Bill Brown

Upper School Mathmatics Teacher

B.B.A. Finance, Kent State University
Teacher Certification, Mercer University

Mr. Brown teaches Math for grades 7-12. Before coming to WCA in 2023, he was a private tutor for math and ACT/SAT for 21 years in the Atlanta area (2002-2012) and the Cleveland area (2012-2023). He has always loved both studying math and helping students to understand God’s order in the universe expressed through math. Mr. Brown has been a faithful member of Grace Church in Middleburg Heights for many years with whom he visited the Holy Land in April 2023.  Two favorite bible verses: Matt 25:40 and Isaiah 40:30-31.

Marissa DiCapua

Kindergarten Teacher

B.S. Education, Baldwin Wallace University

Mrs. DiCapua strives to teach and inspire the whole child with creativity and enthusiasm in order to develop life-long learners. Prior to joining the WCA team, she taught kindergarten for 7 years. During that time, she worked with various student populations, providing support for a vast array of needs. When not in the classroom, Mrs. DiCapua enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite passages of scripture is when Peter walks on water towards Jesus, because it reminds her to always fix her gaze on the Lord.

Morgan Abbuhl

2nd Grade Teacher

B.A. in History and Classical Christian Education and Classical Studies Minors, Grove City College

A WCA alumna, Miss Zuccola has a great passion for Classical Christian Education, studying the Great Books, and pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Along with her church and home, she acknowledges the integral role that her Classical Christian Education has had on the growth of her faith and desires to impart the same love for the Lord to her students. She is a member of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship church. Morgan enjoys spending time with family, tutoring, reading, babysitting, crafting, and baking. Her current favorite passage is Psalm 16:1-2.

Jennifer Carrick

GS American Sign Language Teacher

Mrs. Carrick studied Deaf Education at University of Tennessee and holds a Deaf Interpretive Services Associate of Applied Science degree.  She worked as an Intervention Tutor at a Christian elementary school for 10 years until God called her into full-time Deaf ministry.  She currently has 16 years experience working as a professional sign language interpreter in educational, medical, and ministry settings and is passionate about reaching the Deaf community for Christ through friendship evangelism!  When she isn’t working, she loves connecting with friends, serving as a mentor, backpacking in the mountains with her husband, a pastor at Grace CMA Church, and traveling to visit her 4 grown children and 3 young grandchildren!

Teresa Gailey

Accounting Manager

MBA in General Management and B.S. in Healthcare Management at Westwood College Denver, Colorado
Associates in Applied Health and Science at LCCC

Prior to joining WCA I worked in the healthcare industry, owned and operated a business, and taught in education the past seven years. I have served in leadership roles in various ministries at church including V.B.S. Director, Children’s Church Director, Women’s Ministry Leader, and as a Sunday School teacher. I am currently serving, alongside my husband, as the Director of the Nursery and Director of our Drama Ministry at Grace Baptist church in Brunswick. I have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. My favorite pastime activities are serving the Lord, spending time with family and friends, going for walks, swimming, and working in my garden. My life scripture is Hebrews 11:1 but I hold Jeremiah 29:11 and Collosians 3 dear to my heart.

Kathy Church

5th Grade Teacher

B.S. in Elementary Education from Baldwin Wallace College

Before coming to WCA Mrs. Church taught third grade at another Christian school for twenty-seven years. Over the years she has been involved in her church’s children’s and ESL ministries. Mrs. Church enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also likes to be with her large extended family and friends. One of her favorite Bible passages is Colossians 1:15-23.

Heather Croft

Coordinator of Classical Parent University

Heather grew up with a mother and father who instilled in her from a very young age a deep love of learning. Her own education journey includes homeschool, classical Christian education, Christian education, and finally a public college education at the University of Georgia. Through these various experiences Heather has learned to value the deep well that is Classical Christian Education, not only for its influence on her own life but also for the influence it is having on her four children and Lord-willing on future generations. Heather enjoys hiking and being outdoors, reading, rich conversations with her husband and friends, and spending time with her family. Psalm 63:1-8 has been a recent treasured passage of scripture – His steadfast love is truly better than life.

Lily Derricotte

Special Needs Aide

B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology from University of North Texas

Mrs. Derricotte has a bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Child Development. In addition, she is a Registered Behavior Technician. Mrs. Derricotte has 9 years of experience working with children and it is her passion to help kids grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. She grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and moved to Ohio two years ago. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and reading. One of her favorite verses is Zechariah 2:5.

Pam Douglass

Admissions Director

Bachelor of Social Work and B.A. Spanish, Taylor University.  MSW, University of Michigan.

Pam has been a WCA parent since 2009.  After serving in various parent volunteer roles, she became the Admissions Director in 2016.  She loves meeting prospective families and sharing experiences from having her own children in a school that pursues Truth, Beauty and Goodness.  A favorite verse is Deuteronomy 6:4-7.

Andew Edgar

Physical Education Teacher

B.A. in Physical Education K-12, Anderson University

Mr. Edgar teaches Physical Education and also serves as Athletic Director. He is thrilled to be joining the WCA family this year! Mr. Edgar has taught physical education and health for over 20 years including 17 years most recently at Lake Ridge Academy and has coached a number of sports at various levels. He is the current head women’s golf coach at Baldwin Wallace University. He and his wife reside in Elyria along with their five children. Mr. Edgar enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors and dabbling in calligraphy. A few personal favorite scripture passages are Isaiah 53 and Philippians 4:4-9.

Emma Fischer

1st Grade Teacher

Kathy Foldesy

Director of Curriculum & Instruction US
Math Department Chair
Math Teacher
Humanities Teacher

B.S. Education, Cleveland State University

Mrs. Foldesy is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the Upper School and teaches in the Upper School Mathematics and Humanities departments. Before coming to WCA in 2000, she began her career in public schools teaching grades 4, 5, and 6, middle school mathematics, English as a Second Language and even pre-school. She also has extensive background leading youth ministry and is currently teaching marriage classes for her church.

Jill Gaitaniella

5th Grade Teacher

B.S. Elementary Education, Youngstown State; M.Education, Cleveland State University, Level 2 Classical Certification

Mrs. Gaitaniella teaches Grade 5 homeroom and all core subjects. She has experience teaching at two other Christian Schools as well as serving as director of two pre-schools. She is also actively involved in the childrens ministry at her church. Favorite verses for her include Isaiah 26:3 and Nehemiah 6:3.

Abigail Guevara Ponce

Upper School Spanish Teacher

B.S. Interpretation and translation English to Spanish, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador

¡Hola! My students might know me as “Señorita Abi”.   As a native Spanish speaker, sharing my love for my language and culture has become my passion. I was born and raised in La Libertad, El Salvador. I attended college at the Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador, in San Salvador, El Salvador, and earned my Interpretation and translation English to Spanish degree. I love teaching Spanish and I try to bring as much of my culture into the classroom as possible. I believe that a good education shapes not only minds but hearts as well. And that by learning a different language and traditions, at a young age, can make students more culturally appreciative and incorporate that respect into their daily and future lives.

Learning a new language can be intimidating, but I believe that my enthusiastic, cultural approach to teaching Spanish enables students to acquire language skills in a manner that keeps them interested and motivated.

I feel very privileged to be joining this amazing team of teachers and to facilitate growth and learning for the students.

Lisa Halleland

Music Department Chair
Music Teacher Grades 6-12

B.A. Music Education, Nyack College

Mrs. Halleland has been at WCA since 2016 and has 10 years of teaching experience with K-12 music students. Prior to WCA and before having her 3 children, she taught in private schools teaching choir, band, and general music classes as well as teaching private music lessons and coaching High School and Club volleyball. When she’s not teaching music at WCA, Mrs. Halleland loves connecting with her family and friends, writing music, playing volleyball, being outside, reading, and leading worship and small groups alongside her husband.

Faith Hancock

Receptionist

Faith graduated from WCA in 2021 as the sole member of the third graduating class. She has
completed two years thus far at Grove City College and is in pursuit of a B.A. in Sociology with
a Classical Christian Education minor. She hopes to return to WCA full-time after graduating.
Faith enjoys spending time with her parents and five brothers, playing the piano and ukulele, and serving at Olmsted Falls Bible Church.

Sandra Jenkins

Receptionist

A lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio, Sandy recently retired from a 22 year career in property management for a nonprofit organization in University Circle. She currently serves as a member of the media team at her local church. Sandy is mom to two adult daughters, who have blessed her with two wonderful sons in law, as well as five grandchildren. She loves and trusts the Lord with her whole heart, and looks to Psalm 91 as her favorite Bible passage.

Alisha James

6th Grade Teacher

B.S. Education, Lorain County Community College & Ashland University Partnership

This is Alisha’s first year teaching since graduating through the University Partnership program with Ashland University and Lorain County Community College in the fall of 2022. During the spring, Alisha worked in 5 different school districts in Lorain and Cuyahoga County as a substitute teacher. Alisha completed her student teaching at North Ridgeville’s academic center working in 6th-grade math and 7th-grade science. Alisha is excited to partner with parents to assist her students to grow into the girls and boys God created them to be and to foster a healthy love for learning by viewing the world through a biblical perspective.

Outside the classroom, Alisha accepted the call to start a women’s Bible study with young women around the U.S. and Canada. Alisha delights in serving at her local church and worship team. She enjoys crafting and traveling to local, state, and national parks or any place involving mountains and waterfalls. In the summer, you can find Alisha camping with her large family or kayaking with her friends and probably eating lots of ice cream.

Amy Herr

School Counselor

B. A. Psychology, Miami University
M.S.S.A, Case Western Reserve University

Mrs. Herr has been providing individual and family counseling for kids and teens for most of her career. She is currently contracted through Daily Behavioral Health to provide in school counseling for WCA students. Mrs. Herr enjoys engaging with the kids during counseling and learning from each student. She looks to the Bible for truth and wisdom with a favorite verse being James 1:5.

Brittney Mazzarella

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

AA in Occupational Therapy, EHOVE Career Center/Lorain County Community College

Brittney has worked as a certified occupational therapy assistant for six years. Mrs. Mazzarella has worked in various settings and with a multitude of different populations, but her favorite always has been working in a school setting with children- the best and most fun! When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2 year old daughter and soon to be baby boy (due in September), going on beach vacations, listening to music, and just enjoying life! Mrs. Mazzarella is really looking forward to working at Westside Christian Academy, through PSI, this year and getting to know all students, staff, and parents!

Eileen Pompili

Reading Specialist

Bio is coming.

Darlene Hess

Art Teacher Grades K-2

Darlene Hess studied Graphic Design at Kent State University and went on to work as an Advertising Art Director. Later, she taught Art in homeschool co-ops, afterschool programs, and Christian schools including a classical Christian school where her daughter and son attended. After moving to Ohio with her husband Dave and their two children, she served at Christ Community Chapel for 10 years in the high school ministry. While there, she had the opportunity to use her love of Jesus and of Art to help build a Visual Arts Ministry. Two years ago, she moved to the Westside and discovered WCA, which brought her back to teaching in a classical Christian environment. When Darlene is not teaching at WCA, she can be found painting or teaching classes downtown in her art studio in the ArtCraft Building, playing golf, hiking, or spending time with family and friends.

Jason Hindall

Technology Coordinator
Math and Science Teacher

B.S. Physics, Cleveland State University

Mr. Hindall teaches Physics, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Earth Science, Freshmen Logic, and Advanced Chemistry.  Before coming to WCA in 2009, he was in research and development with silicone and carbon based material.

Meizi Ivery

US Humanities Teacher

B.A. in Secondary Education and English with a minor in ESL.

Miss Kershaw teaches “Humanities” to grades 7-12 including Bible, History, and Literature/Philosophy. Before moving to Lakewood, OH in 2021, Miss Kershaw taught World, American, and British literature among other electives at Agape Christian Academy in Burton, OH. While she is not teaching, Miss Kershaw enjoys spending her time reading historical dramas, writing scripts, and playing music. She hopes to travel across Europe someday and further expand her knowledge and experience in Western traditions. Her favorite Bible story is the account of Mephibosheth because David’s promise to Johnathan’s son reflects the grace God gives us.

Jackie Kohl

Academic Counselor

B.A. Systematic Theology, Moody Bible Institute

Mrs. Kohl and her family have been part of the WCA community since the fall of 2020 . Before moving to Cleveland, Mrs. Kohl taught secondary Bible and Church History at Trinity Oaks Christian Academy in Cary, IL for two years. Last year she taught library in the grammar school before joining the upper school facutly this fall.  At home you can find her reading, writing, watching Seinfeld, and laughing with her husband and four kids.

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Rachel Kurak

Philanthropy Assistant

B.A. in Communication Studies, Grove City College

Ms. Kurak joined WCA in 2021. After taking both education and communication classes in college, she has been led to serve people through a combination of non-profit internships and education-related jobs. At home, Ms. Kurak can be found making music, drinking tea, playing games with her family, and talking with friends. Some of her favorite Bible passages include 1 John 2:1-2, Colossians 1:13-14, and Romans 5:8.

Lisa Lang

4th Grade Teacher

B.A. Psychology with a minor in Bible from Lee University in Cleveland, TN

Mrs. Lang has been teaching fourth grade for nine years.  This is her second year at WCA. She has many years experience in education and is deeply passionate about children and educating them from a Christian perspective. Mrs. Lang has served the Lord for the majority of her life and has been involved in women’s ministry as well as children’s ministry for a number of years. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Lang enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and running. Her favorite scripture verses are, Philippians 4:13, Psalm 19:14, and Proverbs 3:5-6

Marc Maddox

Director of Operations

B.S. Electrical Engineering, The Ohio State University
Certification in Christian Ministry and Leadership, Vineyard Leadership Institute

Mr. Maddox worked for 10 years in electrical and civil engineering, and in full time ministry for 18 years, serving as a director of a marriage and family ministry, and most recently, as an Associate Pastor, including management of church facilities. He is passionate about teaching God’s Word, discipleship, and leadership development. He has two sons who attend WCA and his wife is the Grammar School Latin teacher. Among his favorite Bible passages are Deuteronomy 31:8 and Ephesians 1:3-14.

Candace Maddox

Latin Teacher Grades 2-6
Typing Grade 6

B.S. Chemistry, Southwest Baptist University; TESOL Certification, Trinity College London

Mrs. Maddox teaches second through sixth grade Latin and GS typing at WCA. Right after college, she spent four years in the beautiful country of Bosnia and Herzegovina where she taught English as a Second Language and enjoyed learning the Bosnian language. She then spent ten years coaching and training with an international missions organization. Prior to coming to WCA, she taught ESOL for two years at Polaris Career Center. She has served in various leadership roles in women and children’s ministry in her church over the years. She is married and has two children who attend WCA.  She enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Brandi Mattingly

4th Grade Teacher

B.A. in English and a minor in Education from The College of Wooster

M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction & Gifted Intervention Specialist from Cleveland State University

This is Mrs. Mattingly’s second year at WCA.  She previously taught 13 years in public school as a Gifted Intervention co-teacher, the last 11 of which were across town in Westlake City Schools. Her three elementary-aged children all attend WCA. The Mattingly family is heavily involved in their church, Hope Christian Church in Avon, Ohio. This is also where Mrs. Mattingly’s husband, Mark Mattingly, works as one of the pastors on staff. Mrs. Mattingly is always working with children whether at school, as a Sunday school teacher at church or as a unit leader in American Heritage Girls. She desires to help children cultivate a love of learning through a biblical worldview and to invest in building strong Christian communities. Her heart is to raise up the next generation of God fearing, Bible believing, joyful men and women who are bold in their love of the Lord. Her interests are endless but include gardening, reading, crafting, hiking, camping, and having fun with her family. A passage of scripture she loves is Jeremiah 17:7-8 “The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.”

Michelle Maynard

Grammar School Music Teacher

B.A. from Hiram College in Music Education.

Mrs. Maynard previously taught Elementary Music for two years at the Vermilion Intermediate School. She then stayed home for 16 years to home school her four children.  During that time she has taught private piano and voice lessons in her home, taught music classes to homeschool groups and directed Christmas musicals at church.  Michelle is on her sixth year at WCA.  She has completed her certification in all three levels of Kodaly Musicianship.  She loves traveling and spending time with her husband and children.

jamie Miller

Reading Specialist

B.A. – History Education, Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee
M. Ed – Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Baldwin Wallace, Berea, Ohio

Mrs. Miller joined WCA in the fall of 2022 as an interventionist focusing primarily on reading. Prior to joining the WCA team, she taught history at Solon High School. One of her favorite aspects of working at WCA is the opportunity to help her students grow in their faith as well as their academics. Mrs. Miller is a member of King’s Church where she leads the Generational Ministry Prayer team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out and reading. Her favorite scriptures are Isaiah 26:3 and Ephesians 6:18.

Wes Moore

Director of Philanthropy

 B.S., Austin Peay State University, M.Div. Christian Education, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Kathryn Murtha

First Grade Assistant

Mother of 10 and a home educator for 36 years, Kathryn also served 4 years as a missionary in Thailand, then as primary caregiver for a severely disabled child for 18 years followed by caregiving for two parents with Alzheimers. She taught middle school literature and preschool at HEARTS for Jesus Christ, has been involved in children’s ministry for over 40 years and with Joni and Friends ministry for 23 years. She loves the Lord Jesus, His Word, His people, and the simple pleasures of life, especially her 14 (so far) grandchildren. Special verse: Matthew 28:19-20

Stephanie Nath

Coordinator of Department of Education Programs

MS in Health Sciences from Indiana State University

Stephanie is formally trained as a public health professional with experience in higher education, grant writing, employer relations, and accounting. Outside of WCA, you can find her working on creative projects, watching reruns of sitcoms with her husband, or going on adventures with their three children, even if it’s just in the backyard. She is driven to support the mission of the Gospel and is honored to be a part of the WCA team.  A favorite verse is Daniel 3:18.

Dirk Russell

Head of School

MA Biblical Studies, Reformed Theological Seminary
BA Pastoral Theology, Moody Bible Institute

For the last 18 years, Mr. Russell has served in several positions at Geneva School of Boerne, including Teacher, Academic Dean, and Rhetoric School Headmaster. Prior to his full-time career in education, Mr. Russell served as Pastor of Covenant of Grace church for 10 years and most recently served as Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Boerne. Dirk has been married to his wife, Aubrey, for 29 years and they have raised 6 children. Mr. Russell has a love for classical education, but more importantly, his love for the Word of God is evident in his life.

Eric Pfeiffer

6th Grade Teacher

B.A. Music Education, Iowa State University, M.A. Vocal Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music

Prior to joining WCA in 2018, he worked for 25 years in insurance sales and management.  He is involved at his church as an elder, choir member, and Bible study leader.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 daughters, gardening, and reading.  One of his favorite verses is Philippians 1:6  “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Tim Piazza

Grammar School Principal

B.S. Crown College
M.A. Northland International University
Ed. S. Liberty University

Mr. Piazza has been a 6th grade teacher, school counselor, soccer/basketball coach and principal over the past 16 years.  He holds an ACSI lifetime administrator’s license and a state principal’s license.  Mr. Piazza and his wife run a non-profit organization called Colors for Colette to support children diagnosed with cancer at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.  His favorite scripture is Matthew 10:39.

Diane Piazza

Reception

Raised in the Cleveland area, Diane has spent 30+ years as an administrative professional for various organizations. Alongside her husband, she has been involved in church ministry, including serving as a Pastor’s wife, working in an addiction ministry, and children’s church instructor and counselor. Diane has three adult children and 10 grandchildren and enjoys spending time with family. Recently retired from the corporate world, Diane loves those special times with her grandchildren, as well as her newly acquired hobbies of sewing, quilting and machine embroidery. One of her favorite verses is Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Brigid Plummer

Foreign Language Department Chair
Upper School Latin Teacher

B.S Geology, University of Cincinnati., Catechist Certificate, Diocese of Cleveland

Mrs. Plummer homeschooled four children from 1997-2013. She worked for HEARTS FOR JESUS CHRIST on the Leadership Board and taught: Pre-k, Middle School, and High School classes, from 1998-2013. Brigid is an active member of St Clarence Church in North Olmsted, teaching Catechism to 2nd and 8th grades, chaperoning youth group activities and participating in adult Bible studies. She loves spending time with her family. Life Verse: Psalm 18:1-3, currently praying with Mt 14:28-29.

Andrea Poltrone

Office Manager

Born and raised in the Cleveland area, Andrea has spent nearly 20 years working as an Administrative Professional for multiple organizations, many of which were non-profit, religious organizations. Through StartCHURCH University she is a Certified Church Executive and desires to apply her God-given skills in office administration to further the Kingdom. Andrea is married with two teenage boys and spends most of her spare time at the baseball field watching her boys play ball. She lives by the motto “Blessed to be a blessing,” which is inspired by her life verse Genesis 12:2.

Brian Reid

Director of Finance

B.S., Financial/Managerial Accounting & M.B.A., Organizational Leadership – University of Findlay

Mr. Reid is the Director of Finance. Prior to joining WCA in 2019, he worked as an auditor for KeyBank and Deloitte & Touche. He enjoys all things active and spending time studying scripture, especially apologetics. His favorite sport is soccer and currently holds a U.S. Soccer coaching license.

Jessica Reiner

Pre-K Director

B.S. Child Life, East Carolina University

Jessica came to WCA in 2021 and served as the Pre-K Assistant before becoming the Director of our Pre-Kindergarten classes. Prior to joining the WCA community, she worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in the PICU and Surgery. She also served as a ministry assistant for Youth for Christ, and has worked with children of all ages as a teacher, coach, nanny, and volunteer in various children’s ministries at church.
Jessica is a mother of twins who attend WCA and in her spare time she loves hiking, biking, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Peter 1:6-7

Katherine Ribeiro

US Humanities Teacher

B.A. in Bible from The Master’s University

A WCA alumna, Mrs. Ribeiro was raised with a deep appreciation for Classical Christian Education and is passionate about teaching students to love learning and to see how God’s character manifests itself through every avenue of it. She and her recent husband, Steven, are involved members of Grace Church of North Olmsted. Katherine loves spending time with people, reading classic literature, writing, playing violin, and spending time outdoors. Her current favorite passage in Scripture is Psalm 27:4.

Luke Robins

Science Department Chair
Math and Science Teacher

B.A. Philosophy, American University of Beirut

Mr. Robins is the Upper School Science Department Chairman and teaches biology, health, introductory physics, and calculus. Before coming to WCA in 2020, he began his career as an ESL teacher working with many students from a variety of backgrounds. He has extensive experience teaching high school mathematics both as a tutor and classroom instructor.  He graduated from WCA in 2002, as an 8th grade student.

Amy Santos

2nd Grade Teacher

B.A. Elementary Education, John Carroll University; M.A. Educational Administration, Cleveland State University

Mrs. Santos came to WCA in 2018 and teaches second grade. Prior to WCA she taught at a classical school in Miami, Florida for two years and has over 20 years of teaching experience in grades two through eighth. She has served in various leadership roles in children’s and women’s ministry since 2011. Mrs. Santos loves the Lord, spending time with her family and friends, and photography. Her favorite verses are Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9.

Caleb Sasser

Upper School Principal
Dean of Men
Humanities Department Chair
Humanities Teacher

B.A. Classical Liberal Arts: Pedagogy from Patrick Henry College

Mr. Sasser the Upper School Principal and teaches upper school humanities. Prior to joining the WCA staff in 2017 he taught fourth grade at Ad Fontes Academy in Centreville, VA. While at Ad Fontes he earned his permanent teaching certification with the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS). Caleb enjoys spending time with his family, working in his garden and woodshop, taking long walks, and reading good books. He is excited to be serving and worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ with everyone at WCA.

Donna Saggio

1st Grade Teacher

B.S. in Elementary Education from Evangel University

Raised in southwest Tennessee, Donna has spent 36 years living in Ohio with her husband, John and her 2 children. Mrs. Saggio has taught elementary education, most of it in second grade, for the past 30 years.  She is returning to the classroom to teach first grade.  She loves to take walks, read books, and spend time with her extended family in Ohio. One of her favorite chapters in the bible is Psalm 91.

Sarah Shackelford

Recess Supervisor

B.A. in American Studies from Hillsdale College

Sarah has loved babies, books, bugs, and birds since she was a child and even while majoring in American Studies she worked for the biology department helping care for an arboretum. Sarah and her husband John live in Bay Village with their seven children. Their children have attended WCA for the past eleven years. Previously Sarah homeschooled and taught nature study classes in a homeschool coop. Sarah also works in children’s ministry for her church, Christ Church Westshore.

Nicole Sikora

K Teacher

B.S. Early Childhood Education, Ashland University

Mrs. Sikora teaches kindergarten.  She grew up in Avon, Ohio and graduated from Ashland University. Throughout high school and college, she has greatly enjoyed teaching and working with children of all ages. Over the last few years, Mrs. Sikora has been substitute teaching at various schools in the area. Mrs. Sikora recently got married and has enjoyed spending time with her new husband. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Sikora loves to bake, be outside, and spend time with friends and family. One of her favorite bible verses is Hebrews 10:23.

Kourtney Wright

Director of Teacher Development
Grammar School Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Logic Teacher

B.S. Early Childhood Education, Baldwin-Wallace University

Mrs. Wright serves as the Director of Teacher Development, Grammar School Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and teaches in the Upper School.  She attends Providence Church with her husband and two children and volunteers with Cornerstone Pregnancy Center.  Mrs. Wright is currently finishing a Masters degree in Advanced Teaching with an emphasis in Secondary Level Education.  A favorite passage of scripture is Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

John Speer

Upper School Humanities Teacher

B.A. History, Hillsdale College; M.A. History, Liberty University

Mr. Speer teaches Upper School humanities. Prior to joining the staff at WCA he taught
American history, world history, economics/personal finance, world geography, government,
photography, Bible, and various college credit classes in Mansfield, Ohio for one year and
Dayton, Virginia for three years. He enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, camping, and spending
time with his family. He is also involved in Parkside Church Westside.

Robin Somers

Director of Semper Crescente

B.A. Christian Studies, Hillsdale College.

Ms. Somers has taught in various public, private, and Christian schools, as well as worked with special needs students.  Her favorite Bible verses are Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:6-8.  When she’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her three children, working out, running, and being active in her church.

Wendy Thompson

Kindergarten Assistant

B.A. Elementary Education, Calvin College; M.A. Education/Reading Diagnosis, John Carroll University

Mrs. Thompson loves teaching kindergarten at WCA and is currently in her 9th year. After graduating from college, she taught for 1 year in West Chicago, 2nd grade and then 7 years in 3rd grade in Mayfield, Ohio. She has 5 children who she home schooled for 12 years. Mrs. Thompson was the Junior Church Director at Scranton Road Bible Church in Cleveland for 17 years and also taught writing and poetry classes to children ages 5-12 at Hearts for Jesus Christ for 7 years before coming to WCA.

Rebecca Urry

3rd Grade Teacher

B.A.S. Early Childhood Education, John Carroll University; M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University

Miss Urry is excited to be a part of the WCA community once again. During her elementary years, Miss Urry attended Westside Christian Academy for grades: K thru 8th. WCA has greatly impacted her life and she is thrilled the Lord has called her to serve at this school as a 3rd grade teacher. When Miss Urry is not teaching, she is serving in the Children’s Ministry at Providence Church or coaching volleyball for the 5th & 6th graders at WCA.  One of Miss Urry’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 16:3.

Jim Whiteman

Headmaster Emeritus

B.S., Bowling Green State University; M.A. Education, Kent State University

Mr. Whiteman came to WCA as headmaster in 2011. He has 18 years experience as elementary/middle school principal in two area private schools and ten additional years of teaching. Mr. Whiteman also has experience as the chief development officer of a Christian rescue mission. He is very involved in a local ministry for international college students and orphanages in Kenya and India. Life verses include 2 Peter 1:3-9.

Danielle Wolff

3rd Grade Teacher

B.S. Inclusive Early Childhood Education from Bowling Green State University

Mrs. Wolff truly enjoys teaching children and has served in various ways, such as serving in children’s ministries, working for community and public schools, and being a parent of two children, who attend WCA. She is grateful and honored to be a part of the WCA family, first as a parent and then as a staff member. Mrs. Wolff and her family are a part of Providence Church in Avon. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite Bible passage is Romans 12:1-2.

Kaitlin Yano

Speech Language Pathologist

BA in Communication Disorders, Baldwin Wallace College
MA in Speech-Language Pathology, Cleveland State University

Kaitlin has worked as a speech-language pathologist for nine years. Mrs. Yano has worked in various settings and with a multitude of different populations, but her cup of tea is working in a school setting with children- the best and most fun! When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their son (who was born in June!), visiting different parks and coffee shops, listening to music, and exploring Cleveland! Mrs. Yano is really looking forward to working at Westside Christian Academy, through PSI, this year and getting to know all students, staff, and parents!

Hunter Niswander

Athletic Director
Upper School P.E. Teacher

Bachelors in Learning and Organizational Change, Masters in Sports Administration; Northwestern University

Mr. Niswander serves as Athletic Director and is excited to join the WCA family. He played football at Northwestern University and is a former NFL veteran punter. He knows what it takes to be a top-flight, successful, God-glorifying student-athlete. He enjoys spending time with his family, working out, golfing, playing pickleball, and spending time outside. Mr. Niswander’s pregame verse is Colossians 3:23 and believes that student-athletes should have fun playing their sport, while competing for Jesus’ glory alone!

Zay Ziegler

Art Department Chair
Art Teacher

Zay Ziegler has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from The Cleveland Institute of Art, and has taught art for more than twenty years. She started by teaching arts and crafts to students in organizations such as The YMCA, Head Start and NASA’s preschool. Before she started a family she was an Admissions Counselor and recruiter for The Cleveland Institute of Art. Prior to joining WCA, she taught K-8 Art six years at Bethel Christian Academy and 15 years at Hearts for Jesus Christ. Zay and her husband Tom have three adult children.  The youngest graduated from WCA in 2020.

Kristen Zuccola

Rhetoric Department Chair
Dean of Women
Rhetoric, English, and Composition Teacher

B.S. Education/English, Ohio University; M.A. English, Cleveland State University

Mrs. Zuccola teaches Junior and Senior Thesis,  and Rhetoric. Prior to coming to WCA in 2015, she taught English to students from 8th grade to college freshmen.  She enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and extended family, serving at church, reading, cooking, and hiking.  Her favorite verse is Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Katherine Zawtocki

Capital Campaign Assistant

BA, English; McDaniel College

Katherine worked in packaging sales prior to supporting her family as a stay-at-home parent. She has served in leadership capacities in various ministries for children and women. Katherine is passionate about the transforming power of God’s Word and celebrates the eternal reality of Job 19:25. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, a great book, and family game night.