Teachers

Summer Lile graduated from WMC in 2012 and then from Cornerstone University in 2016 with a degree in Integrated Science for Secondary Education. She loves fishing, gardening and sharing her passion for God’s creating with her students. Her favorite part of returning to WMC as an alum is the community of staff, students and parents that feels a lot like family.

Favorite scripture: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

I was born and raised in Grand Haven.  I graduated from Grand Haven High School and Calvin College.  I taught in Florida and Mexico.  I started at WMC in 1989.  My wife is Carol.  My two children, Brian and Betsi graduated from WMC.

Favorite scripture: So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:20-24

I joined the WMC staff in 2013, and I am so glad that God has directed me and my family to be a part of this great school!  I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Math Education in 1999, but prior to graduating, I had sensed that God had a different direction for my life.  I felt him calling me into full-time Christian ministry.  I attended seminary and graduated with my Master’s of Divinity degree in 2003.  Over the years that would follow, I served on staff as an Associate Pastor, pastored a church in South Carolina, served as an international missionary, and returned to America to pastor a church in Metro Detroit. Then, God changed our family’s direction and location, bringing us to West Michigan and WMC. I’m incredibly excited to not only teach math classes but to use the experiences and background God has given me to teach Bible classes as well. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my wife and kids; running or biking; and rooting on my favorite team, the Chicago Cubs!

My Bachelor’s degree is in Integrated Science Education from Calvin College, and I have been teaching science since 2011, beginning at Livingston Christian School for 5 years before joining WMC.  I enjoy all areas of science, but have a passion for oceanography and completed a Master’s degree in Coastal and Marine Studies with NOVA Southeastern University in 2019.

Favorite scripture:
“Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.”  Psalms 93:4

I have been teaching for 16 years, all at WMC.  I earned a B.A. in social studies in from Calvin College and a M.Ed. with an emphasis in history from Grand Valley State University.

Favorite scripture:  So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. – Colossians 3:12-14

I graduated from Calvin College and have my master’s degree from the University of Detroit.  My first 9 years of teaching were in the Detroit Public School system at Denby High School followed by teaching mathematics at WMC since 2001.

Favorite Scripture:
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. – Psalm 42:1

As I work with kids who are under so much pressure, much of it self created, I remind them of a quote by Bill Murray, ”It just doesn’t matter”.   What really matters is your relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

B.M.E, Calvin College (2003), M. Ed, Grand Valley State University (2010). Vocal Music Teacher K-8, Grand Haven Christian School; Sanctuary Choir Director, Second Christian Reformed Church, Grand Haven.

Kathryn graduated from Calvin College in 2003, with degrees in music education and vocal performance. She currently teaches general music and choir at Grand Haven Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School in Muskegon. She also directs the Sanctuary Choir at Second Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven.

In 2010, Kathryn completed her masters degree in secondary education from Grand Valley State University. Her thesis focused on technology use in the music classroom. She enjoys singing as a soloist around West Michigan, in churches and for community events. In 2014, Kathryn was privileged to sing as the soprano soloist for the Faure Requiem with the Grand Rapids Symphony.

She and her husband Dave are both choral nerds, having sung together in both the Calvin College Capella and the Calvin College Alumni Choir. In their spare time, they enjoy cooking (and eating), binge-watching home improvement shows, and spending time outside. They reside in Holland with their children, Jack, Clara,  Louise, and Cecilia.

Classes: Middle School Choir, Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Chamber Choir

Favorite Scripture: I John 4: 7-8

Mr. DeBone earned his Bachelor degree at CMU and is starting his 8th year teaching band. He has 4 children with his wife Danielle. They both enjoy music and are very involved in leading worship. Mr. DeBone also is an avid runner and runs with Team World Vision every year to bring access to clean water to communities in Africa.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 16

This is my 10th year in education and my 7th year teaching at WMC.  As a Bible teacher, I enjoy teaching students about the Bible and helping them become passionate about their relationship with God.  Having had the experience of living and studying the Bible in the land of Israel, I love looking at the historical and geographical context of the stories and helping students see why this context matters.  My wife, Jeannette, and I have been married for 14 years and we have 3 kids. Corben is 7 years old and Asher is 5 years old and our daughter Ayla is almost 2 years old.  I enjoy reading, being outdoors, playing tennis and golf, playing board games, and spending time with family and friends.

Favorite scripture: “Hear O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”  Deuteronomy 6: 4-5

I grew up in the mid-west area of the nation, moving around from state to state. I would say that this area of Michigan is where I am from though, since my family has lived here the longest out of any area. I went to Jenison High School where I graduated in 2009. I am a Grand Valley State University grad with a degree in special education. I originally went to school for video game design, but that wasn’t what God had in store for me.  After doing some volunteer work with local schools I found my love for teaching, which has led me here to this position.

Favorite scripture:  He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”  – Revelation 21:6

Studied at Olivet Nazarene University – Health/PE and Social Science. This is my 3rd year at WMC.

Favorite Scripture:
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21

I grew up in Allendale, Michigan and graduated from Unity Christian High School in 2008. After attending Calvin College for one year, I transferred to Dordt College and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education and History in 2012. Throughout my student years, I played soccer. After college, I accepted a teaching position at MOC-Floyd Valley Public Middle School in Northwest Iowa where I taught 6th and 8th Grade history for 2 years as well as coached the boys’ varsity and junior varsity soccer teams. Then, I moved to Redlands, CA and taught 6th and 7th Grade World History for 2 years at Redlands Christian School. I also coached the middle school soccer team. This past year, I moved back to West Michigan to be closer to family and am teaching here.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:38-39

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

I am so excited to join WMC! I graduated from Calvin College with a math and Spanish degree. I have spent the past three years teaching math at Northern Michigan Christian in McBain, Michigan. High School Teacher of: Basic Geometry, Geometry, Pre-Calculus

Favorite scripture:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the opportunity to join the team at WMC! I grew up in Texas and then graduated from Ouachita Baptist University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and in Secondary Education. I then earned a Master’s of Science Degree in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University. In 2017, I completed my National Board Certification in Grades 6-12 Mathematics. I coached soccer and taught mathematics for five years in West Memphis, Arkansas before getting married and moving to Muskegon in 2017 where I taught at Muskegon High School.

Favorite scripture:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. –  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

I am a recent graduate from Dordt College and have a secondary degree in History (American & World) as well as a Coaching Endorsement.

Favorite Scripture:

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our Lord shall stand forever. – Isaiah 40:8

“We are not makers of history, we are made by history.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical University Colombia, and Psychology from Instituto Politecnico Grancolombiano. I have taught Spanish, Philosophy, and Ethics while living in Colombia, South America.

Favorite Scripture:
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
– 2 John 1:9

Classes: Bible, Language Arts

Megan is a Calvin College graduate and has spent the last 11 years teaching art in Houston, Texas.

Favorite Scripture:
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

After his first career in ministry, Jon taught for a couple of years at Kentwood and Portland public schools before coming to WMC where he teaches English. He received a B.A. in English from UofM, an MDiv from Calvin Seminary, and a secondary teaching certificate from Aquinas College.

Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:10

After graduating from Central Michigan University in 1998, I worked for Orchard View public schools for 21 years teaching 4th grade and middle school science and STEM. I came over to WMC in March of 2019 to teach middle school science and STEM classes.

Favorite Scripture:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) ~ Ephesians 2:8-10