Support Services

Mrs. Christina Wachenheimer

Mrs. Wachenheimer leads NCA’s efforts to support the needs of all learners. She collaborates with families, teachers, specialists, and service providers to coordinate resources, strengthen inclusive practices, and help each student participate fully in school life. She is also NCA's Assistant Principal and Kindergarten teacher.

Mrs. Carolyn Backis

The Motor Lab gives students opportunities to develop the movement, coordination, balance, and body-awareness skills that support classroom learning. As Service Coordinator, Mrs. Backis creates opportunities for students to serve others within NCA and throughout the wider community. By facilitating meaningful, age-appropriate service projects, she helps students put their faith into action to live out NCA’s mission of forming hands that serve.

Mrs. Beth Mason, Director

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers children a quiet, hands-on environment in which to deepen their relationship with God. Through developmentally appropriate materials, Scripture, prayer, and reflection, students experience faith in a way that honors their individual pace and abilities.

Ms. Katie Carnes

Title I tutoring provides eligible students with additional academic instruction in a small-group or individualized setting. Ms. Carnes reinforces foundational skills, builds student confidence, and works alongside classroom teachers to support continued progress.

Ms. Ariana Dismer

Speech services are available at NCA once each week for eligible students. Ms. Dismer supports the communication skills students need to express themselves, understand language, participate in class, and build relationships with others.

Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, eligible students may receive specialized services provided in coordination with the local public school district. NCA works with families and service providers to understand students’ plans, coordinate available support, and encourage meaningful participation in the classroom.

School counseling provides students with a supportive space to talk, reflect, and develop healthy strategies for managing emotions and challenges. Counseling may address areas such as confidence, friendship, conflict resolution, coping skills, and successful participation in the school community.

School social work services help students navigate social, emotional, behavioral, and family-related challenges that may affect their school experience. Through individual support, small groups, and collaboration with families and teachers, students develop skills for self-regulation, problem-solving, and positive relationships.

Calm spaces and sensory tools throughout the school give students constructive ways to pause, move, reset, and return to learning. Flexible seating, fidgets, balance equipment, and visual tools can support focus and self-regulation while recognizing that students do not all learn in the same way.