office staff
Our office staff warmly support our students, families, and teachers each day, keeping DCS running smoothly and welcoming for all.
Nicole VanHuizen,
OCT/CSTC
Nicole has been part of the DCS community as a parent, teacher, and now principal for the past nine years.
She loves watching students light up as they learn and is thankful for the chance each new day brings to see God’s faithfulness.
Her favourite events include the first day of school assembly, Grandparents’ Day, and Field Day.
Nicole and her husband, Ray, have four adult children — Owen (married to Michelle), Ethan, Lauren, and Evan — and two St. Bernards, Jake and Lucy. She enjoys walking, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and reading historical fiction.
Her favourite scripture is 1 Peter 1:3, celebrating our living hope in Christ.
Jessica Stachiw,
Administrative Support
Jessica
Shelley Bos,
Office Assistant
Shelley
teachers
Our teachers are wholeheartedly committed to nurturing the growth, learning, and success of every student at DCS.
Laura DeHaan,
OCT/CSTC
Junior Kindergarten
Laura has been part of the DCS team for six years and loves seeing the school community come together to support Christian education—especially at her favourite event, the Bazaar.
She enjoys helping young learners grow in their faith and curiosity each day. Outside of school, Laura loves cutting grass, reading, kayaking, and hunting for Monarch caterpillars.
She and her husband, Kevin, live in Wellandport and have three children—Braden, Seth, and Kaylee—all proud DCS graduates.
Her favourite scriptures are Philippians 4:4–9 and Psalm 46:10, reminders to rejoice and be still in God’s presence.
Emily Voth,
OCT
Junior Kindergarten
Emily has been teaching at DCS since 2022 and loves the joy and community that fill the school, especially during her favourite event — the Bazaar.
She enjoys helping children grow in knowledge, character, and faith each day.
Outside of school, Emily loves spending time with her two boys, Henry and Jack, and their red retriever, Kanyon. Her hobbies include crafting, puzzles, and making beeswax wraps.
Her favourite scripture is Psalm 23, a comforting reminder of God’s providence and care.
Carol Mellema,
OCT/CSTC
Senior Kindergarten
Carol has been part of the DCS staff for 20 years, spending the last 18 in the kindergarten classroom. She loves teaching in a Christ-centered environment where staff and families work together toward the same goal.
Her favourite DCS event is the Bazaar, and she enjoys reading and biking with her family.
Carol and her husband Pete of 31 years have three daughters, and one son-in-law.
Her favourite scriptures are Joshua 1:9 and Philippians 4:4–7, reminders to be strong, courageous, and filled with God’s peace.
Terrie Ann Gilpin,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 1B
Terrie Ann has deep roots at DCS — first as a student, then a co-op and teaching placement student, and now as a long-time teacher. She first joined the staff in 1998 and has been part of the DCS community ever since. Terrie Ann loves creating a fun and engaging classroom where students can grow, discover, and take pride in their learning.
Her favourite events are Grandparents’ Day and the Christmas Program.
Outside of school, Terrie Ann enjoys walking her dog, spending time with family and friends, going out for dinner, and watching movies.
Her favourite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, a reminder of God’s good plans and hope for the future.
Katie Dykstra,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 1A
Katie has been part of the DCS team since 2023 and loves the supportive community where everyone works together to do God’s kingdom work.
Her favourite DCS event is the Celebration of Learning.
Katie grew up in the Vineland/Beamsville area and now lives in Wellandport with her husband, Wiebrand, their two sons, Levi and Blake, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and caring for her animals.
Her favourite verse is Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Melissa Snippe,
OCT
Grade 1A
This is Melissa’s first year teaching at DCS, after spending last year supply teaching in a variety of classrooms. She loves the energy and engagement of DCS students, staff, and families as they work together to serve God.
Her favourite school event is the Bazaar.
Born and raised near Tillsonburg, Melissa met her husband, Brad, while studying at Brock University. They have been married for 15 years and have three sons. She enjoys being outdoors—especially hiking, running, and biking.
Her favourite scripture is Philippians 4:6–7, a reminder to bring everything to God in prayer.
Kim Rowaan,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 2
Kim
Erin Taylor,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 3
Erin has been teaching at DCS for six years and loves the caring, faith-filled community where staff support and pray for one another.
Her favourite event is Ladies Night.
Outside the classroom she enjoys pickleball, biking, skating, and playing board games.
Erin was raised in Haldimand County and shares her home with her golden doodle, Nala.
Her favourite scripture is Romans 15:13, reminding her that true joy and peace come from trusting in God.
Madison Wagter,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 4
Madison has been teaching at DCS since 2023, but her connection to the school goes back to her early years as a student in Kindergarten through Grade 2.
She loves the supportive staff community and seeing students bring the Christmas story to life during the annual Christmas program — her favourite DCS event.
Madison enjoys reading, writing, puzzling, and traveling, and she shares her home with her dog, Arwen, and two cats, Aspen and Rambo.
Her favourite passage is Philippians 4:6–7, reminding her to bring everything to God in prayer and trust in His peace.
Laura Tompson,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 5
Laura joined the DCS team in 2023 after moving from Mississauga to Haldimand County and immediately felt at home in the school’s Christ-centered community.
She loves walking alongside students in both their learning and spiritual growth and enjoys the creativity and joy of events like the Bazaar and Christmas Program.
Outside of school, Laura loves hiking, swimming, music, and spending time with her husband, Corwin, and their pet birds.
Her favourite verse is Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Pete Mellema,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 6
Pete has been part of the DCS team since 2001 and also serves as Co-Vice Principal and our resident tech and A/V expert.
He loves helping students grow in their learning and faith alongside a great staff team.
His favourite DCS event is Master Field Day.
In his free time he enjoys reading and spending time with his family.
Pete’s favourite scripture is Hebrews 11, a reminder of living by faith.
Calvin Wiarda,
OCT
Grade 7
Calvin joined the DCS team in 2025 after moving from Belleville, Ontario. He’s already appreciated the warm welcome from staff, students, and the community, and looks forward to growing as a teacher at DCS.
His favourite event so far has been the Men’s Cornhole Tournament.
Calvin and his wife, Ashley, were married in August 2024 and share their home with two cats. He enjoys movies, reality TV, board games, and a good cup of coffee.
His favourite verse is Proverbs 4:23, reminding him to guard his heart above all else.
Hannah VanderWier,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 8
Hannah
Katelyn Huizinga,
OCT/CSTC
Grade 5 & EA
Katelyn joined the DCS team in 2024 and loves lesson planning and getting to know the unique personalities of her students.
Her favourite DCS event is the Bazaar.
Katelyn grew up in Drayton, Ontario, and now lives with her husband, Jordon, their son, and a lively mix of dogs, chickens, and ducks. She enjoys board games, reading, and gardening.
Her favourite verse is Psalm 16:2 — “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”
Karina Houwer,
OCT
French & P.E.
Karina officially joined the DCS staff in 2024 and loves the strong sense of community that defines the school.
Her favourite events include the Christmas programs, Field Day, the Bazaar, and Women’s Nights.
She enjoys baking, playing piano, reading, and spending time with her family and farm animals. Karina grew up in Jarvis and now lives in Cayuga with her husband and their four children — three of whom attend DCS.
Her favourite scripture is Proverbs 3:5–6, reminding her to trust in the Lord with all her heart.
Kristina Braun,
OCT
Grade 3 & EA
Kristina joined the DCS team in 2023, first as a supply teacher and now serving as both an EA and classroom teacher. She loves connecting with students, helping them work through tricky moments, and inspiring their natural curiosity through meaningful questions and discussions.
Her favourite DCS event is the Bazaar, where the whole community comes together.
Kristina enjoys hiking and camping with her family, as well as puzzling on cozy indoor days. She and her husband, Dan, live in Fenwick with their daughter, Olivia, who is in Grade 3 at DCS.
Her favourite scripture is Colossians 3, which challenges her to live each day as one made alive in Christ.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services at DCS provides individualized academic, social, and emotional support to help every student thrive and reach their full potential.
Margaret Kamping,
OCT/CSTC
Margaret has been connected to DCS since Grade Seven and has now taught here for 23 years. She deeply values the supportive, community-minded culture at DCS and appreciates the many parent volunteers who help the school run smoothly.
Her favourite school events are the Bazaar and the first day of school, when the whole community comes together with excitement and energy.
She enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time outdoors. Margaret and her husband, Brian, grew up in Dunnville and now live in rural Cayuga. They have two daughters—both DCS graduates—who are now married, and two granddaughters.
One of Margaret’s favourite scripture passages is Psalm 103, a beautiful reminder of God’s compassion, forgiveness, and steadfast love from generation to generation.
Maryann Hummel,
EA
Maryann
Lorraine Lunshof,
EA
Lorraine has been part of the DCS team since 2018 and the school community since 2009.
She enjoys working one-on-one with students, helping with art projects, and being part of the Christmas program.
Outside of school, she loves crafting, camping, and spending time with her husband, children, and their Yorkiepoo, Lexi.
Her favourite scripture is Lamentations 3:22–23, a reminder of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.
Julia Mihalic,
EA
Julia has been part of the DCS team since 2024 and loves building relationships with students and being part of a school where prayer is woven into everyday life.
She enjoyed cheering on students during the EduDeo Run.
Outside of school, Julia enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband and their four children. Her family has loved settling into their country home in Canborough after growing up in Burlington and Oakville.
Anne Thiessen,
EA
Anne is in her fourth year at DCS and loves the unity and support among the staff, as well as the growing connections she builds with students throughout the year.
Her favourite school event is the Christmas Program.
Anne and her husband, Robert, have two married children and one grandchild. She was born in the U.S. and raised in Honduras, she later spent 30 years serving in southern Mexico before becoming a Canadian citizen. Anne enjoys reading, writing, and hiking in her free time.
One of her favourite scripture verses is John 17:21 — a beautiful reminder of Christ’s desire for unity.
Stephanie Guenther,
EA
Stephanie
Morgan VanderHout,
EA
Morgan joined the DCS team in 2025 and works as an Educational Assistant in the Grade 7/8 class.
She loves connecting with students — supporting their learning while also taking time to get to know them personally.
Her favourite DCS events include Field Day, Fun in the Sun, and the Grade 7/8 Toronto trip.
Outside of school, Morgan enjoys playing volleyball and soccer, collecting trading cards, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.
Her favourite scripture is Psalm 121:1–2, a reminder that her help comes from the Lord.
Julie Wierenga,
EA
Julie has been part of the DCS team since 2012, though her connection goes back to her own days as a DCS student.
She loves helping students discover their strengths and work through challenges.
Her favourite DCS event is the Easter Assembly.
Outside of school, she enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with her husband Kevin and their daughter, Paisley.
Julie’s favourite verse is 1 John 3:1, celebrating God’s great love for His children.
Support staff
Our support staff work faithfully behind the scenes to keep DCS safe, welcoming, and running smoothly every day.
Transportation
Our bus drivers faithfully transport students to and from school each day. Their diligence and care ensure every child arrives safely and on time.
We are thankful for the important role they play in supporting our school community.
Custodians
Our cleaning staff cheerfully and carefully maintain our school each day. Their attention to detail keeps every space fresh, safe, and ready for students to learn.
We are truly grateful for the work they do behind the scenes to keep DCS shining.
Jeannette Horinga
Bookkeeper & Treasurer
Jeannette has been the Dunnville Christian School Treasurer since 1996 and the Bookkeeper since 2006.
She and her husband Sid have three sons, all of whom are graduates of DCS and Smithville Christian High School.
Jeannette is a graduate of DCS herself and feels very blessed that their children and now grandchildren are able to attend this school as well.
OCT – Ontario College of Teachers | CSTC – Christian School Teacher Certificate | EA – Educational Assistant