Christian Heritage Academy

God has blessed the Upper School with a wonderful team of educators who love the Lord, love learning, and love high-school students!
 
Please take few moments to read about them. I hope you will join with us as we thank God for his faithfulness and welcome these extraordinary new staff members to CHA.

Mr. Carrera - Band & Orchestra

Mr. William Carrera, CHA’s Band & Orchestra Director since 2002, also instructs Upper School students this year. Mr. Carrera served as a music teacher with the Chicago Public School System for 34 years as well as Walther Lutheran High School and Midwestern Christian Academy. His various positions have included teaching instruments, directing bands and choirs, and teaching piano lab.  During his career in the public school system, he directed many first place bands in city and state competitions as well as coached award-winning soloists and ensembles. Mr. Carrera received a Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University.

Mr. Chung - Science
  
Mr. Ken Chung serves as Upper School Science teacher, as well as 6th grade Math & Science teacher. Prior to his time at CHA, Mr. Chung worked at Roberto Clemente High School in Chicago, where he taught Mathematics and Technology courses.  Mr. Chung holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Trinity International University and a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mr. Chung is certified to teach Secondary School (grades 6-12) and holds endorsements in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, Physical Science and General Science.
 

Mr. Cook - Physical Education

Mr. Jeff Cook, who has served CHA since 1989 as PE teacher, Athletic Director, and Coach, provides instruction in physical fitness as Upper School PE teacher. Mr. Cook, a certified personal trainer, helps students develop a personal fitness program designed to meet their physical needs (goal- or sport-specific). During his tenure at CHA, the school has won 17 Association of Christian School International (ACSI) championships. He has also served as an Athletic Advisory board member for ACSI.  Mr. Cook earned a B.S. in Physical Education from Grace College and a M.S. in Physical Education from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Cook and his wife are parents of two CHA alumni.

Mr. Frahler - Geometry 
  
Mr. Damon Frahler teaches Geometry at the Upper School, as well as Technology electives.  Together with Dr. Roth and Mr. Browne (Bible teacher), Mr. Frahler plays an integral role in the development of a Spiritual Life program for Upper School students. Additionally, Mr. Frahler acts as Communications Coordinator for Christian Heritage Academy. Prior to serving at CHA, Mr. Frahler taught Middle and High school Math at Wesleyan School in Georgia. Mr. Frahler holds a BA degree from Wheaton College in Theological Studies.

Mrs. Kohl -  Spanish I & II

Mrs. Carolyn Kohl teaches Spanish I and Spanish II at the Upper School, as well as serving as permanent substitute teacher for CHA’s kindergarten. Prior to joining the Upper School faculty, Mrs. Kohl taught intermediate bilingual education within District 15 in Palatine. Mrs. Kohl holds a Bachelors of Arts from Washington University, with a Major in Spanish and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College. Mrs. Kohl serves weekly in the Care Center food pantry with Willow Creek Community Church. She also serves as a Peer Ministry Coordinator in the high school ministry at St. Anne Catholic Church in Barrington.

Mrs. Magary - Art

Mrs. Pam Magary teaches art electives at the Upper School, beginning with a Digital Photography class in the first semester of 9th grade. Mrs. Magary has led the art program at Christian Heritage Academy since the school opened in 1984.  Prior to coming to Christian Heritage Academy, Mrs. Magary developed the art program and curriculum at Middleton Christian School in Middleton, Wisconsin. Mrs. Magary studied elementary education at Ft. Wayne Bible College and has participated in classes and workshops at the Chicago Art Institute, as well as Trinity International University. Mrs. Magary and her husband, Dennis, have three children, all CHA alumni.

Mrs. Mihulet - Algebra I & II

Mrs. Ramona Mihulet teaches Algebra I and Algebra II courses at the Upper School.  Mrs. Mihulet has taught Mathematics at both Roosevelt and Taft High School in Chicago.  Mrs. Mihulet was recognized as a Golden Apple Scholar and has fostered a love for teaching that began as a small child.  She has also been a Sunday School teacher for the past 15 years. Mrs. Mihulet holds a Bachelors of Arts from DePaul University, with a Major in Secondary Mathematics and endorsements in Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social Sciences.

Mrs. Niederbrach - Music

Mrs. Jane Niederbrach, who has served as music history teacher for the Middle School and as director of the Lion’s Pride student choirs, also coaches Upper School vocal students. Mrs. Niederbrach began her musical career as a professional singer and has performed over 30 leading roles in opera, operetta, and musical comedy with theater and opera companies throughout the U.S. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Music Literature from Baylor University, Waco, Texas. 

Mrs. Toohey - Language Arts  

Mrs. Abbey Toohey, in her 3rd year at CHA, teaches 9th grade Language Arts. Mrs. Toohey, who is also the 6th grade Language Arts teacher, has served CHA in a variety of capacities, including Study Center and Aftercare. She earned a BA in English and Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Toohey and her husband, Eric, moved from Pittsburgh to Chicago in 2007 so that Eric could pursue a Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. They currently work with the youth group at Grace Presbyterian Church in Winnetka, IL.