Meet Our Teachers

Mrs. Chittim 

Director

In addition to being the director, ​Mrs. Chittim also teaches Algebra and Bible.  She taught music and first through third grade at two different private schools, as well as homeschooling her two children for nine years before joining the ICA staff in 2010.  She received a degree in Church Music from Northwest University and has is continually learning about the Classical School model of education.

Mrs. Hardesty

Preschool

​Mrs. Hardesty has been on our ICA preschool staff for three years, and is skilled in creating a safe, inviting place for our youngest students to launch their school experience.

Mrs. Heggenes

Pre-kindergarten

Mrs. Heggenes is in her first year of teaching at ICA.  Her patience, love and teaching skill combine to make the prekindergarten class a warm and inviting environment for students to grow and develop.

Mrs. Phillips 

Kindergarten

​Mrs. Phillips has been involved in children’s ministries for over 35 years, which has included being a Bible camp speaker, director of children’s ministries, and children’s choir.  Mrs. Phillips founded and directed Elk Plain Christian Preschool in Pierce County where she taught for over 20 years.  What energizes Mrs. Phillips the most is getting kids excited about learning.  

Mrs. Bartel

1st Grade

​ In her third year teaching at ICA, Mrs. Bartel has special training in Classical Education.  Mrs. Bartel is currently working toward a degree in Elementary Education with recent training in reading and spelling instruction.   She loves to read and research just about anything.  

Mrs. Dixon

2nd Grade

Mrs. Dixon has taught both kindergarten and 2nd grade at ICA after an earlier career in Montessori education.  She loves helping students engage in meaningful learning within her classroom evironment.

Mrs. McCourt

3rd and 4th Grades

Mrs. McCourt continues to inspire our 3rd and 4th graders with the love of  learning.  She has a BA in Education and a Masters in Psychology.  Her specialized training includes a certificate in elementary and secondary education as well as in children’s mental health.  Mrs. McCourt has many years of experience as a public school elementary counselor and is a trained foster parent.  Her favorite subject is Science. 

Mrs. McGill

5th and 6th Grades

Mrs. McGill brilliantly teaches 5th and 6th grade.  Prior to this, she taught math and science in the Mukilteo School District, and substitute taught for the South Whidbey School District.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree from WWU and specialized training from the Logos classical Christian education program

Mrs. Justus

Jr. High Homeroom

​Mrs. Justus teaches Junior High, Pre-Algebra and secondary English.  In addition to homeschooling her own children for 12 years, she traveled to Micronesia, edited for the San Diego Tribune and copy edited for Alliant Techsystems.  Mrs. Justus earned a BA in English from San Diego State University., as well as an ACSI Teaching Certificate.  Refinishing furniture, and chocolate ice cream  are  Mrs. Justus’ favorites!

Mrs. Wilmoth

High School Homeroom

​Mrs. Wilmoth amazes our Junior and High School students with her great knowledge and energy teaching Science.  She has extensive teaching experience in public and private schools in California and Washington.  While in California, Mrs. Wilmoth obtained both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and a Secondary Teaching certificate. 

Mr. Bacigalupi 

High School History

Mr. Bacigalupi has taught history and government class for our high school students for the past three years.  His years of experience in the world of business as well as teaching at the college level combine to make his classes interesting, informative and engaging for our students.

Mrs. Bartel 

Latin

Mrs. Bartel is ICA's skilled Latin teacher.  She also serves as part time bookkeeper and Curriculum Advisor.  Mrs. Bartel received a BA in Social Science from WSU as well as an ACSI teaching certificate.  She also has specialized training in Classical/Latin studies, and classical Christian education through the Logos and Veritas programs.

Mrs. Sinclair

Support Staff

​Mrs. Sinclair supervises students in the lunchroom and playground, which we fondly refer to as "character class" as this is where the virtues are best put into practice!  She is able to gently and wisely direct students toward personal relationships that are honoring to one another and to God.

Mrs. Miller

Physical Education

Mrs. Miller has just completed her first year on staff at ICA after many years coaching and teaching physical education in the public school system in Oklahoma.  She also plays guitar and leads worship at her local church.  At ICA her specialty is singing Happy Birthday to students on their special day accompanied by her ukulele!  

Mrs. Formhals

​Support Staff

Mrs. Formhals supervises students during lunch and on the playground helping students as they learn to honor one another by putting the Golden Rule into daily practice.  She gets her greatest joy when also serving as an aid the the preschool and preK classes.