Western Michigan Christian’s mission is to educate with excellence, integrate faith with knowledge, equip students to work and serve Christ in their communities.
Equal Opportunity Statement/Non-Discriminatory Policy West Michigan Christian Schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Henderson State University. MRE – Master of Religious Education, 30+ – Doctor of Ministry, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
Raised in Borculo, Michigan, I graduated from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL. I have been at WMC since 2016 and have had the wonderful privilege of being a physical education teacher for both MS and HS, the middle school AD, and also the boy’s varsity basketball coach. In the winter of 2018, I was promoted to Athletic Director for both MS and HS. I am now WMC’s full-time AD and the boy’s varsity basketball coach. I have a passion for athletics and watching kids use the gifts with which God has blessed them. My family and I live in Spring Lake, MI.
Favorite Scripture: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
He received his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University holds his current teaching certificate from Grand Valley State University and has a Masters degree in Non-profit Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Favorite scripture:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
WMC has an awesome true story and it is a privilege to help tell it. Each day there are new things happening with our Christ-centered top academics, superior arts and championship athletics.
I personally enjoy outdoor activities, cooking good food and discovering new things about the world we live in. My wife Jennifer graduated from WMC, as did my son Jake (’14) and daughter Emily (’17).
I graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Business and Sociology. My husband Joel and I are both proud WMC alumni. We have three adult children, Paige, Mikaela and Will and a spunky Welsh Terrier, Pyper.
Favorite verse:
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
WMC grad, spent 35 years at Grand Haven Tribune, been at WMC 14 years, married to Marti 47 years, three children who all graduated from WMC and seven grandsons.
Favorite Scripture: What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
I began my role as Director of Educational Support Services (ESS) for the West Michigan Christian Schools in 2016. Prior to that, I was a Special Education teacher for 6 years for the Chicago Public Schools, working with students ranging from Kindergarten to age 21 (transition program). I am a graduate of Calvin College, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Art, and Business. I then earned my Master’s in Teaching Special Education at National Louis University in Chicago.
Favorite scripture: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
It is good to join the WMC family!
I am a graduate of Calvin College and Western Michigan University. I taught Special Education for three years at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Missouri before moving back to Michigan and becoming the youth director at Faith Church in Holland. Most recently I completed my counseling internships at Holland High School and West Ottawa High School.
My wife and I have two kids: Allie (6) and Andrew (4).
Favorite scripture:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
This is my 38th year in education and my 6th year at WMC. I oversee technology at WMC including Chromebook management, Michigan Virtual, and PowerSchool. In addition to my technology duties, I also enjoy teaching Computer Applications and Personal Finance. When not at school, I relax in the sewing room, canning and spending time with my family. My husband is a retired school administrator. We are blessed with two daughters, their spouses, and 2 grandsons (8 and 5) who bring much joy into our lives.
Favorite Scripture:
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I have been married to my husband, Kyle Abel, for 20 years and we have three children. This is my 6th year at WMC. Our oldest son is currently attending the University of Michigan and my two daughters attend WMC and MCS. As a family, we spent two years studying and working in China. I have a passion for International work and students and I love to travel and experience new cultures. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking and swimming.
Favorite Scriptures:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? – Romans 10:14
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 28:19
Other Favorite Quotes:
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ~ Oscar Wilde
“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float To gain all while you give To roam the roads of lands remote To travel is to live.” ~ Hans Christian Anderson
I am so excited to be back! I am a 2010 graduate of our Western Michigan Christian, and from here went on to earn a degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University. I have been blessed to be home for the last year and a half joyfully watching my daughter grow, but now feel so happy to be starting a career back in the Christian school atmosphere! It is such a gift to be able to work in an environment where my faith can be expressed openly in all aspects.
Married for 22 years to Perry, 1 son, Tucker, current WMC Senior
Favorite Scripture:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. – Psalm 100:4-5
After completing my Associates Degree in Business Management at Baker College of Muskegon, I worked with an Investment Firm for about five years. The Lord blessed us with three amazing kids and I had the great opportunity to be home with our kids for about sixteen years. Currently, I serve on the Missions Committee at our church along with serving on the Grand Haven Christian School Board.
Favorite Scripture:
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14
I have served in education for the past 20 years and have worked with students of all types including public schools, private schools, and higher education. I have taught for several years in the classroom and have worked in several administration roles at different institutions. I have served on a public school board and currently serve on the Board of Trustees at Cornerstone University.
Favorite Scripture:
In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. – Proverbs 16:9
I am a Calvin College graduate with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration. I have enjoyed working at various jobs in the business community and most recently at Holland Christian Middle School. My husband Mike and I have 3 daughters, Laura (married to Pete Zuzelski), Melissa (married to Stephen Fogleman), Hannah and 1 (almost 2) grandchildren. We attend and volunteer at Engedi Church, helping with their hospitality, food and various ministries. I believe that education is not just about math and science. It is so much more. I believe that having a rock-solid basis in God’s Word is the best foundation for our children and I love how our Christian school system teaches and empowers our children to live every day for Christ and to change the world for Him.
Favorite Scripture:
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
I received my BA in Music Education from Calvin College. I have been a Music Teacher at GHCS, Toledo Opera, and the Grand Rapids Symphony, a private Piano Teacher, Little Lakers Preschool music teacher and am currently an Accompanist at WMC since 2008.
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6
I graduated from GVSU in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics with an elementary teaching degree. I have been a substitute teacher since, taking a break to be with my kids when they were young. I have worked in every type of school in all grades throughout the years
Favorite verse:
“I am with you and watch over you wherever you go.” – Genesis 25:18
I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Elementary Education and Spanish. I also earned an MA in Educational Leadership: Organizational Analysis from WMU. I have lived in and traveled to various countries throughout Latin American including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Colombia. I spent a total of 10 years in the classroom and taught Kindergarten-4th grades all in dual language immersion settings. From 2011-2017 I served as an elementary school principal in the Kalamazoo area. This is my second year as the SI Program Coordinator for Grand Haven Christian School and my first year in that role at MCS and WMC HS and MS.
Favorite Scripture: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time you will reap if you do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
Brenda Wachter, LMSW, ACSW
BA from Michigan State University, MSW from Grand Valley State University
Private practice mental health provider since 2002. Currently practicing at PrivaMD in Grand Haven.
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 41:10