Storyline: Praise Skillfully, Serve Confidently

Deep Hope: That all students become competent, literate, and well-rounded musicians in order to praise God skillfully and serve confidently in His kingdom.

Aaron Fitzgerald currently serves as the 8-12 vocal music director, high school Worship Team director, and Head Coach for the PC Boys Tennis program. This is Aaron’s 13th year of teaching vocal music; having 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, Mr. Fitzgerald loves spending time with his wife Christa and two sons, Thorin and Daxton. He enjoys watching the Discovery channel, playing tennis, being outdoors, and watching college football.

Storyline: Covered in God’s love

My deep hope is that we will be covered in the peace and love of Christ and cover others in that same love.

Allison Ter Louw serves as the lead four year old preschool teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Allison’s second year at Pella Christian and her 10th year in education. She has previously taught Pre-K, first grade, and K-3 STEM. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, hanging out with friends, trying new food, and drinking coffee!

Blessed to be a blessing.

My deep hope is that my students and me could use the talents that God gave us to bless others.

I serve as Spanish Immersion 5th grade teacher. I am a child of God, thankful with him for all he has done in me, content and happy for all I have been through to get to to Jesus.

Storyline: Brave-Kind-Love

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

Amanda Johnston is the Middle School Learning Support Teacher at PCGS. This is her 23rd year of teaching. Previously, Amanda has served as a middle school language arts teacher, Pre-K teacher, and as a learning specialist with students ranging from 2nd through 12th grades. Amanda and her husband Dan are the parents/step-parents to 8 adult children ages 18-28, 1 daughter-in-law, and grandparents to 2 little ones with #3 on the way this fall! Spending time with those people is what they enjoy the most. Outside of school, Amanda enjoys movies, traveling, cooking, puzzles, biking, and home decorating.

Storyline: Significant, Loved and Secure

My deep hope is that each child is seen and known. That they are shown God’s love, acceptance and mercy so that they too may walk in the way of the Lord forever! (…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. -Colossians 1:10)

Amy Roorda is serving her 3rd year as an aide for Pella Christian Grade School. She and her husband Dan, have three children Greta, Titus and Isaac. Amy enjoys spending time with her children, working in her flower gardens and taking walks.

Storyline: Aprendiendo a ser Luz (Learning to be a light)

Deep Hope: Que aprendamos, valoremos y seamos luz en todas las culturas. (That we learn about, value and be a light in all cultures.)

Ani is a happy mom-teacher, she enjoys a lot being in the classroom with her beloved students. In her free time she is watching series, gardening, remodeling her house. She really enjoys playing with Max and Anna, and making crafts and projects with them. Also she LOVES traveling with her kids to get to know other cultures and traditions, and over all God’s beautiful creation. She is an Olimpia fanatic and a paraguayan asado lover.

Storyline: Know and Show God’s Love

My deep hope is that my students will know God’s love and show God’s love as they learn and play!

I am dedicated to using the gifts God has given me to make an impact in my community. I love spending quality time with those around me, but also value time to rest and reflect. I live life with gratitude and passion for the opportunities God gives me.

Ann Forrester is a teaching assistant with Creation Station’s Three School. This is Ann’s 15th year teaching preschoolers. Ann loves playing pickle ball, reading, spending time with her family, and playing board games.

Storyline: Learning to Imitate Jesus

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that we will live abundantly in God’s grace, learning to imitate Jesus in all we think, say and do.

Anna Dykstra teaches 2nd grade at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her fifteenth year in 2nd grade at PCGS. While she was raising her four children, she worked as a substitute teacher, and prior to that she taught 3rd/4th grade. She enjoys walking, reading, biking, spending time with family and friends, and volunteer activities in the community. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy visiting their kids and grandkids in Minnesota and Colorado.

Catch a Glimpse

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 7th and 8th Middle School Math Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. She began teaching at Pella Christian Grade School in 2019. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on long walks, trying new foods, and playing games.

Storyline: Reverse the curse

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, son-in-law Troy and grandson, Mason.

Storyline: Language is Power

My Deep Hope is to cultivate an environment where students discover their own stories and explore their unique roles within God’s kingdom. I seek to help them recognize the profound power of language, using it to understand, advocate for, and appreciate others.

I am in my third year of teaching, but first year at PC. I teach Introduction to Literature and co-sponsoring the student council. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, drinking coffee, thrifting, baking with sourdough, running, and reading. My husband, Patrick, and I especially enjoy our roles as an aunt and uncle to our four nephews and one niece.

Storyline: Reflect Christ/ Reflejar a Cristo

Deep Hope: Recognize and reflect God’s nature and the fact that he created us in his likeness.

Belkys Gil serves as a Spanish Immersion Teacher at Pella Christian High School, specializing in Bilingualism in the Workplace, Life Skills, Health, and History. She is also a K-4 Learning Resource Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Belkys holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Educational Management. She has been married to her husband, Damaso Urena, since January 2016.

Storyline: Seen, Known and Loved

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that the people with Pella Christian are seen, known and loved, thus free 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 PK-8 Principal at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Ben’s third year at Pella Christian Grade School after spending 12 years teaching and coaching at Denver Christian School in Denver, Colorado. Ben is passionate about people and seeing them live out of their identities as beautiful, gifted, and purposed children of the King.

Storyline: Ambassadors of His Story

My deep hope is that students would be equipped, through the grace of God, becoming servant-hearted leaders in a broken world.

Blake Recker is in his first year serving as the middle school history, 7th grade Writer’s Workshop, and leadership teacher. He graduated from Central College with a degree in Social Science and History. Blake enjoys being home with his wife, Emily, spending time with friends, and playing games.

Rooted in God

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 3:17-18

Brenda is in her 30th year of teaching and is currently the lead 5s teacher, On Site Supervisor for Early Education, and Director of Extended Care. Prior to her current role she taught Kindergarten Prep at Yellow Iron Academy. Outside of school I enjoy traveling with my family, spending time with friends, and having plenty of books to read.

Brian serves as a substitute teacher and bus driver at PCGS.

Storyline: Discover, Grow, Share

Deep Hope: As we discover who God is, we can grow in our love for Him, and share His love with others through prayer, worship, and service.

Brittany Bowers is a first grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Brittany’s second year at PCGS. She has taught 4th grade, 2nd grade, and served as a literacy specialist for K-2. She enjoys cooking, baking, exercising, reading, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Storyline: Deus es lux (God is Light)

My deep hope is that my students will be able to see how God’s light is shown all around the world, and how they can become Images Bearers of God’s Light through their service and love.

Mr. Beach teaches Social Studies and Bible. “I enjoy playing board games and love going outside on walks with my wife Ellie. I love playing soccer in my free time and going on bike rides. I graduated from Northwestern College in the spring of 2024. My favorite sports team is Iowa Hawkeyes.”

Construyendo nuestra armadura/ Building our armor.

My deep hope is for my students to equip themselves with the armor of God and the academic knowledge they need to walk and guide others with confidence and integrity.

My name is Maestra Galdamez. I am 29 years old. This is my second year teaching at PCGS as the 1st grade Spanish immersion program teacher. I like music and I can play the guitar.

Storyline: Music from my heart

My deep hope for my students is to participate in creating and cultivating a heart for music and worship of the Lord through their whole lives.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, musician. My family is in Missouri, as well as my church, so I mostly travel there on weekends.

I am a 1989 graduate of Pella Christian High School and a 1993 graduate of Dordt College.
I am now the Transportation Director at Pella Christian and also the varsity head baseball coach. My wife, Angelisa, and I attend Central Church in Oskaloosa and have two sons – Drew, who is a junior at Concordia University in Seward Nebraska and Luke, who is a freshman at the University of Iowa. I love traveling to new places with my family to experience things for the first time together. I also love all things sports related and follow the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs quite feverishly. I may have attended a few post-season games, but just a few… You can also find me at a lot of Pella Christian sporting events, cheering on our teams.

Go Discover More

My deep hope is that 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.

I am a grew up in Sully, Iowa and went to Lynnville-Sully. I then went to Central College to get my Bachelor’s Degree. I taught at Newton Public Schools for two year, and have been at Pella Christian for 10 years teaching science in the middle school as well as being the middle school lead teacher. I received my Master’s Degree from Dordt University. I have been married 5 years to my husband Justin and we have two children: Henry (4) and Hadlynn (1). I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on long walks, running and spending time outside.

Storyline: Deeper

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 of his schoolwork, Craig enjoys spending time attending his three children’s music, sports, and other activities with his wife, Amy.

Growing Together, Serving Others

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 19th year at PCGS and her 21st year in education, previously serving as a preschool teacher in Sioux Falls, SD, a second grade teacher and a Kindergarten teacher at PCGS. Crystal enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and their two boys, Rob (17) and Luke (14).

My wife Carrie and I have two kids, and all four of us attended PCHS. I’m happy to be part of the PCHS team and enjoy working with the staff and students. I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with my family.

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 AD since 2016. He and his wife, Amy, have been married since 2003 and have two children, Deacon and Lexi. Dan enjoys coaching basketball at PC. He also enjoys golf, pickleball, and the Iowa State Cyclones.

Storyline: Serving Where Called

Deep Hope: My deep hope is that Pella Christian Schools will be a beautifully ordered learning community that honors God and furthers his Kingdom.

Dan Zylstra serves as the Head of Schools at Pella Christian Schools. He holds a degree in Music Education from Dordt University and graduate degrees Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois, and Indiana University. He serves as a board member for the Iowa Association of Christian Schools.

Prior to moving to Pella in 2022, he served as a music teacher, principal, and superintendent in Northwest Indiana. He lives in Pella with his wife, Lisa, and their four children. They attend Cornerstone Church and are actively involved in area music ministry.

See you how God sees you.

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, Try to see others through God’s eyes.

Dana Sims is a Learning Support Teacher at PCGS. This is her 14th year of teaching. Dana has taught in this role for all those year serving a wide range of different students needs as well as ages from pre k to 8th grade. Dana and her husband Cory are the parents Will, Riley and Kasey. They enjoy doing anything outdoors! Outside of school, Dana enjoys reading, trying new recipes, baking, and working in her garden!

Darcy Ehlers serves as an Educational Aide. This is Darcy’s 2nd year in her role. She enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles.

Dennis Roozeboom is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is his fourteenth 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.

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 fifth year as a Point-of-Sale Clerk 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 17 grandchildren. Donna enjoys baking and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Steal Our Show

My deep hope is that 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 and theater arts teacher at Pella Christian Schools. This is her twenty-seventh year in education and her thirteenth at Pella Christian. Prior to her current position, she served in various Christian schools in Michigan, earning a Master’s Degree in Curricular Design & Instruction from Calvin University. Beyond her calling as a teacher and director, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her children, and writing poetry and plays.

Ella Bandstra is a Kindergarten Paraeducator at Pella Christian Schools.

Storyline: Collaboratively Discover

My deep hope is that students will collaboratively use math as a way to discover God’s order and intentionality of creation, in all aspects of their lives.

This is my first year at Pella Christian as a 6th grade math and science teacher! I love spending time with my friends and family, traveling, and being outside.

Learn, Love, Live God’s Story

My deep hope is that we eagerly learn about God’s word and his world, joyfully love God and others, and are wholeheartedly ready to live His Story.

Elly Van Zee has served as a third grader teacher over 30 years at PCGS. Prior to her current role, she taught in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to third grade at Newton Christian School. Elly and her husband, Doug, enjoy spending family time with their son and his wife, daughters and their husbands, and 6 grandchildren. Elly enjoys serving in her church, reading, gardening, traveling, camping, and fishing.

Storyline: Cultivando la tierra. (Cultivating the Land.)

Mi anhelo profundo es ayudarte a descubrir y cultivar tus hermosos dones para que podamos ser testigos de las Maravillas de Dios en tu vida. –“My deep hope is to help you discover and cultivate your beautiful gifts so that we can witness the Wonders of God in your life.

I can describe myself as: Daughter of God, wife, mother of three children and teacher.
God gave me the opportunity to meet my husband almost 20 years ago, and to be able to have children who listen to His voice.
We are from the Dominican Republic, but before moving to Pella we lived for 5 years in Jamaica. I tell everyone that the climate change between where we lived before and Iowa is only “a little”.
Our Christ also showed me the path of education as my vocation. This is what today brings me and my family great joy to be part of the Christian Community School of Pella.

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.

Storyline: Intricate and Purposeful

My deep hope is that we will be a people who live in awe and wonder of God’s intricate and purposeful Creation.

Gabi serves at Pella Christian High School as a math and science teacher. This is her first year in Pella, after spending three years teaching and coaching at Denver Christian School in Denver, CO. She is passionate about coming alongside growing students and speaking into their true identities in the Lord. In her free time, Gabi loves taking walks, reading, and spending time with family.

Gail Van Beek has worked at Pella Christian for 15 years in the finance department. She and her husband Paul have 5 children who are all alumni of Pella Christian.

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.

Love God and love others/ Ama a Dios y a los demás.

My deep hope is that my students love God and one another, and show that love in everything they do.

My name is Giandra Gutierrez. I was born in the Dominican Republic. I met God when I was 11 years old and I have been serving Him ever since. I love spending time with my husband Mario and my baby boy, Gianmarco. We enjoy visiting new places and taking pictures. I also love teaching second grade.

My deep hope is that together we can shine God’s light with kindness.

Grace is a teaching assistant with Creation Station’s Three School. This is Grace’s second year teaching preschoolers. She has enjoyed living in Pella for the last 17 years. Grace loves spending time with her 4 kids and husband Jesse riding horses, camping, hiking and enjoying Gods great creation of nature.

Storyline: He Holds All Things Together

It is my deep hope that my students will recognize and be awed by the beauty and order of God’s Creation.

Greg Beekhuizen serves as the Physics and Chemistry teacher at PCHS. He is also the Winterim class coordinator. This is his 12th year at PCHS and his 27th year of teaching. He and his wife Katie have 5 children, Graham, Aliza, Amelia, Callan, and Griffin. They enjoy attending sporting events and traveling.

Hillary Storm serves as an assistant teacher for four-year-old preschool at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her second year teaching preschoolers and previously served as a nurse in a variety of settings. Hillary enjoys going on adventures with her husband Joel and their three kids.

Storyline: Serving Others

My Deep Hope is to empower and encourage students to find their passion in Agriculture and their calling to serve in a global Christian World.

Jacob Baker serves as the high school Agriculture teacher/FFA Advisor at PCHS. He graduated Iowa State University in Animal Science and Agriculture Education. In his free time he likes to run, and attend livestock shows.

Jeanetta is starting year 6 as a school counselor with Pella Christian Schools. Prior to her current role, she was a full time mental health therapist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Pella working with children, adolescents and families. Jeanetta enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their four children.

My deep hope is that I can provide a clean safe place for children to grow in their knowledge of who God is and His plan for their lives.

I have been married for 37 years and blessed with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I love to serve not only as custodian, but also a bus driver. I enjoy serving the PCGS community.

I am God’s Masterpiece

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

Jodi De Reus serves as the 3rd-5th grade Learning Resource Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is Jodi’s 4th year at PCGS . Jodi enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, and having lunch with friends. Jodi is married to her husband, Kevin and have raised 5 children and are now enjoying the grandparent stage.

Jodi Vander Hart is an Administrative Assistant. She has served with six administrators during her nineteen years at Pella Christian Grade School. Jodi and her husband, Randy have three children who have graduated from PCGS.

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 academic support study hall for international students. She also is the Yearbook Advisor. She has served in education since 1988 and is in her 12th 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 Brazil, Japan and China.

Storyline: Unleash Impact

My deep hope is to equip and empower people, regardless of circumstance, to PURSUE GOD, SEEK PURPOSE, CONNECT DISCIPLES, to IMPACT HIS KINGDOM.

Jordan Jaspering teaches 5th-8th grade Physical Education and also serves as the Associate Activities Director. He graduated from Central College with a degree in Exercise Science with endorsements in K-12 Physical Education, Health, and Coaching Authorization. Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.

Storyline: Uncover God’s Story

My Deep Hope is that we would grow in our faith as we uncover God’s story in the stories we read and write.

This is my 3rd year of teaching. I am the 6th grade Language Arts, Writing, and History Teacher. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, and reading.

Be transformed by His love.

My deep hope is that my preschoolers recognize that they are God’s special creation made to be transformed by His love.

I was born in El Salvador and attended a Christian school from elementary to high school. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 4 years old. However, I dedicated my life to Him when I turned 24 years old. I married my father’s favorite student and had two beautiful children who graduated from Pella Christian. My children met their spouses in high school. Pella Christian has been a place where my dream to become a teacher was fulfilled. God opened a door for my children to have a Christian education and use God’s gifts to serve His Kingdom. This place has also provided an opportunity for me to share my language and culture.

My Deep Hope: To help our students discover their unshakeable joy through exploring God’s creation and sharing God’s love.

Miss Kate is on her 2nd year of serving as an Assistant Teacher in Early Education. She lives in Knoxville, IA with her husband Kevin. They have five children; Mindy, Katie, Mary, Megan, and Jordan – who are all grown and married with families of their own. God has gifted them 13 beautiful grandchildren, but they keep them busy.

May heavenly things constantly interrupt our earthly things.

My deep hope is that we constantly strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Katie Dolejsi is in her 2nd year as an Administrative Assistant at Pella Christian Schools. She and her husband Mike live near Pella, and have two children – Johanna and Jameson. Katie also works as a Registered Nurse, but in her free time enjoys baking, traveling, gardening, and enjoying nature.

Storyline: Walk by faith, not by sight

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. This is her tenth year teaching at Pella Christian Grade School. 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 & Computer Science teacher at PCHS. This is his 14th year at PCHS and 15th year overall in education. He also serves as the head boys and girls track coach. He and his wife Jill have been married for 25 years and have two daughters, Karlie (sophomore at UNI) and Jessa (freshman at PCHS). The family are huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fans and cheer on the Hawkeyes in all sports!

Growing Together, Serving Others

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 teaches fifth grade at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her eighth year teaching at PCGS. She also has experience as a fourth grade teacher at Oskaloosa Christian for two years and as a substitute teacher for preschool through 8th grade. In her free time, Kelly enjoys walking, playing games, and spending time with her husband Micah and their four children, Erica, Luke, Chloe, and Ava.

Storyline: Pathways to Wisdom

My deep hope is that students will discover the transformative power of God’s wisdom by trusting in Him with all of their hearts, experience academic and spiritual growth, and demonstrate how biblical principles guide and improve their educational journey.

Entering my 11th year of teaching. I have a B.A. from William Penn in Business Management and a B.A. in education from Buena Vista University. Graduated from Albia High School in 1983. Enjoy shopping, ministry, and fishing.

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

Storyline: Serving in God’s World

My Deep Hope is for Pella Christian to be a place where the people develop one another to live each day as servants in God’s World.

Kevin Herdegen has served as the principal of PCHS since 2021. Prior to being principal, he taught mathematics for 16 years, of which 11 years were at PCHS. He enjoys DIY projects around the house as well as spending time with his wife Amy and three kids. His favorite family activities include a variety of indoor and outdoor games, camping, fishing, and biking.

Kevin Stursma currently serves as a substitute bus driver. He previously served as the PCGS Janitor for 13 years. He and his wife Brenda have 3 kids and 4 grand kids. They like to travel and see live music.

Kristi Kamerick serves as a cook at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her ninth 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.

Ama a Dios y a los demás (Love God and others)

Mi anhelo profundo es que, mientras aprendemos y sabemos que somos hijos amados de Dios, a cambio demostremos nuestro amor por él y por los demás en todo lo que hagamos. //My deep hope is that, while we learn and know that we are beloved children of God, we in return will show our love for him and for others in all that we do.

Kristin Bierma serves as the Spanish Immersion Kindergarten teacher. This is her 10th year with Pella Christian and her 17th year in education, which includes Spanish Immersion and English preschool, FLES, high school and college Spanish classes. Kristin received her degree in Spanish and Education from Dordt College. She loves spending time with her husband and their 3 kids, catching up with friends, kayaking, traveling, reading, and working (slowly) on quilting projects.

My deep hope is that each student would know God’s love for them.

Lauren serves as the FLES Early Education Teacher and the Spanish Immersion Onboarding Specialist. This is Lauren’s second year in her new roles at Pella Christian. Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and their two boys, baking, and cooking.

Love God. Love Others.

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

Lauren Kahl serves as Media Specialist at PCGS. This is Lauren’s 9th year of teaching, having previously taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. Outside of school, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband Tim, daughter Linnley, and dog Lacey. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, running, reading, and baking.

Storyline: Seeing Beauty in Creation

My deep Hope is that just as He has made everything beautiful in its time, we will use our time well to create projects that would be beautiful in the eyes of God. Ecclesiastes 3:11

This is my first year as an art teaching at Pella Christian High School. The past two years I have worked as an art instructor at the Pella Community Center. Before that I stayed home with my children full time. I love creating, nature, gardening, and spending time with my husband, Jake, and three daughters Freya (7), Fern (5), and Phoenix (2).

Libby enjoys meeting and greeting students and families in the front office at the High School. In her free time, she enjoys walks, reading and going on family bike rides.

Lindsay De Vries serves as a part-time receptionist, job-sharing the position with Melissa Zula. This is Lindsay’s 7th year in this role. In her free time, she loves to go for walks, read, and spend time playing games with her family. She is married to Zach, and they have four children Holden, Emerson, Breckyn & Taityn.

Mrs. Ross serves as the K-8 Art teacher.

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 Reading/Math Support at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her 18th year here at PCGS and her 33rd year in Christian education. She has a Masters in Educational Leadership. She is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Lisa and her husband, Jay, enjoy their walks, biking, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with their family and friends

Lois Uitermarkt is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is her 18th year in that role and prior to that was a teacher for 33 years at various Christian schools. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking and biking – basically anything outdoors.

Storyline: Discover, wonder, serve.

My deep hope is that we are encouraged to explore God’s creation to find ways to serve Him.

Lorenzo serves as our High School Spanish Immersion teacher. He moved to Pella one year ago from Yucatan, Mexico, where he graduated with a degree in Language Teaching. He enjoys going biking and playing the drums.

Storyline: Crecer, florecer, y reflejar la cultura para ser de bendición a la comunidad / Growth, Bloom and Reflect the culture and be a blessing to our community

Mi anhelo profundo es ayudar a desarrollar el idioma español y las personas puedan nutrir su aprendizaje y conocimiento, sirviendo a Dios con nuestros dones y compartir la cultura latina a nuestra comunidad. / My deep hope is to help the Spanish language flourish and the people can nurture their learning and knowledge, serving God with all our gifts and sharing our Latin culture with our community.

Lucila Prado serves as a Point Person in the Spanish Immersion Program in Pella Christian Schools, she was also our SI 4th grade teacher. Prior to her role, she taught English and Spanish as a second language for sixteen years in Monterrey, México ranging from Elementary through College. She also worked as principal in Middle School, High School and as a College administrator in México. She likes to spend time with her husband Héctor Reyes and travel around USA, visiting different places and taking photos.

Storyline: Know and show God’s love

My deep hope is that my students know God’s love for them and show that love for God and others as they learn and play.

Maacah Arns teaches kindergarten at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her first year at PCGS and her first full year of teaching. She has taught K-2 for a summer program and has worked as a paraprofessional for K-2 special education. Maacah received her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. She enjoys going on walks, catching up with friends, and spending time with her husband Greysen.

Storyline: A Lifetime of Music

My deep hope is that my musicians will embrace the lifelong value of music and reflect on their growth, purpose, and creativity as a testament to its enduring power that glorifies Him.

I am originally from Illinois, but came to Iowa for school. Some hobbies I enjoy include playing golf, pickle ball, cooking, and doing puzzles.

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

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 the Speech one-act . He has taught for 42 years, the last 19 years at Pella Christian. He was Iowa’s 2024 Theatre Teacher of the Year and 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 8 grandchildren.

Mrs. Fopma has served the last several years as a music instructor for PCGS.

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 grandchildren.

Grow 4th!

My deep hope is that we will grow in delight of God’s creativity, how He has designed each of us uniquely and created unique ways for us to love Him in this world.

Melanie Meinders serves as a 4th grade teacher. She has also taught 5th grade and Music at PCGS, K-5 Music in Churchill, Montana, and 1st 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 5 children, Braden (23), Morgan (21), Brock (18), Maisy (16), and Beckett (12).

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.

Storyline: Be An Explorer

My deep hope is that students explore and critically examine the diverse people, land, systems, and history that have shaped God’s world. The ideas and events explored will help formulate and evolve their spiritual values that empower students to serve in God’s world.

Michael Turnley is in his second year serving as a social studies teacher at PCHS. Michael is originally from Kansas and is a 2023 graduate of Central College. Outside of teaching, Mr. Turnley enjoys traveling, hiking, soccer, tennis, and cycling.

Michele Van Donselaar is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. She is in her 17th year in that role. She and her her husband Keith have been married for 27 years and have two daughters, Brianna and Emma.

Rooted in Jesus

My Deep Hope is that my students will know and experience how wide and deep God’s love is for them and, out of this love, their identity will be strongly rooted and established in Jesus Christ.

This is Mindi’s first year at Pella Christian. She is passionate about Jesus and His people. For the past 15 years, she has been working with education majors at Central College. At PC, she has coached middle school track, middle school softball and high school softball. Her husband is the high school football. Her spare time is spent with her five children.

Molly is a 2020 PCHS graduate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Dordt University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree online through Dordt, with hopes to graduate this coming May. She and her husband, Landon were married in June of 2023 and currently reside here in Pella. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside, and playing any type of game, and staying active. She is also currently a JV volleyball coach at PCHS.

Storyline: Purpose in the Process

My deep hope is that because we know the end of the story, we will treat each step along the way with purpose and care.

I am beginning my 9th year as a teacher at Pella Christian Schools. I taught middle school math for six year and I’ve been the Industrial Arts teacher for the last couple of years. I greatly enjoy what I do. My favorite part of my job is my students! My wife, Katie, and I have been married for 16 years and we have three children – Alaina, Ellery and Isaac.

I’m Pablo Sanmiguel, I am husband to Alexandra and dad of 2 boys Mateo and Esteban. They are the best part of my life. I have been teaching the last 12 years and I have seen the power of a teacher in students’s lives and society, teachers have the opportunity to speak life and truth to the hearts and minds of young people while encouraging them to find their purpose in God. I enjoy meditating on the Bible and I am always amazed by the great God we have. What excited me the most about Pella Christian school is being able to instruct / teach academically and spiritually because I see the need of raising a new generation of people who fear the Lord and expand His Kingdom in all areas of society.”

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, Health, Housing and Interior Design, and Nutritional Health). 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 several 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.

People, Reading , Glorifying God

People coming together to explore Gods Creation through reading.

Mr. Lyon retired after teaching in Christian schools for 41 years, but is back working part time in PCS library. He has been married for 47 years, and has 3 children and 8 grand children.

Rebecca Disselkoen is a Kindergarten Paraeducator at Pella Christian Schools. She and her husband Matt have three sons who attend PC. She enjoys painting, reading, walking with her dog, and camping trips to Michigan with her family.

Storyline: Compare, Create, and Communicate

My Deep Hope: That students recognize God’s design in language and in culture to better understand Him and His children.

Rebekah Kraber serves as a World Language teacher currently teaching Spanish II, III, and IV. She grew up in Washington State, graduated from Central College in 2023, and is enjoying her second year at PCHS. Formerly Ms. Cashen, she got married this summer to her husband, Cole! Outside of school, Rebekah enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing the fiddle, thrifting, flowers, crochet, and traveling.

Ron Swank is a bus driver for Pella Christian Schools. This is his 14th year in that role and prior to that was a truck driver for 47 years. Ron and his wife, Nancy, enjoy spending time with their three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Storyline: Loving God Through Learning

My deep hope for my students is that they will love God by doing the hard work of learning so they are equipped to serve God anywhere He calls them.

Sandy Van Veldhuizen serves as a math teacher at Pella Christian High School. This is Sandy’s second year at PCHS. Sandy and her husband Scott have five children, three daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, flower gardening, reading, and crocheting.

Loved by God

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 fifth year in this position and eleventh year Christian education.
Sara enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and 4 children, Devan, Brynn, Kyla and Sydney.

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 as we discover He’s where the joy is!

Sarah Vryhof teaches 6th-8th grade Bible. This is her 3rd year at PCGS. Prior to coming to Pella, she taught for 14 years in the Dominican Republic as well as 2 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 (8) and Malachi (4).

Storyline: Gloria Dei (Glory to God)

My deep hope is that all students discover their unique musical gifting, develop appreciation for beauty and artistry, deepen their love of music and display worship all for the glory of God.

Scott Merrin currently serves as the middle school and high school instrumental music director. This is Scott’s eighteenth year of teaching instrumental music; having directed concert band, marching band, jazz band, lab band, and string orchestra, as well as teaching Music Appreciation. When he is not teaching, Mr. Merrin loves spending time with his wife Laura and four children, Jacob, Lexi, Lily and Caleb. He enjoys watching and coaching soccer, camping, and watching college football.

Storyline: From Isaiah 6 – Here I am Lord, send Me.

My Deep Hope: That we know we are image bearers formed with purpose to be part of The Story, experiencing the transforming love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, using our unique gifts to reflect Christ and make Him known.

Teach Bible classes, Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Doctrine, and Senior Seminar. This is Scott’s 2nd year at PCHS. He and his wife, Diane, love the outdoors and looking for places to hike and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. They have three children, of which two are married. Jordan, age 30, and his wife Megan (have their one granddaughter Addison), Jenna age 28 and her husband Treye, and their youngest is Caleb, age 24.

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.

Explore, Play, Grow!

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

I love being a mom to my three awesome children and a teacher to my firsties. I enjoy hiking, riding bike, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and eating out at restaurants.

Delight; Encourage; Live

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 4th grade students. Prior to teaching physical education, she taught first grade at both Pella Christian and Heritage Christian in North Liberty; she has also served on staff at Third Church. Steph loves to read, walk with friends, hike and enjoy creation. She is married to Troy and they have three children: Kade (24); Ty (20) and Claire (19).

Storyline: PC^4 (Persevere, Christ, Community, Collaborate, Challenges)

My deep hope is that we build a community that honors Christ through collaborating and persevering to solve challenges.

Steve Kaisand is beginning his first year at Pella Christian High School and is teaching Algebra 1 and 2. Prior to Pella Christian, he spent 18 years as a middle school math teacher and instructional coach in Oskaloosa. His wife, Jenessa, works for Oskaloosa Christian where their 2 daughters, Aubrey (8th) and Avery (5th) attend school. In his free time, he stays busy on the family cattle farm.

Sue Brouwer serves in the Finance Office as Treasurer at the Grade School. She has worked in bookkeeping at different businesses in Pella for the last 15 years. Sue and her husband John have four children and they enjoy visiting their children and family. This is Sue’s second year at Pella Christian.

Storyline: Trusting God. Acknowledging Him. Allowing Him to direct our paths. 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 direct your paths.”

My Deep Hope is that students will allow God to awaken the strengths that He has created within them that students may glorify Him with their lives.

I am beginning my 12th year of teaching, 9th as a certified teacher. Mike and I met in Bible college and have been married for 39 years. We have 3 children, two daughters by marriage to our sons, and nine grandchildren. We are so thankful for God’s leading us to a life in Christ as teenagers! We love serving in our Oskaloosa church with children, teens, and as helpers with Celebrate Recovery! We are abundantly blessed!

Explore the seen and unseen

My deep hope for my students is to explore the seen and unseen realities of this world, to experience and share the love of God, and to advance the Kingdom with the unique gifts God has given them.

Tammy Veenstra teaches 3rd – 5th Grade ESS, Elementary STEM, and SPARK. This is Tammy’s third year at Pella Christian and twenty-second year in Christian education. Before this role, Tammy served as an elementary teacher, a middle school math and writing teacher, and curriculum director in other Christian schools. Tammy enjoys walking, kayaking, golfing, reading, doing puzzles, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Learning to imitate Jesus.

My deep hope is that we will imitate the love of Jesus by our thoughts, words, and actions.

Tara Fransman serves as a second grade teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her second year in this position. Prior to her current role, she taught Kindergarten for two years at a parochial school in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and was most recently the Lead Media Center Specialist for 7 years 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 (22) and son in law Jack , E.J., Landon, and Levi.

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 sixth year serving as Food Service Director at Pella Christian Grade School. Previously, she worked 4 years as a cook in the PCGS kitchen. Taunya enjoys spending time home with her family and is married to Wes and has 6 children; Klaeton (& Holly), Paige (& Josiah), Jaed (& Natasha), Trae, Daiva and Kaesy, and 3 grandchildren; Rosemary, Henri & Ivy and one on the way!

Grow in God’s Light and Love

My Deep Hope is for students to be playful learners and joy-filled discoverers growing in their love for Jesus.

I am delighted to enter my 26th year with Pella Christian Early Education. I am the director of the preschool and also teach the 3s classes the afternoon 4s class. I enjoy partnering with parents and helping my students grow as they learn about and expand their knowledge of God’s world. When I’m home I enjoy spending time with my husband and our grown children and grandchildren. I love flower gardening, reading, and going on adventures. I cherish my time spent in Bible study and growing in my faith!

Storyline: Welcome, Invite and Walk Alongside

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

Teresa Ulferts serves as the Director of Advancement 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. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time outdoors with her husband, Kipp, and their boys, Gavin and Isaac.

Tracey Roose serves as the Assistant Director of Extended Care. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outside whenever possible. She and her husband Lee have 3 children, Sean and his wife Tanya, Grant, and Dani.

My Deep Hope is to walk alongside students and their families as together we work to discern God’s plan for their future service in God’s World.

Trixanna Wang is the Academic Counselor at Pella Christian High School. Prior to her time at PCHS, she lived and worked in Beijing, China for 10 years. Whether by foot or on a bike, kayak, or horse, Trixanna enjoys spending time in nature with her husband, 2 children, and extended family.

Storyline: Revela el impacto de la historia de Dios. (Uncover the impact of God’s story.)

Mi anhelo profundo es que los estudiantes puedan revelar el impacto de la hisotria de Dios a través de la narrativa histórica y que puedan ser luz donde quiera que estén. (My deep hope is that the students uncover the impact of God’s story through history and that they can be a light wherever they are.)

Yanela Cordero is a Spanish Immersion Middle School Teacher at Pella Christian Grade School. This is her 9th year of teaching, having previously worked as a teacher in the Dominican Republic in classrooms ranging from elementary to high school. She is a very happy person and in her spare time she likes to watch movies and staying at home with her husband, Luis Fermín, and her baby Matthew.