Athletics

Lisa AbeGraduate 2008

K-5th Grade Art Teacher

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 (Pella, Iowa), Sam (Menominee Falls, WI), and Ben (Green Bay, Wisconsin). They recently added a daughter-in-law to their family, Ben’s wife, Sierra. 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, ES B1 Leader, MS Volleyball Coach

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!). 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

Kindergarten Teacher, Assistant JV2 Girls Basketball Coach

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 second 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. She is currently is a member of Zion Lutheran Church and is in the process of identifying 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!

Bryce DeRoosGraduate 1995

Director of Student Services, JV Boys Soccer Coach

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 (10th Grade), Luke (9th Grade), and Ella (6th Grade). 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.

Jeff Diener

4th-8th Grade Spanish Teacher

Start Date: 2023

Education: BA in Spanish and Elementary Education from Luther College

Jeff and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for over 23 years and have been blessed with 5 kids: Aidan (college junior), Ambryn (college sophomore) Asa (high school senior) Amos (4th grade) and Abby (4K).

When he’s not spending time with his family, Jeff enjoys reading and personal devotion time, running (while he prays), and biking. He plays guitar and piano and loves listening to Christian music. He also loves to tell “Dad Jokes,” pour cold water on his kids while they shower and hide his kids’ phones. A highlight for him and his family each year is spending a week serving as counselors for people with special needs at Camp Daniel in Athelstane, WI.

Matthew 28:19-20 are foundational verses for his life, including in his approach to education. He seeks to not only share God’s Word with others, but to equip and encourage others to also go and make disciples. It is Jeff’s prayer as he serves at SCS that God will work through him to impact the students, families, and staff in their walk with the Lord. Likewise, he looks forward to the ways in which God will work through these same people to help him continue to grow in his faith.

Jeff and his family attend Faith Reformed Church in Cedar Grove where he is connected with the Children’s, Men’s and Sunday School Ministries.

Karen ElgersmaGraduate 2001

K-3rd Grade Spanish Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Dordt University
B.A., Spanish

Karen Elgersma has life experience all over North America! She was born in Canada, raised in the USA, and lived in Mexico for 11 years where she met her husband and began her family. Even her name reflects the bicultural and bilingual life she has: officially Karen Elgersma, you can informally call her “Senora Mejia.”

An SCS alumni, she graduated Dordt University with a B.A. in Spanish for Secondary Education and taught high school Spanish in Iowa for four years. Later God called her to Monterrey, Mexico to work in missions and later to teach English to children and adults. 

She is married to Angel Mejia and has one son (Jacob) and one daughter (Eliana). Though they miss their home in Mexico, they are very thankful to be living now in the States. She and her family attend First CRC of Oostburg and are thankful to be a part of the SCS community. Karen is eager to not only connect children to a bicultural, bilingual community but also to connect them more to our Creator of this diverse world.

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. 

Celeste Fintelman

Instructional Interventionist

Start Date: 2022

Education: Associate’s in Architectural Building Technology, Northwest Technical Institute

Celeste started at SCS in November of 2022 as an Instructional Interventionist and loves getting to walk alongside students as they learn, academically and spiritually. She feels it a joy to be able to serve God in a community of believers that are committed to raising up students to impact the world for Christ.

Celeste and her husband Neil moved to the Sheboygan area in 2014 and have 2 sons, Nolan and Colby. They have attended Christ Community Church for the past 6 years where they serve on various committees. Celeste enjoys family fishing outings, biking, thrifting, starting diy projects, and drawing/painting.

Kristi Gonzalez

Teacher Aide & Athletic Trainer

Start Date: 2022

Education: Concordia University Mequon- Bachelor degree in Athletic Training
California University of Pennsylvania- Master’s degree in Exercise Science

Kristi is passionate about helping others in whatever role God places her in. Kristi is excited to be assisting our elementary team as a classroom aide. Additionally, Kristi is the Athletic Trainer at SCS.

Kristi is married to her best friend David. They have three kids together: Keegan (1st grade), Dawson (4K), and Nora (2 in January). She enjoys walking/hiking with her family and traveling. Kristi and her family attend Shepherd of the Hills church in West Bend, which is where she grew up. Her husband is from South Florida and they met at Concordia University Mequon in the Athletic Training program.

Jessica Gutoski

Extended Care Provider & Kitchen Assistant

Start Date: 2022

Jessica is married to Josef Gutoski. They have four children: Gabe (adult), Leah, Chloe and Truban who attend SCS. They value the partnership that SCS has with them not only in academics but with training them in the Lord.

The Gutoski family attends Crossroads Community Church where Jessica serves in the nursery and as a leader in their HS & MS youth group(RUSH). Jessica has had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom for the past 13 years. She enjoys being in the kitchen cooking and baking as well as being out in the garden.

Jessica is excited about growing the mission of Sheboygan Christian School by sharing the love of Christ with children on a daily basis at SCS.

Fun Fact: Jessica LOVES to knit and spin(and other fiber crafts) and will do so any time her hands are free. Being creative helps her show God’s love to others and it brings her joy.

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.

Emily Jooss

3rd Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2020

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

Emily is in her fifth year of teaching, but her fourth year at SCS. She has a BA in Christian Elementary Education from CUW. She enjoys traveling to new places, cooking, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams. She also likes to spend time hiking with her husband, Kevin. Emily attends Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church. 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.

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.

Jackie MolterGraduate 2015

2nd Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2023

Education: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Major in Elementary Education
Minor in Human Development

Jackie is from the Sheboygan Country Area attending and graduating OCS and SCS (high school). She has her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Human Development. Jackie is excited to partner with SCS families to help prepare students hearts and minds for God’s world.

Prior to joining the SCS team, Jackie and her husband spent four years in the Twin Cities area. They loved being involved with the high school ministry at their church, The Grove, in Maple Grove, MN. Now, they are attending eFree Church in Sheboygan. In their free time they love spending time with friends and family as well as spending time outdoors. This fall, Jackie and her husband Jordan are expecting their first child in mid-September.

Joel Navis

Instructional & TfT Coach

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. He served as a classroom teacher for his first 17 years at SCS. He now serves as the instructional and TfT coach. Joel’s deep hope for himself and his teachers is that together they will LISTEN to each other, EXPLORE ideas, TAKE RISKS, and REFLECT on the work God has put before them. 

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.

Nicole is a member at Bethel OPC and she is involved with GEMS, VBS, and helps lead the Youth Group! 

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!

Jessica Palmer

Elementary School Physical Education Teacher

Start Date: 2020

Education: The Ohio State University, Master’s, Exercise Physiology

Jessica and her husband, Doug, moved to the Sheboygan area 6 years ago from Ohio. They have 3 daughters- Makenzie (9), Savannah (7), and Brooklyn (4). They both grew up in Christian homes and raising their daughters in a Christian home and school is a top priority.

Jessica received a masters degree in exercise physiology from The Ohio State University. She worked for The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation for 10 years before moving to Sheboygan Falls. 

Since moving, Jessica focused on taking care of their daughters. Three years ago, Jessica decided to become a substitute teacher, which led to becoming an elementary interventionist, and now in her new role as physical education teacher. Jessica loves working with the students and helping them learn more about God and how they can use their God-given gifts to serve others. Jessica is a member and volunteers at Word of Grace Church. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her friends and family, be active outside, and explore Wisconsin. 

Rachel RasmussenGraduate 2017

4th Grade Teacher, MS Volleyball Coach

Start Date: 2021

Education: Trinity Christian College, Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education

Rachel graduated from Trinity Christian College in 2021 with 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 the head middle school volleyball coach. Rachel is passionate about helping students grow in their faith and academics, teaching them to be confident and God honoring. Rachel is incredibly excited to continue to be a part of the SCS team this year!

Jayne Ringel

K-2nd Grade 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.

Josh Schouten

4th Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2023

Education: Dordt University
B.A, Elementary Education
Mathematics Specialization & Coaching Endorsement

Josh grew up in Waupun, Wisconsin with his parents and two younger sisters. He attended Central Wisconsin Christian until he moved out to Sioux Center, Iowa to pursue a degree in Elementary Education with a mathematics specialization and a coaching endorsement. While at Dordt Josh participated in choral ensembles, residents life, and was a supervisor at an after-school program. In his free time, Josh enjoys to spend time with his friends and family, get outside and play sports, play board games, or going to local sporting events! In Waupun, he attended 1st CRC Waupun, but looks forward to finding a new church in Sheboygan County.

Josh is devoted to developing deep relationships with each one of his students. He plans to use this opportunity to challenge his students to grow in their knowledge of each subject and how God wants them to use that knowledge in His world! He not only hopes to teach them but also learn from each student as well! He is eager to begin his work at Sheboygan Christian with such a loving and supportive staff around him!

Ann SteenwykGraduate 1987

Head of School

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.

Michaela TempasGraduate

Kindergarten Teacher

Education: Lakeland University, Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Lakeshore Technical College, Childcare Services Certification 

Michaela has lived in Sheboygan all her life and is currently attending Evangelical Free Church. She started at SCS in kindergarten and graduated from the high school. She attended Lakeland University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and received her Childcare Services Certification from Lakeshore Technical College. 

She feels so blessed that God has called her to work at SCS and be able to teach among some of her favorite teachers from when she attended. She is also grateful to know that she will be teaching at a school where she can share, freely learn, and model the Gospel to students. 

In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping each year with her family at Kohler Andrae and Devil’s Lake State Park. She also enjoys reading, and in the summer, playing volleyball and going to the farmer’s market. 

Janna Vanden Brink

Music Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Dordt University, Bachelor of Arts
Major: K-12 Instrumental Music Education
Minor: Music Performance

Janna graduated from Dordt University with a BA in K-12 Instrumental Music Education and a minor in Music Performance. She grew up in the town of Orange City, Iowa but Wisconsin has always felt like her second home as she has been visiting family in Waupun since she was young!

Janna enjoys playing her main instruments in her free time: piano, violin, and flute. She also enjoys running, hiking, and ice cream! Janna attends Oostburg CRC. She is passionate about music and helping students at Sheboygan Christian cultivate and develop their gifts for the glory of God.

Deb VandeSlunt

Literacy Interventionist

Start Date: 2020

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Masters Degree in Literacy/Reading

Deb lives near Oostburg with her husband, Mark. They have two adult children, both graduates of SCS. Deb attended Waupun Christian grades 1-12. She is a member of Word of Grace Church.

Deb enjoys working directly with students of varying reading abilities and supporting students to help them reach their reading goals. She appreciates being part of the academic excellence and Christ-centered community at SCS.

Anna WhartnabyGraduate 2008

2nd Grade Teacher

Start Date: 2022

Education: Trinity Christian College
Bachelor’s Degree in English and Minors in Political Science and History

Dominican University
Master of Arts in Teaching

Teach for America 2014 Alum
Chicago/Northwest Indiana Corps

Anna is an OCS and SCS graduate and is looking forward to joining the SCS staff as a second grade teacher in 2022 after ten years of teaching in the Chicago area. She’s passionate about SCS and is excited for her family to join the work God is doing through this school community. With teaching experiences in inner city public schools in Chicago as well as Christian schools in the Chicago Suburbs, she values every student of all backgrounds as an image bearer of Christ and sees the love of Jesus as the guide for living and learning. She loves to play volleyball, read, and visit Lake Michigan (this one will be much easier now that they will live in Sheboygan!).

Anna is married to Brian Whartnaby and they have a two sons – Augie is in 3K at SCS and Dominic turns 1 in November. They are members at Bethel OPC.

Emma ZaragozaGraduate 2018

1st 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!