Michal Packard is HCA’s 5th grade teacher. Before she was seven years old she realized she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. She wanted to be a teacher. Her stuffed animals were her first students. She didn’t have any behavior issues.

Both her parents were teachers until retirement age. She is originally from Southern California, but has lived in Fort Collins since 2003. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Language Arts, at Arkansas State University where she played Division 1 Volleyball. She loves being a teacher. Her favorite thing is to make learning fun for kids.

She has three sons Eddie, Charlie, and Matthew. Her entire family is here at HCA. Her husband, Joe, is the Athletic Director and does a few other things around HCA. She has been teaching 5th grade since 2020.

She loves being a teacher at HCA for so many reasons. At the top of the list of reasons that teaching fills her cup is because of the team aspect that teaching provides. She views herself as part of a team that is together, helping raise kids into being decent humans in this world and a person that leads with love and service to others. She believes we have the most perfect example in Jesus Christ. When a child gets asked what they want to be when they grow up, she teaches kids to say that they want to be whatever God is preparing them to be. It is her greatest joy to walk kids toward the Light of the World.

AndeeLynn Doane is HCA’s Sixth Grade Teacher. Mrs. Doane started teaching in 2015. She has taught in both the collegiate and secondary levels of education, and has served as an elementary and middle school Track and Field coach for five years. She is new to the HCA family this year.

Mrs. Doane is a 25-year U.S. Air Force veteran.  She performed a variety of duties while on active duty, some of which included Associate Professor of Aerospace Studies at the University of New Mexico and Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Upon her retirement from active duty, Mrs. Doane taught 11th and 12th grade U.S History and Bible at a Christian school in Albuquerque, NM. Mrs. Doane is married to a U.S. Air Force helicopter pilot and has two children and one grandchild. Mrs. Doane holds a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Learning History, a Bachelor of Arts degrees in German Studies and History, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

Mrs. Doane’s favorite part of teaching is connecting with students and sharing her love of learning. Through the evident work of the Holy Spirit, Mrs. Doane was led to a career in Christian education.

Mrs. Doane and her family love the great outdoors. Whether it is skiing, hiking, or golfing, the Doane Family is rarely to be found inside. In addition to her many hobbies, Mrs. Doane spends a considerable amount of time coaching and watching her daughter compete in volleyball and track and field.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

For over twenty years, Mrs. Silvestri has been a music educator. She has directed children’s vocal choirs and specializes in conducting and ringing in English Handbell choirs.

Mrs. Silvestri holds music degrees from Colorado State University (M.A. in Music Education- Kodály emphasis), and Oberlin Conservatory (B.A. in Music Education-with a minor in vocal performance). She has completed her Kodály and Orff Certificates as well as Orff Master Class Certification. Mrs. Silvestri has taught elementary music in Southern and Northern Colorado school districts, served as a district music mentor in Poudre School district, been a university coach for student teaching placements with Colorado State University, and presented at multiple conferences throughout Colorado.

In addition to teaching music, Mrs. Silvestri has the privilege of leading women in bible study using the Precept Upon Precept inductive method. She has served as the Cubbies director in the AWANA International club, as well as joining with local musicians in leading worship at church.

Monica Sheppard is the Kitchen Coordinator, Aftercare Coordinator, as well as HCA’s Librarian. She attended Colorado State University, worked at a daycare, and trained under a pastry chef!  Mrs. Sheppard started working in the food service industry at the age of 14, has worked with children her whole life, and has been a part of Heritage since 2002. In her free time, she is passionate about hosting and participating in Bible studies.  Her favorite part of working at HCA is getting to know the students better, and being able to pray with them!

Amanda Benson is HCA’s Elementary Art Teacher. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts/Art and Humanities/Spanish. She has worked with children through teaching school and leading as Children’s Ministry Director in her church for the last twelve years. She has a true passion for children and empathy is a strength of hers as she shepherds them. Mrs. Benson believes the opportunity to guide children with God’s love through the creative process of art is a calling and mission for her life.