ELEMENTARY STAFF (Pre-Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
Tessa Ellsworth, BA, M.ED -- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 123
Career: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI; Masters of Education in Reading from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Lifetime Certificate. I've been teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at ACS since 1995.
Comments: I have been blessed so much by the ministry at Algoma. I absolutely love being a part of a school where I can share Christ on a moment-to-moment basis. It is so wonderful! I consider the children I teach and have taught my extended family. The students mean so much to me. I believe children are “…a heritage of the Lord,” which is a priceless treasure. It is of utmost priority that the students know that the Lord loves them, that their teachers desire that they come to know and love Him, and that they prepare themselves to be loving servants of our Heavenly Father. I love serving God by teaching His children in a wonderful school. The children that enter my classroom are special and dear to me, and my life is better because of them. I am a firm believer in the home and school being one unit, bonded together in love.
Career: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI; Masters of Education in Reading from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Lifetime Certificate. I've been teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at ACS since 1995.
Comments: I have been blessed so much by the ministry at Algoma. I absolutely love being a part of a school where I can share Christ on a moment-to-moment basis. It is so wonderful! I consider the children I teach and have taught my extended family. The students mean so much to me. I believe children are “…a heritage of the Lord,” which is a priceless treasure. It is of utmost priority that the students know that the Lord loves them, that their teachers desire that they come to know and love Him, and that they prepare themselves to be loving servants of our Heavenly Father. I love serving God by teaching His children in a wonderful school. The children that enter my classroom are special and dear to me, and my life is better because of them. I am a firm believer in the home and school being one unit, bonded together in love.
Jennifer May -- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 105
Abigail Miller -- First Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 124
Alyssa Feenstra -- First Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 107
Career: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and M.Ed in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.
Comments: Having recently moved from Arizona to Michigan, my family was blessed to find a strong Christian educational foundation at Algoma. After a year of my own children attending ACS, I knew that this was a school I would love to be a part of. I am excited to share the word of God with my students and watch them grow not only academically, but in their walk with Christ as well. This will be my sixth year teaching, and my second year in first grade. First grade is an amazing year of educational triumphs and milestones. I am beyond blessed to be able to be the one to guide them through that experience.
Career: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and M.Ed in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.
Comments: Having recently moved from Arizona to Michigan, my family was blessed to find a strong Christian educational foundation at Algoma. After a year of my own children attending ACS, I knew that this was a school I would love to be a part of. I am excited to share the word of God with my students and watch them grow not only academically, but in their walk with Christ as well. This will be my sixth year teaching, and my second year in first grade. First grade is an amazing year of educational triumphs and milestones. I am beyond blessed to be able to be the one to guide them through that experience.
Dawn Snell, BA, M.ED -- Second Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 120
Career: Bachelor of Arts in English/Language Arts and Elementary Education and M.Ed in Reading from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI; ACSI Certificate.
Comments: I have been teaching at Algoma since 2014, and I am loving it! It is a blessing to share the love of Christ and to encourage students to walk with Him and shine His light wherever they go. It is fun to see the energy and excitement that second graders have for learning. I enjoy watching them grow spiritually and academically.
Career: Bachelor of Arts in English/Language Arts and Elementary Education and M.Ed in Reading from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI; ACSI Certificate.
Comments: I have been teaching at Algoma since 2014, and I am loving it! It is a blessing to share the love of Christ and to encourage students to walk with Him and shine His light wherever they go. It is fun to see the energy and excitement that second graders have for learning. I enjoy watching them grow spiritually and academically.
Ryan Ruth, BS -- Third Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 113
Career: Bachelor of Science from Cornerstone University in Bible and Art of Ministry. ACSI Certificate and Interim Teaching Certificate from Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for almost 4 years to my wife Megan, and we have a vibrant, joyful, and vocal 1 ½ year old named Hadley. 5 years ago, I was hired to coach soccer Algoma Christian. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the students and staff. So, when I received word that I was hired as a teacher for the 2020-2021 school year I was beyond excited to join the ACS staff. I hope to bring an enthusiastic, exciting, and positive attitude to the classroom where students can grow academically, in Christ, and in service to one another. GO KNIGHTS!
Career: Bachelor of Science from Cornerstone University in Bible and Art of Ministry. ACSI Certificate and Interim Teaching Certificate from Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for almost 4 years to my wife Megan, and we have a vibrant, joyful, and vocal 1 ½ year old named Hadley. 5 years ago, I was hired to coach soccer Algoma Christian. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the students and staff. So, when I received word that I was hired as a teacher for the 2020-2021 school year I was beyond excited to join the ACS staff. I hope to bring an enthusiastic, exciting, and positive attitude to the classroom where students can grow academically, in Christ, and in service to one another. GO KNIGHTS!
Kim Wheeler, BS -- Fourth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 116
Career: Bachelor of Science in Science from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI; Science Endorsement and minor in Elementary Education from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Certificate.
Comments: I have been teaching 4th Grade at ACS since 1999. I am so excited to be a part of God’s work at Algoma Christian School each day. I enjoy teaching and sharing my life with children. I pray each day that students would see Christ through me. My greatest joy is to see children come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and grow more like Him each day. I am married to my wonderful husband, Dean, and we have one daughter who graduated from Algoma. God is so good and faithful!
Career: Bachelor of Science in Science from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI; Science Endorsement and minor in Elementary Education from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Certificate.
Comments: I have been teaching 4th Grade at ACS since 1999. I am so excited to be a part of God’s work at Algoma Christian School each day. I enjoy teaching and sharing my life with children. I pray each day that students would see Christ through me. My greatest joy is to see children come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and grow more like Him each day. I am married to my wonderful husband, Dean, and we have one daughter who graduated from Algoma. God is so good and faithful!
Suzanne Tiesma, BS, M.ED -- Fifth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 138
Career: Bachelor of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI; Masters of Education in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI. ACSI Certificate. My first year at ACS, I taught English and History in 6th, 7th and 8th Grades. Since 2002, I have been teaching 5th Grade.
Comments: I have been teaching at Algoma Christian School since 2001. It is and has been a blessing to instruct and instill Godly principles to a great group of kids. As a Christian teacher, I believe that I am a partner with parents in education. No matter what grade a student is in, I believe as teachers we have an incredible opportunity to speak into their lives and show them the love of God. I cherish seeing God's hand on the hearts and lives of students at Algoma Christian School.
Career: Bachelor of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI; Masters of Education in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI. ACSI Certificate. My first year at ACS, I taught English and History in 6th, 7th and 8th Grades. Since 2002, I have been teaching 5th Grade.
Comments: I have been teaching at Algoma Christian School since 2001. It is and has been a blessing to instruct and instill Godly principles to a great group of kids. As a Christian teacher, I believe that I am a partner with parents in education. No matter what grade a student is in, I believe as teachers we have an incredible opportunity to speak into their lives and show them the love of God. I cherish seeing God's hand on the hearts and lives of students at Algoma Christian School.
Olivia Calnin -- Fifth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 125
Gabriella Kalis, BA -- Art 1 - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 139
Career: Born and raised in Italy, Graduate of Palermo University of Fine Art in Italy with BA in Fine Arts and Art History; Saginaw Valley State University graduate in Art Education K-12 and Spanish World language with 6-12 certification for the State of Michigan. The first mission that God gave me, was teaching Italian to college students at Utah State University and then at Northwood University in Michigan. God also took me to a new place, teaching E.S.L, "English as a Second Language” to children and very young minds from all over the world. The children in this program blessed me and inspire me to be a full time K-12 teacher and to serve even more children. I know that in all of this I was guided by our Father in Heaven in dedicating and preparing young children for their future.
Comments: I am married with the only and one love of my life. Together we have 3 boys; two of the 3 are married. We have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson. We are grateful to God to have such a beautiful family. Working for Algoma Christian is an amazing Christian adventure; every day brings you Christian inspiration and strength. I feel honored to work at Algoma with great colleagues and staff. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with children and parents and being part of this beautiful Christian family and community.
Career: Born and raised in Italy, Graduate of Palermo University of Fine Art in Italy with BA in Fine Arts and Art History; Saginaw Valley State University graduate in Art Education K-12 and Spanish World language with 6-12 certification for the State of Michigan. The first mission that God gave me, was teaching Italian to college students at Utah State University and then at Northwood University in Michigan. God also took me to a new place, teaching E.S.L, "English as a Second Language” to children and very young minds from all over the world. The children in this program blessed me and inspire me to be a full time K-12 teacher and to serve even more children. I know that in all of this I was guided by our Father in Heaven in dedicating and preparing young children for their future.
Comments: I am married with the only and one love of my life. Together we have 3 boys; two of the 3 are married. We have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson. We are grateful to God to have such a beautiful family. Working for Algoma Christian is an amazing Christian adventure; every day brings you Christian inspiration and strength. I feel honored to work at Algoma with great colleagues and staff. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with children and parents and being part of this beautiful Christian family and community.
Gabrielle Maggio -- P.E. PK - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 132
Sherri Vander Meulen -- Computers 1 - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 130
Career: Bachelor of Arts, from Alma College. ACSI Certificate.
Comment: My husband and I have two daughters attending ACS and are thankful for the family atmosphere and quality education our children receive. As a teacher, I'm blessed to have the opportunity to talk about Christ, teach students, and share my passions. God placed me at ACS in the fall of 2010, and I enjoy the opportunity to work with students eager to learn and see the ways God is working through their lives. I want all students to succeed and I enjoy the opportunity to work with students of various abilities and skill levels to reach their full, God-given potential.
Career: Bachelor of Arts, from Alma College. ACSI Certificate.
Comment: My husband and I have two daughters attending ACS and are thankful for the family atmosphere and quality education our children receive. As a teacher, I'm blessed to have the opportunity to talk about Christ, teach students, and share my passions. God placed me at ACS in the fall of 2010, and I enjoy the opportunity to work with students eager to learn and see the ways God is working through their lives. I want all students to succeed and I enjoy the opportunity to work with students of various abilities and skill levels to reach their full, God-given potential.
Karissa Waggoner -- Music PK - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 136
Career: Bachelors in Instrumental & Vocal Music Education k-12 from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Comment: This is my second year teaching at Algoma. I grew up on the east side of the state in Tecumseh, Michigan where my parents still live. I have a brother and SIL in the Dayton, OH area, and my sister lives in TX. It has been wonderful to be here in this caring and positive environment. It is a blessing to be able to talk about my faith and sing and play in worship to the Lord with the students.
Eph. 5:18-20
Career: Bachelors in Instrumental & Vocal Music Education k-12 from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Comment: This is my second year teaching at Algoma. I grew up on the east side of the state in Tecumseh, Michigan where my parents still live. I have a brother and SIL in the Dayton, OH area, and my sister lives in TX. It has been wonderful to be here in this caring and positive environment. It is a blessing to be able to talk about my faith and sing and play in worship to the Lord with the students.
Eph. 5:18-20