Staff

Mr Jeremy Copenhaver

Principal / 5th thru 8th Grade Math Teacher

I grew up in Lewistown, Pennsylvania and lived there for the first 18 years of my life. I was blessed to have Christian parents teaching me the Word of God and trying to glorify God in everything I do. I loved playing sports especially baseball, basketball, and golf.

After graduating high school, I attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. At Liberty, I studied elementary education. After graduating, I taught in 4th grade for 3 years there. It was in Virginia where I met and then got married to my beautiful bride. After we got married, we moved to Phoenix, Arizona where we lived for the next 9 years. While living in Phoenix, we had two kids, both boys named Josiah and Ezekiel. While also in Phoenix, I received my Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. I was able to teach at a few different schools and taught in 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade. I then became a principal for the last 3 years that we were in Phoenix. Finally, God brought us here to live in Iowa since July of 2018. We love it here at Peoria and very excited to serve God in Christian Education. We think it is a fantastic school and area to raise our kids.

I see Christian education as a tremendous blessing because students can understand what it means to be a Christian and grow in their walk with God. Students have teachers, other students, parents, and the whole community praying, supporting, and encouraging them in their journey. We hope that each student is prepared to share Christ with others and glorify God in every aspect of their life.

Mrs Michelle De Haan

Office Assistant

My story starts in the same hallways that my children now walk. Growing up I lived in New Sharon, but attended school and church in Peoria. I graduated from Pella Christian High School and then Northwestern College in Orange City with a BSW in social work. My husband Nick and I were married in August of 2001 and we have three children Micah, Rebecca and Olivia.

We count it a blessing and a privilege to be a part of the Peoria Christian School family and we are grateful for the gathering of believers who tend to the hearts, minds and souls of our students.

Mrs Heidi Van Wyk

7th & 8th Grade Literature & Bible Teacher

I attended both Dordt College and Northwestern College, and graduated from NWC in 2003 with a BA in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading, Early Childhood, and Special Education. Later in 2004, I added a coaching endorsement. I taught various grades and subjects at Peoria Christian School from 2003-2005, and then I taught a year of preschool at Grinnell Christian Preschool. After getting married in 2005 to Drew Van Wyk (a Peoria Christian Graduate) in 2008 I became a stay at home mom! We were blessed with two girls who are both currently students at Peoria.

It is exciting to be back in the classroom this school year, and I look forward to serving once again at Peoria Christian School. Christian education is such a gift, and I look forward to helping equip students for service in God's kingdom.

Mrs Lisa Roose

7th and 8th Grade Computer and Logic

New Teacher. Bio will be coming soon.

Mrs Laura Fynaardt

5th / 6th grade Bible and Language Arts Teacher

In 2006, after living in western Michigan all of my life and graduating from Calvin College, I moved to Iowa to start my teaching career. I started out teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Sully Christian. In 2008, I changed jobs and came to teach 3rd and 4th grade at Peoria Christian. That year I also got married to my husband Eric. After three more years of teaching, we had our first child, and I became a stay at home mom. We now have 3 children all attending Peoria Christian.

Three years ago I got involved in teaching again through subbing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This summer God called me to come back to the classroom in a more permanent role, and I now spend half days in 5th and 6th grade teaching Bible, reading, language and writing.

Christian education is a great gift to give our students. It is important that they learn about God in every subject and see how God is a part of every area of their lives. Growing up I was blessed to be able to attend a small Christian school a lot like Peoria. I hope someday my students will also see what a blessing their parents have given them. I pray that the students will have a great year and grow in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mrs Lisa Ver Meer

5th / 6th grade Science, History, PE Teacher

I attended Central College and graduated in 2002 with a BA in Elementary Education. I taught preschool for 2 years at Twin Cedars during which I married my husband Chris. I was then blessed with the opportunity to teach 3rd/4th grade at Peoria Christian for 2 years. During my second year our first child was born. I had the joy of staying home with our 3 kids and cherished that time. Our oldest is now a Peoria Christian graduate and attends Pella Christian High School, and the next 2 are considered big kids at Peoria. I have enjoyed subbing, teaching art, and volunteering over the last several years. This year I am thankful for the blessing to be teaching in the classroom again. What great students, parents and teachers we have at Peoria Christian! I’m looking forward to helping the students develop their God-given gifts and talents to His name’s honor and glory!

“Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

Miss Erica Taft

3rd and 4th Grade Teacher

I graduated from Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies in 2007. I also received my K-8 Reading and Social Studies endorsements from Emmaus. In 2014, I finished my endorsements in 5-8 Middle School Math and Social Studies at Drake University. In my free time, I enjoy reading, learning to bake and cook gluten free, and spending time with my friends and family.

Christian education is very important for all who are followers of Christ. It is how we develop a Christian worldview that is rooted in the Bible. Our children need to see the world through God’s eyes and act accordingly. Parents, the church, and teachers must all work together to give students the best foundation possible so they will live for Christ in all that they do.

Mr Jonah Stanage

1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in southwest Michigan. I graduated from Western Michigan University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies. I was blessed to be the son of a pastor at a small reformed church in Bridgman, Michigan. For as long as I can remember, Christ has been my Lord and friend. As I have gotten married and had kids, it is even more evident the love that Christ has for us and our need for a Savior. A year ago my parents and 7 younger siblings decided it was time to leave Michigan and head for Pella, Iowa. This April, my wife and I decided it was time to move too.

Christian education is extremely important. The opportunity our children have to learn in an environment that is Christ centered is amazing, especially in our world today. I am grateful that I get to play a part in helping the coming generations understand the love of God and his blessings.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” Deuteronomy 7:9

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:4-5

Mrs Krista Klaasen

Pre-K and Kindergarten Teacher

I am a 2002 graduate of Dordt College, where I received a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating I got married and co-taught preschool at the Pella daycare for two years. I spent the next several years substitute teaching in the area while my 4 children were little.

I am excited to be in a single classroom again on a more consistent basis. I can’t wait to get to know the students better and be able to encourage the talents and abilities that God has given them.

Mrs Melinda Vos

IXL and Resource Room Teacher

For the past 8 years, I have worked in various capacities here at Peoria Christian. After graduating from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with licensure to teach Elementary Education, Special Education, and Reading, I taught 4th & 5th grade special education for 4 years in the Knoxville Community District.

In 2010, my husband, Brian, and I moved to Uruguay to be missionaries with Avant Ministries. During the 4 years on the mission field, we welcomed our two children, Ellie and Judah.

After returning home, I began teaching at Peoria Christian in Spanish and PLS. Since then, I have taught in many different areas including Spanish, IXL, PLS and the all important job of subbing. For the last 2 years however, I have taught in the 1st and 2nd grade room. It has been a blessing to see God’s faithfulness throughout the years.

Mrs Teresa Van Wyk

Resource Room Teacher

I attended Dordt College where I received degrees in K-12 Physical Education and Elementary Education. My endorsements from Central College include Reading and Early Childhood Education. I am licensed to teach K-12 P.E., PK-6 Elementary Classroom, and K-8 Reading.

During my spare time, I enjoy reading and going for walks outside. I look forward to spending time with my family, especially my new grandson, Silas.

I believe that Christian education is important in order to prepare students for a life of service in God's kingdom. They need an education where every subject is taught in the light of God's Word, necessary as each student develops their own world and life view. As Christian educators, we need to help students be ready to defend their faith and share it with others.

Mrs Carolyn Ansley

Music and Band Teacher

Mrs. Ansley is a 2011 graduate of Clarks Summit University, in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Sacred Music. She is licensed to teach K-12 Music in the state of Iowa.

In her free time, Mrs. Ansley enjoys singing in community choir, reading, crocheting or knitting, and watching movies with her husband. She was born and raised in Newton, IA where she and her husband reside. They are active members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton.

In a world full of changing morals, Christian education is increasingly important for training children to think and see their world through a Biblical worldview. We strive to teach our students that Christ is our foundation, and this truth serves to illuminate all other subjects. He is our constant and His Word is our guide and does not change no matter what the world tells us.

Mrs Linda De Jong

Librarian

Mrs. Linda De Jong is at school on Monday mornings for Library.

The library contains over 5,000 books and a nice selection of magazines, videos and DVDs. The books are coded for Accelerated Reader and the reading level and points are in the card catalog as well. The card catalog is computerized.