Strengthen • Help • Inspire • Nurture • Empower

Based on Matthew 5:16 — "Let your light shine before others."

CINDA BERRY

MASTERS & TEACHING CREDENTIAL IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Cinda Berry joined Calvary Christian Academy in 2024, beginning as a Kinder Prep teacher during the summer session before transitioning into a full-time kindergarten teaching role for the 2024–2025 school year.

A San Diego native, Cinda earned her undergraduate degree in Education from San Diego State University and continued her studies at National University, where she received both her teaching credential as an education specialist and a Master’s degree in Special Education.

Cinda brings a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs. She has worked with children and young adults ages 2 to 22 with developmental disabilities and social-emotional challenges, across a wide range of educational settings, including public and private schools, non-public programs, in-home environments, and a hospital research school at Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

She and her husband, Eric, enjoy life with their two college-aged daughters, two dogs, and four cats. Cinda’s favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:8, reflects her desire to lead with integrity, compassion, and a mindset focused on what is excellent and praiseworthy.

Program Overview

The SHINE program helps students reach their fullest academic, spiritual, and emotional potential, grounded in Matthew 5:16.
Through personalized support, students are empowered to overcome challenges and shine their God-given light.

Program Goals

✅ Provide academic intervention to meet grade-level expectations

✅ Build confidence and promote classroom independence

✅ Cultivate belonging and purpose

✅ Support teachers with effective strategies

Who Can Participate?

The SHINE program is designed specifically for students with identified mild to moderate learning disabilities, and for those with existing 504 Plans or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that outline additional support needs.

Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or assessment data indicating a need for academic support.

Participation is determined through a collaborative process involving administration, the resource teacher, and classroom teachers, with parent input.

Requires parental consent and a signed release form before participation in SHINE services begins.

Tracking Progress

30-60-90 day goal reviews

Progress shared regularly with teachers & parents

Ongoing transparent communication

 

Partnering with Parents

Informed at every stage — from referral to progress

Regular meetings, updates, and resources

Space for questions and input

 

Supporting Our Teachers

Strengthen: Share strategies & tools

Help: Collaborate on intervention plans

Inspire: Encourage creative teaching

Nurture: Support teacher confidence

Empower: Provide coaching & resources

 
 

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

 

  • The Shine program cost is included with tuition for qualified students

    • Small-group instruction in literacy, math, etc.

    • 1-on-1 intervention sessions

    • In-class coaching & collaboration

    • Social-emotional support woven into academics

  • A resource for students with mild/moderate learning differences

    Designed for students with 504 Plans or IEPs

    Focused on faith-based, strength-building support

  • A homework club or generic tutoring service

    A replacement for regular class time

    A short-term fix for general academic struggle

  • Student info handled with care and discretion

    Christ-centered professionalism in every interaction

  • Led by CCA administration

    Reviewed using student data, teacher feedback, and parent input

    Continually refined for maximum impact

  • The SHINE program exists to empower students and teachers alike to live out Matthew 5:16—helping the light of Christ shine brighter in every classroom and every heart.