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.

Mrs. Andrea Baker

Secondary Math

Hometown: Jefferson, Iowa
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:

MA in Education, concentration in Special Populations, Augustana University, South Dakota, 2017.
BA in Mathematics, Secondary Education Endorsement, Simpson College, Iowa, 2003.
Iowa Teaching Credentials

Mr. Jeremy Barker

Athletic Director

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).
B.B.A. in International Business, Minor in Spanish, Texas Tech University, 2005.

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.

Ms. Andrea Burgess

Kindergarten LT Sub

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
On staff since: 2010
Qualifications:

Studies in Early Child Development, Santa Fe College, Florida

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.
Diplomado de Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera, UNAN Managua, 2019.

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

Technology Coordinator

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.

Mrs. Marisa Kohler

Pre-K I

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

Licenciada (B.A.) in Psychology, Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, 2006.
Diplomado en línea sobre Diagnóstico e Intervención del Trastorno del Espectro Autista, La Asociación de Autismo Desarrollo y Arte de México, May 2019.

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 Leah Loftsgard

Fifth Grade

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Seattle Pacific University, Washington, 2019.

Miss Andrea McFall

Secondary Math

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

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

Miss Camryn Mitchell

Speech and Language Pathologist

Hometown: Gallman, Mississippi
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Southern Mississippi, 2016.
Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Services, minor in Education of the Deaf, University of Southern Mississippi, 2015.

Miss Natalie Moore

ELL

Hometown: San Angelo, Texas
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Master of Science in Education, major in Curriculum and Instruction, Baylor University, Texas, 2011.
Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Baylor University, Texas, 2010.
Washington State Teaching Certificate

Miss Kelly Mortimer

Fourth Grade

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

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

Mr. Yuri Navarrete

Spanish

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

Master of Education, major in Didactics, UHISPAM, Managua, 2014.
Bachelor of Law, major in Public Law, Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, 2009.

Mrs. Marlyn Pérez

Spanish

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

Licenciada (B.S.) in Education, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Nicaragua, 1992.
Diplomado de Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera, UNAN Managua, 2019.

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

Pre-K II

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

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.

Mr. Dan Turner

School Chaplain

Hometown: Audubon, Pennsylvania
On staff since: 2013
Qualifications:

B.A. in Kinesiology, Minor in Health Education, Calvin College, Michigan, 2013.
Provisional Teaching Certificate in Secondary Health (6-12) and Physical Education (K-12), State of Michigan, 2013.

Mrs. Melinda Uhl

HS English

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.

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

Miss Valeria Aguilar

3rd Grade Assistant

Hometown: San José, Costa Rica
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Studies at Word of Life Bible Institute, New York

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.

Mrs. Luisa Bonilla

Pre-K I Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2000

Miss Nayelhi Castro

5th-6th Grade Assistant

On staff since: 2019

Mrs. Lissette Cordonero

Library Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Master en Ingeniería en Imagen Pública, Colegio de Imagen Pública, México, 2017.
Licenciada en Banca y Finanzas, UPOLI, Nicaragua, 2004

Miss Cristel Gómez

Spanish Department Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016

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 Judith Hernández

Pre-K II Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Bachelors in Design and Visual Communications, Universidad Americana (UAM), Managua, 2018.

Miss Belkys Mayorga

4th Grade Assistant

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

Egresada de la Carrera de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Managua, 2019.

Mrs. 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.
Diplomado de Diagnóstico Psicológico y Técnicas de Psicoterapia Cognitiva Conductual, La Universidad Nicaragüense de Estudios Humanísticos (UNEH), Managua, 2019.

Miss Martha Ruiz

SOAAR Assistant

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

Licenciada (B.A.) in Theology, Seminario Teológico Bautista, Nicaragua, 2016.
Diplomado en línea sobre Diagnóstico e Intervención del Trastorno del Espectro Autista, La Asociación de Autismo Desarrollo y Arte de México, May 2019.

Mrs. Miriam Sandoval

SOAAR 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.

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

Part-Time Teacher

Mrs. Ruth Ippel

Health; Expat Staff Care

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

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

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

Support Staff

Mrs. Lorena Blanco

ASC Supervisor

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Licenciada en Ciencias de la Educación con Mención en el Idioma Inglés, La Universidad Adventista de Nicaragua, 2019

Mr. Elías Rivera

Copy Clerk, Translation, HS Teacher Assistant

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

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

Miss Ismelsin Salgado

School Nurse

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
Qualifications:

Doctora en Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, 2019

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.

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.

Mr. Jairo Largaespada

Financial Administrative Assistant

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

Licenciado en Economía y Estadísticas, UPOLI, Managua, 2000.
Postgrado en Finanzas Avanzadas, UPOLI, Managua, 2010.
Postgrado en Contabilidad con Énfasis en NIIF para PYMES, Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Nicaragua, May 2016.

Mr. Edwin Marota

Cashier

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014

Mr. Juan Meléndez

ANCA Accountant

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

Licenciado (B.A.) in Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2008.
Postgrado in Advanced Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2008.

Miss Ale Navarrete

Assistant to the Director

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

B.A. (Licenciada) in International Relations, Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología, Managua, 2017.

Mrs. Ivania Padilla

Receptionist

Hometown: León, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019

Mr. Mario Pérez

Junior Accountant

Hometown: El Crucero, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Postgrado en Contabilidad con Énfasis en NIIF para PYMES, Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Nicaragua, May 2016.
Postgrado in Management Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2012.
Lic. in Public Accounting, Universidad de Managua, 2012.