Our Staff

Meet Our Educators
    • Dan Kuiper
      Administrator

      Dan Kuiper

      Administrator
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BS Biology / Chemistry with Teaching Emphasis
      • College:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Degree:
        Master of Education – Instruction and Curriculum Development
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        16
      • Years at Hope:
        1st year
      • Hobbies:
        Camping, grilling/smoking, hiking, reading, running, yard games with family

    • Laurel Lotterman
      Secretary

      Laurel Lotterman

      Secretary
      Personal Info

      • Years at Hope:
        12
      • Hobbies:
        Reading, swimming, camping, traveling, spending time with family and friends


       

    • Deb Hoeksema
      Kindergarten

      Deb Hoeksema

      Kindergarten
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BS Science- Group Science Emphasis
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Degree:
        Masters Degree in Instruction and Curriculum with an emphasis in Elementary Education
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        18
      • Years at Hope:
        10
      • Hobbies:
        Camping, reading, and helping daughter with 4-H animals

    • Sue Grasman
      1st Grade

      Sue Grasman

      1st Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA Group Social Studies
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        22
      • Years at Hope:
        22
      • Hobbies:
        Reading fiction and non-fiction, bike riding, camping, time with family and friends

    • Julie Schwarz
      2nd Grade

      Julie Schwarz

      2nd Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA Elementary Education
      • College:
        Calvin College
      • Years Teaching:
        16
      • Years at Hope:
        11
      • Hobbies:
        Reading, crossword puzzles, making jewelry, beach in the summer

    • Gayle Lotterman
      3rd Grade

      Gayle Lotterman

      3rd Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BS K-12 Art Education with Writing Minor
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Degree:
        Master of Education – Literacy Studies
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        11
      • Years at Hope:
        10
      • Hobbies:
        Volleyball, drawing, painting, camping, reading, writing, and swimming

    • Dan Hanko
      4th Grade

      Dan Hanko

      4th Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA Elementary Education
      • College:
        Calvin College
      • Years Teaching:
        34
      • Years at Hope:
        24

    • Melanie Hanko
      5th Grade

      Melanie Hanko

      5th Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BS Mathematics – Teaching Education
      • College:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        2.5
      • Years at Hope:
        1
      • Hobbies:
        Hiking, outdoor activities, learning Spanish, spending time with family and friends

    • Faith Kalsbeek
      6th Grade

      Faith Kalsbeek

      6th Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA English Education with Elementary Certification Minor
      • University:
        Grand Valley State University
      • Years Teaching:
        2
      • Years at Hope:
        2
      • Hobbies:
        Sports, reading, spending time outside, and activities with friends and family

    • Suzanna Smit
      7th Grade

      Suzanna Smit

      7th Grade
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BS Social Sciences
      • University:
        California State University, Chico
      • Years Teaching:
        3
      • Years at Hope:
        3
      • Hobbies:
        Hiking, reading, camping, volleyball

    • Nathan DeVries
      8th Grade

      Nathan DeVries

      8th Grade
      Personal Info

       

      • Years Teaching:
        10
      • Years at Hope:
        10

    • Rebecca Lubbers
      Discovery Center

      Rebecca Lubbers

      Discovery Center
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA in Elementary Education
      • University:
        Calvin University
      • Degree:
        Master of Education – Reading Specialist
      • University:
        Calvin University
      • Years Teaching:
        5
      • Years at Hope:
        5
      • Hobbies:
        Playing sports, reading, hiking, playing piano, baking, and gardening

    • Jill Reitsma
      Discovery Center

      Jill Reitsma

      Discovery Center
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA Education with Early Childhood Endorsement
      • Years Teaching:
        18
      • Years at Hope:
        18
      • Hobbies:
        Biking, reading, tennis and playing board games

    • Matt Elzinga
      Band Director

      Matt Elzinga

      Band Director
      Personal Info

      • Degree:
        BA – Mathematics
      • University:
        Western Governors University
      • Years Teaching:
        13
      • Years at Hope:
        13
      • Hobbies:
        Kayaking, piano, computer programming

    • Tamara Kalsbeek
      Choir Director

      Tamara Kalsbeek

      Choir Director
      Personal Info

      • Years at Hope:
        1st Year
      • Hobbies:
        Reading, piano, visiting with church family


       

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About Us
Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School is a traditional kindergarten through 8th grade school where children are nurtured in a God-honoring and Christ-serving environment.