Staff

I am so excited to be teaching Preschool here at MCS!  I grew up in the Chicago Land area before going to college in Iowa.  In Iowa I played Division II soccer and participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 2012 and have earned endorsements in Reading, Early Childhood, Emotional Impairment, and Coaching. I am married to Brett Westra (a graduate of MCS). I currently live in Muskegon with my husband and giant dog.
Scripture Verse:  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Welcome to MCS!  I am SO excited to be teaching the 5 day Kindergarten classes this year.  I thoroughly enjoy teaching young children who are enthusiastic about life and learning.  I love being able to share my love for the Lord and explore His creation with my students every day.  My hope and prayer is that they would feel God’s love through me and want to live for Him, too.

I earned my B.A. in Elementary Education from Dordt College and my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.  In the past, I have taught in Bradenton, FL (Bradenton Christian School) and in Spring Lake, MI (West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics).  I am thankful to be at Muskegon Christian School, where I have taught since 2006.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband (Mr. Bonnema- the 5th grade teacher) and our 4 children. Our children attend MCS and WMCHS, where they are learning each day to love and serve the Lord.

Favorite Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Hola! I’m Bethania Fernandez (to my students, Maesta Betty). I am from a beautiful island in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic. I have my degree from UNEV (Universidad Nacional Evangelica) and I have worked in early childhood education and in Christian education for over 20 years.

I was first inspired to become a teacher by a cousin who was a Kindergarten teacher. I loved to see how much fun she had with her students and how much love she gave them and received from them. We, teachers of young learners, create the foundation for future learning. We are able to mold and shape the lives and hearts of our students. This is the main reason why I became a teacher: to make a difference in their lives and hearts. Teaching is my passion!

I am a happy wife to my husband Juan and we have 3 beautiful children (2 daughters and 1 son).

Scripture Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

I have been teaching for 12 years, all of which have been at Muskegon Christian School in our First Grade classroom.  I hold a B.A. in English and Fine Arts from Calvin College and my M.Ed. with a specialty in Reading/Language Arts from Grand Valley State University. I like the excitement my first grade students have for learning, and enjoy sharing my love of reading with them. I love to sing both praise and silly songs with my students.

Scripture Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4: 4-7

My name is Maria del Pilar Vanderstelt.  I was born in Reynosa, Mexico.  Reynosa is across the border from McAllen, Texas.  I grew up in Reynosa and I had a nice childhood there.  I discovered during my childhood that I would like to be a teacher.  I played “school” with my two brothers, my sister and some neighbors during the summer.

I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was 17 years old.  I have been involved since that time in church leadership as an elder, teacher, cell group leader, Sunday school director, VBS coordinator, and missionary ministry.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy (the teaching/learning process) and a Master’s degree in Human Development with an emphasis in family education and orientation.  I worked for ten years in a Christian school: (Integrity School) as a founder, teacher, Vice-principal and Principal. I was also a professor at Universidad Tecnologica de Tamaulipas Norte for four years.  I taught Spanish and Ethics and I tutored students earning their Technical Associate’s Degrees.  I feel blessed to be part of Muskegon Christian School as a Spanish Immersion teacher.

Scripture Verse: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  Isaiah 61:10

Greetings from the 2nd Grade classroom at MCS!  My name is Jennifer Menefee and I teach 2nd Grade.  I grew up in Muskegon and attended both MCS and WMCHS.  I earned my elementary education degree from Calvin College and obtained my Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from Grand Valley State University.  I also have Special Education Endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments.  I have 16 years of experience in Christian Education.

I believe that having the opportunity to teach 2nd grade at MCS is providential since this was my first year at MCS when I was a child. I love teaching second grade. Second graders are such eager learners.  What joy it brings me to watch my students grow and discover the things God is showing and teaching them. Sharing my faith with my students and watching them grow in their personal relationship with God is a privilege.  I am eager to explore God’s wonderful world with MCS Second Graders.

Special Skills:  A student’s quote for my special skill: “You use your brain, keep your voice calm, do not yell, and you have a good smile.”

Scripture Verse: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17

Hola! I am excited to join the staff here as a third generation alum of MCS.  I attended Calvin College as an Education and Spanish major and met my husband Nathan there as well.   In the summer before my senior year at Calvin, I lived with a host family in Argentina for a month.  We took several excursions including to Uruguay.  I would love to someday travel with my husband to other countries to get more stamps in my passport!  I have 4 children, two of whom attend MCS currently (and 2 more who can’t wait to be old enough to join their siblings).
I love to dance!  Before we had children, my husband and I took ballroom dancing lessons for 2 years where we learned the tango, salsa, foxtrot, swing, waltz, rumba, bachata, cha-cha, merengue, and disco.  I would love to pick up ballroom dancing with my husband again…although that probably won’t happen for at least another 17 years!

Scripture Verse: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Hello my name is Ximena Sandoval and I am from Ecuador, South America. I am very excited to be a part of Muskegon Christian School!

This is my third year here and I am thrilled to be working in this community. I recently moved here with my family from Ecuador. Prior to moving to Michigan I was a teacher in an elementary school for 18 years. I enjoy teaching as well learning from the children. I love their innocence and the spontaneous love they share with me.

By the grace and blessing of God I have had the wonderful experience of working with third and fourth grade Spanish immersion students at Muskegon Christian School. I am still in the process of learning English and I thank all the people who have supported me in this. I am excited to be a part of the SI program and share with each of the children this exciting yet challenging stage of their education.

Scripture Verse: “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5

Hi, my name is Erika Hall.  I grew up in Muskegon and attended both MCS and WMCHS.  I have a B.A. in Elementary Education and Reading and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Dordt College.  Before moving back to Muskegon, I taught for eight years in an inner city school in Chicago.

I am excited to be teaching Third Grade!  I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to work with the students at MCS and enjoy sharing in the excitement they have for learning. I look forward to taking a closer look at God’s magnificent world with my third grade students.

Scripture Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.   Proverbs 3: 5-6

Hi! My name is Lis Potts and I graduated from Wheaton College in 2012 with a BA in Elementary Education and Spanish. Prior to Muskegon; Holland, MI; Wheaton, IL; and Managua, Nicaragua have held special places in my heart and have been a form of home to me. After graduating, I worked for three months with a ministry called Villa Esperanza teaching English and tutoring girls who grew up in their city garbage dump. I came back to the states in December and taught Spanish for a semester in my hometown of Holland. Since then, I have been teaching 4th grade at MCS. I absolutely love kids and love watching and helping them learn and grow. It is truly a joy to work in a Christian school; I feel blessed being able to talk openly about Christ with my students, pray with them, help them walk closer to the Lord each day, and learn what it means to bring shalom to the chaos in our world. Working in a classroom is an amazing gift; I feel called to teach, but I learn so much from my students in return.

Some special Bible verses to me are Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 29:13, and Psalm 62: 1-2.
Scripture verse:  “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”  Psalm 62:1-2

Hello!  My name is Chad Bonnema and I am the 5th grade teacher here at Muskegon Christian School.  I have been at MCS since 2011. Previously, I have taught at Bradenton Christian School (Bradenton, FL) and Lamont Christian School (Coopersville, MI).  I have earned my B.A. in Elementary Education at Western Michigan University (go Broncos!) and my M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University.  I love having the opportunity to help students learn and watching them “grow” in their learning.  I also love having fun in learning.  In my classroom, don’t be surprised to see a guitar being played and balloon animals being made, all in the name of learning, of course!     In addition to teaching, I am also a husband and a father of four children.

Scripture Verse:  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   Galatians 2:20 

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Morrison. For 14 years I have been an educator at Muskegon Christian School, mostly teaching English Language Arts and Computers, but also helping with paraprofessional work and the onset of the childcare program. In 2001, I graduated with a B.A. in Education from Western Michigan University with a triple major in Science, English, and Elementary Education. I have since earned my professional certification and am close to acquiring endorsements in Math, Social Studies, and Writing. Fortunately, I have also had the privilege of coaching Cheerleading, Girls Basketball, Girls on the Run, Middle School Track and Field, and Destination Imagination.

This is my fourth year as the sixth grade teacher. Currently, I enjoy my sixth grade students, especially when they expose their varied personalities and togetherness as a family…realizing the need to work hard to include everyone…even their teacher! Talk about representing the Fellowship of Saints!

Blessings of my life are being married and involved in the happenings and growth of Nelson Neighborhood. In the past 3 years, owning a large historical home has allowed us to host 8 Muskegon Lumberjack hockey players and 3 German exchange students through Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Besides these (BIG) kids filling the house, I also enjoy keeping up with two miniature dachshunds who seem to bark at anything, even their own reflection at times! By far, the months of year that MCS is in session are my favorite times since God’s presence can be seen, heard, and felt through this wonderful community of learners, faculty, and parents.

Scripture verse:  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God “.  Romans 12:2

My name is Juan Castillo (Maestro Juan). I was born in the Dominican Republic. My wife (Maestra Betty) and I came to Michigan in 2019. Prior to coming on as a permanent member of the staff, I served as a substitute teacher here at MCS. I am an artist by heart! I really enjoy teaching my native language, SPANISH. Math is one of my greatest passions; but my greatest passion of all is having the ability to teach students about how great, loving and amazing our God is! It is something I am looking forward to this year.

Hi! My name is Karyn Pagkanlungan. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Elementary Education. I also have earned my Masters Degree in Reading Instruction from Western New Mexico University.  I taught for three years in Rehoboth, New Mexico and then moved to Whitinsville, Massachusetts where I taught for five years. I am excited to now be teaching at MCS! I have spent my career in Christian Education and love that I am able to share my faith and pray with students daily. Teaching brings me so much joy and I am excited to teach and learn with the students of MCS!

Scripture Verse: “Let all that you do be done in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:14