Faculty & Staff
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Mr. Giannotta
​Principal
Email: [email protected]

For three decades, Carlo Giannotta has been the heart and steady leader of Grace Christian Academy, serving for 20 years as Principal after 10 years in the classroom.

Born in Royal Oak, MI, and raised in Sterling Heights, his leadership is fueled by a profound and simple passion: his love for Jesus and his love for children. He finds immense joy in personally connecting with every student and considers leading them in worship during weekly chapel a core part of his calling.

​Principal Giannotta’s extensive experience is backed by a Master’s degree in School Leadership, which guides his vision for the school.

​Beyond GCA, he is a proud father of three daughters pursuing careers in music, nursing, and education, and he enjoys golf, playing the trumpet, and cheering on his beloved Detroit sports teams. 

​Carlo Giannotta
​Principal
[email protected]

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Daisy Solorzano
Development Director

A first-generation Latina from Watseka, IL, Daisy Solorzano brings a deeply personal passion to her role as Development Director. While new to formal fundraising, she has six years of experience in community relationship building, a skill she is now channeling to secure vital resources for GCA students.

For Daisy, this work is deeply personal; she sees her own family reflected in the faces of the GCA community, which fuels her relentless drive for success. This motivation is backed by a proven ability to excel in new environments, as seen when she was nominated for a prestigious award for academic and professional excellence as a graduate intern.

​Outside of GCA, Daisy supports her family's business and has recently discovered a talent for DJing at local gatherings.

Daisy Solorzano
Development Director

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Dianne Perrin
Office Manager
Email: [email protected]
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For 26 years, Dianne Perrin has been the operational heartbeat of Grace Christian Academy, serving as our dedicated office manager. She is the first friendly voice parents hear on the phone and the calm, organized force managing everything from financial books to crucial communications. Dianne diligently sends reminders to teachers and parents, ensuring our community stays connected and informed. Her unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail behind the scenes are foundational to the smooth daily functioning of our school, allowing our educators to focus fully on their mission in the classroom.

Dianne Perrin
Office Manager
[email protected]

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Ms. Morales
Admissions & Marketing Coordinator ​Email: [email protected]
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Chicago-born and raised, Hilda Morales has served GCA for four years, driving enrollment and community connection through her role in Admissions & Marketing. Her primary focus is on strategic recruitment, student retention, and meaningful community outreach. Hilda's key passion is forging partnerships that bring essential resources to the school and its families. She directly contributes to the mission by personally guiding families through the admissions process, ensuring a Christian education is both attainable and supported.

With a background that includes 10 years in sales/marketing and a decade as a Licensed Illinois Insurance Producer, Hilda brings a rare combination of strategic planning and empathetic client relations to her work in educational access. Her previous experience as a teacher's aid grounds her efforts in a practical understanding of classroom needs.

Personally, Hilda enjoys sports, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her son and dog.

Ms. Morales
Admissions Coordinator
[email protected]
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​Mrs. Deyanira Gutierrez
Pre-K 3 & 4 
Email: [email protected]
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​Experience: Mrs. Gutierrez has a background working with Latinos Progressando for 15 years as an Immigration Specialist. She has dedicated her life to helping her community in as many ways as possible.

She first came to Grace as a volunteer over four years ago, and recently transitioned to role of Pre-K teacher. She is dedicated to teaching her class independence and life skills they can take with them wherever they go. She also loves seeing the smiles on their faces when they learn something new. 

Outside of Grace: Mrs. Gutierrez enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. 

What makes Grace Special: "I love starting everyday teaching about God’s love to my students. Grace is also a welcoming, friendly, and safe environment where students can grow academically."

A Word of Encouragement:
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14

​Mrs. Gutierrez
Pre-K 3 & 4 ​[email protected]

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Mrs. Giannotta
​Kindergarten
Email: [email protected]

A pillar of the GCA community, Jill Giannotta has dedicated 21 of her 27 years in education to our kindergarten classroom.

​Hailing from Red Bud, IL, Jill is a lifelong learner who constantly seeks out innovative online resources to refresh her teaching practices and create engaging, well-managed lessons. She directly advances our mission by introducing our youngest students to the love of Jesus and helping them understand what it means to be a positive leader in the classroom—planting the first seeds for future Christian leaders.

Mrs. G's excellence was recognized with an Above and Beyond award from CLEF. When not teaching, she coaches volleyball at GCA, enjoys gardening, and supports her daughters in their many activities.

Mrs. Giannotta
​Kindergarten
[email protected]

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Mrs. Arroz
​1st & 2nd Grade 
Email: [email protected]

With 32 years of experience in education, Chicago native, Marie Arroz, brings a wealth of wisdom and a nurturing heart to her 1st and 2nd-grade classroom at GCA. Her key passion is nurturing both the minds and hearts of her students, creating a safe and loving environment where they feel inspired to learn both academically and spiritually.

Mrs. Arroz directly contributes to our mission by seamlessly weaving biblical truths into everyday lessons, demonstrating how faith and learning are intertwined. A two-time Teacher of the Year award winner, Marie’s dedication is undeniable.

Outside of school, she enjoys fishing with her husband, traveling with her family, attending musicals, and playing the violin.

Mrs. Arroz
​1st & 2nd Grade 
[email protected]​

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Bio Coming Soon!
3rd & 4th Grade

Coming soon
3rd & 4th Grade

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Mr. Czisny
5th & 6th Grade

Clayton Czisny, who comes to us from West Bend, Wisconsin, transitioned into his first year as a classroom teacher after five years of directing summer camps and after-school programs. This background gives him a unique talent for building strong relationships with students and a passion for watching them overcome challenges and grow into their own.

Mr. Czisny is passionate about guiding students through both academics and essential life skills, preparing them holistically for future success. His experience in developing new curriculum and programming is a significant asset to our team.

​An outdoorsman, Clayton enjoys golf, tennis, basketball, and cooking.

Mr. Czisny
​5th & 6th Grade

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Mr. Hansa
7th & 8th Grade​
Email: [email protected]
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Joseph Hansa is a master educator with over 20 years of experience, bringing a unique and impactful passion to his role as facilitator for our 7th and 8th grades. His passion is for learning itself, and he uses his persona to challenge students in a way that builds them up, taking genuine pride when they grasp a complex concept and see the world with a more critical eye.

Mr. Hansa contributes to our mission of creating future Christian leaders through intentional biblical integration, role modeling integrity and humility, and creating concrete opportunities for students to practice leadership through peer tutoring and group projects.

​Holding a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction, he has been recognized as an IXL Elite 100 Teacher. His unique hobby is instructional roller sports.

Mr. Hansa
7th & 8th Grade​
[email protected]

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Mrs. Diaz
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​ESL Support & Teacher Aid
​Experience:  Mrs. Arleen Diaz earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Northeastern Illinois University. Mrs. Diaz loves being a teacher's aid, as she is able to pass on what she's learned, help make learning enjoyable, and create positive relationships with the students. 

Outside of Grace: Mrs. Diaz loves spending time with her family, working out, cooking new recipes, and shopping! 

What makes Grace Special: "I love the values that Grace holds and its connection to the Little Village Community. I also enjoy teaching to smaller class sizes!" 

A Word of Encouragement: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13

Mrs. Diaz
​ ESL Support & Teacher Aid
[email protected] ​

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Mrs. Estrada
Teacher Aid

Experience:
Mrs. Estrada discovered her love of children while assisting at Grace Christian. She is an asset as a teacher's aid and looks out for all of the children who come under her care.   

Outside of Grace:
Mrs. Estrada enjoys spending time with family, going to church, praying for others, and going on walks. 

What makes Grace Special:
"Grace allows students and staff to share their faith through a Christian education. The small class sizes also create space for individualized academic instruction." 

A Word of Encouragement:
​"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Mrs. Estrada
Teacher Aid

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Mr. Simonson
​P.E. Teacher

Bio Coming Soon!

Mr. Simonson
​P.E. Teacher 

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Belinda Bjorkland
Drama Teacher & Lunch Coordinator

Belinda Bjorkland plays two uniquely vital roles in nurturing our students' well-being and creativity. As Lunch Coordinator, she ensures our students are fueled for learning with well-coordinated and nutritious meals. Then, she transforms into our Drama Teacher, channeling her passion for the arts into directing our annual spring production. This role allows her to draw out students' confidence and collaborative spirit, providing a vibrant platform for them to shine and grow in ways that complement their academic journey perfectly.

Belinda Bjorkland
Drama Teacher & Lunch Coordinator