Jeff Andersen
principal
Jeff grew up in Seattle, Washington. He earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Walla Walla University. Jeff fell in love with the Inland Northwest in 2020 and decided to make the move to Lake City Academy in 2022 to be closer to family.
During his teaching career he has taught 1st - 8th grade. One of his favorite hobbies in the classroom is answering the question, “When are we ever going to use this?”
His goal as Principal of Lake City Academy is to make the school a beacon of Christian education in North Idaho fostering connection and growth for the students, families, staff and community.
When not at school, Jeff loves to be outdoors. His favorite outdoor activities are boating and camping. In his spare time he loves reading and tinkering with electronics.
Delci Whalen
ECE Director & Full Day pre-K
Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Delci Whalen has seven years experience as a nanny and ran a private childcare group for five years. She believes that education is the key to success in life, and she makes it her mission to have a lasting positive impact on each and every child that comes through LCA.
Delci is a mother of three and her kids are students at LCA. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and doing crafts.
Email: dwhalen@lakecityacademy.org
.
Alma Kubiak
Half-day pre-k
Alma Kubiak has been in Idaho for a little over four years. Alma and her family moved from Colorado. They have one son named Colton who attends LCA. Both Alma and her husband have served in the US military.
Alma has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado with a minor in Elementary Education. Alma has been a teacher’s aide at LCA for the past two years. Alma has been involved with children’s ministries at church. She believes that each child is unique and early childhood education is the building blocks of learning. She believes that having a respectful, caring bond with children and their families are vital foundations for a wonderful early childhood experience as a student.
Alma is also a Registered Nurse for over sixteen years. She enjoys pickleball, boot camps and camping.
Email: akubiak@lakecityacademy.org
Rachael Jones
Kindergarten
Rachael grew up in Bremerton, Washington. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Walla Walla University. Rachael began her career in McMinnville Oregon, teaching kindergarten for 6 years.
Feeling ready to start a new chapter somewhere else, but unable to find a good teaching position, Rachael decided to move to Spokane to be a nanny for some family friends. Thankfully God opened doors for her to join the Lake City Academy team. Rachael is looking forward to being back in the classroom helping kids fall in love with learning, build a growth mindset, and discover their unique gifts.
When Rachael is not in the classroom she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, running, and paddle boarding. Other hobbies include painting, drawing, playing the piano, knitting, and just spending time with people.
Email: rjones@lakecityacademy.org
Monique Simpson
1st grade
Monique Simpson received a dual degree in Elementary Education and General Special Education from Washington Adventist University in 2010. She has continued her educational journey by obtaining a M.A. In Educational Psychology amongst other endorsements and certificates.
Ms. Simpson embraces the challenge of creating life long learners of her students. Her hope is to create in each one the drive to learn and take ownership of the adventure also known as education. She recognizes the importance of and values the collaboration between the student, teacher, family, and colleagues.
She is humbled and honored to have been called to participate in the development of creating God-centered citizens for the here and now as well as for eternity.
Email: msimpson@lakecityacademy.org
Katia Amorim
2nd grade
Mrs. Amorim earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Instituto Superior Adventista Del Plata, Argentina. She taught elementary level for three years. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Music Education at Andrews University, Michigan. She believes that Education is a superpower and she believes teaching is a small way to save the world, and if not the world as a whole, at least one person's world. Her mission is wherever she is, she can show love and mercy in helping people. She believes that teachers are superheroes. Mrs. Amorim also loves playing her flute, singing in choirs, and playing her ukulele. She loves hiking, visiting mountains and lakes and being surrounded by her two adorable cats: Nino and Mambo. Mrs. Amorim loves trying all kinds of international cuisines, and a good cup of tea.
Email: kamorim@lakecityacademy.org
Suzanne Hervig
3rd grade
I am so thrilled to be teaching 3rd grade here at Lake City Academy. I love working in a Christian school where we can pray together, and share our love for Christ. Providing an environment where students thrive, learn, and worship together is the mission of our school. My personal teaching philosophy is to inspire and educate every child every day within the context of a Chrstian education.
Besides teaching 3rd graders, I also enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, and water sports. My husband, Rick and I have two children. We love spending time with our family, and creating lasting memories together.
Email: shervig@lakecityacademy.org
Anita Roberts
4th Grade
Anita Roberts graduated from Southwestern University in Keene, Texas, with a B.S. in Education and a minor in Music. She has taught in many diverse learning environments, throughout a range of grades, and in combination classrooms. She has also previously served as principal at two schools. Anita began teaching at LCA in 1997 and received the “Excellence of Teaching Award” in 2012.
Raised on a farm in Allegan, MI, Anita loved school. As an adult, she feels a great calling to be an educator, and desires to create positive school experiences where kids feel loved and accepted. She is committed to giving her best alongside her teammates at LCA. When she is not teaching, Anita enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, as well as gardening, kayaking, hiking, and motorcycle riding with her husband.
Email: aroberts@lakecityacademy.org
Website: www.teacheranita.com
Anne Blech
5th grade
Anne Blech received her Bachelor of Arts and State Credentials from California Lutheran University. She taught for 26 years in Southern California and has been a part of the LCA team since 2021. In 2014, she received the Teaching Excellence Award from Alumni Awards Foundation. Mrs. Blech enjoys working with robotics and drama. Her goal is to help children draw closer to Jesus. She is the mother of 3 children. Her hobbies include sewing, baking, hiking, paddle boarding, and spending time with her family.
Email: ablech@lakecityacademy.org
Jason McLin
6th grade
Jason McLin has been teaching middle school for over 20 years. He grew up on the West coast and went to college at Walla Walla College where he got a degree in English and History and his secondary education certificate. He has coached and led field trips as well as been on a variety of leadership committees. He has taught most recently in Wenatchee, Washington and Palmer, Alaska.
Teaching is his passion and working with students in these transitional years his calling. He stays busy outside of school being a father and husband. He also enjoys exploring nature, gardening, building projects,and traveling. God is very important in his life, and he can’t imagine doing anything without doing it hand-in-hand with God.
Email: jmclin@lakecityacademy.org
Jeff Andersen
7th & 8th Grade
Jeff is excited to be able to spend a little of his time this year, back in the classroom. He has taught math for many years and is looking forward to using this class to maintain his connection to the students.
Other 7th & 8th grade instructors include:
Pastor Joey Barajas- Bible
Dr. Karl Peach- Science
Anne Blech- ELA
Jason McLin- History
Linda Kim
Accountant
Linda Kim was born and raised in Southern California, but in 2010, she and her family sought out a simpler, more intentional life in North Idaho. She is a CPA with a B.A. in Business Administration and an M.A. in Finance. She is both staff and a former LCA parent, since both her children graduated from attend LCA.
At LCA, Linda enjoys her job because she gets to work with numbers and with people. She strives to provide accurate and appropriate financial information so that the school board and other committees can make informed and relevant decisions regarding the future of the school and the children. When not at LCA, Linda enjoys time with her family and dogs, as well as knitting.
Email: lkim@lakecityacademy.org
David Ballesteros
Music education
David, our dedicated music teacher, thrives on forging meaningful connections, particularly with his students. With a heart brimming with gratitude to God for the opportunity, he cherishes the privilege of learning alongside his vibrant pupils.
Hailing from Colombia, David's musical journey has taken him across borders, enriching his education in both his homeland and the United States. With a wealth of experience garnered from his tenure in Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota, he brings a diverse perspective to Lake City Academy.
David's unwavering belief in the Lord’s guidance has led him to our institution, where he aspires to become a beacon of inspiration for students, faculty, and parents alike. His mission is to foster a nurturing environment where music not only thrives but also serves as a conduit for personal growth and enrichment.
Megan Walsworth
Librarian
Megan holds an associate degree with additional training in curriculum writing and early childhood education. She worked as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher for four years at a Montessori school in San Bernardino, CA where she also developed their school library. She has several years of bookseller experience and loves every opportunity she gets to provide personalized reading recommendations for any age group.
