Mrs. Donna Squires - Calvary Academy Founder    

Mrs. Donna Squires served Calvary Church, Calvary Day Care, and Calvary Academy for over 50 years. At the end of the 2020/2021 school year, Mrs. Squires retired from her position as Calvary Academy Education Administrator. 

On August 25, 1977, Calvary Academy opened its doors with 121 students in Kindergarten through the 8th grade with Mrs. Donna Squires as the Education Director overseeing both the Academy and the Day Care. To accomodate the rapid growth and success of the first year, it was decided to build a new facility for Calvary Academy (the current education building) and to add an additional high school class each year, starting with the 9th grade. In May of 1982, Mrs. Donna Squires recognized Calvary Academy's first graduating class. 

Over the next 40 years, Mrs. Donna Squires continued to lead Calvary Academy to provide our community a legacy of learning through academic excellence delivered though a Christian worldview. Under Donna's leadership, the Academy welcomed hundreds of students and has seen graduates succeed in academics, athletics, careers, and ministries all over the world. 

We are grateful for Mrs. Squires unwavering commitment to the ministries of Calvary Church, Calvary Day Care, and Calvary Academy. Her genuine love and persistent prayers for teachers, students, and families will continue to minister to the lives of children in our community and beyond for generations. 

Mrs. Squires is married to Bob and they have three daughters: Lisa, Stephanie, and Shannon. Her favorite scripture is Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

Dr. Jay Hinckley - Superintendent and Senior Bible        

Dr. Hinckley graduated from Evangel College in 1987 with a major in Social Science, a concentration in History, and a minor in Communication and is a life time member of PI Gamma Mu. He is certified to teach elementary self-contained classes (K-8th) as well as junior high and high school social science and English. His first teaching job in 1987 was in Girard, and he joined the Calvary Academy staff in 1988. Dr. Hinckley completed his Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 1997, was named the principal of Calvary Academy in 1998, and became Superintendent of Calvary Academy in 2021 after Mrs. Donna Squires retired. In 2008, he graduated with his Doctor of Biblical Studies in Theology from Master’s International University of Divinity. Dr. Hinckley has taught a myriad of courses during his many years at Calvary but currently teaches the senior Bible class. He is married to Amy, and they have three sons, Jeremiah, Jesse, and Micah and enjoys spending time with his granddaughters. Dr. Hinckley’s favorite Bible verse is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6.

Email: jhinckley@caspringfield.org • Extension: 237 

Mrs. Jessica Smith, MA, EdS - Principal       

Mrs. Jessica Smith graduated from Calvary Academy in 2005. She went on to attend Evangel University where she graduated suma cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies and Psychology. Upon graduating, she was recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Graduate in Psychology and the 2009 Department of Theology Outstanding Graduate.  From 2009 to 2010, Mrs. Smith worked full-time at Calvary Church as a student ministry associate. In the fall of 2010, Mrs. Smith entered graduate school at Ball State University to study School Psychology. During her graduate studies, Mrs. Smith was awarded a graduate assistantship and a graduate merit fellowship by the School Psychology department. Mrs. Smith completed her school psychology internship during the 2012-2013 school year with Sangamon Area Special Education District (SASED), while simultaneously serving as Calvary Church’s junior high pastor. Upon completing her School Psychology licensure requirements, Mrs. Smith began employment at Sangamon Area Special Education District as a School Psychologist. During her eight years with SASED, she served the North Mac School District, Tri-City School District, and Athens School District. Mrs. Smith exceeded her expected duties with SASED by implementing a character education and bullying prevention curriculum at Tri-City Elementary School, mentoring new staff, serving as a homeless liaison, and leading in SASED’s teacher union as an elected officer. Additionally, she completed the Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate program through the University of Illinois Springfield in May 2021 and received her school administrator licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education in July 2021.

Mrs. Smith served as a youth leader for Calvary Church’s youth ministry from 2006 to 2017 and she currently leads a small group Bible study and continues to serve as a part of Calvary Church Vacation Bible School leadership . Upon becoming a parent, she began to develop a passion for connecting with fellow parents and joining with them on their parenting journey. Mrs. Smith believes that every child is important and that every child needs a village of Christ-loving adults praying for them and guiding them through their developmental years. Her desire is to provide support to Calvary Academy parents and guidance to Calvary Academy staff as we all work together to raise children who know and love Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Smith married Andy Smith in 2014 and together they are parents to Star and Hattie - both attending Calvary Academy - and expecting their first son the summer of 2021. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 71:17-18 – Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Email: jsmith@caspringfield.org • Extension: 240

Mrs. Brittany Welk – Athletic Director

Brittany Welk serves as our Athletic Director at Calvary Academy and teaches select high school math courses. She has been on staff as a teacher at Calvary since the fall of 2004, and became Athletic Director in 2011. Brittany was a key component to the start and development of the girls’ basketball program at Calvary Academy. In her first year, she coached the first school-sponsored girls’ basketball team at Calvary Academy. In 2006, she coached the first IESA girls’ basketball team and they went on to win the 7th grade State Championship in their first year and repeated as State Champions in 2007. In 2012, Brittany stepped down from coaching to focus on the Athletic Director position. Since 2012, Calvary Academy has brought back Junior High and High School track and  Varsity boys’ soccer. Brittany worked to strengthen our CABLE summer basketball league which has been at full capacity for multiple summers. Brittany attended Lincoln Christian University where she played soccer for two years and basketball all four years. She was selected to be inducted into the LCU Hall of Fame in February 2013. She holds various records at LCU, including the career scoring record. Brittany is married to Doug, who is also on staff at Calvary, and they have one daughter, Mykah. Brittany is honored to be the Athletic Director. She is passionate about using athletics as a method to teach young people more about Christ and as a way to reach out in the community.

Email: bwelk@caspringfield.org • Extension: 242

Mrs. Jeannie Martin – Business Associate

Mrs. Martin joined our staff in 2001 and is currently our Business Associate.  Her main responsibility is to manage tuition payments and assist parents in the process.  Mrs. Martin has been married to her husband Ed since 1984.  They have three adult children, Ashley, Jared, and Amanda, all graduates of Calvary Academy and three grandchildren. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 119:114 "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." 

Email: jmartin@caspringfield.org • Extension: 239

Ms. Jeannie March – Receptionist/Office Manager

Ms. March joined our staff in 2015 as the Academy Receptionist. She added the responsibilites of Office Manager to her position at the beginning of the 2020/2021 school year. Jeannie has 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Jeannie loves interacting with all of the Calvary Academy students and assisting parents every day.

Email: jmarch@caspringfield.org • Extension: 245

Mrs. Cindy Fox – Junior Kindergarten

Mrs. Cindy Fox teaches Junior Kindergarten at Calvary Academy. She attended Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania from 1980-83 where she met her husband Dave. Married in 1984, they have two adult children, Emily and Adam (wife Elisa) and two grandsons. Teaching has always been a passion of Mrs. Fox's; she's done so in the church setting since 1980. She also previously taught at Berean Baptist Academy (1st and 2nd grade) and Preschool. One of her favorite Bible verses is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Email: cfox@caspringfield.org • Extension: 243

Learn more about Junior Kindergarten

Mrs. Tina Schmitt – Junior Kindergarten

Mrs. Schmitt teaches Junior Kindergarten at Calvary Academy. Mrs. Schmitt joined the Academy staff in the fall of 2003. She graduated from Parkland College in December of 1990 with an early childhood degree. She received the “Friend of a Child Award” given by the East Central Illinois Association for Education of Young Children. It is her desire for the students to not only receive a quality education but to be nurtured in the knowledge and the love of Jesus. Mrs. Schmitt is married to Andy Schmitt.They have three daughters (Katelyn, Claire, and Cassandra) who have all graduated from Calvary Academy. One of Mrs. Schmitt’s favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Email: tschmitt@caspringfield.org • Extension: 226

Learn more about Junior Kindergarten

Ms. Ellen Meyer – Kindergarten

Ms. Meyer is the Kindergarten teacher at Calvary Academy. Mrs. Meyer graduated from Lincoln Land Community College in July of 2000 with an Associate’s Degree, majoring in Elementary Education, and from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2002, having completed the Teacher Education Program and with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She became certified in 2002 as an elementary teacher. Ms. Meyer joined the teaching staff at Calvary Academy in 2002. She is  mother to Ryland, Autumn, and Rayden, all CA gradutes, and has two grandchildren, Lillith and Jack. 

Email: emeyer@caspringfield.org • Extension: 238

Learn more about Kindergarten

Mrs. Shelly Kuchar – 1st Grade

Mrs. Kuchar received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She began teaching fifth grade at Calvary Academy in 1998. She then moved to the first grade teaching position in 2007. Her love for children started when she began working in the Preschool Department of her church at age thirteen. Mrs. Kuchar is married to Jeff Kuchar, a Calvary Academy graduate. Their two sons, Austin, 2019 CA Graduate, and Jared. Mrs. Kuchar’s favorite Bible verse is Mark 10:16, “Then He (Jesus) took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them."

Email: skuchar@caspringfield.org • Extension: 222

Learn more about First Grade

Mrs. Alisha Worley – 2nd Grade

Mrs. Worley joined the staff of Calvary Academy in the fall of 2012. She graduated from Blackburn College in 2008 with a degree in Elementary Education and a Middle School endorsement in English/Language Arts. She taught 2nd grade for two years in Riverton. Mrs. Worley is married and has three children: Amelia, Ada, and Abbott. She enjoys reading, singing and hanging out with her family. She is very excited to be working with students and faculty at Calvary. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6, which reminds her not to worry, but to thank God and go to Him in prayer in everything.

Email: aworley@caspringfield.org • Extension: 277

Learn more about Second Grade

Mrs. Ashley McQuillan - 3rd Grade

Mrs. McQuillan graduated from Illinois College in 2007 with a degree in Education, with endorsements in Social Studies and English. She received her master’s degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Ashley has thirteen years' teaching experience including grades 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 6th grade English and 8th grade U.S. History. She is delighted to be joining the staff at Calvary as the 3rd grade teacher. She resides in Pleasant Plains with her husband, Devin, and their four daughters. Her favorite verse is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Email: amcquillan@caspringfield.org • Extension: 263

Learn more about Third Grade

Mrs. Kasey Miller – 4th Grade

Mrs. Miller is originally from Tennessee and moved to the Springfield area nine years ago after marrying her husband, Ryan. They have five children: Reed, Tess, Gray, Kora, and Beau. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2005 with her bachelor’s in Psychology and received her teacher’s certificate in elementary education in 2009. She has served as a Christian camp counselor, Bible class teacher, daycare provider, substitute teacher, and tutor. Her favorite Bible verse is “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Email: 4thGrade@caspringfield.org • Extension: 266

Learn more about Fourth Grade

Mrs. Cari Netheron – 4th Grade

Mrs. Netherton graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She moved to Springfield in 2010 after marrying her husband and they now have three children who attend Calvary Academy. Mrs. Netherton began working at Calvary Academy in the fall of 2013. Mrs. Netherton’s favorite verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Email: 4thGrade@caspringfield.org • Extension: 266

Learn more about Fourth Grade

Mrs. Mary Ferris - 5th Grade

Mrs. Ferris graduated from Lincoln Christian University & Greenville University through the UTEP program earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education spring of 2020. She and her husband, Neil (2016 Calvary graduate) were married in 2019. Mrs. Ferris enjoys cooking & baking, photography, painting, and riding her horses in her free time. Her favorite scripture verse is Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Email: mferris@caspringfield.org • Extension: 260

Learn more about Fifth Grade

Mrs. Jordan Sanders – 6th Grade

Mrs. Sanders is the Pre-School teacher at Calvary Academy. Before joining the Calvary Academy staff in 2022, she spent many years working with preschool children in a daycare setting. She has been pursuing her education in early childhood and elementary education. Mrs. Sanders is also the Calvary Academy High School Cheerleading Coach and boasts many years in competitive cheerleading. She and her husband have four wonderful children. Mrs. Sanders also enjoys arts and crafts when she has time!

Email: jsanders@caspringfield.org • Extension: 259

Learn more about Sixth Grade

Mr. Ben Brown – JH Science, Bible, and Art

Mr. Brown received his teaching degree from the University of Illinois. He has worked in the Riverton School District, and District 186. Mr. Brown has taught Jr. High Science and Art at Calvary since 1988.  Mr. Brown, and his wife, Beth, have two daughters who graduated from Calvary Academy, Susan Lintvet, and Hannah Andhalt.  They also have three grandsons, Levi, Elliot, and Amos, and one granddaughter, Hattie. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 51:16-17, “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.”

Email: bbrown@caspringfield.org • Extension: 258

Mrs. Becky England – Elementary and High School Spanish • Vertical Extreme Director

Becky England graduated from Greenville College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. She has taught both Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade Spanish and high school Spanish at Calvary Academy since the fall of 2000 and has served as the Vertical Extreme Director since 2008. She is married to Bryan England. Her life verse is Ephesians 3:20-21, which reminds us that God is infinitely bigger than we understand.

Email: bengland@caspringfield.org • Extension: 252

 Mrs. Christy Noggle – JH and HS Math and HS Science

Mrs. Noggle teaches high school science and junior high and high school math. She graduated from Monmouth College in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education and a concentration in Science. In 1996, she taught math for one year at Monmouth High School and Junior High School. Mrs. Noggle moved to Springfield in 1997 after marrying her husband Eric. She joined Calvary Academy in 1997 and taught math for four years. After three years of being a stay-at–home mom, she returned to teach at the Academy part time in the fall of 2004. In 2007, Mrs. Noggle resumed teaching full time and has been teaching high school science classes since 2009. Mrs. Noggle and her husband have two children, Mallory and Evan, who attended Calvary Academy since Junior Kindergarten and have now both graduated from Calvary Academy. Mrs. Noggle is grateful for the opportunity God has given her to teach at a Christian school where her own faith has grown because of the wonderful Christian teachers and staff she works with.  Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:12-14.

Email: cnoggle@caspringfield.org • Extension: 255

Mrs. Brooklyn Harnacke – P.E., Health, and Consumer Education

Brooklyn Harnacke received an Associate’s Degree from Parkland College, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  Coach Harnacke played volleyball at Parkland College and Souther Illinois Carbondale. She was inducted into the Parkland College Hall of Fame in 2012. She started teaching at Calvary Academy in the fall of 2010. She is the high school volleyball coach and junior high track coach. She married Jaron Harnacke in 2016 and they have one son, Brantley, and a husky mix dog, Zoey. Mrs. Harnacke is also the proud aunt of Mykah Welk, Gabe Harnacke, and Brielle Harnacke. Mrs. Harnacke's favorite scripture is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. “

Email: bharnacke@caspringfield.org • Extension: 238

Dr. Kendra Watts – 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade English

Dr. Watts received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Science Degree from the University of Memphis, and Clinical Doctorate from the University of Florida. She has lived in Springfield area since 2001 with her husband, Rodger, and their children, Savannah and Mitchell, and their two dogs, Stella and Lilo. Savannah is a graduate of Calvary Academy and Mitchell is a high school student at Calvary Academy. Dr. Watts is also the Calvary Academy JH Track Coach. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:6, “Seek God’s will in all that you do and He will direct your path.”

Email: kwatts@caspringfield.org • Extension: 249

Mr. Doug Welk – HS History and JH Bible

Mr. Douglas Welk is a graduate of Rochester High School.  He earned his  Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois Springfield in May of 2002.  Doug felt led to go into ministry and received his Master of Divinity in General Bible from Lincoln Christian University in May of 2007.  Doug is married to Brittany (Robbins) Welk, who is the Athletic Director at Calvary Academy, and they have one daughter, Mykah, who attends Calvary Academy.  Doug teaches Civics, American History, World History, High School Bible, and 8th Grade Bible. He is also the assistant coach for HS Soccer. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 3:12-16.

Email: dwelk@caspringfield.org • Extension: 252

Mr. Dan Wetter – Computers

Mr. Dan Wetter is the computer teacher at Calvary Academy. He graduated from Evangel in 2000 with a major in elementary education and a minor in physical education. He taught 4th grade from 2000-2007, facilitated science from 2007-2009, and has taught computer since 2007.

Email: dwetter@caspringfield.org • Extension: 253

Mrs. Shannon Wetter – HS Math

Mrs. Shannon (Squires) Wetter is a graduate of Calvary Academy. She earned an A.A. degree from SCI. In 1998 she graduated summa cum laude from Evangel with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. In the fall of 1998 she married Dan Wetter and moved to Springfield, Missouri. Her first teaching position was at Marionville High School in Missouri. In 1999, Mr. and Mrs. Wetter moved back to Illinois, and she began teaching high school math at Calvary Academy in the fall of 1999. She currently teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Calculus, Advanced Math, and Geometry for High School. She is also the the Math dept. chair. Mr. and Mrs. Wetter’s daughters, Alexia and Anna have graduated from Calvary Academy, and their son, Luke, currently attends Calvary Academy.  Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11,” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Email: swetter@caspringfield.org • Extension: 246