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.

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Rylee Bennett

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. She is entering her second year at Apple Seeds preschool. 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 has a passion for working with and encouraging children. She loves working with the preschoolers and is a gentle presence in the classroom. We are thankful to have Rylee be a part of our Preschool staff.

Junior Kindergarten – Vice Principal

Christine Martel – RECE

Email: cmartel@calvaryca.com

Christine received her diplomas in Early Childhood Education in 1991 and Early Childhood Education Administration in 2021 from Algonquin College. She is currently completing her MA in Leadership, Education K-12 stream, expected completion December 2025. 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.

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. 

Senior Kindergarten

Patti Clarke

Patti Clarke has been a primary teacher for over 30 years. She enjoys helping children to reach their full potential academically and to grow in their faith in Christ. 

When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and also painting to share God’s creation with others. She is also active in her church as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator. 

Junior Kindergarten and Grade 2

Danielle DeJong

Danielle is a recent graduate from Redeemer University with a bachelor’s degree in applied social sciences. She has worked as a teacher’s assistant for the past three summers at various Christian schools, including here at CCA. Danielle has experience working with kids both inside and outside of the classroom. Over the past few years, she has served as a children’s ministry intern, Sunday school teacher, and summer camp leader.

Danielle has a passion for working with children and watching them grow and learn. She finds joy in witnessing the curiosity and wonder that children display while learning. Danielle loves the Lord and desires to live a life that reflects His goodness. She is enthusiastic about teaching children more about the Lord and the love He has for each one of them.

Danielle recently got married this past summer and has moved back to the area. She is excited to start at CCA, where she will be team-teaching with Ms. Martel in junior kindergarten and with Ms. Vala in grade two.

Grade 1

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. 

Grade 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 2/3

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

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 4

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 5

Maddie Kuhn

Maddie brings a broad range of experience to CCA and a deep passion for nurturing young minds. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Ottawa, Maddie refined her skills in various roles before transitioning to education. Her most recent experience includes working with CHEO and the CHEO Research Institute, where she developed educational and creative materials that showcased their groundbreaking research and engaged with patients and families through events and communications.

Maddie’s love for teaching is rooted in her extensive experience with children, including leading Sunday School classes and volunteering at local summer camps. Her creative approach to education is complemented by her visual talents in graphic design and photography, which she incorporates into her teaching to make learning both engaging and visually stimulating.

Having attended CCA for 10 years and now teaching alongside some of her former teachers, Maddie is grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of the Academy’s students.

Outside of the classroom, Maddie enjoys playing music, camping, reading, and spending her time outdoors.

Grade 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 6/7

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.’

Grade 8

Fletcher Prinsep

Fletcher’s academic journey began at Lakehead University, where he completed five semesters of Electrical Engineering. He then pursued his calling in spiritual education, earning a Bachelor of Christian Ministry in Biblical Studies from Alberta Bible College.

Fletcher has been actively involved in children’s and youth ministries for many years as a lifeguard, camp counsellor, leader, Sunday School Teacher, and, most recently, a pastoral intern.

He believes education should foster human curiosity. It can encourage a child’s desire to learn and develop their gifts. It is a tool that can help shape how they think, what they know, and ultimately, how they see the world.

Fletcher’s passion for storytelling and understanding of Biblical narratives come together in his podcast, “The Story Fulfilled.” He is fully bilingual and proudly embraces his French Canadian heritage. He is an avid reader, plays volleyball, enjoys water sports, and often sings and plays guitar, whether in church or with friends. He loves camping and traveling and is always eager for new adventures.

Primary French

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.

Junior and Intermediate 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.

Piano 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 CCHS Program Director

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

Gabriel Schilke

Gabe will graduate from Redeemer University this summer after obtaining an Honours 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. 

High School Teacher, CCHS Athletic Director

Gavyn Pols

Gavyn Pols, a native of Wainfleet in Ontario’s Niagara Region, has always been deeply passionate about athletics and firmly rooted in his faith as a follower of Jesus. He earned a degree in Health and Physical Education from Redeemer University in 2022, complemented by double minors in History and Youth Ministry. In the summer of 2023, Gavyn married Grace Bourne.

Gavyn began his teaching career in a Grade 3 classroom, where he dedicated his first year to nurturing young minds. In his second year, he transitioned to the secondary level, taking on the role of Athletic Director. In every position he holds, Gavyn is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and guiding youth in discovering and embracing their calling as disciples of Christ. His favourite Bible verse, John 17:3, reflects his deep belief in the profound privilege of participating in eternity with Christ through the Holy Spirit.

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

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. 

Teacher Assistant – CCHS

Gracie Connor

Gracie Connor graduated from CCHS in 2024, seven years were spent at CCHS/CCA. The Lord is the centre of her life. In everything she does she prays that He will be given glory. During her attendance at our school she has been involved in afterschool care, summer camps, and janitorial services on a part time level. She spent her high school years on the Student Leadership Team, being involved in all physical activities, and enjoying the community. After working for a year at CCHS, she plans to attend post secondary to achieve her Bachelor of History and English which will later lead to achieving a Bachelor of Education. She looks forward to seeing how God will work through CCA/CCHS this year. 

Teacher Assistant – Preschool and Kindergarten

Chantal Loewen

As a recent graduate of CCHS, Chantal is excited to be working at CCA. She loves working with children and finds joy in being able to impact their lives for the better. Chantal is an active volunteer at her church and has spent many summers working at Camp IAWAH. Through these experiences she is able to relate to children at their level, and she strives to demonstrate her faith through all she does.

Teacher Assistant – Kindergarten

Tanya Fowler

Graduated from Developmental Service Worker, Child and Worker, Autism and Behavioural Science and Event Management. She has been working for many years in the area of children/youth community and educational settings helping a variety of people with different needs. She has accomplished this by implementing programs to assist with developmental and behavioural needs in their homes, classrooms and centre programs. Over the last 5 years, Tanya has been supporting her husband through homemaking, helping in raising her two daughters and step-mom to two teenagers. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, growing in faith, spending time with Jesus, gardening, cooking and helping out on the family hobby farm. She enjoys decorating and planning events for ministry. After going through cancer she encourages and reminds others that NOTHING is impossible with God and it’s his strength that we lean on everyday.  She is following God’s lead for the desires he has been placing in her heart. He continues to bless her with opportunities of involvement and has opened her heart, mind and soul to many other areas of service. She is excited for what God has in store for her each day and for those she comes in contact with.  She wants to teach in an environment that values family and shares the love of Jesus. She likes to be creative and make a difference in the everyday life of children providing the best education and character growth for all.

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, 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!

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