PRINCIPAL

anoakes@covenantchristian.school

Being a part of the Covenant Christian family is a true blessing. I have never "worked" in a place where everyone feels like family. My favorite part of the week is Monday mornings when the whole school gathers for chapel. It brings me to tears when I hear the students singing and praising our God!

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, to work alongside children to help support them in their educational development. Prior to coming to Covenant in 2019, I taught for 13 years in various roles: 1st grade, 4th grade and Intervention Specialist working with students K-6th.

I attended Indiana University for my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, IUSB for my Master's in Education and Bethel College for my Master's in Administration. I enjoy learning which is very fitting that I cannot leave the school environment!

My husband and I have two beautiful daughters. We spend most of our time playing and watching sports. We attend New Life Church.

As a mother, I know and understand that you are sending us your most prized possession. It is my goal for you and them to know how much they are cared for, how valuable they are as a person and push them to their full potential academically and spiritually!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

dwilson@covenantchristian.school

This is my third year at Covenant Christian School as the Administrative Assistant and I'm so happy to be here! I have a great deal of experience being involved in my children's schools over the years and have found that CCS has the most welcoming and positive atmosphere.

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND ASSESSMENT, MIDDLE SCHOOL IMMERSION TEACHER

scastro@covenantchristian.school

I have worked in many different roles in education over the last 20 years in both the public and private sector. I can honestly say that Covenant has been the best school to work for. I love being able to share my passion for Spanish with the Middle School students as well as the younger ones. The students are really a joy to be with day in and day out. Being able to share Jesus openly in the classroom with my students is an added (big) bonus. The staff here really strive to live out CCS' mission statement in the classroom as well as their personal lives. I am honored to work alongside them.

FINANACE OPERATIONS MANAGER

ghaller@covenantchristian.school

As a CCS graduate, I have loved being able to come back in this environment. I love getting to spend time with staff that feel like family. As well as getting to know each CCS family! I am excited for all of the growth that is taking place here at Covenant!

FUNDRAISING & ADVANCEMENT MANAGER

cfreddoso@covenantchristian.school

Covenant Christian School is a place like none other. It is a joy to be a part of our staff, and to share about everything we’re doing with the community at large! The love of our teachers for our students and one another resembles a family more than a school, and our commitment to upholding biblical values and principles ensures parents can feel safe that the environment they’re fostering at home is supported in the classroom.

CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

sberlin@covenantchristian.school

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

jpotts@covenantchristian.school

When the door opened for me to be part of the CCS team, I did not realize how much I would treasure being able to share my fondness for early childhood and love for Jesus at the same time within the classroom setting. Preschool children are curious, eager to learn, and amazed by the simple things in life. There is always laughter and joy in a preschool classroom and I am blessed to be able to see the world through the eyes of a child on a day to day basis. It is wonderful to teach with a like-minded staff that supports your efforts, challenges you to be your best and is willing to pray when a need arises. I appreciate the support I have received from my principal, and other teachers, for my classroom and my teaching philosophy. I am very grateful to be part of such a wonderful school!

CLASSROOM AIDE

vhiser@covenantchristian.school

I count it as a blessing to be able to work with such great kids here at Covenant. I have always worked with children of all ages at various capacities and it stands to prove that when you pour into a child 's life ,we are advancing and equipping the saints for Kingdom service for Christ Jesus. I'm proud to say that I work for Covenant Christian School and I appreciate the warm environment of a family atmosphere that dwells in our school. I look forward to serving and teaching to the glory of God.

SPANISH PREK TEACHER

brodriguez@covenantchristian.school

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

kweaver@covenantchristian.school

I am thankful to have the opportunity to teach kindergarten and be the assistant cross country coach at Covenant this year. I attended Mishawaka High School and Purdue University. I began teaching in 2018. I have taught first grade, third grade, and now kindergarten. I already know that this is my favorite grade to teach! My husband and I have two dogs. We attend church at Vineyard. I spend most of my time outside of school playing with our dogs or reading. I am excited to see all of the growth my students make in academics, their faith, and their relationships with each other this year!

Building Aide

jtonkin@covenantchristian.school

This is my first year at Covenant and I am loving it. I've worked in my children's previous school as a teachers aid and/or building substitute for the past seven years. I'm enjoying getting to know all of the students and developing authentic relationships with them. Having the freedom to discuss the Lord throughout the day with them, brings my heart so much joy. The staff have welcomed me and my family here and we couldn't be happier. Covenant Christian is the school my family and I have been praying for.

KINDERGARTEN IMMERSION TEACHER

azeider@covenantchristian.school

Highlights:

I go to sleep every night with a smile on my face thinking of my day. I am so proud of my peers at CCS and the wonderful partnership we have with God and like-minded parents when it comes to faith. It has been a challenging year with changes always happening and we still pull through every time as a team, a family! I value the fact these parents have trusted me with the care and education of their children. Learning a second language could be intimidating for children, and their families as well. We are blessed with immersion teachers who are giving their all to prepare our students academically, spiritually, and emotionally with the incredible support from our office staff and a one-of-a-kind principal.

I love my job here and it has been so fun to get to know and teach a new group with 22 different and unique personalities!

SPANISH AIDE

kbastardo@covenantchristian.school

FIRST GRADE IMMERSION TEACHER

facevedo@covenantchristian.school

Proverbs 22:6

" Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it."

I'm delighted and blessed to be part of CCS and share my love for Jesus and education in the classroom.

As a native Spanish speaker, I am honored to promote cultural awareness embedded with academic excellence.

SPANISH REMEDIATION

cluna@covenantchristian.school

FIRST GRADE TEACHER

dmazzocato@covenantchristian.school

One chapter ends and another one begins. God has a plan for all of us and his plan for me was to begin a new first grade position at Covenant Christian School. The opportunity has finally come where I can combine my passion for teaching with my love for Jesus.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

SECOND GRADE IMMERSION TEACHER

lphipps@covenantchristian.school

At the beginning of the semester, I was really excited but scared. A new year, a new grade, I didn’t know what to expect. I am absolutely in love with 2nd grade. My students are always eager to learn new things. It’s amazing how students can talk and solve problems in Spanish at this young age. I am very surprised how my students can understand different dialects. My class is filled with curious and wonderful personalities. My favorite thing about my class is the desire that the students have to please God in every way. As a teacher, I am so happy that I can talk and incorporate God in all classes. I also love that our parents are willing to work and help us. In addition, I have always felt comfortable talking to our principal. She is always willing to hear and help us in any way possible. The staff is family, if any of us have a problem, we are always ready to help.

SECOND GRADE TEACHER

sbauer@covenantchristian.school

Working at Covenant Christian has changed my life dramatically. I am surrounded by like-minded Christians whose sole purpose is to give our students top notch education with God at the center of it all.

I am a Mishawaka High School Alumni (2009). During my Junior and Senior year, I was fortunate enough to attend Elkhart Area Career for Childcare and there I was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. During my college career I attended Ohio Northern University majoring in Elementary Education (minor in history).

Our hearts longed to be home so eventually we came back and I graduated in 2017 from Indiana University with my Elementary Education Degree. During my first 5 years teaching I was teaching in a local public school system.

A friend of mine from church introduced me to Covenant Christian through discussion about her kids attending. I am forever thankful for my friend that introduced me to this amazing school I call my 2nd home.

I wanted to share a bible verse that holds to my heart when I think about CCS:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2

THIRD GRADE TEACHER

pfreet@covenantchristian.school

I am excited to be able to be a part of the staff at Covenant Christian School. I am grateful that the Lord and school leadership has given this opportunity to me. The Covenant community has welcomed me and already made me feel like part of their family. I attended Bethel College (University) and received a B. A. in Bible and Ministry. In 2021, I completed the Transition to Teaching program at Bethel University.

I have been involved in various aspects of ministry from my teenage years on and have served as a lead pastor. Prior to coming to Covenant this year, I had taught Kindergarten and 2nd Grade. I am thrilled to be back at a Christian school where Christ is at the center of all that we do. Presenting a Biblical worldview in the classroom and curriculum truly does make a difference in the lives of students. I believe that the children and youth of this generation are longing for truth and purpose, which is found in Jesus Christ and Scripture. I believe that the Holy Spirit has made this a call and responsibility for the community here at CCS.

The Lord has blessed me with my beautiful wife Amber and daughter and three sons. He has also given me the joy of being grandpa to six wonderful grandbabies.

THIRD GRADE IMMERSION TEACHER

mcalderon@covenantchristian.school

It is a blessing in my life to work at Covenant Christian School! I feel welcomed and I’ve received a lot of support from the staff and parents who have also been very kind to me. I cannot fail to mention the principal, Mrs. Noakes, who has always been available when I’ve asked her for help or advice. My students are a special group of talented, active, and very independent students with whom we have been overcoming together every challenge that has been presented to us I n this teaching-learning process. To date, I can day “Thank you God for opening the doors of this school and giving me the opportunity to teach and learn from these wonderful children who bring life to my life every day and to surround myself with professional, respectful, and friendly people.”

FOURTH GRADE TEACHER

jstacy@covenantchristian.school

My favorite part of CCS is the leadership and the staff. We are definitely a family. We support each other and most importantly pray for each other. I love the Christian environment and influence. I also love how we get to integrate our Christian values in the classroom and curriculum. Our students know they are loved and that they can count on us to pray for them. I love how we get to come along beside them and guide them in learning more about their Christian faith.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE IMMERSION TEACHER

amagana@covenantchristian.school

What I love about Covenant Christian and the immersion program is that with all the fabulous teachers who have taught my now 4th/5th-grade classroom, have helped shape and influence their appreciation for the Hispanic culture and the traditions of other countries. I had the opportunity to do an informative unit on winter holidays around the world and the students wanted to learn about each other’s chosen holiday. At the 4th/5th grade level, I love how well they work together, their independence, and their willingness to help and learn the Spanish language. Angelica Zeider took on the role of being the point person for this year’s immersion program and I am so appreciative of her efforts to make sure this year has gone smoothly with what is needed to continue a great Spanish Immersion program. I also enjoy the companionship of the teachers at this school. I love how we are willing to go out of our way to help one another, giving pointers, and that we can rely on each other. I feel very fortunate to teach at a Christian school, such as this great school, because besides helping students grow their love for God, I also get to be a part of that learning alongside them. Thankful for our principal too, these past two years have been notable under wonderful leadership.

FIFTH GRADE TEACHER

mhorvath@covenantchristian.school

It has been a true blessing to teach 5th - 8th grade at Covenant Christian School. Each grade is so unique and wonderful in its own way. A highlight has been able to see these students mature over the school years and develop into amazing, young ladies and gentlemen. A teacher is known for impacting student lives' but I feel just the opposite, they all have impacted mine!

SIXTH GRADE TEACHER

ahenderson@covenantchristian.school

It is an honor and privilege to be here at Covenant Christian School. I love this mission I have been given by the Lord, to educate our young people. I enjoy working with all ages but middle school is my favorite and I am grateful for this opportunity to be in the environment at CCS.

Covenant Christian School is a school that cares for the whole student, mind, body and spirit. The staff at CCS are like family, and it is a joy to work alongside them in the body of Christ for the common goal of educating our students.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA/BIBLE TEACHER

rramos@covenantchristian.school

Teaching at Covenant has been the best teaching experience I have ever had. The supportive administration, dedicated parents, and helpful teachers are an amazing blessing in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach middle school students this year. This is such an important time in their lives, and I feel privileged to help guide them into the people they will become through their education. I am very passionate about challenging students to build their character as well as their academic understanding.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

tpost@covenantchristian.school

I grew up in Holland, Michigan, and received an education degree from Calvin University, with minors in math and English. I also was a member of the cross-country and track teams there. After spending many years moving around throughout the midwest, my family finally settled in South Bend in 2018. I never would have guessed that I would teach middle school math, but I have truly loved it. Being a part of the staff at Covenant, and forming relationships with the students has been a huge blessing to me. I have confidence that God placed me in this position to be a positive role model, mentor, teacher, coach, and even friend to my students. It's my desire to help provide an excellent education for the students at Covenant. And I am so thankful that my two children are part of the CCS family as well.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES / GYM TEACHER

bsturm@covenantchristian.school

CCS has a friendly Christian and a God centered atmosphere. The Leadership lead by example of "doing what they say and say what they do" (Servant Leadership). The Leadership fully supports and works tirelessly to better the faculty in their educational development. Students are respectful of authority and work hard to that endeavor. While using secular textbooks I have the latitude to teach, abet and mentor in a biblical manner to students. When leaving 'work' I feel as though I have made a difference to our future according to Proverbs 22:6: " Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

ART AND ELEMENTARY PE TEACHER

mbeutter@covenantchristian.school

It’s my first-year teaching at Covenant Christian and I am looking forward to a great year. The faculty, students, and families are wonderful here at Covenant Christian and I am excited to work with all of them.

MUSIC TEACHER

szylstra@covenantchristian.school

I have been involved with Covenant Christian School from the very beginning! When my kids were young I was a substitute, a preschool aide, and have served on the education committee for many years. My kids all graduated from Covenant several years ago. The education that they received here really prepared them for their high school and college experiences. The last several years I have also had the privilege of serving as the music teacher. As a music teacher, I want to provide them with a love for music by listening to and learning to play a variety of music through various avenues. I would love for all students to find a special place for music in their life. Music can be a powerful thing if you let it!

CLASSROOM AIDE/ BUILDING SUBSTITUTE

dboger@covenantchristian.school

REMEDIATION

jpetersen@covenantchristian.school

I thoroughly enjoy my position at CCS as the Remediation Instructor! I like the variety of working with students at all grade levels. Prior to joining the staff, I worked in Adult Education, and spent many years as an Intermediate Classroom Teacher. I'm very impressed with the faith and spiritual focus, curriculum, and dedication of all the staff. It's a blessing to be part of this special school!

REMEDIATION

tswart@covenantchristian.school

CUSTODIAN

mcruz@covenantchristian.school

MAINTENANCE

twilcox@covenantchristian.school