GRACE Staff

Position: Board Member
Contact Information:
Background:

Position: Teacher - Marvelous Michigan, World Literature, Journalism
Contact Information: cunniann@mail.gvsu.edu
Background: Annika was homeschooled from preschool to 12th grade. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's of Art degree in English and a minor in Spanish. She currently works at Russ' Restaurant and teaches Marvelous Michigan, Jornalism/Creative Writing/Yearbook, and English Literature. She also teaches at HSAP and publishes the FACTS Newsletter. She plans to get married this year, so don't be surprised at the name change from Miss Annika Cunningham to Mrs. Annika Breimayer after October 8^th!

Mrs. Tammy Cunningham

Position: Teacher - Keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel; Bookkeeper; Webmaster
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. One was married in July and another will be married in October (see above teacher;) ). Tammy has a grandson, Shane, and a granddaugher, Angelle.

Tammy currently works for Stericycle one day a week (previously Enserv Midwest where she worked full time). Being brought down to one day a week allowed her to be able to teach computer for GRACE. She was the previous Administrative Assistant for GRACE from 1994-2008. She continued doing bookkeeping and maintaining the GRACE website for GRACE since leaving in 2008. She also does the bookkeeping for Seventh Reformed Church where she attends.

Rev. Mitch Dick

Position: Teacher - Comparative Religion
Contact Information:
Background: Rev. Dick is an ordained minister in the United Reformed Churches, and is presently working on his Master’s degree in Historical Theology at Calvin Seminary. The Rev. is the husband of Grace Kay and father of six children. Having been converted later in life, and eager to help equip young Christians for their calling as “defenders of the faith,” Rev. Dick is excited about teaching a course on comparative religion. No one compares to Christ! Nothing compares to the truth of His Word! No religion compares to the worship of God “in Spirit and in Truth”! Young people will be well served by a study of the many other religions—in order to witness to others, and to praise and serve God all the more for His incomparable mercy towards us through Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Lorrie Dykstra

Position: Teacher - Drawing, Botanical Notebook, Oil Paiting, and Water Color
Contact Information:
Background: Lorrie Dykstra has been a life long resident of Grand Rapids. Her life calling has been to glorify her Savior through the media of art. She studied Art at Kendall and Calvin College and has done work in the community for area church murals and school plays. Also, she has done work for the cover of FACTS magazine and many private commissions. Her first love is teaching and has taught at GRACE since 1995. She also has taught at Zion Christian from 2000 to 2004.

Mrs. Waverly Gentry

Position: Administrative Assistant
Contact Information: office@gracehsaonline.org - 616-204-4920
Background: Waverly has been married for 30 years and has 5 children, 4 boys and one girl, and has one grandchild. Her children have all been home schooled from the beginning all the way through high school, with one exception being that her oldest child attended a classical Education school for his sophomore and senior year of high school. Two of her children have traveled to third world countries to do missionwork on more than one occasion, and have the desire to return to the missionfield when the opportunity arises. Her oldest son is married to a wonderful young lady and they have a beautiful baby girl. The youngest two boys are 18 and 15, who enjoy playing guitar and piano, writing songs, and spending time with their friends. The 18 year old graduated from GRACE this past May 2008 and will be attending Grand Rapdis Community College in the Fall. Her 15 year old will be takiong classes at GRACE along with his classes at home. Waverly's husband has supported his family well by working at the Post Office for almost 33 years as a letter carrier.

Her other interests include flower gardening, selling things on Ebay, watching her grandchild, cooking, and getting to know her kid's friends. Playing Scrabble is also somethinng she likes to do...in her spare time, whatever that is! Her favorite thing to do onvacation is go to the beach...the ocean, that is , and walk, swim, relax,l and be with her family. She likes to draw. her favorite book, besides the Bible...is SAFELY HOME by Randy Alcorn. It's a must-read!

Mrs. Charity Grassmid

Position: Administrator & Board Member
Contact Information: 8151 Homerich SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, 616-862-6377, charitygrassmid@yahoo.com
Background: Education began for me at home, way back in 1978, the veritable "Dark Ages" of home education in Michigan. My parents showed all nine of us children, by word and deed, the imperative need for believers to raise each child in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We realized on the benefits of being taught, day in and day out, by a diligent godly mother, who was disciplined enough personally, to teach by not only, "Do what I say", but also, and more importantly, "Do as I do."

Since those childhood years, I subsequently married a wonderful godly man, and we have been blessed with four daughters and a son. We have recently relocated back to Michigan, from South Carolina, for my husband to take a call at Bethel URC. There is still a fair bit of travel involved and we enjoy that as a family whenever possible.

All five of our children, grades 3-12, have been home educated from the beginning, and 2009-2010 was our first full year at GRACE. We greatly appreciate the dedicated staff, gifted teachers, and delightful families here, and Lord willing, anticipate expanding on those classes to include more of the exellent resources available through this Christ-centered organization.

Mrs. Irene Hazenberg

Position: GRACE Graduation and Iowa Basic Testing Coordinator; Lunch Provider
Contact Information: 616-805-2939 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. Iren's husband, Randy, is a Christian Elementary School Administrator, thus the younger kids go to school with their dad. 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 rto California to see her extended family.

Mr. John Holmlund

Position: Teacher - Constitution/Government, U.S. History - Colonial & Revolutionary Periods, and World History - Revolutions, 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. 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 53 years on April 15. We have four children, all Christians, and 14 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.

I am presently teaching three classes, Worldviews, Civil War, and Constitution/Government as well as serving on GRACE's Board.

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.

Miss Hope Nobel

Position: Teacher - French
Contact Information:
Background: I will be teaching French for GRACE this year; I began learning French while earning an Associates in Choral Education at Grand Rapids Community College and I learned to love this beautiful language while living in Switzerland for sixteen months. While there I earned my diploma in business level French. Besides teaching at GRACE this coming year, I will be completing credits for a B. A. in Church Musicianship at Grace Bible College, beginning coursework for a Master's in Library Science at Wayne State University, and teaching private music lessons in voice and piano. In addition to music, languages, and literature I enjoy volleyball, skiing and time spent outdoors. I was homeschooled K-12, and am excited about this opportunity to support the homeschool community by teaching at GRACE.

Mrs. Ruth Nobel

Position: Teacher - Grammar, Advanced Writing, Research & Debate, and AP English
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 Buidling, I can usually be reached at (616) 681-9432.

Mrs. Karen Plas

Position: Teacher - Art Explorations and Art 2010
Contact Information: 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.

Mr. Dave Pruis

Position: Board Member - Treasurer
Contact Information:
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Mr. Jay Reenders

Position: Board President - Founder of GRACE
Contact Information:
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Mrs. Kathy Snippe

Position: Teacher - Beginning & Intermediate Writing, 7th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry
Contact Information: jkand3@altelco.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.

Mrs. Bonnie Spaanstra

Position: Teacher - Biology, Dissection, Body Wroks, Creation Science, Crime Scene Investigations, and Health Wise
Contact Information: 530-1764, 260-6016, or spaanstra2@aol.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.

Mrs. Joanna Thomasma

Position: Teacher - Introductory Spanish A & B, Spanish I, II, III, Accounting
Contact Information: (616) 530-2831 or jthomasma822@lycos.com, 2126 Wrenwood St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Background: Joanna has taught/tutored in Spanish (K-12) and Math (6-12) since 1995. She resides in Wyoming with her husband and cat.

Mrs. Kim VanderHill

Position: Teacher - Elementary Sciences
Contact Information:
Background: Kim will be teaching the K-8th graded sciences at Grace this year. She celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary this summer with her husband, Dean. She has 6 children ranging in age from 5 to 16. She is very familiar with multi-grade classrooms because she began her teaching career in Iowa in one-room school house teaching kindergarten through 4th grade sutents for 3 years and then moved back to Michigna where she was a 3rd-5th grade teacher at Faith Reformed Christian School for 7 years. After taking 7 years off to raise the children, Kim is excited to be back in classroom sharing the wonders of God's creation with His covenant children.

Mrs. Carrie Vander Hulst

Position: Teacher - Elementary Choir & Ensemble
Contact Information:
Bacground: I am a certified teacher for grades K-12 in Music Education, with an Instrumental Music (band/orchestra) major and Church Music with Choir minor. I graduated from Calvin College in 2001. I taught eleven years of band, eleven years of choir, three years of orchestra, and currently teach orchestra and choir for grades five through eight at Dutton Christian School in Caledonia. My husband Tom and I have three children, two in college and one in high school. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing organ, piano, bassoon, violin and singing. I also enjoy time outdoors to work and to relax. I am grateful to God for His direction in my life; the adventure continues!

Mr. Ed VanderMaas

Position: Teacher - Algebra II and Calculus
Contact Information:
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Mrs. Amanda Veltkamp

Position: Teacher - Speech and Drama
Contact Information:
Background: I will be teaching the Speech classes this school year. Last year I taught the Drama class at GRACE and I have also taught junior high and high school writing and World Literature in previous years. I was homeschooled from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I also attended GRACE for some high school classes and was one of the four students who graduated in GRACE's first homeschool graduation ceremony. I have attended both Grand Valley State University and Davenport University. I am married to Matt and we have three beautiful, busy children togehter - Reagan, Shannon, and Logan. I will be homeschooling my oldest daughter for Kindergarten this fall. I am excited to be involved with GRACE as teacher and as parent of a student for the first time this year.

Mrs. Holly Veurink

Position: Board Member, Study Hall Monitor, and Substitute Teacher
Contact Information: veurinks@comcast.net;534-9902
Background: In 1979, I graduated from Calvin College with a degree in elementary education and also married my husband Dennis. We moved to Iowa for one year where I taught grades 3, 4, and 5 combination classroom in a small Christian school. We began homeschooling in 1985 and our children began attending GRACE classes in 1995. I began working for GRACE in 2002. Three of our daughters and four of our sons have graduated with GRACE. In the fall of 2010, we will be homeschooling a son and a daughter. We are also expecting our seventh grandchild. Although the joys and challenges of a large family with 9 children and homeschooling keep me busy, there are other things I enjoy as well such as: M and M Flurries, watching BBC movies, Monk and Andy Griffith, history, politics, worldviews, WORLD Magazine, all four seasons, growing flowers, poetry, literature, art, good church music, and walking at the beach. My best books are the Bible, Valley of Vision, and the Trinity Hymnal.

Mr. Arjen Vreugdenhil

Position: Teacher - Intro to Latin, Intro to Biblical Greek, Latin I & II
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. He will be teaching the Introduction to Latin Class for GRACE this year.