Faculty & Staff
On This Page
LEARN MORE
On This Page
Administration & Office Staff

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.

Renée McKeone, Principal (Main Campus) & Curriculum Director
B.S., Elementary Science, Eastern Michigan University; M.A., Curriculum & Instruction, Eastern Michigan University
Involved in education for over 30 years including public school teaching, private school teaching, reading intervention, and university level teaching, Renée joined the staff of AACS as the fourth grade teacher in 2009. Renée is now the Principal of our Main Campus, and our Curriculum Director, overseeing the school’s curricular offerings and academic programs. She and her husband are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and have four children.

Cheri Lubbers, Administrative Manager
B.A., Business Administration, Calvin College
Cheri Lubbers has been a part of the AACS community since its organization back in 1986. In the school’s early years, she was involved in a variety of volunteer positions, inside and outside of the classroom. One of her favorite things to do was to listen from the hallway as each class began with morning devotion time. She was hired to staff the main office in January 2003, the year the school moved to the current building. Cheri and her husband Mark are the parents of three adult daughters, all of whom graduated from AACS. She and her husband are members of Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church.

Jan Musch, Finance Manager
B.A., Music, Calvin College
Among the founders of AACS, Jan and her husband have been involved with the school since 1986. She formally joined the staff in 1994 as Administrative Assistant and made the transition to Finance Manager when the school occupied its new building in 2003. In addition, Jan also regularly helps the school as a piano accompanist for various school events. Jan and her husband have three adult sons, the youngest of whom attended AACS and are members of Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, where Jan is on staff as the organist.

Nathalia Arico, Finance Manager
B.A., General Studies, National University - La Jolla, CA; M.P.A., Public Administration/Urban Development & HR, National University - La Jolla, CA
Nathalia was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She brings 20+ years of experience from working at public and private schools to working at city planning and commercial real estate. For the past 10 years her main focus has been finance and accounting, helping companies manage their assets, finances and accounting to grow and build successful organizations. Nathalia and her husband have a blended family with five children. They are involved in their church group, and have given themselves to live a life for Christ and the Church.

Becky Johnson, Spiritual Life Coordinator & Teacher Mentor
B.S., Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
Helping children not merely know about God but connect personally with Him is Becky’s passion. She loves finding ways to nurture students’ faith and to support teachers as they help students on their faith journey. Working with the Middle School Praise Band/Team as they help lead chapel worship brings her great joy. She has been on staff with AACS since 1995, first as the 5th grade teacher and then moving to the role of Spiritual Life Coordinator. She loves the Christ-centered, denominationally diverse, and loving community found at AACS. Becky and her husband Tom are members of University Lutheran Church in downtown Ann Arbor.

Bryan Diemer, Athletic Director & Grades 3-8 Physical Education, Grades 7-8 Health
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.

Heidi Eliason, PR/Development Assistant
B.S., Nursing, Bethel University; MSN, Nursing, Vanderbilt University

Kerry DeKraker, IT Support
B.S., Aviation Management Technology, Eastern Michigan University

Mike Myers, Building Manager
Bachelor Studies, Washtenaw Community College

Rachel Palnau, Housekeeping
Rachel was born and raised in Ypsilanti, where she met her husband, Luke. She accepted Christ as her savior at 19, and married her best friend at 20. They now have 4 kids. They heard about AACS from friends at church and their kids started attending in 2022. Rachel and her family are members at Calvary Bible Church in Ypsilanti, where Rachel is a Deaconess, serves in the nursery, as a children’s church teacher, and was the AWANA Cubbies director for 6 years. In her spare time, when she’s not with her children or taking care of her home, she likes to disc golf, fall asleep watching movies (unintentionally), and go on dates with her husband.

Michael L., School Safety Officer
Mike is a new addition to the AACS community, fulfilling the role of School Safety Officer. Previously, he worked in the law enforcement field for almost 35 years and recently retired from a local police department where he served in a variety of positions. He and his wife are members of a church in Canton and they have 2 children. Mike is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America.
Preschool

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 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 & Elementary Academic Support
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
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
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 Huron River Methodist Church.

Jeanne Palmbos, Kindergarten Teacher Aide
B.A., Spanish, Grand Valley State University
Elementary

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

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

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
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
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

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

Jennifer Reddeman, Mathematics & Bible
B.S., Secondary Education (Mathematics), Eastern Michigan University
After graduating from EMU, Jennifer taught math in Wayne-Westland Community Schools for 4.5 years until starting a family, which grew to include 5 children. When they were all in school, she returned to teaching at St. Paul Ann Arbor where her children attended. She also worked as a tutor at Mathnasium. Jennifer loves to help students make connections with math. Her free time is spent watching her children’s sports, reading, and spending time with family. Jennifer and her family are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church Ann Arbor.

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 2|42 Community Church.

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. Mary attends Grace Bible Church.

Dan Adsit, Sixth Grade Bible
B.S.M.E., University of Michigan; M.B.A., University of Michigan

Anilú Seromik, Sixth Grade Spanish
Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades, Durango, Mexico; Eastern Michigan University

Magaly Nagpal, Grades 7 & 8 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.

Karen Eekhoff, Middle School Support
B.A., Special Education, Calvin College
Specials

Hongli Giszczak, Elementary Chinese
Education Methodology, Changchun Normal University (China)

Manuela Mansour, K-8 Music
B.A., Music Education and Classical Piano Performance, Zurich Music Conservatory (Switzerland)

Abbie-Jo Wilcox, Middle School Band
B.A., Humanities, Hope College

Becca Arnold, K-8 Art & 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.

April Bertin, PreK-Grade 2 Physical Education
B.A., Sports Management and Communications, University of Michigan
Learning Support

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.

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 Huron River Methodist Church.

Evelyn Hammond, Elementary Academic Support
B.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Ghana; M.Sc. Environmental Engineering, University of Stuttgart; Ph.D., Environment and Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

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
High School

Carolyn Corey, World History, Theology, & Biology
B.S., Secondary Education & Group Social Studies, Grand Valley State University
Carolyn has strong roots in Ann Arbor, where she went to Pioneer High School and attended Knox Presbyterian Church. Prior to joining AACS, she taught Multimedia, Business Law, Government, and Economics in Grand Rapids Public Schools. With a sincere love for high schoolers and the energy and joy they bring, Carolyn also enjoys the in-depth content she is able to teach at the high school level. She is eager to help extend the mission of AACS at the high school level. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys hiking, being outside, and enjoying the Great Lakes.

Rebecca Hawley, English, Student Support, & SAT/ACT Prep
B.A., English & Social Studies, University of Michigan; M.A., Teaching Composition & Rhetoric, University of Michigan-Flint
Rebecca’s heart has always been in Ann Arbor. After graduating from high school in Oklahoma, she returned for her undergraduate studies at U of M. Her prior teaching experience includes time at Lincoln High School, various home school cooperatives, the Writing Center at U of M Flint, and running a private writing tutoring business. She has worked with teens in several performance ministries as well, leading drama and worship dance groups. Rebecca and her husband, Patrick, enjoy spending time with their 4 adult children and 2 (soon to be 3) grandchildren.

Brett Kilgore, World History, Theology, & Biology
B.A., Economics, University of Michigan; M.A., Educational Studies, University of Michigan
Born in Utah and raise in Ohio, Brett first came to Ann Arbor to earn his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, where he also met his wife, Meghan. After a few years living in Seattle, the Kilgores returned to Michigan for Brett’s graduate work. Brett also taught Economics, Geometry, and Forum at Community High School in Ann Arbor. He is thrilled to join the faculty at AACS High School! Brett, Meghan, and their two children are members of Knox Presbyterian Church. In their free time, they love to spend time outdoors and try all kinds of delicious cuisine!

Tami Michele, Mathematics
B.A., Secondary Education, Mathematics, and Economics, Calvin College
Tami has been teaching math in some capacity since she graduated from Calvin College. She first taught at Novi Christian Academy. Then she ran a tutoring business. Tami first came to AACS as a parent. She fell in love with the school and served on the board, substitute taught, and taught a math elective. For six years she taught math in the middle school and in the fall of 2023 moved to teach at the upper campus. She loves the challenge of making math fun and interesting. She loves to see a student grow and learn to succeed math. Tami and her husband have two sons and attend Knox Presbyterian Church.

Georgina Camacho, Spanish

Dane Peterson, Music
B.M., Music Performance (Jazz Studies Emphasis), California State University-Long Beach
Dane is a talented musician who works with the Cru organization at the University of Michigan. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (saxophone), Dane has also completed coursework at Eastern Michigan University (choral conducting) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (missions). In his spare time, he enjoys being active with his family, going on missions trips, and watching sports, especially World Cup soccer! Dane and his wife, Sarah, and their boys attend Knox Presbyterian Church where Dane enjoys playing in the worship band.

John Boshoven, College Counseling
B.A., Political Science, History, & Education, University of Michigan; M.A., Education, University of Michigan; M.S.W., University of Michigan
With over 25 years of experience guiding high school students and their families through the college selection and admission process, John Boshoven is an exceptional college counselor. John recently retired from Ann Arbor Public Schools in that capacity, but still stays involved with the district in other roles while also maintaining his personal business of providing private consultation to families on the college admission process. He also has experience as a social worker. John attends Grace Ann Arbor North Church, which is also the location of our high school campus.