Elias Lambers is HCA’s new German Teacher. He will be teaching Beginning and Intermediate German (new courses for HCA) along with World Changers-7 and Study Hall.

Growing up in Germany, Mr. Lambers earned a Masters in English and Geography with a Minor in Psychology along with a Masters in Physical Education. He has taught English as a Second Language, Geography and Physical Education to students in grades 5-12 in Germany. In addition, he has also coached Basketball, is a certified ski and fitness instructor, worked as a live German-English translator at his church in Germany and led Bible study groups (both in Germany and the United States!).

With a passion to inspire and motivate students, Mr. Lambers believes that his experiences growing up in a different country have helped him to engage students, while at the same time encouraging critical thinking skills. He is excited to be able to bring education alive in a Christ centered environment and looks forward to becoming part of the Heritage community.

Lori Merkley has been at HCA since 2004. She wears many hats, teaching secondary science, Health, Speech, and Responding to Emergencies. Mrs. Merkley earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Education (double major) from the University of Northern Colorado. She has been in education since 1998, and she loves watching the students develop a Biblical world view as they study the subjects. Mrs. Merkley feels that teaching is powerful when students realize that God is IN everything, has a PURPOSE for everything, and then apply that lesson directly to their own lives. If she could, she would take as many Bible classes as possible, especially Hebrew.

Wendy Nettleton is HCA’s High School Art Teacher. Wendy graduated from Concordia University Irvine with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum with an emphasis is Pervasive Learning Disorders.  She has extensive training in autism, academic support and crisis prevention and intervention. Wendy has been teaching since 2000 and began her career in ELL instruction and was led to work with students with learning disorders and disabilities.   She is grateful to work with students creating artwork that expresses themselves and their faith.

Josh Nichols teaches AP Psychology and Introduction to Psychology at HCA. He is the head coach of the varsity soccer team. He also provides counseling and support to students both in the elementary and secondary schools.  Mr. Nichols earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Allegheny College and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Duquesne University.  He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  Josh loves to spend time outdoors with his wife and three kids, especially hiking and biking.  Cultivating meaningful relationships with his students and players is his favorite part of serving at HCA.     

Amber Ortner is one of HCA’s mathematics teachers. She has been working in education since 2004. She currently serves as one of the secondary math teachers and offers tutoring for HCA, providing additional resources for students. Mrs. Ortner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Masters in Classroom Instruction from Biola University. Mrs. Ortner is passionate about reaching those who might seem unreachable and finding what works for them. Her favorite part of teaching is helping all students realize that they can be successful.

Joe Packard is HCA’s athletic director and bible teacher.

Linley Petersen teaches Life Fitness at HCA.

Nichole Pool teaches Biblical Womanhood at HCA.

Nichole has worked in early education for over 15 years combined as an assistant teacher, teacher, an elementary school substitute, as well as an Early Interventionist working with children with special needs. Along with being an elective teacher at Heritage, she is also the Director of Small Oaks Christian Preschool.  She has her MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and BS in Psychology with a concentration on communication.  She has been a Program Director for Adult Day Health Care Centers as well as a Social Work Assistant, she has worked with both children and adults with special needs and very much enjoys the Early Childhood Development environment.

Nichole and her husband, Zach, have two daughters. Their oldest is a middle schooler at Heritage Christian Academy and is active in sports and drama, as well as music and playing the guitar. Their youngest daughter is a fourth grader at Heritage Christian Academy, and has a rare genetic disorder called SATB2 Associated Syndrome and loves to keep her family on their toes!

Nichole loves to spend her spare time with her family, camping, reading and studying the Bible. She also volunteers as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator at her church and loves to teach and take Bible Studies. Nichole has a few favorite chapters in the Bible – Ephesians 6 and Romans 8 are among her top favorites!

Her favorite verse is John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth, for Your Word is Truth!”

Mrs. Sanchez is a life-long Spanish speaker. She began helping at HCA as a substitute teacher in 2022. She now teaches Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 to high school students. She has a degree in Psychology from Ivy Tech Community College and feels blessed for the opportunity to teach at Heritage.

Joe Taylor is HCA’s Worship Team Leader and the Assistant Soccer Coach for the HCA Boys High School Soccer team.  He has been the Worship Leader at Dayspring Christian Church since 2002. He has a BS in Computer Science from CSU and is a Senior Principal Software Architect at Guidehouse. He is married to Kara, and they have 2 children – Jayden and Kylie that have and are attending Heritage. He is a Colorado Native (and yes, he loves to ski) and loves doing stuff outside – sports, hiking, etc.