Elementary School

Lisa AbeGraduate 2008

Art Teacher (K-5)

Start Date: 2016

Education: Concordia University WI
Major- Art Education
Minors- Biology and Theology

Lisa Abe is a Sheboygan area native and a graduate of Sheboygan Christian High School. She pursued a degree in art education at Concordia University in Mequon, WI. After teaching for three years at a middle school in Rice Lake, WI, God led Lisa back to the SCS community. She enjoys teaching students the value of visual art in light of God- the most supreme Artist. Her deep hope for her students is that they find joy in the creative process and reflect on how God finds joy in His creation.

Lisa lives in Sheboygan with her husband Joe and son Levi. They enjoy hiking and exploring new places together. Lisa also loves getting a chance to create her own art when she’s not chasing around a toddler! They are involved with their local church, River Rock, where Joe leads worship and Lisa helps with the children. 

Kathy AndringaGraduate 1980

2nd Grade Teacher

Education: Dordt College- B.A.

Kathy is married to SCS science teacher John Andringa. They have three out-of-the nest children, Kathryn (business analyst in Pella, Iowa), Sam (attorney in Itasca, Illinois), and Ben ( Senior Customer Specialist in Green Bay, Wisconsin). Kathy is a graduate of SCS. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Dordt College and then moved to Lake Worth, Florida to teach at Lake Worth Christian School where she taught 5th grade and middle school and met John. When they could no longer stand the beautiful weather, they hoped to move closer to family in the Midwest. Little did they know that God was preparing positions for them in Sheboygan at SCS and SCCHS! They have been blessed to send their children to SCS and to be a part of the SCS staff. Kathy is currently attending Hope Church in Sheboygan.

Jen Atkinson

5th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2000

Education: Dordt University
B.A., Elementary Education
Field of Specialization in P.E. & Coaching Endorsement

Jen moved to Sheboygan from Hull, IA to start her career at SCS in 2000. Jen and her husband, Tyler, have been married since 2004, and have two awesome kids: Noah and Naomi. In addition to their kids, they have a Boxer dog named Brewer (Go Brew Crew!) and some chickens, which provide eggs for delicious breakfasts (Tyler is the chef) and for baking sweet homemade treats (Jen is the baker). They attend Crossroads Community Church. Tyler is an avid bowler, and has passed that interest on to Noah and Naomi. They bowl every Saturday morning in their league and participate in different tournaments. Jen and Ty spend a lot of time cheering for their kids in bowling, football, volleyball, and basketball. The whole family enjoys Brewers, Badgers, and Packers games as well. They also love having people over to enjoy Tyler’s delicious BBQ. Jen and the kids annually go to Sioux City, IA to spend a week with her family. If Jen gets any time to herself, she enjoys curling up with Brewer and a good book. Jen is committed to the SCS mission by helping students grow in their faith as she continues to grow in hers.

Mya Chmielewski

2nd & 4th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Dordt University, B.A. Elementary Education
Endorsement in Special Education

Mya is a recent graduate of Dordt University. She graduated in 2022 with a degree in elementary education. Mya also has an endorsement in special education. This is Mya’s first year of teaching at SCS. She enjoys going to the cabin, downhill skiing, and going on walks with her dog, Bandit. She will be coming to Sheboygan from Mayer, MN. Here she attended Lutheran grade school and high school. Currently she is a member of Zion Lutheran Church and will begin looking for a church to attend and get involved in in the Sheboygan community.

Mya is passionate about growing the mission of Sheboygan Christian School by integrating Christ into all that is done in her classroom throughout the day. She will show the love of Christ through her words and actions. Mya is excited to be a part of the Sheboygan Christian School family!

Jim Cowdy

Physical Education Teacher

Start Date: 2016

Education: UW LaCrosse Degree in Physical Education and Minor in Elementary PE

Jim Cowdy currently teaches K-5 Physical Education at SCS. He is from New Berlin, WI and received a Physical Education degree from UW- LaCrosse. Jim formally taught elementary PE in Howards Grove before coming to SCS. In 1976 at an FCA Coaches Camp, Jim had his picture taken with Coach Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys! He has coached Soccer, Gymnastics, and His favorite Sport… Wrestling! In 1980, Jim was the Wisconsin Cultural Exchange Team Leader of an elite high school Wrestling team that competed in both Germany and Belgium. In 1978, Jim was invited to become an associate staff member with Sheboygan County Campus Life. His involvement with the ministry of Campus Life of over 40 years was monumental in forming his personal, professional and spiritual life! Campus Life’s Crazy out of the Box fun events and activities woke the “Creative Giant” within him! He was blessed over the years, to work with hundreds of Jr/Sr high students in weekly Club meetings, Saturday Fun Nights, Summer Charge Camp, and annual Holiday Teen Retreats! Campus Life Director Dave Justice was a significant mentor in his life. Each of his three children Josh, Jason, and Rachel graduated from SCCHS. Both of his sons work in the computer software field and his daughter is a Nurse. He is so thankful to God for His divine providence throughout his life! Jim especially loves the fact that he really gets to know individual students after having them in physical education classes for six straight years!

Bryce DeRoosGraduate 1995

Director of Student Services

Start Date: 2019

Education: UW-Eau Claire – Ed.S. School Psychology
Marquette University – M.A.- Community Counseling
Calvin University – B.A.- Psychology

Bryce met and married his beautiful wife Holly Barker (no relation to Bob) while both were attending UW-Eau Claire. Together they have three kids – Conor (14), Luke (13), and Ella (10). They live just a few blocks away from Lake Michigan and Holly couldn’t think of a better place to live. As a family, they love walks along the lakefront, hikes through Door County, talking about, but rarely camping, and enjoying every type of pizza as long as it is from Il Ritrovo. They attend and are actively involved at Calvin CRC in Sheboygan. As an alumni, Bryce can’t be more excited to be at SCS and be a part of helping to shape, guide, and instruct students in living out the mission of SCS. Also, Holly can’t think of a better place to live.

Jenny Engels

3rd Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2020

Education: National Louis University – Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction
University of Wisconsin Green Bay – Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
National Board Certification – Middle Childhood Development

Jenny is happily married to Juan (also known as Señor at the high school) and proud mom of Jonathan and Juliana. Her family attends eFree Church where she is involved in Children’s Ministries leadership and Welcome Team. One of her favorite parts about teaching is helping her students discover and grow their God-given gifts to be used in his kingdom.

When she’s not busy at school, Jenny enjoys traveling, reading, writing, baking, and doing creative projects around the house. 

Emily Glewen

3rd Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2020

Education: Concordia University, Wisconsin- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Elementary Education
Minor in Spanish

Emily is in her fourth year of teaching, but her third year at SCS. She has a BA in Christian Elementary Education from CUW. She enjoys traveling to new places, taking pictures, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams. Emily attends Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church and enjoys serving as a young adults leader and on the worship team. She is passionate about growing the mission of Sheboygan Christian School by teaching students more about Jesus and how to live a life that glorifies Him.

Fun fact: She spent time student teaching in Szarvas, Hungary.

Tricia HendricksGraduate 1993

Teacher Aide

Start Date: 2009

Education: Dordt University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Tricia and her husband Keith Hendricks have three kids together: Kristi, Erin and Kory. Tricia is an SCS alumni and so are all of her kids!  She has a BA in Psychology from Dordt University. Tricia has worked at SCS since 2009 in several different roles: groundskeeper, volleyball coach and teacher aide.

She loves being involved at the school because of the dedicated community that love Jesus and every child that walks in the the doors. Tricia and her family attend Christ Community Church. She has been part of the praise team there for many years, playing guitar, drums and singing. In her free time she does woodworking and has her own company called The Rustic Board.

Lindsey Kiser

1st Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2020

Education: Wisconsin Lutheran College, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Minor in Social Studies

Lindsey Kiser has been teaching first grade at SCS since 2020, but has 8 years of prior experience teaching lower elementary from Hope Christian Schools located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Lindsey and her husband, Randy, reside in Belgium, Wisconsin. Randy is a firefighter and paramedic for the Sheboygan Fire Department. They are thrilled to both be serving in the same community. She is passionate about being around like minded Christians and integrating her faith into academics. In Lindsey’s free time she enjoys traveling, thrifting, exploring new restaurants, baking, and cooking.

Lindsey and Randy attend Crossroads Community Church.

Nicole Mahler

Extended Care Provider

Start Date: 2021

Nikki has been married to Mike (a Sheboygan native) for 14 years. They have 3 boys Jackson, Carson and Dawson and a golden retriever named Ollie. Together as a family they attend Crossroads Community Church and have been attending since the church’s movie theater days back in 2011. Nikki grew up in Palm Coast, Florida but when settling down with Mike and making plans for their future…Nikki chose living in Sheboygan because she just loves the Midwest feel. Nikki’s dream job has always been to be surrounded by children and sharing the love of Christ with them on a daily basis is fulfilling that dream even more.

Joel Navis

4th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2006

Education: Dordt University, Bachelor of Arts, Education

Joel and his wonderful wife Rachel are the proud parents of Kellin and Mina. Their family loves playing sports with the neighborhood families, going for walks and bike rides, and cooking together in the kitchen. Joel and his family are members of Bethel OPC in Oostburg, helping lead in church ministries and Bible studies. SCS is a place that he has felt called to serve at from day 1. Joel’s deep hope for his students is that they will engage and wrestle with transformational learning for God’s glory. He feels blessed to be a part of helping to prepare students’ hearts and minds for service in God’s world.

Nicole OngnaGraduate 2007

5th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Dordt University
B.A. Elementary Education
Minor in Special Education
Reading Endorsement

Nicole Ongna is a graduate of OCS and SCS high school and is now excited to join the SCS team as a 5th grade teacher! Nicole attended Dordt College and earned a BA in elementary education. She moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after graduating college and taught for 6 years at Robinson Township Christian School and 5 years at Trinity Christian School.

While in Pittsburgh, Nicole was a member at Providence Presbyterian Church in McKees Rocks, PA. She loved being involved, particularly in children’s ministry. She led VBS, taught Sunday School and children’s church, volunteered in nursery, taught a 4th-7th grade girls small group on Wednesday nights, and sang in the choir.

Nicole is excited to be closer to family, as she loves spending time with them, particularly her niece and two nephews. She also loves to read, bake, and spend time with her friends!

As she looks forward to joining the Sheboygan Christian family, Nicole is excited to get to know and develop relationships with the families. She is excited about the continued growth and passion the school has, and how committed they are to purposefully and excitedly teach about our good God!

Rachel Rasmussen

4th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2021

Education: Trinity Christian College, Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education

Rachel graduated Trinity Christian College in 2021with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Special Education. Rachel is an alum of Sheboygan Christian School- having attended from kindergarten through high school (2017).

Rachel attends Arise Church and is a volunteer for their children’s ministry. In her free time, Rachel enjoys camping with family, playing sports, and reading. Rachel is also one of the head womens varsity basketball coaches and is a middle school volleyball coach. Rachel is passionate about helping students grow in their faith and academic knowledge. Teaching them to be confident and God honoring people. Rachel is incredibly excited to continue to be a part of the SCS team this year!

Jayne Ringel

Elementary School Music Teacher

Start Date: 2014

Education: Moody Bible Institute & Columbia College- Bachelor of Arts, Communications and Bible
Silver Lake College- Music Educator’s Certificate (FAME)

Jayne enjoys spending time with her husband, Rob. They are part of the Word of Grace Community Church family. They have 3 adult children, Cassie, Brock (who both graduated from SCS), and Briana. She also enjoys playing with her 2 little grandchildren, singing and reading. Fun Fact: She is interested in building a tiny house :). Jayne is passionate about knowing God, and teaching children to worship Him with music! She is thankful for SCS, both for the blessing it has been to her own family, and for the opportunity she has to serve our SCS families and community for the glory of God.

Ann SteenwykGraduate 1987

Head of School, Director of Academics & Instruction

Start Date: 2016

Education: Calvin College – BA Psychology
Indiana State University – MED, School Psychology; EDS, School Psychology
Concordia University – MED Educational Administration

Ann grew up in the SCS community as a third generation alumna. She and her husband Robb came back to Sheboygan in 2002 to be closer to family and to send their children Nicholas, Brett, and Elianna to SCS. Ann began her career in education as a school psychologist, working in the public school setting for over 20 years. She has a BA in Psychology, an MED in School Psychology and Educational Administration, and an EdS in School Psychology. In 2016, she felt called to help lead SCS and is passionate about making sure all students have access to excellent Christian education. She wants all children to find their role in God’s big story. Ann and her husband are active members of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. They enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking (Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail), camping, biking, and walks to Lake Michigan.

Sierra Steuerwald

Director of Academics & Instruction

Start Date: 2023

Education: Maranatha Baptist University – BS Mathematics
Concordia University – MED Educational Administration

Sierra and her husband Luke met while attending Maranatha Baptist University and were married in 2010. After graduation, they were both called to serve as public school teachers in central Wisconsin. Sierra began her career in education as a middle and high school math teacher. After eight years of teaching, she transitioned to the leadership role of Director of Instruction within her school district, a position she had held from 2018 to 2023. 

Sierra has always had a passion for mentoring young people to know and serve the Lord. In addition to ministering within the classroom setting, Sierra and her husband spent several summers volunteering in camp ministries and leading a young group together in their local church.  Sierra and Luke are both active members of Wild Rose Baptist Church, and they look forward to serving a new church family as they relocate to the Sheboygan area.

In 2023, Sierra was called to join the leadership team of Sheboygan Christian School and contribute to the mission of ensuring our students continue to have access to an excellent Christian education.  Their family is looking forward to becoming active, committed members of the SCS community.  Both Sierra and Luke graduated from Christian schools and are excited to be able to provide their children Wesley (6) and Silas (1) with a Christian education.

Deb VandeSlunt

Kindergarten Teacher

Start Date: 2020

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Deb lives near Oostburg with her husband Mark. They have two adult children, both graduates of SCS and two grandsons. Deb attended Waupun Christian grades 1-12. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She started teaching at SCS in 2020. She is a member of Word of Grace Church.

Deb loves teaching striving, beginning readers and seeing them grow in confidence and ability. She is excited to be part of the academic excellence and Christ-centered learning happening at SCS.

Emma ZaragozaGraduate 2018

First Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, Grand Canyon University

Emma worked at SCS this past spring as an aid in first grade and is looking forward to continue working in first grade as a teacher this year! She just got married this summer to Kevin Zaragoza and they currently attend Bethel OPC in Oostburg but are also involved in the church plant, Breakwater Church, that takes place in Sheboygan. Emma went to SCS from kindergarten through high school and went on to get her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. She has a huge passion for Christian education and teaching children through a biblical perspective!