MATH DEPARTMENT

Lon Holder is currently in his seventh year of teaching secondary math at Heritage, including pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus and Applied Math: Flying.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Rhodes College and a Master of Theology from Wheaton College.  Before coming to Heritage, Lon spent 20 years as U.S. Air Force Officer and is still and FAA-certified Flight Instructor (CFI).  He is licensed by the State of Colorado and score in the top ten percent of math teachers while taking the national competency exam.  Lon’s community involvement includes leading worship services and Bible studies in a local nursing home.  His hobbies are flying, camping and skiing.

Gary Wright currently teaches Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Personal Finance, Physics and AP Physics for Heritage high school students.  He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas, as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling from Denver Seminary.  On top of teacher at Heritage for the past six years, Gary also taught for one year at Liberty Common and spent a year teaching undergraduates computer programming at KU.  Outside of his teaching experience, Gary has extensive experience with Campus Crusade for Christ (20 years), computer support, personal counseling, and research for electrical engineering at KU.  Gary has spent twelve years teaching a Christian Marriage class at LifePointe Church, and enjoys reading, bicycling and maintaining old tractors in his free time.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

Miriam Balderson has spent ten years teaching at Heritage.  She currently teaches junior high geography and English, as well as junior level history and AP Literature.  Miriam holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.  Miriam is involved in her church ministry, coordinating meals for funerals and acting as a greeter.  She likes to cook, walk and sew in her free time.

Patricia Hahn has been teaching at Heritage for an impressive thirty-one years.  She currently teaches AP U.S. History, World History, Government Econ, and AP European History.  Patricia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Chadron State College, double majoring in history and English.  Prior to teaching at Heritage, Patricia taught high school English for two years in Manderson, Wyoming.  During her time at Heritage, Patricia has taught both junior high and high school level English and history.  Patricia is involved at her church, having served as a church council member and presently working with the women’s ministry.  In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Kristen Bush is currently in her third year at HCA.  She teaches freshman, sophomore, and junior level English, as well as speech.  Prior to joining the faculty, she subbed and worked in the office.  Kristen holds a degree in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and elementary education certification.  Her previous teaching experience comes from both homeschooling her children for a decade and substitute teaching.  Kristen has been a pastor’s wife for 21 years, and enjoys pastoring along side her husband.  She enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and cheering on HCA students at their sporting events.

Valorie Towne is currently in her first year of teaching at Heritage.  Valorie teaches seventh grade English & Composition, senior literature, and yearbook.  Valorie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado.  Prior to teaching at Heritage, she taught grades 5 and 6 in the Thompson R2-J schools, at the Center for Theraputic Learning K-8, served as the director and teacher at Little Legs Dance Studio, and also designed and taught integrated history/literature/composition/geography curriculum for home school students grades 7-12.  Valorie’s involvement outside of HCA includes training Guide Dogs for the Blind – they puppy they raised is currently a search and rescue dog for a San Diego fire department.  She also assists with missions and the senior high youth group at Third Day Victory Church. Valorie’s hobbies include hiking (she and her family backpacked the Grand Canyon rim to rim this past summer), flower gardening, and reading.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Kathy Gregory has taught science at Heritage for nine years.  She currently teaches 7^th grade physical science, 9^th grade Earth Science, Health, and 12^th grade first aid.  Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Instruction degree from Colorado State.  Prior to teaching at Heritage, Kathy spent five years teaching at Choice City Christian School, and eight years teaching at Berthoud High School.  Kathy’s involvement outside of HCA includes reading and cooking, and mission trips to Nicaragua.

Janette Lewis is currently in her seventh year of teaching at HCA.  She teaches biology, chemistry and AP biology; and has previously taught anatomy & physiology.  Janette earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, and is also certified by the State of Colorado to teach high school science.  For four years, Janette assisted her husband as a college pastor, and she also led a junior high Bible Bowl team.  Janette enjoys participating in her church’s worship team, biking, jogging, crocheting, and playing the piano.

Dr. Darcie Palmer is in her third year of teaching 8^th grade Anatomy & Physiology at Heritage.  Darcie holds three degrees from Texas A&M University: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Science (with teaching option certified to teach secondary science), Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.  Before teaching at Heritage, Darcie spent 14 years practicing as a veterinarian.  For 12 years, her practice was limited to small animal surgery.  As well as being a classroom volunteer and substitute teacher, Darcie is also the junior high student council sponsor.  Outside of Heritage, she enjoys reading, snowboarding, hiking and traveling.

BIBLE DEPARTMENT

Michael Cuckler is HCA’s Head Administrator.  He also teaches two Bible classes, New Testament Survey and Christian Doctrines (year I).  Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Christian College.  He has thirteen years of teaching experience at Heritage, and before the Choice City Christian School and Fort Collins Christian Academy.  Michael has also work experience as an interim pastor, computer tech and real estate investments.  Outside of Heritage, Michael spends time as a church volunteer, soup kitchen volunteer and in retirement home ministries.  He enjoys being a dad and running, and recently completed a marathon in Denver.

Curt Martin is an HCA institution in and of himself.  He currently teaches seventh, ninth, eleventh and twelfth grade Bible, Faith & Culture.  Curt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Biola University, a Master of Arts in Apologetics from Tyndale Seminary, and an education degree from San Diego University.  Curt has spent twenty-two years teaching.  Prior to his teaching career, Curt has worked as an Assistant Pastor for Westview Bible Church.  Curt’s hobbies include reading, biking, sleeping, and basketball.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Trisha Schutzius is HCA’s secondary Spanish, French and Latin teacher.  She has a Bachelor of Science in French and Spanish from California State University-Bakersfield.  Trisha has taught at Heritage for nine years.  Prior to that she taught junior high level French, German, and Spanish for two years in Michigan and taught French for four years at the University of Alaska, in Anchorage.  Trisha is involved in her church as the children’s message coordinator and speaker, as well as the worship team and Stephen ministry.  Her hobbies include wogging (a mixture of walking and jogging) with her two dogs, and smocking children’s clothing.  She can’t imagine working anywhere else – HCA is a community of wonderful kids, colleagues, and families!

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Kari Fedde currently teaches a number of musical and performing arts classes at HCA, including fifth grade band, sixth grade band, sixth grade praise band, junior high/high school band, junior high praise band, high school worship team, junior high/high school choir, and junior high/high school drama.  Kari earned a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Music Education from Augustana College and has been teaching at Heritage for ten years.  Kari also has extensive music experience outside of HCA, serving as the Music Director and Professional Accompanist at Vashon Lutheran Church.  She also currently serves as the Music Director and Parish Associate for Pastoral Care at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.  Kari loves to play the piano in her free time, as well as play games with her family.  She also enjoys camping and hiking, and has climbed ten Colorado 14ers.

Christine Hansen is currently in her tenth year as HCA’s pre-K through senior high art teacher.  Christine has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Individual Development from Kansas State University, and a BFA in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphics from Colorado State University.  Prior to teaching at Heritage, Christine spent three years teaching at Spring Creek Country Day School and eight years teaching at Children’s Workshop.  She has also been a Camp Director through the Boulder YMCA and a children’s church director.  Christine is involved in the community as a Poudre Wilderness Volunteer and is connected to an orphanage in Uganda, Africa where she teaches at a vocational pottery school.  In her free time, Christine spends time training her therapy dog, Tavish; reading; Plaine Aire painting; and both teaching and taking summer art workshops.

Heather Smith is HCA’s Communications Manager and Drama Director.  Heather has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from George Fox University, and a Master of Education from Montana State University – Billings.  Prior to becoming the Communications Manager, Heather spent six years teaching at HCA.  She taught first grade for one year, sixth grade for three years and high school English for two years.  She is currently in her eighth year of teaching drama.  Heather is involved with MOPS and the widow’s ministry at her church.  She spends her free time chasing after her toddler, reading, writing her blog, and hiking.