Having attended ACA from preschool through 8th grade, Mrs. Heckman graduated from Gloucester County Christian School in 1992. She earned a BA in Elementary Education with a Minor in French from Eastern College (now Eastern University) in St. David's, Pennsylvania. In 2006, she earned her MA in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Mrs. Heckman has over twelve years of experience in teaching various grade levels in both self-contained and multi-level classrooms and has worked extensively with Dyslexic students, specifically in the area of Language Arts. Prior to assuming the role as Principal, Mrs. Heckman was the Curriculum Coordinator for ACA as well as the Computer teacher for grades K4 through 8. Her passion for Christ-centered, life-long learning and her love for ACA drive her leadership and her vision for Ambassador Christian Academy.   

Mrs. Wills has a BA in Elementary Ed with a specialization in early childhood education. She also has a BA in Liberal Arts with a specialization in American Studies. She brings experience and a keen appreciation of the early childhood program.

Mrs. Zinn received a dual BA in Fine Arts and Biblical Studies from North Central University in Minneapolis. She has been teaching early childhood classes for over ten years. She is energetic and creative, allowing for her students to learn through song and play while placing strong emphasis on math and reading skills. Her students are greeted each morning with kindness and her bright smile. The entire ACA family looks forward to her Spring and Christmas productions each year, as well as the middle school drama productions each Spring.

Mrs. Stanton is a graduate of Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) where she earned her BS in Business. She is a NJ Certified Teacher and has been a member of the ACA faculty for four years. She is enthusiastic about learning and particularly enjoys teaching Bible to her students. She describes her classroom as a structured and flexible environment where learning is an adventure. Her classroom is always buzzing with fun and creative activities to reinforce academic concepts! 

Mrs. Lee graduated from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) where she earned her BA in Education. Mrs. Lee has been a member of the ACA faculty since 1988. She describes her teaching style as “traditional eclectic ~ a little bit ‘old-fashioned’ seasoned with ‘whatever works’”. Her heart for serving the Lord, her wisdom, her gentle spirit, and her love for her students make her classroom a wonderful environment for learning. 

Mrs. Civile graduated from Rutgers University in 1987 with a degree in Psychology. She is a NJ Certified Teacher and has been a member of the ACA faculty for four years. Having taught for over ten years, her compassion, dedication, and patience allow for a learning environment that enables all students to thrive in their learning experiences. Her gift of connecting with her students and helping them to identify themselves in Christ is a blessing to all. 

Mrs. DiGiovanni-Manz earned a BA in Elementary Education and a BA in History from Rowan University. Her classroom is a well-organized, highly structured environment where she encourages her students to develop ideas and retain information through various teaching styles. Her patience and consistency offer an excellent opportunity for students’ growth and development. 

Mrs. Spatafore earned her BA in Elementary Education with a Concentration in History from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). She has been a member of the ACA faculty for eight years and describes her role in the classroom as a facilitator of learning. Her quiet, humble spirit and her creativity afford her students the opportunity to learn in an environment that they describe as “cool”, “really interesting”, “fun”, and “exciting”. Seeing “the click” in a student’s eyes is what she enjoys most about teaching.

Mrs. Petruzzelli graduated with a degree in Bible from Youth With a Mission Bible College in New Hampshire. She has been involved in missions work in foreign countries and served with her husband in youth ministry for more than seventeen years. Her classroom is not a quiet one, but students are always involved in learning through games, hands-on activities, and guided instruction. Her sense of humor and her crazy instincts for bugs and germs and other science-related things make for a memorable learning experience for all!

Ms. Bollendorf earned a BA in Criminal Justice from Stockton College. She is a NJ Certified Teacher and has been a member of the ACA faculty for four years. She describes her teaching style as traditional and enjoys encouraging students to work to their potential. She enjoys building her students’ confidence through positive interaction and her love for teaching. Students and teachers alike can always count on her lending a hand whenever needed. 

Mrs. Strong graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a BA in Liberal Studies. With over seven years of teaching experience, she consistently offers 100% of herself to everything she does. Her high standards, coupled with her dedication, encourage students to do their very best. Her students describe her as “fun”, “creative”, and “thorough”. They also enjoy her extensive vocabulary. She describes herself as a facilitator who presents her students with opportunities to discover. 

Mrs. Locchetto earned a dual BA in History and Secondary Education from Eastern University. She has been a member of the ACA faculty for three years and particularly enjoys teaching History. Her rapport with the students is a gift; her ability to identify their strengths and talents is vital as she encourages them in their walk with the Lord. Mrs. Locchetto enjoys teaching through fun and creative hands-on experiences, and she always demonstrates an upbeat and optimistic attitude. Her enthusiasm and sense of humor never fail to cheer up anyone!

Mrs. Anni Illas
Spanish

Señora Illas earned degrees in both Special Education and Elementary Education. With more than twenty years of teaching experience, Señora Illas offers all of our students an exciting and fun learning opportunity. Her enthusiasm for loving and serving the Lord is contagious! Using a combination of songs, games, and the Rosetta Stone program, Señora Illas engages her students in developing a love for and a firm foundation in the Spanish language. 

Mrs. Joleyn Swirniuk
Art

Mrs. Swirniuk brings to ACA a wealth of experience and knowledge in the world of Creative Design, having designed for many celebrities and other well-known professionals in the corporate world. She offers her students over sixteen years of teaching experience. She has been a member of the ACA faculty for seven years. Her gift of inspiring students to glorify the Lord through their artistic abilities is unequivocal. Her caring spirit and dedication to Art education allows her students to freely express themselves. She guides her students with grace and humor and elicits from them stunning works of art that decorate our entire school. She is a tremendous asset to our ACA family.
 

Mrs. Lamastra’s diligence in providing our students with a well-rounded athletic program and physical education experience is a blessing. Her Christian character and her caring spirit model for students a true example of a Christian athlete. Her dedication to her students to make learning fun is obvious. Mrs. Lamastra graduated from ACA in 1983 and has been a member of the ACA faculty for nine years.

Brent Galbreath was born in raised in Columbus, Georgia where he became a born again Christian and determined that God wanted him in full-time ministry. After graduating from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, he entered ministry serving in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He became the pastor of Calvary Hill Church in September of 2007 in Glassboro, NJ where he now serves. He married his best friend, Anna, in June, 1989 and they have two teenagers, Rachel and Caleb.

Pastor Brent strives to communicate God’s truth with authenticity, openness, and transparency. He attempts to mix humor and Biblical truth so that it impacts people toward spiritual transformation. He has a passion to see people grow in intimacy with Christ, in community with other believers, and in influence with seekers. He has a real love for the unchurched people of Gloucester County and for the Kingdom of God.