Mrs. Jenn Velzen

Professional Biography I graduated from Hope college in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in special education with a Learning Disability endorsement. A few years later, I earned my Masters of Education from Western Michigan University. Right out of college I taught in Hamilton as a 5th grade teacher. After 7 years, I left teaching to…

Mrs. Tammy Prins

Professional Biography I attended Jenison Christian, Unity HS and went on to Davenport College of Business. I worked in the investment field and for a home building company until we had children. When our sons attended Beaverdam Christian, I was able to volunteer a few days a week at their school. When our  daughters were…

Mr. Chris Achterhof

Professional Biography After graduating from Holland Christian in 2001, I pursued education at Calvin College where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on History and Mathematics. I was then hired at Unity Christian in the fall of 2006 where I taught US History, AP Government, Economics, Student Council and…

Mrs. Jennifer Rysdam

Professional Biography: From the moment I stepped into school for the first time, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. After many hours of teaching pretend students, my dream became a reality and I received my elementary education degree from Calvin College in 2003. I earned my Master’s Degree in Reading from Grand Valley…

Mr. Matt Borst

Professional Biography I was born and raised in Allendale and graduated from Allendale High School in 2007. I attended Grand Valley State University and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in education. I worked for a few years as a paraprofessional in both Grand Rapids and Allendale. I got my first full-time teaching position…

Mrs. Kim Atallah

Professional Biography: I have been blessed to attend Christian schools my entire life.  I attended Jenison Christian, Unity Christian High School, and Cornerstone University. I graduated from Cornerstone in 2005 with a bachelor’s in elementary education. I majored in English language arts and obtained an endorsement in learning disabilities. After graduating college, I had the…

Mr. Chris Lowe

Professional Biography I graduated from Hope College in 2001 with a Secondary Education certificate and focuses in Social Studies and Science.  I’ve been privileged to teach in both the Christian and public school systems over the last 20 years in the areas of Science, Social Studies, Bible, and Math, but all of my time has…

Ms. Joy DeWindt

Professional Biography I graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, with concentrations in Integrated Science and Language Arts. I did my student teaching at Dutton Christian, where I taught 7th and 8th grade science. It was a wonderful experience that solidified my sense that God was calling me to middle school. Personal…

Mr. Lance Machiela

Professional Biography My name is Lance Machiela.  I hold a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Calvin College with a minor in math and English Language Arts.  I hold a Masters degree in Elementary Ed with a concentration in math and I am certified in K-8 education for math and English.  I have been teaching for…

Mrs. Jamie Kamp

Professional I attended Calvin College to study social work and graduated with my BSW in 2015. My first job was a foster care case manager with Catholic Charities West Michigan and after that I worked in housing services at The Salvation Army Kent County Social Services. During that time I returned to school for my…