Administration

Tim Annema
Principal
I graduated from Dordt College in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and then from Cornerstone University with a Master's Degree in Education Leadership. My wife and I have four boys all of whom attend GHC. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and following the Washington Huskies (Go Dawgs!).  I am thankful for the GHC community of teachers, students, parents, and alumni. The excitement and joy that I witness in the classrooms and hallways on a daily basis provides me with an energy that is hard to put into words. As a parent, I am thrilled to know that my boys are growing in both their faith and learning, being shaped by followers of Christ, and being provided opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community. 
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Cortney Clark
Financial Secretary
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Kristin Clausing
Administrative Assistant
I graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Elementary Education and enjoyed teaching at GHC for 11 years before taking some time off to be at home with my family. My husband and I have four boys, all of them attended or are still attending GHC. I love the fact that I am able to be back at GHC in more of an administrative role so I can be with my boys at school, but value outside of school time with them as well. I enjoy watching my boys in their various activities. I love reading, playing games, crafting, spending time by water, and being with family. I feel blessed to be able to do a job I love so much that it doesn't even feel like work. Being able to grow and nurture the GHC community is a privilege, as I believe the mission of our school is so important and I want to share that mission with every family that desires that! Having taught here and then having children go through the school, I am constantly impressed with the ways the staff pours into the children to help them reach their fullest potential and develop into the child God designed them to be!
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Megan Pasman
Food Service Director
Chris Ruiter
Educational Support Director
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Pilar Vanderstelt
Spanish Immersion Director
Hola!I am Pilar Vanderstelt and I am blessed to serve GHC in the SI program. I was born and raised in Reynosa, Mexico. I graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua with a degree in Pedagogy and the Universidad de Tamaulipas with a master's degree in Human Development. As a native Spanish speaker I am passionate about sharing the love I have for my language and culture here with the GHC community. My experience in education spans more than 25 years and includes teaching preschool through college. I taught Spanish immersion for five years at ZCS and nine years at MCS. Learning a new language can be intimidating and scary but also fun. I believe that a cultural, creative and enthusiastic approach to teaching a language keeps students engaged and motivated. I love God, kids and teaching. My favorite activities include spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, and dancing.
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Jennifer Van Hekken
Director of Teaching & Learning
I graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2005 with a BA in Family Life Education, and in 2007 I added a BA in Secondary Education from Southeastern University. In 2015, I earned my M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University. I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching Middle School and High School English, first at Bethany Christian School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then at Western Michigan Christian High School in Muskegon, Michigan. For the last 7 years I have been working for the WMC Collaborative as the Curriculum and Instructional Director as well as working for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education as a School Designer. In my free time, I enjoy walking, biking, and playing pickleball, as well as spending time with my husband Chris and 2 adult children, Kaitlyn and Carson, both who attended Grand Haven Christian School.
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Dave VerMerris
Endowment Director
I have spent most of my life involved in Christian education. I began as a student, then a teacher and coach, then a principal, and now as the coordinator for the Endowment Fund. It has been a blessing to see the benefits of Christian education not only in the students I have had the privilege of teaching, but also in my three children and 7 grandchildren currently attending Christian schools. I believe in supporting Christian education so the next several generations can also benefit from a faith-based education. When I am not working, I am busy helping at my grandchildren's schools or watching them in their various activities. My wife Nancy and I enjoy birding, reading, growing dahlias, and spending a few weeks each year down south where it is a little warmer. However, my heart remains in West Michigan with family and friends, and continuing to further the mission of GHC.
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Ben Wieringa
Building & Grounds Maintenance

Teaching Staff

Kathryn Becksvoort
Choir & Music
I graduated from Calvin College in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.  In the fall of 2003, I began my teaching career here at GHC!  In 2007, I began directing the middle school and high school choirs at WM.  In 2010, I earned my Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Valley State University.My husband (Dave) and I are the proud parents of four *spirited* children - Jack, Clara, Louise, and Cecilia. In addition to teaching music, I love to sing and play the piano in my spare time.  I also enjoy performing locally as a soloist. My husband and I met in the choir at Calvin, and we also sang in the Calvin Alumni Choir together for several seasons. I believe that as Christians, we are mandated to make a joyful noise to the Lord! By singing and making music, we have the distinct privilege of connecting with each other and our Creator. I am honored to partner with classroom teachers, parents, extended families, and churches in the musical training of our children in this faith community. It is my life’s passion to help every child succeed in developing his or her musical talents to the glory of God!
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Mark Brondyke
6th-8th Science
I was born in Muskegon, Michigan. I grew up in Grand Haven and Nunica and attended GHC and WMCHS.  I met my wife (Ena) during my junior year at Calvin and we were married in 1981. We continue to live in Nunica where we raised our 3 children.   Our oldest daughter, Teresa, is married and lives in Bellflower, CA.  Together they have 2 sons, Ezekiel and Malachi. She teaches biology and zoology at Valley Christian School.   Our son, Calvin, is married and lives in Charlottesville, VA. They are expecting their first child in April of this year.  He works in the HR department of a large law firm covering 8 southern states.    Our youngest daughter, Samantha is married and living in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.  Her and her husband work with the youth in the CRC church there.  Together they have 1 son, Rory. My hobbies include include airplanes, traveling, model trains, baseball/softball and bicycling with my wife. I love to interact with the students and work with them as they mature through the middle school years.  I find it very rewarding to talk with former students and teach their children.  I grew up in the GHC community and was blessed to have my three children go through GHC.  My goal with each student is that they see the hand of God through everything we study and realize that God created the “big” and the “small” in the universe and put his fingerprint on everything he created.  I want each of my students to know that they are each a special part of God’s creation and are chosen for a special purpose in God’s Kingdom. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:31)
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Tim Cacciatore
1st Grade SI
I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and then from Southern New Hampshire University with a Master's Degree in Education Leadership. My wife and I have a daughter and a son who attend GHC. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and following the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I feel so blessed that I get to call Grand Haven Christian School and Spring Lake Michigan my home. While I still miss my Central American home, and the warmth it provided, I know there is no better place that we could have possibly landed that would have provided so much hospitality and grace as we transitioned back to life in the United States. 
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Hanna Cacciatore
Kindergarten SI
I graduated from Calvin College in 2010 with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and a minor in Elementary Education. My husband and I have 2 children, both of whom attend GHC! I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and coffee. I love teaching Spanish here at GHC. The kids are so excited to learn and the parents are great supporters of their children. As the Spanish kindergarten teacher, I get to see the transition of students entering my classroom speaking English and leaving my classroom speaking Spanish. It is amazing to see the transformation each year and a joy seeing their love of the language grow. I can't wait to see where God leads each one of them. I am blessed to be working with such great students, parents and staff.
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Nicolas Correa
5th/6th SI
I have been in education for about 11 years in the classroom and in admin positions in Costa Rica and Colombia. What I most love about teaching is being able to help my students discover their potential and believe in themselves and that they are an essential part of God's story. I also find it highly satisfying to see their joy when they learn something new and apply it. In my free time I love spending time with my wife Paula and son Jacob, exercising and reading.
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Kenia Defrank
4th/5th SI
Mikaela Deur
Kindergarten
I graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2017. In my spare time I enjoy leading worship at my church, singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, spending time with family and friends, and decorating my house and classroom! It is a complete joy for me to teach here. As a fourth generation GHC alumni, it is exciting for me to be a part of this school’s legacy of faith. It is an incredible gift to be able to incorporate God into every aspect of my students’ education. We get to wonder aloud at His goodness and creativity as we go through our day. I love that we are intentional about teaching in a way that is transformative for our students - it’s not just content and skills, but a space that allows our students to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.
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Tayor Dunning
4's Preschool
Recently graduated with my early childhood education degree and have worked at Grand Haven Christian for the past 4 yeI married by husband in 2017. Together, we are expecting our first child later this spring. I have always loved GHC. I went to New Era Christian School growing up and loved the small school Christ-centered feeling! Grand Haven has a very warm and inviting staff and students! It is my goal is to be at GHC for as long as possible. I love teaching and I love getting to teach kids about Jesus!
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Hannah Eekhoff
Technology
I graduated from Dordt University in 2019 with an BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. I began my teaching in a 3rd grade classroom in Canada where I grew up. Being from Canada most of my hobbies and free time involves the outdoors. I love hiking, fishing, camping and snowboarding. My husband and I lived in Iowa previously and then relocated to Michigan to be closer to family. We thoroughly have enjoyed spending time exploring Michigan’s many beautiful parks and beaches. I am so excited to teach at a school where God’s story is infused into everything we teach and where we help students learn their role in His story. I am passionate about helping students discover their unique identity as a Loved Child of God!
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Athena Findlay
Media Specialist
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Teaching Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in English Education. My husband and I love to spend time exploring and playing outdoors with our daughter, our son, and our labradoodle, especially in the winter. If we aren’t reading, drawing, building, dancing, or writing, you will find us hiking, kayaking, skating, or skiing together. I am energized by the GHC family, as we collectively work to empower our students to unearth their purposes, to grow their faith, and to actively show God’s love to others. It is incredible to witness God at work in the lives of our students through the many programs at GHC, and I am grateful to be enfolded into such a loving and hard-working community of people.
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Tully Groenendyk
6th-8th Bible
Christian Education has always been an important part of my life. It started with 9 years here at GHC (graduated in 2011). I then spent my high school years at WMCHS (graduated in 2015). From there I went on to Calvin College where I got a BA in Special Education (K-12) as well as Elementary Education (K-8). Getting to work with kids in a distinctly Christian setting is of utmost importance to me. So much of a person’s life foundation is laid in their middle/high school years--if I can be someone who helps to ground them in Christ during those years, I feel as though I have not wasted the time God gave me to do work. In the past I taught 5th Grand Rapids Christian Middle school. After that I was the Inclusion Coordinator for Grand Rapids Christian Elementary; however, I am thrilled to be back in a classroom. I spent 3 summers at Camp Geneva, 2 of them coordinating the Pines (7th-9th grade) Program. I’ve also coached middle school boys and girls basketball for many years. Whether it is teaching, coaching, or working at summer camp, I love to invest in kids. I was married in the summer of 2021 at my favorite place, Camp Geneva. My wife and I enjoy camping, hiking, spending time with friends and family and creating art together.
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Annie Hoekzema
STEM/SOAR
I earned a BA from Calvin College in 2006 in Elementary education with minors in Fine Arts and English. I taught for a year in Michigan before moving to Milwaukee with my husband, where I taught 7 years in Christian education. We moved to West Michigan, and after being home with our children, I am thrilled to be back in the classroom as a part of the GHC community teaching STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) and SOAR (Students Opening doors Achieving their potential Reaching new heights). In my free time, I love time with my family - it is one of the greatest joys of my life! We enjoy playing board games, sports, and any outdoor activity. I also enjoy exercising, reading, golfing with my husband, and teaching in our children’s ministry at church. The best part of teaching is the incredible opportunity to integrate my love for the Lord, his children, and learning. I am passionate about Christian education, so it is my goal to take each opportunity to nurture a Christ-centered, loving classroom environment where we can be curious, wonder, and have time to be in awe of our awesome God as we learn about His Word, His world, and how we can use the gifts He gives us to glorify Him.
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Tami Kingma
Young Fives
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Bob Koning
5th Grade
I graduated with a BA in Elementary Education from Calvin College and hold a Masters in Education from GVSU.  I am married to an amazing follower of Jesus, my wife, Julie, and we have 4 girls who have all graduated from G.H.C. In my free time, I love to build things and have a residential builder’s license. I also love fishing, playing the guitar, reading, and signing on our church praise team. I learned to love teaching as a Camp Roger counselor, and know that God has wired me to be a teacher.  I came to G.H.C. directly out of Calvin, and have spent my entire adult life leading kids to the foot of the cross, while teaching here. I firmly believe that there is no better place  for a quality, Christ-centered education, and I am blessed to be part of your child’s journey.
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Liz Ledbetter
4's SI Preschool & K-8 Spanish
I graduated from Michigan State in 2001 with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Education and then from the University of Salamanca in Spain with a Master's Degree in Spanish Language and Culture. My husband and I have two adult children and a dog. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, hiking, biking, and reading. I am thankful for the GHC school and community. I love working in a Christian environment and I love watching the students praise God and grow in their faith grow on a daily basis.
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Onica Nop
6th-8th Math
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Julia Osterman
Art
I graduated from Calvin College in 1999 with a Visual Art (K-12) Teaching Certification. I taught at Kalamazoo Christian before finding my place at GHC in 2002. Since then, I have also spent time as an art teacher at Borculo Christian, New Era Christian, St. John’s Lutheran and St. Mary’s Catholic Schools. I have 2 children and live in Grand Haven. Even though Grand Haven is home, my childhood home on a dairy farm in British Columbia, is never forgotten. My interests include traveling, garage sales (what art teacher doesn’t?!), thrift store shopping/volunteering, kayaking, FBBC, and hanging out with good friends, my family and my 2 Dutch rabbits. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and creativity with my students. I delight in the energy, effort and excitement that each one takes with them into my classroom at GHCS. My goal is that students do everything to the glory of their Creator, the Master Artist!  
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Becky Paling
2nd Grade
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Ross Peterson
Band
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Jaren Phillips
All-Day Preschool
I graduated from Cornerstone University in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. I am continuing my education at Grand Valley State University to complete a Master's in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction. My husband and I have one beautiful little girl who will be attending GHC in the future. I love spending time with family, playing sports, and scrapbooking. I am beyond blessed to be at Grand Haven Christian where I can openly teach young children about God. I get the opportunity to share God's love through Bible stories, songs, learning scripture, and being an example for them in my life. Nothing brings me more joy than to see these children learning God's word and being little lights in our community. I love seeing their smiling faces as they walk in the door and their excitement to be at school. Grand Haven Christian has an amazing community where the staff make you feel so welcomed and loved and I am proud to be apart of it. 
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Kelly Powell
3's & 4's Preschool
I love all things preschool- singing, dancing, playdough and painting! My favorite part of preschool is worshiping God with songs and being able to teach my students that they are made by God and He loves them! I graduated from Cornerstone University with my Bachelors in Elementary Education and I taught for seven years in both public and private schools. I married my husband, Kirk, who is an RN, and had the privilege of staying home to be with our four children. My children all attend (or have attended) GHCS and I have subbed and worked as a teachers aide since my youngest was in preschool. I am now teaching preschool and loving it! When I am not at school I love spending time reading, camping, scrapbooking, gardening and just hanging out with my family.
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Tyler Ray
PE & Technology
I graduated from Cornerstone University and Calvin College in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in primary and secondary physical education with a health minor. My wife and I have a daughter, Quinn, and two energetic golden retrievers. We enjoy being on the water, the beach, and spending time with friends and family. Growing up in the area and having the opportunity to experience Christian education, I am so blessed to be able to be a part of Grand Haven Christian School. My deep hope is that the students are driven to discover the glory of God’s creation and be a reflection of His love and grace.
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Dawn Rotman
4th Grade
I earned a BA in Elementary Education with a major in English from Grand Valley State University in 1998.  I then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from there as well. I began teaching right out of college at Muskegon Christian School, and was blessed to be a part of that community for 9 years.  In 2007, I was welcomed into the wonderful community of GHCS and have been teaching here since. Teaching at GHC is so much more than just a job.  It is a blessing that brings me incredible joy!  Not only do I get to live out the role in God’s story that he created just for me, but I get to teach my students how to do the same.  Helping them to see God in everything -- from math and science, to social studies and literature, to their own self-concept and ideas about social justice – I get to place a spotlight on all those connections!  It is an amazing gift to see students growing closer to God as a result! When I am not here with "my kids" at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my own three children who seem to be growing up way too quickly!  We love to hike through the woods, go biking, and play family games.  
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Veronica Sanchez
2nd Grade SI
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Hailey Smith
6th-8th ELA
I grew up on the Jersey Shore and in a Christain home. I've always been so thankful to know God; it's amazing how He orchestrates every detail of our lives and constantly brings us closer to Him. I graduated from Kean University and taught in Oceanport, NJ for two years before coming to Grand Haven Christain. I love teaching because it is a chance to come alongside kids and walk with them through life for a time. I think it's so neat to see each personality. Plus, I'm a big fan of reading and writing. I also really enjoy being out in God's creation, spending time with family, and doing crafts!
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Stacey Swanson
3rd Grade
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Andrea Tejchma
1st Grade
I grew up in Grand Haven and had the privilege and joy of attending Grand Haven Christian School. I attended Holland Christian High School and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Elementary Education. My husband, Paul, and I share a passion for Christian education and feel so blessed that our teenage sons, Jacob and Caleb, have been able to attend GHC. Our family enjoys biking, boating, camping, traveling and any other outdoor adventures! My life has been deeply impacted by Christian Education and I am so excited that God called me to now impact the lives of His precious little ones! One of my favorite verses from 1 John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” It is my desire that each child in my classroom will know and experience that amazing love God has for them. Together we can celebrate being children of God as we learn, worship, serve, enjoy creation, and build community.
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Sarah Vasquez
3rd Grade SI
My education began at Hudsonville and Unity Christian schools. My husband and I were part of the founding teachers at a Christian school to teach English in Mexico for ten years. We moved to Holland where my husband pastors a bilingual church and is involved in church planting. Our three eldest children are in college and the youngest in high school. I have worded at Zeeland Christian in the Spanish Immersion and Inclusion programs. Most recently I taught at West Ottawa in 5th grade Spanish Immersion. The privilege I have to serve at GHCS is revealed more and more to me each day. Each staff member is welcoming and ready to serve others. This school is the best place to learn and to grow! I love teaching at this school which has a culture of academic excellence, strong faith, and vivacious relationships. At GHCS, glorifying God is the first priority. This goal in our hearts and minds enables us to define each planned moment, every personal interaction, and underlie the reason why we are educators here.
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Ryan Walter
6th-8th Social Studies

Support Staff

Amy Binnendyk
Educational Support
In 1998 I graduated from Trinity Chrisitan College with a B.A. degree in elementary education. My first year teaching I taught kindergarten at Allendale Christian School then came to teach kindergarten here at Grand Haven Christian School. The next five yearsI taught second grade. Following that, I stayed home with our three children and did substitute teaching. When our youngest was in first grade I joined the educational support staff here at GHCS. I feel very blessed to work alongside of Christian educators and dedicated parents as we guide children to be successful and use their gifts and talents to glorify God.
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Cindy Brace
Educational Support
Tademy Bultema
1st Grade Aide
Rachel Dyk
Preschool Aide
Hannah Eekhoff
Educational Support
Saida Garcia
Educational Support
I was born and raised in Mexico, where I graduated with an industrial engineering degree. I married Luis Rios and we lived in Baja California, MX. We had the opportunity to come to Holland, Michigan in 2007 for an internship with Herman Miller. Meanwhile we helped the Vasquez family establish a Spanish church plant. We have three children who were born in Zeeland. Our oldest is in middle school and loves to play soccer, along with our youngest two who both attend GHC. Our daughter is in the SI program here and loves gymnastics. We were in Florida for a couple years, but recently returned to Michigan. I worked in Zeeland Christian School in the Immersion and outdoor programs. We like to spend time with our family and friends, and attend our children’s sporting events. “For I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
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Laura Jones
SI Classroom Aide
Michelle Loffler
Preschool Aide
Michelle Matz
Kindergarten Aide
Libby McKay
Preschool Aide
Sarah Miller
Educational Support
God blessed me with the gift of discerning why children learn and behave as they do, and how to teach and guide them into realizing and employing their own God-given gifts. My heart melts over the challenges students face, but it also leaps with joy as they discover their capabilities and overcome those challenges. I have a teaching degree and law degree and license. While I enjoy the intensity and purpose of law, my passion and gifts remain with children and their education. Those who know me say that I am reserved, calm, and normal. Those who know me well say that I am peculiar and silly. What matters most, is my identity as a Child of God, and I am excitedly sharing that identity through my work at Grand Haven Christian School, in my beloved Grand Haven community, and with my treasured son Pierson.
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Shannon Mulder
Preschool Aide
Jill Oosterbaan
Educational Support
Kaitlynn Summerfield
Preschool Aide/Surround Care Director
Laura Vanden Heuvel
Educational Support
Jennifer Vander Wall
Young Fives Aide