OUR MESSAGE
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Nature Discovery Christian Academy is a loving, Christ-centered school that strives to achieve academic excellence. Our goal is to build up each and every student to have knowledge in all areas of life, as well as, be able to apply the word of God to any and all situations.

Principal's Message
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Welcome! It is such an honor to be able to walk with you through your education journey. We teach students how to discover a love for learning as well as a love for Jesus Christ. We will continuously speak, teach, and express the word of God throughout each school year. As well as, give each student the highest level of education in all subjects. Every child has a purpose, calling, and destiny that we are determined to show them. We are committed to providing an atmosphere of peace, love, joy, and kindness for all students, staff, and faculty.
-Mr. Hennon, Principal, Chapel Instructor and High/Middle School P.E. Teacher
Staff
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Say hello to the NDCA staff! These teachers and staff members are dedicated to encouraging each and every student to do their absolute best while involving God, each step of the way.

Co-Owner, Kindergarten Teacher
Heather Hennon
Mrs. Hennon
Starting a private Christian school has allowed me to share my love of God, teaching, and nature with children (including my own five). As co-owner of NDCA and a Kindergarten teacher, I have been blessed to use both my marine biology and psychology degrees to help train up young learners in academics & value lessons and help them grow into critical thinkers.
<3 John 3:16

Office Secretary
Robin Ford
Ms. Robin
I'm from Oklahoma and have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and my husband Mr. Joel.
I can honestly say that they are all amazing people and my life is always filled with great love, joy, and peace.
I have battles for sure, but I overcome them all because my life belongs to God!
Love is what I pursue, relentlessly!
My favorite scripture is 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Preschool Teacher, Office Secretary, PTO President, Website Coordinator
Peyton Sand
Mrs. Sand
Hi, I'm Mrs. Sand, mother of three NDCA students. This is my fifth year working at NDCA. I've always had a passion for teaching. For six years, I ran a certified in-home daycare. Before that I worked in preschools around Eugene. When I brought my oldest to NDCA for preschool, I fell in love with the school, and its family based Christian values. I have been president of PTO since 2018. I'm always available for any questions. God bless.
Proverbs 3:5

Kindergarten Aide
Katie Brandon
Mrs. Brandon
Hi, I'm Mrs. Brandon, mother of 2 outgoing children. I love to work with children and see them grow and be excited to learn new things. I love to go camping/overlanding, teach, canning, and learn new items to preserve, scrapbooking and reading.
Proverbs 22:6
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

1st Grade Teacher, After School Clubs
Michelle LaTourrette
Ms. Michelle
Hello, I am Ms. Michelle, this is my 11th year teaching grade school and my 5th year at NDCA. I am a proud mother of 4 amazing young men, and a grandmother of 7 amazing grand kids. I love the Lord and love teaching about the truth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I grew up on a goat farm, Marcela Oaks. We raised over 250 dairy goats along with chickens, geese, rabbits, cows, horses, sheep, and pigs. I have great respect for ALL of God's creatures. I also love learning and teaching about natural medicines (apothecary) and plant identification.
Did you know? I run the after school clubs program, summer camp, and the scholarship fundraisers. Also, I am blessed to have three of my grandchildren currently attending school here at NDCA.
"All your children will be taught of the Lord, and great will be their peace."
Isaiah 54:13

2nd Grade Teacher
Amber Campos
Mrs. Campos
My childhood dream was to be a 2nd grade teacher. Now, after many years of teaching preschool, I've finally made it. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing kids get excited about learning new things... that look when things "click" is priceless! My favorite Bible verse right now is Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

3rd Grade Teacher
Amie McAllister
Ms. McAllister
Gentle guidance, teach with kindness, play and sing, don't worry about a thing. Science and History are no mystery. Read and write, imagination takes flight. Numbers and letters! What could be better? All math problems, we can solve them. Have no fear, Ms. McAllister's here! <3 :)

4th Grade Teacher
Katelyn Chalus​
Ms. Chalus
Hi, I'm Ms. Chalus!
This is my first year at NDCA, and I'm excited to be the new fourth grade teacher! I have worked with kids for the past twenty years in various capacities. I am looking forward to all the fun and learning that we will do!
It is important to provide our students with a solid foundation of Christ to prepare them to be followers of Christ!
In fourth grade, we will be doing many creative and unique activities and lessons!
I just recently graduated with my Masters from Grand Canyon University! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with me five nieces and nephews and watching a good NASCAR race. Ask me who my favorite is!
My favorite Bible verse is "Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

5th Grade Teacher, 5th/6th Grade Boys Mentor
Marc Garner
Mr. Garner
I'm a follower of Christ Jesus, husband, and father of four amazing kids. I have many interests that I enjoy sharing, some include theology, apologetics, classic cars and trucks, off-roading, overlanding, anything automotive related, hiking, being outdoors, shooting sports, martial arts, health/nutrition, homesteading, gardening, growing your own food, saving seeds, and planting seeds of Truth in our kids and all people. My goal for the kids while learning is instill respect, grace, kindness, and confidence, while finding God's Truth in all subjects and seeing it all around us.
Proverbs 2:26 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Elementary Education Facilitator, Tutoring Specialist
Kim Grossnickalaus
Mrs. G
Hi! I am known as Mrs. G, for obvious reasons. I feel variety is the spice of life and that's why I love teaching. I have 20 years of teaching experience. There is never a boring moment, and so many things to investigate. In my spare time I love to hike, white water raft, read, and play with my grandkids. My favorite verse is, Christ in me, my hope of glory.

6th Grade Teacher, 5th/6th Grade Girl Mentor, High School History and French
Janice Burton
Mrs. Burton
I teach French, 6-12 grade social studies, and a variety of high school requirements such as health and personal finance. Related to social studies is my interest in the American Civil War, which I have reenacted since 1995. As a reenactor I have engaged in my other hobbies of cooking, sewing, reading, and acting. I love teaching at a Christian school because I can share my love for Jesus and for the Word of God. My favorite book of the Bible is Philippians, and my favorite chapter is the 4th because it contains so many great and often quoted verses such as “Rejoice in the Lord always . . . !”

7th/8th Grade Head Teacher, 6th Grade Electives, High School Math
Monica Kranzler
Mrs. K
Hello! I am Monica Kranzler. I can be called Mrs. K if Kranzler is too many consonants. My children have been attending NDCA for 3 years, now on their 4th. In time, my love for NDCA has grown, along with how much I help. I am pleased to be teaching 7th and 8th grade this year (2025-26) with Mr. Joel. While I did not finish my degree, I majored in Applied Physics, so you know science and math are close to my heart. I hope to lead your children on a good path with Christ, and grow their knowledge of His word.
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He has shown you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

High School Language Arts, Literature, Writing, Leadership Group, Student Body Government
Phyllis Nissila
Ms. Nissila
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105​
Fifteen years at Lane Community College, Six years at middle school special education.
Twelve years at HomeSource.
Professional free-lance and contracted writer since 1980.

7th/8th Grade Teacher Aide, Security, Groundskeeper
Joel Ford
Mr. Joel
Disciple of Christ Jesus and active member of Faith, Hope Love Church.
Husband to Ms. Robin (Office), brother to two sisters, one brother, father to two sons, and two daughters, grandfather of four grandsons and one granddaughter.
Club Scout, Boy Scout and two years Junior Reserve Army Training Corp. Graduated Andress HS, El Paso Texas 1974.
18 years United States Marine. Earned the rank of First Sergeant, received the Combat Action Ribbon and the title of "Master Training Specialist"
Graduate of National University, of San Diego with an Associate of Art, major in Philosophy, minor in Ancient History.
Orange County Ca Level 1 Reserve Patrol Deputy Sheriff obtaining the position of Reserve Unit Training Sergeant.
Past member of Lane County Search and Rescue Rapid Response Team as well as Assistant Coordinator for the Youth Explorer Program.
My hobbies include rugby, historical fiction, bonsai, martial arts, the outdoors, and biking with my wife and all critters.
This is my fourth blessed year at NDCA. It's my pleasure to serve the Academy!!!

High School Science, Math, Health and Electives
Kevin Burton
Mr. Burton
I am the science teacher, but I also teach High School math, electives such as woodshop and survival skills. I enjoy any outdoor activities, but I especially like fishing, hunting, boating, climbing, and camping. My favorite Bible verse is John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed Him Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Facebook Coordinator, Work/Trade Coordinator,
Ashley Garner
Ms. Ashley

High School Health, Parent Prayer Group Coordinator
Tiffany Grantom
Mrs. Grantom

Librarian, Snack/Lunch/Playground Supervision
Katie Ash
Ms. Katie
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Hi there! I'm Ms. Katie, I'm a mother of 3 amazing daughters. I currently have a 4th grader enrolled with our school. This is my 3rd year with NDCA. I enjoy the beach, animals, music, football, cooking, camping and being with family!
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"Our faith can move mountains." Matthew 17:20

Teacher Aide, Snack/Lunch/Playground Supervision
Rachael Kimball
Ms. Rachael
Hi, my name is Rachael. I am a dedicated mother to three children- ages ten, five, and three. My motherhood is sacred and I have no job greater in this life than to guide my children. I thank God every day for entrusting me with their upbringing. Our family has been with NDCA for three , going on four years. My two youngest will be starting this year, and this will be my first year working at the school! I love kids, and I believe they are to be respected and supported in finding their connection to God. I look forward to being part of the community of people helping these kids to learn new skills, see God's glory in all things, and navigate this wild life!
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Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.
Here at NDCA we believe in:
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Teaching through a biblical worldview
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We make learning fun with lots of hands-on activities!
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Questioning, doing, making, creating
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STEM education
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Building a community with our families
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Frequent field trips
