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.
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.
Jason Douma
I attended South Christian High School and graduated in 1995. After high school, I took 2 years of computer classes at Kent Career Technical Center. In the fall of 1995, I started working for Grand Rapids Building Services, a janitorial service for the Grand Rapids area. Then in 1997 I came to South Christian and started working as a janitor where I truly feel that God has called me to work.
Rick Heyboer
I graduated from South Christian High School. After high school, I worked for Heyboer Landscaping for thirteen years. After that, I worked at Byron Center Public Schools as the Head Groundskeeper for all of their schools including the athletic fields for fifteen years. I also spent thirteen years at the Byron Center Fire Department as a volunteer fireman. Now I am here at South and what a GREAT place it is! The support from the staff and the community is wonderful. My wife Lisa and I have two children (Ashley and Jacob) who attend Calvin Christian Schools. We as a family like to go camping and have fires in the backyard with friends and family.
Jeff Meengs
I graduated from Calvin College with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Religion. After graduating from Calvin, I taught for five years in St. Louis, Missouri where I earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Maryville University. I have been teaching math courses and coaching basketball since moving back to Grand Rapids in 1999. I have been married to my wife Laura since 1995. Together we have three children – Jake, Sam, and Josie. We love hanging out together and being active/exercising, water-skiing, playing/watching sports. We also enjoy lots of reading.
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.