Deep Hope: Bring Your Best

Storyline: My deep hope is that each purposefully created learner develops as an independent, literate, and expressive musician in order to praise God skillfully and serve confidently in His kingdom.

Aaron Fitzgerald currently serves as the middle school and high school vocal music director and high school chapel supervisor. This is Aaron’s eleventh year of teaching vocal music, and he has directed mixed choirs, uni-gender choirs, show choirs, jazz choirs, musicals, speech events, as well as teaching courses in Music Appreciation, Theatre, and Music Theory. When he is not teaching, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, watching exploration shows, playing tennis, grilling, and watching college football.

Boldly Step, Persevere, and Help.

My deep hope for you, my Brilliant students, is that you will each
|Boldly step into the complexity, order, and beauty of math that reflects our perfect Creator. [Ps 19:1-2, Rom 1:20]
|Persevere through trials and believe you can do difficult things. [Phil 4:13]
|Help others to see God’s design and creative genius displayed in math and in your story.[2 Cor 5:20]

Abbie Smith teaches Intro to Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 at Pella Christian High School. She graduated from Dordt University and was hired at PC as her first teaching job in 2020. She lives in Pella and has been married to her husband, Levi, since January 2020. In her free time, Abbie enjoys teaching swing dance with her husband.

Storyline: Bendecidos para ser de bendicion. (Blessed to be a blessing)

Deep Hope: Mi anhelo profundo es que mis alumnos y yo podamos desarrollemos y utilicemos los dones y talentos que Dios nos dio paara servir a otros. (My deep hope is that students can use their gifts and talents that God gives us to serve others.)

Alma Mendez serves as fifth grade Spanish Immersion teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. She is in her first year teaching at Pella Christian Grade School. Alma enjoys spending time outside and walking with her dog.

Storyline: Brave-Kind-Love

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will be… brave as we meet challenges, kind as we recognize brokenness, and love audaciously like Jesus, as we seek to understand God, others and the world around us.

Amanda Johnston is in her twenty-first year of teaching and serves as the Middle School Learning Resource Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Previously, Amanda had served as a middle school language arts teacher, Pre-K teacher, and as a learning specialist with students ranging from second through twelfth grades. Amanda and her husband Dan spend most of their time attending their children’s activities as they are the parents/step-parents of 8 children ages 17-27, and grandparents to a one-year old with another baby on the way! They also enjoy movies, traveling, cooking and home improvement projects

Amy Roorda serves as a teachers aide at Pella Christian Grade School.

Storyline: Ver, reconocer y ser fiel al regalo. (See, recognize, and be faithful to the gift.)

Deep Hope: Mi anhelo profundo es que los alumnos vean el milagro de Dios a travez del aprendizaje de idiomas y que lo reconozcan como un regalo divino a lo cual deben ser fieles. (That students see the miracle of God through the learning of the languages ​​and recognize it as a divine gift to which they have to be faithful.)

Andriz Melenciano serves as Spanish Immersion Middle School teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Andriz’ twelfth year in education and, prior to her current role, she served as a teacher in the Dominican Republic in classrooms ranging from kindergarten through middle school, as well as teacher for adults. She is married to Isaias Del Jesus and has three beautiful girls, Adrielix (11 years old), Isandriz (3 years old) and my miracle baby, Faith, 2 months old .

Storyline: Learning to imitate Jesus!

Deep Hope: We will live abundantly in God’s grace, learning to imitate Jesus in all we think, say, and do.

Anna Dykstra serves as a second grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her thirteenth year teaching in this role. While she was raising her four children, she worked as a substitute teacher. She enjoys walking, reading, biking, spending time with family, and volunteer activities. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy visiting their kids and grandkids in Minnesota and Colorado.

Storyline: Catch a Glimpse

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we catch a glimpse of how intricate and beautiful God's creation is, and that we discover how to use math to serve God in His world.

Ashli Van Donselaar serves as the Middle School Math Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa, and began teaching at Pella Christian Grade School in 2019. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside, and playing games.

Storyline: Reverse the curse

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will know God as the good creator and recognize the order, beauty, and chaos in creation and join Christ in creating shalom.

Audra Faber serves as the Life Science Teacher at Pella Christian High School. She began her teaching career in 1989 and at PCHS in 1999. She is passionate about pointing students to God using examples from the natural world. Audra enjoys going for nature walks, gardening, and spending time with her children Sydney and Sarah, and son-in-law Troy Davelaar.

Storyline: No Chains

Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that we will be free to explore, share, and glorify God to the best of our abilities. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Austin King serves as a middle school English and Science teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. He previously taught in Minnesota and earned his M.Ed. and undergraduate degrees from Northwestern College. In his free time, he enjoys reading to his kids, playing strategic board games, anything C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, disc golf, and photography. He and his wife, Hannah, have two children: Lauren and Leo.

Storyline: Praise Through Performance, Ministry Without Words

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that students will use their unique musical talents to bring glory to God, edify each other, towards good works, and minister God’s love to their world by performing, creating, and interpreting music.

Autumn Bennett serves as the band director at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her tenth year of teaching and her first year at Pella Christian Grade School. Autumn is a proud aunt to four nephews and one niece and enjoys spending time hiking and riding her bike.

Storyline: Seen, Known and Loved

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that the people at Pella Christian are seen, known and loved, thereby empowered to flourish in their identity as beautiful, gifted and purposed children of the King living out their diverse roles in God’s Story.

Ben Dirksen serves as the preschool-eighth grade Principal at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Ben’s second year at Pella Christian Grade School after spending the last 12 years teaching and coaching at Denver Christian School in Denver, Colorado. Ben is passionate about people and seeing them live out their identities as beautiful, gifted, and purposed children of the King.

Storyline: Rooted in God

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that God will make a home in my students’ hearts and that they grow and become deeply rooted in who they are as they share God’s love with others. Ephesians 3:17

Brenda is in her thirtieth year of teaching and is currently the lead 5s Preschool Teacher as well as On Site Supervisor for Extended Care. Prior to her current role, she taught Kindergarten Prep at Yellow Iron Academy. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with her family, spending time with friends, and having plenty of books to read.

Storyline: Love God. Love Others

Deep Hope: Love GOD and others as we learn to serve Him in all we do. Matthew 22:38-40

Carrie Veenstra teaches kindergarten at Pella Christian Grade School. Carrie has been serving at Pella Christian Grade School for six years after graduating from Dordt University, then stayed home with her two girls and got back into the classroom when they were both students. She loves to be outside, play games, read and spend time with her Grandson, Theo!

Chris Fynaardt serves as the Transportation Director at Pella Christian Schools. This is his fifth year in the position, having previously worked as the Maintenance Manager at a trucking company for sixteen years. He also serves as an assistant baseball coach at Pella Christian High School, enjoys watching the K.C. Royals and Chiefs and spending time with his wife, Angelisa, and their two sons, Drew (18) and Luke (16).

Storyline: Go Discover More

Deep Hope: We are a community of scientists desiring to go out and discover more about the Kingdom of God by asking questions, investigating problems, and creating solutions in hopes of bringing shalom to our chaos.

Courtney Huebner is in her eleventh year of teaching and is currently serving as the seventh grade science and STEM Design and Modeling teacher and middle school lead teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her current role, she taught middle school science at Berg Middle School in Newton, Iowa. Outside of school, she enjoys being at home with her son Henry (2) as well as running, biking, being outdoors, coaching, and spending time with friends and family.

Storyline: Living God’s Story

Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that people will be more fully formed to embody God’s collective and individual call for their lives.

Craig Juffer serves as the Director of Learning for Pella Christian Schools. Prior to his current role he served as the Head of Teaching and Learning at Pella Christian Grade School, as a teacher in classrooms ranging from second grade through middle school for fifteen years and as a principal for four years. Outside his schoolwork, Craig enjoys spending time attending his three children’s music, sports, and other activities with his wife, Amy.

Storyline: Growing Together, Serving Others

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we are rooted in God’s infallible Word, grow strong in our relationships with others and branch out boldly in the world around us.

Crystal Schreur serves as a fifth grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her seventeenth year at Pella Christian Grade School and her nineteenth year in education. Crystal enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and their two boys, Rob (15) and Luke (12).

Storyline: Take Flight!

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that students become transformative servants by living God’s story through the discipline of athletics

Dan Branderhorst is the Activities Director at Pella Christian Schools. He has worked in education since 2011 and has served as the Activities Director since 2016. He and his wife, Amy, have been married since 2003 and have two children, Deacon and Lexi. Dan enjoys coaching basketball at Pella Christian High School and playing golf, pickleball and watching the Iowa State Cyclones.

Storyline: Baraka (Blessing) vs Babel (Sinful Selfishness)

My deep hope is for to see how we can be salt and light as we study history

Dan Vermeer started in Christian education in the fall of 1995. He served two years at Sunnyside Christian, three years at Iowa Christian Academy and has been at PCHS since the fall of 2002. He teaches United States and World History at PCHS. Dan is married to Tricia and they have four children: Brant, Isaac, Jack, & Ella.

Storyline: Serving Where Called

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that Pella Christian would be a spirit-filled and beautifully ordered learning community, from which all students depart equipped to serve their Heavenly Father where He calls them.

Dan Zylstra serves as the Head of Schools at Pella Christian Schools. Prior to this role he served as a music teacher, principal, and superintendent in Northwest Indiana. He lives in Pella with his wife, Lisa, and their four children.

Storyline: See you how God sees you

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will know we are loved and created in God’s image, see ourselves as part of God’s wonderful creation, and try to see others through God’s eyes.

Darcy Ehlers serves as an Educational Aide. This is Darcy’s first year in her role at PCGS. She enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their twin daughters: Hannah and Abigail.

Dennis Roozeboom is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is his thirteenth year in that role and, prior to that, he worked in farming, as custodian at Pella Christian Grade School and also worked at Vermeer. He and his wife Tena enjoy spending time with their four children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Deep Hope: My deep hope, as a staff member in the food service program, is that the Pella Christian family will be fed both physical and spiritual nourishment and as willing servants we will strive to display God’s love as we live out His story in our lives through our actions of gratitude and service to Him.

Donna De Vries is in her third year as a Point-of-Sale person working part-time in the Pella Christian Grade School cafeteria. She and her husband Harlan have been blessed with five children; Brian (& Jean), Mark (& Sandi), Lisa (& Dan), Krista (& Eric), Derek (& Kate) and 16 grandchildren. Donna enjoys baking and spending time with the family.

Storyline: Steal Our Show

Deep Hope: As we listen to our Good Shepherd’s voice, we will redeem our thinking, speaking, reading, and writing for Jesus Christ. We will surrender the spotlight, and purposefully play the supporting roles we’ve been given in God’s epic Story.

Elizabeth Bos serves as a seventh and eighth grade language arts teacher and middle school theatre troupe director at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her twenty-fifth year in education, and her eleventh at Pella Christian. Prior to her current position, she served in various Christian schools in Michigan, earning a Master’s degree in curricular design from Calvin University. Beyond her calling as a teacher and director, Elizabeth enjoys writing poetry and plays, and spending time with her children.

Storyline: Growing Our Future

Deep Hope: That you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

My name is Ellie Rethmeier. I grew up on a farm north of Newton, Iowa and was home educated all through high school. In addition to the class work is did at home I dual enrolled at Newton High School to take Agricultural classes and participate in swim team. Growing up I was involved in 4H and FFA. Although working on the farm provided many unique experiences, these organizations helped me grow as a leader and discover my passion. As a result, I felt God calling me to pursue Agricultural Education as a career pathway. I graduated from Dordt College, now called Dordt University with a degree in Agricultural Education. In the fall of 2018, I started teaching at Pella Christian High and coordinating the new VO/Ag/FFA program. Currently, I live near Leighton, Iowa on an acreage caring for five head of cattle, 5 Guineans, (birds), and four cats.

Storyline: Learn, Love, Live God’s Story

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we are devoted to learn God’s story, joyfully love God and others, and together live out His story.

Elly Van Zee has served as a third grade teacher for over 30 years at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her current role, she taught in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to third grade and for four years at Newton Christian School. Elly and her husband, Doug, enjoy spending family time with their son, daughters, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

Storyline: Let’s Grow Together

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that my students GROW in their love & knowledge of the wondrous world God has created.

Evelyn Reinders serves as the sixth grade Math and History teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her second year here at Pella Christian, having previously taught 2 years as a fifth grade teacher at Ontario Christian Elementary School in Ontario, CA. She enjoys reading, singing, exploring, coffee, games, cats, and spending time with loved ones.

Frank Vanden Bosch has been the Technology Coordinator at PCHS since February 2012. He and his wife, Mindi, have three children, Madeline, William and Sophia, and have lived in Pella since 2008. When he’s not running updates, he’s praying for more snow and trying to get his Jeep dirty. And, despite bad information spread by his friends, his internet connection at home is excellent.

Garth Godwin is in his third year as a bus driver at Pella Christian Schools. Garth was previously a business owner of a Manufacturers Representative Firm for 28 years. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and visiting as many National Parks as possible.

Storyline: Love God. Love Others.

Storyline: He Holds All Things Together

My deep hope is that students will recognize the order and beauty of God’s Creation and use their knowledge to bring shalom to this world.

Greg Beekhuizen serves as the Physics and Chemistry teacher at PCHS. He is also the Winterim class coordinator. This is his 7th year at PCHS and his 22nd year of teaching. He and his wife Katie have 5 children, Graham, Aliza, Amelia, Callan, and Griffin. They enjoy attending sporting events and traveling.

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that, by the grace God, within this learning community, individuals are known, students express themselves freely, develop their gifts, and understand that they are fully known and loved by God.

JD Boer is entering his second year at Pella Christian High School. Along with serving as the Study Skills teacher, he is also the Head Boys Basketball Coach. Prior to Pella Christian, he had stops at Valley Christian High School in Chandler, AZ, and Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA, serving in teaching and coaching roles. JD and his wife, Erica, have three kids.

Jeanetta Nieuwsma serves as the School Counselor at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her current role, she was a full time therapist at Heartland Christian Counseling in Pella working with children, adolescents and families. Jeanetta enjoys traveling, going on walks and spending time with her husband and four children.

Storyline: Explore God’s Creation

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we develop a love of creation in all its goodness, intricate workings and beauty, are transformed by the renewing of our minds, and anchor everything we do in the word of God.

Joanna Settles serves as the teacher for 8th grade science, LEGO League and Automation and Robotics. She is in her fourth year at Pella Christian Grade School, and earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Iowa. Joanna and her husband, Jess, have three daughters and enjoy traveling and cycling.

Storyline: God’s Masterpiece

Deep Hope: Together, we will see ourselves as God’s masterpiece, designed to love God and love others.

Jodi De Reus serves as the 3-5 Learning Resource teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Jodi’s second year at Pella Christian Schools, having previously, served as a special education teacher with the Prairie City-Monroe School District. Jodi enjoys spending time reading a good book, lunch with friends and time with family, including her husband, Kevin, five children and grandchildren.

Jodi Vander Hart is the Administrative Assistant. She has served with four administrators during her sixteen years at Pella Christian Grade School. Jodi and her husband, Randy, have three children who have all graduated from Pella Christian Grade School.

Storyline: Bridge the Gap

My deep hope is that we pursue the heart of God for the nations through building our Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge.

Joni Van Der Pol teaches Spanish 1, English As A Second Language and the support study hall for international students. She also teaches English Comp 3 and is the Yearbook Advisor. She has served in education since 1988 and is in her 10th year at PCHS. Her passion is to nurture students while connecting with them through the classroom, student travel abroad trips and extracurricular activities. When not working, Joni enjoys quality time with family, travel, antiques, thrifting, reading, flowers and her role as a pastor’s wife. She and her family have hosted three international daughters from Japan, Brazil and China.

Storyline: Curiosity Amongst Chaos

Deep Hope: Students grow in relationships with God and each other, while being investigators into all that creation has to offer.

Jordan Dyk teaches multiple courses including; middle school physical education, sports science elective, and an assistant in support services. This is Jordan’s second year at Pella Christian Grade School. In addition, Jordan is an assistant coach for Pella Christian High School football team and head coach for the girls varsity basketball team. His wife Kristin teaches Math at Pella Christian High School and their children Gavin (8) and Sienna (5) attend Oskaloosa Christian School.

Story Line:
SI Reading Support: Dios esta en control (God is in control)
SI Preschool: Imagina y crea (Imagine & Create)

Deep Hope:
SI Reading Support: Mi anhelo profundo es que los estudiantes confíen en que Dios esta en control de sus vidas y aprendizaje porque ellos forman parte esencial de la Hostoria de Dios. (My deep hope is for students to trust that God is in control of their lives and learning because they are an essential part of God’s story.)
SI Preschool: Mi anhelo Profundo es que los estudiantes usen su imaginación para reflejar la Creación de Dios  (My deep hope is that students will use their imagination to reflect God’s perfect creation.)

Karem Carballo serves as Spanish Immersion reading support teacher and preschool teacher. This is Karem’s tenth year as a Spanish Immersion Reading Support teacher and seventh year as Spanish Immersion preschool teacher. Prior to her current role, she has served as a preschool assistant and FLES teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family which includes her husband Jose and two children, Andrea (23) and Moises (22).

Deep Hope: My deep hope is to be the hands and feet of Jesus using my time & talents to serve, bless, and help others.

Karla serves as a financial secretary job-share with Karlene Vander Wilt.

Deep Hope: My deep hope is to be the hands and feet of Jesus using my time & talents to serve, bless, and help others.

Karlene Vander Wilt is in her first year at Pella Christian Grade School as a financial secretary job-share with Karla Hofman. Karlene is married to Tom and has three children; Alivia, Grant, and Jenna. In her free time she enjoys being with family, outdoor adventures, and photography.

Storyline: Walk by faith, not by sight

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we walk by faith in our daily living and learning together. II Corinthians 5:7

Katie Verhoef teaches fourth grade. Before moving to Pella, she taught for twelve years at Redlands Christian School in Redlands, California. Outside of school, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband Joel, their three children, and animals: two cats and many chickens.

Storyline: Live Like No One Else, So Later I Can Live Like No One Else

My deep hope is to help students develop their ability to apply the knowledge they gain through business classes to make personal and professional decisions that help them carry out the Great Commission.

Keith Anderson serves as the Business teacher at PCHS. This is his 11th year at PCHS and 12th year in education. He also serves as the head boys and girls track coach. He and his wife Jill have been married for over 20 years and have two daughters, Karlie and Jessa. The family are huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fans and cheer on the Hawkeyes in all sports!</p>

Storyline: Growing Together, Serving Others

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will be rooted in God’s Word, grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Creation, and branch out to joyfully serve in His Kingdom.

Kelly Nikkel is a fourth grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her sixth year teaching at Pella Christian Grade School, previously serving as a fifth grade teacher and fourth grade teacher at Oskaloosa Christian for two years. Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband Micah and attending the activities of their four children, Erica, Luke, Chloe, and Ava.

Ken Tukker is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is his ninth year in that role and, prior to that, he worked in accounting. He and his wife, Helene, enjoy spending time with their family and traveling.

Storyline: Serving in His World

Deep Hope: My deep hope is for us to understand God’s call for our lives and to live it out as serving in His world.

Kevin Herdegen is in his first year as principal. Prior to being principal, he taught mathematics for 16 years, of which 11 have been at PCHS. Kevin enjoys DIY projects around the house as well as spending time with his wife Amy and three kids, Alaina, Norah, and Micah. His favorite family activities include a variety of indoor and outdoor games, camping, fishing, and biking.

Kevin Stursma is in his thirteenth year as custodian of Pella Christian Grade School. He has been married to Brenda for thirty-three years, and they are blessed with three kids and four grandkids. Kevin enjoys outdoor activities, traveling and attending concerts.

Kristi Kamerick serves as a cook at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her eighth year in this position. Prior to working at the school she was a stay at home mom. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, husband Dan and children Kolten, Karsen and Kyra, baking and being outside.

Storyline: Explore and Grow In God’s World

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that students feel safe and excited to be at school, ready to explore God’s world and grow their identity as a piece of God’s story.

Kristin Bierma serves as the lead teacher for the preschool class and one section of Three School. This is her seventh year at Pella Christian’s Early Education and her fifteenth year in education, including teaching elementary, high school and college Spanish, support services in grade school and high school English and SI classes, and SI preschool. Kristin loves spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, traveling, and making quilts.

Storyline: Kingdom Problem Solvers

My deep hope is that we have wonder and curiosity in the order and complexity of God’s creation. Even through the struggle, we can live boldly into our unique gifts, and grow as kingdom problem solvers.

This is my second year teaching at PC and 14th year overall. My husband and I moved with our family from Jenison, Michigan. We have two children Gavin and Sienna. When I’m not at school I like to be outside, ride the ranger, read, swim, and spend time with friends and family.

Storyline: Love God. Love Others.

Deep Hope: Love GOD and others as we learn to serve Him in all we do. Matthew 22:38-40

Lauren Kahl serves as a kindergarten teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Lauren’s seventh year of teaching; having previously taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. Outside of school, Lauren enjoys running, cycling, reading, playing games, redoing furniture, and spending time with her husband Tim and their dog.

Storyline: Kids in the Kingdom

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will understand our King’s love for us and live out our role in His Kingdom by seeking to serve God and others.

Laurie Terpstra serves as the English Specific Skills teacher for Spanish Immersion students in third, fourth, and fifth grades. This is her fifth year in that role and previously she assisted in preschool, taught four years in special education, and was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years. She enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, fitness, boating, and spending time with her husband, Joel, and their daughters, Cailey & son-in-law, Levi, Annika (20), Joslyn (17), and Alexa (14).

Leticia González serves as the preschool teacher and teacher aide in the SI preschool and kindergarten. Leticia previously worked in Texas as a bilingual teacher aide. Leticia has been married for 19 years to Marco and they have two daughters, Mia (18) Marlet (12). Letty enjoys oil painting on canvas and arts and crafts.

Deep Hope: Mi anhelo profundo es que tengas una relaci&oacute;n con Jes&uacute;s, que &Eacute;l te revele los dones que te han sido dados y que mis acciones te animen a usarlos para la obra de Su Reino. (My deep hope is that you will have a relationship with Jesus, that He will reveal the gifts you have been given, and that my actions would encourage you to use them for the work of His Kingdom.)

Lilly is a native of Texas and has lived all over the world/US until settling with her husband and two children in Iowa in 2017. She is passionate about education and loves to learn. Outside of school, she enjoys playing guitar, piano, and ukulele, gardening, reading, hiking, kayaking and everything else outdoors with her family.

Lindsay De Vries serves as a part-time receptionist, job-sharing the position with Melissa Zula. This is Lindsay’s fifth year in the role. In her free time she loves to go for walks, read, and spend time playing games with her husband Zach and four children; Holden, Emerson, Breckyn & Taityn.

Lisa De Ronde is in her second year and serves as a part-time cook in the school kitchen at Pella Christian. She is married to John and they have a son Derek (5) in kindergarten. In her free time she loves playing games with her family, being outdoors, reading and swimming.

Storyline: Play Your Part in God’s Story

Deep Hope: My deep hope is to be the peculiar person God calls you to be and to Play Your Part in God’s story.

Lisa Schelhaas serves as the K-5 Title 1 Math/Reading Support at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her seventeenth year here at Pella Christian Grade School and her thirty-second year in Christian education. She has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Lisa and her husband, Jay, enjoy their walks, biking, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with their family.

Lois Uitermarkt is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is her seventeenth year in that role and, prior to that, she was a teacher for thirty-three years at various Christian schools. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking and biking – basically anything outdoors.

Storyline: Crecemos para dar Fruto y servir a la comunidad! (Grow to bear fruit and to serve the community)

Deep Hope: Nuestro anhelo profuendo es crecer en sabiduria y conocimiento reflejando los frutos del Espiritu y sirviendo a Dios con todos nuestros dones asa como a nuestra comunidad en Espanol e Ingles. (My deep hope is to grow in learning and knowledge, reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit and serving God and our community with all our gifts in both Spanish and English.)

Lucy Prado serves as a fourth grade Spanish Immersion teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her role, she taught English and Spanish as a second language for fourteen years in Monterrey, Mexico, ranging from elementary through college. She also worked as principal in a middle school and as a college administrator. She likes to spend time with her husband, Hector, and travel around Pella, visiting different places and taking photos.

Maria Fynaardt serves as the School Counselor at Pella Christian High School.

Marilyn Vander Molen serves as a part-time cook in the school kitchen at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Marilyn’s fourth year in this position but, she previously served as the Food Service Director for eighteen years. She enjoys time with her family, which includes 4 children and 6 grandchildren, gardening, hiking and reading.

Storyline: Bring Shalom to Chaos

My deep hope is that through the study of literature we are able to see how we can bring God’s Shalom to a broken world of Chaos

Marlo Van Peursem teaches American Lit and Speech at PCHS and also directs the school musical, the spring play, and Speech Forensics. He has taught for 39 years, the last 16 years at Pella Christian, and was Michigan’s 2002 Theatre Teacher of the Year. He enjoys swimming, boating, and skiing, attending professional theatre shows, researching family genealogy, and traveling–both in the States and abroad. He and his wife Sue have three daughters and 7 grandchildren.

Mary Van Zee has been serving as a special education teaching assistant at Pella Christian Grade School since the fall of 1999. Prior to this, she taught in several kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms in Christian schools in Iowa and New Mexico. Mary and her husband, Roland, enjoy teaching 1st grade Sunday school together in their church as well as spending time with their married children and their spouses, grandchildren, and foster grandchildren.

Storyline: Read, Remember, and Apply

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that students will read and remember God’s word and apply it in their daily life.

Megan Ho serves as the seventh and eighth grade History teacher. This is Megan’s fifteenth year in education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Storyline: Patterned for Praise

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that, as we learn the patterns that make up music, we will also discover more about how we have each been uniquely patterned to bring praise to God and harmony in our world.

Melanie Meinders serves as Pella Christian Grade School’s elementary music teacher. She has also taught fifth grade at Pella Christian Grade School, K-5 Music in Churchill, Montana, and first grade in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and spent time at home with her children when they were young. In her free time she loves to read, spend time in the sun, play cards and board games, and enjoy time with her husband Brad and their five children; Braden (21), Morgan (19), Brock (16), Maisy (15), and Beckett (10).

Melissa Zula serves as a part-time receptionist, job sharing with Lindsay De Vries. This is Melissa’s eighth year serving in this role. She enjoys traveling, reading historical fiction, anything outside and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Roger, and their six children.

Michele Van Donselaar is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. She is in her sixteenth year in that role. She and her husband, Keith, have been married for twenty-seven years and have two daughters, Brianna and Emma.

Storyline: Se parte de la Historia (Be a part of History)

Deep Hope: Mi anhelo profundo es explorar la Historia utilizando las herramientas biblicas para cumplir las obras que Dios ha preparado para mi. (My deep hope is to explore History using biblical tools to fulfill the works that God has prepared for me. )

Moises Sol serves as the seventh and eighth grade Spanish Immersion teacher for History, sixth grade Geography, Bible, and fifth and sixth grade Band. This will be his sixteenth year in education in the United States. Moises enjoys listening to music and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Storyline: Choose Wisely

My deep hope is for us to understand that throughout our daily lives we will have opportunities to make many choices. Take time to prayerfully ask for God’s guidance and choose wisely.

Pamela Vande Voort teaches Family and Consumer Sciences courses (Child Development, Creative Living I and II, Digital Literacy, Health, Housing and Interior Design, and Nutritional Health) and Geography. She began her teaching career in 1982 and has taught and substituted at PCHS since 1988. She enjoys walking (5Ks), reading, working outside, sewing, cooking, golfing, bicycling, and traveling. She participates in various church activities and serves as a member of community and professional organizations. During the summer months she is a 4-H judge at county fairs and the Iowa State Fair. She is married to Lee who works at Vermeer.

My storyline is Micah 6:8:Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

My deep hope is for us to use language and stories as a way to express, explore, and engage in God’s story.

I teach Introduction to Literature and College Composition. This is my 19th year in education, 13 of which have been at PCHS. Scott and I have been married for 13 years and have three boys. I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with family, baking bread, and being outdoors.

Storyline: Sigo a Jesus en Palabra y obra (I follow Jesus in word and deed)

Deep Hope: Quiero mostrar el corazon amoroso de mi Se&ntilde;or a trav&eacute;s de mis buenos modales. (I want to show my Lord’s loving heart through my actions.)

Raul Pimentel serves as a second grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to his role, he taught high school, grade school, arts and a semester of mathematics at college level in Mexico. He enjoys reading, drawing, photography & traveling.

Rebecca Disselkoen is a custodian at Pella Christian Grade School in addition to being self-employed as a house cleaner. She and her husband Matt have three sons who attend Pella Christian Grade School. She enjoys painting, reading, walking with her dog, and camping trips to Michigan with her family.

Ron Swank is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is his thirteenth year in that role and, prior to that, he was a truck driver for forty-seven years. Ron and his wife, Nancy, enjoy spending time with their three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Storyline: Loved by God

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will know we are loved by God and will respond by loving Him and loving others.

Sara Runner serves as the K-2 learning resource teacher. This is her third year in this position, having served as an assistant librarian for 2 years at PCGS and also previously taught for 4 years at Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, Illinois. Sara enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband Steve and four children; Devan, Brynn, Kyla and Sydney.

Storyline: Beholding His Joy

My deep hope is that together we will become more fully alive by encountering and beholding Jesus in the pages of scripture and stories, as we will discover He’s where the joy is!

Sarah Vryhof teaches seventh and eighth grade Bible and Literature. Prior to coming to Pella, she taught for fourteen years in the Dominican Republic as well as two years in Indiana. She loves sharing a big cup of coffee with friends, traveling to different countries, as well as being with her husband and two boys, Hendrik (6) and Malachi (2).

Shari Fox serves as a part time cook in the kitchen at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Shari’s fifth year of service. Shari is married to Jeff and they have a son, Jarett (10). They enjoy family time together, being outdoors on the farm and playing games.

Storyline: Explore, Play, Grow

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that my students will explore God and his world, see how they play a unique part in his world, and then respond to Him with love, worship and service.

Sonya Natelborg serves as a first grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her current role, she served as a teacher in classrooms ranging from second through fourth grade at other Christian schools, and substitute taught for fourteen years while staying home with her children. Sonya enjoys hiking, biking, reading and spending time with her three children, Brett (22), Kayla (20), and Ryan (17) and her husband of twenty-seven years, Tim.

Storyline: Delight, Encourage, Live

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will DELIGHT in who God created us to be; ENCOURAGE one another; and LIVE in health and joy for Christ’s kingdom.

Steph Vander Molen teaches physical education to kindergarten through fifth grade students. Prior to teaching physical education, she taught first grade at both Pella Christian and Heritage Christian in North Liberty; she also served on staff at Third Church. Steph loves to walk, hike and enjoy creation with her husband Troy and their three children: Kade (22); Ty (18) and Claire (17).

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15

My Deep Hope is that we allow God to awaken within us all the strengths and abilities that He has created in us so that we may glorify Him by serving in His Kingdom.

I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Mike, for 36 years. We have one daughter, two sons, one daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren with a sixth one arriving in March.

Storyline: Infinitely loved, intentionally placed

Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is to experience the love of God and to advance the Kingdom wherever God leads with the unique gifts He has given.

Tammy Veenstra teaches STEM, SPARK, and seventh grade Writers Workshop. This is Tammy’s first year at Pella Christian and twentieth year in Christian education. Before this role, Tammy was the middle school writing and math teacher at Heritage Christian School in North Liberty and for the past three years she served as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Heritage. Outside of school, Tammy enjoys walking, kayaking, golfing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Storyline: Look, Learn, Live

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we can look for, learn about, and live out our place in God’s story.

Tara Fransman serves as the Lead Media Center Specialist at Pella Christian Grade School. Prior to her current role, she taught Kindergarten for two years at a parochial school in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and has done substitute teaching and part-time physical education at Pella Christian Grade School. She enjoys reading, sports, music, and being outside and spending time with her family, which includes her husband Mike and their four children; Adrianna (20), E.J. (18), Landon (16), and Levi (12).

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we can set aside our troubles and worries, allowing God to feed and nourish our souls, giving us the strength to fully live our lives for his glory.

Taunya Van Maanen is in her fifth year serving as Food Service Director at Pella Christian Grade School. Previously, she served four years as a cook in the Pella Christian Grade School kitchen. Taunya enjoys spending time with her family and is married to Wes and has 6 children; Klaeton (& Holly), Paige (& Josiah), Jaed, Trae, Daiva and Kaesy and 3 grandchildren; Rosemary, Henri & Ivy.

Teresa Beyer serves as Director of Pella Christian Early Education and is also lead teacher for the 3s Preschool. This is Teresa’s twenty-fourth year at Pella Christian and her thirty-sixth year in education, which includes time as a reading specialist and teaching in a multi-age classroom. Teresa loves spending time with her family, reading, baking, walking, and being with friends.

Storyline: Welcome, Invite and Walk Alongside

Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is to invite, welcome and walk alongside families as they discover how God’s Story is unfolding at Pella Christian Schools.

Teresa Ulferts serves as the Admissions Director for Pella Christian Schools. She was born and raised in Christian Education from elementary school through secondary education and enjoys sharing how God is alive and moving at Pella Christian Schools. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time outdoors with her husband, Kipp, and their boys, Gavin (13) and Isaac (10).

Storyline: Bringing the bright and beautiful into the dark world.

My Deep Hope is that we recognize we are image bearers of God. He is the ultimate Creator. I hope we, likewise will create to bring the bright and beautiful into this dark world.

Tessa Hilgerson serves as the Art Teacher at Pella Christian Schools. Tessa enjoys spending time with family, drawing, painting, reading, kayaking, and taking walks with her dog.

Verland Engle is a bus driver for Pella Christian Grade School for the past fifteen years. He retired from Pella Corp after forty years. Outside of work, Verland enjoys flying and building model airplanes, attending and competing in air shows around the country, church activities, and traveling to see family and God’s amazing world.