I have always had a passion for the arts and have a bachelor’s degree in Art and Design from Grand Valley. My husband Luke and I live on the West Side of Grand Rapids with our four children, Aletta, Eli, Lucy, and Wren. I am excited to use the skills I have developed in my different roles as a graphic designer, school secretary, and kitchen coordinator to work with the fine arts department at South Christian. In my free time I like to spend time with my family, read, garden, and run.
Leah VanElderen
I grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and both Hope and Calvin Colleges. I graduated from Calvin in 1995 with a degree in Business Administration. I’m so excited to be working in Admissions at SCHS after having transferred two of my own kids here in 2019. This is a very special community and it’s my honor to walk alongside other families who are working through the transfer process. I also have been involved with Bible Study Fellowship for the past 14 years. My husband, Joel, is also a Grand Rapids Christian and Calvin graduate. We have been married for 29 years and we have three kids. Our son, Ethan, works in sales. Our daughter, Anna, is doing her student teaching at South Christian and then will be working as a high school science teacher. She is a Calvin University grad. Our youngest daughter, Claire, is studying Elementary Education at Michigan State.
Chris Sall
As a graduate of Trinity Christian College with degrees in Elementary Education and Vocal Music Ed, I have always had a love for Christian education and children. My husband, Kevin and I are the proud parents of five fantastic kids. Three have graduated from SCHS and the last two are currently students here. Since 2004, I have owned and run Floral Elegance which specializes in custom floral creations from weddings to funerals.
Running a business and having a large family has given me many opportunities to plan and facilitate events that involve large groups of people, creating a natural transition for me as an Event Coordinator at SCHS.
Allison Wiers
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. From there, I went on to Calvin College, where I earned a degree in Business and Communications. My husband, Troy, and I have three kiddos—Ryan, Austin, and Lexi—and of course, our dog, Scout! We love spending our summers golfing and camping. We also attend Cornerstone Church.
We are blessed to be part of the South Christian High School community, raising our kids as proud Sailors. I’ve had the joy of working at SCHS since the spring of 2020 and transitioned into the role of administrative assistant in 2023. I truly enjoy getting to know both the students and their families.
Jana Hoekwater
After working many years as a Church Administrative Assistant I decided I could retire. After 6 months I was bored and was very happy to join the wonderful administrative staff at South Christian High School. My husband Rich and I are both graduates of SC as well as our 4 children and their spouses. We had 2 grandsons graduate in the last couple of years and soon 2 more will make their way here. As a family we love to camp, play games of any kind, and just hang out together.
Jackie Selvius
Many years ago, I graduated with a BA degree in Hotel, Restaurant, & Institute Management from Michigan State University and for a handful of years afterwards, pursued a career in the field, working at Hilton Head Island, Yellowstone National Park, and Walt Disney World. When my husband and I married and settled down, I switched focus to office administration and worked for Electronic Data Systems supporting General Motors, Diesel Tech and Herman Miller. I was blessed to be able to stay home with my three beautiful children while they were young and then spent eight great years as the Enrollment Coordinator and Promotions Director at Byron Center Christian School. I am overjoyed at the opportunity to now work with this exceptional staff and wonderful group of teenagers here at South Christian High School.
Mike and I have been married since 1990 and have loved every stage of raising our children and now very much enjoy their adult selves and their adorable spouses. Together we enjoy travelling, hiking, beach time, and water sports.
Kerri Holbrook
After working at three different area churches in different capacities over the years, I’m enjoying working in the development department of my alma mater. My husband Scott and I have three children (Scott ’08, Rick ’09, and Shelby ’13), alumni of South Christian, and 3 grandchildren who all live in the area.
Dana Veldhouse
My husband Dale and I were married in 1989. We are blessed with some amazing children: Denae (married to Brady Mulder), Darcee (married to Alex Clark), Dellen and Devin. We also have four wonderful grandchild – Ezra, James, Keerti and Andrew. Our family attends 1st Byron Center Christian Reformed Church. I love to walk, read, and bake.