God continues to be to good to Pella Christian and we have exciting news to share with you!
New Hires for 2025/2026 School Year
We thank God for His faithfulness through the hiring of the following individuals for the 25/26 school year. Here are teachers and staff members that we are celebrating! Welcome to Pella Christian Schools:
- Mrs. Katie Beekhuizen, PCHS Language Arts
- Ms. Elizabeth Brouwer, Advancement Assistant
- Ms. Taylor Davies, K-8 Art
- Mr. Brady Frost, MS Science
- Mrs. Pam Gallaher, PCHS Language Arts
- Mrs. Laura Ann Madott, K-4 Music
- Mrs. Amy Minnie, EE Assistant
- Mrs. Kimberly Roby, SPARK
- Mrs. Stacy Schutte, Lead Media Specialist
- Mr. Jeff Siewert, MS Science
- Mtra. Nardhy Suárez, SI Kindergarten
- Mr. Nate Van Dyke, K-4 Physical Education
- Mrs. Jana Van Zante, ESS
Please read a short bio of each new staff member below and join us in praising the Lord for bringing these individuals to Pella Christian! It is a joy to welcome them to the PC community and we look forward to living God’s story with them in 2025-2026.
We ask for your continued prayers throughout the ongoing hiring season. For a list of open positions, visit our website at: https://www.pceagles.org/about/employment/
Dr. Dan Zylstra
Pella Christian Head of Schools
Mrs. Katie Beekhuizen
PCHS Language Arts
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Katie Beekhuizen as Pella Christian School’s high school part time language arts teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Katie is a graduate from Cedarville University with a degree in High School English Education. She taught high school English and British Literature for three and half years at Bradenton Christian School in Florida before moving to Pella. She has been at home raising her family since moving to Pella. Katie has recently been very involved in Partners in Education at the grade school. She shared, “I love teaching and I love having a relationship with students. I have always thought that when all my kids were back in school I would consider going back to teaching. This seems like a great opportunity and good timing for our family.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Katie Beekhuizen to the Pella Christian community, her email address is beekhuizenk@pceagles.org
Ms. Elizabeth Brouwer
Advancement Assistant
We are pleased to announce Miss Elizabeth Brouwer as Pella Christian School’s Advancement Assistant. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Dordt University in Graphic Design with a minor in Digital Marketing. She is also a Pella Christian High School graduate. Elizabeth will be marrying Mr. Brady Frost in August. She shared this about being a part of Pella Christian Schools, “Since attending Pella Christian as a student, I have developed a deep appreciation for Christian education and the impact it has had on my life. Through my college experience, I’ve become even more motivated to use my gifts in a role that serves a greater purpose. This position excites me because it allows me to combine my passion for design and communication with my belief in the value of Christian education. Rather than marketing for the sake of selling, I see this role as an opportunity to share the mission of Pella Christian, connect with families, and highlight the lasting benefits of a Christ-centered education.” Please join us in welcoming Miss Elizabeth Brouwer to the Pella Christian community, her email address is brouwere@pceagles.org.
Ms. Taylor Davies
K-8 Art
We are pleased to announce Ms. Taylor Davies as Pella Christian School’s K-8 art teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Taylor is receiving her bachelor’s degrees in art therapy and secondary education with K-12 endorsement from Northwestern College in Orange City. Taylor shared this about teaching art at Pella Christian Schools, ” As an art teacher, I would apply Pella Christian Grade School’s mission by helping students develop their God-given creativity to honor Him and serve others. Art is a reflection of God’s own creativity, and I would encourage students to use their talents to express faith, joy, and truth. Through biblical themes, service-oriented projects, and personal expression, students would learn that their gifts have a greater purpose. By fostering perseverance, stewardship, and appreciation for God’s creation, I would guide them in using their artistic abilities to glorify God and impact His Kingdom.” Please join us in welcoming Ms. Taylor Davies to the Pella Christian community, her email address is daviest@pceagles.org.
Mr. Brady Frost
Middle School Science Teacher
We are pleased to announce Mr. Brady Frost as Pella Christian School’s middle school science teacher for the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Brady is receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering this May followed by a second major of secondary education with engineering and physics as endorsements in December from Dordt University. He is also getting married to Ellie Brouwer in August this summer! Mr. Frost will be in the Pella starting in August and will attend all Professional Learning for teachers at the start of the year while he will not take sole command of the classroom until the second semester. He will be completing his student teaching experience in the fall of 2025 under the supervision of Mr. Jeff Siewert.
Brady shared this about his future work at Pella Christian Schools, “Middle school science offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how learning can serve God’s Kingdom. From a Christian worldview, the Iowa standards for this grade and subject reveal God at the center of all creation. The standards highlight aspects of how His creation works in an orderly manner, providing a natural foundation to guide students to nurture and flourish His world. I enjoy bringing this perspective into the classroom, encouraging students to expand on their learning through projects and prototypes that serve His Kingdom. I look forward to offering students the chance to reflect on God’s glory, recognize their own finitude, and understand that they can still make a meaningful impact. Additionally, I am particularly drawn to the engineering concepts introduced in the middle school curriculum. I believe engineers possess a unique skill set that allows them to accomplish much when they resist cultural pressures toward conformity. When combined with a Christian worldview, these skills enable them to serve God in powerful ways. I can’t wait to utilize my knowledge and passion within the classroom to equip students with foundational critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills to do real work that meets real needs for real people!”
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Brady Frost to the Pella Christian community, his email address is frostb@pceagles.org.
Mrs. Pam Gallaher
PCHS Language Arts
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Pam Gallaher as Pella Christian’s high school part-time language arts teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Pam is a graduate from Dordt College with a degree in Secondary Education- English/Language Arts. She taught language arts at Pella Christian Grade School for four years before leaving to raise her children. Pam shared, “I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to return to Pella Christian as a part-time language arts teacher, and I’m thrilled to be involved in the mission to educate and nurture students to serve in God’s world. I’m passionate about language arts as an area where students can practice and apply critical thinking skills and seek to communicate in ways that are clear, thoughtful, truthful, and God-honoring. I’m looking forward to connecting with students at PCHS, supporting them in their learning, and helping them recognize their unique place in God’s story.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Pam Gallaher to the Pella Christian community, her email address is gallaherp@pceagles.org.
Mrs. Laura Ann Madott
K-4 Music
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Laura Ann Madott as Pella Christian’s K-4 music teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Laura Ann received her bachelor’s degree at California Lutheran University. Mrs. Maddott is coming to Pella Christian Schools after teaching music at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Elk Grove, California and has taught music in California, Minnesota and Virginia. Laura Ann shared this about teaching music at Pella Christian Schools, “I view my teaching as a calling, a calling to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to children and their families. I pray that I carry the gospel to the community, to be a reflection of God in the community by using my God-given talents in a way that enables children and families to see God in me and in my work as a music teacher. By letting my light shine and by merely doing what God has enabled me to do in a loving and caring way, I am blessed to be God’s hands and feet in education. We are the body of Christ with many parts. Each part has a special gift to be used to glorify God. Helping a child find their special gift is a thrill, and providing opportunities for students to grow, try new things in a safe environment filled with love and encouragement and to grow closer to Jesus Christ in the process is so powerful and rewarding. Serving in a Christian school, ministering to students and their families is a high calling, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve at Pella Christian. A Christian School is where I thrive and can do my best for children and our Risen Savior. My husband Mark and I are so excited to return to the Midwest and make Pella our home.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Laura Ann Madott to the Pella Christian community, her email address is madottla@pceagles.org.
Mrs. Amy Minnie
EE Assistant
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Amy Minnie as Pella Christian School’s Early Education Assistant for the 2025-2026 school year. Amy is a graduate from Western Kentucky University. She has experience as a children’s ministry teacher and a preschool teacher. Amy shares, “I am overjoyed with the opportunity for my family and I to join the PCS community this school year. I pray to be a vessel of the Lord’s daily discipleship and care alongside the wonderful teachers, staff, and students. I look forward to a school year filled with an abundance of intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth and development for each student.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Amy Minnie to the Pella Christian community, her email address is minniea@pceagles.org
Mrs. Kimberly Roby
SPARK
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Kim Roby as Pella Christian School’s part-time SPARK teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Kim received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her master’s degree in curriculum from Walden University. Mrs. Roby is currently a 3rd-5th grade Behavior Special Education Teacher at Knoxville Community Schools. Previously she was at Twin Cedars Community School serving as an elementary math/science/social studies teacher, K-12 TAG teacher, math interventionist, curriculum director and principal. Kim shared this about being a part of Pella Christian Schools, “I love teaching! I am excited about the opportunity to work in a Christ-Centered environment. I love working with individuals to sharpen natural skills and develop hidden talents and interests. SPARK (or talented and gifted education) is all about developing skills and interests that aren’t normally addressed in the student’s grade-level classroom. I would like to expose students to possibilities and how those possibilities can impact God’s Kingdom.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Kim Roby to the Pella Christian community, her email address is robyk@pceagles.org.
Mrs. Stacy Schutte
Lead Media Specialist
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Stacy Schutte as Pella Christian School’s Lead Media Specialist for 2025-2026 school year. Mrs. Schutte will be in the library on Mondays and Tuesdays. Mrs. Allison Ter Louw will meet with classes on Wednesdays. Mrs. Lauren Kahl will be in the library on Thursdays and Fridays.
Stacy received her bachelor’s degree at Calvin College and her masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Calvin College. Stacy is returning to the Pella Christian staff after taking a break to raise her young children. Mrs. Schutte as a fifth grade teacher at Pella Christian for twelve years. Stacy shared this about returning to Pella Christian Schools, “I loved teaching fifth grade years ago and have always thought I would return to the classroom once my children were in school. As I look to the future and my youngest is heading to kindergarten next year, I am excited about being back at Pella Christian on a part-time basis. I loved reading as a child and I love the opportunity to help students find books on topics that interest them to help them grow as readers and in their love of reading and learning. I believe that even though the use of libraries is changing, kids still need basic library skills to find books and research.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Stacy Schutte to the Pella Christian community, her email address is schuttes@pceagles.org.
Mr. Jeff Siewert
Middle School Science Teacher
We are pleased to announce Mr. Jeff Siewert as Pella Christian School’s middle school science cooperative teacher for the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in biology at University of Northern Iowa and his master’s degree in education from Viterbo University. Mr. Siewert has been a Talented and Gifted teacher for the last ten years at Pella Community Schools. He has also taught Engineering, Physics and Biology at Pella Community Schools.
Jeff shared about being a part of Pella Christian Schools, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the students and staff in this exciting new role. I look forward to working with students as they continue to grow in their knowledge and as they develop their faith in Christ.”
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Jeff Siewert to the Pella Christian community, his email address is siewertj@pceagles.org.
Mtra. Nardy Suarez
Spanish Immersion Kindergarten Teacher
We are pleased to announce Mtra. Nardhy Suarez as Pella Christian School’s kindergarten teacher in the Spanish Immersion track for the 2025-2026 school year. Nardhy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the Konrad Lorenz University of Bogota, Colombia, and her master’s in neuropsychology and education from Universidad de la Rioja of Spain. She is currently completing a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Mtra. Suarez is familiar with Pella Christian Schools as her son, Mateo, is in first grade. Her husband, Pablo Sanmiguel, is currently teaching middle school classes at Pella Christian Schools.
Nardhy shared: “I am excited about this position because it allows me to combine my passion for education with my faith. As a Colombian educator, I am committed to fostering a Christ-centered learning environment where students grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Teaching is not just about academics; it is also about instilling values and guiding students in applying biblical principles to their lives. Since arriving at Pella Christian Schools a year ago, I have seen firsthand how special and unique this school is in fulfilling God’s purpose in education. I am thrilled to take on this role as a Kindergarten teacher and contribute to building a strong foundation in Spanish for my students. I look forward to using my gifts in service to God and being part of a school that prioritizes faith, excellence, and character development while supporting each child in fulfilling their God-given purpose.”
Please join us in welcoming Mtra. Nardhy Suarez to the Pella Christian community. Her email address is suarezn@pceagles.org.
Mr. Nate Van Dyke
K-4 Physical Education Teacher
We are pleased to announce Mr. Nate Van Dyke as Pella Christian School’s elementary physical education teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Nate is a graduate from Luther College and received his masters degree in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University. He is currently teaching high school physical education and strength and conditioning at South Tama County Schools. Mr. Van Dyke has been a head wrestling coach for the past 15 years, and also has experience coaching soccer, track and field, baseball, and football.
Nate shared, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to encourage students to let the Lord’s light shine through the physical and mental gifts that they have received through Him. My wife Tolly and our three children; Belle(11), Jack(8), and Nora(4) are excited to join the Pella Christian family.”
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Nate Van Dyke to the Pella Christian community, his email address is vandyken@pceagles.org.
Mrs. Jana Van Zante
ESS
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Jana Van Zante as Pella Christian School’s part-time ESS teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Jana received her bachelor’s degree from Dordt College. She is also a Pella Christian High School graduate. Mrs. Van Zante is currently a junior high literature teacher at Sully Christian School. Jana shared this about being a part of Pella Christian Schools, “I’ve always loved to learn, and this passion for learning continues to increase as I age. And better yet, I get to share what I learn with children! I especially love digging into the Bible and sharing concepts in a way that excites children and points them to their Creator. Pella Christian Grade School is also intentional about pointing students to their Creator, so I’m overjoyed to teach in this kind of environment. I look forward to developing relationships with the students, staff and parents, and I’m excited to join together in our mission of equipping students to be disciples of Jesus.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Jana Van Zante to the Pella Christian community, her email address is vanzantej@pceagles.org.
