Chad Rozema

I graduated from Cornerstone University in 2014 with a Bachelors of Music Education. I worked at Ada Christian for one year and at Valleywood Public School for one year before coming to South Christian. Music is my passion in life and I love working with students to help them become better musicians.

Chris DeWeerd

I graduated from Calvin College with a Major in Physical Education and a minor in History. I also have completed the Master of Education program at Western Michigan University. I have taught in a number of local Christian middle and high schools in a variety of subjects. I met my husband at Calvin College and we now have three children all of whom have graduated from SCHS.  My husband Bob is also a teacher at SCHS. In the summers we love to visit National Parks and spend time with our extended family at Sandy Pines. I love to read, scrapbook, and do family activities like hiking and biking.

Rachel Westra

When I was younger and adults suggested teaching for a possible career, I strongly resisted the idea. Because both my parents were educators, I wanted to do something unique. However, while student teaching in college, I learned for myself why teaching is so rewarding. Since then, I’ve been challenged and fulfilled by this engaging profession that allows me to unite my passions for people and language arts. In 1997, I graduated from Calvin College with a B.A. in English and Communications. I received my M.A. in Theatre from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. For the first five years of my career, I taught at Kalamazoo Christian High School. At SCHS, I currently I teach AP English Lit., Comp 9, and World Literature. My husband Mark and I have two sons: Sam attends Wheaton College, and Eli goes to Calvin University. As a family, we enjoy camping, biking, and traveling. I’ve also been a book club member for the last fifteen years.

Julie Versluys

I received my B.A. from Calvin College and my MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) at the School for International Training in Vermont. I began my teaching career in Montana where I taught Spanish, Bible, and history for six years. I then moved to the Dominican Republic to direct the English program at the Evangelical University in Santiago. From there, I did teaching internships in Vermont and New York City while completing my MAT. After teaching for a year in the Spanish department at Calvin College, I realized that my calling was, and is, to teach high school. I began teaching at SCHS in 2003 and have enjoyed each year. It is a privilege to spend time with my students and see how God is working in their lives. I am married to Fred Knapp and we have been blessed with a son, Jaden. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling, gardening, photography and anything that has to do with being outside.

Kent Walstra

I graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics with secondary education certification. After teaching one year of middle school math and science, I started teaching Physics and Physical Science at South Christian High School. I also have a Master’s degree in Educational Technology with an emphasis on teaching Physics. Outside of school, I enjoy running (including an occasional marathon) and spending time with my family. My wife, Vanessa, is a manager at the Caledonia and Cascade branches of the Kent District Library. My son, Alec, loves any and every sport he has ever played, and my daughter, Annie, loves reading, dancing, and playing with friends.

Susie Wesseldyke

I graduated from Calvin College with a Mathematics Major and Sociology Minor for secondary education and later returned for my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I have always loved school and felt God’s call for me to work inside of a school grow in me since I was a young adult. I remember my excitement when I was able to confidently say, “God made me to be a teacher.” Outside of school I am kept busy having fun with my husband (Travis), our toddler (Kate), and our black lab (Ruby). We frequently find ourselves scootering around our neighborhood, attempting home-improvement projects, cooking, and spending time with our small group from church.

Ryan VandenHeuvel

I am a teacher by profession, but a learner at heart. The learning opportunities that I have received have fostered a positive experience that I take with me to each class. In furthering my educational pursuits, I have received a BA from Calvin College with a focus on English education and a minor in Communications and Theater. I have since continued my education by receiving a M.Ed. in Reading from Western Michigan University. As a teacher, I have taught the eighth grade in inner city Lansing before coming to teach at South Christian. I have had the privilege of teaching at South Christian since 2003. My family consists of my wife, Emily, and my two children: Elijah and Maraleisa. As a family, we attend La Grave CRC. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am a co-director of the play and the musical. In the spring, I am the assistant coach for Track and Field at South Christian. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, viewing and critiquing media, reading, and DIY projects.

Bruce Huttenga

I graduated from Calvin Christian School. I then attended Calvin College and received my Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a History major and a P.E. minor. I then went on and received a Master’s degree from Michigan State University in curriculum development. I have been teaching at South Christian since 1986. I am married and my wife is a professional photographer. My oldest son is an English teacher at Ada Christian, and my youngest son is a student at Grand Valley State University.

Rod Jager

I received my Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and have taken graduate classes at Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, and VanderCook School of Music. I have taught Biology, Chemistry in the Community, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Advanced Biology, and Bioethics. I am married to Sara who teaches at Hudsonville Christian and we have a son, Noah, and a daughter, Anneka.

Josh Klomp

I graduated from Unity Christian High School in 2010. After high school I worked for my family’s business for 2 years. I never would have thought that I would become a teacher, but after having my life changed by my shop teacher (Rich Hunefeld) throughout high school and the impact he had on me, I really felt that God called me to do the same thing for other students. I am currently enrolled at Western Michigan University in their Industrial & Technology program. I only have a few classes left until I am finished.