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Staff

Our teachers and staff prayerfully and joyfully invest in the lives of our students. In addition to their love for Christ and for all people, many have:

  • Over 20-40 years of experience
  • Obtained advanced educational degrees
  • Taught across multiple grades using a variety of teaching styles, including traditional classrooms, individualized education, tutoring, home school, online and resource rooms
  • Developed unique teaching styles that incorporate the best parts of each of these approaches
  • Been trained in conflict resolution management, which contributes to the peaceful learning environment of the school
  • Pursued ongoing professional development
  • Served in the missionary field and all are active in their church communities

Our Family

Cynthia H. Kern

Administrator
Bio

Teaching elementary is where my heart lies, and in seeing lives of students turned to Jesus. I have 40 years of experience teaching elementary through various grades, and I am currently lead elementary teacher, focusing on developing a cohesive and passionate teaching team. I believe in teaching to the individual; that is, I see each child as uniquely gifted and skilled, and I teach and challenge to their abilities. I love to read and spend time with my family and friends. Some favorite verses of mine are found in Ephesians 3:20, 21 which say: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Chris Miller

Academic Coordinator
Bio

Chris accepted Christ at the age of five and has been growing in his faith ever since! His hobbies include disc golf, ultimate Frisbee, fishing, collecting coins and traveling. Two of his favorite travel destinations are Florence, Italy Machu Picchu, Peru and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Several of his favorite things include author, J.R.R. Tolkien, movies Braveheart and Out of Africa, Bible characters David and John the disciple, steak and pepperoni pizza (convinced they will both be in Heaven!) and sports involving Philadelphia and Penn State; and Liberty University. Chris has had several interesting interns as a veterinary assistant and as a flavor chemist for Hershey Foods Corp. as well as having lived a year in Argentina, South America as a pastoral intern and missionary. “I love studying, and research. My favorite topics are biblical history, creationism, discipleship, biblical hermeneutics, and cross-cultural biblical contextualization. I love speaking and teaching Spanish. I also love to spiritually develop and mentor students. I believe in letting God drive all areas of my life. The greatest way to impact this world is to live openly with Him, for the world to see, and to live with integrity and humility.” Favorite Bible passage: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119:33-35

Cathy Snyder

Pre-K Teacher
Bio

I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for almost 25 years. I have spent the majority of this time teaching Preschool and also in administration of an Early Childhood Center. I absolutely LOVE that God is an integral part of who we are at HCA! What a blessing to see the children grow, academically, socially, AND in their walk with the Lord! A meaningful Bible verse of mine is Matthew 17:20, He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Niccole Rice

K4/K5 Teacher
Bio

I have been working in the field of education since I graduated from high school. I have worked in childcare centers (one which was nationally accredited) and as a substitute in public, private and charter schools. I love serving the Lord in whatever way he calls me to do so. One of my favorite God-given purposes is being a "boy-mom." I live on a farm with my husband and two sons. There are always lots of mud pies and messes in my life. My boys keep me very busy. My husband is a carpenter at HersheyPark. He works on all of the wooden roller coasters; he is also a wrestling coach. When my family isn’t at home, we enjoy supporting my husband and his wrestling team, visiting HersheyPark, camping and spending time outdoors. We also enjoy a good superhero movie every now and again. Proverbs 3:5 "Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Amanda Allen

1st Grade Teacher
Bio

I have a passion for seeing students grow in their knowledge of content and of Christ! Both passions are intertwined teaching here at Hershey Christian Academy! I have pursued my degree in Early Childhood Education at Lancaster Bible College. In college I had the privilege to grow in my relationship with the Lord and learn how to bring that into the classroom! Working at Hershey Christian Academy has been refreshing being surrounded with other teachers who love God and share that love with our students. I believe that each student has dignity and worth in Christ and should be loved how God has first loved me! When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outside, biking, running and reading a good book on the beach! One of my favorite Bible verses can be found in Romans. Romans 12:12 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Nicole Feinour

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
Bio

I have a passion for both teaching and ministry. It’s exciting to see God work in the lives of my students and seeing their faith grow. I have been teaching elementary age children for 24 years. I have experience teaching Kindergarten thru 5th grade, spending most of my time at the third and fourth grade level. I love helping students develop their gifts and talents and helping them discover the gifts God has blessed them with. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, traveling to new places, and anything outdoors such as hiking and biking. I am so thankful that God brought me to HCA. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Patrick Hamill

4th Grade Teacher
Bio

Mr. Hamill has applied his enthusiasm for teaching and working in elementary schools for over ten years now. He especially appreciates teaching students at HCA because of the school's God-first focus and student-centered approaches. When he is not teaching, Mr. Hamill likes being with his wife and daughter, spending time outside, and following many different sports teams. Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Sarah Harvey

5th Grade Teacher
Bio

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and I have a passion for teaching children God’s love! I am a lifetime learner and love to teach my students to be lifetime learners as well. I love serving the Lord in whatever way he calls me to do so. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. One of my favorite God-given purposes is being a mother and my hobbies include reading and traveling. I enjoy short term mission trips and have participated in them for over a decade. I love speaking and teaching about the Bible, spiritual warfare, and helping God’s word to come alive. I also love to spiritually develop and mentor students. I believe in letting God lead all areas of my life. One of my favorite Bible passages is from Proverbs 3:5-6 “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 your paths straight.”

Lynn Wagner

6th Grade Teacher
Bio

I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior at a young age and as a teenager started to develop a heart for youth ministry. I am so blessed to be working at Hershey Christian Academy where I will not only teach academics, but also have the opportunity to impact students’ lives for Christ. That is why I am very excited that God led me to be the 6th grade teacher at HCA. One of my favorite Bible passages is found in Romans 12:1, 2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. I love spending time with my wonderful wife, Tanya, and my two amazing sons, Keaton and Cohen. I enjoy watching movies, playing video games, collecting comic books and sports cards, and antiquing.

James Fairman

Music Teacher and Gym Teacher
Bio

Over the years my primary interests and involvement have been in the area of music and physical education. I have taught music from levels K thru 12 and coached soccer and basketball on both the middle school and high school levels. I presently hold a certification from NASM in the area of personal training and am an avid bicyclist. A scripture verse that has been meaningful to me over the years is I Corinthians 10:31 “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.

Brenda Oren

Secondary Science & Bible Teacher
Bio

My passion is seeing students grow in their love for Jesus and their knowledge of science through studying God’s wonderful creation. After many years of working as a clinical virologist, I can share my love of science as a teacher. It is wonderful to see each unique and talented student explore God’s creation. We serve an amazing Creator! When I am not teaching my awesome students, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, daughter-in-love, and grandchildren. We enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring nature. Of course, they all love science! Favorite Bible passages: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Lisa Bonfanti

Secondary English & History Teacher
Bio

What a blessing and privilege it is to explore and share in the wonder of God’s world with the next generation - and that is what I have been fortunate to do for the past 35+ years! Through the course of my career, I have taught English and French primarily to grades 7 through 12 in public school, homeschools, and private schools. I am passionate about teaching the whole student, and doing so from a Christian worldview. My interests include family, reading, and gardening. One favorite verse is Isaiah 58:11 which reads, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Kallista Scharf

Secondary Math, Digital Skills & Makerspace Teacher
Bio

My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38-39: “ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In my free time I like to make balloon animals and crochet. I have been teaching at Hershey Christian Academy for one year. Half of last year, I was the 6th grade teacher. This year, I am the Digital Skills, STEAM, and secondary math teacher. I also teach at Mathnasium. I have over 10 year of experience caring for children as a camp counselor, Sunday School teacher, and after care coordinator. In December, I received my STEM endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. I am currently working on my Masters in STEM education.

Meghan Walter

Art Teacher
Bio

Meghan has been running her own studio, SPLAT, for over 14 years now, creating spaces for people of all ages and artistic abilities to exercise their creativity. She has a passion for incorporating the arts into the community and does so by providing both educational and relaxing artful opportunities.

Vanessa Bohner

Child Development Specialist
Bio

Vanessa graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor degree in Music Education with a piano focus and continued her education at Temple University with a Master’s of Education with Special Education Certification. Her focus has always been developing each student based on their unique learning style and preferences. Seven years as a Special Education teacher in different positions; Autism Consultant, Life Skills Teacher and Learning Support teacher has given Vanessa experience in developing specific plans to meet the needs of each individual student. Her favorite hobbies are hanging out with her family(three teen-agers and husband) and two dogs as well as reading Christian fiction and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Her favorite verse is 2 Cor. 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” And Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths.”