Faculty & Staff

"NCA's greatest strength is its teachers and staff who consider the school a ministry; it's more than education, it has a greater purpose. It also has a high standard of education, one that prepares our children well."

-- Elementary parent

Administration

Mrs. Susan Hall

Secondary Principal

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
On staff since: 2007
Qualifications:

B.S. in Education, Minor in English, Francis Marion University, South Carolina, 1982.
M.Ed. in Elementary Education, Francis Marion University, South Carolina, 1989.
National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Mathematics, 2000. Renewed in November 2009. Expires in 2020.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, 1995.

Mrs. Ivania Matamoros

Business Manager

Hometown: Matagalpa, Nicaragua
On staff since: 1996
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Business Administration, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 1993.
Posgrado in Administration and Business Leadership, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 2007.
Master (M.B.A.) in Business Administration and Business Leadership, with emphasis in Finance, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 2008.

Mrs. Sylvia Mejía

Elementary Principal

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 1995
Qualifications:

Licenciada en Pedagogía (B.A. in Education, with a minor in School Administration), Universidad Católica Redemptoris Mater, Nicaragua, 2004

Mr. Liam Starkenburg

Director

Hometown: Palmyra, New York
On staff since: 2000
Qualifications:

Master of Education in School Leadership, Dordt College, Iowa, 2014
B.A. in Computer Science and Management Information Systems, Dordt College, Iowa, 2000
All-Levels Principal Certification, ACSI

Mr. Dan Van Zoest

Special Projects Administrator

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
On staff since: 2008
Qualifications:

B.S. in Accounting, Calvin College, Michigan, 1993.

Mrs. Marysol Zamora

Guidance Services

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 1996
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.S.) in Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Nicaragua, 1981

Classroom Teacher

Mrs. Brenda Bachert

First Grade

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 2004.
Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 2004.

Mr. Jeremy Barker

HS PE, 6th Grade Assistant

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

B.S. Business Management, Western Governors University, Utah, 2018. C.D.A. (Child Development Associate Credential).

Mrs. Meghan Barker

Music Teacher

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

B.A. in Music, Vocal Emphasis, minor in Spanish, University of Texas at San Antonio, 2007.

Mr. Luis Castellón

Spanish

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2013
Qualifications:

Título (Certificate) de Profesor de Educación Media en Lengua y Literatura Hispánicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 2017.
Licenciado (B.A.) in Economics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 2008.

Mrs. Elena Dávila

Spanish

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2011
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Secondary Education, major in Spanish Language and Literature, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, 2003.
Título (Certification) in Secondary and Elementary Education.

Mrs. Christy Faber

Pre-K II

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Certification in Teaching, Dordt College, Iowa, 1993.

Mr. Jeff Faber

Computers

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Master of Science in Education, Specialization in Integrating Technology in the Classroom, Walden University, Minnesota, 2005.
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Certification in Secondary Education, Dordt College, Iowa, 1992.

Mrs. Ena Patricia García

Spanish

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2000
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.S.) in Education (specializing in Math), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 1992.
Título de Profesora de Educación Media con mención en Lengua y Literatura Hispánica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 2007.
Diplomado en Enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 2014.

Mr. Thomás Gutiérrez

Computer Technician

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2004
Qualifications:

Ingeniería en Computación, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, 2004

Miss Amy Hoogeveen

Learning Resources Teacher

Hometown: Sully, Iowa
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary General Classroom, minors in Reading and Special Education, Dordt College, Iowa, 2012.

Mr. Matt House

School Chaplain

Hometown: Vista, California
On staff since: 2013
Qualifications:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Pastoral/General Ministries, Talbot School of Theology of Biola University, California, 2012.
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, Biola University, California, 2002

Mr. Andrew Ippel

SOAAR Coordinator

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
On staff since: 2013
Qualifications:

M.A. in Education, concentration in Literacy, Calvin College, Michigan, 2010.
B.A. in Education, major in Elementary Education and Special Education, concentration in Cognitive Impairments, Calvin College, Michigan, 2004.
Professional Educator's Certificate, State of Michigan.

Mrs. Milagros Juárez

Spanish

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Licenciada en Ciencias de la Educación con Mención en Lengua y Literatura Hispánicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN Managua), 2015.
Teacher Certification for Elementary and Secondary Grades, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN Managua), 2014.

Mr. Eric Kelly

School Chaplain

Hometown: Bozeman, Montana
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education, University of Montana, 2017

Mrs. Marisa Kohler

Pre-K I

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2006
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Psychology, Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, 2006

Miss Beverly Korsah

Fifth Grade

Hometown: West Babylon, New York
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Masters in Childhood Education, Adelphi University, New York, 2014.
Bachelors in Sociology, Adelphi University, New York, 2013.

Mrs. Jean Lee

Secondary Math

Hometown: La Crescenta, California
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Master of Public Health, major in Epidemiology, Columbia University in the City of New York, 2009.
Bachelor's of Science, major in Microbiology, University of Hawaii, 2006.

Miss Erika Loftsgard

Sixth Grade

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2011
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education Middle Grades, concentrations in Language Arts and Social Studies, Covenant College, Georgia, 2011.
Teacher certification in Georgia and Tennessee.

Miss Andrea McFall

Secondary Math

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

B.S. in Math Education, Indiana Wesleyan University, 2012.

Miss Emily Morey

ESL

Hometown: Red River, New Mexico
On staff since: 2010
Qualifications:

A.A. in Elementary Education, minor in English, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University, 1997.
B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies, minor in English, Texas Tech University, 2001.

Miss Kelly Mortimer

Fourth Grade

Hometown: Darwin, Australia
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education in Primary, Southern Cross University, Australia, 2010.

Miss Alex Pasker

HS English

Hometown: Runnells, Iowa
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

BA in Elementary Education, minors in Kuyper Scholars Program and Reading, Dordt College, Iowa, 2013.

Mrs. Marlyn Pérez

Spanish

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.S.) in Education, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Nicaragua, 1992

Miss Sarah Randall

Librarian

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
On staff since: 2011
Qualifications:

B.A. in International Studies, University of West Florida, 2009

Mrs. Heidi Saballos

Second Grade

Hometown: Montpellier, France
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, Covenant College, Georgia, 2009.

Mr. Leonid Saballos

Elem Physical Education

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

B.A. in Community Development, Covenant College, Georgia, 2010

Mr. Tom Seipel

HS English, Bible

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

B.A. in Sociology, Ohio State University, 2005.

Dr. Paul Sjoberg

HS Physics/Math

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1987.
Master of Public Health, major in Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1999.
BS in Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, 1983.

Mrs. Kelly Solano

Kindergarten

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
On staff since: 2009
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education, Special Education, Dordt College, Iowa, 1999.

Mrs. Jessica Stuebner

Science

Hometown: Rockland, Massachusettes
On staff since: 2009
Qualifications:

M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Evangel University, Missouri, 2000.
B.A. in Psychology, minor in Spanish, Evangel University, Missouri, 1997.
Certified Biology 6th-12th grade, State of Florida

Miss Mackenze Tezak

Third Grade

Hometown: Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

B.A. in Bible and Elementary Education, Moody Bible Institute, Illinois, 2017.

Mrs. María Auxiliadora Vargas

Spanish

Hometown: El Crucero, Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Licenciada en Ciencias de la Educación con mención en Inglés, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua

Miss Hannah Westergren

MS English/Social Studies

Hometown: Madrid, Spain
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

B.A. in Secondary Education, History and Social Studies, Wheaton College, Illinois, 2017.
Professional Teachers License, State of Illinois.

Educational Assistant

Mrs. Karen Amador

1st Grade Assistant

Hometown: Estelí, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2010
Qualifications:

B.A. (Licenciada) in Business Administration, University of Managua, 2015.
Postgrado en Dirección de Operaciones y Recursos Humanos, University of Managua, 2015.

Miss Marlies de Jeu

Volunteer SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education, Reformed University (Viaa), Zwolle, the Netherlands, 2008.

Mrs. Rebeca Flores

Pre-K I Assistant

Hometown: Chinandega, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) en Derecho, Notario Público

Miss Cristel Gómez

Spanish Department Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016

Mrs. Ana Gutiérrez

5th Grade Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 1999
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Economics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, 2006.

Miss Areica Hernández

2nd Grade Assistant

Hometown: El Crucero
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

Licenciada en la Enseñanza de Ingles como Segundo Idioma, UCA, 2011.
Postgrado en Educación Inclusiva, La Universidad Martín Lutero, 2015.

Miss Belkys Mayorga

4th Grade Assistant

On staff since: 2018

Miss Valeria Narváez

Pre-K II Assistant

Hometown: León, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Licenciada (BA) in English, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua en León (UNAN-León), 2015

Miss Ariana Ramos

Kindergarten Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Enseñanza del lnglés como Lengua Extranjera, La Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, 2014.

Miss Martha Ruiz

SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

Licenciada (B.A.) in Theology, Seminario Teológico Bautista, Nicaragua, 2016.

Mrs. Miriam Sandoval

1st Grade Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012
Qualifications:

Master in International Relations, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 2009.
B.A. (Licenciada) in English Translation, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 2002.

Mrs. Jacqueline Sjoberg

Teacher Assistant

Hometown: Columbus, Wisconsin
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

B.S. in Early Childhood Education, minor in Music, University of Wisconsin, 1987.

Mr. Rodolfo Solís

Spanish Conversation Club Tutor

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

Licenciado en Derecho, Abogado y Notario Público, UNAN-Managua, 2009.
Estudios en Maestro de Educación Primaria y Licenciatura en Lengua y Literatura

Mrs. Melinda Uhl

Library Assistant

Hometown: Lancaster, California
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

AA in Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Antelope Valley College, California, 2003.
TESOL Certification, International TEFL & TESOL Training, 2016.

Part-Time Teacher

Mrs. Ani Barmaksezian

Bible

Hometown: Glendale, California
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

M.A. in Education: Teaching, Azusa Pacific University, California, 2004.
B.A. in Finance, Cal State University Northridge, California, 1999.

Mr. Dave Boone

ESVO Elective Class

Hometown: Modesto, California
On staff since: 2011

Mrs. Jessica Starkenburg

Art

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
On staff since: 2002
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education, Calvin College, Michigan, 2001
K-8th Grade Teaching Certificate, State of Michigan

Mr. Chris Uhl

ELL

Hometown: Mojave, California
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

B.S. in Business Administration, University of Phoenix, 2010

Support Staff

Miss Isamar Flores

ASC Supervisor

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016

Mrs. Amanda House

Curriculum Specialist

Hometown: Vista, California
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Masters of Education, Biola University, California, 2007.
Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies, minor in Bible, Biola University, 2005.

Mrs. Ruth Ippel

Expat Staff Care

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
On staff since: 2018
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Calvin College, Michigan, 2004.

Mr. Elías Rivera

Copy Clerk, Translation

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Lic. en Comunicación Social, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 2012

Mr. Juan Pablo Uyoa

Technology Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018

Office Staff

Mrs. Tania Acuña

Accountant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Postgrado in Management Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2012.
Lic. in Public Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2012.

Mr. Lester Andino

Cashier

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012

Mrs. Blanca Hernández

Academic Assistant

Hometown: El Crucero, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012
Qualifications:

Licenciatura (B.A.) in International Relations, Universidad del Valle, Managua, 2008.
Diplomado in Teaching and Learning Techniques for Children, UPONIC, 2010.