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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
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:
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
On staff since: 2016
Miss Areica Hernández
2nd Grade Assistant
Hometown: El Crucero
On staff since: 2017
Qualifications:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
On staff since: 2018
Office Staff
Mrs. Tania Acuña
Accountant
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:
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:
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:
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
On staff since: 2014
Mr. Juan Meléndez
ANCA Accountant
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2010
Qualifications:
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:
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
On staff since: 2019
Mr. Mario Pérez
Junior Accountant
Hometown: El Crucero, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:
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.
Mrs. Laura Zelaya
School Store
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:
On staff since: 2014
Qualifications:
- Licenciada en Inglés, La Universidad Martín Lutero, Managua, 2020.
Non-instr Staff
Mrs. María Auxiliadora Aguilar
Servicios Domésticos
Hometown: El Crucero, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2005
On staff since: 2005
Mr. Miguel Alemán
Gardener
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012
On staff since: 2012
Mr. Luis Centeno
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018
On staff since: 2018
Mrs. Yelce Cortéz
Supervisor de Servicios Generales
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018
On staff since: 2018
Mr. Vidal Estrada
Gestor de Compras
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
On staff since: 2019
Mrs. Francis Franco
Cafeteria
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2004
On staff since: 2004
Mrs. Darling Gaitán
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2019
On staff since: 2019
Miss Daysi García
Cafeteria Supervisor
Hometown: Ciudad Dario, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2008
On staff since: 2008
Mrs. Carmen Gómez
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2000
On staff since: 2000
Mr. Danilo Gómez
Security
Hometown: Villa Carlos Fonseca, Nicaragu
On staff since: 1996
On staff since: 1996
Mr. Jorge Guzmán
Maintenance
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Mrs. Martha Hernández
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2001
On staff since: 2001
Mr. Ricardo Jarquín
Security
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2016
On staff since: 2016
Mrs. María Jirón
Cleaning Supervisor
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Mr. José Laguna
Security
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017
On staff since: 2017
Mr. José Ángel Luna
Maintenance Carpenter
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2000
On staff since: 2000
Mr. José Medina
Gardener
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 1996
On staff since: 1996
Mr. Melisandro Medina
Maintenance
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017
On staff since: 2017
Mr. Jorge Mercado
Security
Hometown: La Paz de Oriente, Carazo, Nic
On staff since: 2013
On staff since: 2013
Mr. Oscar Mora
Security
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2018
On staff since: 2018
Mrs. Blanca Morales
Cafeteria Chef
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2002
On staff since: 2002
Mr. Eris Páramo
Security
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Mrs. Mireylis Páramo
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2017
On staff since: 2017
Mrs. Regina Rojas
Cleaning
Hometown: El Crucero, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2012
On staff since: 2012
Mr. José Manuel Salgado
Security Supervisor
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2005
On staff since: 2005
Mrs. Lidia Sequeira
Cleaning
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Mrs. Leonor Vanegas
Servicios Domésticos
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
On staff since: 2005
On staff since: 2005
School Board
Mr. Mark Bachert
ANCA Board Member
Hometown: Walton, Ontario, Canada
On staff since: 2013
On staff since: 2013
Mr. Steve Holtrop
ANCA Board Member
Hometown: Spring Lake, Michigan
On staff since: 2010
On staff since: 2010