In the fall of 2021, I started working at South Christian High School as a long term substitute teacher for Mrs. Kim Koetje, and for Mrs. Roberta VanHaitsma. I really enjoyed working in a Christ centered environment. This job brought joy, a sense of purpose and healing into my life; it also allowed me to continue growing in my faith. I loved being a part of the Moms in Prayer group at SCHS for three years. I currently work with Mrs. Sally Brown’s Inclusive Education Department team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at South Christian High School.
During my youth years, I majored in piano at the Music School of Rimsky-Korsakov in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I also majored in Early Childhood Education at the Teacher’s College and at the Institute of Childhood at the State Pedagogical University of Gertsen in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. After coming to the United States, I acquired an Associates of Arts from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, majoring in Social Work and Mathematics. I was honored to be a student speaker at the 80th Commencement Ceremony. I worked with children of all ages throughout my work career. Before coming to SCHS, I was employed at Vicksburg High School’s Math Lab.
Family is very important to me. My husband Matthew and I have been married since 1999. We have two adult children, a son AJ and a daughter Anastasia. We have two cats named Tigger and Daisy May. My hobbies include gardening, reading, playing piano, and spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy planting trees with my husband; we plant at least one tree every year.
I am an Orthodox Christian, and I belong to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
