our staff
We have a great group of people who are committed to serving the students at GCS. Learn a little more about them here.
Holly Hedges
Administrative Assistant
I began working at GCS in 2015 in the PK program. A few years later, I moved to the office to work in admissions. I grew up in Athens, Georgia in a private Christian school very similar to GCS. After graduating, I traveled with Life Action Ministries for 3 years. I’m married to a pastor and have 4 children. One of the highlights of working in the school office is interacting with students and their families and helping to meet their needs. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing on my church worship team, and spending time with my family.
Katie Archer
Administrative Assistant
I am a Bethel Graduate with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts with American Sign Language. I started at GCS as the admissions secretary working alongside my big sister! Yes, Mrs. Olesen is my sister. I am now the Financial Aide Choice Scholarship point person.
Jeff Kreider
Technology Program Director & Librarian
I spent the first 13 years of my teaching career at Elkhart Community Schools. I came to Granger Christian School in 2017. My first five years I spent teaching 5th grade. I studied Elementary Education at IUSB and received my Bachelors with a minor in Middle School Social Studies.
I live in South Bend, Indiana with my wife, Amber (who is really cool and talented) and two kids, Lucy and Leon, who attend GCS. My goal is to create a classroom environment where students can work collaboratively while integrating technology throughout the curriculum. In my free time I like to disc golf, read, and play board games.
Kristi Littrell
Athletic Director
I started at GCS in 2018 as the hot lunch administrator. In 2020, I moved to teaching Physical Education. I graduated from Defiance College with a Bachelors degree in Wellness and Athletic Training. After undergraduate school, I received my Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Siena Heights University. I am married to David Littrell and have four wonderful children Savannah, Alivia, Charlotte, and Noah all who attend GCS. In all our free time, you will find our family on the softball diamond.
Elaina Abbott
Art Teacher
I joined GCS staff in 2021 but I attended GCS from 9th grade until I graduated. I then went to Bethel University where I received a degree in Liberal Studies with concentrations in writing, digital photography and communications. My favorite thing about teaching is being able to see the students get excited about doing new projects. In my free time I enjoy painting, crocheting, and hanging out with my family.
Eunice Thomas
Paraprofessional
I graduated from Bob Jones University with my degree in Early Childhood Education. My journey with GCS began in 2010 when we moved from Vermont to Indiana. For two years I filled in as a substitute teacher as well as After-Care Director. I then returned in 2018 as a Special Education Paraprofessional. I absolutely love the “A-ha” moments when something finally clicks into place. This never grows old! My heart's desire is to bring out God's very best in every student that He brings my way.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family - my husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, and especially my four grandkids!
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Larissa
mcguire
Kindergarten Teacher
I graduated from Appalachian Bible College in 2023, majoring in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), with a second major in Bible Theology and Missions. This is my first year teaching, besides teaching in Zambia, Africa in the summer of 2022.
I recently married my husband David, and I enjoy spending time with family, writing stories, reading books, eating tacos and hiking as much as possible!
Angela Vega
First Grade Teacher
I was blessed to join the GCS family in 2017. I attended Bethel College and received my Master’s Degree from Indiana University. I live with my husband, Daniel, and our two daughters attend GCS.
I love teaching kids and building relationships with my students. Watching first graders grow as readers is so exciting! I enjoy teaching students to love God and others as well as tackle STEM challenges. In my free time I enjoy playing games, reading, and scrapbooking.
Debbie
Stevens
Fourth Grade Teacher
I started at GCS in 2021 as a substitute teacher after moving to the South Bend area and have been teaching second grade since January 2022. I have a B.A. in education from Anderson University. Watching children reach their God-given potential and seeing the sense of awe and “A-ha” moments are what I enjoy most about teaching. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter as well as our two dachshunds.
Emily Stump
Fifth Grade Teacher
I attended GCS from fifth grade until I graduated and then received my Bachelor’s in Sport Management from Cornerstone University in 2021. I have been coaching basketball here since 2020 and joined the teaching staff in 2022. I am excited for the opportunity to educate and empower students from a Christian worldview, reminding them they are capable, competent, and created in God’s image. I enjoy attending and participating in sporting events, walking my dog Trudy, and spending time with friends.
Audrey Meert
Secondary History, Science & Drama
I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary History Education, and I have been teaching in Christian schools ever since! I joined the team here at GCS in 2018 as the Middle School History teacher, but my role has expanded since then to include teaching high school classes, coaching volleyball, and directing drama. One of the reasons that I became a teacher was to help students see the world outside of themselves. I love seeing the light in their eyes as they realize the beauty found in the variety of God's creation both in nature and the people He created.
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Jena Stevenson
Secondary Math, Science & Yearbook
I have been teaching secondary mathematics and yearbook at Granger Christian School since 2017. I graduated from Grace College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. Granger Christian School has always been home for me, as I attended school at GCS for 12 years and graduated in 2013!
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I enjoy teaching middle and high school students and building their confidence in mathematics, as well as helping students creatively capture the school year in our yearbook. A favorite project of mine is creating origami dodecahedrons with my Geometry classes! When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy my time watching movies and reading!
Seth
semancik
Secondary English,
History & Bible
​Born and raised in Ohio until 1997, the providence of God moved me to this area where I initially managed a movie theater before attending college. I graduated from Bethel College (now University) in 2010 with a degree in History. I demonstrably believe in Christian education and have twelve years of experience in secondary education. My wife is a twenty-four year veteran teacher of mathematics at Elkhart High School, and we are graciously blessed with two children. In my spare time I assist as a leader in my church's student ministry, and coach my son's soccer team every spring and fall. My sole motivation in teaching is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever" by loving Him with all my heart, all my soul, and all of my mind." (Deut 6, Matthew 22:37) and to be grateful in all things (Colossians 3:17).
Julie Abbott
Secondary Math & Science
I started teaching at GCS in the fall of 2014. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Wheaton College and a Master of Science degree in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. My husband, Kevin, and I have 3 daughters, 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law. Our four youngest children have all graduated from GCS. I love teaching math and science to students and enjoy seeing their sense of accomplishment when they understand new concepts. Outside of school, I enjoy baking and spending time with my family.
Rhonda Cheney
Secondary English
I started at Granger Christian in 2021. My degree in Education is from Indiana University South Bend, and I have also completed some graduate work with Ball State and Liberty University. Previously, I worked for several area school systems as both a paraprofessional and a classroom teacher. I also have experience with homeschooling, teaching Sunday School, and leading Youth Group. Loving God and loving people is at the heart of everything I do.
My husband, Craig, and I have two girls that fill our days with laughter and fun. We live on a farm with lots of chickens, ducks, geese, and dogs. In my free time, my mom and I also have a furniture-refinishing and sign-painting business. I love to be creative!
Adam Willis
Secondary Bible & Chapel
I Graduated with a B.S. in Youth Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2003. I started teaching Bible at GCS in 2018. I worked as a Youth/ Student Ministry Pastor for 14 years in the local church in the Grand Rapids & Mishawaka areas before coming on board as the Bible teacher here at Granger Christian School.
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I have always had a heart for students to know, understand and grow in their knowledge and understanding of God's word. I want them to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and develop a faith that is their own so that when they graduate from High School they not only have a personal relationship with Christ but desire to grow and impact the world for sake of the Gospel where ever they go. I also absolutely love to plan and run trips and retreat for students and especially look forward to the High school trips we go on each year.