Graeme Appleyard
Principal
Mr. Graeme Appleyard is excited to be serving his second year as Principal at Calvary Christian School. Eleven years of teaching in Christian schools has made him become a passionate advocate for Christian education. He began his career at Calvary Christian Academy in Smith Falls and taught 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 Calvary, he greatly appreciates Calvary’s focus on the heart and character of its students as well as their academics. Being a part of this school community is a tremendous blessing and Graeme is excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this year!
Ron Wickens
Administrator
Mr. Ron Wickens has been involved at Calvary Christian School since 1994.
As a parent, school board member, Principal/Administrator since 2000, he has experience from many different perspectives. He now serves as the school’s part-time Administrator. 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. Ron believes it is a privilege to serve alongside each staff member who God has called to this ministry.
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.
Alyssa ten Brinke
Grade 1
Mrs. Alyssa ten Brinke 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 and is now teaching Grade 1. 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.
Rachel Bartley
Senior Kindergarten
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Program
Mrs. Rachel Bartley graduated from Redeemer University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2017. Rachel spent two years working as an Educational Assistant in Calvary Christian School’s Senior Kindergarten classroom before stepping into her role as the Senior Kindergarten teacher in 2021. Having attended Calvary as a student, Rachel has been very pleased to return as a member of the staff. Her greatest desire as a teacher is to walk alongside her students, encouraging and strengthening them both academically and spiritually.
Jodie Bengert
Grade 2
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Mrs. Jodie Bengert is excited to join the Calvary team in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from Brock University, as well as a degree in Elementary Education from Canisius College. With six years of teaching experience at Erie Christian Academy, she has taught combined Grade 1, 2, and 3 classes and served as the teacher in charge during the principal’s absence, demonstrating leadership and a deep commitment to Christian education. Most recently, Jodie worked as a Child, Youth Camp; Family Counselor, further enriching her experience in supporting families and children. She is passionate about Christ-centered education and considers it a privilege to teach children that the Lord is the foundation of truth and that He loves them very much.
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.
Breanna Bravo
Grade 4
Mrs. Breanna Bravo earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language, with a minor in Spanish, from Brock University. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Education (Primary/Junior Division) at Niagara University and is a certified member of the Ontario College of Teachers. Beyond the classroom, Breanna has been deeply involved in the dance community for over a decade. She has taught ballet at Fascination Dance Studio for the past 10 years and at Niagara Worship Centre through the Kingdom Dancers program, where students learn ballet in a Christ-centered environment. Breanna joined the Calvary team in 2025, bringing with her a deep passion for teaching children and sharing her love for Christ in all that she does.
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.
Sherry Coleman
Educational Assistant
Heidi Gluszczak
Tutoring Learning Resource Teacher
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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 since 2024 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 Junior Tutoring class.
Kailey Ediger
Educational Assistant
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.
Karen Epp
Educational Assistant
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.
Christy Geevarghese
Educational Assistant
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 in the Tutoring program and is thrilled to transition to an Educational Assistant for Grade 3 this year. 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.
Tina Miloud
Educational Assistant​
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.
Julie MacGregor
Educational Assistant
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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.
Sylvia Meissner
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.
Mrs. Geevarghese has a General Arts & Science diploma from Niagara College as well as a Bachelor Degree and a Masters Degree in Physics from India. She has taught for two years at Baselius College in India and she was a peer tutor at Niagara College. For over eight years she has been a home tutor for students from Grades 1 to 12 in India. She attends Full Gospel Bethel Kerala Church in Niagara Falls where is involved in many church activities. Mrs. Geevarghese is thankful to be able to live out her faith and honour God as she serves at Calvary Christian School.
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 Briercrest 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.
Jacinda King
Senior Kindergarten (Thursday Program)
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Mrs. Jacinda King graduated from Heritage Baptist University in Greenwood, IN with an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined the Calvary team in 2023 and has been working with children in a variety of settings for over twenty years. Over that time, her experience with children has included church ministries, camp ministries, the YMCA childcare and preschool programs, and teaching in a Christian school setting. She is excited to be able to have a part in helping children learn and grow in the Lord.
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.
Dan Diggins
Janitorial
Mr. Dan Diggins joins our team for the janitorial position. Mr. Diggins worked in maintenance and janitorial at Family and Children Services for many years before he retired. He attends Glenridge Bible Church and serves on their worship team. Mr. Diggins had been praying for God’s direction to be able to continue in serving beyond his retirement. Mr. Diggins believes that serving at Calvary Christian School is a wonderful opportunity to be of service in a God-honouring place.