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.
Comments: I have been blessed so much by the ministry at Algoma. 我非常喜欢成为一所学校的一员，在那里我可以每时每刻分享基督. 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. 我坚信家庭和学校是一个整体，在爱中结合在一起.
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.
Comments: I have been blessed so much by the ministry at Algoma. 我非常喜欢成为一所学校的一员，在那里我可以每时每刻分享基督. 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. 我坚信家庭和学校是一个整体，在爱中结合在一起.
Jennifer May -- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 105
Abigail Miller, B.A. -- First Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 124
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! 我喜欢在阿尔戈马教，因为我得到教孩子以基督为中心的方式，看到我的学生在精神上和学术上成长贯穿全年. 看到学生们的好奇心随着我们解决新概念而增长，他们提出了更多的问题，这是一件很高兴的事情.
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! 我喜欢在阿尔戈马教，因为我得到教孩子以基督为中心的方式，看到我的学生在精神上和学术上成长贯穿全年. 看到学生们的好奇心随着我们解决新概念而增长，他们提出了更多的问题，这是一件很高兴的事情.
Andrea Quillan -- First Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 107
Education and Experience: Applied Health Science, Baker College; Pre-Nursing, Grand Valley State University; Early Childhood Education, Rasmussen University; Currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Curriculum Instruction, Walden University.
Comment: 我在贝克学院(Baker College)获得了应用健康科学的学位，并在医学领域工作了10年，直到我感到上帝呼召我去教书. 我回到学校，毕业于拉斯穆森大学，获得了幼儿教育和儿童发展的学位. 我目前正在攻读儿童发展与课程教学硕士学位. I have worked at Wee Knights Child Development Center for the last 4 years, most recently teaching their preschool program. I spent 10 years in the medical field before I felt God was calling me to teaching. 我回到学校，毕业于拉斯穆森大学，获得了幼儿教育和儿童发展的学位. 我目前正在攻读儿童发展与课程教学硕士学位. I have worked at Wee Knights Child Development Center for the last 4 years, most recently teaching their preschool program. 我的丈夫布兰登和我已经结婚7年了，我们的女儿就读于阿尔戈马基督教. 我喜欢能够看到学生在他们的信仰中成长，并将圣经原则融入我教的每一个科目. I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade at ACS- Go Knights!
Education and Experience: Applied Health Science, Baker College; Pre-Nursing, Grand Valley State University; Early Childhood Education, Rasmussen University; Currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Curriculum Instruction, Walden University.
Comment: 我在贝克学院(Baker College)获得了应用健康科学的学位，并在医学领域工作了10年，直到我感到上帝呼召我去教书. 我回到学校，毕业于拉斯穆森大学，获得了幼儿教育和儿童发展的学位. 我目前正在攻读儿童发展与课程教学硕士学位. I have worked at Wee Knights Child Development Center for the last 4 years, most recently teaching their preschool program. I spent 10 years in the medical field before I felt God was calling me to teaching. 我回到学校，毕业于拉斯穆森大学，获得了幼儿教育和儿童发展的学位. 我目前正在攻读儿童发展与课程教学硕士学位. I have worked at Wee Knights Child Development Center for the last 4 years, most recently teaching their preschool program. 我的丈夫布兰登和我已经结婚7年了，我们的女儿就读于阿尔戈马基督教. 我喜欢能够看到学生在他们的信仰中成长，并将圣经原则融入我教的每一个科目. I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade at ACS- Go Knights!
Dawn Snell, B.A., M.ED -- Second Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 120
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! 分享基督的爱，鼓励学生与他同行，无论他们走到哪里，都要闪耀他的光，这是一种祝福. It is fun to see the energy and excitement that second graders 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! 分享基督的爱，鼓励学生与他同行，无论他们走到哪里，都要闪耀他的光，这是一种祝福. It is fun to see the energy and excitement that second graders have for learning. I enjoy watching them grow spiritually and academically.
Katie Wheat, B.S. -- 2nd Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 125
Education and Experience: Ferris州立大学基础教育学士学位，辅修语言艺术和历史, Big Rapids, MI; State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certification.
Comments: 我们家今年夏天刚搬到该地区，我很高兴能成为主在皇冠会员hg88878做这里的工作的一部分! 我喜欢教导孩子，看着他们在与主的关系中成长. 我祈求在主的帮助下，我能鼓励他们每天追求他，乐意事奉他. 我有一个很棒的丈夫叫亚伦，我们有三个孩子，他们将在ACS上学. I look forward to seeing what God will do in our community this school year!
Education and Experience: Ferris州立大学基础教育学士学位，辅修语言艺术和历史, Big Rapids, MI; State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certification.
Comments: 我们家今年夏天刚搬到该地区，我很高兴能成为主在皇冠会员hg88878做这里的工作的一部分! 我喜欢教导孩子，看着他们在与主的关系中成长. 我祈求在主的帮助下，我能鼓励他们每天追求他，乐意事奉他. 我有一个很棒的丈夫叫亚伦，我们有三个孩子，他们将在ACS上学. 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证书和密歇根未来教师协会颁发的临时教师证书.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for almost 8 years to my wife Megan, and we have two vibrant and joyful daughters. 9 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, 当我得知我被聘为2020-2021学年的老师时，我非常兴奋地加入了ACS的工作人员. 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证书和密歇根未来教师协会颁发的临时教师证书.
Comment: I am beyond blessed to have been married for almost 8 years to my wife Megan, and we have two vibrant and joyful daughters. 9 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, 当我得知我被聘为2020-2021学年的老师时，我非常兴奋地加入了ACS的工作人员. 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. 我最大的喜乐就是看到孩子们接受耶稣为他们个人的救主，并且每天都越来越像他. 我嫁给了我的好丈夫，迪恩，我们有一个女儿毕业于阿尔戈马. 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. 我最大的喜乐就是看到孩子们接受耶稣为他们个人的救主，并且每天都越来越像他. 我嫁给了我的好丈夫，迪恩，我们有一个女儿毕业于阿尔戈马. God is so good and faithful!
Suzanne Tiesma, B.S., M.ED -- Fifth Grade Teacher
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 138
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. 教导和灌输一群伟大的孩子敬虔的原则是一种祝福. As a Christian teacher, I believe that I am a partner with parents in education. No matter what grade a student is in, 我相信，作为教师，我们有一个绝佳的机会，能进入他们的生活，向他们展示上帝的爱. 我珍惜看到上帝的手在皇冠会员hg88878的学生的心和生活.
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. 教导和灌输一群伟大的孩子敬虔的原则是一种祝福. As a Christian teacher, I believe that I am a partner with parents in education. No matter what grade a student is in, 我相信，作为教师，我们有一个绝佳的机会，能进入他们的生活，向他们展示上帝的爱. 我珍惜看到上帝的手在皇冠会员hg88878的学生的心和生活.
Nathan Dracht, B.S. -- Art 2 - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 139
Education and Experience:美国亨廷顿大学视觉艺术教育学士学位.
Comments: This will be my 9th year as an art teacher! 我在印第安纳州和明尼苏达州都教过书，但我很高兴能回到我的家乡密歇根州! 我接触过不同的学生群体，从小学到高中. 能公开地将我的信仰融入到日常教学中，这将是一种美妙的荣幸. 帮助学生通过他们的艺术作品看到上帝创造的美丽是令人难以置信的满足.
I have 2 children with my wonderful wife, Brittany, and we are all looking forward to starting at ACS!
Education and Experience:美国亨廷顿大学视觉艺术教育学士学位.
Comments: This will be my 9th year as an art teacher! 我在印第安纳州和明尼苏达州都教过书，但我很高兴能回到我的家乡密歇根州! 我接触过不同的学生群体，从小学到高中. 能公开地将我的信仰融入到日常教学中，这将是一种美妙的荣幸. 帮助学生通过他们的艺术作品看到上帝创造的美丽是令人难以置信的满足.
I have 2 children with my wonderful wife, Brittany, and we are all looking forward to starting at ACS!
Gabrielle Maggio -- P.E. PK - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 132
Education and Experience: Juris Doctor of Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Brazil; Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Biology and Vision Science from Ferris State University.
Comments: God led me to Algoma in 2022 as I searched for a new Christian school for my kids. 不久之后，他也为我打开了一扇门，让我成为一名教师. 科学是我的激情，我感到很幸运有机会用我的知识和我的事工培训来教我的学生所有关于上帝创造的神奇的东西!
Education and Experience: Juris Doctor of Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Brazil; Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Biology and Vision Science from Ferris State University.
Comments: God led me to Algoma in 2022 as I searched for a new Christian school for my kids. 不久之后，他也为我打开了一扇门，让我成为一名教师. 科学是我的激情，我感到很幸运有机会用我的知识和我的事工培训来教我的学生所有关于上帝创造的神奇的东西!
Sara Pitzer -- Adjunct Teacher -- Elementary Computers
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext:
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, 周围都是爱耶稣的人，并与他们周围的孩子分享爱. I have been married to my husband, Matt for 20 years. We live in Rockford and have four children, three of whom attend ACS and our oldest who attends Western Michigan University.
我在高中的第一堂西班牙语课上就爱上了西班牙语和拉丁文化. I couldn’t have imagined then, all the ways the Lord would use me, 通过一门简单的第二语言来改变我，让我(和我们的家庭)成长. 当你懂得另一种语言时，它会为你打开一个全新的世界，否则你永远无法进入. 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, 周围都是爱耶稣的人，并与他们周围的孩子分享爱. I have been married to my husband, Matt for 20 years. We live in Rockford and have four children, three of whom attend ACS and our oldest who attends Western Michigan University.
我在高中的第一堂西班牙语课上就爱上了西班牙语和拉丁文化. I couldn’t have imagined then, all the ways the Lord would use me, 通过一门简单的第二语言来改变我，让我(和我们的家庭)成长. 当你懂得另一种语言时，它会为你打开一个全新的世界，否则你永远无法进入. 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.
Sherri Vander Meulen, B.A. -- Computers 1 - 5
Phone: 616-678-7480 Ext: 130
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts, from Alma College. ACSI Certificate.
Comment我和我的丈夫有两个女儿在ACS上学，我们非常感谢这里的家庭氛围和孩子们接受的优质教育. As a teacher, I'm blessed to have the opportunity to talk about Christ, teach students, and share my passions. God placed me at ACS in the fall of 2010, 我很高兴有机会与渴望学习的学生一起工作，看到上帝通过他们的生活工作的方式. 我希望所有的学生都能成功，我很高兴有机会与不同能力和技能水平的学生一起工作，以充分发挥他们的潜力, God-given potential.
Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts, from Alma College. ACSI Certificate.
Comment我和我的丈夫有两个女儿在ACS上学，我们非常感谢这里的家庭氛围和孩子们接受的优质教育. As a teacher, I'm blessed to have the opportunity to talk about Christ, teach students, and share my passions. God placed me at ACS in the fall of 2010, 我很高兴有机会与渴望学习的学生一起工作，看到上帝通过他们的生活工作的方式. 我希望所有的学生都能成功，我很高兴有机会与不同能力和技能水平的学生一起工作，以充分发挥他们的潜力, God-given potential.
Karissa Waggoner -- Music PK - 5
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: This is my second year teaching at Algoma. 我在密歇根州东部的特库姆塞长大，我的父母仍然住在那里. 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. 能够和学生们一起谈论我的信仰，唱歌，演奏敬拜主，这是一种祝福.
Eph. 5:18-20
Education and Experience: 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. 我在密歇根州东部的特库姆塞长大，我的父母仍然住在那里. 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. 能够和学生们一起谈论我的信仰，唱歌，演奏敬拜主，这是一种祝福.
Eph. 5:18-20