Hellos
Join us in welcoming or welcoming back the following staff to ACS!
ELEMENTARY
Michelle Burnett: Grade 2 Teacher. Michelle will be returning to ACS next year and is looking forward to joining the grade 2 team. Michelle has worked previously at ACS as an educational assistant while completing her degree. She spent the last year teaching in grade 2. Great to have you back, Michelle!
Elyssa Campbell: Grade 4 Teacher. Elyssa will be joining the grade 4 team this fall. She graduated from TWU in 2022 and after a year of travelling and being a TTOC in the Abbotsford School District, she is looking forward to the opportunity of having her own classroom at ACS. Welcome, Elyssa!
Lily Eden: Educational Assistant. Lily is moving to Abbotsford this summer and will be joining the LSS team for the coming school year. She is a 2022 grad from Okanagan College’s SETA program and worked this past year at King’s Christian School in Salmon Arm. Welcome Lily!
Avril Enns: Educational Assistant. Avril Enns will be joining our LSS department as an educational assistant this fall. She will be working primarily with grade 2 students. Welcome, Avril!
Vanessa Groeneweg: ECE Assistant. Vanessa will be joining the preschool team this fall as the Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECE-A) in the Tuesday/Thursday classes. While we’ve gotten to know her as an ACS parent, we look forward to working with her on staff. Welcome Vanessa!
Karlin Jensen: Educational Assistant. Karlin joined the LSS team in an on-call position this year and brings many years of experience as a licenced early child educator. We look forward to having her on staff as an educational assistant for the coming school year. Welcome Karlin!
Rosie McCarty: Grade 1 Teacher. After several year of teaching in various places in British Columbia, Rosie is moving from Williams Lake this summer and will be joining the grade 1 team in the fall. Welcome Rosie!
Jenica McKenzie: Grade 4 Teacher. After several years teaching middle school in the Chilliwack School District, Jenica is excited to be joining our elementary team and we look forward to having her on our staff. Welcome Jenica!
Cara Neufeld: Seamless Day ECE. Cara is joining our Seamless Day program and will be working with kindergarten teachers, Monday-Friday afternoons. She has a background in early learning and childcare and we look forward to having her on the team. Welcome Cara!
Cheryl Pikkert: Educational Assistant. Cheryl officially joined the elementary team as an educational assistant in April 2023 after working on-call for a few years with ACS. We are happy to see her here on a regular basis. Welcome Cheryl!
Emma Pollard: Educational Assistant. After being on-call, Emma joined the elementary team as an educational assistant in January 2023. She has worked in food industry, with the Salvation Army, and at summer camps. She is a 2021 grad from Columbia Bible College’s SETA program. Welcome Emma!
Ethan Rempel: Educational Assistant. Ethan joined the LSS team in an on-call position this year as he worked on his SETA certificate from Columbia Bible College. He will officially join the elementary team as an educational assistant for the coming school year. We look forward to having him on staff. Welcome Ethan!
Angela Ross: Grade 3 Teacher. Angela will be joining our grade 3 team this year. As one of our frequent guest teachers, we are looking forward to getting to know her better. Welcome Angela!
Alyssa Samudio: Kindergarten Teacher. Alyssa is a 2023 graduate from UBC and will complete her education program in July. She has experience as a grade 6 practicum teacher in Langley School District and a frequent volunteer, EA, and TOC at Maple Ridge Christian School. Welcome, Alyssa!
Amy Samulski: Grade 2 Teacher. Amy will be working in 2B with Amanda Helm next year. As an ACS parent who knows and loves our community, she’s excited to be moving from teaching in the Abbotsford School District to the ACS Elementary team. Welcome Amy!
Bethany Van Kampen: Educational Assistant. Bethany will be returning to her role as an elementary educational assistant after her maternity leave. We look forward to having her back. Welcome back Bethany!
Kaylee Wall: Kindergarten Teacher. Kaylee is excited to be joining the kindergarten team as a full-time kindergarten teacher. She is a recent graduate from UFV. Welcome Kaylee!
Liz Wilson: Educational Assistant. After completing a practicum at ACS and graduating from Columbia Bible College’s SETA program, Liz officially joined the elementary team as an educational assistant in March 2023. Welcome Liz!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Tia Bakker: Grade 7 or 8 teacher/LSS. Tia is a middle school teacher from Ontario who just recently completed her Masters in Special Education. Her role will be split between 80% homeroom teacher and 20% as a LSS coordinator. Welcome Tia to ACS!
Christy Boulter: Middle School Teacher. Christy will join us in a 0.80 capacity. Christy has children at the middle and secondary campuses and she taught grade 5 and 6 at Highroad Academy. We are excited to have her join our growing team. Welcome Christy!
Cindy Brown: Educational Assistant. Cindy joined the LSS team in an on-call position this year and brings many years of experience as a social worker with MCFD in Abbotsford. We look forward to having her on staff for the coming school year. Welcome Cindy!
Saul Carvajal: Middle School Teacher. Saul is an ACS alumni and currently completing his Masters in Dublin, Ireland. He previously taught grade 7 at Unity Christian School and graduated from The King’s University. Saul has a beautiful story of coming to ACS with his family as a refugee from Columbia. Fleeing the country back in 2008, ACS opened its doors to him, and he later graduated in 2011. We look forward to having him as part of the middle school team.
Tasha Clouatre: Educational Assistant. After graduating from Columbia Bible College’s SETA program in 2022, Tasha worked on-call and then officially joined the middle school LSS team as an educational assistant in March 2023. Welcome Tasha!
Corin Gait: Front Receptionist. Corin has spent the last decade or so working for non-profit organizations in a variety of administrative roles. Many of you may know the connection Corin has to the ACS community as an alumnus but also daughter of Jack and Gayla Boersma. Welcome to the team, Corin!
Melody Willms: Educational Assistant. Melody joined the LSS team in an on-call position this year and brings many years of experience as an educational assistant in the Abbotsford school district. We look forward to having her on staff for the coming school year. Welcome Melody!
SECONDARY
Simon Braun: Vice Principal and Teacher. We are excited to welcome Simon Braun to the secondary campus in the role of vice principal and classroom teacher. Simon spent most of his career in Christian education serving as a classroom teacher at Agassiz Christian School. He also taught at the secondary school level in the Northwest Territories. Simon recently completed his Masters in Educational Leadership and Management at Royal Roads University and is a history major. Simon has many passions, skills, and experiences making him a great addition to our staff at the secondary campus. Welcome Simon!
Alaira Cronan-Peterson: Educational Assistant. Alaira will be officially joining the LSS team as an educational assistant this fall after working on-call with ACS. We are happy to see her here on a regular basis. Welcome Alaira!
Corin Gait: Front Receptionist. Corin has spent the last decade or so working for non-profit organizations in a variety of administrative roles. Many of you may know the connection Corin has to the ACS community as an alumnus but also daughter of Jack and Gayla Boersma. Welcome to the team, Corin!
Sarah Meerstra: Learning Support Services Coordinator. Sarah will be joining our inclusive education department as a part-time coordinator. She has classroom teaching experiences ranging from grades 3-8, and a strong desire to creating learning opportunities for all students. She’s passionate about students, curriculum and working with colleagues. Welcome Sarah!
Kianna Swift: Educational Assistant. Kianna completed a practicum at ACS this spring and will be joining the LSS team for the coming school year. She worked as an educational assistant at Surrey Christian School for the past three years and we are looking forward to her experience and expertise on the team. Welcome Kianna!
Adrian Vandenberg: Vice Principal and Teacher. We are looking forward to welcoming Adrian Vandenberg to our secondary staff team. Adrian has experience teaching mathematics, Physical Health Education, and mechanics. On top of teaching and leading at Surrey Christian School, he is finishing up his final semester in the Master of Education program at Dordt University with a focus in teacher leadership. Adrian has a wide variety of experiences and a deep passion for, and understanding of, Christian education. Welcome Adrian!
Michelle Vandyk: Art Teacher. She joined us in January 2023 for the spring semester teaching a block of Art 9. She has extensive experience teaching art at Unity Christian School in Chilliwack. She is currently working as an art therapist and is excited to return to the classroom again in a part-time capacity. Great to have you on our team, Michelle!
Moving/changing positions within ACS
Kaitlyn Born: Kaitlyn will be moving from the secondary Learning Support Services department to the elementary campus as Learning Support Services Coordinator. Our secondary campus will miss her, but we are excited that she’ll be able to use her gifts and experience to support our elementary students and staff.
Sherry Drader: Sherry is a long-standing staff member at our elementary campus. Next year, Sherry will be joining the middle school LSS team in a 0.82 capacity. 0.42 of that time will be spent as a coordinator and 0.40 will be in a new role as a teacher instructional coach. Sherry brings a wealth of experience of the school, students, and families with her and the middle school campus looks forward to having her on their team.
Johanna Spuls: After a year as our middle/secondary receptionist, Jo will be moving into Jenn Wittrup’s role as administrative assistant in the Student Life Centre. She’ll be a great fit with her knowledge of so many students, and our systems.
Pam Van Dop – Pam has been at the secondary campus for the past two years and is moving to the middle school next year. She will be joining the grade 8 team! We’re excited that she’s staying connected to our ACS community at a new campus. We know that she’ll be a wonderful addition to the middle school staff.
Jenn Wittrup: Jenn has been the administrative assistant in the Student Life Centre for five years and will move into the secondary/system admin assistant role next year. We’re excited to have someone who knows the school and staff so well to step into this role.
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
Rachel Ajiel: Grade 4 Teacher. After teaching for a year at ACS, Rachel is moving to Langley Christian School as a learning support teacher. We loved working with her and wish her God’s blessings as she makes a switch.
Olivia Alexander: Educational Assistant. Olivia will be leaving our Learning Support Services team at the end of this year. She’s been a wonderful addition to our LSS team in kindergarten. Blessings to you, Olivia.
Everly Brown: Educational Assistant. Everly is excited to start a parental leave in September. She and husband are anticipating the arrival of their first child due in November. Congratulations!
Cassidy Barks: Grade 3 Teacher. We’re excited for Cassidy and her family who are expecting baby #2 in October. We will miss her in grade 3 while she is away on a maternity/parental leave but wish her a wonderful year at home with her children.
Krista Brandsma: Grade 4 Teacher. After 8 years of teaching, both in the middle school as well as in grade 4, Krista has resigned her position. Best wishes and God’s richest blessings, Krista.
Madison Funk: Educational Assistant. Madison Funk will be going back to school herself this fall. While we are excited for her opportunity, we will certainly miss her, and her work with students as part of the the LSS team at the elementary campus. Blessings on your future, Madi.
Hannah Heppell: Educational Assistant. Hannah will be leaving our elementary Learning Support Services (LSS) team to pursue her teaching certification at UFV. Blessings to you.
Pamela Kehler: Early Childhood Educator Assistant. In December 2022, we said goodbye to Pamela in our preschool program. Pamela joined ACS in September 2022 as an Early Childhood Educator – Assistant (ECEA). She was a pleasure to work with and she will be missed. We wish her God’s blessings in what lies ahead.
Birte Kroeker: Grade 1 Teacher. After several years of teaching on our grade 1 team, most recently as Melissa Dick’s teaching partner, Birte decided she will continue to stay at home with her three littles once her parental leave ended in March 2023. We wish her God’s blessings.
Ruth MacKenzie: Kindergarten. Ruth started her parental leave in May and will be staying home next year to spend time with her new baby. We will miss her, but wish her joy and happiness as a new mother.
Carol Maryniuk: Educational Assistant. Carol has decided it’s time to retire. She’s been a steady and hard-working member of our LSS team as a grade 3 classroom support EA as well as the international program teacher at elementary. Congratulations, Carol!
Brenda McCaul: Educational Assistant. Brenda will be retiring at the end of this school year. She is looking forward to travelling, especially a long-awaited trip to Ireland and spending time with family. We will miss her bright and positive personality and her excellent work and care for students.
Janita Minderhoud: Grade 1 Teacher. After returning to teaching in 2014, both in part-time and full-time positions in kindergarten and grade 1, Janita has resigned her position. Best wishes and God’s richest blessings, Janita.
Cheryl Mulder: Grade 4 Teacher. After 8 years of teaching, both in the middle school as well as in grade 4, Cheryl has resigned her position. Best wishes and God’s richest blessings, Cheryl.
Harriet Noot: Educational Assistant. After 18 years of serving students in her role as educational assistant we are sad to say goodbye to Harriet, who will be retiring at the end of this school year. Congratulations on your retirement, Harriet!
Gayle Ritsema: Grade 2 Teacher. After seven years of teaching and caring for students in grade 2 and UP, Gayle will be retiring at the end of this school year. Congratulations Gayle!
Matt Sherwood: Learning Support Services Coordinator. Matt ended his employment with us in March 2023. Thank you, Matt, for many years of faithful service and contributions at Abbotsford Christian School. We wish Matt God’s richest blessings in all his future endeavours.
Sita Van Egmond: Educational Assistant. Sita and her family moved to Alberta at the end of January 2023. As an ACS parent and as a staff member, she will be missed. We know she will be a blessing to the people in her new community.
Jillian Yan: Grade 1 Teacher. After three years of teaching grade 1, Jillian is moving to a school a little closer to home. Blessings to Jillian as she continues her career in a new community and a new grade.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sarah Boldt: Educational Assistant. Sarah worked on-call with ACS and officially joined the LSS team as an educational assistant for the 2022/2023 year. We are thankful for Sarah’s willingness to step into the role and we wish her God’s blessings in the coming year.
Casey DeJong: Educational Assistant. Casey joined the LSS team as an educational assistant in October 2022 for the remainder of the school year. We are thankful for Casey’s willingness to step into this role and bring her expertise to the team.
Carrie Lockwood: Grade 8 Teacher. After 21 years of teaching, coaching, travelling, and loving students at ACS, Carrie will be retiring this June. While we celebrate with her this amazing milestone, we also recognize the loss for our school community. Congratulations Carrie and God’s blessings to you in what lies ahead!
Danielle MacKenzie: Grade 7 Teacher. Danielle will not be returning to ACS next year. We wish her God’s richest blessings in her future endeavours!
Alanna Noort: Educational Assistant. Alanna will not be returning to ACS after her maternity leave. She will be moving into a job that will allow her to work from home. We are grateful for her years of faithful service and we wish Alanna God’s richest blessings in all her future endeavours.
Lindsay Reitsema: Educational Assistant. Lindsay joined the LSS team as an educational assistant for the 2022/2023 school year. We are thankful for Lindsay’s willingness to step into this role and bring her gifts to the team. We wish Lindsay God’s richest blessings in all her future endeavours.
Kristie Spyksma: Learning Support Services Coordinator. After 23 years at ACS, Kristie will be leaving ACS and joining the Society of Christian Schools of BC team as a curriculum/instruction lead and safe school coordinator. She was vice-principal at the Heritage campus then the middle school for six years. She also taught several middle school grades, and, more recently, was one of our LSS coordinators. We are so appreciative of her faithful service and contributions to ACS, and we will miss her immensely. We wish Kristie God’s blessing in this new role and hopefully we’ll see her around ACS again soon!
Arielle Trendall: Educational Assistant. Arielle and her family will be moving this summer to Saskatchewan. We are grateful for her five years of faithful service on the LSS team and we wish Arielle God’s richest blessings in all her future endeavours.
Anna Van Egmond: Educational Assistant. Anna joined the LSS team as an educational assistant for the 2022/2023 year. We are thankful for Anna’s willingness to step into this role and bring her gifts to the team. We wish Anna God’s richest blessings as she starts her teacher professional program this fall.
Jenn Van Deventer: Educational Assistant. Jenn will not be returning to the LSS team next year. We are very appreciative of all the ways that Jenn has served our community as an educational assistant and wish her the best as she takes next year off.
Dan Verbeek: Grade 7 Teacher. Dan has faithfully served Abbotsford Christian Middle School for seven years. Teaching exploratories, leading Newcastle trips, coaching, and teaching grade 7 are among the many areas that Dan built meaningful relationships with his students. Dan is moving on to a role outside of education and we wish him God’s blessings in his new endeavour.
SECONDARY
Melody Hirsch: Administrative Assistant. Melody has faithfully served as administrative assistant for over 18 years. In her own words, she says, “The time has come for me to move on to a new opportunity closer to my home. After 18 years at ACS, I honestly love this school and will miss it very much. ACS has played a HUGE role in my life as well as my family, and I thank you all. God Bless ACS as it continues to love, nurture, and educate students.” We wish Melody God’s blessings in her new endeavours.
Abi Kibarita: Educational Assistant. Abi is excited to start her teacher professional program this fall. She’s been a joyful and dedicated member of our LSS team over the years, first in the middle school and more recently at the secondary. Congratulations Abi and we wish you God’s blessings in your new career endeavours!
ADMIN
Amber Watson: International Program Coordinator: In January 2023, Amber and her husband welcomed baby girl #3 into their family. Congratulations Amber! Lisa Johnston will be taking on her role in the department while she is on parental leave.