Leadership
Our leaders guide our mission forward while fostering an engaged Christian community for the families who call CHCA home.
Dr. Dean Nicholas
With a passion for Scripture and academia, Dr. Dean Nicholas has dedicated his career to helping students uncover their gifts and connect with Christ in meaningful ways.
Earning a B.A. and M.A. from Wheaton College, then a Master of Philosophy and a Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, he had no intention of spending his career at a Pre-K–Grade 12 school; his formal training put him on a path to become a Hebrew Bible scholar. But God’s call led him to CHCA, where he taught Christian Studies for 11 years, served as Principal for 13 years, and led as Assistant Head of School for one year before assuming his current role in 2021.
As Head of School, Dr. Nicholas keeps our community focused on our mission while challenging us to grow. His vision for CHCA centers on preparing students to engage God’s world thoughtfully and faithfully. He believes in creating an environment where students explore how Christ is in all, through all, and holds all things together—while developing their unique gifts to bring healing and restoration to a broken world.
When not in school, Dr. Nicholas spends time with his wife and three sons—all three of whom graduated from CHCA.
“We believe that God is the author of all Truth and those who seek Him, find Him. So from the first day of preschool to high school Commencement, students are encouraged to learn, lead, and serve and make their faith their own.”
Board of Trustees
Comprised of at least 12 current CHCA parents, the Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining and enhancing the academic experience our students encounter every day. They do this by upholding CHCA’s Christ-centered identity, advancing educational innovation, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting long-term sustainability.
Front Row: Brandie Ellery, Ben Beshear, Michael Dantley, Greg Huffstetler
Middle Row: Dean Nicholas, David Blessing, Natalie McSwain
Last Row: Rob Hall, Andy Ziegenfuss, Paul Silva, Steven Howery, Mianda Bashala, Gary Price, Jon Snyder
Not Photographed: Sally Dempsey, Jon Eckert, and Mike Falder
2025-26 Board Members
Steven Howery
President
Sally Dempsey
Vice-President
Greg Huffstetler
Treasurer
Natalie McSwain
Member-at-Large
Gary Price
Member-at-Large, Past President
David Blessing
Secretary
Mianda Bashala
Ben Beshear
Michael Dantley
Jon Eckert
Brandie Ellery
Mike Falder
Rob Hall
Paul Silva
Jon Snyder
Andy Ziegenfuss
Begin Your Journey
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