Staff Updates 2026-27

Hellos

Join us in welcoming or welcoming back the following staff to ACS! We can’t wait to see all the unique talents and gifts you bring to our school!

Elementary

April Abraham: Grade 3 Teacher. April joined us this spring when Cassidy Barks began her maternity/parental leave. April is a Trinity Western Graduate and has experience teaching at White Rock Christian and in the Abbotsford School District. We look forward to having April part of our team next year.

Alyssa Samudio: Kindergarten Teacher. Alyssa has been on parental leave for 2025-2026 and we are happy to welcome her back to the kindergarten team this fall. We’re glad to have you back, Alyssa!

Lindsay Westerink: Grade 2 Teacher. Lindsay will be job-sharing with Hilda de Wolde in grade 2. She is a graduate from Redeemer University, taught at Langley Christian School and has two children, both who will be with her at ACS Elementary this fall. Her husband, Brent, teaches at the secondary campus. Welcome to the team, Lindsay!

Middle

Leslie Arends: Grade 6 Teacher. Leslie will be joining the grade 6 teaching team part‑time next year, sharing a classroom with our new vice principal. She is a highly relational educator who brings valuable experience from her time teaching at The Esther School in Zambia, where she continues to maintain meaningful connections. Welcome to ACS, Leslie!

Kristen Low: Vice Principal and Grade 6 Teacher. Kristen comes from Pacific Christian School in Victoria, where she taught grades 4–7 and served as interim vice principal, bringing strong leadership experience, a passion for Christian deeper learning, and a genuine commitment to supporting students academically and spiritually. We are looking forward to having her join our community and to supporting her as she steps into this leadership role. Welcome to ACS, Kristen!

Rachel McAlister: Grade 5 Teacher. Rachel will be joining our grade 5 team next year. Rachel currently teaches grade 4/5 students and brings a strong background in music, holding a master’s degree in music, along with an organized, thoughtful approach and a passion for developing engaging curriculum. Welcome to ACS, Rachel!

Andrew Richmond: Grade 7 Teacher. A recent graduate from UFV, Andrew previously taught French at ACS, is involved in extracurriculars such as E‑Sports, and brings an engaging, student‑centered approach—particularly in science and math—while being attentive to student needs. Welcome back, Andrew!

Annette Vantil: Grade 8 Teacher. Annette will be joining our grade 8 team next year bringing many years of teaching experience from Ontario and Cascade Christian School. She is known for creating hands‑on, meaningful learning experiences while building strong community connections that enhance student engagement. Welcome to ACS, Annette!

Secondary

Marc Bergen: English Teacher. Marc is an experienced educator who is looking forward to returning to his alma mater since his graduation in 1992. He was serving at MEI Secondary School as a vice principal. Marc is excited about working with students and is looking forward to getting back into the classroom. He is passionate about English and literature and how it serves as a way for students, as Christians, to make sense of their world. Welcome “back” to ACS Marc!

Nathaniel Chueng: Mathematics Teacher. Nathaniel has a Bachelor of Science from SFU with a major in Mathematics. He has previously taught in both in brick and mortar and online schools. His additional passions are food, travel, and leading worship. Nathaniel is already one of our guest teachers. Welcome to ACS, Nathaniel!

Cyrus (Cy) Dunnewold: Teacher. Cy is joining us after 8 years at Unity Christian School. He is passionate about the humanities and likes to think about the big picture. He is currently completing his Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary humanities at TWU. Cy enjoys fostering learning opportunities that invite students to engage with their faith in relevant and meaningful ways. Growing up in Alberta, Cy moved to the Fraser Valley in 2017 after completing his undergrad and then his education degree at The King’s University. He and his wife, Renee (an ACS grad), are expecting a new addition to their growing family any day now, joining their 1.5-year-old daughter, Nora. Welcome to ACS, Cy!

Lauren Sikma: Educational Assistant. Lauren is excited to start her career at ACS with the secondary LSS team. She is finishing her education assistant program and practicum at a local school and is looking forward to using her Bachelor of Science degree in supporting secondary students. Welcome to ACS, Lauren!

Administration Office

Aly Leguizamon: Marketing Coordinator. Aly joined the admin department in January when Tanya Kieneker began teaching full-time at the secondary campus. Aly is an ACS alumnus with a strong background in marketing across various sectors, most recently as a senior marketing manager. Welcome to the team, Aly!

Judy MacArthur: Bus Driver. Judy joined the transportation department in June as one of our bus drivers. She comes to us with many years of professional school bus as well as coach driving experience. She will be training on the Sumas route as Cliff Coutts’ replacement in September. Her husband, Alistair, currently drives the Yarrow bus route so they will be enjoying their morning commute together! Welcome to ACS, Judy!

Moving/Changing Positions Within ACS

Tamara Arends made big moves at ACS! In January, she moved down the hall and leaving her role as middle/secondary receptionist to serve as the administrative assistant for the secondary Student Life Centre. Welcome to the secondary, Tamara!

Mikiah Binnendyk is moving from the Seamless Day kindergarten program up to the secondary campus where she will be an educational assistant. We are grateful for the care she has given to our elementary students and trust this next role will be a meaningful one.

Tanya Kieneker: After 10 years as marketing coordinator, Tanya moved into full-time teaching at the secondary campus in February 2026. She has been instrumental in creating a consistent marketing brand to ACS in numerous ways most notably, the This Square Inch (TSI) building project of the middle/secondary campus. She brings a wealth of experience of marketing, web design, and coding to her students.

Tyler Lande is moving to the elementary as the PE Specialist. Tyler has been a valued member of the grade 7 team, and he brought a strong commitment to relationship‑centred community building, consistently encouraging students to be their best selves and to grow as learners and citizens in God’s kingdom. And, as many can attest, Tyler also elevated the staff room snack game to a whole new foodie level.

Teresa Spyksma is moving into the role of ACS’ middle school principal. Teresa has been part of the ACS community for more than 12 years as both a parent and staff member. Working at our secondary campus first as a learning support services coordinator, she stepped into the vice principal role six years ago and served as the interim principal last year. Teresa, who has a Master of Education from Dordt University, brings a wealth of knowledge about ACS’ culture and extensive experience in leadership development and systems-level thinking.

Parental Leaves

We celebrate with our staff who are on leave because of new arrivals in their families. They are a blessing to us and we look forward to having them return soon!

Elementary

Cassidy Barks: Grade 3 Teacher. Starting April 24, Cassidy will be on parental leave until May of next year. We hope that time is filled with precious moments with baby and family. We look forward to seeing her around as she also becomes a kindergarten mom for the first time this fall.

Alysa Foth: Educational Assistant. Alysa is currently on parental leave. She will not be returning once her leave is finished and has resigned her EA position. We pray for her and her family, that they would continue to grow in love, joy, and connection.

Stephanie McNeil: Educational Assistant. Stephanie began her maternity leave in mid-May and will be on leave from her EA position for most of the next school year. We send our prayers and best wishes to her and her husband during this joyful new chapter.

Amy Samulski: Grade 2 Teacher. Amy will continue her parental leave for the 2026-2027 school year. We look forward to her return and trust this time will be a gift for her and her family.

Middle

Tamara Goertzen: Grade 6 Teacher. Tamara’s love for ACS drew her back from an educational assistant role into teaching after completing her PDP. As a new teacher, she capably stepped into a grade 6 maternity leave, where she quickly established a warm, welcoming classroom grounded in care and belonging. Tamara was a valued member of her team, contributing thoughtfully to both classroom and community life. In March, Tamara and her husband were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Kaylee. We extend our heartfelt congratulations as we wish their family God’s abundant blessings.

Tasha Madrid: Educational Assistant. For the past 3.5 years, Tasha has worked as an educational assistant in a variety of roles, including classroom and grade level support and 1:1 student support. We thank her for her dedicated service and commitment to supporting middle school students. As she goes on maternity leave, we pray for a successful transition into motherhood as she anticipates the arrival of her firstborn!

Goodbyes

We are sad to say goodbye to the following staff members; join us in thanking everyone below for their many contributions to our ACS community! We have been blessed by them and we pray for God’s direction, protection, and blessing as they move on to a new season of their life.

Elementary

Madison Apperloo: Seamless Day, ECE. Following her parental leave, in January 2026, Madison will not be returning. We are thankful for her time with us in preschool and childcare and trust this next season with her family will be rich and meaningful.

Laura De Weerdt: Grade 2 Teacher. Laura joined ACS Elementary this year in 2A and as reading teacher. We enjoyed getting to know her and are thankful for her contributions to our school. When we say goodbye to her at the end of this school year, she will be preparing to welcome their first child. Blessings to Laura and her husband during this new chapter in their lives. We look forward to meeting your little one soon.

Marlene Kammenos: Educational Assistant. Following over 14 years of faithful service, Marlene is retiring at the end of this year. We are so grateful for the countless ways she has been a part of our school community and trust that this next chapter will be rich and rewarding one and wish her God’s rich blessings.

Joelle Kampman: Grade 2 Teacher. After her parental leave this year, Joelle will not be returning to her position. We are grateful for all she has shared with our school in her role as grade 2 teacher and send her our best as she enjoys this season with her family.

Aly Pattison: Educational Assistant. Aly will be leaving her role at the end of the year as she continues her own education towards a teaching degree. We appreciate her contributions to our community and trust this upcoming season of learning will serve her well in her professional journey.

Anna Redekop: PE and Health Teacher. It has been a blessing to have Anna Redekop as our PE teacher at ACS Elementary these last two years. With gratitude, we say goodbye to Anna, who has served our school with energy, excellence, and heart. We wish her continued purpose and many blessings in all that comes next.

Sophia Schweitzer: Educational Assistant. Sophia will be moving to the interior with her husband this summer and as a result, has resigned her position for next year. We are thankful for her time here and send her forward with our prayers.

Bethany Van Kampen: Educational Assistant. After her parental leave this year, Bethany will not be returning. We appreciate her contributions as an educational assistant these past years and wish her every happiness as she continues to spend her time with family.

Helinda Vanderkooi: Grade 2 Teacher. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart Helinda shared with our school community during the time she job-shared with Amanda Helm in 2B. She will be missed, and we wish her continued flourishing.

Middle School

Krista Brandsma: Grade 6 Teacher. Krista has been a faithful teacher at both elementary and middle school for many years, often filling in and supporting our staffing needs wherever needed. She has given generously to our school community, and we are thankful for the ways she has stepped in to teach grade 5 and 6 for the last two years. Krista will continue to be a substitute teacher, and we are happy that we will continue to be blessed with her gifts.

Sam Dunstan: Educational Assistant. Sam worked as an educational assistant for the past 1.5 years. We sincerely thank him for his dedication and commitment to student success. His patience, kindness, and steady support made a meaningful difference for many students and enriched the school community. He will be truly missed by both staff and students, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter!

Jordyn Erickson: Grade 6 Teacher. After five years of teaching grades 6 and 7, Jordyn and her husband were blessed with their baby son last spring. As an integral member of the grade 6 team, Jordyn, helped to shape meaningful projects such as Honouring Stories and joyful community‑building events like grade 6 Weird Day. She was deeply committed to fostering connection and belonging among students through intentional community‑building practices. We are grateful for Jordyn’s contributions and wish her and her family God’s abundant blessings in this next season.

Eliot Siebenga: Educational Assistant. After two years as an educational assistant, Eliot has decided to resign his position and complete his university courses. We have appreciated his work with students and wish him God’s blessings on his future schooling.

John van der Leek: Interim Principal. After a remarkable 35‑year career in Christian education as both a classroom teacher (12 years) and school leader (23 years) at Surrey Christian, Langley Christian, and ACS, John is joining Janice in retirement. For the past five years, John has faithfully served as vice principal, building strong, meaningful relationships with students alongside his trusted partner, Summer. He consistently challenged students to make wise choices, live well in community, and grow in character. John has also inspired many grade 7 and 8 students through his passion for music. We celebrate John with deep gratitude and pray God’s rich blessings as he enjoys a life no longer dictated by the school bell.

Sally Van Geest: Grade 5 Teacher. After a lifelong career (31 years at ACS, 39 in total) faithfully serving students in both Ontario and British Columbia, Sally is joyfully stepping into a well‑deserved retirement. She has been a passionate advocate for learning, creating safe, caring classrooms where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow. Sally also blessed the ACS community through many years of teaching and leading our French program and her dedicated service on the Human Resources Committee. Her love for Christian education and her lived Christian worldview will be deeply missed. We celebrate Sally with gratitude and pray God’s abundant blessings in this next season!

Sandra Venema: Learning Support Services Coordinator. This past year, Sandra capably stepped into the significant role of LSS Coordinator, bringing leadership, clarity, and care to a complex and demanding position. We have deeply appreciated her calm presence, her strong advocacy for learning that is accessible to all students, and her shared commitment to best practices in supporting diverse learning needs in the classroom. Sandra has been instrumental in helping teachers think intentionally about inclusive supports that allow all learners to flourish. Next year, Sandra will be supporting teachers at Heritage Christian Online School. We wish her God’s rich blessings as she returns to serving within the homeschooling community.

Zoe Webster: Grade 7 Teacher. During her four years on our grade 7 teaching team, Zoe consistently demonstrated the heart of a servant leader through her quiet, steady care for students and her strong commitment to teamwork and Christian education. Her artistic gifts greatly enriched our art program, equipping many students to grow in skill and confidence with watercolour. Zoe and her husband were blessed with the arrival of their baby son in the fall, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations as we wish their family God’s abundant blessings.

Secondary

Matthew Bleakney: Educational Assistant. We are so thankful that Matthew was part of the Secondary Inclusive Education team for the past four years. He recently began a Master of Divinity program and is excited to continue to follow God’s calling in his life. We are grateful for the many ways Matthew has encouraged students and staff here at ACS. May the Lord bless you as you pursue what God has in store next for you!

Dani de Jong: English and Textiles Teacher. Dani’s long and illustrious career at ACS is coming to a close. Dani has been a core member of our secondary staff and has championed key programs such as textiles, and Advanced Placement English. She will be dearly missed, and we wish her God’s richest blessing as she enters her next chapter in retirement.

Trent de Jong: English Teacher. Trent, our resident ACS historian and philosopher, is retiring at the end of this year. Trent has had a long career at ACS spanning decades and campuses. His contribution to ACS and Christian education will be missed. Feel free to stay connected via his YouTube channel “DryBones.” We wish you and Dani God’s richest blessings in the next chapter of your life!

Judah Giesbrecht: Educational Assistant. We have been blessed to have Judah as part of the Secondary Inclusive Education team, both on-call and full-time, over the past two years. He recently began a position this spring as program director at Camp Evergreen in Alberta, and he is looking forward to continuing to serve others in this role. We wish you God’s blessings in your new endeavours!

Johanna Smith: Student Life Centre Administrative Assistant. Jo resigned her position at the end of December. She began at ACS as the middle/secondary receptionist then into the admin assistant role at the SLC. She was a quiet, detailed, and friendly face at the SLC. We wish her God’s blessing on what He has in store for her.

Administration Office

Gord Beerda: Bus Driver. Gord left his hometown of Smithers a few years ago and moved to Abbotsford where he was going to retire and be close to more of his family. The close to family part worked great, but the retirement part did not work at all. His wife tells us that they went for a walk shortly after moving, and Gord noticed one of our buses driving by, and he could not contain himself. He showed up in Garry Fast’s office that afternoon looking for a driving position, which we had, and he started working for us immediately. We have enjoyed Gord’s driving ability, but he is also quite a socialite, and we will miss his endless banter in the lunchroom. Gord, thank you stopping in that day to see if we needed a driver – we’re glad you joined our team! Better luck this time with retirement, and if it doesn’t work out you know where we are.

Tym Berger: Director of Operations. After a remarkable 34-year career in Christian education(8 years at Surrey Christian, 26 years at ACS) as classroom teacher, vice principal, middle school principal, and currently director of operations, Tym is stepping into retirement. We are so thankful for the influence he had on students, staff, and parents and the development of the middle school program. We celebrate with Tym with deep gratitude and wish him God’s richest blessings as he enters the next stage of life!

Cliff Coutts: Bus Driver. Cliff is currently our second longest active bus driver, and he has become a household name amongst our Sumas Prairie families. He has provided excellent service to his route rider families in Sumas and has gained their trust in getting the job done safely. He is a lot of fun in the lunchroom with his short one liners and amazing knowledge of the Bible. Unknown to many is his gymnastic talents that he has revealed recently – ask him to show you when you see him next. We wish Cliff good health and God’s blessings as he and his wife, Patricia, navigate their way into retirement. Thanks, Cliff, for your efforts at ACS – it’s been fun!!

Garry Fast: Transportation Coordinator. Garry has been on staff at ACS for nine years. Before coming on staff, Garry maintained all the landscaping and grounds by contract. Recently, under Garry’s leadership, we have grown to eight bus routes, with a fleet of ten school buses and two activity buses. We are grateful to God for Garry’s diligence and care for our students’ safety, and we wish him God’s blessings as he looks forward to this next chapter.

Lloyd Robinson: Bus Driver. Lloyd has served us in a unique role here at ACS and in many ways, he is the unsung hero of our bus driving team. He has been a relief driver his entire time here and we will have a tough time replacing him. He knows and can cover any of our routes at short notice, and he has also driven for many field trips. He is an excellent driver and is happy to fill in with whatever we need him for, with no expectations regarding the number of hours we have for him. We thank Lloyd for his excellent service to the transportation department and wish him all the best as he and his wife pursue their travel plans.

Tracy Van Huizen: Director of Advancement. After 2.5 years, Tracy has decided to move on from ACS. Her enthusiasm and strong work ethic were evident as she led the Drive to Revive campaign over the past 2 years, raising much-needed funds for the elementary campus. We wish her God’s blessings in whatever He has called her to next.