Doug Zimmerman
principal
Doug Zimmerman received his B.S. in Physical Education and Health with an Elementary Endorsement from La Sierra University (LSU) in 1994 and an M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership from LSU in 2020. He has served on the North American Division Physical Education and Health Curriculum Committee since 2011, where he helped design and implement the Physical Genesis study and helped write Physical Education and Health standards for the North American Division of SDAs. In 2014 he was recognized as the SDA-HPERA Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
Doug began teaching in 1995 at San Fernando Valley Academy, where he served as the Athletic Director, and taught Physical Education and Health for eight years. In 2003, he moved to Escondido Adventist Academy where he both taught and served as vice principal. Doug views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. He believes partnerships with parents and community are essential to enriching the experience at LCA.
When he is not watching or participating in sports, Doug enjoys reading, golfing, spending time with his wife April, and his German Shepherd, Duke.
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
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April Zimmerman
Kindergarten
April Zimmerman was raised in Ventura, California and earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Chapman University in 2006. This is her third year at LCA, where she and her husband, Doug, relocated from their teaching roles in Escondido, California.
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. Miss Nikolaus 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. Miss Nikolaus loves trying all kinds of international cuisines, and a good cup of tea.
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
Email: jmclin@lakecityacademy.org
Geoff Heald
8th grade
Geoff Heald grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and earned his B.A. in English and M.A. in Education at Pacific Union College. He is accredited to teach English, Social Studies, and Bible Studies at high school and middle school levels. He has been the homeroom teacher for 7th & 8th grades at LCA since 2004. In 2014, the Alumni Awards Foundation recognized Geoff as one of 10 dynamic Adventist educators in the North-American Division.
Geoff desires to provide excellence as a teacher. He challenges students to do the best work they’ve ever done and to value education for its own sake. He enjoys learning alongside his students, who make him laugh all the time. He enjoys going on family road trips to visit national parks. Geoff also appreciates good food, well-written books, the fulfillment of teaching, and a variety of music and movies.
Email: gheald@lakecityacademy.org
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
Jonny Halversen
Physical Education
Born in Long Island, New York, raised in Southern California, and a graduate of Pacific Union College, Jonny Halversen was strongly influenced by the teachers in his life. If there was a way to do even a fraction of what those teachers had done for him, this is the course he wanted to take. Jonny has been in education for 25 years as a dean, an instructor and an administrator in varying capacities. He considers it the most fulfilling job he’s ever had and desires to inspire bravery in the face of the world we live in, to share the levity of heavy things, and reveal the light of Christ and unapologetic faith through his actions.
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.
Email: dballesteros@lakecityacademy.org
Amy Heald
Librarian
Amy Heald has a B.A. in English and history from Pacific Union College and an M.A. in Modern European History from University of California, Davis. She has worked in public relations, children and youth ministries, and has experience in the classroom working with students from Pre-K through college. Her favorite job is probably planning and leading tours to Washington, D.C.; which she has organized biannually for LCA since 2006.
Email: aheald@lakecityacademy.org
