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.

Jeriel Aguilar

Spanish Teacher

I graduated from Biola University in 1999 with a minor in Biblical Studies. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Francisco State University. I was born in Puerto Rico, raised in California, and lived 8 years in Honduras where my father's family is from. I met my wife Stefany while living in Honduras. We later moved to California to start a family and eventually God brought us to Indiana. I started volunteering as a mentor while in high school and continued teaching through my college years. While living in Honduras, I taught natural science, biology and chemistry in middle school and high school at an American bilingual school. I have found joy in being immersed in the subject and making learning a hands-on experience.

Shanna axelberg

Second Grade Teacher

I have been married to my husband, Taylor, for nearly thirteen

years. We have 3 daughters, Grace, Sadie, and Avery who all attend GCS. I have coached

Junior High volleyball at GCS for three years and soccer for MSA for two years. I am currently pursuing my B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Western Governors

University and I am excited to have the privilege to teach this year. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy coaching, serving in my youth group, and spending time with my family and building legos.

Cheryl bargerhuff

Elementary Aide

I graduated from Lakeland Christian Academy in Winona Lake, Indiana. I obtained an Associate's Degree in Administration Office Technology from Ivy Tech and a Teacher's Aide Certificate from ICS in 1998. After homeschooling our children from preschool through fifth grade, I gained valuable experience tutoring an autistic student in reading from 2014 to 2018. I have been a Teacher's Aide for Granger Christian School for two years. I have a passion to see kids develop a love for reading and grow in their love for Jesus Christ.

Carla Burrel

Fourth Grade Teacher

I'm so excited to be a part of the Granger Christian School teaching staff! I'm a mother of 4 children. I love the Lord and I love children. I have worked in the classroom for over 10 years and worked in ministry for over 20 years. I studied Elementary Education at Southwestern Michigan College and I'm currently continuing those studies. I'm also a performing singer. I have been singing and recording music nationwide for over 20 years. I have also written and recorded my own album. I've also done background vocals for many celebrity artists. I have a great love for praise and worship - making a joyful noise to the Lord!

Samantha campbell

Sixth Grade Teacher and Classical Coordinator

I have been married to Matt for 22 years and we have 5 children. I have been in education for 15 years and in Classical Education for 10 years. I was trained in multiple subjects and in various levels, including Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge B. I am IEW certified and have extensive experience with helping teachers implement classical methods.

amber cummins

Administrative Assistant

After dedicating 20 years to the medical field. I made a meaningful career shift to become an Administrative Assistant, combining my love for helping others while supporting education. This new chapter allows me to continue serving the community, just in a different but equally rewarding way. My husband Michael and I have been married for over 16 years. We have two children who are proud GCS knights! My family is very active in our local church. I serve as a worship leader and in kids ministry, while my husband is on the church board. My son is on the worship team and my daughter is a Bible quizzer. I am excited for his new opportunity God has given me.

Jackie earl

Paraprofessional

I grew up in NY state where I attended Corning Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in Science. I also took several education courses at Houghton College. I taught preschool for several years, worked as an elementary aide, and last year moved into the role of a special ed paraprofessional. I find it rewarding working with students one on one and helping students get the resources they need to be successful. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, following the NBA, and hiking.

Matthew Eby

Secondary Bible Teacher

I am a graduate of Elkhart Christian Academy. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Bible-Theology from Moody Bible Institute and a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College in 2010. My wife, Kathy and I have been married 23 years and have 5 children and also 2 nephews that have joined our family! We are members of Redeemer Church in Niles, Michigan.

Alexandria Fisher

Secondary Science Teacher

I’m grateful to be called a Son of God! My inheritance in Christ Jesus has been life changing and I desire to encourage as many people as I can to get to know Him for themselves. I love God, I love my family, I love people, I love serving. I was blessed to graduate with my Bachelor’s of Science Degree with my major in Biology. Shortly after, I was licensed as a CNA, HHA and a Pharmacy Tech. I am currently Teaching Science in many different fields. I am blessed to have an amazing family that I love dearly. I am in love with my husband of 10 years and we have a beautiful daughter.

Mackenzie folkers

Third Grade Teacher

I graduated from Bethel University in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree. I previously taught 2nd and 4th grade at a Catholic school. I have enjoyed teaching different ages and watching each grade level grow and learn. In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, spending time with family, playing with my dog Rizzo, and watching movies with my husband Nick whom I married in April 2025.

Keith Gallegos

Secondary Math Teacher

I’ve earned my B.S. in Mathematics from Olivet Nazarene University in 2023 and earned my M.S. in Mathematics from Oregon State University in 2025. I am a member of Buchanan Church of the Nazarene and have consistently volunteered there throughout much of my late teens to early adult life. During my undergraduate and graduate years, I’ve volunteered to mentor and work with high-school students within the realm of mathematics. I served as a tutor for students in my campus church, a mentor for nearby high-school STEM extracurricular programs, and even a judge for a regional mathematics competition for students in high school. Outside of this, I like to go rock climbing, exercise, and play board/card games with my friends and family. I also enjoy puzzles and problem-solving games, like the Rubik’s Cube and its variations, escape rooms, and mystery-themed tabletop games. I’m very excited about this new opportunity the Lord has provided me with.

holly hedges

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

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 am now assistant to the head of school and the academic dean. I grew up in Athens, Georgia in a private Christian school very similar to GCS. After graduating, I traveled full time with Life Action Ministries for 3 years. I met my husband Brian there and we have been married for 28 years. He is the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Church in Niles, Michigan. We have 4 children, 3 of whom have graduated from Granger Christian. 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.

gabe Hollister

Automotive Elective

Following home-school graduation in 2018, I trained in automotive technology and began pastoral ministry through my home church. Prior to joining GCS in the fall of 2024, I served for 6 years as lead Worship Pastor and assistant Youth Pastor while maintaining an automotive shop on the side. I am passionate about helping the next generation find their true identities in Christ while learning to think critically and discern correctly according to God's Word.

Shelley Hollister

Guidance Counselor

After 15 years as a guidance counselor in PHM and Goshen schools, I stayed home to school my son. Following his graduation and just prior to joining Granger Christian school in the fall of 2024, I had the six-year joy of leading a church youth group. I have a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services an am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, but I have no doubt that without God as MY guidance counselor, all else would amount to a hill of beans. I am thrilled to settle into a school environment where our precious Lord is allowed to be in all things and hold all things together. Supporting parents in the social, emotional and spiritual growth and maturity of our students is my passion and privilege. Hope always remains.

Deborah Janowski

First Grade Teacher

After completing four years at Ohio Christian University to earn my bachelor’s, I had the opportunity to work in elementary schools for the past few years while pursuing my master’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. After graduating, I am proud and blessed to have my first official year teaching be at Granger Christian School. I share the same beliefs and views, and I am genuinely happy to be in an environment where I can openly express my faith in Christ and share Him with others around me. I gained experience being the head coach for girls’ golf at Mishawaka High School for two years and assisting with coaching boys’ golf at Trinity School this past season.

Timothy Kovalcik

Head of School

Dr. Kovalcik has over 25 years of experience in educational leadership. He was a Professor of History at Millikin University before transitioning to Christian education. He is married to Helene and has four children, Kaly (23), Emmery (21), Isaiah (19), and Sara Beth (17). He loves to read, especially classics, and enjoys following sports. His Ph.D. was earned in the United Kingdom and his thesis was based on the study of examination of medieval manuscripts. He holds a Master's degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in theology with an emphasis in the early Church fathers. Dr, Kovalcik believes that Christian schools are raising the next generation of the Church, and that there is no more rewarding project than such an endeavor.

Katrina Lawrence

Academic Dean

I graduated from Arizona State University with my Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and from The Ohio State University with my Masters in Educational Policy and Leadership. I have been trained in the Great Books Curriculum and the Socratic Method of questioning and dialogue. My decades of experience have enabled me to be a classroom teacher, interventionist, and school principal at the elementary and middle school levels.

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Liz Martin

Athletic Director

I received an Applied Associate's degree in Science in 2005. After having children, I moved into Classical Education. For 10 years I homeschooled my children, raising them to know Jesus above all things. I've directed a Classical School for one year and have tutored and coached in multiple areas including 7 years of coaching between swimming and gymnastics. I have been marries to Randy since 2010 and we have 3 boys. I'm trained in CPR/AED and Concussion protocol. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, biking, traveling, and enjoy good food and tea. Most know me as Coach Liz and know that my goal isn't to be just a face in the school but a mento for your student. I aim to know your child, the whole child, and for them to know they are loved and cherished.

Stephen rukes

Secondary History Teacher

I graduated from Bob Jones University with a B.A. in history in 2019. Since then, I have spent my time teaching in Christian schools and working/counseling at Christian summer camps. I love history and am very excited to help the students at GCS see how God has worked to accomplish His purposes through our world and our history. In my free time, I love to play pickleball, read, and travel.

Larissa mcGuire

Kindergarten Teacher

I graduated from Appalachian Bible College majoring in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), with a second major in Bible Theology and Missions. I recently married David and I enjoy spending time with my family, writing stories, reading book, eating tacos and hiking as much as possible!

serenity park

Secondary English Teacher

From homeschool to public school to university, excellent teachers cultivated in me a love of reading that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. I graduated from moody Bible Institute in 2024 with a BA in Biblical Studies. I'm excited to utilize my humanities background to encourage students at GCS ti discern the hallmarks of good literature and apply critical thinking skills they'll practice in class as they read the Word of God. My husband, Jo, is a recruit with the South Bend Fire Department. We met while working at Camp Ray Bird and got married in December of 2024. I love reading books that remind me what is real, hiking with friends, and doing paint-by-numbers.

jamie Stoltzfus

Administrative Assistant and Theatre Teacher

I earned my B.A. in Theatre from Knox College in 2000. Since then, my husband and I have been raising our family of eight children. I have been a homeschool teacher since 2005 and have graduated five of my children. Much of our education has been focused on Great Books. Over the years I have had the opportunity to teach literature and theatre classes for other homeschool families. I come to GCS with a great love for learning about the world and people that God created through literature, which includes plays! I am eager to be working in the front office and teaching theatre classes this year!

Caryn spence

Fifth Grade Teacher

I graduated from Purdue in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and have loved teaching students in PK-5 ever since. I met my husband Jarret at Purdue and we have been married for 27 years. We have two daughters - Zoe (24) and Grace (21). I enjoy going to church with my family, camping, animals, adventures while traveling and making memories.

Debbie Stevens

Fourth Grade Teacher

I started teaching at GCS in 2021 as a substitute teacher after moving to the South Bend area and have taught second grade since January of 2022. I moved to fourth grade teacher in 2024. 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.

Debbie Stevens

Fourth Grade Teacher