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Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Spanish I, Spanish II, Conversational Spanish, English Literature, Journalism/Yearbook, U.S. Geography/Marvelous Michigan
Contact Information: annika.breimayer@gmail.com
Background: Annika was homeschooled from pre-school to 12th grade. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Spanish. She currently works full-time at Bekins in Grand Haven. She has taught at GRACE since 2009. After filling in for Mrs. Thomasma this year, she will be teaching the Spanish classes for the 2012-2013.
Picture taken in Barcelona, Spain.
Position: Bookkeeper; Webmaster; Board Member
Contact Information: cunnitam@comcast.net
Background: Tammy is married and has 3 daughters and a Jack Russell Terrier. She homeschooled her daughters for a total of 17 years. All three girls are now graduated, two of which are now married (Annika Breimayer is her oldest daughter - see above). Tammy has two grandsons, Shane and Emmett, a granddaughter, Angelle, and two more granddaughters due Spring of 2013.
Tammy currently works part-time for Seventh Reformed Church where she has been a member since her conversion in 1986. She was the previous Administrative Assistant for GRACE from 1994-2008. She continued to do the bookkeeping and maintaining the GRACE website for GRACE since stepping down as Administrative Assistant in 2008.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Two Drawing, Oil Painting, and Water Color
Contact Information:
Background: Lorrie started teaching for GRACE in 1995, just one year after GRACE began. She has taught art for children as well as adults not only for GRACE, but also for Zion Christian and HSAP (Home School Ancillary Program). Her hobbies include botanical studies and America's Early History for re-enacting. Bible Study Fellowship is an ongoing passion and outreach throughout the year. So if "Anything Art" is your interest, there is room in her class!
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Physical Education Classes
Contact Information:
Background: In addition to teaching physical education at GRACE Home School Association, Max serves West Michigan as a real estate agent. Max loves kids and healthy living, so he has chosen to dedicate Friday mornings to the next generation. In real estate Max "loves that he is helping people." This is also true about his position as a physical education teacher, as well. Prior to joining Leading Edge, Max served at Wedgwood Christian Services as a treatment specialist working with at risk youth in both residential and community settings. He equates much of his ability to being able to communicate with people to his time spent working with these boys and girls. Max studied Religion and Biblical Counseling at Liberty University. He graduated Suma Cum Laude.
Max is an avid outdoors man, surfer, and adventurer traveling the globe. He is a certified PADI Scuba diver and simply loves the outdoors, life, and his wife.
Max was born and raised in Grand Rapids and comes from a long line of hardworking business men. Max desires to serve the housing industry like his grandfather and father, who own Garter Pools, serve the pool industry. Max was recently married to Chelsea Gentry.
Position: Administrative Assistant
Contact Information: office@gracehsaonline.org or 616-204-4920
Background: Waverly has been married for 33 years and has 5 children, 4 boys and one girl, and one grandchild. Her children have been home schooled K-12th grade. Two of her children have traveled to third world countries to do mission work several times. Her 26 year old daughter just graduated from Douglas J. Aveda Hair Institute and her 23 year old son will be graduating from GRCC with a Radiology Tech. Associates degree in April, 2011. Her oldest son is married and has a beautiful three year old daughter. Waverly's children range in age from 28 down to almost 18, the youngest graduating from high school with GRACE Home School Association this June, 2011.
Waverly's husband has supported his family well by working at the Post Office for almost 36 years as a letter carrier and is a godly man, seeking to lead his family in the truth of God's Word.
Her other interests include flower gardening, selling things on EBay, watching her grandchild, remodeling their old farmhouse, cooking, and getting to know her kid's friends. Playing Scrabble is also something she likes to do...in her spare time, which is a precious commodity. Her favorite thing to do on vacation is go to the beach...the ocean, that is, to walk, swim, relax, and be with her family. She likes to draw. Her favorite book, besides the Bible, is entitled, SAFELY HOME by Randy Alcorn, a must-read!
She loves the job she has been given, working as the GRACE Administrative Assistant!!
Position: GRACE Graduation and Iowa Basic Testing Coordinator; Lunch Provider
Contact Information: 616-805-2939 or 616-401-4215 or events@gracehsaonline.org
Background: Irene is the GRACE Graduation and Iowa Basic Testing Coordinator as well as the Lunch Provider. She is the mother of 9 children, ages 26 to 5 years, and grandmother of five. Her five oldest children have been homeschooled at varying levels. Her three teenage boys at the high school level are currently being homeschooled. Irene has a B.S. of Psychology from Calvin College.
 In her spare time she teaches Sunday School, fulfills her duties on various committees of organizations her children take part in (such as Hornets Basketball, Home School Performing Arts, etc.), takes walks with Randy, and spends time with her grandchildren. Some additional favorite activities Irene enjoys include camping with the family, baking, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, music, reading, and traveling to California to see her extended family.
Position: GRACE Administrator
Contact Information: hazenbe.r@gmail.com
Background: I along with my wife, Irene, upon fulfilling our portion of the Biblical mandate to fill the earth, am presently engaged on the subduing "part". With nine children and five+ grandchildren (one more on the way), we keep busy with responsibilities in a number of places. Along with my new position as the administrator of GRACE Home School Association, I am currently leading Dearborn Christian School as principal through a change process to sustain Christian education in this increasingly darkening place. This is a part time position that takes me to Dearborn two days each week. Additionally, we continue to promote our home school/business venture, EDventours in Learning, a group tour education idea in which we design, market, and give tours to education-related venues like the Creation Museum, Gettysburg, and Washington DC. Irene and I have been involved in home schooling for over 20 years, and have been involved with GRACE for the past 12 years. We currently home school five children. I've been blessed to be involved with the Hudsonville Hornets Home School basketball organization as the coach of the JV and Varsity teams for the past three years.
As GRACE administrator, it is an honor to serve you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concern, or comment you may have.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Constitution/Government, U.S. History, World History; Board Member
Contact Information:
Background: I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and called it home until 1950. After a stint in the army - LA, Japan, Korean - from 1950-1952, I attended Hope College and Harding College. It was there I met my wife, Anne. Over a span of 37 years, I taught history, coached Freshman and J.V. football as well as Varsity baseball.
The Lord willing, Anne and I will have been married 56 years on April 15. We have four children, all Christians, and 15 grandchildren.
Soon after my retirement in 1994, I was asked to teach and be on the board of GRACE. I couldn't ask for a better "job" to retire to.
Anne and I are presently attending Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Hudsonville, where I am serving as an elder as well as teaching two adult Bible classes.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Grammar, Advanced Writing
Contact Information: 616-681-9432
Background: Hello! I am Ruth Nobel, teacher at GRACE of Grammar (6-8), Grammar (9-12), Advanced Writing, Logic, and Debate. Because my husband Peter and I started homeschooling already in 1978, we are sometimes called the grandparents of Michigan homeschooling! Blessed indeed, we have nine children and 29 grandchildren, who are very wonderful. Forgive my prejudice! Predictably, all four married daughters and their husbands are teaching their children at home. In addition to birthday celebrations and other family and church related activities, I enjoy reading, traveling, and scrapbooking, singing in Psalm Choir, quilting, knitting/crocheting, and working in our yard. Teaching at GRACE, I have come to love the faculty and admire the students' godly attitude and behavior. Except for Fridays at the Home school Building, I can usually be reached at (616) 681-9432.
Position: Board Member
Contact Information:
Background:
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Art I, Art II, Art 2012
Contact Information: 616-540-0741 or karenplas_art@yahoo.com
Background: My love of art began the moment I could hold a crayon. Entering and winning the "Draw Your Dad" contest at the age of 6 helped me to realize at an early age what I wanted to do with my life. After 4 years of art in high school, I went on to study art and education in college while working and learning from teachers at Wyoming Public Schools. Soon I was able to combine my passion for art and my love for teaching children. I have enjoyed teaching art for a year at Tri-Unity Christian Middle School, privately at the Home School Building for 7 years and GRACE for 2 years.
In addition to teaching and homeschooling my two teenage children, I work as an editor for the Swedish American Heritage Society and produce Christian artwork that is currently held at an art gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and on my website at www.karenaboutart.com.
Position: Board Member - Treasurer
Contact Information:
Background:
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Kindermusik
Contact Information: youngmusicalprodigies@comcast.net
Background: I have lived in the Alto/Ada area my whole life. Because of my passion for music, I have been involved in a variety of orchestras and choirs in Grand Rapids. Over the last seven years, I have especially enjoyed playing my cello for special music at church, funerals, and weddings as part of the Stringin' Sloothaak's Trio. My love for children has brought me opportunities to teach children music in the children's program at a local family camp for the past five years. My involvement with children extends to a variety of programs such as the MOPS program (Mother's of Preschoolers), a horse riding program for children with disabilities, Awana Cubbie 3-5 year old leader, as well as the children's music director at a local church. I am a home school graduate and now my focus is on teaching children music in the Kindermusik classroom. This brings me such joy as I see the delight it brings to the children!
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Beginning & Intermediate Writing, 7th/8th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry
Contact Information: snippek@allcom.net
Background: Kathy Snippe received her B.A. in Education and Masters in teaching from Calvin College. She taught grades 3-5 in a small Christian school in Canada for a few years. This proved to be a great training for home schooling her own children. There was never a dull moment, and she had to learn quickly how to handle several grade levels at one time. When her own children became school aged, she decided that she loved her children and loved teaching so why not teach them at home. All three of her boys were home schooled through the ninth grade before going to a private Christian high school.
Kathy joined the GRACE staff on summer as she was signing her son up for a couple classes. GRACE needed a math teacher, and her son needed an art teacher. After a couple years, she also began teaching writing classes because she loved using the materials from Excellence in Writing and had witnessed a great change in her sons' writing after using the program. Kathy knows that God led her to work with the students and staff at GRACE and has been blessed by their Christ-like attitudes and Christ-centered education.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Biology, Dissection, Body Works, Healthwise, and Physical Science.
Contact Information: 616-530-1764 or Bonnie.Spaanstra@gmail.com, 4445 Penny Lane SW, Wyoming, MI 49418
Background: Bonnie Spaanstra is a Registered Nurse who has taught for GRACE Home School Association since 1995, except for two years when she lived in Northwestern Wisconsin. Classes she has taught for GRACE include Biology, Dissection, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Body Works. She has taught for GRACE since 1995. She also teaches monthly stand-alone dissection labs, not associated with GRACE classes. Additionally, she is an instructor for the American Red Cross several days a week, teaching Babysitting, CPR, and First Aid classes.
Bonnie is married and the mother of 2 graduated homeschooled daughters, both currently college graduates with one in grad school. Her youngest was homeschooled her entire life, while the older daughter was homeschooled all but kindergarten and first grades.
When not teaching, Bonnie enjoys sewing, crafts, and riding her daughter's horse.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Computer I, Keyboarding
Contact Information: 616-581-5517 or william.trinklein@gmail.com
Background: My name is Bill Trinklein, and I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My wife, Mary, and I are celebrating our 30th year of marriage this year. We have home-schooled four children. Our first-born son, Ross, was killed by a drunk driver when he was 5-1/2 (which has taught me the meaning of suffering, patience, and contentment that only the Lord can provide). Their other son, Evan, has one year remaining at Kendall College of Art & Design. Our oldest daughter, Emily completed her first year at Harding University, and our youngest daughter, Betsy, is a high school senior this year. I retired from my corporate career in 2009 and now I enjoy teaching math, calculus, physics, computer technology, and handyman skills classes, while managing my business: The 3 Wise Men Handyman Services, LLC. I love the Lord, and I look forward to meeting him face to face.
I have been working with the Microsoft Office applications since they were released in the 1980’s, for both education and business. Throughout the years I have taught and mentored students and colleagues alike on learning not only how to use the applications, but also how to automate their documents and learn to take advantage of the power “under the hood.” I have developed many financial and engineering templates that corporations have used internationally to manage their documents by keeping them consistent, relevant, and professional looking.
I am very excited about being able to teach these applications. My philosophy is not only to make sure you know how to use these incredible tools, but also to provide you with something extra that will give you an advantage, regardless of the career path the Lord leads you into. My goal is to have fun when we’re in the classroom together, and help you achieve valuable skills that you can bring to the business market.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - K-8th Grade Elementary Sciences and Geography
Contact Information:
Background: Kim will be teaching the K-8th grade sciences at GRACE this year. Kim is a graduate of Calvin College and has been teaching for 12 years. She is very familiar with multi-grade classrooms because she began her teaching career in a one-room school house in Iowa. She was a 3rd-5th grade teacher at Faith Reformed Christian School for 7 years. She also loves being a wife to Dean and a mother to her 6 children. She attends Dutton United Reformed Church and is eager to share God's creation with your children.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Algebra II and Calculus
Contact Information:
Background:
Position: Board Member
Contact Information: hveurink@yahoo.com; 616-534-9902
Background: In the spring of 1979 I graduated from Calvin College with an elementary education degree with a language arts concentration. That summer I married my husband, Dennis, just in time to move to Iowa where I taught a grades 3, 4, and 5 combination classroom in a small Christian school for one year. Our first child was born two weeks after the last day of school!
We began homeschooling in 1985 and our children began attending GRACE classes in 1995. I began working for GRACE in 2002. The board is a wonderful group of people and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving GRACE with them. (I regret that my cancer of recent years hasn't allowed me to be as involved as I would like.) Three of our daughters and four of our sons have graduated with GRACE. We are currently homeschooling our son Jordan and our daughter Alicia. We are anticipating the births of our eleventh and twelfth grandchildren later this year.
Although my family keeps me busy with happy, challenging, and purposeful activities, there are other things I enjoy as well such as: Heath bars, baking, cooking, watching BBC period pieces, Blue Bloods, and Flashpoint, growing flowers, watching birds, all four seasons, poetry, literature, color, beauty, history, politics, worldviews, WORLD Magazine, and good church music. My favorite books are the Bible, Valley of Vision, and the Trinity Hymnal.
Position: Teacher - 2012 Classes - Chemistry and Physics
Contact Information:
Background: Arjen was born in the Netherlands and studied Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Classical Languages. He has worked as a tutor, a Christian school teacher, and has some experience working with home schooled families. He is currently employed as a Physics instructor at Grand Valley State University.
Position: H2O Leader, Parent Liaison, Board Member
Contact Information:
Background: Robyn and her husband Steve have been happily married since 1991 and have four children. After graduating from GRACE Home School Association in 2011, their oldest daughter Lydia started her college career pursuing a double major in English and Biology at Hillsdale College. Their other children, Zachary, Jonathan and Annika, continue to enjoy their classes, instructors, and friends at GRACE. Beginning in 2003, Steve and Robyn felt called to homeschool and have been blessed to have been part of GRACE for every year of that rewarding journey. They are eternally grateful for the Christian mentoring their children have received through their close relationships with the GRACE staff.
Reading and education-related research are two of Robyn’s favorite activities, in addition to watching her sons’ sporting events, traveling, and spending time with her family. Robyn enjoys sharing experiences and exchanging ideas with other homeschoolers and feels blessed to be able to serve on the Board of the GRACE Home School Association. Robyn has also enjoyed serving as a parent-mentor since 2009 for the West Michigan Chapter (Iota Eta) of the National Home School Honor Society.
Comments or Questions?
GRACE Home School Association
10128 Bennett SE, Lowell, MI 49331
(616) 204-4920 or office@gracehsaonline.org
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