HCA Staff

Laura Ackerman earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls and has licensure in Minnesota. She brings 30 years of teaching experience to all ages into her classroom. Laura resides in Cottage Grove with her husband Tim they have two sons Jeffrey and Christopher. Laura owns Miss Laura's Music and Movement Inc. and offers mommy & me style classes to the community. She brings to the piano students of HCA the skills and knowledge for them to have a firm foundation in music theory, a disciplined practice routine that is purposeful and systematic, and provides a warm and welcome environment through her kind teaching technique. Many of her past students continue with their musical skills and talents in college bands and orchestras, church praise bands and some have become teachers themselves. Laura is a lover of all things Jesus and does everything for the glory of God.

Sue Dickhausen is a licensed elementary teacher, supervising the learning-to-read and playing-to-learn programs for kindergarten and first grade students since 1991. Mrs. Dickhausen makes letters and numbers come to life each day with fun, interactive music, stories, and activities. Sue graduated from St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College). She is married to Doug and has one son, Jonathon. Sue enjoys a variety of crafts in her HCA classroom and in her spare time at home.

Mari Dingle is the PreKindergarten teacher at HCA. Ms. Mari has brightened the lives of young people for many years. She has taught Preschool over 25 years in our community. She is a lifelong resident of St. Paul Park and enjoys serving in the community. She has a passion for cross-stitching and displays a new piece each year at the Minnesota State Fair.

Randy Krussow is a lead teacher in the main learning center. He graduated from Bethel University, is licensed to teach and coach in grades 7-12, and started at Hope Christian Academy in 1980. He and his wife, Amy, and daughters reside in Cottage Grove. Mr. Krussow loves to inspire students in applications of God's Word for daily living. He loves music and often finds ways to lead students in singing or plays silly songs on his guitar.

Jesse Martone is a lead teacher in the main learning center. He graduated with a Masters in Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins with a concentration in Hebrew Language from Nyack College and a Bachelors in Biblical Studies with a Minor in Christian Education: Youth from Northpoint Bible College. He has lectured for research boards, served in a wide range of pastoral positions, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel. He and his wife Erin reside in Maplewood with their daughter Ella-Mae. Jesse also enjoys working with his hands through leathercraft, computer building, gardening, and cooking. He has a heart for deepening our understanding of scripture through the study of history and culture of the world of Jesus.

Lindsey Niebur is a secretary/receptionist at HCA. She studied Filmmaking and Video Production at Century College. She lives in Cottage Grove with her husband Derek, and they have two daughters, Audree and Autumn that attend HCA and a son Archer. She enjoys the outdoors at her family’s farm; adventuring on the four wheelers and helping with the animals.

Todd Pankow directs the band and choir ensembles at HCA. Mr. Pankow is a good example of serving the Lord with all your heart! He makes music and ministry exciting and fun. Mr. Pankow offers private instrumental and vocal lessons during school hours or after and before the regular school day. Many of Mr. Pankow's students have received musical scholarships for college.

Derrick Pfeffer is a supervisor in the main learning center at HCA. Derrick attended Waldorf University and has an Associate degree from Iowa Central Community College. He is married to Jodie and they have 4 children that attend HCA. In his off time, he enjoys coaching his children in hockey and baseball.

Shawna Terrell is the Principal at Hope Christian Academy. She graduated from HCA in 1999. She went on to graduate from North Central University with a Bachelor's degree in youth ministry with a minor in Bible. She has two children attending Hope, a son Caleb and a daughter Erica. They reside in Cottage Grove. Mrs. Terrell loves to challenge children and youth in their walk with God and knowing God in a more intimate and deeper way.