Administration & Staff

Mrs. Ruff is the Director of Operations and Development for NCA.  Her dutied include overseeing admissions, fundraising, special events, marketing, and operations. She previously served on our Board of Directors and as the Fundraising Chair. She graduated from University of Illinois with a BA in French and a minor in International Marketing. She and her husband, Bill, attend All Saints Anglican Church where Rebecca serves on the altar guild. The Ruff family has been a part of NCA since 2006 and currently have two children in attendance and two graduates of NCA.

Dr. De Jong is our Curriculum Director. She taught the second grade class at NCA for eight years before serving in her current role of faculty and curriculum development. Lauren has also mentored new teachers at NCA for many years, and is passionate about helping students and teachers grow. She received a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education from Grove City College, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Covenant College, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Columbia International University. Lauren and her husband, Nick, together with their three children – Luke, Mark and Rebekah – live in Wheaton and are active members of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Besides serving at school and church, Lauren enjoys reading, playing tennis and hosting friends and neighbors in her home.

Mrs. Kotecki teaches Upper School Latin in addition to her role as Advancement Director. Katharine holds a BS in English Language and Literature. She is in her second year of the Circe Institute Master Teacher Apprenticeship, a three year professional development program for educators in classical rhetoric and classical modes of instruction and is concurrently working on her Master of Arts in English. Prior to coming on staff, Katharine served on the NCA Board of Directors and as Fundraising Chair. She and her husband live in Naperville with their two children and are members of Saint Raphael Catholic Church.

Mr. Warner is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. in Business, and Taylor University where he earned his MBA. He joined NCA in 2021, after being a stay at home Dad for the previous 6 years. He and his wife, Leda, have 2 children who attend NCA. The Warner family is blessed to attend the Compass Church, where God has allowed them to grow spiritually, serve, and build community.

Mrs. Salansky comes to us with 20 years of relevant experience having worked most recently as a production coordinator for Christian Youth Theatre (CYT). She has a strong track record of working kindly and confidently with students, parents, and fellow staff. She is very excited to serve the Lord through her role at NCA. Jen, her husband, Phil, and their daughter Naomi attend Grace Point Church in Naperville where they are involved in many areas of ministry.

Mrs. Jacobs is our Office Assistant. She is a graduate of Anderson University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Wheaton College where she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.  Kara and her husband, Jeff, attend The Compass Church where she serves in the children’s ministry.  The Jacobs family has been involved with Naperville Christian Academy since 2006, and their son and daughter are both NCA graduates.  Kara enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and sewing.

Mrs. Gallagher is our Librarian.  She graduated from Purdue University.  She and her family attend Chicago Church of Christ where she has served for many years in various capacities with youth programs, Sunday school classes, and teen ministry.  Katie loves traveling with her family, being outdoors, and reading.  These hobbies allow her to continue learning, see God’s beauty in landscape, and help history come alive for her family as they visit historical places. 

Bio Coming Soon