HILLCREST ACADEMY Announces New Hires

HILLCREST ACADEMY Announces New Hires

CHRIS NACHTIGALL has been named the new Activities Director. Chris returns to the role after leaving in 2011 for stints as Head Softball Coach and Assistant to the Athletic Director at Northwestern College (Orange City) and Hesston College (KS), where he served as Athletic Director the last two years. Chris is married to Marena (Leichty ’99) and they with their three children, Cohen (11), Eden (8), and Ayla (5) attend Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church. 

MITCHELL DREY has been hired to fill the Health and Physical Education Instructor and Head Girls Basketball Coach positions. He will also serve as Assistant Activities Director. Mitchell is a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University and will be part-time, also teaching Physical Education at St. James Catholic School in Washington. He is a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA. 

WENDY PAIVA will fill the Family and Consumer Science position. Wendy is a native of Washington and most recently taught in the West Liberty Community School District. Wendy is married to Wilson Paiva and they have three children Olivia (17), Madeline (15), and Nicole (13). Wendy and her family earlier spent 13 years in Wilson’s native Paraguay in church planting/leadership development/children’s ministry. The family attends Veritas Church in Iowa City.

Principal Dwight Gingerich said, “I’m excited about Chris, Mitchell, and Wendy joining our team as each brings significant gifts that will advance the mission of Hillcrest Academy. We look forward to welcoming them into our school community.” These three join new  Administrative Assistant, Laurie (Bender ‘99) Miller who was announced earlier, as our four new faculty/staff team members this fall.