OUR MESSAGE
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

Preschool Teacher, Office Secretary, Website Coordinator
Peyton Sand
Mrs. Sand
Hi, I'm Mrs. Sand, mother of three NDCA students. This is my sixth 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 6th year at NDCA. I am a proud mother of 4 amazing young men, and a grandmother of 7 amazing grand kids and another due in September. 1 of my grandsons attends NDCA. 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
Stacy Johnson
Mrs. Johnson

3rd Grade Teacher
Shahaley Gorrell
Mrs. Gorrell

4th Grade Teacher
Katelyn Chalus
Ms. Chalus
My name is, Ms. Chalus. From a young age, I've dreamed of being a teacher, and super blessed to fulfill my dream. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. My favorite Bible verse is: "Be still and know I am God...." Psalm 46:10.

5th Grade Teacher
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.

High School French, 6th-12th Grade
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 . . . !”

Bible 6-12th, 7-12th Language Arts
Tiffany Grantom
Mrs. Grantom
Hi! I am a wife and mother of 5, with 3 high schoolers at NDCA this year! I am a birth doula, intercessor, storyteller, and writer. This year I am teaching Bible for 6-12th grade, 7/8th Language Arts, and HS Language Arts. I am thrilled to share the Word of God and love of stories with our middle and high schoolers!
Romans 12:2

Middle/High School Electives
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.
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 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.”

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.

Work/Trade Coordinator
Ashley Garner
Ms. Ashley

Librarian, Snack/Lunch/Playground Supervision
Katie Ash
Ms. Katie
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!
"Our faith can move mountains." Matthew 17:20
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
