Joel Gibson – Principal

Joel is a devoted follower of Christ who is passionate about Christian education and helping others enter into genuine and authentic relationships with Jesus. Joel has been happily married to Laura for 16 years after meeting while fulfilling their shared calling to teach overseas in Thailand. Joel and Laura are proud parents to Aedan (G7) and Clark (G5), both students at BCA, and their newest blessing, Elliot who is 4 months old. The Gibson family is involved in all things athletics and strongly believes in fit and healthy lifestyles.

 

Joel's career in education spans multiple countries and school systems. He has served in private Christian schools in Thailand, China, Washington, as well as public schools in Virginia. With nine years of full-time classroom teaching experience before transitioning to administration, Joel has spent most of his career in Christian schools while still having six years within public education. His unique educational experience and international perspective allows him to blend the best qualities of multiple systems to create an impactful learning environment. Joel is driven by a pursuit of excellence, often stating, “If it’s Christian, it should be better.” This philosophy underpins his approach to education and leadership.

 

Currently in his 14th year in education, Joel serves as the Principal at Burlington Christian Academy. His educational background is a mix of public and Christian schooling. Joel completed his public education through high school in Sarnia, Ontario before pursuing his advanced education in Christian institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Health and Physical Education - Teacher Licensure from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He also obtained his Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University and has taken doctoral courses in Advanced Educational Leadership at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Joel holds a Postgraduate Professional License from the Commonwealth of Virginia in Administration and Supervision (PreK-12) and Health and Physical Education (PreK-12).

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Diana St. John – Office Administrator

Diana has been part of our BCA family since 2018. She is excited to be working as the Office Administrator and enjoys leading our students who assist with office duty and snack shop. Diana has several years of experience working in the Corporate sector as well experience working for a non-profit organization that assisted individuals with disabilities. Diana is fluent in American Sign Language and enjoys yoga and cooking. Any free time is spent travelling with family and friends and continuing to be a "Dance Mom" to daughter Ella (BCA Alumnus) who is currently studying Computer Science.

Lyn MacLeod – Accounting

 

Avril Helfer – Educational Assistant

Avril comes from a social work background and has a masters degree in social work from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.  She then completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase) from the University of South Africa.  In South Africa, Avril taught grade one and grade two and was a teacher's assistant in SK.

Avril's family relocated from South Africa to the GTA five years ago. Avril homeschooled for two and a half years, and subsequently joined the BCA team in 2023 as an Education Assistant.  She is thrilled to be teaching the JK class this year.

Jen Bye – Senior Kindergarten

Jen joined the BCA family in 2007. She received a B.A. and B.Ed from Redeemer University College and has the following additional qualifications: Kindergarten Specialist, Special Education Specialist, and Reading Part 1. At BCA, Jen assists with the Scholastic Book Fair and Primary Play Day and coordinates the Kindergarten Buddies schedule. She enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time outdoors enjoying nature.

Brie Chapman – Grade One

Brie is excited to be teaching Grade 1 this year! She has been part of our BCA family since 2012 and received both her BA Honours and Bachelor of Education from Nipissing Univerisity/Schulich School of Education in North Bay, Ontario. Brie has always had a passion to teach children, to help them learn about and grow to love Jesus, and to provide a safe and nurturing environment for them. These characteristics are foundational to the way she teaches and interacts with her students in the classroom on a daily basis.

In addition to teaching, Brie enjoys coaching some of our sports teams and sports events, co-leading our BCA choir, and serving on our worship team.

Brie loves the north and the outdoors, camping, fishing, music, and spending time with her husband and their four young children.

Julian Aldous – Grade Two

Julian graduated from Trinity Theological College, in Bristol, UK way back in the 90’s and then took the equivalent of a teaching degree at another university in Bristol.

He has been teaching since 1991, firstly for 10 years in the UK in the public system, and then in Africa, in Kenya, at a private Christian Boarding school, called St. Andrew’s, Turi. He taught a range of subjects there, and became an Assistant school Chaplain. He became a Reverend as he was ordained as a minister in Kenya in 2002. He then moved to Canada in 2005, where he was the school chaplain at Rothesay Netherwood school, in New Brunswick. He then moved back into the public system in 2008, where he mainly taught music in Elementary and Middle schools until 2014.

In November 2014, Julian took on leading a church in Etobicoke, here in Ontario until 2021, when he left that position and took up teaching at BCA.

He enjoys teaching a range of subjects, including music and drama and loves teaching Bible to children. He is passionate about pastoral work and seeing young lives grow in their faith and understanding of who Jesus is and them responding to God.

Julian is married to Sarah, his wife Sarah since 1987.  They have four grown up children, 2 who live in Ontario and 2 live in BC. He has 5 grandchildren.

Julian loves cycling, swimming and hiking and playing the piano. He is part of the worship team in his church. His sense of humour is still very English!

Candice Quesada – Grade Three

Candice has been teaching at Burlington Christian Academy for 18 years. She taught grade 2 for many years and now teaches grade 3. She graduated from Mohawk College in Early Childhood Education, then completed her B.A at Ryerson University and then attended Medaille Teachers College. Candice leads Grandparents’ Day, Scholastic Book Fair, and coordinates the Primary Division. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading.

Teresa Hawton – Grade Four

Teresa has a B.A.(Honours) and a B.Ed. from Nipissing University in North Bay. She has her Jr/Intermediate Qualifications with a Math teachable. Ms. Hawton started teaching at BCA in 1998. She teaches Grade 4 Homeroom, Math, and Art; and Grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 math. She leads Student Council and tends to all of the BCA scheduling needs. She enjoys traveling, swimming, reading, and movies as well as spending time in North Bay with her 8 nieces and nephews

Michelle Collier – Grade Five

Michelle joined the BCA teaching team in 2010 and is excited to continue her role this year as the Grade 5 homeroom teacher. Her dramatic flair and enthusiastic personality bring energy into her lessons as the subject teacher for Language Arts, Bible*, and Social Studies for both Grades 4 and 5. In addition to teaching, Michelle is also on our social media team.  We are looking forward to her creativity on sharing life at BCA on our social media platforms.  

Michelle has an Honours BA in Religious Studies and Communication Studies from McMaster University and completed her Bachelor of Education at Brock University. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking, and musical theatre.

* Grade 5 only

Dan Cope – Grade Six

In addition to being the Grade 6 teacher, Dan also heads up the EdVenture program here at BCA. He has his honours BA from McMaster University, and his B. Ed. from the University of Western Ontario. He sets up equipment for chapel and A/V needs throughout the school. Dan is also our worship team leader for our weekly chapels at BCA every Monday morning for students, parents, and staff. His interests range from ultimate frisbee, rock climbing and karate, to playing with his children Mackenzie, Eva, Jack and Olivia

Shannon Matter – Grade 7 & 8 Language Arts teacher, Director of Teaching and Learning

Shannon has her Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching from The University of Auckland, New Zealand. She has her Special Education and Guidance Specialists and has completed the following additional qualifications; Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Intermediate Business, and Grade 7&8 Language.

Shannon joined BCA in 2014. She believes in the importance of lifelong learning, she loves seeing the excitement students get when they find a genre or series they just can’t put down. She looks forward to hooking students on reading every year. Shannon enjoys teaching at BCA where she can share her love of God with her students. 

Shannon loves camping, hiking, biking, and canoeing in the summer. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

JD Collier – Grade Eight

JD graduated from McMaster University with a B.A. and completed his B. Ed. at the University of Toronto. In addition to the grade 8 homeroom teacher, he is also the ALPA coordinator and manages the school IT department. His passion for sports and young athlete development leads him to coach a variety of sports throughout the year.

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Natalie Spencer-Katzmann – Music, Jr. Curtain Call and Resource

Natalie is Franco-Ontarienne (French Canadian) and a graduate of the Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music. There she obtained a Bachelors of Music in performance with a major in Voice and a focus on music pedagogy. She has been teaching private and group music classes since 2006 and has been part of the BCA family since 2023. Natalie's passion has always been teaching and she couldn't be happier to have found such an amazing community to be a part of.

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Tashana Cain – French

Tashana teaches K-8 Core French, Grade 6 Language and Grade 7 Homeroom. She has a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University and her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. She recently graduated from her Master’s in Immigration and Settlement Studies from TMU. Tashana joined BCA in 2023 but previously taught in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for three years teaching French Immersion & Core French. She loves learning, traveling and spending time with her family.

Jude Kudera – Music, Computers and Media

“Mr. K” started teaching at BCA in September 2019.  This year Mr. Kudera will be teaching music, science, and computers.  He has served as Director of Music and Head of Science and Mathematics for many years. Mr. Kudera taught music from Grades 1-8 and has developed and implemented curriculum to meet and exceed the Ontario Music Curriculum guidelines. He is also part of our worship team and assists in the setup of audio/technical equipment.  Mr. Kudera continues to assist with the school’s social media accounts and maintain the school website.

In addition to teaching at BCA, Mr. Kudera is now in his 27th year as the organist and Minister of music at his home church (Westminster United Church) where he also serves on multiple committees.  Mr. K continues to provide private tutoring in math and science to middle school and high school students.  During his spare time, he enjoys photography, camping, and catching up with former students.

Michelle Wagman – Curtain Call and SOTA Director

“Miss Michelle” is a dynamic and compassionate instructor, with over fifteen years of experience in teaching vocal music and theatre. She grew up singing classical music and completed all of her grades through the Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada, before attending the prestigious Sheridan Institute, for their Music Theatre Performance Program. She then went on to travel the globe as a professional performer and continues to be active in the performance industry. She has been “friends” with many Disney Princesses, a recording artist, professional voice over artist, and teaches workshops and classes all over the GTA area on singing and performing. Michelle is passionate about instilling confidence in each student she encounters and is honoured to be able to share her love of music and performing with others. She is the current School of the Arts (SOTA) Director here at BCA, and specializes in the genres of musical theatre, worship, and pop music.

Sam Price – Director of Special Education

Samantha started teaching at BCA in 2001. As the Director of Special Education, and an Educational Therapist, Samantha’s role is to equip her students with the ability to advocate for their success in the classroom. She also works with Classroom teachers and Educational Assistants to determine individualized support for each of her students. Samantha facilitates the Circle of Friends program, which encourages students to work together to improve their social skills. Samantha completed her B.A. at McMaster University. She has Early Childhood Education certification from Sheridan College, and a B. Ed. with certification as a Specialist in Special Education from Brock University. Samantha is also a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist through NILD Canada. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and taking additional Professional Development courses to further support her students.

Jennifer Grigsby – Educational Assistant

Mrs. C.' has been a part of the BCA community since 2009 and joined the staff team in 2017.  Mrs. C. is very excited to return for her 7th year here at BCA as an Educational Assistant in the Primary Division.  Mrs. C. studied Exceptionalities in Human Learning completing her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree.  Mrs. C. has over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with special needs in the classroom, workplace and community.  Mrs. C. fell in love with the classroom working in vocational, life skills, academic and employment preparedness programs with Community Living, Peel and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Boards.  Mrs. C. believes in being the hands and feet of Jesus serving those in need in her community.  Mrs. C. is a proud Mom of two BCA alumni - Go Bobcats!   In her spare time, Mrs. C. loves to watch movies and be creative crafting, baking. 

Cristina Ivosev – Educational Assistant

Cristina (Magdalena) joined BCA in 2021. She has earned a degree in Psychology and Special Education, from her home country and has an experience of more than 20 years working with neurodivergent persons. Former licensed Speech therapist and Systemic Family and Marriage therapist, she was able to apply her experience and knowledge in a new environment, cultural context, when she moved to Canada in 2018.
She also, attended Oxford College and received a Diploma in Social Services. However, Cristina (Mrs I) felt more than blessed when she started to work at BCA, having shown her skills, experience and care for neurodivergent students and not only. She is happily married to Ike (Mr.I), has two step adult children and three, blessed, joyful grandchildren.
Cristina enjoys ongoing learning experience while at BCA, loves and cares for her grandchildren, loves outdoor activities, good books, Christian worship and volunteering to Church programs in Burlington.

 

Emily Lazzaro – Educational Assistant

Emily is excited to be teaching math in resource this year! She joined the BCA family last year, serving as a teaching assistant and Bible teacher. Prior to that, she taught JK and grade 8 homeroom classes at other schools in the GTA, and has loved working with students throughout their entire elementary school journey. Emily has a B.Sc. in biology and B.Ed. from York University, and strives to be a lifelong learner - sometimes that means attending professional development opportunities, and sometimes that looks like diving into scripture with her church small group or trying to learn a new language on Duolingo with her husband. She is also excited to be overseeing the Bobcat Bugle, BCA’s student newspaper, alongside Michelle Collier this year. When she’s not at school, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to audiobooks, and working with her tutoring students.

Samantha Purdy – Educational Assistant

Samantha joined BCA as an Educational Assistant in 2023. She has a college diploma from Niagara College in Educational Assistant- Special Needs Support as well as finishing courses on Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has worked at HDSB for 10 years with grades K-8 and specializes in behavioural and life skills classes. When she is not at work, she enjoys being a youth leader at her church, hanging out with her husband and cat, playing in her bowling league, and being with friends.

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Jubilee Rowe - Educational Assistant, English as a Second Language, Aftercare Leader

Jubilee is excited to join BCA this year in teaching English as Second Language, leading Aftercare, and as an Educational Assistant. She graduated from Vanguard College in Edmonton with a Music and Worship Certificate, and most recently graduated from Master’s College and Seminary with a Bachelor of Theology and Cultural Engagement.
Jubilee has extensive teaching experience, including private music lessons, preschool classes, ESL for newcomers to Canada, ESL for a private Christian school in Peru, children's camps, and children’s Bible lessons at her church. She also has experience working with children of all ages, including children with exceptionalities.
When she’s not at school, Jubilee loves playing with and training her puppy, reading historical novels, and enjoying nature while hiking the beautiful trails in the area.

Eleanor Verstraete – Educational Assistant

This is Mrs. V’s seventh year at BCA as an Educational Assistant. While having a background in Marketing, she became passionate about education after having a child with special needs and successfully navigating the school system. Mrs. V worked at TDSB for 10 years with grades K-12 and specialized in behavioural and DD classes. She then worked at Willowdale Christian School as an EA for 3 years before making a big move to Cambridge from Toronto. She is enjoying the tranquil community with her 3 children Chanel, Carter, Madden, and her husband. She enjoys watching hockey with her family who all support a different team in the NHL.

Hillary Jamieson – School of the Arts

Hillary is a music teacher and educator with experience inteaching church music and a passion for encouraging and enabling her students to develop a love for music. She is an accomplished violinist, an incredible soloist, and an invited guest musician to many churches in the area. She is a certified teacher through the Royal Conservatory of Music, and also a member of the Ontario Music Teachers Guild. In addition to teaching at BCA, she also teaches at various schools and runs her own studio, as well as being a worship leader at Community Church in Waterdown.​