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 accommodate 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 lifetime 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 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 he 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: 141 

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 summa 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 (CA Class of 2022), Hattie, and Emil. 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: 144

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.  Under her leadership, more added sports include varsity boys' and girls' cross country, varsity girls' soccer, and bowling.  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: 142

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: 147

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 two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  Jeannie loves interacting with all of the Calvary Academy students and assisting parents every day.

Email: jmarch@caspringfield.org • Extension: 143

Mrs. Sandra Nunes- Pre-School

Mrs. Nunes became the Calvary Academy Pre-School teacher in 2023.  She earned a bachelor's degree from Robert Morris College, studying both graphic design and early childhood development.  She has 12 years of experience in early childhood education, including as an assistant director and director at other area childhood learning centers, and then as a teacher for two-year-olds at Calvary Day Care.  Mrs. Nunes married her husband Jeremy in 2013.  They have two children, Eli and Mia, who attend Calvary Academy.  When Mrs. Nunes is not at Calvary, you can probably find her in her garden.

Email: snunes@caspringfield.org • Extension: 139

Learn more about Pre-School

Mrs. Ellen Cook – Junior Kindergarten and Reading Specialist

Mrs. Cook is one of the Junior Kindergarten teachers at Calvary Academy.  Mrs. Cook graduated from Lincoln Land Community College in July of 2000 with an associate 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.  Mrs. Cook joined the teaching staff at Calvary Academy in 2002.  Since August 2023, Mrs. Cook has also served as Title I Reading Specialist assigned by District 186 as a resource to Calvary Academy students to support reading and spelling success. She and her husband, Sean, have 6 children - three who are CA graduates, and two grandchildren, Lilith and Jack, who currently attend Calvary Academy. 

Email: ecook@caspringfield.org • Extension: 169

Learn more about Jr. Kindergarten

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: 167

Learn more about Jr. Kindergarten

Mrs. Erin Abel- Kindergarten

Mrs. Abel joined Calvary Academy as the kindergarten teacher in 2023.  She attended St. Louis Christian College for two years and later received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Greenville University.  Since graduating, she has taught for 12 years, including as a preschool teacher at her home church, Lakeside Christian Church.  Her love and enthusiasm for teaching, with a passion for Christ, is what brought her to Calvary Academy.  Mrs. Abel lives in Springfield with her husband Todd and their daughters, Claire and Katelyn.  They have four dogs: Daisy, Buddy, Chewy, and Minnie.  Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Mrs. Abel says that the fact that God never changes, as the world around us continues to change, gives her extraordinary peace.

Email: eabel@caspringfield.org • Extension: 165

Learn more about Kindergarten

Mrs. Shelly Kuchar – 1st Grade

Mrs. Kuchar received her Bachelor 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.  They have 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: 163

Learn more about First Grade

Mrs. Brianna Clemons- 2nd Grade

Brianna Clemons graduated from Calvary Academy in 2011.  She studied worship arts at Lincoln Christian University and early education at Lincoln Land Community College.  She is a member of Calvary Church, where she is a member of the Worship Arts team.  Mrs. Clemons is married to Michael Clemons, and they have three beautiful children: Aliyah, Michael and Ezra.  Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Email: bclemons@caspringfield.org • Extension: 271

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 of Arts Degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.  Ashley had thirteen years' teaching experience including grades 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 6th-grade English and 8th-grade U.S. history before joining the staff of Calvary Academy in 2021.  She is delighted to be part of the staff at Calvary as the 3rd grade teacher.  She and her husband, Devin, have four daughters - Sophia, Nevaeh, Eleanor, and Audra - who all attend Calvary Academy.  Her favorite verse is Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Email: amcquillan@caspringfield.org • Extension: 273

Learn more about Third Grade

Mrs. Kasey Miller – 4th Grade

Mrs. Miller is originally from Tennessee and moved to the Springfield area after marrying her husband, Ryan.  They have five children: Reed, Tess, Gray, Kora, and Beau.  She graduated from the University of Illinois 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: 275

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: 275

Learn more about Fourth Grade

Mrs. Brittney Roughley - 5th Grade

Before joining the Calvary Academy faculty, Mrs. Roughley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, and was working in the dental field for 18 years.  She is currently being certified by Illinois Association of Christian Teachers and Schools.  Brittney and her husband Josh have twin sons, Vincent and Pierson, who are Calvary Academy students.  She has attended Calvary Church for almost 40 years.  Her involvement includes singing with the Calvary Church choir, helping with local mission outreaches, participating in a monthly moms' Bible study/small group, and was a facilitator with her husband for a Rooted group.  Her favorite scripture is I Corinthians 13:4-8: "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."

Email: broughley@caspringfield.org • Extension: 267

Learn more about Fifth Grade

 Mr. Matt Blackford – JH & HS Math, JH History

Mr. Blackford joined the staff of Calvary Academy in 2013.  He received his degree from the University of Illinois Springfield.  Mr. Blackford and his wife Lesley have four sons.  Two of their sons, Alec and Isaac, are graduates of Calvary Academy; and two of their sons, Luke, and Joshua Long, are currently juniors at Calvary.  They also have a grandson!  Mr. Blackford is a longtime assistant coach of Saints high school basketball.  His favorite verse is Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Email:mblackford@caspringfield.org • Extension: 232

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 junior 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: 265

Mrs. Scarlett Burba – JH English

Before joining the faculty at Calvary Academy in 2024, Mrs. Burba helped with the CA Performing Arts department, including the high school musicals and Christmas concerts.  She has also served as the Children's Minister at Williamsville Christian Church since 2015.  Mrs. Burba and her husband have been married since 2015 and have two wonderful children, who attend Calvary Academy.  Her favorite things include acting, reading, baking, and spending time with her family.  She is very excited to be working with students and faculty at Calvary.  One of her favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Email: sburba@caspringfield.org • Extension: 230

Mrs. Becky England – Elementary and HS 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: 239

Mrs. Kaitlynn Houchin – Performing Arts

Mrs. Houchin is originally from Collinsville, IL, and moved to Springfield after marrying her husband Craig in 2019.  She graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in music, with emphasis in worship and percussion.  Mrs. Houchin and her husband both volunteer for their church's worship team, helping with music and technology.  During her free time she enjoys sewing, binge-watching her favorite shows, and spending time with her family.  She and her husband have a daughter Elliana and a cavapoo named Zoe.  Mrs. Houchin's favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Email:khouchin@caspringfield.org • Extension: 231

Mrs. Brooklyn Harnacke – PE, Health, and Consumer Education

Brooklyn Harnacke received an associate degree from Parkland College, and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  Coach Harnacke played volleyball at Parkland College and SIU.  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 has coached volleyball, track, and basketball for 14 years.  She married Jaron Harnacke in 2016 and they have two sons, Brantley and Hendricks, and a dog, Mowgli.  Mrs. Harnacke is also the proud aunt of Mykah Welk, Gabe Harnacke, Brielle Harnacke, and Junie Harnacke.  Mrs. Harnacke's favorite scripture is Isaiah 41:10: "So 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: bharnacke@caspringfield.org • Extension: 145

Ms. Katie McElroy- HS English

Ms. McElroy graduated from Cedarville University with a bachelor's degree in English.  She went on to earn her master's degree in teaching from Olivet Nazarene Unversity.  She spent her first six years as a teacher at Calvary Christian Academy in Normal, Illinois, and Pleasant Plains High School.  Ms. McElroy joined Calvary Academy in 2011 and has never felt more at home.  She is proud to have her two children attending the academy and is grateful for the sound academic and Godly education they are receiving.

Email: kmcelroy@caspringfield.org • Extension: 234

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: 264

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 high school soccer.  His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 3:12-16.

Email: dwelk@caspringfield.org • Extension: 262

Mr. Dan Wetter – Computers

Mr. Dan Wetter is the computer teacher at Calvary Academy.  He graduated from Evangel University 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 computers since 2007.

Email: dwetter@caspringfield.org • Extension: 260

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 department 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: 236