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. Linda Baker

Pre-K I

Hometown: North Hollywood, California
On staff since: 2016

Mrs. Ani Barmaksezian

Third Grade

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. 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.

Miss Laura Eberly

Librarian

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
On staff since: 2011
Qualifications:

Master of Science in Education, University of Nebraska, 2016.
B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2011.
Endorsement in Elementary Education (K-6), ESL (K-12).

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 Melissa Hays

Secondary Math

Hometown: Mendenhall, Mississippi
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Master of Education, concentration in Mathematics, William Carey University, Mississippi, 2015
Bachelor of Science, major in Mathematics, minor in Secondary Education, William Carey University, Mississippi, 2013

Miss Amy Hoogeveen

Fourth Grade

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. Erinn Izzo

Instructional Coach, AP Math

Hometown: Bel Air, Maryland
On staff since: 2012
Qualifications:

M.A. in Mathematics Education, Western Governors University, Utah, 2007.
B.S. in Mathematics 7-12 Education, SUNY Oneonta, New York, 1996.

Miss Angie Johnson

Second Grade

Hometown: Hudsonville, Michigan
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education, minor in TESL - International (K-12), Dordt College, Iowa, 2015.

Miss 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. Kimberly Kane

MS English/Social Studies

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

B.S. in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University, Virginia, 2014.

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.

Mrs. Sara Long

ESL

Hometown: Westminster, South Carolina
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

B.A. in Spanish, minor in Linguistics, North Greenville University, South Carolina, 2014.

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.

Mr. Karel Norman

HS Physical Education

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
On staff since: 2009
Qualifications:

B.S. in Business Administration, minor in Management, Crown College, Minnesota, 1997
M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, Trinity Theological Seminary, Indiana, 2005

Mrs. Lisseth Ocón

Music Teacher

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

Ingeniera (B.S.) in Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Ciencias Comerciales, Managua

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

Mrs. Kevin Randall

Learning Resources Teacher

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
On staff since: 2006
Qualifications:

B.A. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, University of West Florida, 1982.

Miss Sarah Randall

Fifth Grade

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

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

Mrs. Kim Rumley-Wells

Instructional Coach

Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
On staff since: 2011
Qualifications:

M.S. in Education - Elementary Reading and Literacy, Walden University, Minnesota, 2005.
B.A. in Sociology, Pomona College, California, 1992.

Mr. Tom Seipel

HS English, Bible

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

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

Mrs. Golda Silva

Spanish SL Teacher

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

Licenciada (B.A.) en Derecho, Universidad Centroamericana, Nicaragua, 1997

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

Math, 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.

Mr. Tony Thomas

K-12 Art

Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa
On staff since: 2013
Qualifications:

B.A. in Commercial Art, Iowa Wesleyan College, 1992.
A.A. in Liberal Art, Indian Hills Community College, Iowa, 1990.

Mr. Dan Turner

Elem Physical Education

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.

Miss Alyshia Van Kannel

First Grade

Hometown: Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
On staff since: 2015
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, 2014.

Mr. Dave Weigand

HS Social Studies, English

Hometown: Louisville, Ohio
On staff since: 2012
Qualifications:

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Grand Valley State University, Michigan, 2004.
B.A. in Social Studies, minor in Music Secondary Education, Cornerstone University, Michigan, 1999.
Certification in Social Studies (7-12), Music (P-12) and School Administration, State of Ohio.

Teacher 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.

Mr. Kelsey Bonilla

Volunteer

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017

Mrs. Luisa Bonilla

Pre-K I Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2000

Miss Danielle Dolifka

SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Houston, Texas
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

B.A. in Speech and Language Pathology, Baylor University, Texas, 2016

Miss Dina Durán

2nd Grade Assistant

Hometown: San Marcos, Carazo, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

English as a Foreign Language Certificate, Ave Maria International Language Institute, San Marcos, Nicaragua, 2012
Studies in Business Administration, Keiser University Latin American Campus, San Marcos

Miss Rylie Enslin

SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Gig Harbor, Washington
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

B.A. in Speech Pathology, Baylor University, Texas, 2016

Mrs. Lilliam Escobar

Kindergarten Assistant

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2015

Miss Ana Gutiérrez

5th-6th Grade Assistant

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

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

Mrs. María José Martínez

Kindergarten Assistant

Hometown: Juigalpa, Chontales, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016

Mr. Paul Miller

Volunteer SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Calvary Chapel University, Florida, 2016

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

Pre-K II Assistant

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

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

Mrs. Miriam Sandoval

3rd-4th 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.

Miss Sierra Speigle

Library Assistant

Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
On staff since: 2016

Miss Michelle van Heiningen

Volunteer SOAAR Assistant

Hometown: Valley Springs, California
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

A.A. in Behavioral Science, Teacher Education Prep., and Arts in Humanities, San Joaquin Delta College, California, 2015

Mrs. María Auxiliadora Vargas

Spanish Conversation Club Tutor

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 Kellie Voss

Volunteer Speech Therapist

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
On staff since: 2016
Qualifications:

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Texas - Austin, 2013
Bachelors in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, 2011

Part-Time Teacher

Mrs. Amanda House

Faith and Discipleship

Hometown: Vista, California
On staff since: 2014

Mr. Jeremy Kane

Electives

Hometown: Palmyra, Indiana
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Sacred Literature in Bible, Gen Studies, Family Ministry and Counseling, Louisville Bible College, Kentucky, 2010.

Mr. Mike Rumley-Wells

Bible 12

Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
On staff since: 2013

Mrs. Phyllis Thomas

Pre-Algebra and Anatomy

Hometown: Jonesboro, Louisiana
On staff since: 2015

Support Staff

Mr. Christian Guevara

Educational Technology Specialist

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

Máster en Administración (M.Ad.) with emphasis in Small and Medium Businesses, La Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua, 2011.
Ingeniero (B.S.) en Sistemas de Información, La Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua, 2006.

Mr. Elías Rivera

Copy Clerk, Translation

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

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

Ms. Marta Solórzano

School Nurse

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

Licenciada (B.A.) en Nutrición, Universidad Centroamericana, Managua, 1991.
Diplomado de Nutrición Clínica, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas, Managua, 2011.

Office Staff

Mrs. Tania Acuña

Accountant

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

B.A. (Licenciada) en Contadoría, Universidad de Managua, 2012

Mr. Lester Andino

Cashier

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012

Mrs. Blanca Hernández

Receptionist

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.