Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
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Office Staff
Teaching & Aiding Staff
Educational Support Services Staff
Little Sprouts Staff
Kitchen Staff
Transportation
Office Staff
Teaching & Aiding Staff
Educational Support Services Staff
Little Sprouts Staff
Kitchen Staff
Transportation
Office Staff & Support Staff
MELISSA BROWER
Interim Head of School
Bio
Church Home: Sparta Trinity CRC
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:28 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”
DELIA ROBERTS
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Bio
Church Home: LaGrave Ave. CRC
Favorite Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
MARLENE ALVAREZ
OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & COMMS COORDINATOR
Bio
Church Home: First Byron CRC
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
DALE BURGHGRAEF
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Bio
Church Home: Westview Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'”
MATT COOKE
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Bio
Church Home: Church of the Servant
Favorite Verse: Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
JANE ELZINGA
TECHNOLOGY COACH
Bio
Church Home: LaGrave Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Bible Verse: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
TIM KAMPS
NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
Bio
Church Home: Encounter
Favorite Bible Verse:“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11.
BRANDON KLOMP
FACILITIES MANAGER & ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Bio
Church Home: Calvary Church Grand Rapids
Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
PAM MERSMAN
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Bio
Home Church: East Leonard Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
NINA VANHEULEN
BUSINESS MANAGER
Bio
Church Home: Westview CRC
Romans 12 vs 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Teaching & Aiding Staff
KELLY ZECK
3S PRESCHOOL TEACHER / EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR
Bio
Church Home: The Beloved Church
Favorite Verse: Luke 10:27- Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
KRISTI ELLIOTT
3S PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: LaGrave Ave. CRC
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
MELISSA SCHOLTON
3/4 AIDE
Bio
Church Home: COMING SOON!
Favorite Verse: COMING SOON!
AMALIA MULDER
4s PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Westend Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
REBECCA ESSENBURG
4S PRESCHOOL AIDE
Bio
Church Home: Gold Avenue Church
Favorite Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
TERESA KOOYER
NATURE PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Walker URC
Favorite Verse: Romans 8: 38-39
LISA DeVRIES
YOUNG 5's TEACHER/AIDE
Bio
Church Home: East Leonard Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! – Philippians 4:4
ALISHA MYERS
YOUNG 5S TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
JUDY GOOTE
YOUNG 5's AIDE
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: Psalm 121:1 and 2 I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven, and Earth.
ANNA RAY
K-3 RESOURCE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Indwelling Community Church
Favorite Verse: Numbers 6:24-26 “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
KAYLA BIRCH
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Bauer Christian Reformed
Favorite Verse: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
HANNAH LITWILLER
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: The Beloved Church
Favorite Verse: Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PEYTON MARS (RISSELADE)
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: The Local Church GR
Favorite Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
RUTH HOP
KINDERGARTEN AIDE
Bio
Church Home: First Byron CRC
Favorite Verse: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a
LAUREN CORELL
FIRST GRADE TEACHER (PART TIME)
Bio
Church Home: The Beloved Church
Favorite Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7
ALISON GROENBOOM
FIRST GRADE TEACHER (PART TIME)
Bio
Church Home: Faith Community Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
ZOE FRISBY
FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Bio
COMING SOON!
SARAH BOUR
FIRST GRADE AIDE
Bio
Church Home: LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
HANNAH CONKLIN
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Foundry Church
Favorite Verse: James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
LYDIA COX
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Crossroads Bible Church
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
DEB MERSMEN
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: North End Chapel
Favorite Verse: Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
KATIE TeBRAKE
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: The Local Church (TLC)
Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
MEREDITH VANDERHYDE
THIRD GRADE AIDE
Bio
Church Home: Remembrance Reformed
Favorite Verse: EXODUS 14:14 NIV “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
JENNIFER BORGMAN
FOURTH GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Walker United Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Romans 8:28-30. And we know that in all things For works for the good of those who love him, and are called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that height be the firstborn among many brothers, And those he predestined, he slid called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
AUBREY BOUR
FOURTH GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: The Local Church
Favorite Verse: John 13:7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
MALLORY HOHN
FIFTH GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: North End Chapel
Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12 “ Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
AMIRA SELVIUS
FIFTH GRADE TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: North End Chapel
Favorite Verse: Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
KELLI BOSSICK
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
COMING SOON!
RACHEL BECHER
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Westview CRC
Favorite Verse: Joshua 7. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it ot hte right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go
AARON ELZINGA
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: LaGrave Ave CRC
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
ZACH KLOMP
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Remembrance
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:12 ” I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
MARILEE MARSMAN
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Westend Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
JULIE MUSCH
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Bio
Church: Searchlight Ministries
Favorite Verse: (I have two that are favorites. It is really hard to pick just one!)
1. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23.
2. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord determines their steps. Proverbs 16:9
DAWN BOUMAN
CHAPEL COORDINATOR, 6TH - 8TH GRADE CHOIR, 4TH GRADE MUSIC
Bio
Church Home: Faith Community CRC
Favorite Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” He sings over ME! Wow!
JANET STAAL
DIRECTOR OF NATURE-BASED/OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Bio
Church Home: Westview CRC
Favorite Verse: Psalm 40:5 “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
JAMIE GIBSON
NATURE AIDE
Bio
Church: Orchard Hill Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PAT TERGERSON
ORCHESTRA TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Monroe Community Church
Philippians 4:13
WENDY KUZMA
LIBRARIAN, MEDIA (PART TIME)
Bio
RYAN KOOPMANS
Spanish Teacher
Bio
Church Home: Remembrance
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
ANDREW VANDER WAL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Crossroads Bible Church
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 2:5-11 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
MARY JO NANNINGA
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (GRADES Y5s-K)
Bio
Church Home: WestEnd CRC
Favorite Verse: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31
RONALD WARNER
TECHNOLOGY (GRADES K-4)
Bio
Church Home: Allegan United Methodist Church
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5 Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
DELANEY MELDRIM
ART TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Messiah CRC
Favorite Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-6
KAREN VANDENAKKER
ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR
Bio
Church Home: Hanley Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Educational Support Staff
BARB BAUMANN
ESS PARAPRO
Bio
Church Home: Haven Christian Reformed Church
Favorite Verse: Hebrews 12:2 “Fix your eyes on Jesus”
RACHEL HENDRICKS
ESS PARAPRO
Bio
Church Home: Sunshine Community Church
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
AMANDA LEHMANN
ESS Parapro
Bio
Home church: Calvary Church
Favorite Verse: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
DEB McCOURT
ESS PARAPRO
Bio
Church Home: The Beloved
Favorite Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.
JORDAN PELESS
5-8 RESOURCE ROOM TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Ada Bible Church
Favorite Verse: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” — Matthew 6:26
CHASE SUTTER
OUTDOOR ED ASSISTANT/ESS
Bio
Church Home: Ada Bible Church
Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
TRACY TIEMEYER
K-8 INCLUSION TEACHER
Bio
Church Home: Unison Christian Church
Favorite Verse: Amos 5:24: Let justice roll down like waterfalls & righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
MONICA VANWIENEN
School Counselor
Bio
Favorite Verse: Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
RACHEL VERGUNST
ESS PARAPRO
Bio
Church Home: Grand Rapids Free Reformed
Favorite Verse: Ephesians 6:17-18 ESV [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
EILEEN VERSTRATE
ESS PARAPRO
Bio
Church Home: Neland Avenue
Favorite Verse: Psalm 91:3&4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Little Sprouts Staff
CHELSEA SPIEGEL (VAN VELS)
LITTLE SPROUTS DIRECTOR
Bio
Church Home: Crossroads Bible Church
Favorite Verse: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Kitchen Staff
DENISE NASSIF-HERNANDEZ
HOT LUNCH COORDINATOR
Bio
COMING SOON!
BARB GROENENDYK
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7, 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
JILL VERBEEK
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: Eph 3:18-19, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
KRISTY ARSULOWICZ
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
NANCY DEBRUIN
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Calvary
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
TONI HOUTSTRA
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
JOAN LANGELAND
HOT LUNCH
Bio
Church Home: Westend CRC
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 41:13, 13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Transportation Staff
SUE FOLKERTS
TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR
Bio
Church Home: Cedar OPC, Jenison
Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you. declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hopw and a future.”
KENNETH FOLKERTS
BUS DRIVER
Bio
Why WSCS? My sister (Sue Folkert) needed a driver, and I was looking for part-time work. Now I stay for the kids! Favorite Bible Verse: Hosea 14:4
MATT GAJTKA
BUS DRIVER
Bio
Why WSCS? The West Side community was in need of a bus driver and I felt called to help. It’s my honor to be a part of the school’s mission. Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23
SHARON MCNEELY
BUS DRIVER
Bio
Why WSCS? I want to be part of WSCS’s Christian Environment Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8