First Grade Staff
Ephesians 3:18-19 says, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” This is my prayer for all the students that I have the privilege of seeing each day as I teach in the classroom.
After receiving my associate in Child Development from Reformed Bible College and Grand Rapids Community College, I taught preschool and had the opportunity to stay home with my kids when they were young. After they reached school age, I returned to teaching preschool and went back to school to complete my Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.
My husband Josh and I have four children, Clarissa, Silas, Lydia, and Titus. Our oldest attends South Christian and my other three are at BCCS. It is a joy to teach where my children are. We enjoy spending time together outside and discovering new hiking trails.
My Deep Hope is to be in awe of Jesus' Love that is lavished on us. It is freely given and bigger than we can imagine. Let us go and spread Jesus' love all over our community.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the wonderful team at BCCS! Teaching is not just a profession for me—it's a calling, a passion that fills me with immense joy. Being able to integrate my faith into my work, openly discussing Jesus and sharing His love through teaching, is a privilege beyond words. Every day, I look forward to serving God and His Kingdom by investing in my students' lives through Christian education. It's a dream fulfilled to witness the transformative power of the Lord in their education journey. My mission as a teacher is to cultivate a learning environment that radiates the love of Jesus, embraces diversity, and fosters safety for every type of learner. I am committed to celebrating each student's unique gifts, both inside and outside the classroom.
I grew up in Barrington, Illinois, a northwest suburb 45 minutes from Chicago. I graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. In May of 2024 I married my husband Gabe and we now live in Byron Center. We love to spend time with our family and friends, creating our home, cooking, playing games, and enjoying nature together. When I am not teaching I love to bake sweet treats for friends and family, serve on the worship team at church, spend time in God's word, take long walks and read a good book.
One of my favorite bible passages is Matthew 5: 14-16. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Insteadthey put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your lightshine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I am very excited to be a part of the staff at Byron Center Christian School where I can share my love of Jesus with the students that I work with. It is a joy to work with God's children and see them grow in their faith and share their love of God with others. I love seeing God's creative hand in each student I meet. It is truly a blessing to work with God's amazing children!
I received my teaching degree from Calvin College in 1988. I previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade for many years at Hudsonville Christian School.
I am married to Eric and we have three adult children (Tyler & Kelly, Laura, and Kelli) and three grandchildren (Emma, Ava,and Ezra). I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, walking with friends, and reading.
Bible Verse: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" So we say with confidence "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:5-6
My Deep Hope is to know that Jesus loves us and to spread His love to others.
I love the Lord and it is a privilege to be able to teach first grade at BCCS where I can share my passion for Christ with children! What a joy it is to help children see that every aspect of life and learning is under God’s control and part of His plan. Whether I am telling stories directly from the Bible, or explaining how God’s hand is evident in nature, it’s amazing to see children discover God’s world and His love for them!
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin College and have taken additional graduate classes. I taught previously at Downers Grove Christian School in Illinois, and have been part of the BCCS family since 2000. I live in Zeeland with my wonderful family—my husband, Adam, and children, Tyler and Olivia.
Favorite Verse: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8 - 9
My Deep Hope: I pray that you will always remember Jesus lavishes His great love on you! Let’s spread His love as we learn and grow in 1st grade.