+ PASTOR ALFREDO AGUILAR (Jr High Teacher)

Alfredo has been teaching Jr High Bible and Latin to the 1st-6th graders at the academy since 2017. His heart for the Bible began the day he surrendered his life to Jesus April 2001. When the call came to come on staff, he was challenged to be a teacher and to teach the Bible in a school setting. What was more of a stretch was bringing the Latin language back to our academy’s program. Alfredo was willing to answer the call and in doing so he has been blessed beyond measure. Currently, he spends his time with his precious family and studying the Bible and Latin.

+ QUETZALLI ALAVEZ (P.E. Teacher's Aide)

Quetzalli Alavez was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 2002. She gave her life to Jesus when she was eight years old. As she got older, she decided to rededicate her life at Kids Camp in 2013. In 2012, she moved to San Antonio, Texas with her younger sister, Mom, and Dad. Quetzalli had attended public school almost her entire life. In 2014, she was given the opportunity to attend Calvary Chapel Christian Academy and took it. She graduated Valedictorian of her class in 2020. Quetzalli is now a sophomore at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. She gives her time here at the academy as the PE teacher’s aide. Her interests include traveling, photography, starry nights, bears, taking long drives, K-Dramas, K-Pop, and watching movies with her family.

+ DAWN BALLESTEROS (7th grade English Teacher)

Dawn teachers seventh grade English, which includes grammar, spelling, and literature; and she also teaches ninth grade world geography. Dawn was born and raised in Southern California. She was raised in a Christian home and came to know the Lord in her early years in elementary school. The Lord gripped her heart in high school and gave her His heart for the mission field. She graduated from Gospel Light Christian High School in June of 1993. That summer, she left for her first adventure with the Lord on the mission field and traveled to Russia and the Ukraine, bringing the love of Jesus to many elementary school students. The Lord did an amazing transformation in Dawn’s life during that time. She left for the mission field timid and afraid, and returned from the mission field strengthened and renewed in her walk with Jesus. After returning home, Dawn continued her education at Southwestern College. Dawn met Samuel Ballesteros Jr. in an English class during her second semester in college. They married in May of 1998. Nine months later, their daughter, Briele, was born. Sam and Dawn have served in ministry most of their lives, as they grew up in the church. Once they were married, they continued to serve. They began attending Calvary Chapel San Diego in April of 2002. Their second daughter, Erica, was born that June. Dawn sang on the worship team and in the church choir. A year later, an opportunity arose for a missionary outreach in Peru. Once again, Dawn felt the call and left for Peru. It was a new time of growth in the Lord, and it proved to be an amazing adventure. Another year passed and a second opportunity arose to go back to Peru and Dawn went. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are so much greater than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). The Lord began a new chapter in Sam and Dawn’s lives in 2005. He gave them His heart for San Antonio, Texas. This was to be their mission field as a family. The only thing they were certain of, was His calling. Sam and Dawn’s son, Jadon, arrived that Christmas, and by May of 2006, they were packed and moving to the great unknown. Sam and Dawn began serving at Calvary Chapel San Antonio in various ministries, as the Lord led. In September of 2007, their third daughter, Melody was born. By August of 2008, Dawn began teaching at Calvary Chapel Christian Academy. As the years have passed, Dawn has grown in her relationship with the Lord. He has given her His heart for each child she teaches. She has the amazing opportunity to witness these children begin to see and experience who God really is. It is truly one of the greatest blessings in her life.

+ SCOTT BROWN (5th & 6th Grade Teacher)

Scott Brown spent the majority of his adult life in the Army. Scott joined the Army while he was still in high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 6 days after high school graduation in 1988 he was at basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. For the next 27 years he was stationed all over the world including Cuba, Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, and several combat tours in Iraq. He has also been deployed to well over 15 other countries throughout the world. When Scott retired from active duty in 2015, he went back to work for the Army. Scott was a Department of the Army civilian for the next three years. However, Scott thought there was something more. Scott has a master’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma and many of his family members were teachers, so he asked if he could help out at CCCA. Scott now teaches 5th and 6th grades and tells anyone that will listen, this has been the best and most rewarding job he has ever had. Scott joined CCCA for the 2017 school year. Scott was married to Yvonne in 1997. Scott has three adult daughters and is blessed to have them all here in San Antonio.

+ AMBER BUIE

Amber Buie grew up in Washington State with 2 brothers and 1 sister. Amber went to undergraduate college in Pennsylvania and graduate school in Southern California (dissertation on using gene therapy to accelerate fracture healing). After graduate school, Amber joined the US Army as a Biochemist. She met her husband, Kevin, at her first duty station (US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, MA). They were married in 2013 and 6 months later they began attending the gospel service at Ft. Knox, KY and both gave their lives to Jesus Christ. They both know that the sustainment of their marriage is due to Christ being at the center. They have lived in Massachusetts, Kentucky, Colorado, El Paso, and Germany before Kevin was stationed in San Antonio in Aug 2019, which is when they began attending CCSA. They have 3 children, Zoe Abigail (born Oct 2016), Eliyana Joy (Jan 2019), and Malachi David (July 2020). Amber enjoys spending time with her family, science, watching the NFL and making her husband laugh.

+ PATRICIA CONTRERAS (Secretary)

Patricia was born and raised in Southern California. In November, 2016 she moved from California to San Antonio with her parents, to be their care giver. In her words, "Whew, that was the longest drive of my life, and it took me a week to recover!" Patricia began attending Calvary Chapel San Antonio a month later and has been there ever since. Patricia joined the academy staff as the school secretary in 2020 and enjoys her work immensely, as well as interacting with the students. In her leisure time Patricia works wonders with arts and crafts, serves at church, and likes spending time with friends.

+ SCOTT CROFT (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

Scott Croft is the 8th through 12th grade science teacher at the academy. He is married to Wanda, and has four lovely children; a daughter, Sabina, born 2003; and three sons, Carlos, born 2006; Trey, born 2008; and Jasper, born 2012. Scott was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1971, moved to Austin Texas in 1985, and eventually found himself in San Antonio in 2003. After struggling through high school, Scott spent several years working at various jobs, such as IBM and Motorola, and attending school at Austin Community College, before taking a hiatus and working on a floating fishery in the waters of Alaska. After moving back to Austin, Scott came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ while attending Calvary Chapel Austin. Shortly after being born again, Scott and Wanda were married in Austin, Texas in 1999 before moving, to Ft. Worth, Texas so Wanda could be closer to her job as a flight attendant. It was while in Fort Worth that Scott graduated from Texas Wesleyan University, in 2003, (just one day after daughter Sabina was born) with a Bachelor of Science. Wanda and Scott have been blessed enough to have many wonderful experiences together, such as, traveling to places throughout the U.S., Europe, Central America, and Mexico, as well as hosting children from Mongolia and Honduras, and spending time on Scott’s family farm. Scott and his family have attended Calvary Chapel San Antonio since 2003 where they have met many wonderful friends and served in various ministries such as taking care of toddlers, the children’s ministry at Joy of Jesus, and the children’s and woman’s clothing exchanges. Presently, Wanda and Scott are sending Sabina off to Jacksonville College to study Business; watching Carlos become a freshman in High School, Trey become a 7th grader in Junior High School, and Jasper becoming a 4th Grader. Wanda is presently working as an Asset Manager for a brokerage company and Scott is still teaching science, though he is no longer teaching Biology.

+ PASTOR KEN CRUZADO (Church)

Ken gave his life to Jesus Christ on November 30th, 1997, in San Diego, California at Horizon Christian Fellowship. After many years of hardship and heartbreak, Ken realized that every attempt to fill his hurting heart failed because it was missing the love of Jesus. On that late November evening, God gave Ken a new heart filled with God’s love. Since then every day is lived in gratitude for saving him from hopelessness. Not only did God breathe life into Ken, but May (his girlfriend at the time) gave her heart to Jesus one month later. Over the next few months, God transformed their once miserable relationship, into a Christ-centered engagement. Then, in April of 2000, God joined Ken and May together in marriage. In February of 2006, God moved Ken, his loving wife May, and their two wonderful kids (Kaleb and Nia) from California to San Antonio, Texas. In 2007, they were blessed with another beautiful child, Faith Evangeline (a.k.a. Faithee). In 2012, they were blessed with yet another child, Malani Joy. On Monday nights, you can stop by the Men’s Bible Study, which Pastor Ken has been teaching since 2008.

+ KENDALL DEGRAPHENREED

Kendall was born in York, Pa. Although she got baptized in 1972, the true meaning of salvation wasn’t real to her until later in life. In 2011 her husband’s employer relocated them to San Antonio. They’ve been attending Calvary Chapel San Antonio since 2019. Kendall and her husband, Bill, have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 51:6 Behold; thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. She loves to walk, do all sorts of crafts, and truly enjoys being a dissectologist! Figure that one out: Dissectologist!

+ LINDA DEVICH (Teacher’s Aide)

Linda, was born in Paris, Texas, was adopted into her family of 11 at five months old and later moved to San Marcos, Texas when she was 18 years old. While training as a nursing assistant at Gary Job Corps, she met her husband Tracy. God began to do a wonderful work in their hearts and in 2000 they were married, got saved and were baptized. They have three kids, five grandchildren and one daughter- in- law. Linda and Tracy have been attending Calvary Chapel of San Antonio for 21 years. She began volunteering as a teacher’s aide at the academy during the 2015 – 2016 school year. In her downtime, Linda enjoys watching her son play softball, cuddling up with her grandchildren, knitting blankets for babies and adults, playing video games with her son, going fishing and eating dinner with her husband at Olive Garden.

+ SARAH DOYLE (Algebra 2 Teacher)

Sarah was raised in a Christian home and received Jesus into her heart at the age of 10 years old. She didn’t really start living her life for Jesus until after college. In college, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology. After graduating, she decided to take a break before going into clinical psychology and get certified to teach. Sarah loved it so much, she stayed in the profession. She is a former public-school teacher who taught 5th and 7th grade science for 7 years before starting a family. Her husband is Chris Doyle, and they have two children who attend the academy, Owen and Violet. They have been attending CCSA for more than 6 years. They love the academy and using the gifts God has given them to serve in children’s ministry and worship. God has called them to continue to serve more children in need and grow their family by enrolling in a foster- to-adopt program. Sarah became an aide for the academy in 2019 and the Algebra 2 teacher in 2020. She is grateful to be serving as the Algebra 2 teacher for as long as the Lord leads.

+ TRINA FORTHMAN

Trina began attending Calvary Chapel San Antonio in 2002. She fully surrendered her life to Christ that same year. This will be her second year serving at the academy. Trina has been blessed with 6 amazing kids and 3 perfect grand babies. She has 3 children still enrolled here at the academy and is thankful she gets to be a part of this work that God is doing in these kids’ lives. She spends her free time hanging out with family, doing Bible studies, reading, or going to the gym. Jesus is her everything and serving him is her heart’s desire.

+ JENNIFER FOX (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

Jennifer Fox started at CCCA as an aide in 2019. In 2020, she began teaching Jr. High and High school students. This will be her second year teaching and she's looking forward to what the Lord has in store for this school year. Jennifer served in the Army for 5 years and after her enlistment, went to college. She graduated from UTSA with her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. She knew she wanted to teach, and the Lord opened doors to lead her where she is now. She has two children who also attend CCCA. She enjoys running and traveling whenever possible.

+ CAROLINE GALLOWAY (2nd Grade Teacher)

Caroline moved to Universal City from Chicago when she was 17 (against her will). Here she met her very persistent husband, Fred. They've been married for almost 16 years and have 4 beautiful children. Mayela (2019 alumna), Ricky who currently attends Seguin High School, and Joseph and Allanah who currently attend the Academy. The Galloways have been attending Calvary Chapel San Antonio for 13 years, and this will be Caroline's 5th year at the academy.

+ JON GROVE (Jr High Teacher)

In 2003 Jon Grove moved from Southern Indiana to San Antonio, Texas. Jon got plugged in right away and began his teaching ministry at Calvary Chapel Christian Academy as the sixth-grade teacher for the 2003-2004 school year. Jon taught fifth and sixth grades for five years. In 2008 he switched to second grade. After six years of teaching first and second graders, he decided it was time to give up wrangling 6- and 7-year-olds and teach junior high history and science, part time. In addition to his teaching duties, Jon served as a recess bus driver as well as praise and worship leader for morning chapel services.

+ AMBER HARGROVE (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

In March 2012, Amber moved to San Antonio, Texas and began attending Calvary Chapel of San Antonio. She was pregnant with her son, Zayden, living in a sin led lifestyle. Attending CCSA brought her to a realization of something greater than herself. However, she wasn’t ready to surrender all aspects of her life since she was living in a sinful relationship. After becoming a single mom a few years later, she finally started allowing Jesus to change her heart. In 2017, Amber fully surrendered every aspect of her life to the Lord, taking her walk with Jesus seriously. In 2018, she began serving at Manna House (a ministry of Calvary Chapel San Antonio) and shortly after God called her into full-time ministry at Manna House. Amber is overjoyed to have the opportunity to be a part of the staff and the work the Lord is doing in and through this ministry. Amber has a 9-year-old son, Zayden, who is entering the fourth grade at the academy. In 2019, Amber felt the Lord calling her to serve at the academy and began as a teacher’s aide; this led to her joining the academy as a junior/senior high teacher the following year. On her off time, you can find her at a coffee shop or a new restaurant she found (because food is a hobby). She loves the outdoors, traveling, reading a good book, and just enjoying life as Zayden’s mom.

+ DANIEL HEBERLING (5th & 6th Grade Teacher)

Daniel was born in Anaheim, California, in 1991. His family attended Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, pastored by Chuck Smith. The Heberling family moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2000 – the same year Calvary Chapel of San Antonio officially opened the doors of the Academy. Daniel was among the first students to attend CCCA. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age and continued to attend CCCA until he graduated in 2009. After graduating, Daniel spent a couple years in college – first at the University of Texas at San Antonio and later at St. Philip’s College. While in college, God called him to drop everything and return to CCCA to teach. Daniel answered God’s call and became one of the 5th and 6th grade teachers in 2012. In 2017, time stood still as Daniel came face to face with Jessica, the gorgeous woman who would become his bride and better half less than a year later. They have one daughter, Chloe, and currently serve together in the youth ministry at CCSA. Some final tidbits on Daniel: He is a huge movie buff. He likes board games and video games. He is an Eagle Scout. His favorite book of the Bible is James. He enjoys Asian food very much. He is a social butterfly and is always ready to make plans to hang out. He is terrified of heights. He is a descendant of Charlemagne, probably.

+ JOHN HEBERLING (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

All through high school, John had rejected Jesus Christ and was hostile to Christians. But in college, speakers from Campus Crusade for Christ caught his ear, and the Holy Spirit began to do a miraculous work in his heart. John met his wife, Pauline, while in college, and she introduced John to his Savior. John began attending church while in college, eventually giving his life to Jesus in 1985. John and Pauline were married in 1986, and moved from California to Texas in 2000 along with their three children – John Jr., Daniel, and Lauren. Pauline served for seven years as the academy's first secretary, and all three children were among the first students. John left a 20-year career in marketing in 2004 to answer God's call to teach English and History at CCCA, joining the rest of the family. All three of his children are academy graduates. John Jr. lives with his wife, Alex, son J.P., and daughter Bella in Alvin, TX. Lauren and her husband, Morgan, live in Universal City with their daughter Aubrey and son Lewis. Daniel, who also teaches at the academy, lives in Universal City with his wife Jessica and daughter Chloe. John teaches English, Theater, and Microeconomics to the junior and senior high students. He also teaches Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes to 4th through 6th graders, and writes and directs the annual youth Christmas play. John graduated from Long Beach State University in 1983 with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. After college, he taught English in California and in Taichung, Taiwan. His favorite verse is 2 Timothy 1:7.

+ MICHELLE HENRY (Jr High Teacher)

Michelle met her husband, Shaun, in high school. These high school sweethearts were married in 1995, at the age of twenty, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Shaun was stationed as a marine. It is there that Michelle was saved in July of 1996, followed by her baptism in the Hawaiian waters in 1997 while she was nine months pregnant with their first child - a daughter they named Dominique. This was followed by the birth of their son, Austin, in 1999. Both children have since graduated from the academy, with Dominque also graduating from Texas State University, while Austin is currently serving his country in the United States Army. Upon the completion of Shaun's Marine Corps enlistment in 2001, Michelle and her family moved to San Antonio, where they began to attend Calvary Chapel San Antonio. Shaun and Michelle began serving in the children’s ministry when they first joined CCSA and eventually moved into the usher ministry, where they continue to serve during third service on Sundays. Initially, Michelle home-schooled their two children while also tutoring kids at the academy and aiding the math program. Then, in 2006 she began to teach the 7th and 8th grade math and Spanish classes, which she still enjoys doing to this day. Math in particular is a passion of hers, as she enjoys helping her students learn to like, if not love, the subject. In addition to teaching, Michelle has coached the academy’s cross-country teams for the boys and girls 7th-9th graders since 2010. One of her proudest accomplishments has been the high school girls’ team becoming meet champions in back-to-back years from 2017 to 2018, marking a pivotal turn in the program for the kids. Michelle, who is a life-long runner, often expresses how blessed she is to be able to enjoy this part of what the Lord has asked her to do. Her favorite scripture is 1 Cor 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord..”

+ KENNEYETTA JONES (Kindergarten Teacher)

Kenneyetta was born in Aurora, Colorado in 1974 into a military family and was raised in Colorado, Alabama, Kentucky, and San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Judson in 1993, Kenneyetta moved to Charleston, South Carolina to attend Johnson and Wales University where she majored in Food and Beverage Management.  This is where she met her husband, David.  After graduating in 1996, David and Kenneyetta got married and traveled back across the country to San Antonio, Texas.  Together, David and Kenneyetta managed a Marie Callender’s restaurant from April 1997 to December 2003.  Shortly thereafter, Kenneyetta was invited by some of her friends to visit Calvary Chapel San Antonio.  In January 2004, she attended a church service that truly explained who Jesus really was for the first time in her life.  The verse-by-verse teaching and ease of understanding lead to her salvation in March 2004.  Later, while working for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and after the birth of their last child, the Lord showed himself trustworthy by confirming that it was time for her to stay home and raise their four children: DJ, Deja, Keyshawn and Taj.  Once all the children were in school, she started aiding at the academy part-time in August of 2009. In 2011, Kenneyetta became the Kindergarten teacher.  She was shocked that this was her calling, but the Lord knew that it was the perfect fit.  In addition to the academy, Kenneyetta serves with her husband in the sound ministry, 4th-6th grade children’s ministry, and Growing in Servanthood ministry.  Each year the Joneses have the pleasure of using their God-given knowledge and passion for cooking to serve in the kitchen during kids, junior high, and high school camps.

+ VICTORIA KING (3rd Grade Teacher)

Victoria was born in 1995 in San Antonio, TX and has never left. She loves it here! She has been going to Calvary Chapel San Antonio since she was 2 years old! The church is her second home. She actually was a part of the first kindergarten class at Calvary Chapel Christian Academy. She graduated from Calvary in 2013, and was the first class to go from kindergarten to senior year there! Victoria is married to her husband Tyler, and they have a handsome son named Titus. She can’t wait for the day Titus can soon come to the academy and be just like his mommy! Victoria is amazed that the Lord brought her back to the academy to teach and loves teaching the kids everyday! Victoria and her husband love everything and anything Disney. When they can, they will try and stay busy all weekend doing some sort of adventures around their hometown!

+ PAM LUCAS (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

Pam, or Professor Pam as she is affectionately known, has been married for 42 years and has three daughters and four grandchildren. Pam has been teaching for 16 years in the college/university setting and currently teaches a dual credit course at CCCA. While teaching, Professor Pam has had the pleasure to teach in a variety of situations; a Federal Detention Center, Hawaii State Prison, two Coast Guard Cutter deployments, and a study abroad program to London. Professor Pam’s favorite saying is she is “dandy as cotton candy.”

+ JOCELYN MACASADIA (Teacher's Aide)

Jocelyn has been serving as a teacher’s aide at the academy since 2016. She loves grading papers and being available to the students and teachers. She loves being at the academy to offer joy, support, love and prayers. Jocelyn and her family also attend Calvary Chapel of San Antonio. Her family (6 in all) is heavily involved in various ministries at the church. Her husband is the Worship Pastor and her oldest son (CCCA Alumnus 2017) is a youth pastor. She loves being where God’s people are and lives to bring Jesus glory through her life - and she sings a little on the side.

+ PASTOR ALAIN MACASADIA (3rd Grade Teacher)

Alain came to know the Lord in 1996 while attending a Harvest Crusade in San Diego, California. He and his wife Jocelyn have been married since January of 1999. With the prompting of God, Alain and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2005, leaving behind both their families and the church where they grew spiritually. They have been attending Calvary Chapel of San Antonio ever since. In 2007, after nine years in broadcast radio as an on-air personality and production director, Alain became Calvary Chapel Christian Academy’s 3rd grade teacher. Each 3rd grade class has brought him great joy and has given Alain a chance to teach each of his own children - Matthew, Ashley, Jonathan, and Timothy. Alain is also a staff pastor at Calvary Chapel of San Antonio and serves as the church's worship leader. Serving alongside his wife in the worship ministry has proven God’s providence to Alain; he knows God has been at work in their lives even before they came to Jesus. Alain and Jocelyn were in the secular music industry, but now Jesus is using their talents for His glory. Their testimony is proof of God’s goodness to those who obey his calling. Alain is a life-long Padres and Chargers fan, and is enjoying life with his wife, kids, and serving Jesus. His favorite verse is Galatians 2:20.

+ ALEX MAGANA (P.E. Teacher)

Alex was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised there with 3 sisters. She grew up playing outdoors. She played sports and stayed outside till the streetlights came on, which told her it was time to go back inside her house. At 17, she met the guy she was going to marry. She did not know that at the time, but Miguel Magana sure did, which he reminds her of till this day. She attended Charles Allen Prosser Vocational H.S., graduated in 1988, and attended college, where she studied liberal arts. On December 24th, 1998, she married Miguel and they have been together since 1987! They have five beautiful kids, Isaiah 24, Sarah 21, Jeremiah 19, Elijah 17, and Noah 14. Each of her children have attended Calvary Chapel Christian Academy. Alex gave her life to the LORD in 2002, and, after living in Chicago with her family for 34 years, the LORD called Alex and her family to the great state of Texas. They moved to San Benito, Texas, in 2007, lived there for almost 2 years, and then moved to San Antonio, Tx., where she and her family were invited to attend a service at Calvary Chapel. Because Alex and Miguel’s children were still very young, they began serving in the nursery, toddlers, and children’s ministries. With her kids attending CCCA, she thought it would be great for her to serve at the school, around her kids, and serve the other kids as well, so in 2016 Alex joined CCCA as a P.E. teacher’s aide. Alex’s life verse is Psalm 73:26. Being a Chicago native, she loves all things “Chicago.”

+ VENISSA MARVELL (Teacher's Aide)

Venissa, who has been attending Calvary Chapel of San Antonio for 25 years, began working for Calvary Chapel Christian Academy as a teacher's aide when the school first opened in 2000. Venissa has served as a teacher's aide, kinder, 1st, 3rd through 6th grade Spanish teacher, and secretary. Venissa loves her job and all kids, big and small, at the academy. She loves to see the transformation of the kids' hearts when they find out how much Jesus loves them. She loves walking into school and Jesus reminding her of how special this school is and how precious these kids are to him. Venissa is honored to serve at the academy. Venissa has been married to her wonderful husband, Mike Marvell, for 15 years. They have 6 kids together: Isaiah 26, Chris 24, Cole 22, Eli 21, Cally 20, and Ronnie, who is 11. She adores her family and loves being a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Venissa got saved Sunday morning, September 28, 1997; Psalm 25 is her favorite passage. She was the church's first employee and has been serving at the academy since its inception in 2000. She is also in charge of the Martha's Kitchen ministry, and is a die-hard Bears, Cubs and Spurs fan.

+ PASTOR JUAN L. ORTIZ (Jr/Sr High Teacher)

Juan L. Ortiz is an associate pastor at Calvary Chapel San Antonio, where he’s attended for 20 years, and has been a teacher at CCCA for the past 16 years. Juan has been married to Lachelle Ortiz for 26 years. They have a 25-year-old married son and a 23-year-old daughter. Juan enjoys collecting and restoring old tools, gym time, and will always be seen wearing a jean jacket or the Adidas brand.

+ MARY RIVERA (Teacher’s Aide)

Mary Rivera, also known around the church as "little Mary”, is a teacher’s aide at CCCA. “Little Mary” is a name given to Mary because she met Pastor Ron & Paula at the age of 16, many years ago. Mary began working at the Academy in 2001, when pastor Barry was the principal. He taught her a lot and still to this day she thinks of how he would do things. Then came Pastor Will 10 years later. He changed things in the Academy for the good. Mary loves her Pastor Will. They get along, joke around, and both eat gluten-free. Yes!! Mary has three sisters and one brother, which most people don’t know, as well as a dog named Moe who will be turning 14-years-old in October. Her hobbies are listening to music and driving around. Her favorite color is blue, favorite store is Target, and favorite book in the Bible is Philemon.

+ XIOMARA ROJAS (Jr/Sr Teacher’s Aide)

Xiomara Rojas grew up in Chicago, Illinois for most of her childhood. It was here that she met the man who would spoil her with his fantastic cooking skills and his love, her husband of now twenty-five years. They grew their family and had two beautiful daughters. Their oldest is now a sophomore in college and their youngest is a junior in high school. In 2010, Xiomara came to give her life to the Lord. In 2012, Xiomara and her family moved to San Antonio, Texas and soon, thereafter, began attending CCSA. In 2014, Xiomara began assisting the CCCA ministry as a PE teacher's aide and is now serving as the PE teacher. She has a passion for health and hopes to show others to a healthy lifestyle. Xiomara enjoys family movie nights, family walks, and good workout sessions.

+ LINDA ROMERO (Teacher's Aide)

Linda was born in San Antonio, Texas to a military father and South Korean mother. Linda started to attend Calvary Chapel in 2004 after meeting her now husband Raul. Raul and Linda both met in college and have been married for 16 years. Raul and Linda have 3 wonderful boys that all attend Calvary Chapel Christian Academy. Linda is currently serving in various ministries at Calvary and has been a part of the Academy for 4 years (I need to check with Pastor Will on this, I honestly don't keep up.). She started serving as a teacher's aide and is now currently teaching 12th grade math. Linda loves to cook and during her downtime she enjoys hanging out with her family, traveling, going on foodie adventures, reading and refining her fluency in Korean to including speaking, reading and writing.

+ TERRY RUSH (Sr High Teacher)

Terry was born in Pittsburg, Ks. He was number 7 of 8 children. A month later his family moved from a small farm near Erie, Ks. to a 200-acre farm near Carthage Mo., where he was raised. He was brought up in a strong Christian home, where he always knew Jesus’ love. Terry was blessed to have been taught many things in the farm environment: building, welding, mechanics, hunting, fishing, self reliance, hard work, and the list goes on. He always had a curiosity for how things worked, and especially loved engines and things that go fast! Graduating High School in 1974, he joined the U.S. Army in 1975. He was trained as a Combat Engineer and served until 1981. He then attended college for 2 years studying computer programming and worked in that field for several years. This time had brought him to Oceanside, Ca. In 1989 he married his beautiful wife, Barbara, and they raised three children together. During this time Terry had longed to go back to building and using his skills, so had started his own construction company. This eventually led to him doing many phases of the industry, from simple handyman, to building roads and freeways. In 2001, he and his wife moved to San Antonio, Texas. There, they began attending Calvary Chapel, and in 2006, rededicated themselves to serving Jesus. This began an incredible journey of service to God, and in 2017 Terry was led by the Lord to serve the school by using his gifts for a shop class. Terry has 2 wonderful grandchildren who have attended CCCA from kindergarten to their current grade level. He has personally witnessed the important work the school does in serving God! To be even a small part of this ministry is truly humbling. The Lord never ceases to amaze Terry in the fulfillment of His promise to us! He believes that the true nature of God can never be fully revealed to us unless/until we serve Him with all of our heart and soul! ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!!!

+ CHRIS SANCHEZ (1st Grade Teacher)

Chris grew up in Calvary Chapel of San Antonio but did not get saved until he was 17 years old. He went to Calvary Chapel Bible College to figure out what the Lord wanted him to do with his life. Upon his return to San Antonio, he joined the staff at Calvary Chapel of San Antonio. Chris taught first grade for 3 years and currently teaches high school. Chris has also been involved in the Jr. High Ministry at Calvary Chapel San Antonio for 5 years and looks forward to many more years in it. In his spare time, Chris enjoys boxing.

+ MARK SLAGLE (4th Grade Teacher / Vice Principal)

Mark has been both teaching fourth grade and acting as Vice Principal at the academy since 2001. He received his bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University. Mark and his wife Misty moved their five boys from Orange County, California to San Antonio in 1998. They have been attending Calvary Chapel of San Antonio for nineteen years.
All five of Mark and Misty’s boys (David, Christian, Noah, Elijah, and Silas) have attended Calvary Chapel Christian Academy. Four have graduated high school and the youngest will be entering 9th grade. Mark has been a born again Christian since the age of twelve. As a teenager he intermittently attended Calvary Chapel churches in Costa Mesa and Anaheim. However, it was not until he moved to San Antonio and attended CCSA that he and his wife completely surrendered their lives and service to Jesus Christ. Shortly after his rededication he began serving as a teacher at CCCA. His wife Misty also serves in ministry at CCSA as the director of the Manna House (women’s shelter). Mark has served in many different ministries at CCSA including children’s ministry (leading worship and teaching Bible studies), Bezalel ministry, usher ministry, and driving the bus to events such as Joy of Jesus and HEB kids’ camp. Interesting facts: Prior to becoming a teacher Mark worked as a firefighter and played college football in California. Mark loves outdoor activities such as skateboarding & snowboarding, fishing, and baseball.Favorite Verse: Romans 8:38-39

+ JO STORMS

Hesper "Jo" was born September 1, 1980. She has two older brothers and one younger. She is a single Mom of 3 children, Cheyenne (2004), Jared II (2007) and Scarlett (2009). Jo met Jesus on March 9, 2012 at a CCSA Women's Retreat. Fun Facts: in primary school, she attended a total of 20 different schools and has moved about 50 times in her life. Jo failed 5th grade, and in 10th grade she placed 2nd in a High School State Math competition in the subject of Geometry. Jo earned an Associate of Applied Sciences; with a 3D Modeling and Multimedia emphasis and was Valedictorian of her class. She has worked as a campground bathroom janitor, a dog washer, an extra for one movie and one season of a TV show, a waitress/bartender at a pool hall, and other eccentric jobs. She now works at CCCA as the 10th grade Geometry teacher and also contracts for AT&T, working on U- verse TV apps. She loves learning other languages and looking into Greek/Latin roots of words. Jo likes to be silly, to laugh and to make her kids laugh. Her favorite hobbies are playing pool and volleyball, watching movies with loved ones, throwing impromptu dance parties with her kids, sharing corny jokes, editing video, and Photoshopping. She loves to sing and play guitar and she hopes to learn how to read music and to harmonize. She still aspires to become a Spanish teacher, but Mrs. Michelle and Pastor Juan have no plans to share. Jo almost joined a pool league when she was younger and has always had a fantastical dream to compete in Vegas as The Blonde Widow.