Meet our Staff

Meet Our Staff:

Brenda Heintz - Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Text Box: I am so blessed to be able to work here at St. Michael Lutheran School. In the past, I had the privilege of working for 9 years for Portage Public Schools. I taught in the PPI classroom (now known as the ECDD classroom) and later was privileged to job share in a second grade classroom at Central Elementary. I love teaching children but even more I love teaching children about Jesus. I consider it pure joy to be here at St. Michael and wouldn't trade it for any other job! This is truly my niche. Outside of school, I enjoy the company of my family. My husband Matt and I have been married for 15 years. We live in the Portage area with our four children, all who attend St. Michael so mom gets to keep an eye on them! I love to travel, run, and laugh, especially with children. I thank God for the gift that St. Michael is to me. Through that gift, I hope to bless others for Him. To God be the glory!

Brenda (right) joined our team fall 2003.

Sandy (left) joined our team fall 2005.

Sandy Brown - Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Assistant

Text Box: Hello, I’m Mrs. Brown. My nickname is Mrs. Brownie. I am also known as the teacher that wears the silly socks. I am a Christian woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a loyal friend. My first job is to be a loving and caring mother and wife. My second job is to be a loving and caring preschool assistant at St. Michael Lutheran School. Our family has been coming to St. Michael Lutheran School for 5 years, and I have been a preschool assistant for 5 years. Both our children our daughter, a third grader, and our son, a kindergartener attend SMLS. My husband, Mr. Brown works in Three Rivers where we live. Our family has been truly blessed by this nurturing and faith based school. I am thrilled to work here and be a part of your child’s life. I pray your family will experience the blessing of St. Michael. Your friend in Christ, Mrs. Brown, (Brownie)

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory throughout all generations, forever and ever, amen! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in sight of God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your won understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:3-6)

Andrea joined our team

fall 2007

Andrea Scheffers: Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Text Box: I have lived in Kalamazoo my whole life! I have a very supportive family including my parents, John and Elaine, my brother, Derek, and my boyfriend, Andrew. I went to Western Michigan University where I recently graduated with an elementary teaching degree. Since graduating I have been employed by Portage Public Schools as a Paraprofessional in various grade levels, substitute teaching and tutoring. I have also volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School director, and a Big Sister through the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Kalamazoo. I love to spend time with friends and go camping with family. Christ is at the center of my life, and I am a member at Third Reformed Church. I love being around children, and cherish this opportunity to teach here at St. Michael’s.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

AnnMarie joined our team fall 2006

AnnMarie Miller: Preschool/Childcare Director

Text Box: I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with the Christ for Kids/SMLS team of educators! I have been working in the field of education since 1999. In May 2009 I completed a Masters of Education degree from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction Design. My husband, son and I have lived in Kalamazoo since 2001 where we are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. I give praise and thanks to our Lord for the opportunity to learn and growth with the wonderful families of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School.

God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Dawn Heid: Connections Teacher; DK Assistant

Text Box: I grew up in Warren, MI (near Detroit) with my mom and dad and 2 brothers. Following High School, I attended Olivet Nazarene University where I earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. While there, I met my wonderful husband of 15 years, Ben. Our home is very loud, active but most of all fun, as we share it with our 3 precious boys: Sam (11), Nate (9) and Caleb (5). Since graduation from college, I have worked with children in a variety of capacities, including: teaching 5th grade at a Christian school, directing (and in one case starting up) 2 faith-based preschool/child care centers, and serving on staff at a church as the Children’s Ministries Director. Last year, I had the awesome opportunity to work in the 3 year old preschool program here at St. Michaels. I really enjoyed the experience and feel very blessed to be given the chance to teach Kindergarten Connections this year. My current favorite passage of scripture is found in the 25th chapter of Psalm. I trust that God will guide and lead me this year as I work with His children this school year.

Ruth joined our team winter 2008

Ruth Gill

Turn all your worried over to him. He cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Text Box: Hi, I’m Mrs. Harmelink-Julian. I went to St. Michaels Lutheran church since I was a little Kid, It’s great to see all the changes with the growth of the school and church. My family consists of my husband Brian, daughter Sarah, stepdaughter Amy and 2 stepsons Keith and Brad. I love to play volleyball and soccer and spend time with my family. My previous employment was in the hospitality industry for 15 years before joining St. Michael Christ for Kids. My schooling involved elementary education classes before switching to Business Management. I’m a lead teacher in the child care and have been here since winter of 2008. I’m honored and blessed to have the opportunity to teach your children developmentally and spirituality.

Lord, show me your ways. Teach me how to follow you. Guide me in your truth. Teach me. You are God my Savior. I put hope in you all day long. (Psalms 25: 4-5)

Cheryl joined our team winter 2008

Cheryl Harmelink-Julian: Childcare, Lead Teacher

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever (Psalm 100:3)

Text Box: Hello! My name is Tricha Germinder. I am a student at Western Michigan University studying Elementary Education as well as Early Childhood Education. I have been blessed to work at Christ For Kids Childcare and Preschool since the fall of 2006. I have been a preschool aid but currently serve as the lead teacher of the 4 & 5 year-old classroom in the childcare as well as the music teacher for all preschool, pre-K, and DK classes. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering for Girls Scout and remain very active in campus ministry. My parents and siblings reside in Battle Creek. Watching the youth of CFK grow and develop in Christ’s love continues to teach me about the miraculous work of the Lord; and for that I’m thankful every day.

Tricha joined our team fall of 2006

Tricha Germinder: Childcare, Lead Teacher

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)

Text Box: Hi, My name is Shannon Hogue. Our family has been members of this church for 7 ½ years. We love the growth of the school and church for our family. My husband Jesse is one of the board members and I have worked in child care for 1 ½ years. We have 2 kids Katie and Isaac. Katie is in preschool with Mrs. Heintz and Isaac is in first grade with Mrs. Schubert and they both love it here. My education consists of Elementary Education Degree at Western University and schooling at Ferris State University for Child Development. I’m so blessed to be here and have the opportunity to teach and grow spirituality with these children.

Shannon joined our team fall of 2008

Shannon Hogue: Childcare: Lead School Age Teacher

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Text Box: Hi, my name is Amy Julien. I went to UNC Pembroke for Speech Pathology and a minor in music performance. I’m very involved in my church teaching Sunday school and team youth group. I’m also involved in the Praise team and Women’s ministry. I have 2 brothers and come from a very large family. My outside activities involve volleyball, reading and singing. I work in child care as a teachers aide and help in the office. I love being around children and thankful for the opportunity to work at Christ for Kids.

Amy joined our team spring of 2009

Amy Julien: Childcare Assistant

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

Text Box: Hi, my name is Kristen Senholtz, I went to KVCC for child development taking classes for preschool and childcare. I’ve worked in the childcare field for 12 years as an aide, teacher, management and coordinator. In addition to my education I’m also a certified dental assistant. In my spare time I like crafting, fishing, camping and being outside in the warm weather. I’m very involved in my church working in the nursery. I’m a teacher’s aide in the child care and love being involved with your children. I love working with kids and being part of Christ For Kids.

Kris joined our team fall of 2009

Kris Senholtz: Childcare Assistant

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)