At Calvary Christian Academy, we value the impact teachers and volunteers can have on our children. We recognize the importance of role models in children’s lives. Staff members and volunteers at our Academy are expected to express a sincere commitment to Jesus Christ. They must be in good standing, and regularly attend a Bible-believing church. We view their personal character, qualities, gifts and abilities as a silent teaching witness to our students. CCA offers a program beginning in Preschool, continuing to Junior Kindergarten through grade 8, as well as a high school (CCHS) up to grade 12. CCA offers both Junior and Senior Kindergarten on a part-time basis (3 days per week) or an extended program (5 days per week).
Preschool
Christel Pryce – RECE
Christel Pryce graduated from Algonquin College in 1992 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She has over 25 years experience working in daycare centres and schools, running her own home daycare for 16 years.
Christel is involved at her church with Sunday school and as a worship leader and pianist. She has served as director of the Cubbies program and leader of the Moms and Tots group.
She believes the foundation of learning begins at home with mom and dad and in the Preschool room. Together with parents and the Lord Jesus as our cornerstone, she teaches children the foundational learning principles through play in the various learning centers. This involves sensory experiences, science, letters and numbers and creativity through art, drama and music. Children learn socialization skills by learning how to cooperate with others, share, converse with others, independence and the feelings of inclusion and belonging.
She looks forward to working with you and your child.
Rylee Bennett – Preschool Teacher Assistant
Rylee has a passion for working with and encouraging children. She loves working with the preschoolers and is a gentle presence in the classroom. Rylee is extremely passionate about her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and this guides all she does in life through her faith in Him. Rylee is new to the preschool team and joined us in September 2023. Rylee is focusing on developing her skills in the education field and has enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Cambrian College.
Kindergarten – Vice Principal
Christine Martel – RECE
Email: cmartel@calvaryca.com
Christine received her diploma in Early Childhood Education in 1991 and Early Childhood Education Administration in 2021 from Algonquin College. She has been actively working with Preschool and Kindergarten children and their families for over 30 years. She is a registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. Christine has also completed both Grade 8 piano and Grade Two theory with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She was Calvary Christian Academy’s first teacher when the school opened its doors in 1997. Teaching this age group has always been one of Christine’s passions. She finds their energy and enthusiasm inspiring. She considers positive early learning experiences with school to be important for young children as it influences their development and their future. Even in Kindergarten we value attitude, effort and character over aptitude, ability and talent.
At Calvary Christian Academy, Christianity is interwoven throughout the fabric of each child’s learning experience. The Kindergarten program offers a safe learning environment while nurturing the whole child. Christine considers regular communication with families to be a high priority. As it benefits each child individually, home and school are encouraged to collaborate closely together. Numerous opportunities to celebrate each child’s strengths are provided. They are also equipped with tools to achieve their maximum potential. Parents can be comforted in knowing that their child is valued.
Christine has always believed strongly in Christian education. Her own son and daughter have graduated from post-secondary education but years ago they attended Calvary Christian Academy from Kindergarten to Grade Eight.
Junior Kindergarten
Shari Shoemaker
Shari was born and raised in a Christian home in a small town in Southern Ontario. She has been working with children since she was a young teen and has loved all the different ways that she has gotten to interact with children of all different ages. As well as being a mother to her own four children, Shari has continued to work with children in many different settings and in many different roles. She taught Sunday School and was able to help within the elementary public school system as a yard duty helper, lunch helper, substitute Education Assistant, breakfast program helper, and occasional substitute teacher over the past 20 years. During this time, she also spent 6 years in the role as the director of a YFC (Youth for Christ) youth drop-in centre. Most recently, she has had the privilege to be a substitute teacher for JK-Gr. 8 at CCA.
It is Shari’s desire to always learn and grow and to help others be motivated to do the same. She looks forward to the opportunity, as the homeroom teacher of the Junior Kindergarten class, here at Calvary Christian Academy, to lead these little ones with inspiring and creative ways to grow and advance in their understanding of who God is and who they each are as His unique creation. Not only will Shari strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for the children to learn and grow in their identity, character, and in their relationships with others, but she will also work diligently to create an environment for the children to thrive academically as they learn how to explore, observe, copy, and create with colours, shapes, numbers, words, and music.
Two years ago, Shari took a one-year course and became certified as an online life coach. Since that time she has had the pleasure and privilege of assisting many individuals, business owners, and families to transition into their next stage or season of life with ease and excitement. She believes that the coaching skills she has learned over the last couple of years, combined with her ability to listen and observe those around her with care and compassion, will be a great benefit to the families with children entering JK this year.
Shari looks forward to discovering the best ways to encourage learning and growth in each and every one of the students that will be joining her in the classroom at Calvary Christian Academy.
Senior Kindergarten
Jennifer Agnew
Jenn was born in Ontario but spent her teen and young adult years in the beautiful land of Scotland. She is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a Bachelor of Education. She also attended Bible college for a year and holds an associate diploma in Biblical studies from her time there.
Jenn is a pastor’s wife and has served alongside her husband Richard in various ministry contexts over the past 18 years. She is a mom of four boys and is passionate about discipleship and lifelong learning. It is her greatest joy to see people of all ages grow in their faith and love for Jesus and His Word.
She taught in the public school system in Scotland and in a Christian school in Prince Edward Island. She resonates deeply with the ethos of CCA – nurturing the whole child, emphasizing developing character and growing in Christ-likeness.
Jenn loves spending time with her family, walking in the woods with her dog, reading great books and having long conversations over a cup of hot tea.
Primary Educational Assistant
Danielle DeJong
Danielle has a passion for working with children and watching them grow and learn. She finds it a joy to witness the curiosity and wonder that children have when learning! Danielle loves the Lord and desires to live a life that reflects his goodness. She loves teaching children more about the Lord and the love that He has for each one of them.
Danielle will be graduating from Redeemer University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Sciences. She hopes to pursue studies in the field of education in the future.
Grade 1
Kim Hagerty
Kim Hagerty is first and foremost passionate about her Lord Jesus Christ, and making/nurturing disciples.
She felt called to care for the sick, while taking medical photos for a surgeon during a mission trip to Haiti in her OAC year. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ottawa, in 2005, she went on to work as a Registered Nurse in General Medicine and the Acute Monitoring Area at the Ottawa Hospital, Civic campus. After completing an Intensive Care course in 2007, she transitioned to the CCU at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, where she worked until the birth of her first son.
Kim placed her nursing license on hold after making the decision to stay home and raise her four beautiful children, whom she has homeschooled until now. Together, they were heartily involved in their homeschooling community, Classical Conversations (CC) – Ottawa East, which is a vibrant academic program that follows a Christian Classical Model. She has served and worked as a contracted CC tutor for the past four years, specializing in ministering to students in grades 1 -2. She has thoroughly enjoyed gaining experience in modeling fun and interactive recitation exercises, leading hands-on science experiments following the scientific method, playing math drill games, teaching music theory, tin whistle, orchestra, and exploring various fine art media and projects. She has also been a lead-learner in the Institute of Excellence in Writing program.
Kim has her grade 8 piano, as well as grade 2 theory, in the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has adored teaching children piano lessons throughout her time in university and on the side over the last several years. She enjoys playing a few different instruments, especially her guitar, which she finds most portable! Leading worship for Sunday school, AWANA, and camp, have been some of her greatest ministry joys. She has served on staff at Camp Cherith for many years, and gets excited about bringing kids to Christ, especially if she has an opportunity to lead others’ in worship.
Kim is a self-taught artist, and loves to knit! She has fallen off way too many horses, but always believes in getting back up again. She loves her polar bear-of-a-dog, Winnie, who punishes the children by sitting on them if she doesn’t get enough attention 😊 She and her children are ecstatic about beginning this new chapter at CCA together.
Grade 1/2
Kim Vala
Kim Vala has an Honours Degree in Urban Geography from McMaster University. After university, she worked for the Ministry of Environment before leaving to raise her family. Her three children keep her extremely busy as they are all very active in sports. She was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her family for 13 years, while providing some home daycare, volunteering in the community and teaching Sunday School at her church. Kim enjoys being active and participates in hockey, skiing, walking and gardening. She loves working and playing with children and cherishes every moment with the CCA kids.
Grade 2
Ernest Kennedy
Ernest Kennedy was born and grew up in Nigeria and has lived in Canada for three years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in General and Applied Psychology from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and a Post Graduate Degree in Education. He is certified to teach early childhood education and elementary education. He is passionate about working with young learners developmentally, academically, socially, and physically. He is always ready to utilize his past and current work experience with excellence and development to achieve the best in teaching cutting across different age grades of primary school alongside a wealth of experience in computer applications, hardware and troubleshooting. He strives to create a community of learners that nurtures positive growth in an ever-evolving fun environment. Ernest has 10 years of teaching experience.
Ernest has a sincere love for God, he is happily married to a loving and God-fearing woman and they have a beautiful 5-year-old daughter.
Grade 3
Jessica Hamelin
Jessica graduated with a BA in Sociology with a background in Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston. She went on to achieve her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Canterbury Christ Church University College in Canterbury, England. Jess has worked in schools in England, as well as many Public and Catholic schools in the Beckwith area, but found CCA to be the only school which embodies everything she loves about education. She is deeply committed to CCA’s philosophy of well-rounded education. From “day one” children are immersed in literacy in her classroom because it is the cornerstone to success. She provides a safe classroom environment that allows each child to gain the confidence needed to learn from mistakes and be independent thinkers. Jess is passionate about celebrating each student as a unique individual and feels it’s important for each to embrace their own strengths and weaknesses to meet their full potential.
Grade 4
Jesse Enns
Jesse graduated from the University of Alberta with a BEd in General Sciences and German. He is an OCT certified science teacher and has been involved with children’s camp ministries and Sunday School for over 9 years. Jesse and his wife Laura are blessed with a young family of five. They are active in their church and enjoy studying theology. Jesse enjoys rural life, making maple syrup, woodwork, reading, technology and being outdoors. Jesse is pleased to be teaching at the grade four level again, and enjoys seeing the unique talents each student possesses being developed in the classroom. He looks forward to leading students as they continue to gain knowledge and develop their skills in a Christ-focused setting and will encourage their natural tendency to explore and discover God’s creation!
Grade 5
Julia Burns
Julia was born and raised in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English Philology and English Language Studies. She immigrated to Canada in 2008, where she continued her studies at Trinity Western University, graduating with a Master’s of Teaching English as a Second Language.
For the past 15 years, Julia has been teaching English at Algonquin College as well as working with newcomers to Canada at OCDSB. In Ukraine, she spent many years working as an interpreter to missionaries from all across North America.
Julia and her husband Terry have been involved in pastoral ministry in both Ottawa and Victoria, British Columbia. She loves to serve the local church, being involved in many ministries including children, youth, and women’s ministries.
Julia loves the Lord with all her heart, desiring to be not only a teacher, but a mentor to her students at CCA. She strives to help her students achieve their true potential in Christ and believes it is the utmost privilege to be a home-room teacher at CCA.
Grade 5/6
Allison Weldon
Allison grew up near Kingston, Ontario before heading north to Lakehead University. At Lakehead University she earned an Honours Bachelor Degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. She also earned a Bachelor’s degrees in both Geography and Education. Allison began teaching at CCA in 2005 after a year of teaching physical education in a Métis community in Northern Saskatchewan. Allison has been a part of the CCA staff team in a number of capacities since 2005 and is looking forward to her latest role as a grade 5 teacher. A passion of hers is getting the students outside to explore God’s creation. A highlight of the school year for Allison is the annual Outdoor Education Day when students explore CCA’s very own pond.
Grade 6
Suzanne Reid
Suzanne Reid began teaching at CCA in 2004. She graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours, majoring in Child Psychology. In 1992, she graduated from York University with her Bachelor of Education degree. From 1992-1997, Susanne taught in the Upper Canada District School Board (previously known as Lanark County Board) teaching children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7/8. She stayed home full-time raising her three children until she began her teaching career at CCA. Suzanne loves being a teacher, surrounded by children, and using the gifts/talents that God has given her. Seeing the children grow and improve in many different ways is a joy to her. Her love of sports and being active is evident in her teaching and how she presents herself to her class. Suzanne is passionate about CCA and how the school not only teaches the child excellent academics but how it molds the character of the child. The idea of an extended family comes to her mind when she thinks about CCA. It is not only a building, but a family where children can be loved, cared for and nurtured in God’s abundant grace.
Grade 7
Andrea Lee
Andrea Lee graduated from Carleton University in Criminology with a minor in sociology. Since then; she has furthered her education at Algonquin for Trauma and Addictions, attended Bible School and recently finished her Registered Behaviour Therapy (2020).
Andrea’s past experiences include being a director of youth and congregational leadership, a business owner catering to children and new parents, and working in the education system at OCSB.
Throughout these past experiences Andrea has found a variety of ways to grow in faith, develop her natural leadership skills and utilize the gifts and skills the Lord has given her.
Her passion and zest for life, along with enthusiasm and creativity have often given Andrea opportunity to connect with children, especially during many times of helping to organize camps and church programs. Andrea enjoys interacting with children in large groups and also looks for opportunities to mentor and guide youth in a variety of ways.
Andrea grew up in the area and has 4 children with her husband, Kyle. She loves the outdoors and being active.
Grade 8
James Salisbury
James has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto. His affinity for investing and mathematics took him into a 15 year career in banking and wealth management until he decided to leave the industry at the end of 2018. James began teaching at CCA in 2019. His experience leading youth groups, and coaching youth soccer have made this career a natural fit. He also contributes his musical talents to the school, having been a worship leader at church since high school.
As our Grade 8 teacher, he loves that he can blend his thirst for knowledge, passion for serving, and love of Christ all together in one place – CCA!
James lives in the area with his wife, Angie and their three children. They enjoy being outdoors, camping, and doing home improvements. He also loves telling ‘Dad Jokes.’
French Teacher
Sandy MacFarlane
Sandy MacFarlane teaches French to grades 1 – 8.
Although her degree is in Physical Education and Psychology, she was born and raised in Montreal and was immersed in the French Canadian culture at an early age. As a result, she entered her elementary years already bilingual. Her passion for teaching also developed at this time. With this passion, coupled with her love for the French language, she aims to equip and prepare her students for high school and beyond.
Music Teacher
Bethany Cousins
Bethany has been playing the piano since she was four and began teaching piano at the age of twelve. She received her Teacher’s License, as a teenager, from The Royal Conservatory and completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in General Studies & Recreation Management, with a Minor in Music. She has played on worship teams for many years and even played the pipe organ in local churches during her high school years.
Growing up a ‘country girl’ in New Brunswick, Bethany then went to University in Indiana, eventually moved to Ottawa in 2005 and now lives in Perth. She and her husband Scott have two boys (Owen & Evan) who attend CCA/CCHS.
She loves to share her deep passion for music and let her love for God shine through all she does, especially when teaching children as they begin to discover the life changing world of music. Bethany believes, as research has shown, that teaching children music at a young age has phenomenal benefits. Whether they stay with it for years to come, become a professional musician or just love it for a little while as a kid, it’s an experience that will impact their lives forever.
High School Teacher and Academic Advisor
Kathryn Chapman
Kathryn has been teaching at CCA since 2007. She received her Bachelor of Arts (major: History, minors: English, World Religions) from Carleton University. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in 1997, and has been teaching ever since. Before coming to CCA, Kathryn taught in both the Renfrew and Upper Canada District School Boards. Within her first year at CCA, Kathryn transferred her own children so they could be part of the school’s amazing program. She found that one of the many appeals of CCA, as a teacher and a parent, is that children are loved for all they are and all they will someday be. Children at CCA are encouraged to be the person that God created them to be and to explore the gifts and abilities that he bestowed upon them. Character education happens constantly at CCA as the school endeavours always to teach the whole child. Kathryn appreciates the many “out-of-the-box” learning opportunities that CCA is famous for. School life should be chalk full of amazing memories – that definitely happens at Calvary Christian Academy.
High School Teacher Assistant
Kennedy Foster
Kennedy Foster graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Education in 2021. He has been serving in youth ministry as a volunteer and staff for 8 years now. He has worked full time at Community Bible Church as the youth pastor for 3 years.
During his time there, he planned lessons for Tuesday night youth group, started a Bible Quizzing program, and taught occasionally on Sunday mornings. He continues to have a passion to see youth grow in their relationship with God and glorify Him in all that they do.
During his free time, Kennedy enjoys playing board games, sports, and video games. He continues to desire to glorify God in everything that he does.
High School Teacher Assistant
Gabriel Schilke
Gabe will graduate from Redeemer University this summer after obtaining an Honors degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology. He graduated high school from CCHS in 2019 before going to Paris for six months to do a Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. Gabe has previously worked for CCA. He worked as a sports summer camp counselor for two summers and as a tutor for math and science for four months before heading off to Europe. Gabe is passionate about science and loves understanding the world through a scientific lens. He also loves the world of sports and physical activity. Having played soccer for Redeemer during his undergrad, he appreciates how a passion for athletics can be used to teach valuable life lessons and help individuals grow in character.
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant and Grade 1/2 Social Studies Teacher
Margie Becker
Margie is originally from Kitchener, Ontario and graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She has spent most of her career working with children, youth and young adults in Canada and around the world. Margie spent 6 years serving as a missionary with Power to Change Students. She has worked with the Upper Canada District School Board as an Educational Assistant, she has had experience running a licensed daycare and she served as the director of Children’s Ministry for her local church.
Margie has a special interest in supporting families and children in our extended community. In recent years she has volunteered on the board of directors with Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth, started a ladies basketball league, and launched a French Summer Camp Language Learning Program in Smiths Falls. In addition to working at CCA, Margie is currently working through Psychology in Education course work at the University of Guelph.
Margie has been following Jesus for many years and is continually humbled by His love and grace. She is looking forward to nurturing the faith of our students by serving as a Teaching Assistant in the Primary Division.
Resource Teachers
Sharon Connor
Sharon is currently employed at Calvary Christian Academy as our Resource Teacher. Before coming to the school, she spent 9 years away from the workforce, home educating her three children, who now attend CCA and CCHS.
During her time at home, she was very involved with her homeschooling community, organizing events, co-ops, etc. Sharon has a love for the arts and encouraging young people to worship God with their talents and abilities. She volunteered alongside Northumberland Youth Unlimited for 3 years as music director for their musical theatre program, Created to Create. Sharon and her husband Jim have always been very invested in their church community in areas of youth, worship, and home groups.
Before taking time off for her kids, Sharon worked for eight years with Christian Horizons as a Personal Support Worker. She studied music and biblical studies at Northwest Bible College in Edmonton (now Vanguard) and spent a year with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Denver.
She loves the outdoors: hiking, cross-country skiing, gardening, etc. She also enjoys being creative any chance she gets!
Educational Assistant
Hyeeun Foster
Hyeeun is a child of God and believes Jesus paid for her sins on the cross. She is trying to walk by the Holy Spirit every day.
She immigrated to Canada right after finishing her Master’s of Education in South Korea. Since then she has been working with her husband on making their family. They now have four sons, four daughters and one daughter-in-law. She homeschooled her children before joining CCA and later started working as an EA in 2020.
She considers all her education is nothing compared to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Her passion is to help children who are “labeled” by the world – encouraging them to realize that they are actually masterpieces of God.
Educational Assistant
Lynn Mutahi
Lynn and her family moved to Canada from Kenya in 2015. She holds an advanced diploma in business administration & human resource management, a bachelors degree in Christian counselling – Marriage & Family Counselling (honours), and is currently pursuing her Masters in Counselling Psychology.
Over the last 14 years, Lynn has been supporting her husband, homemaking, raising and homeschooling their two children. During this time, she also served in various capacities including; women’s prayer ministry lead, worship leader, director for classical conversations homeschooling community, and children’s ministry director.
Lynn is passionate about equipping, empowering & encouraging people to be who God created them to be.
Piano Teacher
Bethany Cousins
Bethany loves Jesus and loves music.
Head Chef
Amy Loewen
Amy Loewen began her career as head chef at Calvary Christian Academy in 2017. Amy is a gifted cook with an understanding of nutrition and health. Amy’s flexibility and creativity are needed skills when serving 100 lunches a day. We are blessed to have such a capable, cheerful member on our team.
Director of Operations
Sylvia Bourne
Email: office@calvaryca.com
Sylvia Bourne has a vested interest in Calvary Christian Academy having 5 children attend the Academy for over 14+ years and being married to Tom Bourne. Her involvement began as a volunteer and over time her volunteering grew to a paid position at the Academy. Through her hard work, friendly demeanor and love of the staff and students Sylvia has assumed the role of Director of Operations. Sylvia looks forward to using her leadership abilities in a larger capacity at the Academy on the Operations side of the school.
Principal/CEO
Tom Bourne
Email: tom.bourne@calvaryca.com
Tom Bourne has been principal at CCA since 2010. He brings education and ministry experience to CCA. He has a strong education background, graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education and a Master’s of Education. He is currently completing his PhD in Educational Leadership. His love for God flows into every area of his life, and is evident by his involvement in church, camp and youth ministries over the past 20 years. Tom is an enthusiastic, energetic man who is excited to bring his gifts and talents to a school that is committed to “developing minds, building character, and nurturing faith”. Having had all 5 of their children in all three programs, Apple Seeds preschool, CCA, and CCHS, currently spanning from grade 7 to grade 11, Tom and his wife Sylvia have a sincere desire to see the school thrive and are committed to seeing CCA continue to pursue excellence. Tom enjoys being a part of the wonderful CCA family and staff. CCA is a huge blessing to his family – thank you!
