Elaine Obbink--Administrator
I grew up in a small rural town in Wisconsin. My Dad was a teacher. When I use to visit his classroom as a child I knew that teaching is what I wanted to do with my life.
I graduated from a Private Christian College –Dordt, in 1987. I taught 6th grade for one year while my husband Randy finished his degree in business.
We moved to Monroe in the summer of 1987, and I began teaching for Monroe Christian School in September. I earned a Master’s Degree from Western Washington in 1993.
In February of 1995, I was asked to be Principal of Monroe Christian School. In May of 1996, our daughter was born. The changes that have taken place over the last 20 years at MCS are amazing.
Over the years it has been inspiring and even humbling to see all of the parents, the students, and the teachers who have invested of themselves at MCS. Every family, child, and teacher has a different story to share.
For me it is a privilege to see God at work in His people. I am humbled that He has called me to serve His children at this time and in this place.
Laurie Willis--Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
My children have been attending Christian schools since preschool, and Monroe Christian School since 2003, and I am blessed to work in the same wonderful Christ-centered environment.
My training and experience allows me to support the administration, faculty, parents, and students of MCS. We have something rare and very special here – a staff who love Jesus and,
in conjunction with providing academic excellence, minister that godly love to the children and their families. I love being a part of this community!
Kristen Barron--Secretary/Scrip Coordinator
My family has been actively involved with MCS for over 10 years. Our daughters started attending in PreK and continued through 8th grade. As the girls moved on to full days at school,
I started working in the office. It was a 1-day-a-week job that gradually evolved into a full-time position. Life at MCS seems to work that way. It is ever evolving and changing. I love
that I wake up in the morning happy and excited to go to work (not many people can say that). So, now you will find me spending my days in the office, answering the phone (or giving you a call),
handing out band-aids and hugs, and a multitude of other responsibilities. My days are filled with frequent interruptions and it is never boring. I am so thankful to support our families
and work with a caring and talented staff at MCS.
Dorie Hughes--Kindergarten
I have been teaching since 1982. I joined the MCS staff in 1991 and have taught all grades, Preschool through 5th
except for 1st! I love Monroe Christian School, and the teachers, staff and parents are exceptional! My husband is
pastor of Echo Lake Community Church, and we have 4 children. They have all graduated from Monroe Christian School.
I love teaching Kindergarten because the children are so excited about learning at that age! They love coming to school
and soak in everything that is taught to them.
Sue Jansons--Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
I am blessed to teach Preschool and Pre-K at Monroe Christian School. I enjoy teaching 3- and 4-year-olds because they
are eager to learn and are so full of wonder about all of God’s creation. I am married and we have three children…all
girls. One graduated from Monroe Christian School and the other two currently attend. My husband is the Pastor of New
Hope Fellowship and also volunteer teaches here at MCS. We have lived here in Monroe since 1996. On our days off, we
love to do things as a family. Among our favorites are museums, the zoo, camping, biking, and visiting the many parks in our area.
Christl Haymond--Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
I am teach Preschool and Pre-K with Mrs. Jansons. I have worked here since September 2004. I live in Duvall, am married,
and have four children, all of whom have attended Monroe Christian School through 8th grade. What we love most about our
school is the Christ-centered environment and the dedicated, caring teachers.
Leanne Sytsma--1st Grade
I love teaching first grade! I am have been teaching at Monroe Christian School since 1989. Teaching at MCS is great
because God is at the center of every class and subject. Each day we have the privilege of worshipping our Creator.
I appreciate the sense of family and community here. I love teaching because children are so fun and bring me great joy.
My students make me laugh, and I get excited about the opportunity to encourage them to grow socially, academically,
and in a closer relationship with God. I enjoy the challenge of meeting the variety of needs each student has and
observing and celebrating the success they achieve.
Deanna Bailly--2nd Grade
I love teaching children! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of
Montana Western Campus. My first experience at MCS was as a mom and a T.A.P.P. (Teacher and Parent Participation) volunteer.
During that year, our family was able to experience and observe the quality education and sound Christian values that were
being shared with the children. As a member of the T.A.P.P. organization, I was able to make connections with our school
family and staff. I have since been blessed to be a part of the MCS teaching staff as of 2006. Second grade is an exciting
place to be! Each day is an adventure as we see God's truth while building on the skills introduced in 1st grade, working
hard to solidify those skills, and then preparing for 3rd grade. While we transition from subject to subject, day to day,
my joy comes from knowing that I have the privilege to share the hope and love of Jesus as we strive towards academic success.
Teri Thomas--3rd Grade
I started teaching in 1987, and I have been here at Monroe Christian School since 2003. I have taught Pre-K, third and
fourth grades. My family enjoys traveling and all sports. Both of my sons have attended Monroe Christian through 8th
grade. What I appreciate most about MCS is the unity among staff members, families, and students. I enjoy watching our
students grow spiritually, academically, and socially. I also appreciate the fact that all subjects are viewed through
a biblical perspective.
Betty Krygsheld (Ms. K)--4th Grade
I am excited to have been part of the Monroe Christian School teaching staff since 2003. Prior to teaching at MCS,
I spent 15 years teaching sixth grated at Lansing Christian School in Lansing, Illinois. Making the move to Washington
State meant moving to grade four, and it is a fun and challenging assignment. It is an awesome challenge to move
students further along in their reading skills, as we work on reading comprehension and higher-level thinking skills.
In fourth grade I have the privilege of watching students use the elementary math skills they have attained in lower
grades to work through long division, fractions, and 2-digit multiplication. Since one of the curriculum assignments
in fourth grade is studying Washington State, we take several field trips to experience the variety of Washington State.
What a privilege to be able to share God’s awesome creation with students!
Julie Wagner--5th Grade
I have been greatly blessed to be a teacher since 1993. I began my teaching career in the Issaquah School District, and
I received my Masters in Educational Technology before moving to Monroe. I found my home as an educator here at Monroe
Christian School in 2002. I have taught every grade from preschool to fifth grade and feel very passionate about the
children here. I love teaching 5th grade because I find this age group easy to relate to, and I enjoy showing them their
gifts and talents. I am inspired to hold students accountable for a high level of education as well nurture their
spiritual walk with God. I have a strong connection with the students, and our favorite topic to study is the Bible!
Jerrie Froelich--6th Grade Homeroom
Bible, English/Writing, Computer
I have been teaching since 1984. I spent four years as a missionary teacher in Haiti, have taught everything from 4th grade through
high school classes here in the states, and recently spent four years as the Pastor of Children and Families at Shoreline Free Methodist
Church. We have graduated two daughters from MCS. I am enjoying teaching Junior High Bible and writing – two of my personal passions.
One of my favorite things about MCS is that I love the way we embrace children right where they are and partner with parents to move
them forward in God’s plan.
Robin Lampers--7th Grade Homeroom
Literature, Social Studies, Art
I have been teaching at Monroe Christian School since 1997. I graduated in 1996 from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon.
I taught fourth grade for the first five years of my teaching career, and I am now happily teaching in the Junior High.
In the classroom and out of the classroom, I feel a responsibility to connect with the students on a personal level.
I enjoy hanging out with them and hearing their very unique view on events – both in the world and in their personal lives.
My favorite subject to teach is Social Studies. I love to help the students connect the dates and events of history with personal
stories; to help them realize that history happened to people very much like them. As a mother of two young children, I am excited to
see God work in their lives through Monroe Christian School.
Janel VanSomeren (Miss Van)--8th Grade Homeroom
Math, Science, P.E.
My name is Janel VanSomeren, known to my students as “Miss Van.” I teach math and science classes to our junior high students (6th-8th grade).
Mrs. Wagner and I teach P.E. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to our 5th -8th grade students. It has been my pleasure to be a member of the Monroe
Christian School staff since 1999. I was born and raised in the great state of Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River
Falls in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Science. My first three years of teaching were spent at Racine
Christian School in Racine, Wisconsin. My father was a high school science teacher and taught me, by example, what it takes to be a great educator.
I encourage my students to push themselves to do better and to not settle for an attitude of “that’s good enough.” I want my students to use the gifts
and talents God has blessed them with to not only achieve academic success, but to also further the work of God’s kingdom.
Esther Hill--Music
I have had the privilege of teaching as the Music Specialist at Monroe Christian School since 2005. I grew up loving music of all kinds; band and
choir in school, as well as playing instruments and singing in a church setting. I graduated from Multnomah University in Portland with a degree
in Biblical Education and Music. My family moved to Monroe in 2002 when my husband took the position of Pastor at the Foothills Foursquare.
As my position is part-time at MCS, I fill up my other days with teaching piano lessons, Bible Studies at church and raising our four children!
It has been exciting for me to teach all the different age groups at MCS, and pass along the love of music to this new generation.
Melissa Knapp--Special Education Teacher
I have been working with students at Monroe Christian since 2002, first as an educational therapist for the National Institute of Learning Development,
and more recently as a state-licensed special education teacher. My job is to give extra help to students that struggle with schoolwork, and I work with
students of all age levels in all academic areas. My goal for the students that I work with is for them to become confident, successful, and independent
learners. It is an honor to be able to serve God’s children in this manner, a way to give back for the education and edification that my three sons received here.
I grew up in a small rural town in Wisconsin. My Dad was a teacher. When I use to visit his classroom as a child I knew that teaching is what I wanted to do with my life.
I graduated from a Private Christian College –Dordt, in 1987. I taught 6th grade for one year while my husband Randy finished his degree in business.
We moved to Monroe in the summer of 1987, and I began teaching for Monroe Christian School in September. I earned a Master’s Degree from Western Washington in 1993.
In February of 1995, I was asked to be Principal of Monroe Christian School. In May of 1996, our daughter was born. The changes that have taken place over the last 20 years at MCS are amazing.
Over the years it has been inspiring and even humbling to see all of the parents, the students, and the teachers who have invested of themselves at MCS. Every family, child, and teacher has a different story to share.
For me it is a privilege to see God at work in His people. I am humbled that He has called me to serve His children at this time and in this place.
My children have been attending Christian schools since preschool, and Monroe Christian School since 2003, and I am blessed to work in the same wonderful Christ-centered environment.
My training and experience allows me to support the administration, faculty, parents, and students of MCS. We have something rare and very special here – a staff who love Jesus and,
in conjunction with providing academic excellence, minister that godly love to the children and their families. I love being a part of this community!
My family has been actively involved with MCS for over 10 years. Our daughters started attending in PreK and continued through 8th grade. As the girls moved on to full days at school,
I started working in the office. It was a 1-day-a-week job that gradually evolved into a full-time position. Life at MCS seems to work that way. It is ever evolving and changing. I love
that I wake up in the morning happy and excited to go to work (not many people can say that). So, now you will find me spending my days in the office, answering the phone (or giving you a call),
handing out band-aids and hugs, and a multitude of other responsibilities. My days are filled with frequent interruptions and it is never boring. I am so thankful to support our families
and work with a caring and talented staff at MCS.
I have been teaching since 1982. I joined the MCS staff in 1991 and have taught all grades, Preschool through 5th
except for 1st! I love Monroe Christian School, and the teachers, staff and parents are exceptional! My husband is
pastor of Echo Lake Community Church, and we have 4 children. They have all graduated from Monroe Christian School.
I love teaching Kindergarten because the children are so excited about learning at that age! They love coming to school
and soak in everything that is taught to them.
I am blessed to teach Preschool and Pre-K at Monroe Christian School. I enjoy teaching 3- and 4-year-olds because they
are eager to learn and are so full of wonder about all of God’s creation. I am married and we have three children…all
girls. One graduated from Monroe Christian School and the other two currently attend. My husband is the Pastor of New
Hope Fellowship and also volunteer teaches here at MCS. We have lived here in Monroe since 1996. On our days off, we
love to do things as a family. Among our favorites are museums, the zoo, camping, biking, and visiting the many parks in our area.
I am teach Preschool and Pre-K with Mrs. Jansons. I have worked here since September 2004. I live in Duvall, am married,
and have four children, all of whom have attended Monroe Christian School through 8th grade. What we love most about our
school is the Christ-centered environment and the dedicated, caring teachers.
I love teaching first grade! I am have been teaching at Monroe Christian School since 1989. Teaching at MCS is great
because God is at the center of every class and subject. Each day we have the privilege of worshipping our Creator.
I appreciate the sense of family and community here. I love teaching because children are so fun and bring me great joy.
My students make me laugh, and I get excited about the opportunity to encourage them to grow socially, academically,
and in a closer relationship with God. I enjoy the challenge of meeting the variety of needs each student has and
observing and celebrating the success they achieve.
I love teaching children! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of
Montana Western Campus. My first experience at MCS was as a mom and a T.A.P.P. (Teacher and Parent Participation) volunteer.
During that year, our family was able to experience and observe the quality education and sound Christian values that were
being shared with the children. As a member of the T.A.P.P. organization, I was able to make connections with our school
family and staff. I have since been blessed to be a part of the MCS teaching staff as of 2006. Second grade is an exciting
place to be! Each day is an adventure as we see God's truth while building on the skills introduced in 1st grade, working
hard to solidify those skills, and then preparing for 3rd grade. While we transition from subject to subject, day to day,
my joy comes from knowing that I have the privilege to share the hope and love of Jesus as we strive towards academic success.
I started teaching in 1987, and I have been here at Monroe Christian School since 2003. I have taught Pre-K, third and
fourth grades. My family enjoys traveling and all sports. Both of my sons have attended Monroe Christian through 8th
grade. What I appreciate most about MCS is the unity among staff members, families, and students. I enjoy watching our
students grow spiritually, academically, and socially. I also appreciate the fact that all subjects are viewed through
a biblical perspective.
I am excited to have been part of the Monroe Christian School teaching staff since 2003. Prior to teaching at MCS,
I spent 15 years teaching sixth grated at Lansing Christian School in Lansing, Illinois. Making the move to Washington
State meant moving to grade four, and it is a fun and challenging assignment. It is an awesome challenge to move
students further along in their reading skills, as we work on reading comprehension and higher-level thinking skills.
In fourth grade I have the privilege of watching students use the elementary math skills they have attained in lower
grades to work through long division, fractions, and 2-digit multiplication. Since one of the curriculum assignments
in fourth grade is studying Washington State, we take several field trips to experience the variety of Washington State.
What a privilege to be able to share God’s awesome creation with students!
I have been greatly blessed to be a teacher since 1993. I began my teaching career in the Issaquah School District, and
I received my Masters in Educational Technology before moving to Monroe. I found my home as an educator here at Monroe
Christian School in 2002. I have taught every grade from preschool to fifth grade and feel very passionate about the
children here. I love teaching 5th grade because I find this age group easy to relate to, and I enjoy showing them their
gifts and talents. I am inspired to hold students accountable for a high level of education as well nurture their
spiritual walk with God. I have a strong connection with the students, and our favorite topic to study is the Bible!
I have been teaching since 1984. I spent four years as a missionary teacher in Haiti, have taught everything from 4th grade through
high school classes here in the states, and recently spent four years as the Pastor of Children and Families at Shoreline Free Methodist
Church. We have graduated two daughters from MCS. I am enjoying teaching Junior High Bible and writing – two of my personal passions.
One of my favorite things about MCS is that I love the way we embrace children right where they are and partner with parents to move
them forward in God’s plan.
I have been teaching at Monroe Christian School since 1997. I graduated in 1996 from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon.
I taught fourth grade for the first five years of my teaching career, and I am now happily teaching in the Junior High.
In the classroom and out of the classroom, I feel a responsibility to connect with the students on a personal level.
I enjoy hanging out with them and hearing their very unique view on events – both in the world and in their personal lives.
My favorite subject to teach is Social Studies. I love to help the students connect the dates and events of history with personal
stories; to help them realize that history happened to people very much like them. As a mother of two young children, I am excited to
see God work in their lives through Monroe Christian School.
My name is Janel VanSomeren, known to my students as “Miss Van.” I teach math and science classes to our junior high students (6th-8th grade).
Mrs. Wagner and I teach P.E. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to our 5th -8th grade students. It has been my pleasure to be a member of the Monroe
Christian School staff since 1999. I was born and raised in the great state of Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River
Falls in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Science. My first three years of teaching were spent at Racine
Christian School in Racine, Wisconsin. My father was a high school science teacher and taught me, by example, what it takes to be a great educator.
I encourage my students to push themselves to do better and to not settle for an attitude of “that’s good enough.” I want my students to use the gifts
and talents God has blessed them with to not only achieve academic success, but to also further the work of God’s kingdom.
I have had the privilege of teaching as the Music Specialist at Monroe Christian School since 2005. I grew up loving music of all kinds; band and
choir in school, as well as playing instruments and singing in a church setting. I graduated from Multnomah University in Portland with a degree
in Biblical Education and Music. My family moved to Monroe in 2002 when my husband took the position of Pastor at the Foothills Foursquare.
As my position is part-time at MCS, I fill up my other days with teaching piano lessons, Bible Studies at church and raising our four children!
It has been exciting for me to teach all the different age groups at MCS, and pass along the love of music to this new generation.
I have been working with students at Monroe Christian since 2002, first as an educational therapist for the National Institute of Learning Development,
and more recently as a state-licensed special education teacher. My job is to give extra help to students that struggle with schoolwork, and I work with
students of all age levels in all academic areas. My goal for the students that I work with is for them to become confident, successful, and independent
learners. It is an honor to be able to serve God’s children in this manner, a way to give back for the education and edification that my three sons received here.