Ron Wickens
Head of School/Administrator
Mr. Ron Wickens has been involved at Calvary Christian School since 1994. As a parent, school board member, and now in his current position as administrator/principal since 2000, he has experience from many different perspectives. Along with his extensive administrative background, Ron has completed the Association of Christian Schools’ Principal's course, as well as, many workshops, courses, and seminars relating to Christian education. Ron sees Calvary Christian School as a ministry, partnering with parents/guardians in the spiritual formation of their children. He believes it is a privilege to speak into the lives of the students. His passion is training the tender hearts of the students with good character qualities, positive habits, and rooting them well in God's Word. It is Ron's desire to meet the needs of all of God's treasures through the development of Calvary's special education programs. Ron also serves on the Board of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) for eastern Canada.
Graeme Appleyard
Principal
Mr. Graeme Appleyard is excited to be joining the ministry team this year at Calvary Christian School. Graeme has spent the past eleven years teaching in Christian schools and has become a passionate advocate for Christian education. He began his career at Calvary Christian Academy in Smith Falls and spent the past seven years at Niagara Christian Collegiate in Fort Erie after moving to Niagara to be closer to family. Being a parent of two young girls who attend Calvay, he greatly appreciates Calvary’s focus on the heart and character of its students as well as their academics. Graeme now feels called to join the leadership team at Calvary and to work closely with staff to transition into the principal role.
Donna Jo Hewitt
Pre Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten, Vice Principal
Mrs. Donna Jo Hewitt has been a part of the teaching staff at Calvary Christian School since 2001. Currently, she is Vice Principal, lead teacher responsible for Kindergarten, and Calvary's coordinator for our Safe Place policies and procedures. Donna Jo has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has completed additional university level qualification courses in the area of Early Childhood Administration, Special Education Specialist, and Autism. She is passionate about teaching and training children to be all they are created to be. Donna Jo is part of the Special Education Team at Calvary Christian School, and focuses on early identification, intervention, program planning, and the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans. Donna Jo is actively involved in presenting workshops in schools, churches, community settings, and Christian school conferences. Donna Jo is committed to helping teachers, educators, ministry leaders, and volunteers successfully meet the needs of all children.
Felicia Krtek
Grade 1
Miss Felicia Krtek graduated from Brock University’s Concurrent Education program with a Bachelor of Art (Honours) in Child and Youth Studies and a Bachelor of Education (Honours). Through ministry and work opportunities, she cultivated a passion for working with international students and children with exceptionalities. This has allowed her to differentiate her instruction for various types of learners. Felicia looks forward to fostering student growth and giving individuals foundational life skills. As an alumnus of Calvary, she desires to share the love of Christ with all students – just as she experienced from teachers throughout her own education. She prioritizes teaching children that everything can be done as an act of worship. Felicia views it as a privilege to serve and pray alongside such as a God-fearing staff.
Rachel Bartley
Senior Kindergarten
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Program
Mrs. Rachel Bartley graduated from Redeemer University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2017. She has since enjoyed working as the Educational Assistant in Calvary Christian School’s Senior Kindergarten classroom and is excited to step into her new role as the Senior Kindergarten teacher for the 2021/2022 school year. Having attended Calvary as a student, Rachel has been very pleased to return as a member of the staff. Her greatest desire is to walk alongside her students, encouraging and strengthening them both academically and spiritually.
Alyssa ten Brinke
Grade 2
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Miss Alyssa Martens graduated from Brock University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Child and Youth Studies and a Bachelor of Education in 2013. She started teaching at Calvary Christian School in 2014. In 2016, Alyssa was thrilled to join the tutoring program at Calvary Christian School. In 2020, she transitioned into teaching the Grade 2 class. Alyssa attended a Christian school for her elementary and secondary education. It is her heart's desire to serve in a Christian school and help train the next generation.
Beth Peters
Grade 3
Mrs. Beth Peters earned her Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Studies) and her Bachelor of Education at Brock University. She has been teaching at Calvary Christian School since 2008. Beth considers her job a great privilege, especially because she is able to help her students recognize the signature of their Creator across all subject areas. She enjoys helping her students to be creative, to take pride in hard work, and to think critically about what they see and hear in the world around them.
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Kaitlyn MacDougall
Grade 4
Mrs. Kaitlyn MacDougall graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Sciences and a Bachelor of Education Junior/Intermediate Qualification - Science Teachable. Throughout her education, Kaitlyn was involved in educational programs and camps at Agape Valley Bible Camp and Ball's Falls Outdoor Education programs. She has experience tutoring students online and in-person in subjects such as Math and Language. She joined the Calvary team in 2020. She teaches with a sincere heart and desires to see her students learn and grow both academically and spiritually.
Emily Damsted
Grade 5
Mrs. Emily Damsted graduated from Whitworth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education (Kindergarten to Grade 8). She also graduated from Ball State University, where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted Education. This is her ninth year teaching but joined the Calvary Christian School team in 2022. Emily is passionate about Christian education and helping students find their full potential through a Christian perspective. She is committed to provide learning experiences that promote life-long learning and equip children for a life of serving Christ.
Jim Groff
Grade 6
Mr. Jim Groff attended Briercrest Bible College, then earned his Bachelor of Physical Education at Brock University and his Bachelor of Education at Queen's University. Prior to coming to Calvary, he taught for 12 years at Burlington Christian Academy. He began supply teaching at Calvary in 2010, and has since taught Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6, and has supported in the Tutoring Program. He has taught apologetics for homeschool groups, churches, and schools in Canada and Nicaragua. He is passionate about teaching students from a Biblical worldview and helping them treasure God’s Word in their hearts. He is also grateful for the opportunity to teach apologetics to our Grade 5-8 classes.
Evelyn Sinka
Grade 7
Senior French
Mrs. Evelyn Sinka graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Intermediate/Senior Education with the teachable subjects of mathematics and French as a second language. As an alumna of Calvary, she was excited to return as a member of staff in 2021. Evelyn believes that every student can find their own success, and that their value and identity as a student is not solely dependent on grades. Rather, she believes it is reflected in their attitude towards learning and growth, their willingness to put in effort and persevere, their openness to learning from mistakes, their collaborative and respectful interactions with others, and most importantly, being rooted in Christ. Evelyn looks forward to encouraging students in building these traits and guiding them in their academic and spiritual journeys.
Carol Ng
Grade 8
Miss Carol Ng graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts (honours) in Tourism Studies and a Bachelor of Education in the Junior/Intermediate division. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has been involved in various youth ministries through church and Christian organizations. She is passionate about teaching youth how to honour God in all areas of their lives using the gifts that He has given them. Her goal is to be used by God to help students see the sufficiency of Christ and be transformed by His grace to be effective servants of His kingdom.
Ann-Marie Johnson
Tutoring Learning Resource Teacher
Mrs. Ann-Marie Johnson graduated from Brock University in 1994 with a Music degree. She has completed her Masters of Science in Education degree, specializing in Special Education. Ann-Marie has worked at Calvary since 2008 and is currently a Learning Resource Teacher in the Tutoring classroom and an assistant in the office. Ann-Marie finds it very rewarding to be able to experience the positive and successful transformations within the lives of the young children she teaches. Ann-Marie firmly believes that God has a special plan for each child and feels blessed to be an instrument used by Him in helping to equip and prepare them for success.
Karen Epp
Tutoring Learning Resource Teacher
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Mrs. Karen Epp holds a Child and Youth Worker Diploma from Niagara College. Over the years, she has cherished her experiences working with children in various educational settings. She joined the Calvary Christian staff on a part-time basis in 2022 and is thrilled to transition to a full-time role in the Tutoring program in 2023. Mrs. Epp deeply values the opportunity at Calvary to share the truths found in the Word of God and to be able to pray with and for both the students and staff.
Sherry Coleman
Educational Assistant for Pre Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten
Kailey Ediger
Educational Assistant for Pre Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten
Mrs. Sherry Coleman joins us in Junior Kindergarten where she has served as a supply Educational Assistant in early 2024. Previous to joining Calvary, Sherry was an Educational Assistant with the Halton District School Board. She attends Harbour Fellowship Church in St. Catharines. As a follower of Jesus, Sherry is looking forward to sharing the love of God and teaching the truth of His word to her students.
Heidi Gluszczak
Educational Assistant for Senior Kindergarten
Mrs. Kailey Ediger attended the Niagara College Educational Assistant and Special Needs Program. Kailey joined the Calvary team in 2023. She has a passion for working with children and serving those around her. Her three children attend Calvary Christian School. Kailey is excited to be a part of the staff and to see how God will use her to help inspire future generations.
Olivia Shad
Senior Kindergarten (Thursday program)
Educational Assistant for Grade 4 and Tutoring
Mrs. Heidi Gluszczak graduated from Brock University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She worked as an RN for a few years and then spent the following years at home with her three young children. She has recently responded to God’s call, leading her into the field of education and has enjoyed her teaching role over the past year in a ministry called Bible Study Fellowship here in Niagara. She has been blessed by Calvary Christian School first as a student in elementary school and more recently as a school parent. She is very much looking forward to showing God’s love to students in her new role as an Educational Assistant in the Senior Kindergarten class.
Tina Miloud
Educational Assistant for Grade 2
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Mrs. Tina Miloud joined the staff at Calvary Christian School in 2002. She carries a Bachelor of Religious Education degree as well as a Teacher’s Practitioner Certificate. Prior to coming to CCS, she taught various elementary grades in Christian Schools for eight years. She also served for one year with Operation Mobilization aboard the Logos II which at that time was sailing around Central and South America. In her time at CCS, Tina taught Senior Kindergarten for the greater part of eighteen years and Grade 1 for two years. Instilling a love for learning is a high priority for Tina. She attended Christian schools for most of her elementary and secondary education and feels blessed to be able to guide students to recognize God’s love for them. After almost three decades in education, Tina continues to love teaching and is excited for her new role in assisting in the Grade 4 classroom.
Miss Olivia Shad graduated from Sheridan College with an Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance and is completing her Master of Education at Liberty University. Before joining the wonderful team at Calvary Christian School in late 2023, Olivia served as the program director at Convos Youth Zone for several years. She deeply desires for others to know Jesus and recognizes her calling to share His great love with those around her, particularly through education. Olivia is eager to support students in their academic, personal, and spiritual growth at Calvary.
Suzie Nickel
Educational Assistant
Mrs. Suzie Nickel is an Educational Assistant in the Tutoring program and classrooms as needed. Mrs. Nickel joined the Calvary Christian School team in 2019 and has worked in various roles at the school. Mrs. Nickel has worked as a Children’s Ministry Director, as well as a support worker for Bethesda and Hannah House. She attended Briarcrest Bible College where she earned a degree in Bachelor of Religious Studies. Mrs. Nickel comes with many years of experience working with both children and their families.
Julie MacGregor
Educational Assistant for Grade 5
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Mrs. Julie MacGregor joins us in Grade 5. She is a graduate of Niagara College’s Early Childhood Education Program. She attends Lifehouse Community Church, where she has served as the Children’s Ministry Director and teacher for seven years as well as she has 30 years of experience working with children. After raising her children who attended a Christian school in Fort Erie, she is feeling God’s leading to serve in this ministry. She is passionate about Christian education, and she is looking forward to being a part of a school that champions the Christian faith and encourages Christ-like character in its students.
Coreen Galenkamp
Secretary and Bookkeeper
Mrs. Coreen Galenkamp has been employed at Calvary Christian School since 2004 as a secretary/bookkeeper. She earned a diploma in Business Administration – Information Systems from Niagara College. Coreen enjoys the variety of her work - it is never boring! Since, in many cases, Coreen is the first contact at the school office for families and students, her desire is to reflect the respect, kindness, and care of the school. She is always available to support the teachers and families in any way she can. Coreen feels blessed to work with the teaching staff in this ministry and to participate as young lives are transformed.
Becky McKeown
Office Support
Mrs. Becky McKeown is part of the office support staff. Mrs. McKeown joined the Calvary Christian School team in 2020. She attended Niagara College for Business Administration - Marketing. Becky worked in office administration for over 12 years prior to coming to Calvary. She is honoured to be able to serve alongside the wonderful staff at Calvary Christian School.
Sylvia Meissner
Office Support and International Student Program
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Mrs. Sylvia Meissner has been employed at Calvary Christian School as the International Program coordinator and office support since December 2022. Before joining the CCS team, Sylvia enjoyed over 18 years in Christian school administration as well as international education programming. She is honoured to be part of this great team and to support the faculty and staff at CCS as they teach truth, God’s Word, and a personal relationship with Christ as the central theme of the school.
Somer McIntee
Janitorial
Mrs. Somer McIntee has been employed at Calvary Christian School since 2018. Somer has a passion for Christian Education and values it first-hand as both of her children have attended Calvary. Somer’s heart to serve has been very evident in her daily work and interactions with staff and students. We are thankful that God is using Somer’s giftings and talents to bless Calvary.