ELEMENTARY STAFF (Pre-Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
Tessa Ellsworth, B.A., M.ED -- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 123
Education and Experience: 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. Winner of the FOX17 Classroom of the Week Award (2015) and Class Act Award (2025).
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.
Education and Experience: 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. Winner of the FOX17 Classroom of the Week Award (2015) and Class Act Award (2025).
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.
Abigail Miller, B.A. -- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 105
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Moody Bible Institute. ACSI certified.
Comments: I did my student teaching here in 2022 and have been teaching here ever since! I love teaching at Algoma because I get to teach children in a Christ-centered way and see my students grow spiritually and academically throughout the year. It is such a joy to see the students' curiosity grow as we tackle new concepts and they ask more questions.
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Moody Bible Institute. ACSI certified.
Comments: I did my student teaching here in 2022 and have been teaching here ever since! I love teaching at Algoma because I get to teach children in a Christ-centered way and see my students grow spiritually and academically throughout the year. It is such a joy to see the students' curiosity grow as we tackle new concepts and they ask more questions.
Dawn Snell, B.A., M.ED -- First Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 107
Education and Experience: 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 students have for learning. I enjoy watching them grow spiritually and academically.
Education and Experience: 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 students have for learning. I enjoy watching them grow spiritually and academically.
Katie Wheat, B.S. -- Second Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 120
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a double minor in Language Arts and History from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI; State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certification.
Comments: Our family moved to the area in the summer of 2024 and I am very excited to be part of the work the Lord is doing here at Algoma Christian School! I love teaching children and watching them grow in their relationship with the Lord. I pray that with the Lord's help, I can encourage them daily to pursue Him and serve Him gladly. I have a wonderful husband named Aaron and we have three children attending ACS. I look forward to seeing what God will do in our community this school year!
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a double minor in Language Arts and History from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI; State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certification.
Comments: Our family moved to the area in the summer of 2024 and I am very excited to be part of the work the Lord is doing here at Algoma Christian School! I love teaching children and watching them grow in their relationship with the Lord. I pray that with the Lord's help, I can encourage them daily to pursue Him and serve Him gladly. I have a wonderful husband named Aaron and we have three children attending ACS. I look forward to seeing what God will do in our community this school year!
Ryan Ruth, B.S. -- Third Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 113
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science from Cornerstone University in Bible and Art of Ministry. ACSI Certificate and Michigan Teaching Certificate from Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for 10 years to my wife Megan. We have two vibrant and joyful daughters and a one year old boy. 11 years ago, I was hired to coach soccer at Algoma Christian. During this time, I 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!
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science from Cornerstone University in Bible and Art of Ministry. ACSI Certificate and Michigan Teaching Certificate from Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for 10 years to my wife Megan. We have two vibrant and joyful daughters and a one year old boy. 11 years ago, I was hired to coach soccer at Algoma Christian. During this time, I 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, B.S. -- Fourth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 116
Education and Experience: 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!
Education and Experience: 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, B.S., M.ED -- Fifth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 125
Education and Experience: 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.
Education and Experience: 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.
Nathan Dracht, B.S. -- Art K-5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 139
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in Visual Art Education from Huntington University, Huntington, IN.
Comments: This will be my 10th year as an art teacher! I’ve taught in both Indiana and Minnesota, but am so excited to be back in my home state of Michigan! I have worked with diverse student populations, ranging from elementary to high school levels. It’s a wonderful privilege to openly integrate my faith into daily teaching. Helping students see the beauty of God's creation through their artwork is incredibly satisfying. I have 2 children with my wonderful wife, Brittany, and we are all enjoying our time here at ACS!
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in Visual Art Education from Huntington University, Huntington, IN.
Comments: This will be my 10th year as an art teacher! I’ve taught in both Indiana and Minnesota, but am so excited to be back in my home state of Michigan! I have worked with diverse student populations, ranging from elementary to high school levels. It’s a wonderful privilege to openly integrate my faith into daily teaching. Helping students see the beauty of God's creation through their artwork is incredibly satisfying. I have 2 children with my wonderful wife, Brittany, and we are all enjoying our time here at ACS!
Lindsey Smith, B.A. -- Elementary P.E.
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 111
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple minor in elementary education, physical education, and reading from Cornerstone University. ACSI Certificate.
Comments: After graduating from Cornerstone University in the spring of 2010, I began pursuing my calling in Christian education. I have been blessed to serve at Algoma Christian School since 2011 in several roles, including elementary physical education teacher, athletic director, sixth-grade teacher, and computer teacher. I especially love teaching physical education because it allows me to connect with students of all ages while encouraging them to learn new skills and care for the bodies God has given them. Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to share God’s Word each day and pour His love into the lives of my students. It is a joy and privilege to invest in Christian education and help students grow as true disciples of Christ.
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple minor in elementary education, physical education, and reading from Cornerstone University. ACSI Certificate.
Comments: After graduating from Cornerstone University in the spring of 2010, I began pursuing my calling in Christian education. I have been blessed to serve at Algoma Christian School since 2011 in several roles, including elementary physical education teacher, athletic director, sixth-grade teacher, and computer teacher. I especially love teaching physical education because it allows me to connect with students of all ages while encouraging them to learn new skills and care for the bodies God has given them. Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to share God’s Word each day and pour His love into the lives of my students. It is a joy and privilege to invest in Christian education and help students grow as true disciples of Christ.
Sara Pitzer -- Adjunct Teacher -- Elementary Computers & Spanish First-Fifth Grade
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 129
Education and Experience: GRCC Spanish and Business, Coopersville Public Schools ESL Night Migrant Program, Bethany Christian Services Refugee Housing.
Comments: I have been an employee of ACS since 2022. It’s such a blessing to be part of the Christ saturated environment found at ACS, surrounded by others who love Jesus and sharing that love with the children around them. I have been married to my husband, Matt for 22 years. We live in Rockford and have four children, three of whom attend ACS and our oldest who attends Western Michigan University. I fell in love with the Spanish language and Latin culture in my very first High School Spanish class. I couldn’t have imagined then, all the ways the Lord would use me, change me and grow me (and our family) through something as simple as a second language. When you know another language it opens you up to a whole other world you’d otherwise never have access to. The different cultures and people groups you’re able to connect with, serve and share the love of Jesus with is an incredible gift! I am so very excited to share my passion and love of Spanish with your students.
Education and Experience: GRCC Spanish and Business, Coopersville Public Schools ESL Night Migrant Program, Bethany Christian Services Refugee Housing.
Comments: I have been an employee of ACS since 2022. It’s such a blessing to be part of the Christ saturated environment found at ACS, surrounded by others who love Jesus and sharing that love with the children around them. I have been married to my husband, Matt for 22 years. We live in Rockford and have four children, three of whom attend ACS and our oldest who attends Western Michigan University. I fell in love with the Spanish language and Latin culture in my very first High School Spanish class. I couldn’t have imagined then, all the ways the Lord would use me, change me and grow me (and our family) through something as simple as a second language. When you know another language it opens you up to a whole other world you’d otherwise never have access to. The different cultures and people groups you’re able to connect with, serve and share the love of Jesus with is an incredible gift! I am so very excited to share my passion and love of Spanish with your students.
Karissa Waggoner -- Music PK - 5 Grades
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 136
Education and Experience: Bachelors in Instrumental & Vocal Music Education k-12 from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Comment: I grew up on the east side of the state in Tecumseh, Michigan. My parents and my brother's family live in the Dayton, OH area, and my sister lives in TX. It has been wonderful to be here at ACS in this caring and positive environment. I've been at Algoma since 2021. 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.
Education and Experience: Bachelors in Instrumental & Vocal Music Education k-12 from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Comment: I grew up on the east side of the state in Tecumseh, Michigan. My parents and my brother's family live in the Dayton, OH area, and my sister lives in TX. It has been wonderful to be here at ACS in this caring and positive environment. I've been at Algoma since 2021. 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.
Trevor Reed -- Interventionist
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 121
Education: Cornerstone University, trained in RTI (Response to Intervention)- math and reading
Comment: Working at Algoma is a great blessing. I love to see how God impacts students' education. As an interventionist, I support my students' skills in math and reading, but most importantly I strive to help them with their relationship with God. My passion is to give students a solid foundation to implement in their future endeavors.
Education: Cornerstone University, trained in RTI (Response to Intervention)- math and reading
Comment: Working at Algoma is a great blessing. I love to see how God impacts students' education. As an interventionist, I support my students' skills in math and reading, but most importantly I strive to help them with their relationship with God. My passion is to give students a solid foundation to implement in their future endeavors.