Meet our Staff

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Mary Johnston
Principal

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Chantal VanVliet
JK/SK Teacher | Choir Director

  • It’s such a blessing to serve as Principal of ICA. As I begin my third year, I’m truly grateful for the chance to learn and grow alongside our wonderful students, families, and staff. After raising my two children, I spent 27 years teaching with the Near North District School Board before retiring in 2020. In 2023, God led me to Issachar Christian Academy, and I’m so thankful He did. My heart is to see every child grow academically and spiritually in a warm, Christ-centered community, and it’s an honour to partner with your family.

  • It is a joy to serve Issachar Christian Academy as the kindergarten teacher. After years of working with children while raising our three, I felt led to ICA in 2022. Meeting our youngest learners at the start of their school journey is an honour and a blessing. My favourite moments include their smiles, their growing sense of who they are and who God is, the light‑bulb breakthroughs, and watching them read on their own for the first time. I’m grateful for the privilege of teaching in this Christian school and being part of such a wonderful community.

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Cher Burke
Grade 1 Teacher

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Jennifer Ede
Grade 2/3 Teacher

  • I’ve always loved working with kids. I originally began studying science with hopes of becoming a veterinarian, but the Lord redirected my path toward teaching. Almost two years ago, I joined the Issachar team and was blessed with an amazing Grade 4/5 class. I find so much joy in the everyday moments—especially those “lightbulb” times when a new concept finally clicks. What I love most about this age is helping students build the foundational skills they’ll carry for life. Academically, socially, and spiritually, these are deeply formative years, and walking alongside them as they develop a worldview rooted in God’s truth is a blessing I’m truly grateful for.

  • Teaching is very close to my heart, especially Christian Education! I am so grateful that God has brought me back to Issachar this year. I love encouraging, challenging, and seeing my students grow in both their academics, and in their walks with God. The part I love most about teaching at ICA is witnessing students putting their faith into practice; whether it’s praying in class, or recognizing ‘God moment’s’ in their own lives. It is a blessing to blend biblical worldview and truths into lessons and to teach in a school that brings honour and glory to Christ! 

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Lydia VanDyke
Secretary

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Alysha Martin
Resource

  • It has been a joy and a blessing to serve as secretary at Issachar Christian Academy. It is such a positive, faith-filled environment. I enjoy supporting students, parents, and staff, and it feels good to be part of a team that truly cares about one another. I also love that the school focuses not only on learning but on growing in faith—it makes my job feel even more meaningful and rewarding. It’s a wonderful place to be, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

  • I’ve been part of this school community since 2018, working in a variety of roles along the way. I currently teach resource and support different subjects across multiple classes, which I really enjoy because it allows me to connect with a wide range of students and support their individual needs. I aim to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, making art, and reading—activities that help me recharge and bring a bit of creativity into what I do each day.

  • I began teaching in the public school system in 2007. Although my experience varied from classroom to classroom and across different age groups, I never truly felt settled or at home until I came to Issachar in February 2023. With supportive parents and administrators, it has been a joy to love, serve, and teach the students at ICA. What a blessing it is to have even a small part in watching these students grow into the godly Christian men and women that God is shaping them to be. I look forward to helping them see how Biblical truths are woven into everyday life, found in every subject we study, and applied in real, meaningful ways.

  • I began teaching at Issachar in the fall of 2014 and immediately appreciated the support of staff and parents as I gained experience teaching various levels. Over the years, I have been privileged to watch ICA grow from a staff of three. It is my pleasure to guide and encourage learners through their experiences to the “Ah ha!” moments of breakthrough. Another delight has been teaching biblical lessons directly and incorporating them into academic and social learning. It has been a blessing to help grow this Christian community.

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Kayla McLaughlin
Grade 4/5 Teacher

Dana Plant
Grade 6/7/8 Teacher