Faculty & Staff

Wayne Sit, Head of School

Wayne Sit, Head of School

B.A., Psychology, Harvard University; M.Ed., Elementary Education, Lesley University; Graduate of the Van Lunen Center for Executive Management at Calvin University

Wayne Sit, Head of School since 2010, fell in love with teaching during his junior year at Harvard. During his 28 years in education, he has been a middle school teacher, as well as the academic dean and director of technology at Boston Trinity Academy. Wayne loves the AACS community and its desire to continue being an excellent school for Christ in the greater Ann Arbor area. He is particularly passionate about the school’s expansion into high school grades to have a greater impact for God in the community. He and his wife have five children, three who currently attend AACS, and are members of Knox Presbyterian Church.

Heidi Eliason, PR/Development Assistant

Heidi Eliason, PR/Development Assistant

B.S., Nursing, Bethel University; MSN, Nursing, Vanderbilt University

Heidi first joined the AACS family in 2008 when her oldest child entered 3rd grade. All three of the Eliason children went on to graduate from AACS with the final graduation in 2019. Heidi is excited to be back at AACS serving the school in a different capacity. AACS provided a wonderful community for their family and all have lifelong friendships. Heidi and her husband will be forever grateful for the years their children attended AACS.
Mike Myers, Building Manager

Mike Myers, Building Manager

Bachelor Studies, Washtenaw Community College

Mike attended Washtenaw Community College for a time and then changed directions and was hired as an Instructors Assistant in their auto body shop. He accepted Christ on January 10, 2011, at 22 years old at Camp Barakel and attends Calvary Bible Church in Ypsilanti. He teaches Sunday school and is an AWANA leader. He loves to serve, and this position has opened a great opportunity to serve the staff, kids, and families every day. He lives in Dexter with his two sons, and if not at work he is with them out in the woods on their mountain bikes. Mike is also an amateur blacksmith.

Preschool

Jennifer Bryson, Preschool & Aftercare Director

Jennifer Bryson, Preschool & Aftercare Director

B.A., Psychology, Calvin College; M.S.W., Social Work, Michigan State University

Jennifer became the first AACS Preschool teacher in 2009 and has seen the program grow over the years. Previously, she taught preschool for seven years at Sonshine Nursery School, a cooperative preschool in Ann Arbor. Jennifer enjoys the wonder that comes with teaching young children and watching their excitement as they learn about the world that God created. Residing in Dexter, Jennifer and her husband attend Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church. Her two children are both graduates of AACS.

Dawn Geldermans, Preschool Teacher Aide

Dawn Geldermans, Preschool Teacher Aide

Dawn Geldermans was born and raised in Grand Rapids where she went to Christian schools and attended Calvin College. She has a heart for Christian education and has been involved with AACS since it was founded. She has a passion for working with children, seeing their creativity, and zest for life, and watching them develop into the person God created them to be. She served in numerous roles during the years that her children attended AACS – helping in the classroom and library, various committees, and preparing and serving lunch. Dawn and her husband Arnie attend the Ann Arbor Christian Reform church and have four adult children, all of whom are AACS alumni.

Arpi Arkoussian, Preschool Teacher Aide

Arpi Arkoussian, Preschool Teacher Aide

Undergraduate Certificate (CDA Credential Prep), Penn Foster College; Early Childhood Education, Khatcher Kalousdian Pedagogical Center (Beirut, Lebanon)

Arpi was raised and studied in Lebanon and has almost 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher. In Lebanon, she taught ESL to Arabic and French-speaking students at Jesus and Mary School. Arpi and her family moved to Michigan in 2020. Her oldest daughter Lori will be studying at Wayne State University, while Leela will be in 10th grade, and Jacob will be at AACS as a preschooler. She believes in the importance of providing children an excellent education, as well as a strong Christian foundation.
Christina Stoller, Preschool Teacher Aide

Christina Stoller, Preschool Teacher Aide

B.A., Sports Management, Minor in Bible, Cedarville University

After growing up in a Christian school, Christina knew she wanted to be involved in Christian education as an adult. After graduating from Cedarville University, she moved to Michigan when she married her husband, Chad. When it came time to find a school for their two children, they fell in love with AACS after the initial tour and knew it would be a perfect fit. Christina has spent many years coaching young children and is now taking her love of teaching into the classroom. When she is not spending time at AACS she enjoys leading women’s ministries at 2|42 Community Church or following her passion for sports!

Kindergarten

Keri Louwerse, Kindergarten

Keri Louwerse, Kindergarten

B.S., Elementary Education, Northern Illinois University; M.A., Education: Curriculum & Instruction, Cornerstone University

Keri Louwerse has 10+ years of teaching experience in international and Christian schools. She has taught in Michigan, Florida, and the Cayman Islands. She is active in children’s ministry at her church, teaching Sunday School, and leading a ministry for children experiencing divorce. Keri is excited to be teaching at a school where she can share her passion for learning and for Christ. Keri and her husband live in Webster Township with their three children. They are members of the conservative Dexter United Methodist Church.
Jeanne Palmbos, Kindergarten Teacher Aide

Jeanne Palmbos, Kindergarten Teacher Aide

B.A., Spanish, Grand Valley State University

Jeanne was born and raised in Holland, MI and attended public schools her whole life. After moving to Ann Arbor, she worked in the Ann Arbor Public Schools as a parapro in a Special Education class for 4 years. When she and her husband decided to send their 3 children to AACS, her entire family fell in love with the school. Jeanne joined our staff as a part-time aide in the aftercare program in 2015. Outside of school, she has co-directed a women’s Bible study program (Coffee Break), taught Sunday School, and is currently the GEMS coordinator for 2nd-5th grade girls at the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church.

Elementary

Mary Admiraal, First Grade

Mary Admiraal, First Grade

B.A., Elementary Education, Taylor University

With 14 years of teaching experience in lower elementary classrooms at public and Christian schools in Michigan and Indiana, Mary is a seasoned teacher. A member of the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, she is known by many staff members and families who speak highly about her love of children and her faith in Christ. In the past, she has also served as her church’s children’s ministry director, youth director, church camp counselor, VBS director, Sunday school teacher, and church nursery caregiver. She is passionate about faith formation in the lives of children.

Laura Bougher, First Grade Teacher Aide

Laura Bougher, First Grade Teacher Aide

B.A., English, Minor in Elementary Education; Currently pursuing a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction with a Reading Emphasis at Eastern Michigan University

During Laura’s early years of college, she volunteered at Military Ave Church in Detroit in their homework program for struggling students. That is where she decided to become a teacher. With over a decade of experience in the classroom, including public and private schools, and her time at Wayne State University, she brings experience that benefits both students and stuff at AACS. Laura has been a parent at AACS since 2014. She, along with her husband and four children, attend Antioch Community Church.

Margaret Mayoros, Second Grade & Elementary Lead Teacher

Margaret Mayoros, Second Grade & Elementary Lead Teacher

B.A., English Literature and Education & Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Elementary Education, Digby Stuart College, University of Surrey

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Maggie hails from Wimbledon, England and began her teaching career in England before moving to the United States in 1991 with her American husband. She has been blessed to be part of the AACS community for over a decade, where she shares both her love for teaching and her love for Christ with the students and excellent staff. She and her husband are members of Christ the King Church in Ann Arbor.
Stacy Charlton, Third Grade

Stacy Charlton, Third Grade

B.A., Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University; M.A., Reading Instruction, Eastern Michigan University

Stacy is thrilled to be joining the AACS family. She loves reading and seeing children become avid readers. Stacy taught for several years in a public school before taking time off to be home with her children. Recently, she taught at a Christian school and loves being able to share God’s word with her students. Stacy and her husband live in Chelsea and have three children. They are members of Immanuel Bible Church. She feels it a great privilege to serve at AACS and be surrounded by a community who seeks to know and love Christ deeply.

Kellie Steen, Second & Third Grade Mathematics

Kellie Steen, Second & Third Grade Mathematics

B.A., Elementary Education, Calvin University (formerly Calvin College)

Starting in 2001, Kellie was a teacher at AACS for 9 years and then stepped away to be home with her growing family. Kellie remained closely connected to AACS in many ways, including substitute teaching and serving on the school board for 5 years. She has also enjoyed her role as an AACS parent as her own children have embarked on their educational journeys here! She was thrilled to rejoin the staff in 2020. Kellie resides in Whitmore Lake with her husband Paul and their two sons. They are members of Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church.
Michelle Harris, Fourth Grade

Michelle Harris, Fourth Grade

B.A., Elementary Education and Special Education, Lewis Clark State College

Michelle feels that teaching is her specific call from God. She cares deeply about helping children grow deep in their walk with the Lord as they learn about His created world. Previously, Michelle taught at Washtenaw Christian Academy and in other private Christian and public schools. Michelle grew up in Idaho and has taught in Washington and Oregon. She and her family moved to Michigan in 2005. Her husband, Philip, is the pastor at Canton Calvary Assembly of God and their son, Austin, attends North Point Bible College in Grand Rapids.

Timothy Sliekers, Fifth Grade

Timothy Sliekers, Fifth Grade

B.A., Elementary Education, Trinity Christian College; M.ED., Lakeland College

Timothy fell in love with teaching between semesters in his first year of college when he worked with 2nd graders in a Christian school in downtown Chicago. Now with over two decades of teaching experience, mainly in upper elementary and middle school at Christian schools, Timothy and his wife came to AACS from Illinois. Timothy’s Master’s thesis topic was on the transition from fifth grade to sixth grade in small private schools. Timothy’s faith background is in the Christian Reformed Church, but he most recently attended a Lutheran church.

Julie Simons, Fourth & Fifth Grade Mathematics

Julie Simons, Fourth & Fifth Grade Mathematics

B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, Princeton University

Julie has tutored in mathematics at all levels for 7 years, and served as a substitute teacher in Dexter Community Schools for the past 4 years, where most recently she was a premier substitute for third and fourth grade. In addition, she has worked as a curriculum writer for a special education curriculum, creating several units of Algebra II lessons and lesson plans. Julie has always had a passion for math education and is excited to pass on her excitement for math to the fourth and fifth graders at AACS. Julie and her family live attend Grace Bible Church, where their family serves in children’s ministry.

Middle School

Kirstin Boettcher, Language Arts & Social Studies

Kirstin Boettcher, Language Arts & Social Studies

B.A., History, Eastern Michigan University; M.A., History, Eastern Michigan University

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Kirstin brings a love of all things middle school (particularly the students), her energetic personality, her passion for developing excellent reading and writing skills, new technology skills in digital teaching to our middle school community. Above that is her passion for learning about God and teaching students about God’s truths in the classroom. She and her husband live in Ann Arbor and attend NorthRidge Church. They have 3 adult daughters and are grandparents.
Tama Frison, Mathematics

Tama Frison, Mathematics

B.S., Business Administration (Marketing), Miami University; Secondary Mathematics Education, Xavier University

Tama began her career teaching middle school mathematics and language arts while her husband, Mike, was attending seminary. After his graduation they moved to Ann Arbor. They are the parents of six children, all of whom graduated from AACS. Tama loves seeing students’ progress in their analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills and use of various strategies to tackle challenging math problems. Tama’s husband Mike is a retired Associate Pastor from Knox Presbyterian; they are currently serving at Restoration Outreach Ministries.
Tami Michele, Mathematics & Bible

Tami Michele, Mathematics & Bible

B.A., Secondary Education, Mathematics, and Economics, Calvin College

Tami first came to AACS as a parent. She also served on the board, was a substitute teacher, and taught a math elective. Tami’s love for AACS led to her joining the middle school team. She has been teaching math in some capacity for the last 20 years. She loves the challenge of teaching a subject that can be some students’ least favorite and most challenging class. She loves to see a student grow and learn to love math. Tami and her husband have two sons and attend Knox Presbyterian Church.
Julie Straight, Bible, History, Language Arts & Middle School Lead Teacher

Julie Straight, Bible, History, Language Arts & Middle School Lead Teacher

B.A., English and Secondary Education, James Madison University

Julie fell in love with teaching during her senior year of college. During her student teaching experience, she realized that her love for literature and writing, and her love for teenagers, combined perfectly for a career in teaching. Her desire for all students is that they develop a love for reading, and more importantly, that they grow in their love and knowledge of God. Julie, her husband, and her three young-adult children live in Ypsilanti and attend Knox Presbyterian Church.
Mary Wiland, Science

Mary Wiland, Science

B.A., Biology and Psychology; Oakland University; M.A., Biology, University of Michigan

Mary first joined the AACS family as a parent when her oldest child entered 5th grade. Mary’s experience as an educator spans 3 decades, most recently teaching high school mathematics at Washtenaw Technical Middle College and college-level math and biology at Washtenaw Community College. She has also traveled with her husband to Burundi in East Africa to minister to a team of medical missionaries. Mary is especially excited to pursue her passion for teaching science and Bible from a Christian perspective at AACS.

Karen Eekhoff, Middle School Support

Karen Eekhoff, Middle School Support

B.A., Special Education, Calvin College

Karen has been a part of Ann Arbor Christian for over 25 years, as a parent, substitute teacher, and kindergarten teacher. Though she had to leave the school community when her husband accepted a job placement overseas, her love for AACS and her commitment to Christian education remained strong. Karen began serving on the school’s Board of Directors while living overseas. Returning from the overseas assignment, Karen returned to her home in Dexter, her home church at Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, and also joins the middle school team as a support to teachers and students.
Ty Anderson, Sixth Grade Bible

Ty Anderson, Sixth Grade Bible

B.S., History, Political Science, and Secondary Education, Eastern Michigan University

Ty and his family have been AACS supporters since his son entered the school in 2010. In 2022, Ty brings his forty-five year passion for God’s Word to 6th Grade Bible learners. He has enjoyed coaching many sports in various communities and school settings over the years, including AACS baseball and flag football since 2021. Ty’s weekdays are spent at the University of Michigan where he designs the telecommunications cabling and facility infrastructures. He and his family attend Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church and are active in leading small groups, community meals, and KidZone.

Specials

Daniela Chacón-Beltran, Elementary Spanish

Daniela Chacón-Beltran, Elementary Spanish

B.A., Spanish, French, and TESOL, Eastern Michigan University

Daniela is joining the AACS family while getting her degree in Spanish & French Teaching as well as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She is originally from Colombia and loves languages and language learning. For as long as she can remember, she has dreamed of becoming a teacher as she comes from a family of educators. She believes teaching is the greatest of all professions: without it no other professions could come to life. Daniela believes that a AACS is a wonderful place for kids to learn about their Almighty God while they learn about the beauty of the Spanish language.

Anilú Seromik, Sixth Grade Spanish

Anilú Seromik, Sixth Grade Spanish

Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades, Durango, Mexico; Eastern Michigan University

Born and raised in Mexico, where most of her family still reside, Anilú is excited to join the AACS community. She has taught Spanish at the elementary and junior high levels for over 25 years in several area schools. As a certified grief counselor, she also has the privilege to work with women and children in difficult situations, and she has led several mission trips to impoverished parts of Honduras. She and her husband are members of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Magaly Nagpal,  Middle School Spanish

Magaly Nagpal, Middle School Spanish

University of San Carlos de Guatemala

Magaly is a native Spanish speaker from Guatemala. Her background is in Psychology and Child Development and she is a certified vocational and educational counselor. She worked as a Montessori Master teacher for ten years, as well as a Spanish teacher at the Rudolf Steiner High School in Ann Arbor for ten years. She loves teaching Spanish and sharing Latin American history, culture, and Christian values. She and her husband Mohit are members of Saint Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor, and she has been a member of the Coffee Break Ministry at the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church for nine years.

Bryan Diemer, K-8 Physical Education & Health, Athletic Director

Bryan Diemer, K-8 Physical Education & Health, Athletic Director

B.S., Elementary Education, Dordt College

Bryan brings his love of physical health and athletics to AACS. He attended Dordt College in Iowa, where he played baseball for four years. At Dordt, he earned his B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Physical Education, along with certification in middle school mathematics and social studies. Over the past eight years, he has coached football, basketball, cross country, baseball, and softball. He loves watching students use their God-given athletic gifts and developing them over the span of their school careers. Bryan and his wife attend Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church and live in Pinckney.
Manuela Mansour,  K-8 Music

Manuela Mansour, K-8 Music

B.A., Music Education and Classical Piano Performance, Zurich Music Conservatory (Switzerland)

Manuela is so thankful to be joining AACS! She moved back to Michigan (where she is originally from) 2 years ago after living overseas for more than 25 years. She speaks 4 languages: English, Swiss, German, and Arabic. She and her husband have 4 amazing children. Manuela loves to play the piano, sing, and lead worship. Her passion is to each children music and is looking forward to seeing all that God has planned for this year!
Abbie-Jo Wilcox, Middle School Band

Abbie-Jo Wilcox, Middle School Band

B.A., Humanities, Hope College

Hailing from Holland, Michigan, Abbie-Jo brings over 20 years’ experience teaching PreK-12 music in both public and private schools in Minnesota and Michigan. She earned a BA in Humanities from Hope College where she played French horn. During her time in Minnesota, she conducted and started various children’s choirs, taught both private piano and horn lessons, and played in a church orchestra. For 10 years, Abbie-Jo was the Musical Director for AACS Theater Club. She currently attends The Naz in Brighton and plays with the worship team in addition to being a guest French hornist for area churches.
Arienne Zimmerman, K-8 Art & Extended School Coordinator

Arienne Zimmerman, K-8 Art & Extended School Coordinator

B.A., Fine Art and Education, University of Toledo

Arienne aspired to become an art teacher at a very young age, as her mother is also an art teacher. She attended the University of Toledo and graduated at the top of her class. Her diverse prior teaching experience has allowed her to teach and work with students displaying a full spectrum of ability levels. For Arienne, Christian education is important because it strengthens students’ faith and understanding of how God plays a crucial role in all things that we do and in all subject areas. School not only shapes a child’s mind, but also their heart. She lives in Ypsilanti and attends NorthRidge Church.

Learning Support

Antoinette Naab, Learning Specialist

Antoinette Naab, Learning Specialist

B.A., Elementary Education, Michigan State University; M.A., Teaching & Curriculum, Reading Specialist, Michigan State University

Antoinette has aspired to be a teacher since 1st grade. She has 10+ years of teaching experience, ranging from pre-k through 8th grade in both public and charter schools. She is very excited to teach in a Christ-centered environment. Since each child is uniquely made by God, she utilizes students’ strengths to motivate students to create individualized plans for them to reach their full potential. She, along with her husband and two children, attend University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor.

Becca Arnold, Elementary & Middle School Academic Support

Becca Arnold, Elementary & Middle School Academic Support

B.F.A., Eastern Michigan University, Teaching Certification

Becca attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts with Teaching Certification. Upon graduation, she taught art at a K-8 school in Ypsilanti for 8 years. She took a break from teaching when her two boys were born. Once her children started attending AACS, she quickly fell in love with the community and soon joined the staff as an academic support team member. She enjoys serving the school in a variety of ways. Becca, her husband, and two sons attend Calvary Bible Church and live in Whitmore Lake.
Lisa Hawley, Elementary Academic Support

Lisa Hawley, Elementary Academic Support

B.A., Human Resources; Minor, Early Childhood Education; Ohio State University

After graduating from Ohio State Lisa moved to Ann Arbor (“enemy territory” as she called it) to be with her high school sweetheart and eventual husband, Shawn. Now they have two boys who attend AACS and are excited to see how God will grow the school in future years. When her youngest came to AACS she felt a calling to start working again part-time and was excited when an opportunity came to be a part of our academic support team almost 3 years ago! Lisa enjoys planning ALL the things, organizing, and traveling. Lisa’s family attends Dexter United Methodist Church.
Caroline Wiersma, Social Worker Consultant

Caroline Wiersma, Social Worker Consultant

B.A., Psychology and Communication Arts, Northpark University; M.S.W., Western Michigan University; Certifications in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-DBT), Child Welfare Institute, and Trauma Across the Lifespan

Caroline serves as a social worker consultant to Ann Arbor Christian School through our partnership with All Belong. She has been in the social work field for the last 10 years, with a focus on intervention with children, trauma therapy and diagnostics, and school social work. She looks forward to learning and growing with one another in providing loving, holistic, Christ-centered mental health services to students so they are able to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Jenna Zemaitis, Teacher Consultant

Jenna Zemaitis, Teacher Consultant

B.S., Psychology and Education, Grand Valley State University; K-8 Elementary Education Certificate; Endorsements in Cognitive Impairment and Emotional Impairment

Jenna serves as a teacher consultant to Ann Arbor Christian School through our partnership with All Belong. Jenna brings a wealth of knowledge and practical resources to support our students and help AACS provide Christ centered education to students with learning differences and create places of belonging for all students. In the past she has served as an Educational Support Services director, Special Education teacher, and as a teacher in middle school and elementary classrooms.