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, Special Education

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, Special Education

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. Fennema – Grade 2

Stacey completed her degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University. After having the opportunity to work in educational programming at a local conservation area she felt God was calling her to be a teacher. God then opened the door for her to obtain her Master’s in Education at Niagara University. Stacey has enjoyed working with children in a variety of capacities including educational programming, one-to-one support, and in a camp setting. She enjoys cottaging, thrifting, playing board games, attempting craft projects, and anything that involves time with her four sisters.

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.

Mrs. A. Frame – Grade 4

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.

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.

Mr. A. Deakin – Grade 6

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.

Mrs. S. Bermudez – Grade 7

Penny graduated with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education major in Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Arts in Special Education. She has been an Educator for over 20 years and has taught students from K-12 in a variety of teaching models. Penny also served as a School Administrator and Principal for a number of years. She has lived and taught in five different countries- USA, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, and Canada along with her husband, Julius. She has been very passionate about teaching as evidenced by the connections that she has established with her students from different countries who for the most part are already professionals and serving the Lord. She particularly loves Korean cuisine and preparing a hearty meal at home is something that gives her absolute joy.

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. W. Knevel – Grade 7&8 Mathematics

Willi attended Brock University, where she obtained her Ontario Teaching Certificate in June of 1971. Since then, she has also acquired six university credits and completed Part I and II of her Special Education Certification. Willi started teaching at the age of 19 and was a full-time teacher for 17 years with the District School Board of Niagara. She has been teaching in a part-time capacity at Jordan Christian School since its inception and is still here after 50 years of teaching, not only because she loves the school and the children and considers teaching to be her passion, but also because she strongly believes that the Lord directed her to JCS. Junior grades (4-6) have been the major focus of her teaching career although she has taught various subjects in all of the elementary grades except for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Willi lives in St. Catharines and is a lifelong Niagara Region resident. She is married to Andre Knevel and together they have one son, a daughter- in -law, and three grandsons. Her hobbies include reading, writing poetry, doing puzzle-type games, joining her husband in travelling to interesting parts of the world due to his work, being there for her children and grandchildren, and enjoying the blessing of having them.

Secondary:

Ms. A. Reichelt– English, Humanities

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. J. Bermudez – Science

Julius holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education major in Health Science and Psychology, two masters including one in Counseling and one in Special Education and a PhD in Educational Leadership. His teaching license includes Biology, Science and SPED. He has taught in the USA, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, and Canada from K-12 education in a variety of roles from being teacher of the Sciences, core literacy and numeracy, SPED coordinator, and School/Careers Counselor in different learning models including Montessori, IB, AP and Arts-Integration. During his university years, Julius had the opportunity to sing with a choir and compete in choral grand prix with other international choirs in Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Travelling is special for Julius and his wife, Penny. His love for peace and quiet is evident in his passion to read during his free time and enjoy slow days appreciating nature.

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 - Business, 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.

Support:

Mrs. H. Beeke – Special Education Coordinator

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. Marcelle Farr - Special Education

Marcelle graduated from Brock University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health Sciences and then in 2011 graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over the years, she has enjoyed serving the Lord and others in teaching, nursing, and at home with her husband, Nate, and their three daughters. Since getting married, the Farrs have lived in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Eabametoong First Nation (a remote, fly-in community in Northern Ontario), North Vancouver and Chilliwack, B.C. before returning “home” to Niagara in 2016. After homeschooling for some years, the Farrs were directed to Jordan Christian School in 2017 and have been thankful to be a part of the JCS community since. In 2023, Marcelle accepted a position at JCS, as an Educational Assistant. Marcelle enjoys many simple pleasures of life: a morning cup of coffee on the front porch, relaxing with a good book, spontaneous road trips, edifying conversations, camping, puttering in the garden, and cooking and enjoying a good meal with her family.

Mrs. R. Slingerland - Special Education

Rebecca worked for Bethesda for five years, taking care of people with developmental disabilities, before she and her husband, Glen, moved to Philadelphia. There, she pursued courses in Biblical Counseling through the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation. She became a mom to four children who are all attending Jordan Christian School. She is so thankful to be working in the Special Education department at JCS as this has always been a joy and passion of hers. In her spare time she enjoys baking, cooking, crocheting, macramé and playing piano.

Mrs. L. Kraaijeveld - Special Education

Lydia attended Brock University and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with a focus on Math Education. She taught high school for one year at JCS to cover a maternity leave for one of our teachers and felt very welcomed by the community. Now that her three children are all in school here at JCS, she has returned as an Educational Assistant for Math. In her free time, Lydia enjoys reading, sewing, thrifting, and being active outside with her husband and children.

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.

Mrs. R. Chaytor - Librarian

Renee completed her Bachelor of Sociology at Brock University, going on to study Child and Youth Studies at Niagara College. While she has been busy with her five children for the past 15 years, she is happy to be part of the Jordan Christian School staff.  Renee and her husband Mickey, who is a graduate of JCS, send their children to JCS and have always loved the JCS community. She is excited to share a love of reading with the students at JCS. When not at school in the library or helping out, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, spending time at the cottage, and cooking for her family.

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.

Miss O. Vrugteveen – Secretary & Administrative Assistant

Olivia is a recent graduate of Jordan Christian School. She has always been a part of the JCS community and is excited to be involved in a deeper capacity as she takes on the role of Secretary. Olivia is passionate about business and when she’s not at the school she can be found baking, figure skating, spending time with her family or looking for her next big find at the thrift store.