Diversity Task Force

I was born again around 2002 when I truly accepted the truth of the Gospel and read through the Bible for the first time. I was also baptized a couple of years later at Plainfield Christian Church. I continue to grow in my faith and I have “no greater joy than to see my children walk in the truth.” My wife, Kim (’96 Calvin Christian), and I have been blessed with four boys: Devyn ’23, Korbyn ’25, Tristyn ’27, and Zaidyn ’30.

Professionally, I serve as the Director of School Improvement at the Ottawa Area ISD and served previously as an elementary principal, curriculum director, high school teacher, chief bargainer, and athletic coach. I also have a PhD in educational leadership. I was humbly overwhelmed by how GOD directed my path to join the wonderful educators at Holland Christian.

I am blessed to be part of Holland Christian and teach English and support teachers in faith integration, instruction, and curriculum. I graduated from Cornerstone University in 2006 with a degree in English Education. I have an M.A. in Reading from Spring Arbor University and an M.A. in School Leadership from Dordt University. Previously, I served at Lansing Christian School as an English teacher and principal. My wife, Mary, and I have two children who both attend Holland Christian Schools. I am thankful for the compelling vision, inspiring staff, and hospitable community of Holland Christian. Most of all, I am grateful for God’s grace and for the opportunity to invite students to further His kingdom in all we say and do.

I graduated from Calvin in 2005 and taught Bible at Ontario Christian Middle School until 2009. I then pursued graduate studies in Jerusalem, Israel, at both Jerusalem University College and at the Hebrew University with a focus on Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Modern Hebrew. I joined the Holland Christian faculty in 2014 and teach Bible and Hebrew Language. My wife Laura and I have four daughters. We are active members at Maple Ave. Ministries here in Holland and believe deeply in its vision to be centered in Christ, called to the core city, and committed to becoming a multi-cultural community of reconciliation. I am excited to be teaching at a place like Holland Christian that values the study of the Bible and its call for social responsibility in our lives and the world around us.

I am currently the Director of the High School Immersion Programs (Spanish & Mandarin) and the International Student Coordinator. In addition, I facilitate Holland Christian’s Calling All Colors group at the High School. I am also a Holland Christian alumni and parent. I graduated from North Park University with a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and Creative Writing and received my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota with a certificate in Dual Language and Immersion Education. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I moved to Costa Rica, where I met and married my husband, Andrés. While in Costa Rica, I founded and directed Escuela Cristiana El Puente, a bilingual Christian school and I am the current president of the school’s non-profit, Bridges Between Us. In 2016, after living in Costa Rica for ten years, I moved back to West Michigan with my family (my husband and three young boys). Studying at North Park University helped me better understand how an educational institution can intentionally create an environment that promotes equity and equips students to develop cross cultural competencies. I am excited to serve on this task force alongside others who are passionate about Holland Christian and issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

My background education is a B.A. in History and Social Studies, and a M.A. in Literacy. I am the 8th grade English teacher at Holland Christian Middle School with 16 years of teaching experience. The work of this task force is important as we consider how to honor diversity within middle grade and young adult literature, within both characters and authors. Books should be windows and mirrors to all students, and one of my goals as an English teacher is to help students encounter multiple stories from many perspectives.

A Holland Christian alum, I continued my education at Grand Valley State University where I obtained a B.A. in social sciences/psychology, elementary education minor, K-8 reading specialist endorsement and a master’s in reading instruction/literacy studies. After 18 years of teaching in public education, I joined the HC staff in 2013. I currently serve as Holland Christian’s preK-12 Director of Learning. My husband, Greg, and I have two daughters, Madelyn and Elise. In our downtime we enjoy hiking. With each new role throughout my career, the Lord has amplified my passion for academic excellence in Christian education.

I am a 2005 Hope College graduate who found my passion for Spanish through my family and culture. I come from a Mexican and Puerto Rican family. I have been married for 10 years and have two wonderful boys, three and six years old. I enjoy reading and drinking coffee with good friends. My husband and I are passionate about helping grow churches and leaders for Christ. I have participated and have lead children’s church, hospitality and worship with creative arts.

I am excited to be part of Holland Christian Schools. In my position this year as the Coordinator for our Spanish Immersion program, I hope to be able to connect with many of the families at Rose Park. And in my role as Pine Ridge principal, I look forward to meeting all the families at Pine Ridge!

What a privilege it is to introduce myself as the 3s Spanish Immersion Preschool Teacher. My name is Abi Rodriguez, a Holland native whose heart is deeply rooted in the Latino community. As a daughter of migrant parents I grew up in both Michigan and Texas. Living a multicultural lifestyle by moving back and forth every year until I was in high school; this granted me the knowledge to appreciate both my Latino background and my non-diverse community, and how my identity was important in both. My husband Ruben and I, along with our three daughters Blair, Lorelai, and Guinevere live our lives as bridge builders. We believe that building bridges to fill the gaps between communities is an important task God has set for our family. We are kingdom focused and believe in unity. It is an honor to teach in the same program that my own children are a part of. The Spanish Immersion program at Rose Park is dedicated to not only providing an all-Spanish learning experience but also a cultural one. One that helps children have a deeper understanding of a community outside of their own, paving the way for mini bridge builders; and I have the privilege of being the introduction to such a wonderful way of learning. I am deeply committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a successful lifetime of learning, in both Spanish and cultural experiences.

My name is Andrew J. Caballero and I am a Holland Christian Alumni, HC Parent and a member of Park CRC. Through my faithful service as a U.S. Army aviator I have spent many years deployed abroad, and by the grace of God I have returned home to Holland. I am a graduate of the University of North Dakota and I have a professional background in aerospace, music, and the performing arts.

Based on my experience at Holland Christian, and the Way of the Lord, I am dedicated to being a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the weak, and an ally to all of God’s creations. I am very blessed and humbled to able to serve others again as a member of the Diversity Task Force as part of the Cultivation and Recruitment of Diverse Candidates.

I most recently served as Chief Sensor Operator for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated, and I am currently writing and recording music for Shadowhaus Productions. I also enthusiastically serve as a member of the Park CRC Praise Team and as an instructor for the Park Music Academy. I am a practitioner of Kenjutsu have three talented fencing students as sons: Vincent, Dominic, and Maximilian.

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” ~Ephesians 6:19-20

I am honored to join this committee. My hope is that I bring unique perspective and experience to this really exciting and important work. The perspective of a parent whose children have attend Holland Christian since pre-school, and the perspective of an HR professional who has worked for Fortune 100 Companies for more than 20 years.

Professionally, I suspect most of you are familiar with the company I work for or at least know our jingle: I have worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance for the past 18 years in a variety of Human Resource and Talent roles. In my current role I serve as a Sr Talent Advisor for our Product, Finance and Actuarial organizations with over 5000 employees around the globe. In this role I am tasked with creating and executing talent strategies that help us achieve our business objectives. Our talented employees are at the center of all we do, and as an organization we recognize that we will not attract and retain the best talent without being diverse and inclusive.  My point being, diversity, equity and inclusion are front and center in all of my work.

Personally, my wife, Carla, and I moved to Holland 14 years ago from Chicago. Having grown up in Grand Rapids, attended and then taught at Christian schools, my wife knew of and thought very highly of Holland Christian. That knowledge, those ties, and a shared commitment to Christian education made Holland Christian a clear choice for our children’s education–a choice that has been affirmed year after year.  Not everyone in our community has those ties to Holland Christian. I look forward to helping make those connections as well as extolling the many benefits of a Christ centered education. All with the end goal of welcoming all to a diverse, inclusive, and loving environment.

Bio coming soon!

I have the joy of serving as the Director of Faith Formation at Holland Christian. I am an undeserving recipient of the grace and love of Jesus, and it is my passion and privilege to share that grace and love with HC students K-12!

My wife and I are overjoyed (and overwhelmed!) to be the parents of four little girls, who remind us daily not to take ourselves too seriously. I graduated from Hope College in 2011 with a degree in English education and religion, and have been a huge Holland Christian fan ever since having the opportunity to student teach here years ago. It is now an honor to be part of such a wonderful team of dedicated educators.

I am a grateful alumni of Holland Christian Schools who went on to graduate from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities, as well as an emphasis in math and science. Subsequently I earned a masters degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University.

My husband, TJ, is also a teacher. Together we have been blessed to raise three children, all of whom attend Holland Christian Schools. My husband and I both deeply value the mentorship and impact the teachers and staff at Holland Christian foster in each of our children.

It gives me great joy to serve God by welcoming all children into the learning spaces and classrooms at Rose Park and Forest School. I count it a true joy to witness God working among His people raising up the newest generation of Kingdom Bringers. It is my daily prayer that God would bless the work of our hands and hearts as we equip the minds of our children and nurture their tender hearts that they might take up their calling to transform our world for Jesus Christ.

I attended Hudsonville Christian, Unity Christian, and Trinity Christian College. I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts, with a concentration in Graphic Design and Photography, along with a minor in Art History. I joined the art world after College and with dedication, faith and passion, became an Art Director, for a Grand Rapids publishing firm.

In 2021, God redirected my career path and lead me through the doors of Holland Christian. Christian education houses a special place in my heart and it is a goal of mine, to be a positive impact in this world, for the Kingdom of God.

I have been married to my husband, Andrew, for almost 10 years. We have two children, Cullen (4) and Ryleigh (1). We enjoy hobby farming, gardening, hunting, camping and time with family.

After 18 years of -40° winters and “You Betcha!”, I moved from Anoka, Minnesota to Michigan to attend Calvin College, where I earned a B.A. in English and Education and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. After Calvin College, my wife, Sarah, and I married and moved to the D.R. to teach at Santiago Christian School together. From there, we moved back to Michigan to serve at The Potter’s House.

Sarah and I have two children, Malachi and Aaliyah, and are delighted to welcome our third child in late September. God has established such a rich history to build upon at HC and a beautiful mission of forming faithful disciples of Jesus who may effect positive change in the Kingdom of God. I am so thankful to be serving in this square inch of the Garden alongside this amazing HC staff.

I met Jesus for the first time when I was 16 year old. As a young and new believer, I was invited to attend Holland Christian. Not only was this a new step in my faith, it also was a new step into a totally different culture for my junior year. The Lord has not been hesitant to immerse me in diverse contexts both theologically and culturally since that season in my life.

Now that I’ve come back to Holland Christian to teach Bible, my desire to use these different experiences has grown. Diversity is one of God’s many gifts to the World, and it is an eternal project. I’m grateful to be apart of this team with so many gifted men and women who love Jesus. It is an honor to be apart of something that’s bigger than myself. May His reign be extended across the World!

I work as a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategist, advisor, author, consultant, thought leader and practitioner. With more than a decade of experience leading DEI in multiple industries across the U.S., which include for-profit, public and non- for-profit sectors, I have developed extensive expertise in identifying, evaluating and mitigating risks and opportunities as a business and community advisor to board and senior level management. I’ve also developed and consulted on leading DEI frameworks for high profile and global level projects.

Over the last decade, I have become known as a national speaker, consultant, professor and author on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. I co-authored Becoming Like Creoles: Living and Leading at the Intersections of Injustice, Culture and Religion (Fortress Press), and designed national partnerships and projects through Afrik Advantage LLC, a minority woman owned business, building cross sectors of communities, businesses and faith-based organizations, focused on the development of inclusive leaders and key strategic DEI priorities.

I earned my Masters of Science (MS), Management, Strategy and Leadership from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University (MSU), a Bachelor of Science Management (BSM) from Cornerstone University (CU), studied social work at Valparaiso University (VU) and hold the following multiple certifications: Cultural Intelligence (CQ) level I, II and Unconscious Bias (CQ) from the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Center. I am Board Certified from the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). I am also a certified National Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), endorsed by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the National Employment Counsel Association (NECA) and the National Association of Workforce Development (NAWDP). I hold a public leadership certification from Cornell University.

I am a co-founder of Women of Color Give, a philanthropy collective and grant-making fund at the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area for women of color and BIPOC leaders. I currently serve on the Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB) for Shape Corporation, the Racial Equity Steering Committee for Hope College, Talent2025 Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee and partner extensively with Be the Bridge (BTB), a national organization dedicated to racial reconciliation. I live in Holland, Michigan, represent as a Korean Adoptee, am married to a West African, and am raising three children. I enjoy international travel, philanthropy and origin stories. I am an HC graduate from the class of ’95.

I was born and raised in Downers Grove, Illinois. I attended Timothy Christian High School and then Trinity Christian College when I majored in psychology. I started my professional career as a case manager for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at a non for profit organization in 2003. I moved into an administrative role and oversaw the operations of adult day services. Additionally, I went on to obtain my masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University.

In 2011, my family and I moved to Holland where I accepted the position of Program Supervisor of Intellectual/Developmental Disability Services at Ottawa County Community Mental Health. I am currently serving in my fifth year as Educational Support Services Director. My husband, Jon, and I have two sons, Oliver and Coen, who both attend Holland Christian.

My name is Febe Gomez, and I am the elementary Spanish teacher at South Side and Pine Ridge. I was born and raised in Campeche, Mexico, and from a very young age, I had the desire to be a teacher. This desire, along with my own personal experiences motivated me to go back to school to pursue a degree in Education. In 2011, after many years of being a stay-at-home, I graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish education K-12. In 2016, I earned a scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame, where I earned a certificate in ELL instruction, and currently, I am working on my Masters Degree at Calvin University in Inclusive Education. I have always had a passion for working with children with diverse abilities, as well as engaging with communities from different backgrounds than my own. I have been blessed with opportunities to work in various educational settings: in a Catholic school, and public school, as well as at a non-profit, education-based agency. I believe that these experiences have allowed me to grow my vision for what inclusion and diversity means, and how we can continue to expand this work at Holland Christian. Personally, I value the work that Holland Christian has done in the education and lives of all three of my children, and currently, as a staff member, I see this as my chance to give back to this community. My desire is that the experiences I bring can be a small part of a larger effort to create a more diverse and inclusive school system for all students, families, and staff members.

I am the president of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) in Holland and a member of the Board of Trustees at Calvin College. I have travelled extensively both domestically and internationally, including trips to South Africa, France, New Mexico, Japan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. From 2000-2005, I was the conductor of the 200-voice Hope College Gospel Choir. I am the devoted husband of Maple Avenue Ministry’s dynamic lead pastor, Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier, the father of our two biological children, Gezelle and Chris, and a father and mentor to many more in our community.

I currently serve in the role of Human Resources as well as Title IX Coordinator at Holland Christian. Prior to my time here at HC, I had the privilege of working at a local Social Services Agency with children and families involved in the Child Welfare System. I received Bachelors Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, and later my Masters Degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University.

My husband, John, who works for a non-profit in Grand Rapids, and I have three children: our oldest son away at college, and our younger two daughters at South Side and Pine Ridge. It was through our very positive experience at Holland Christian as parents that I was drawn to working here, as I fell in love with who HC is, and who they are trying to be.

I am the pastor at Faith CRC and am also currently an adjunct professor at Calvin College. Previously I was a professor at Central College in Iowa, served in the Marines, and also taught in Israel. I and my wife, Jodi, are the parents of four children who attend Holland Christian and Zeeland Christian Schools. I am committed to diversity and having students think critically about a broad range of issues from a Christian perspective. I work to be a team player who, because of many diverse situations that I have experienced in my own life, enjoys discussing a variety of aspects to situations and brainstorming new possibilities. I value raising my children in a community of faith, understanding that all the world belongs to God. More specifically, I value Holland Christian as it appears to give students the tools to think critically about a broad range of issues rather than merely indoctrinating them with a set of beliefs and ideas. Good theology is critical, but, to me, a sound reasoning faith trusts and thinks about God in all situations.

I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University. I have taught in Michigan and the northern suburbs of Chicago. After teaching in an elementary classroom for 24 years, I found myself wanting to see, learn, and experience education outside of the classroom. The best part of working with admissions at HC is getting to know new families and helping them to understand who Holland Christian is and how we equip and nurture our students.

My husband, Erich, and I, along with our two sons moved to Saugatuck in 2015. In the summer, you can find us paddleboarding and golfing. Winter is all about finding the best snow for skiing. We love to travel and experience God’s great big world!

I am a graduate of Calvin College with a B.A. in math education and psychology, and MSU where I completed an M.A. in educational leadership. I have taught at Chicago Christian and Cutlerville Christian (now Legacy Christian). I began teaching at Holland Christian in 2002. My family enjoys getting out to Lake Michigan as often as we can. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and biking. Our world belongs to God. Technology and media have a profound, shaping effect on our culture. I want students to use these shapers of culture to be salt and light for God in our world. Matthew 5:13-14: “You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth…You’re here to be light, bring out the God-colors in the world.”

I have been in ministry for ten years and am currently on the Pastoral Team at ResLife Church in Grandville. I am a Holland native who graduated from Holland Public Schools in 2005. I completed my Associate’s Degree in ministry at Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008.

My passion is to reach the city of Holland by serving its community. Having been raised on the south side of Holland, I recognize the enormous need to reach the people and youth of this city. I see the huge importance in volunteering, and have played key roles in the foundation of the Teen Center of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland and continue to support and reach the youth of Holland today by ministering at school chapels.

I work to make the love and commitment of God evident in this community through the organizations that I lead and volunteer with in the city of Holland. I am married to Marisol Cabrera and live in the north side of Holland. Together we are raising four children who currently attend Holland Christian Schools.

I’m a graduate of Holland Christian and Dordt College. I’ve had the opportunity to work with students as an academic advisor at Northwest Iowa Community College, for the Campus Ministries department at Central College, and in ACT Prep and Career Assessment at a school in Cincinnati. Our family relocated back to Holland in 2017 and we are thankful to have our children at HC.

Our family spent two summers living in Hong Kong and traveling in Asia. I love the beautiful diversity that God has created throughout our world. I’m excited to be the Director of Advancement for HC, fundraising and working with supporters of Holland Christian. I’m proud to be a alumni, student parent, and employee of HC and eager to engage with the Diversity Task Force.

Before becoming HCS Head of Schools, I served as Dordt University Provost, and before that as superintendent of Nampa Christian Schools in Idaho. In previous administrative work, I worked in areas related to accreditation training, strategic planning, financing/constructing a new campus, fundraising, online learning, diversity initiatives, and enrollment planning.

I am married to Kim, a K-12 educator and education professor. We have two children: a daughter, Lindsay Grant, who lives in Idaho with her husband Tyler and two children. Our son, Nathan, and his wife, Rae, live in Kentucky. It is a privilege to serve with a talented leadership team and dedicated faculty and staff at HCS. One of the compelling reasons to serve at HC is the mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the Holland community and excited to lead HC in these Diversity Task Force efforts in promising times of shaping future leaders.