Teachers & Staff

Kindergarten Teacher

Brittany Jonker

Brad and Mrs. Jonker have been married since 2010. They have two daughters, Harlee and Regan, who attend NLCA, and a younger son, Silas, who is still at home. Mrs. Jonker's favorite Bible story is Moses crossing the Red Sea. She enjoys gardening and journaling. She has been teaching since 2009, spending nine years as a Reading Specialist and the rest in kindergarten.

Kindergarten TA

Barb Salisbury

1st Grade Teacher

Christy Segura

Miss Segura has lived in Gardner for nine years and loves being part of the community. She enjoys reading, dancing, playing volleyball, or anything that involves spending time with others. After nine years in public education, she was thrilled to help open the school two years ago.

1st Grade TA

Sandra Hager

2nd Grade Teacher

Nicole Ward

Michael and Mrs. Ward have been married for 17 years. Their daughter, Mikenna (16), is a junior at GEHS, and her twin sisters, Myla and Maci (10), are in 5th grade at NLCA. Mrs. Ward’s favorite Bible story is about Queen Esther and how her bravery saved an entire nation. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family, working out, baking, and watching movies.

2nd Grade TA & Music Teacher

Valerie Pogemiller

3rd Grade Teacher

Amanda Preston

My journey to education began as a child playing school in my backyard in Nebraska. From there, I traveled to MidAmerica Nazarene University, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I began my teaching career in second grade. My next stop took me on an endeavor to earn my Masters of Education in School Library Media and become a school librarian. During this part of the journey, I worked with students in kindergarten through fifth grades on a variety of subjects and topics. My journey is also full of volunteering at church teaching kids’ Sunday School, helping lead Vacation Bible School, and developing prayer stations at summer camp. No matter what teaching situation I find myself in, it is my goal to represent Christ and for every student to feel connected and capable. I am excited to see what adventures await on this new part of my journey!

3rd Grade TA

Jessa Leach

4th Grade Teacher

Elizabeth Stone

Liz recently got married and has officially become Mrs. Stone! This will be her 6th year teaching and second year at NLCA. She has loved getting to witness all the amazing things that God is doing here and can't wait to see what God has in store for next year! When not teaching Liz enjoys hiking and spending time with friends and family.

5th Grade Teacher

Ann Thompson

Eric and Mrs. Thompson have been married for five years. Mrs. Thompson has taught 5th grade in both Kansas and Oklahoma over the past seven years. She enjoys crocheting, reading, and exercising.

4th/5th Grade TA

Richelle Hansen

6th Grade Teacher

Becky DeNoon

Mrs. DeNoon lives in Gardner with her husband Vern. She loves to spend time with her granddaughter Sadie, laughing at her two goofy pets Jethro and Betty Boop, and is a die-hard Chiefs fan!

Encounter Teacher

Calyn K-O

Mrs. K-O has been facilitating and coordinating learning for her four sons over the last 20 years, as well as teaching and volunteering in various academic settings. She enjoys learning and helping others learn. One of her favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:19 as it reminds her that our God is faithful to supply our needs. In her free time, Mrs. K-O loves to participate in outdoor activities with family and friends. She especially enjoys watching sunsets and chickens!

Art Teacher

Stephanie Dulin

Spanish Teacher

Jenny Yust

Reading Specialist

Debbie Williams

Athletics & Advancement Coordinator & PE Teacher

Brad Jonker

Tech Director

Allen Vonderschmidt

Office Manager

Suzanne Erwin

Admissions & Marketing Coordinator

Ali Mays

Receptionist

Tara Johnson

Meet Our Team!

The NLCA School Board will consist of five members ranging from parents of students, community education leaders, and staff from our partner New Life Community Church. They will serve as vision casters and direction setters for the school's Director, making sure NLCA is on track to mirror God's vision for the school and His students. A five person Board is in full swing for the 2025-2026 school year.

Vision casters and policy makers:

NLCA Schoolboard

Meredith is a spirit-led leader with experience in education since 2007. Over a decade of her career has been dedicated to work as an elementary classroom teacher in both the public and private school settings. Each of these experiences has provided her with a breadth of knowledge and excitement for school leadership. Meredith’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Emporia State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. Driven by the belief that all children are a gift from the Lord, she is passionate about partnering with believing families to foster academic excellence and spiritual growth. She is strongly committed to creating an environment at New Life Christian Academy that helps children learn and apply God’s ways. Meredith and her husband, Curtis, have two children and love spending time together as a family. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, quilting, board games, and the great outdoors.

NLCA Head of School:

Meredith Hall

Join the Team!

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