Kindergarten Staff
Teaching at BCCS is a joy! I have been teaching kindergarten at BCCS since 2002. There are so many reasons I love teaching kindergarten. I love the way young children explore, wonder, and ask questions about God’s world. What a privilege it is to be in a school where we know God is the mighty creator who made the universe and each one of us.
My husband Jeff and I have three daughters and a new son-in-law. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog Teddy, going to the beach, and reading.
Favorite Verse: “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.” Proverbs 3:5–6
My Deep Hope is that you know you are a child of the King set apart to shine for Jesus.
I am so thankful that God brought me on the path of teaching. Teaching brings so much joy to me! I love being with kids all day where we can grow in Christ together and form a close-knit community. My passion for teaching began at Dordt University, in Sioux Center, IA. After college, I stayed in Iowa and taught at a small Christian school as the K-6 Title 1/remedial teacher and 5th/6th grade language arts teacher. After that I moved back home to MI where I taught kindergarten at Allendale Christian School and now at Byron Center Christian where I joined in 2016. Kindergartners bring so much joy, energy, and faith into the classroom and I love teaching them, but also love learning from them each day as well.
In my family I have two loving parents, an older sister who is married and lives in Pella, another older sister who is married and lives in Holland, and a younger brother who lives in Holland. I also have 3 nieces and 3 nephews who I love so much. When I am not with family, I love to be outside and explore God's creation, travel, go out for coffee with friends, camp, and make frequent visits to Lake Michigan in the summer.
Favorite Verse: "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6
Children of the King, my Deep Hope is that we would know Jesus loves us, and know this love gives us a special light inside our hearts. Together, we will help each other shine our lights brightly...showing to all that Jesus is the light of the world.
I’m so thankful and blessed the Lord led me to Byron Center Christian School. I felt the Lord calling me to be a teacher because I have a deep love and passion for young children. For me, it is such a blessing to be able to teach children about the love of Christ and display it to them as well. I want to guide my students’ growth in all spheres of development, but, most importantly, in their love for their Savior. My goal is to help them both understand and gain knowledge about the world God has created and discover their talents, so they might one day carry out the purpose and plan God has for each one of them to serve Him in His Kingdom.
I am originally from Saint John, Indiana, which is about 45 minutes south of Chicago. I come from a family of six: my parents, three brothers, and myself. I graduated from Lansing Christian School and Illiana Christian High School. Upon graduation from ICHS, I chose to attend Calvin University, where I obtained a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors, staying active (playing sports, water skiing), going to the beach, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
I’m so excited to be a part of the Byron Center family, and I look forward to getting to know each of my students and their families personally. Feel free to stop by my classroom and introduce yourself!
Favorite Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
My Deep Hope for you, children of the King, is that you will learn more about God's world, discover the gifts He has given you, and let your light shine for Him.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to teach kindergarten at Byron Center Christian School. I love Jesus and am passionate about helping young children understand His great love for them.
As a teacher here, I have the joy and privilege of inviting children into God’s big story every single day. It is my hope that they will fully grasp God's love for them and develop a lasting desire to faithfully serve Him.
I believe God called me into teaching and prepared me for my current position through a variety of experiences. I graduated from Calvin University in 1997 with a Special Education degree and moved to California where I taught kindergarten, first grade, and K-5th inclusion at Ontario Christian and Redlands Christian Schools. While in CA, I also earned a Master’s Degree in Reading.
In 2018, the Lord called my family back to West Michigan with a new job for my husband. Mark and I have three children and a new daughter-in-law. I love spending time with my family playing games, going to the beach and just hanging out. I also like to spend time outside walking my dog and reading.
Favorite verse: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
My Deep Hope is that you, children of the King, will let your lights shine and show Jesus to others as you work and play together in God's amazing world.