurers, Pathfinders, VBS, and outreach efforts. She is driven by a passion for evangelism, motivating students to learn, and sharing the unselfish love of Jesus. She is also passionate about practical outdoor study programs utilizing nature and gardening for young people.
Aireen F. Navales joins Weimar University as an Elementary School Teacher. An innovative Christian educator, Aireen brings over a decade of experience in developing and leading Christ-centered, character-building programs for children, youth, and families. She has served as the President, Co-founder, and Lead Educator at SuperChamps Life Mission Center Inc., where she designed programs fostering academic excellence, life skills, emotional wellness, family healing, spiritual growth, and servant leadership. Aireen holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from New Era University and has completed units towards a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Special Education. Her background also includes work as a Certified Health Coach and Chief Values Educator and Health Advocate, aligning with Weimar’s emphasis on physical and spiritual well-being. She is passionate about guiding young minds closer to Christ and nurturing future leaders.
Marcio Candido is appointed as our new Music Department Chair. An acclaimed violinist and violist, Marcio brings a high level of artistic excellence and a deep commitment to integrating faith and music education. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Violin Performance from Boston University in 2017, where his dissertation focused on the violin literature of Leopoldo Miguéz. His extensive academic background also includes a Master of Music in Violin Performance and a Graduate Performance Diploma from Longy School of Music of Bard College, and a Bachelor of Music from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Marcio’s impressive list of accolades includes winning the COLorchestra Competition (2024), the Progressive Musicians Carnegie Hall Auditions (2022), and multiple First Prizes in international music competitions. He has broad experience teaching at various institutions, including Boston University, Southern University, and the Thayer Performing Arts Center, and has engaged in music ministry and educational outreach in countries like Brazil and Jamaica. He is passionate about mentoring young musicians to use their talents for God’s glory and integrating sacred music into campus worship.
Kaija Perry also joins as a Music Faculty member, serving both the University and the Academy. Kaija is an accomplished music composer and conductor with a strong passion for music ministry within the Adventist church. She recently completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Composition from Boston University, with her dissertation being a 45-minute symphonic and choral oratorio based on Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy. Kaija also holds a Master of Music with Composition focus from Andrews University and a Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Music Studies (Film Orchestration) from Berklee College of Music. Her honors include the Blythe Owen Composition Award (2020) and induction into the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society (2025). She brings in a wealth of instruments that she owns and also plays including the xylophone, glockenspiel, Zildjian gong, suspended and crash cymbals, concert snare, wind chimes, hand chimes, auxiliary percussion as well as cello, double bass, trumpet, flute, and violin. Her experience spans teaching private composition lessons, serving as a resident composer for the Owasso Christmas Symphony, and guest conducting various choirs and orchestras. She is dedicated to inspiring a new generation of musicians to dedicate their talents to God and foster music unique to the Adventist message.
Adam Schilt will serve as interim Principal of Weimar Academy. Adam brings 13 years of experience in Secondary Education, having served as Principal and Executive Director at multiple Montessori and International private schools. In these roles, he was responsible for policy development, launching new programs, strategic planning, compliance oversight, as well as faculty mentorship and student success. At Weimar Academy, he will bring a depth of insight, enthusiasm, and Christ-centered leadership. Among the exciting initiatives he is introducing is a ramped up dual credit program for qualified academy juniors and seniors to strengthen college readiness as well as decreasing years needed in college to complete a degree. He also brings a renewed focus on true education as laid out in the book Education by Ellen White.
John Landis has accepted the position of Science Teacher at Weimar Academy. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Adventist University. Since 2022, he has taught Bible and Science at Battle Creek Academy, covering subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Health, and ACT Prep. He is known for earning strong positive student feedback in science courses and for leading student evangelistic series. His background also includes serving as a Youth Pastor. With a personal mission to spread joy through service, John mentors students toward true subject mastery, spiritual growth, and a lifestyle inspired by the NEWSTART® principles and Ellen G. White’s writings.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome this exemplary group of individuals to the Weimar University faculty,” said Dr. Neil Nedley, President of Weimar University. “Each received glowing references from former supervisors who praised their collaborative spirit and passion for teaching and ministry. Their exceptional talent, unwavering commitment to Christian education, and holistic approach to life perfectly reflect Weimar’s values. We believe their presence will deeply enrich our students’ experience and strengthen our mission to equip individuals for service in this crucial time in earth’s history.”
About Weimar University
Weimar University is a religious educational and health institution committed to a holistic approach to the gospel that embraces the whole person mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Guided by biblical principles and the prophetic writings of Ellen G. White, the university affirms the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Media Contact:
Weimar University Media Relations
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