Our faculty at JCS consists of ten elementary teachers, four secondary teachers, three special education staff, one part-time librarian, and two administrative staff. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and this passion is reflected in their dedication towards the students, their enthusiasm about learning, and their attention to the small details in the classroom.
Elementary:
Mrs. S. Schaafsma – JK, Jolly Kinders Program
Christina has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Mohawk College. She began her self-directed business opportunity when she set up a Home Daycare in Dorchester, Ontario, in order to serve the child care needs in that community. When Christina moved to Nunavut with her husband and two young children, she took over the management of Kakayak Daycare in the community of Kugluktuk. During their 5 ½ years in the far North, she also had the opportunity to supply teach at Elementary and High Schools. Her and her family served at the local church, immersed themselves into the culture of the Inuit people and fostered 2 siblings with personal special needs, for a number of years. Along with enduring the harsh climate and 3 weeks of complete darkness, the activities they enjoyed while living and working there were: snowmobiling, hunting, ice-fishing and learning first- hand about the Inuit way of life. After their time in Nunavut, they moved to Edmonton, Alberta, for several years. Christina worked for the Edmonton Board of Education at a Christian school, as a full-time Educational Assistant for 3 years. Christina loves a challenge and her favorite activities are travelling, hiking, biking, running and gardening and aims to serve God in everything that she does.
Mrs. M. Pouli – SK
After graduating from Niagara College in 1995, Melinda first worked as a PDA in a dental office for four years, working primarily with children, before becoming a stay-at-home mother to five children. During these years, Melinda ran a daycare out of her home and took care of many children through the years. When her children were all in school, she closed her daycare and was hired as an Education Assistant by another local Christian school, where she worked for three years. She felt called to apply to Jordan Christian School in the spring of 2017, and now enjoys teaching Junior Kindergarten, running the Jolly Kinders program, and assisting students in the Special Education program. Melinda is excited to share her creativity and passion for learning with the children. She is a graduate of JCS, and is excited to be back and to be a part of this supportive community. Melinda also started the Vineland Kingdom Seekers Club for young girls, where she was head counselor for 7 years, and hopes to remain a Bible Study and craft leader this fall. Melinda is married to Matt and they live in Jordan. Her hobbies include swimming, hiking, and reading.
Mrs. S. Chorro – Grade 1
Suzanne is looking forward to being a part of the JCS family! She attended Brock University where she obtained a degree in Child and Youth Studies and a Bachelor of Education, and is currently a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. Suzanne met her husband, Joel, in Thunder Bay while volunteering at a Christian camp for indigenous children. Since getting married and starting a family, Suzanne has been a stay at home mom with her 4 children and is excited to get back into teaching! Suzanne and her family love to be involved in their church, Harvest Bible Chapel. Suzanne enjoys reading, all sorts of creative projects and spending time in creation with her family—especially camping! Suzanne is excited to share her love for the Lord with her students and serve Him faithfully!
Mrs. S. Brouwer – Grade 2
Stephanie is really looking forward to joining the JCS community! She attended Redeemer University where she obtained a Bachelor of Education and an Honours Bachelor of Arts. Stephanie met her husband Richard Brouwer at Redeemer and after getting married, they both travelled to South Korea to teach for a year. After returning from Korea, Stephanie worked as a primary school teacher at Beacon Christian School for several years. She has continued to substitute teach at various Christian schools while raising her four children. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys singing on the praise team at Providence Community church. She also enjoys cheering her kids on in various sports and playing sports herself.
Mrs. L. Deakin – Grade 2
Mrs. S. Bulmer – Grade 3
After completing a Bachelor of Religious Education degree, Sharon went on to earn a Master of Arts at Liberty University in Virginia. She and her family lived in Costa Rica learning Spanish for one year and then served as missionaries in Ecuador for almost 14 years where Sharon taught a variety of grade levels at an international Christian school. Sharon is passionate about the freedom that exists in teaching from a Biblical perspective and loves to inspire students to learn and grow in all areas of life. Sharon and her husband, Graham, have two grown daughters and they have owned a variety of tropical birds over the years, including a South American parrot who loved to whistle. In her free time, Sharon enjoys reading, running, hiking with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. J. DeJong – Grade 4
Jacqueline went to Redeemer University where she majored in history and then obtained her teaching degree at Brock University. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, and has taught more than 30 years in a Christian school in Hamilton. Jacqueline felt the Lord leading her to apply to Jordan Christian School and is excited to be embarking on a new chapter in her teaching career. Jacqueline has been blessed to be a member of Vineland Free Reformed Church her entire life. Jacqueline loves swimming, kayaking, reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. A. Epp – Grade 5
Angela has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winnipeg, with a major in music. She has been teaching for 16 years in a variety of settings, including supply teaching in the Windsor/Essex area and for the Niagara District School Board, as well as for other Christian Schools in St. Catharines. Angela has taught at Jordan Christian School for eleven and a half years, all of them primarily with the Grade 5/6 class. In recent years she has taught music to other grades as well. When she is not at JCS teaching students, Angela is at home with her husband, Greg, teaching their own two sons, Ethan and Micah. As a family, they enjoy hiking, biking, and camping. Angela feels that the best part about teaching at JCS is sharing her love for the Lord and her love of learning with the students that she interacts with on a daily basis.
Mrs. J. Tuininga – Grade 6
Joyce grew up in Orillia, Ontario and is married to Ken Tuininga. She has four children whom she homeschooled through the elementary grades, and now is blessed with a growing number of grandchildren that she continues to teach and support in any way she can. Before homeschooling her own children, she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a concentration in Special Education and taught at Jarvis Christian School for two years and Sarnia Christian School for three years. In addition, from Georgian College in Orillia, Ontario, she received her Developmental Services Worker diploma which allowed her to work at Christian Horizons for 12 years after she finished homeschooling. In 2019 she returned to teaching and taught at Orillia Christian School for seven years. She joined Jordan Christian School for the 2026-2027 school year with the same passion for teaching children as she began with when homeschooling her own children. She is excited to use her experience and the gifts that God has given her to make a positive impact on many more children in the future.
Mr. D. Sikkema - Grade 7
Mr. A. Deakin – Grade 7
Adam received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Brock University with a major in history. He also received his Bachelor of Education at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Adam has taught at Jordan Christian School in many different areas. He spent a few years teaching grades 5/6 as well as 3 years in grade 7/8. He also has taught math and science to various grades over the past number of years. He is currently the homeroom teacher for grade 6. Adam and his wife LeeAnn have five children. Adam and his wife are also dog breeders, and the kids are involved in this as well. As a family they enjoy hiking, kayaking, and playing games together.
Mr. J. deBoer– Grade 8, Secondary French & Music
Josh completed his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance in 2015 at Carleton University. During this time Josh taught piano through various studios as well as starting his own piano studio, Psalm 150 Music. Josh taught piano for eight years before deciding to go to the University of Ottawa for his Bachelor of Education. After graduating in 2020 Josh and his wife, Hilary, felt like the Lord was leading them to the Niagara region to pursue a teaching job. It was in this time that they were drawn to pursue Christian education as they saw the need to be teaching children the truth and beauty of God’s word. Josh loves teaching music and is enjoying running the band program at JCS. When not at work Josh enjoys baking sourdough bread, running, and being outside with his three kids.
Mrs. A. Frame – Rotary Teacher
Amanda attended Redeemer University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts, with a major in English, and a Bachelor of Education. From there, she went on to teach grades two and three at Peoples Christian Academy in Toronto before moving to South Korea. There she taught ESL to grade five and six students for two years. After returning from Korea, Amanda moved to Brantford where she taught grade two for eight years. In 2020, Amanda made the switch to JCS to teach the grade two class before going on maternity leave in March. Her favourite part about being in the classroom is connecting with her students and seeing them excited about their learning. Amanda is married to Joel, and they have one boy named Callum. They attend Gateway Church in Caledonia and enjoy using their gifts to serve. For fun, they like to hike, camp, spend time with family and friends, and go out for ice cream.
Secondary:
Mrs. A. TenBrinke – English
Allyson completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Redeemer University College where she studied English and Physical Education. She then continued at Redeemer to complete her Bachelor of Education degree in the Junior/Intermediate division. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. Allyson has always wanted to be a teacher but especially felt God calling her to teach in a Christian school during her final year of school. After graduation she did a couple of teaching stints at a Christian high school and then began supply teaching at various other Christian schools, including JCS! She is very excited to be a part of the JCS community and to teach grade 8 in the new year. When Allyson is not teaching she loves spending time with her two nephews, exploring how to make different types of coffee beverages, and learning more about plants. During the summer months, Allyson enjoys camping with her family, fishing, and canoeing.
Mr. M. Fintelman – Bible, English, Guidance
In addition to completing his Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature Studies, Mark has also taken additional courses in religious studies and completed his Bachelor of Education at Brock University. He is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and has a Christian School Principal’s Certificate. His past work experience includes six years teaching Grades 7-10 English, religious studies, and physical education in Norwich, as well as one year teaching Grade 8 in Copetown. Mark also spent a couple years working at The Country Baker in marketing and sales. Since 1997, Mark has been employed at Jordan Christian School, primarily occupying the position of teaching principal. As of 2016, he transitioned out of this role back into a Secondary teaching and guidance role. Mark has enjoyed the journey, including the years at JCS growing the school and the secondary program. He has numerous interests, some of which include the outdoors, music, reading, theology, apologetics, philosophy, piano refurbishing and refinishing, and manual labour. What inspires Mark to come to work every day is knowing that he can help a student understand a concept more deeply or perhaps for the first time. The connection between learning in all areas, truth, and faith is central to his passion for learning and teaching.
Mr. M. Pennings - Humanities, Phys. Ed
Mr. J. Sluijmers – Social Sciences, Gr. 8 Math
Josh completed a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education with a major in Social Studies Education and a minor in Mathematics Education from the University of Lethbridge. For the 2024-25 school year, Josh will be the grade 7 homeroom teacher while teaching various courses to grades 7, 8 and 10, primarily in history and math. Josh was born in the Netherlands and grew up on a farm near Lethbridge, Alberta. After graduating from University in 2024 and teaching one semester at a Christian school in Monarch, Alberta, Josh and his wife, Henny, felt called to move to the Niagara Region. They are looking forward to getting to know the JCS community! Josh has a passion for political engagement. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, travelling, and exploring the history and scenery of new places.
Mr. S. Vanoostveen – Mathematics, Secondary Vice Principal
Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from SUNY Oswego. After teaching a Grade 1/2 split class for three years in Drayton, ON, he and his wife moved to New Zealand where his teaching responsibilities were extended to include classes from K to 12. He joined Jordan Christian School in 2015 and, having completed his ABQ Senior Math training course, has been given the responsibility of teaching senior level math here along with physical education, Bible and a variety of other courses. Scott was raised in St. Catharines and, after some moving around, now resides in Tintern with his wife, Deb. Scott and Deb have been blessed with four children, Zipporah, Zara, Boaz and Hazel. They attend Trinity URC in St. Catharines and, on top of staying involved there, like to stay active by playing soccer, hockey, volleyball and just about any other sport.
Mr. M. Zadorozny - Mathematics
Mike received his Co-op Accounting Degree from Brock University, a Masters in Education from Niagara University and obtained his ABQ Senior Math qualification. The past 18 years of his 20-year teaching career were at an International Christian School where he taught senior Business courses and Mathematics. He and his family attend Rosedale Baptist Church and enjoy serving the church by leading a small group Bible study and fulfilling the role of church bookkeeper. Mike is excited to teach in a reformed community, which will be like home to him. Much of his spare time is given to the Word and the study of reformed theology. St. Catharines is Mike's hometown, and he lives there with his wife, Melanie (Mel), and their 7 children. Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors, camping and cottaging as well as running and walking long distances.
Mr. A. Saleem – Science
Amjad Saleem has been teaching since 1999 and holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Punjab, Lahore. Over the years, he has taught Mathematics, Chemistry, and other sciences across several international curriculums, including the British, Cambridge, Oxford, and Ontario programs. His teaching journey has taken him from Pakistan to Thailand and now to Canada. Mr. Saleem is currently teaching Science and Mathematics at Jordan Christian School. He is passionate about helping students see the beauty of God’s design through the study of science and mathematics, encouraging curiosity, excellence, and faith in the learning process. Amjad is blessed with his wife, Kanwal Aziz Amjad, and their three sons. His twin sons, Kyle and Shawn, are both in their second year studying Life Sciences—Kyle at McMaster University and Shawn at the University of Waterloo. Their younger son, Ryan, is in Grade 8. As a family, they enjoy serving in their church, studying Scripture together, and spending quality time as they grow in faith and learning.
Support:
Mrs. H. Beeke – Special Education Coordinator
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Heather Beeke is married to Mark Beeke and together they are blessed with four sons. Heather graduated from Brock with her BA Honours majoring in English and History. Before having children, Heather taught secondary for a few years. Herself a struggling student in certain areas, Heather has a heart for students who struggle in some of the particularities of education. Her desire is to always point to the victory of the cross when students identify with feelings of unworthiness or insufficiency. She also hopes to help equip students to persevere when facing learning obstacles. While thankful to God for her own cultural heritage, Heather loves to experience different cultures, spending time in Mexico, Ecuador, and being a part of ESL amongst different Middle Eastern cultures at Carlton. Along with playing piano and reading a wide variety of books, Heather enjoys growing veggies (more than eating them!), water sports, and recreational activities that come with having boys. The Beeke family is really blessed to be involved in an organization called “Safe Families.”
Mrs. M. Wagenaar - Student Counsellor
Melanie graduated in 2008 from the Social Service Worker Program at Niagara College. Having previously struggled with her own anxieties, this course offered ways she could walk alongside others through their own trials. Prior to having children, she worked at a non-for profit organization as a Homemaking Coordinator which was targeted to help seniors and adults with disabilities. She then became a Community Service Worker who focused on working with youth. Melanie is married to Jason Wagenaar and has 2 girls that attend JCS. She is currently pursuing Christian Counselling courses through CCEF. Melanie loves being home with her family, playing games, or doing just about anything outside.
Administrative:
Mr. P. Wagenaar – Principal
Paul completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a diploma in Police Foundations from Brock University as part of a Policing and Criminal Justice Program. Since making the career move to teaching, he has also obtained his Masters of Education from Western University in Curriculum Studies. Paul taught a wide variety of subjects at the secondary level for seven years, including three years in Norwich and four years in Jordan. Since 2016, he has been serving as principal here at Jordan Christian School. He believes in the necessity of Christian education and has a deep appreciation for his Reformed heritage. Paul grew up in the Niagara Region and currently resides in Wellandport with his wife, Billie Jo, and their seven children. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about Christian doctrine and apologetics. Paul also enjoys small construction projects, camping trips with his family, singing for the Mattaniah Christian Male Choir, and cooking Thai and Indian cuisine.
Mrs. R Brouwer – Administrative Secretary
After completing both elementary and secondary school at JCS, Rachelle attended Mohawk College, where she earned a diploma in Medical Office Administration. Following graduation, she spent several years working in both a doctor’s office and a hospital. Rachelle is married to Michael, and together they have been blessed with two boys, Carter and Callum, who also attend JCS. Once her boys began school, Rachelle felt the Lord’s leading to apply at JCS and spent three years working as a Kindergarten classroom assistant before transitioning into the role of school secretary. Rachelle is excited to be a welcoming face of the school and looks forward to continuing to build relationships with staff, students, families, and the broader JCS community. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the school in this new role! In her free time, Rachelle enjoys playing piano, thrifting, leading Women’s Bible Study and spending time with her family.
Mrs. R Newhouse – Administrative Secretary
Rebecca is married to Greg Newhouse, they attend Providence Community Church, and have been blessed with 4 children who attend JCS. Rebecca attained her diploma in nursing (2004) and continued on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Francis Xavier University (2007) where she worked in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Geriatrics and Orthopaedics. Rebecca felt the Lords leading to business administration and by God's grace, in 2012 she completed her Masters of Business Administration at St. Mary's University. Upon graduation she worked in Banking, working in branch management and supervisory roles in banks both in Newfoundland and throughout the Niagara region up until becoming a mom in 2016. After staying home with her children and now that they are in school, Rebecca is excited for the opportunity to serve the JCS school community as Secretary. In her free time Rebecca enjoys gardening, cottaging, camping, hiking, and playing her flute at church as well as with the Peninsula Orchestra.
Mrs. O. Zondag – Administrative Secretary
Olivia has always been a member of the JCS community, having attended the school from Kindergarten to Gr. 12. She previously served as the school secretary for two years and is excited to return to the role after a year away, during which she married her husband, Spencer. Olivia has a strong passion for business and marketing, which she brings into her work at JCS each day. Outside of school, she enjoys baking and cooking, working on perfecting her at home latte, spending time with her family, and looking for her next great find at the thrift store!
Mrs. S. Eckhardt – Financial Administrator
Susanne has a diploma from Mohawk College for Office Admin- Medical. After graduating, she began her career, completing several part time positions at various hospitals and soon began full time for a Plastic Surgeon’s office in Hamilton. After 26 years in Hamilton, she is excited to start a new adventure with us at JCS. She will be working part-time, and will primarily take on the role of financial administrator. She is not new to our school community as her children attended JCS and she still has one in high school. She enjoyed being part of the PTA for years and looks forward to working with our staff in the future. Susanne is married to Bill and resides in Lincoln with her three children. She enjoys reading, loves her coffee with the ladies at Bible Study, and loves spending time with her family.