Rob Lofthouse – Principal

Rob attended the University of Waterloo where he attained his Bachelor of Science and completed his Bachelor of Education at the University of Western. He went to further his education by attaining his Masters of Theological Studies at Tyndale University and his Master of Educational Leadership at York University. 

Rob first started his career in Ministry where he served as an Associate Pastor for a church in Niagara Falls. After serving for a year, he realized his true passion was within education and he pursued a career in teaching for 13 years.  The last three years were in the Cayman Islands where he developed a science program.  He returned in the summers to continue his studies and complete his principal's qualifications.  He returned from the Caribbean to begin his administrative career where he served as Principal at Peoples Christian Academy, Oakville Christian School, Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, and at Maranatha Christian Academy in Windsor. 

Rob has a proven track record with leading and developing Christian schools and understanding the foundation and objectives they require to succeed. His “hands on” approach and relationship-style leadership is shown through every interaction he has among his staff, administration, Board of Directors, and most importantly, among his students. Rob also has a passion for sports and has strong affiliations with A.C.S.I and P.E.R.C. where he continues to speak at conventions. 

Rob believes that all of the successes and accomplishments that he has attained in his career is because of his Faith in God. It is only through His wisdom and direction that God has blessed Rob in his educational leadership. A verse that continues to be a guiding passage for Rob is 1 Chronicles 28:20. “Do not be frightened by the size of the task. For the Lord your God is with you. He will never leave or forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.” 

Rob has been married to his wife Mary for 30 years and they have three children; all currently enrolled in university. Rob enjoys almost every sporting activity, but loves summer when he can be outside golfing, boating, skiing and travelling. 

Rob is thrilled to be back to the Niagara area where both Mary and Rob grew up and where both their families reside.  The area has changed significantly since then, but they are looking forward to being close to family, reconnecting with old friends and excited to build new long-lasting relationships. 

Rob started at BCA in the fall of 2020 and is excited for the direction that the Lord will the school.

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Diana St. John – Office Administrator

This is Diana's fifth year at BCA and she is excited to be working as the Office Administrator. Diana has several years of experience working in the Corporate sector as well as many years of experience working for a non-profit organization that assisted individuals with disabilities. Diana is fluent in American Sign Language and enjoys yoga and cooking for family and friends. Any free time is spent being a "Dance Mom" to daughter Ella (BCA Alumnus) who is currently in Grade 12.

Lyn MacLeod – Accounting

Jen Bye – Junior Kindergarten

Jen is looking forward to her 13th year of teaching at BCA. She has a B.A and B.Ed from Redeemer University College and has also taken the following additional qualifications courses: Reading Part 1, Kindergarten Part 1 and recently completed her Special Education Specialist. Jen enjoys being involved in a variety of church activities, including being the leader of a women’s Book Club, attending a weekly Bible study, playing 1st cornet in the Salvation Army Mountain Citadel Band and serves on three committees. Jen enjoys reading, swimming, crocheting and spending time at the cottage

Kailey Fisher – Senior Kindergarten

This is Kailey’s third year at BCA. She has a BA (Hons) in Sociology from Queen’s University, a PGCE in Primary Education from Cardiff Metropolitian University in Wales, UK, and she recently completed her Kindergarten Part 1 Additional Qualification. Kailey’s heart is for working with and developing youth, which began during her many summers spent serving on staff at Muskoka Woods. Kailey has been so thrilled to return back to BCA after spending time living and studying in the United Kingdom. Kailey is passionate about the fact that all children have a right to learn and belong within the classroom, which is what makes her especially excited about her current role in Senior Kindergarten. She looks forward to the opportunities to support these young students as they develop. When she is not at BCA, Kailey can often be found catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or out on a walk with her labrador retriever

Brie Chapman – Grade One

Brie is excited to be teaching Grade 1 this year! She has been part of our BCA family for 10 years 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. They have been married for 36 years and they have four grown up children, 2 who live in Ontario and 2 live in BC. He has 3 grandchildren and one on the way!

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 17 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 Seven Homeroom, 6-8 Language Arts, Academic Director

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 as well as 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 that they just can’t put down. She looks forward to hooking students on reading every year. Shannon enjoys teaching at BCA where she is able to share her love of God with her students. 

In addition to teaching at BCA, Shannon leads the tri-school competitions, and Remembrance Day poster contest, organizes chapel speakers, coordinates professional development for teachers, and oversees curriculum and diagnostic testing.

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.

 

Madame Natalie – French (JK - Gr. 4)

Tashana Cain – French (Gr. 5 - 8)

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 25th 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.

Josie Burgess – Educational Assistant

Josie has worked at BCA as an Educational Assistant since 2019. She also runs the Before Care program. Josie has a BASc in Child, Youth & Family, a certificate in Children’s Mental Health and her TEFL certification. She has experience working with children through camps, drop-in programs, schools and tutoring. Josie enjoys her role as an EA because it allows her to support students individually to help them see and reach their full potential. In her free time, she enjoys photography, kayaking, hiking, serving at her church, travelling, and playing the ukulele.

Jules Comacho – Educational Assistant

Farah Deeb – Educational Assistant

Jennifer Grigsby – Educational Assistant

Avril Helfer – Educational Assistant

I am a qualified teacher from South Africa.  I moved to Canada in 2019, but have spent the last 2 and a half years homeschooling my son.  I will be working as an EA with several different children across the grades this year.  Being in a Christian Educational environment again is the biggest blessing!

Cristina Ivosev – Educational Assistant

Stephanie Konefal – Educational Assistant

Stephanie Konefal has been an educational assistant with BCA for six years. After she received her BA from Brock University she began to volunteer and work with Erin Oak Kids where she truly found her calling for becoming an EA. She is happy to be a member of the BCA learning community and looks forward to this new year. When she’s not working with students, playing guitar in chapel, or helping in the classroom, Stephanie can be found at the movies or front row to see her favourite bands.

Emily Lazzaro – Educational Assistant

Samantha Purdy – Educational Assistant

This is Samantha's first year at BCA as an Educational Assistant. Samantha 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.

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.

Scott Marsh – School of the Arts

Scott is a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist and instructor with certification from The Royal Conservatory of Music. He has an extensive
background in live performance in varying genres including traditional and contemporary Christian music along with rock, funk, soul, country, disco, metal, rap, and everything in between. He prides himself on his skilled ear training; being able to hear a song and learn it quickly on the spot is right in his comfort zone. With experience performing live for nearly 20 years and teaching for well over 10, Scott is a versatile and dynamic musician that works well with students of all ages and strives to make music a compelling and fun experience!