Staff
Meet the dedicated team of educators and staff who make our school a place of growth, care, and excellence.
Nathan Kok
I am the principal here at TCS. I enjoy being part of a growing and vibrant school community that focuses on excellence and faithfulness. TCS is a school that works with home and church to provide an education with God as our centre.
I moved here from Ontario with my wife, Luanne, and our six children. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my family.
My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:6 - “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Principal
Ashley Vanspronsen
I have the privilege of teaching Kindergarten, a couple of high school courses, as well as serving as the vice-principal for TCS. I've taught everything from Grade 1 to Grade 7 at John Calvin Christian School in Chilliwack. I was able to complete my Masters of Education in 2020 from Dordt College in Iowa specializing in curriculum design. I love finding ways to bring the curriculum alive for my students and ultimately to point them to our amazing Creator! In my spare time, I love reading books, trying new recipes and traveling! I take a cooking class in every country I travel to, so I'm always trying out new recipes at home.
My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 18:2 - “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Vice-principal/Kindergarten
Denise Slagter
I am the office administrator here at TCS. Having been a graphic designer for the last 20+ years, I'm no stranger to poring over my computer and the spirited busyness found in an office environment.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing creative things, going for walks with my dog Stella, weekend outings with our family and scouring the planet for thrifting treasures!
It's hard to pick just one, but a favorite verse of mine is Lamentations 3:22-23 - “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Office Administrator
Daniel Howe
I have the pleasure of being the Grade 5/6 teacher at TCS this year! I've always had a passion for teaching young minds - their curiosity and joy for life really encourages me to bring my best and help them grow in Christ as well as in their academics.
My biggest hobbies include music and running recreationally. When my knees allow it, I really enjoy getting outside for a run – it helps me clear my head and is a nice quiet time for me to connect with God.
My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38–39 - “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Grade 5 & 6
Jana Venter
I have the privilege of being the Grade 1/2 teacher at TCS. Teaching since 2018, I have experience educating Grade 1 and Grade 3 back in South Africa. I had wanted to become a Grade 1 teacher for as long as I can remember. It is a great blessing to teach little minds and live out my dream every day!
When I'm not busy teaching or doing school work, I love to bake and read. My favourite color is blue and I love sunflowers!
My favourite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’"
Grade 1 & 2
Eunice de Groot
I teach Grades 3/4 and Art for Grades 7-10 at TCS. I began teaching here in 2010 when my daughter started Kindergarten here! I studied Art & Art History at the University of Saskatchewan, and then studied Secondary Education at University of Calgary. I really enjoy working with the staff and the students alike!
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’"
Art/Grade 3 & 4
Karina Nickle
I am the Grade 7/8 teacher at TCS. I had the opportunity to teach swimming in Ontario, English in South Korea before coming to TCS in 2012. I am thankful for the opportunity to use my gifts and excited to see what God has in store for our school.
Growing up in Ontario, I loved swimming, kayaking, hiking, singing, and reading. I am happy to continue pursuing these passions here in Alberta.
My favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:17 - “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Grade 7 & 8
Ryan Gritter
I have been teaching at TCS since 2021. My course load has been primarily in Grades 9-12, teaching various courses from Social Studies to Mathematics for those grade levels.
A little more about me: I grew up in Winnipeg, MB and attended the University of Winnipeg for my post-secondary education. Away from teaching I enjoy reading, hunting, and making pizza.
My favourite Bible text is Psalm 121:7-8 - “The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Grade 9 - 12
Michael Teitsma
I teach High School English, Social Studies, Religious Studies, Biology & some Phys. Ed. I enjoy going for hikes and playing sports.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4-7 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Grade 9 - 12
Teresa Bennik
I am the Student Services Director for Grades 9-12 at TCS. I also have the privilege of running the music program for Kindergarten through Grade 10. I love the diversity of my job which takes me through every classroom, from elementary to high school. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing piano and reading a good book!
One of my favorite Bible verses comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
EA
Riley Ludwig-Mans
Known by the kiddos as Ms. Ludwig, I started at TCS as an Educational Assistant and am now the Learning Assistance Coordinator. I absolutely love working with small learning groups and helping students realize their full potential as children of God. In my spare time, you can usually find me curled up with a good book and my cat or playing tabletop RPGs with my husband and our families!
My favourite Bible verse is Proverbs 12:25 - “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Learning Assistance Coordinator
Annette Boes
I am an Educational Assistant and have been at TCS since 2022. I love helping students learn!
I love and enjoy my family, gardening, camping, hiking, and cuddling my grandchildren.
One of my favourite Bible verses is Lamentations 3:22-23 - “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
EA