About

Meet the Team

A Team of People Committed to Excellence

The NCC faculty and staff are made up of some of the best employees in their areas of expertise. Each of them brings a high level of dedication that guarantees your child will receive the attention and nurturing he or she needs to succeed. Our strong faith coupled with our high academic standards means our students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Administration Team

List of 3 items.

Meredyth Campbell

Principal
Lynn Schmidt

Chief Operations Officer
Lesley Burrison

Enrollment Director

Executive Team

- Craig Sider, Dr. Simon Tang, Charlene Gains-Lovegrove, and Rob Lofthouse.

Meet the Team

Department

Grade

Last Name

Michele Barlow

Resource Teacher

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Ms. Barlow has been with NCC since 2011 working as a Resource Teacher for both middle school and high school. Ms. Barlow graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History from Xavier University in the United States. After teaching for several years in the U.S., she moved to Ontario and became an Ontario Certified Teacher. She has since furthered her education by completing three levels of Special Education along with other various specialized training. She enjoys working closely with NCC Student Services and strives to help students achieve success in learning.

Qualifications: BEd -Xavier University, Spec-Ed Specialist, National Institute Learning Disabilities L1, OCT

At NCC Since: 2010
Laurie Blue

Teacher and Art Director

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Mrs. Blue graduated with honours from the Applied Arts/Illustration program at Sheridan College. In her sixteen years of teaching art, she has taught from the JK level to adult classes. Mrs. Blue has taught at NCC for eleven years. Her NCC students have won first place awards at the ACSI Art festival four years running. Mrs. Blue has also participated in leadership for the art club, has held various coaching positions, and has enjoyed taking students on ski trips. She most recently returned to NCC from a two year missions trip with Operational Mobilization in Wales. We are pleased to have Mrs. Blue and her tremendous art talent back at NCC.

Qualifications & Awards: Cerificate degree in Art Fundamentals; Degree in the Bachelors of Illustration program at Sheridan College; 2019 John Rozema Teaching Excellence Award - winner in the Fine Arts category.

At NCC Since: 2004
Ella Bos
Alex Cianfagna

Teacher
Ruben Dunnink

Teacher and Athletics Director

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Mr. Dunnink teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced ESL courses at NCC. Prior to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at NCC, Mr. Dunnink spent 7 years teaching ESL at Brock University. He graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics/TESL and also holds a Masters Degree in Applied Linguistics/TESL from Brock. Mr. Dunnink is very passionate about working with young people and helping them develop their language skills, their character, and their confidence. He is amazed at how God directs our paths even when we don't know what's next and feels that all his experiences over the past decade have prepared him to be a high school ESL teacher at NCC. Besides teaching, Mr. Dunnink also coaches the Junior Boys basketball team and softball team and participates in many other extra-curricular activities on campus. He is thankful to be a part of the community at NCC and is continually excited to see what God has planned for his future here.

Qualifications: Masters Degree in Applied Linguistic; Teaching English as a Second Language from Brock University; BA with Honours in Applied Linguistics from Brock University

At NCC Since: 2016
Michelle Jancsar

Academic Secretary
Holly Krys

Teacher

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Ms. Krys graduated from the Concurrent Education program at Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies, and a Bachelor of Education for the Primary/Junior level. She holds additional qualifications in English as a Second Language and Special Education. She has also completed the ACE TESOL Diploma course through the Niagara Catholic District School Board.

Over the past few years she has taught in various capacities at NCC, including: ESL for the August Program, Middle School ESL, High School courses in English and History, and Resource Support. Each experience has been an adventure, and she continues to wait on God to see what will happen next.

Qualifications: BA/BEd- ConEd Child and Youth Studies- Brock University; ACE TESOL diploma; Niagara Catholic District School Board Continuing Ed; AQs in ESL, Spec Ed- Brock University

At NCC Since: 2016
Steven Lauchlan

Teacher

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Mr. Lauchlan joined NCC in 2018 to teach Senior History and World Religions. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, majoring in Social Studies and minoring in English Language Arts. After teaching for three years in Alberta, he spent the next nine years teaching at the International School of Macao. While there, he enjoyed traveling in the region and experiencing its diverse cultures. In 2017 he returned to Canada to complete a one-year Masters of History program at Western University in London, Ontario. In his role at NCC, he is excited to continue working with international students in a Canadian setting. He sees great value in having a diverse group of students who bring a variety of perspectives to the discussion of history. He is married and has three daughters.

Qualifications: BEd - Major in Social Studies, Minor in English, University of Alberta; MA in History, Western University

At NCC Since: 2018
Larry Moss

Teacher

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Mr. Moss has been teaching Math at NCC since 2005. He has also served as a part-time instructor at Brock University. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, and Teaching Certificate at Brock University. He recently earned his Master of Mathematics for Teachers from the University of Waterloo. He also obtained a two year diploma in Church Ministry at Winkler Bible Institute in Winkler, Manitoba. Mr. Moss is currently instruction at Brock University while also teaching at Niagara Christian Collegiate.

In years past, Mr. Moss has been a volleyball, track and field, and swimming coach at NCC. He shares that “being able to speak openly about my faith makes NCC an awesome place to teach.”

Qualifications: BSc/BEd, Junior/Intermediate/Senior - Brock University; Master of Mathematics for Teachers - University of Waterloo; Honours Specialist in Mathematics - Brock University; OCT; Church Ministries Diploma - Winkler Bible Institute

At NCC Since: 2005
Jake Peters

Teacher

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Mr. Peters is an Ontario Certified Teacher, having graduated from the concurrent education program at Brock University with a Bachelors of Science (Honours) in Mathematics and a Bachelors in Education at the Intermediate/Senior level. He enjoys showing students that math and science are useful tools for succeeding in current and future ventures when applied properly. His mission statement is to prepare students for a life of service to God in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Peters is a youth leader and music coordinator at his home church in Thorold. He enjoys volunteering at Agapé Valley Bible Camp in the summers as well. In his free time, Mr. Peters can be found spending time with his family and friends in a variety of games and activities.

Qualifications: BSc (Honours), Mathematics - Brock U; BEd, Intermediate/Senior - Brock U; OCT

At NCC Since: 2018
Rachel Peters

Director of Student Services

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Miss Peters has worked at NCC since 2009 and began her time here as a teacher. She earned her B.A./B.Ed. from Brock University in Child and Youth Studies.

Miss Peters spends the majority of her time working with students to help them determine their career goals and forge the educational paths necessary to reach their goals. She is passionate about helping students succeed and make decisions that will allow them to make a difference in our world. She especially enjoys the conversations with our grade twelve students as they wrestle with big decisions and move on to college and university. She enjoys working with the Student Services team who together support students through Learning Resource, our Advisory program, Guidance, and Peer Helping and Tutoring.

Miss Peters shares that she is thankful for the NCC community she is a part of and enjoys spending time with staff and students in many capacities: on mission trips, on the volleyball court, and on camping trips.

Qualifications: BA/BEd Concurrent Eduction/Child and Youth Studies from Brock University; Guidance Part 1

At NCC Since: 2010
Ashley Reinaerts
Stephanie Schilstra

Teacher

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Arts/Education from Brock University in 2014. Since then, Mrs. Schilstra has had an active role in the NCC school community, and now teaches Computer Studies and Technology. Mrs. Schilstra has a heart for students of all ages, and enjoys seeing them grow both academically and spiritually in her classroom. She also enjoys connecting with students outside of class, by coaching volleyball, softball, and participating in a variety of activities around campus. Mrs. Schilstra feels blessed to have the opportunity to pursue her passion of teaching in a Christian community and can't wait to see what God has in store this year.
Janet Soppitt

Teacher

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Mrs. Soppitt teaches English and works in the Student Services Department running our Advisory Programme at NCC. She holds a Joint Honours Degree in English and Geography, which she obtained from Oxford Brooks University, England. She earned her Post-Graduate Certificate of Education at University College, Oxford, England. While living in the United Kingdom, she also served as a pastor’s wife and home educated her own children.

Mrs. Soppitt, a former Niagara Regional Athletics coach, has helped coach track and field at NCC. She is a gifted motivational speaker and is also a professional life coach. She shares: “I love the family atmosphere at NCC, and I enjoy being able to teach students about English, how to live well and most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus with them.”

Qualifications: BAHons (English) - Oxford Polytechnic; PGCE (English) - Oxford Univerity; ABQ Drama - Brock University

At NCC Since: 2012
Rosa Trombley

Teacher

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Mrs. Trombley has been teaching Italian and Core French at NCC for the past thirteen years. She graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Accounting with a minor in French. She then pursued her teaching degree at D’Youville College, followed by her French as a Second Language certification at Niagara College. She is passionate about learning languages and exploring cultures.

Mrs. Trombley is enthusiastic about enriching her students’ lives with cultural cooking lessons and has enjoyed traveling with them to Europe on several occasions. Her students also have pen pals in France that they correspond with. Each winter, her Middle School classes look forward to skiing and tubing in celebration of Winter Carnival. In addition to teaching the Middle School and Secondary School classes, Mrs. Trombley coaches tennis and girls’ soccer on campus and enjoys talking to students about their life goals and spiritual development.

Mrs. Trombley believes that all students can succeed at learning a second language.

Qualifications: BA Economics, Business Certificate- Wilfrid Laurier; Teaching Certification D'Youville College; OCT; FSL certificate Niagara College; AQs in Junior/Intermediate/Senior, Spec Ed, FSL Specialist

At NCC Since: 2004

NCC Board of Directors

List of 7 items.

Dr. Steve Sider, Co-Chair

Dr. Steve Sider served at NCC as the Head of Schools from 1995-2005 in the previous management team with Kent Warkentin. He is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada where he teaches courses in international education and school leadership. He has won multiple awards in teaching, research, and university service. He is the founding Director of the Centre for Leading Research in Education, a university research centre exploring interdisciplinary aspects of education. He is a Fellow at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. He is the founder of the Educator and Leadership Institute which has provided training to more than 3,000 teachers internationally. He has led research partnerships and projects in Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Mauritius, St. Lucia, and Haiti. Dr. Sider is committed to seeing NCC thrive in its unique mission as a Christian international boarding school.
Vance Sider, Co-Chair

Vance graduated from NCC in 1973 as Valedictorian. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) (Summa Cum Laude) from McMaster University in 1978 and became a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in 1980.

Vance spent his career specializing in taxation, working in Head Office of CRA, as a Senior Tax Partner with KPMG, and as Senior Vice President, Taxes with Thomson Reuters. He appreciated the opportunity of living and working in Ottawa, Toronto, and for most of the last 14 years of his career in Stamford, Connecticut and Zug, Switzerland.

Vance has served on many boards and committees of charities, including having served on the board of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester New York.

Vance and his wife Judy (whom he met at NCC) have three married children and nine grandchildren, all of whom live within 5 km of one another in Mississauga. Two of their children are alumni of NCC.
Dr. Simon Tang

Simon studied grade 10 to OAC at Niagara Christian College. During his time at NCC, he was very involved with the Chinese Christian Fellowship. His favourite subject at NCC was Physics. Determined to study computer science and engineering at university, he ended up pursuing studies in business and technology.

Initially trained as a Certified Public Accountant in the US and Chartered Accountant in Ontario, Simon’s experience includes leading large scale consulting projects. He specializes in Cyber security, IT management and governance, payment security, incident and crisis management, strategy, risk management, and management innovation. Simon has a MSc from Central Michigan University, an MBA from the University of Toronto, and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University.

Simon spent 21 years at Deloitte Canada, including 15 years as a Partner, and was the national practice leader for Deloitte’s payment security and vulnerability management services. He is an industry leader in cyber and payment security with clients in over 22 countries. Since 2004, Simon has been teaching at the University of Toronto, and he is currently an adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Management Innovation, teaching graduate-level auditing and executive management.

Simon and Karen (nee Cheng) are graduates of NCC and are appreciative of the education they received at NCC. Reflecting on their experience, they have highlighted the caring faculty (especially Clare Lebold) and the long-lasting friendships that have been developed.
Charlene Gains-Lovegrove

Charlene Gains-Lovegrove, a proud 1986 Niagara Christian Collegiate (NCC) graduate, carries a deep, multigenerational connection to the institution. She is an accomplished leader in the nonprofit sector with over 30 years of experience in governance, human resources, budgeting, grant writing, and corporate policy development. As a founding member of the Victim Services of Haldimand Norfolk Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Charlene has played a pivotal role as corporate manager, shaping organizational mission and vision.

Various boards have sought her expertise in strategic planning, change management and outcome measures, where she has brought strategic vision to complex organizational challenges. Charlene is renowned for her ability to drive outcomes while fostering a positive and productive organizational culture.

Charlene developed the only national advocate-accredited curriculum program, significantly influencing the landscape of victim services across Canada. Deeply grounded in her Christian faith, Charlene’s formal education in sociology and theology, combined with her roles as a national crisis responder, certified master coach practitioner, and Pastor, equips her with a unique understanding of human behaviour, empathy, and spiritual resilience.
Randy Gilmore

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Ruthanne Wideman

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Shawn Sider

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Find Us

2619 Niagara Parkway
Fort Erie, Ontario, L2A 5M4
Phone: (905) 871-6980

About Us

Niagara Christian Collegiate (NCC) is an independent, non-denominational Christian school located on the beautiful Niagara River near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.