Mrs. Theresa Hafstad
Head of School & Kindergarten
What I love most about CCA is that the class sizes are small. This makes it easier for teachers to really know their students and help them in areas they struggle and push them in areas they excel. The favorite part of my day is first thing in the morning when the day is new and fresh and the anticipation of the amazing things that could happen today! I love books!!! I don't want to hurt other books' feelings by choosing just one!
thafstad@calvarystcloud.org
Jacque Gleisner
Administrative Assistant
I am so thankful my own children get to experience the great classical education they provide here at Calvary Classical Academy. I personally help facilitate CCA in many various ways, including but not limited to office work and substitute teaching.
jgleisner@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Cathy Williamson
Grammar School — First & Second Grades
Teaching at CCA affords teacher and curriculum accountability, encourages like mindedness among staff, and insures doctrinal safety. Did I mention that the class size encourages learning, joy, and a personal touch for students? And did I say we all laugh a lot? Teaching at CCA is the greatest gig of my many years. My favorite part of the day is Bible class, and every time I see an “ah-ha” moment in any subject. My favorite book-that’s a hard one. Being married to a pastor, and having taught for quite a number of years, I’d have to pick favorites from categories: Children’s Humor: “Hank the Cow dog” or “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Dialectic level motivation: “Carry on, Mr. Bowditch “ Theology: (After the Bible): “Delighting in the Trinity”
cwilliamson@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Steph Theis
Grammar School — Third & Fourth Grades
I am excited to be a part of the CCA family. I look forward to getting to know each of the students, especially those in my classroom. It has already been a blessing to join the staff and see the gifts that God has given each person being used to bring Him glory. One of my favorite books is Death by Living by N.D. Wilson. I tried to read it out loud to my husband Mitch and I laughed so hard I cried in Chapter 4.
stheis@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Shannon Trunk
Grammar School — Fifth & Sixth Grades
What I love about classical education is its thoroughly methodical, holistic interconnectedness, subject to subject. As a former private music teacher, the classical model speaks to me on many levels. It is a beautifully intuitive model for effectively imparting information to children! I have a long-time love of teaching elementary children especially; I delight in their curiosity and questions (even the seemingly random ones)! My favorite book, as well as one of my great inspirations as a teacher, is Anne of Green Gables. “Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world.”
strunk@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Christy Freeman
Grammar School — Music & Chapel Worship
A fresh new year! I love the energy that comes at the start of each year, new faces, and the excitement of the returning students. Also, seeing and hearing the students learn and grow in their love for music.
cfreeman@calvarystcloud.org
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Mrs. Emily Nelson
Grammar School — Art
I am looking forward to creating relationships with my peers as well as my students, refining my teaching skills, and learning more about the classical model.
enelson@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Grace Kvanvig
Secondary School — Math, Science, Rhetoric & Logic
My favorite thing about CCA is the pervasiveness of God's Word throughout the day. I love encouraging my students to dig into Scripture in science, logic, and math classes, and I see how it grounds them (and me!) to encounter truth in a variety of ways. It's been a blessing to teach with and learn from the staff at CCA; it's truly a family. My favorite book is The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton, and I reread it every year!
gkvanvig@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Olivia Langley
Secondary School — Writing, Latin, Language Arts, & Grammar
It is very hard to choose just one thing I like about CCA, but I love the "light-bulb" moments in the classroom when students "get it" and want to explore more and ask more questions. I love being a lead learner. My favorite part of my day is standing in front of my Latin class and seeing the effects of training another generation of young minds to see the world through a language that shaped Western culture. My favorite book is "Emma" by Jane Austen. Emma Woodhouse is a witty, inquisitive, refreshingly-imperfect heroine, and I see much of myself in her.
olangley@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Abby Vollmer
Secondary School — Omnibus
I love the students and staff of CCA. I especially like how we encourage each other to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! My favorite part of the day is when I get to work one on one with students or when students are collaborating with each other. I love to see students encourage and support one another. Two of my favorite books are "This Side of Paradise" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck.
avollmer@calvarystcloud.org
Mr. Mark Pelham
Secondary School — Math & Logic I
I’m passionate about helping students appreciate the wonders of God’s creation and understand His character through it. With a background as a retired fisheries biologist at the Minnesota DNR and degrees in Biology and Ecology from Iowa State, I’m dedicated to fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. My goal is to guide students into becoming mature disciples of Jesus, and as I begin my fourth year of teaching here, I can’t help but wish my own kids had such a fantastic educational option. My wife and I live in Sartell and are active members of Calvary
mpelham@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Julie Mertz
Secondary School — Home Economics
From the first day that I walked into CCA, I could tell it was a special place. After spending time there interacting with the teachers and the students, I saw what makes it so special--it is a work of God, His school. Every year He faithfully provides all that is necessary for the school: the facility, the finances, the staff and the students. He does this so CCA can be a light to the St. Cloud area. As a teacher, it is exciting to be part of this work that God has begun, where He is taught, honored and glorified every day. My "favorite" book tends to be the one I am reading at the moment, which is True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer.
jmertz@calvarystcloud.org
Josh Johnson
Secondary School — Bible
Josh, who serves as the Student Pastor, grew up attending Calvary Community Church and began his journey in ministry by volunteering in the Student Ministry. He considers it a privilege to witness God’s work in the lives of students and is passionate about helping them trust in the promises of Jesus and find a community that encourages them—especially after walking through his own challenging high school years. Josh and his wife, Rachel, enjoy serving together in student ministry and spending time with their three children: Tatum, Peyton, and Cooper, along with their energetic husky, Everest. Tatum and Peyton attend Calvary Classical School. In his free time, Josh enjoys golfing in the summer, playing pond hockey in the winter, and watching a good movie with family and friends.
josh@calvarystcloud.org
Blake Burton
Secondary School — Bible
Blake serves as the Adult Pastor at Calvary Community Church. He first came to Calvary in 2006 while attending St. Cloud State University and began volunteering with the Student Ministry, where he felt called into pastoral ministry. After earning his degree, he worked as a financial analyst while pursuing his M.Div. in Biblical Counseling through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 2019. He joined Calvary’s pastoral staff in 2023. Blake and his wife, Kayleen, have been married since 2011 and enjoy outdoor activities, traveling, and CrossFit. Blake is a food enthusiast on a quest for Minnesota’s best cheeseburger.
blake@calvarystcloud.org
Mrs. Krystin Sutherland
Secondary School — Art
I am looking forward to building community within the school and being with other Christians and like-minded families. I am also looking forward to planning creative lessons to bring learning to life. One of my biggest goals as a teacher is to create wonder and inspire my students to love learning. When it comes to books, I have many favorites and most of them I have read to my students! I love “The 21 Balloons,” “The Family Under the Bridge,” “Tuck Everlasting,” and “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.”
