ELEMENTARY STAFF (Pre-Kindergarten - 6)
Tessa Ellsworth, BA, M.ED -- Executive Pre-K & 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.
Brianna Kruithoff - Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 113
Career: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and a Minor in Childhood Development from Central Michigan University. I co-taught Three-Year-Old Preschool at Kent City Elementary from 2017-2019 and have also substitute taught at many grade levels.
Comment: My husband Justin and I live in Bailey, MI and have three children; two of which attend ACS currently. Kinsley (7) is our oldest, Cole (5) is our middle, and Rylee (2.5) is our youngest. “Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord” – Psalm 127:3 – A verse that I wholeheartedly believe. I hope to show each child in my classroom how much God truly loves them and to help train them to be “KNIGHTS” in God’s Kingdom!
Career: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and a Minor in Childhood Development from Central Michigan University. I co-taught Three-Year-Old Preschool at Kent City Elementary from 2017-2019 and have also substitute taught at many grade levels.
Comment: My husband Justin and I live in Bailey, MI and have three children; two of which attend ACS currently. Kinsley (7) is our oldest, Cole (5) is our middle, and Rylee (2.5) is our youngest. “Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord” – Psalm 127:3 – A verse that I wholeheartedly believe. I hope to show each child in my classroom how much God truly loves them and to help train them to be “KNIGHTS” in God’s Kingdom!
Nancy Freyling - Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 123
Pam Kebless, BRE, BA, M.Ed. -- First Grade
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 120
Career: BRE from Cornerstone; BA from Calvin College; Diploma in Christian Education from Moody Bible Institute; MA from Grand Valley University; ACSI Lifetime Certificate.
Comment: I have taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade and the Learning Resource Center at ACS since the fall of 1989. First grade is a fabulous fit for me because I enjoy teaching and inspiring young readers. My desire is to encourage not only academic growth, but spiritual growth in my first graders. I am married to my husband Alan and have two grown daughters, Sonja and Joanna. Both of them attended ACS and consider a Bible-based curriculum as essential to their early years as well as their continued growth as Christians.
Career: BRE from Cornerstone; BA from Calvin College; Diploma in Christian Education from Moody Bible Institute; MA from Grand Valley University; ACSI Lifetime Certificate.
Comment: I have taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade and the Learning Resource Center at ACS since the fall of 1989. First grade is a fabulous fit for me because I enjoy teaching and inspiring young readers. My desire is to encourage not only academic growth, but spiritual growth in my first graders. I am married to my husband Alan and have two grown daughters, Sonja and Joanna. Both of them attended ACS and consider a Bible-based curriculum as essential to their early years as well as their continued growth as Christians.
Valerie Pike - BA, M.ED, BS - First Grade
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 113
Career: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University) Grand Rapids, MI; Early Childhood Certification from Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI; Master of Education in Reading from Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Education Certificate.
Comments: I grew up in the Greenville/Cedar Springs area of Michigan and was one of the Algoma students, when the school was at its first location on 13 Mile. I remember the excitement when the school moved to its present
Sparta Avenue location. In the spring of 1993, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University) and married my wonderful husband, Quentin Pike. We have six children. Our five older children are in college or married and grown but our youngest is a senior at ACS this year. Throughout my life I have been so blessed by the ministry at Algoma both as a student, as a parent, and as a teacher. I absolutely love being a part of a school where the teaching staff meets regularly for devotions, prays for the school’s students and their families, and where I can openly share Christ and His love. Here at Algoma, it is more than just school. We are Family.
Career: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University) Grand Rapids, MI; Early Childhood Certification from Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI; Master of Education in Reading from Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MI; ACSI Education Certificate.
Comments: I grew up in the Greenville/Cedar Springs area of Michigan and was one of the Algoma students, when the school was at its first location on 13 Mile. I remember the excitement when the school moved to its present
Sparta Avenue location. In the spring of 1993, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University) and married my wonderful husband, Quentin Pike. We have six children. Our five older children are in college or married and grown but our youngest is a senior at ACS this year. Throughout my life I have been so blessed by the ministry at Algoma both as a student, as a parent, and as a teacher. I absolutely love being a part of a school where the teaching staff meets regularly for devotions, prays for the school’s students and their families, and where I can openly share Christ and His love. Here at Algoma, it is more than just school. We are Family.
Dawn Snell, BA, M.ED -- Second Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 118
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: 125
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.
Lindsey Smith, BA -- Sixth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 127
Career: Bachelor of Arts, from Cornerstone University. I triple minored in elementary education, physical education, and reading. ACSI Certificate. I have taught at ACS since 2011. My experiences consist of teaching elementary physical education, athletic director, elementary computer teacher, and 6th grade science teacher. Since 2016, I have been the elementary 6th grade teacher.
Comments: After graduating from Cornerstone in the Spring of 2010, I began looking for a teaching job. Having grown up attending Charlotte Public Schools, I greatly appreciated the Christian atmosphere around Cornerstone. I decided to begin looking and applying at Christian schools. Algoma Christian School came up and they were looking for a PE position. I immediately loved the close-knit staff and the family-like environment of the school. After receiving a part-time PE position at Algoma, I knew I was where God wanted me to be. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to teach God's word everyday to my classes. Following this, God opened up a full time teaching position for me in the fall of 2015. It gives me great joy to experience all the new challenges and rewarding experiences that come with teaching. I am overjoyed to invest my time in Christian education and pour God's love into the lives of students at Algoma to help them become true disciples!
Career: Bachelor of Arts, from Cornerstone University. I triple minored in elementary education, physical education, and reading. ACSI Certificate. I have taught at ACS since 2011. My experiences consist of teaching elementary physical education, athletic director, elementary computer teacher, and 6th grade science teacher. Since 2016, I have been the elementary 6th grade teacher.
Comments: After graduating from Cornerstone in the Spring of 2010, I began looking for a teaching job. Having grown up attending Charlotte Public Schools, I greatly appreciated the Christian atmosphere around Cornerstone. I decided to begin looking and applying at Christian schools. Algoma Christian School came up and they were looking for a PE position. I immediately loved the close-knit staff and the family-like environment of the school. After receiving a part-time PE position at Algoma, I knew I was where God wanted me to be. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to teach God's word everyday to my classes. Following this, God opened up a full time teaching position for me in the fall of 2015. It gives me great joy to experience all the new challenges and rewarding experiences that come with teaching. I am overjoyed to invest my time in Christian education and pour God's love into the lives of students at Algoma to help them become true disciples!
Stephanie Montgomery -- Elementary P.E., 7th & 8th Science
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 135
Career: Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts in Education Curriculum and Technology. Montessori certification in upper elementary and six (6) classes away from state certification for principalship.
Comments: I have been teaching for fifteen years. I have taught in Grand Rapids Public, Kalamazoo Public and Muskegon Heights. Recently, I started a daycare for my church Resonate in Newaygo. After subbing a few times at ACS, I was asked to be a full-time aide in the 2nd grade room. I love spending time in the classroom and at recess building relationships with ACS students. My husband, Craig, graduated from Algoma Christian. My son, Cody, is currently in 2nd grade here at ACS. Besides teaching, I enjoy fixing our house, kayaking, reading, crocheting, and music. I am so very blessed and excited to be here!
Career: Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts in Education Curriculum and Technology. Montessori certification in upper elementary and six (6) classes away from state certification for principalship.
Comments: I have been teaching for fifteen years. I have taught in Grand Rapids Public, Kalamazoo Public and Muskegon Heights. Recently, I started a daycare for my church Resonate in Newaygo. After subbing a few times at ACS, I was asked to be a full-time aide in the 2nd grade room. I love spending time in the classroom and at recess building relationships with ACS students. My husband, Craig, graduated from Algoma Christian. My son, Cody, is currently in 2nd grade here at ACS. Besides teaching, I enjoy fixing our house, kayaking, reading, crocheting, and music. I am so very blessed and excited to be here!
Karissa Waggoner -- Music PK-5 & Band 6
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
Gabriella Kalis, BA -- Art K-6
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.
Derek Delgado, BS -- Redemptive Thinking Process Coordinator
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 112
Career: Bachelor of Science in K-12 Physical Education and 6-12 Health Education from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. I have been here at ACS since the fall of 2015 upon finishing my degree requirements in December 2014. In my time here, I have served in quite a few different teaching and athletic roles. I currently serve as the Athletic Director, Secondary Physical Education and Health Teacher, Redemptive Thinking Process Coordinator, and the high school baseball coach.
Comment: My wife Mackenzie and I live in Conklin, MI and have two young daughters, Charlotte and Laynie. My wife serves as a Certified Athletic Trainer at Coopersville High School, and our girls attend the Weeknights Child Development Center here at ACS. I am originally from Illinois, while my wife grew up in metro Detroit. I thank her for pushing me to look into teaching opportunities here in Michigan, as we have fallen in love with the Grand Rapids area and West Michigan as a whole. Our hope and prayer is for every student and athlete that we cross paths with will be able to see something different in us and our girls... that Jesus will be reflected through each and every interaction we have.
Career: Bachelor of Science in K-12 Physical Education and 6-12 Health Education from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. I have been here at ACS since the fall of 2015 upon finishing my degree requirements in December 2014. In my time here, I have served in quite a few different teaching and athletic roles. I currently serve as the Athletic Director, Secondary Physical Education and Health Teacher, Redemptive Thinking Process Coordinator, and the high school baseball coach.
Comment: My wife Mackenzie and I live in Conklin, MI and have two young daughters, Charlotte and Laynie. My wife serves as a Certified Athletic Trainer at Coopersville High School, and our girls attend the Weeknights Child Development Center here at ACS. I am originally from Illinois, while my wife grew up in metro Detroit. I thank her for pushing me to look into teaching opportunities here in Michigan, as we have fallen in love with the Grand Rapids area and West Michigan as a whole. Our hope and prayer is for every student and athlete that we cross paths with will be able to see something different in us and our girls... that Jesus will be reflected through each and every interaction we have.