I believe in the power of Christian education. I have seen the impact it has had on my own life, the life of my children, and the lives of many students over the years. I was raised in Christian schools (including Kalamazoo Christian, Dutton Christian, and South) and attended Dordt College for my Bachelor’s and Calvin College for my Master’s degree. I taught 5th grade for nine years at San Jose Christian School in California. After our daughter Carolyn was born, I switched to becoming the Community Development Director and was able to help build community in the school as well as engage more people in Christian education. After our son Josh was born, we decided to move back to West Michigan. My husband, Kent Ezell, taught at Potter’s House for eight years, was a principal at South Olive Christian for two years, worked in admissions and development at the Potter’s House, and now is a 5th grade teacher at Dutton Christian. I have taught writing and communication courses for adults at Cornerstone University and Grace Bible College. I really enjoy teaching COMP 9 and Non-Fiction Reading and Writing at South. My son is studying Music Education at Dordt University and my daughter is studying Special Education at Cornerstone University. My hobbies include reading, cheering for the Seattle Mariners (mostly for my husband and son), and playing euchre.
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.
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.
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 of collection development at Herrick Public Library in Holland Michigan. I have two adult children. My oldest is a Physical Therapist and my youngest is pursuing a career in Public Health.
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 growing 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 young daughters (Kate and Kiersten), 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.
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.
Maelia Post
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Accounting and worked at a Public Accounting firm before coming to South Christian in 2003. I love the busyness of working in the office, helping parents and students, and the variety of jobs that I get to perform. I am married to Jason, a South Christian graduate, and we have two children. Cameron attends Ferris State, majoring in nursing and playing football. Madison is a junior here at SCHS. Our family enjoys golfing together when we aren’t watching the kids play sports.