North Hills Classical Academy


	NORTH HILLS CLASSICAL ACADEMY

2777 Knapp N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525
616.365.0525 | trivium@classicaled.org

Welcome to the personnel page of North Hills Classical Academy. Continue on for short biographical sketches of our administrators, faculty, and staff.

ADMINISTRATION:

	Peter Vande Brake M.Div., Ph.D. petervandebrake@classicaled.org - Headmaster Bio of Dr. Peter Vande Brake In 1988, Dr. Peter Vande Brake received his B.A. in Philosophy from Calvin College where he also garnered the title All-American Decathlete from 1985-1988. In 1992 he earned is Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. While attending Union Theological Seminary, Dr. Vande Brake was a research assistant to John. H. Leith. In September of 1996 he began his career at North Hills Classical Academy. At that time he taught Latin, Worldview and Church History at the secondary level. In 1998 he became Headmaster of the school. In the year 2000, Peter finished his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary. During his time of study at Calvin Seminary, he also served as a graduate assistant to Calvin Van Reken. Dr. Vande Brake became an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in June of 2001. With the years of experience and vast knowledge of the classical movement, Dr. Vande Brake is nationally respected as one of the leading administrators in classical-Christian Education. His eloquence and knowledge is in demand on the speaking circuit throughout the classical-Christian movement. Dr. Vande Brake serves on the board of directors for the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) and in 2005 began serving on the board of the Circe Institute. He is also a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers. Dr. Peter Vande Brake currently serves as Headmaster of North Hills Classical Academy and teaches Logic, Rhetoric, and Worldview/Media at the secondary school. Along with his teaching career he also coaches the track and cross-country teams. Peter is married to Susan Vande Brake and has two children.

Peter Vande Brake M.Div., Ph.D.
petervandebrake@classicaled.org
- Headmaster

Bio of Dr. Peter Vande Brake

In 1988, Dr. Peter Vande Brake received his B.A. in Philosophy from Calvin College where he also garnered the title All-American Decathlete from 1985-1988. In 1992 he earned is Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. While attending Union Theological Seminary, Dr. Vande Brake was a research assistant to John. H. Leith. In September of 1996 he began his career at North Hills Classical Academy. At that time he taught Latin, Worldview and Church History at the secondary level. In 1998 he became Headmaster of the school. In the year 2000, Peter finished his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary. During his time of study at Calvin Seminary, he also served as a graduate assistant to Calvin Van Reken. Dr. Vande Brake became an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in June of 2001. With the years of experience and vast knowledge of the classical movement, Dr. Vande Brake is nationally respected as one of the leading administrators in classical-Christian Education. His eloquence and knowledge is in demand on the speaking circuit throughout the classical-Christian movement. Dr. Vande Brake serves on the board of directors for the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) and in 2005 began serving on the board of the Circe Institute. He is also a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers. Dr. Peter Vande Brake currently serves as Headmaster of North Hills Classical Academy and teaches Logic, Rhetoric, and Worldview/Media at the secondary school. Along with his teaching career he also coaches the track and cross-country teams. Peter is married to Susan Vande Brake and has two children.

	Tom Welch tomwelch@classicaled.org - Grammar School Vice Principal, Business Manager Bio of Mr. Tom Welch		Gordon Waddilove M.A., M.Div. gordonwaddilove@classicaled.org -Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher. Development Director Bio of Rev. Gordon Waddilove Gordon Waddilove was born in Preston, England. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Business Studies and a post graduate Certificate in Education and taught in England for seven years as Head of the Business Studies and Careers Faculty at Peel Moat High School, Manchester, and then completed an M.Div degree at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. He served as a full time pastor for ten years in the Reformed Church in America and then worked as a Financial Consultant and a Computerized Banking Teacher before joining North Hills. He has an MA in Education (Phi Kappa Phi), and is adjunct faculty at Cornerstone University. He is married and has two adult children.

Tom Welch
tomwelch@classicaled.org
- Grammar School Vice Principal, Business Manager

Bio of Mr. Tom Welch

Gordon Waddilove M.A., M.Div.
gordonwaddilove@classicaled.org
-Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher. Development Director

Bio of Rev. Gordon Waddilove

Gordon Waddilove was born in Preston, England. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Business Studies and a post graduate Certificate in Education and taught in England for seven years as Head of the Business Studies and Careers Faculty at Peel Moat High School, Manchester, and then completed an M.Div degree at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. He served as a full time pastor for ten years in the Reformed Church in America and then worked as a Financial Consultant and a Computerized Banking Teacher before joining North Hills. He has an MA in Education (Phi Kappa Phi), and is adjunct faculty at Cornerstone University. He is married and has two adult children.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL FACULTY:

	Debra Sugiyama debrasugiyama@classicaled.org - Kindergarten Instructor Bio of Mrs. Debra Sugiyama Debra Sugiyama has been a integral part of North Hills Classical Academy since 1996. She has a strong passion for classical Christian education. Debra served the NHCA board of trustees for three years, worked as an administrator and has taught in some capacity (grammar history, reading and secondary etiquette) throughout her history in the school. Mrs. Sugiyama’s greatest passion is teaching children to read with a systematic phonics (Orton-Gillingham) program. She served on Governor Engler’s Early Literacy Committee for five years and is experienced in the best practices of helping children discover the English alphabetic code and the love of reading. With two dyslexic children of her own, she is a strong advocate for children of all learning abilities. You will see her attending or speaking at most of the classical school conferences held throughout the summer months. Mrs. Sugiyama has taught our kindergarten class since 2005-06. Dr. and Mrs. Sugiyama have three children who have been blessed by attending NHCA and walking through all three stages of the trivium. Their oldest daughter was the NHCA class valedictorian and is currently attending Alma College. The Sugiyama family are members of Oakhill Church. Debra is a Registered Dental Hygienist licensed by the Michigan (NERB) and a Health Science Major at Western Michigan University.		Kim Mast kimmast@classicaled.org - First Grade Instructor Bio of Mrs. Kim Mast Kim Mast graduated with a B.A. in Education from Calvin College and has completed further education classes through Michigan State University. She has been at North Hills since the 2003-04 school year. In the past Kim served for twelve years in the Children's Ministry Department at Sunshine Community Church. She and her husband have three sons, two of whom have graduated from North Hills.
	Brandy Springstubbe brandyspring@classicaled.org - Third and Fourth Grade Instructor Bio of Ms. Brandy Springstubbe Brandy Springstubbe grew up in a military family and has lived in several states as well as England, Russia, and Japan. She holds a BA from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN with a major in Russian and a minor in Religious Studies. She has taught at North Hills since 2001-02 and previously taught for two years at the International Christian Academy of Nagoya, Japan. She enjoys playing piano and guitar as well as knitting, reading, biking, and crochet.		Gordon Waddilove M.A., M.Div. gordonwaddilove@classicaled.org -Fifth and Sixth Grade Instructor Bio of Rev. Gordon Waddilove Gordon Waddilove was born in Preston, England. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Business Studies and a post graduate Certificate in Education and taught in England for seven years as Head of the Business Studies and Careers Faculty at Peel Moat High School, Manchester, and then completed an M.Div degree at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. He served as a full time pastor for ten years in the Reformed Church in America and then worked as a Financial Consultant and a Computerized Banking Teacher before joining North Hills. He has an MA in Education (Phi Kappa Phi), and is adjunct faculty at Cornerstone University. He is married and has two adult children.
	Sean Floeter seanfloeter@classicaled.org - Physical Education Instructor Bio of Mr. Sean Floeter Coming soon...		Jaimie Lomonaco jaimielomonaco@classicaled.org - Young 5's Instructor Bio of Mrs. Jaimie Lomonaco Jaimie was born and raised in East Grand Rapids. She graduated from Hope College in 2002 with a degree in Elementary Education and a major in English. She began her career in education at Doulos Ministries in Boulder, CO. She later moved back to Grand Rapids to start her secondary education endorsement through Grand Valley University's graduate program. She also substitute taught within the Kent Intermediate School District. Jaimie began teaching Literature at NHCA in 2006-07. Currently, she teaches the Young 5's class.
	Roy Williams M.Div., M.A., Ph.D. roywilliams@classicaled.org - History Instructor Bio of Dr. Roy Williams Roy Williams holds a BA from St. Paul Bible College (1980), an M.Div from North American Baptist Seminary (1991), an M.A. in Church History from St. Johns University (1992), and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology: Reformation and Post-Reformation Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary (1998). He served as an Assistant Pastor and Pastor of Christian and Missionary Alliance congregations in Minnesota and Wisconsin from 1978 to 1988. He and his wife, Valerie, have two adult sons, and are members of Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church. Roy has taught at North Hills Classical Academy since 1998. He has twice been named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers.		Brooke Brycko brookebrycko@classicaled.org - 4th, 5th, 6th Grade Instructor Bio of Mrs. Brooke Brycko Brooke Brycko graduated in 2008 from Calvin College with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Classical Studies. Before transferring to Calvin in 2006, she studied Political Theory at Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia. Brooke was married to her husband Dariusz in May 2008, and both are active members of Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Ada. Brooke's began teaching at NHCA in 2008-09. She teaches 4th grade History, Math, Grammar, Writing, Bible, Latin, Science, and Reading, as well as Reading and Writing to the 5th grade, and Writing to the 6th grade.
	Erin Floeter erinfloeter@classicaled.org - Second Grade Teacher Bio of Mrs. Erin Floeter Erin Floeter graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Calvin College. She taught first grade and second grade at North Hills since 2002. Erin has been coaching cross country since 2002 as well, and has helped with bowling and track. She is currently working towards a Masters of Education at Grand Valley State University.		Kerri Driesenga kerridriesenga@classicaled.org - Art Teacher Bio of Ms. Kerri Driesenga Kerri Driesenga graduated from Hope College with a degree in ElementaryEducation and a Science Composite major. She began her career in educationat the Christian International School of Tegucigalpa, Honduras where shetaught 6th grade. She joined NHCA in 2008-09 and teaches K-12 Art. She enjoys art, learning Spanish, reading, being outside, and traveling.

SECONDARY SCHOOL FACULTY:

	Rhonda Prater M.Div rhondaprater@classicaled.org - Mathematics, Spanish, Drama, Yearbook Bio of Mrs. Rhonda Prater Rhonda Prater graduated from Indiana University (Bloomington) in 1990 with a B.A. in Education and a Minor in Mathematics. She student-taught in Shaftesbury, England. Rhonda received her M.Div from Asbury Theological Seminary in May 1996 and was ordained in the United Methodist Church in June 1996. She served as pastor of South Wyoming UMC November, 1997 to June, 2003. Rhonda taught at NHCA in 1996-97 and returned in 2003. Rhonda lives in Wyoming with her husband, Timothy, and daughter, Elise.		Carla Joy Strand carlajoystrand@classicaled.org - Latin, Greek, Aesthetics, Music Bio of Mrs. Carla Joy Strand CarlaJoy Strand teaches secondary Latin, Greek, and chemistry, and grammar school music. She graduated from Calvin College with honors and holds a B.A. in Classical Languages with minors in music and linguistics. While at Calvin, she worked as the Greek and Latin departmental tutor. She has since then taught three Latin classes at her alma mater. CarlaJoy plays as a first violinist in the West Shore Symphony Orchestra. She also plays viola in the Calvin Alumni Orchestra and sings in the Choral Scholars, an 8-member professional vocal ensemble. She lives with her husband Steve, and their two cats Lucy and Dora.
	Mike Van Beek mikevanbeek@classicaled.org - History, Physical Training Bio of Mr. Mike Van Beek Mike Van Beek earned a B.A. from Hope College in 2003 with a major in History and a minor in Latin, and an M.A. in American History in 2005 from Purdue University. He received the Hope Sophomore Book Award in 2001 and the Metta J. Ross History Prize in 2002. In addition to his academic pursuits at Hope, Mr. Van Beek was a member of Hope's baseball team. He was a three-time First Team All-MIAA selection, the 2003 MIAA Most Valuable Player, and a member of the All-Mideast Region Team in both 2002 and 2003. Mr. Van Beek began teaching at North Hills in 2005-06. Mr. Van Beek and his wife Leanne have one son, Charlie, and reside in Grand Rapids.		Roy Williams M.Div., M.A., Ph.D. roywilliams@classicaled.org - Bible, Study Skills, Logic Bio of Dr. Roy Williams Roy Williams holds a B.A. from St. Paul Bible College (1980), an M.Div from North American Baptist Seminary (1991), an M.A. in Church History from St. Johns University (1992), and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology: Reformation and Post-Reformation Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary (1998). He served as an Assistant Pastor and Pastor of Christian and Missionary Alliance congregations in Minnesota and Wisconsin from 1978 to 1988. He and his wife, Valerie, have two adult sons, and are members of Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church. Roy has taught at North Hills Classical Academy since 1998. He has twice been named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
	Peter Vande Brake M.Div., Ph.D. petervandebrake@classicaled.org - Logic, Rhetoric, Worldview/Media Please refer to the top of this page for the biography of Dr. Peter Vande Brake.		Megan Gruennert megangruennert@classicaled.org - Mathematics Bio of Ms. Megan Gruennert Born in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Megan Gruennert came to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin College, where she earned a B.S. in accounting. After becoming a CPA, she enrolled at Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she received her J.D. Megan joined NHCA in 2007-08 as a secondary math teacher. When she is not teaching, Megan runs a legal practice downtown which focuses on individual tax, estate, and small business planning.
	Leah Cook leahcook@classicaled.org - Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science Bio of Mrs. Leah Cook Leah Cook graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Biology with emphasis of Natural Resources and a minor in Chemistry. She is currently finishing her thesis for Master's of Science in Biology at Eastern Michigan University. She joined NHCA in 2008-2009 where she teaches Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry. Leah enjoys photography, being around family, and reading a good book. Leah and her husband, DeWayne currently reside in Grand Rapids.		David Molinari davidmolinari@classicaled.org - Literature Bio of Mr. David Molinari David Molinari was born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois. He graduated with a B.A. in English from Calvin College in 1994 with an emphasis in Creative Writing and American Literature. He also studied music at DePaul University in Chicago from 1987-1988. He has recorded and published three albums of original songs and compositions and performs as a multi-instrumentalist in a wide-variety of musical ensembles. He was the music instructor at North Hills Classical Academy in 1997-1998 and has been teaching private and group music classes since 1986.

SUPPORT STAFF:

	Pat Flier trivium@classicaled.org - Administrative Assistant Bio of Mrs. Pat Flier Pat Flier is a part-time administrative assistant at North Hills Classical Academy. She graduated from Davenport University in 1984 with an Assoc. degree in Accounting. She has been involved with NHCA. since 1991 when she and her husband, Jason, enrolled their oldest child. That child graduated in 2002 and they currently have three children enrolled in the school. Pat enjoyed volunteering at NHCA and was blessed when she was hired to work for the school in 2004. She and her family are members of Oakdale Park CRC.

Pat Flier
trivium@classicaled.org
- Administrative Assistant

Bio of Mrs. Pat Flier

Pat Flier is a part-time administrative assistant at North Hills Classical Academy. She graduated from Davenport University in 1984 with an Assoc. degree in Accounting. She has been involved with NHCA. since 1991 when she and her husband, Jason, enrolled their oldest child. That child graduated in 2002 and they currently have three children enrolled in the school. Pat enjoyed volunteering at NHCA and was blessed when she was hired to work for the school in 2004. She and her family are members of Oakdale Park CRC.