Faculty & Staff
Collaborative Leadership Team
Mrs. Jennifer Karczewski
MS/HS Principal
Mrs. Jennifer Karczewski
MS/HS Principal
Mr. Micah Gallegos
Director of Athletics/Facilities
Mr. Micah Gallegos
Director of Athletics/Facilities
I’m Micah Gallegos, the Director of Athletics & Facilities at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). Born and raised right here in Traverse City, I pursued my education at Indiana Wesleyan University, earning a BS in Education, and later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Indiana University. My wife, Rebecca, and I have been married for nearly 29 years, and together we have eight children—three biological and five adopted: Ana, MaryBeth, Irwin, Madelyn, Gaby, Tony, Jaqui, and Isaiah. We share our home with two dogs, Willow, a Maltipoo, and BoBo, a French Bulldog. I’m a huge sports enthusiast, watching everything from football to golf and still enjoying a round of golf when I can. I also love exploring global cuisines and proudly call myself a self-appointed Master Taco Chef.
At TCCS, I’m deeply inspired by the environment and culture, where relationships are built on respect, encouragement, and genuine care. What sets our school apart is the way faith and learning go hand in hand, fostering a community committed to knowing and supporting each student individually—a rarity in many schools. My role allows me to contribute to this unique atmosphere, ensuring our facilities and athletic programs reflect the same values of care and connection. To families considering TCCS, I’d say our school offers a place where your child is truly known, supported, and encouraged to grow in faith and character, making it a special community to be part of.
Mrs. Sacha Standfest
Elementary Principal
Mrs. Sacha Standfest
Elementary Principal
Faculty and Staff
Mr. Steve Anderson
School Counselor
Mr. Steve Anderson
School Counselor
Mrs. Joy Andrist
First Grade
Mrs. Joy Andrist
First Grade
Ms. Amy Bartlett
MS English/Language Arts
Ms. Amy Bartlett
MS English/Language Arts
Mr. Major Bevis
MS/HS Bible – Worship Director
Mr. Major Bevis
MS/HS Bible – Worship Director
Mrs. Brooke Bogan
K-7th Music
Mrs. Brooke Bogan
K-7th Music
I’m Brooke Bogan, the Music Teacher at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). I grew up in Pulaski, Wisconsin, with a deep passion for music, which led me to graduate from Interlochen Arts Academy and pursue degrees in French horn performance and music education from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Southern California. Beyond teaching, I perform in orchestras across Michigan and play piano, guitar, and violin. I’m also a sports enthusiast, cheering for the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. My family moved to Traverse City in August 2024, and I’m married to Kit, the senior pastor at East Bay Calvary Church. We have three children—Caroline (13), Jack (11), and Lucy (6)—and two gray cats, Corduroy and Meadow. At East Bay Calvary Church, I contribute by playing guitar on the worship team and serving coffee on Sunday mornings.
At TCCS, I cherish the freedom to sing about and discuss Jesus openly, praying with my students and colleagues in a supportive environment. TCCS students are unique in how they learn, play, worship, and pray together, fostering a strong sense of community. Among our core values, the Authentic Biblical Community resonates most with me, as it allows us to build each other up in our faith. To families considering TCCS, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance for your decision. Visit our school to experience firsthand the welcoming, Christ-centered community we offer—it’s a place where your family can grow spiritually and thrive.
Mrs. Erica Boven
MS Science
Mrs. Erica Boven
MS Science
Mr. Tom Broderick
HS Bible and Apologetics
Mr. Tom Broderick
HS Bible and Apologetics
Mrs. Mary Brown
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Mary Brown
Executive Assistant
I’m Mary Brown, the Executive Assistant in the Front Office at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). I grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, where my parents worked at Ferris State University for over 30 years. Being raised in a small town with lifelong friends from kindergarten through high school was a true gift. I played varsity tennis and loved singing in the school choir. After earning my Bachelor’s in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Ferris State, I spent a year in Vail, Colorado, before returning to Michigan. My career path has been diverse, including roles as a Human Resource Assistant, Catering Manager, Daycare Teacher, and Wedding Planner. Now, I’m married to Scott Brown, and we have two middle schoolers, Braden and Kaylee, who are best friends and love activities like basketball, golf, volleyball, tennis, skiing, and wakeboarding. We live near Green Lake in Interlochen, where we enjoy biking, walking, playing outside, and watching home renovation shows together as a family.
At TCCS, I’m thrilled to work in a biblically sound, God-honoring environment where my kids are excited to attend and are known and cared for by the entire staff. My family has been part of West Side Community Church for over 13 years, where Scott and I co-lead a small group, assist with greeting, visitor check-in, and the welcome center, while Scott also teaches in the KidSide program and leads a men’s discipleship group. What sets TCCS students apart is the Christ-centered environment that equips them to live out their faith in the real world while receiving an excellent academic education. The core value of Authentic Biblical Community inspires me most, as it stretches students’ faith and is truly lived out at TCCS. To parents considering TCCS, I encourage you to visit, tour the halls, and meet our community—you’ll feel the difference. The investment in a Christian education here is invaluable, and you won’t regret it.
Mrs. Heather Burch
Registrar and Assistant to AD
Mrs. Heather Burch
Registrar and Assistant to AD
I’m Heather Burch, the Registrar and Athletic Assistant at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, I moved to Traverse City for kindergarten and attended Long Lake Elementary, Traverse City Junior High (West), and Traverse City Central. I earned a BS in Forestry from Michigan Tech University, where I met my husband, Brad, a Senior Product Development Engineer at Cone Drive. We’ve been married for 26 years and have two daughters: Rachael, a 2020 TCCS alum who graduated from Cornerstone University with a Pre-Med degree, married in August 2024, and works in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids; and Rebekah, a 2024 TCCS alum pursuing a Pre-Med or Pre-PA degree at Calvin University while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and at Aldi’s. I played volleyball from elementary through high school, golf in high school, and sang in choir from elementary through college. My hobbies include sports, music, and baking/cooking. At Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen, I serve as Media Coordinator for the Katharine Guild Woman’s Group, an Altar Guild member, and Chair of the Board of Fellowship.
At TCCS, I cherish the family-like relationships among staff and students, where everyone looks out for one another. God’s presence is evident in how our students treat each other and others, especially in the high school, where I see remarkable growth in their character, manners, and politeness as they mature. I’m inspired by how TCCS integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects, not just in Bible class, ensuring students are well-prepared for college and often ahead of their peers. To families considering TCCS, I’d say this is the place for you if you seek a Christ-centered school with small class sizes, a commitment to academic excellence, and a friendly, loving atmosphere where your child can thrive spiritually and academically.
Mrs. Alexandra Crisan
Lead Educational Specialist
Mrs. Alexandra Crisan
Lead Educational Specialist
Mrs. Kerri Deimer
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Kerri Deimer
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Charlotte Dornbusch
HS Science
Mrs. Charlotte Dornbusch
HS Science
Mrs. Stacy Ellis
Preschool Aide
Mrs. Stacy Ellis
Preschool Aide
Mrs. Faith Erickson
Finance and Enrollment
Mrs. Faith Erickson
Finance and Enrollment
I’m Faith Erickson, the Business Office Manager at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). Originally from the foothills of Western North Carolina, I grew up attending a small Christian school where my father taught math to middle and high school students. My school days were filled with playing volleyball and cheering for basketball games, and I still root for the UNC Tarheels and Detroit Lions. I met my husband, Jeremy, at Pensacola Christian College, and we’ve been happily married for seventeen years. We have three wonderful children—Kylee and Shelby, who are enrolled at TCCS, and our two-year-old, Sadie, who we hope will join them one day. My family attends Buckley Tabernacle, where I’ve served in the nursery and taught K-3rd children’s church, connecting with the community through these roles.
At TCCS, I cherish the family-like atmosphere that makes working here so special. As an extrovert, I find joy in getting to know both my coworkers and the students. The students at TCCS stand out for their kindness and love toward their peers and teachers, creating a supportive environment. Of TCCS’s core values, the Whole-Child Emphasis inspires me the most. Having been a teacher myself, I value the commitment to a well-rounded education that nurtures not just academics but also spiritual and social-emotional growth. To parents considering TCCS, I’d say it’s a place where teachers build strong bonds with students, meeting them where they are academically, socially, and spiritually. Your child will find a nurturing environment here to thrive and grow.
Mrs. Lisa Falk
Preschool
Mrs. Lisa Falk
Preschool
I’m Lisa Falk, the Preschool Director and Teacher at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). I grew up in Huntington Woods, a suburb of Detroit near the Detroit Zoo, and attended Zion Christian School in Troy, Michigan, for most of my grade school and high school years. After high school, I worked three jobs and served as a nanny while pursuing my education, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree and Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education with endorsements in Social Studies and Early Childhood. I taught kindergarten for five years in Hamtramck, Michigan, before moving to Traverse City, where I worked as the Lead Preschool Teacher for the Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians for five years, an experience I deeply cherished. My husband, Noah, and I have a wonderful daughter, Lydia, who has been a TCCS student for nine years, and we adore our porch kitty, Dusty, who loves bird-watching while we enjoy exploring Northern Michigan.
At TCCS, I’m grateful to be part of a community that teaches from a biblical worldview, with teachers and staff who genuinely care about students and their learning environment. My family attends Harvest Community Church, where we enjoy the worship and sense of community. What makes TCCS students stand out is their love for Christ and others, shaped by our Whole-Child approach, which inspires me the most among our core values. This approach fosters Godly character alongside academic confidence, preparing students to shine their light in their future careers and lives. To families considering TCCS, I’d say this community truly values your child and your family, offering a nurturing environment where they can grow spiritually, academically, and personally.
Mrs. Julia Faunce
Technology
Mrs. Julia Faunce
Technology
Mrs. Carrie Johns
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Carrie Johns
Fourth Grade
Mr. Matt Karczewski
Elementary Physical Education
Mr. Matt Karczewski
Elementary Physical Education
Mrs. Amanda Keene
MS/HS Spanish
Mrs. Amanda Keene
MS/HS Spanish
I’m Amanda Keene, the Middle and High School Spanish Teacher at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). Born and raised in Traverse City, I’m proud to be a TCCS graduate myself. Growing up, I was active in competitive gymnastics, volleyball, and tennis, and I still love getting outside to hike and travel. My husband, Chris, also a Traverse City native, and I have a daughter named Isabel. A couple of years ago, we began attending West Side Community Church, where we’ve found a welcoming church home and lead a small group together, fostering meaningful connections within our faith community.
At TCCS, I cherish being part of a community of believers who support both my spiritual and professional growth. It’s a blessing to worship, pray, and serve alongside our students, creating a unique environment where faith and learning intertwine. Our big/little buddy program stands out, as it showcases the caring hearts of our students, with older kids mentoring younger ones to make them feel valued. The core values of Christlike-Character Development and Whole-Child Emphasis inspire me most, as they ensure students learn not just academics but also how to interact with others in a Godly way and navigate real-life challenges in a safe space. To families considering TCCS, I’d ask what matters most in their educational experience and encourage them to have their child(ren) shadow a class to feel the supportive, faith-filled atmosphere firsthand.
Ms. Jen Kloosterman
MS Math
Ms. Jen Kloosterman
MS Math
Mrs. Syndi Knorr
Elementary Aide
Mrs. Syndi Knorr
Elementary Aide
Mrs. Deanna Langhorst
Kindergarten
Mrs. Deanna Langhorst
Kindergarten
I’m Deanna Langhorst, the Kindergarten Teacher at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). I grew up in Owosso, Michigan, and attended Central Michigan University, where I cheered for my favorite sports team, the MSU Spartans. My passions lie outdoors, whether I’m hiking, relaxing at the beach, or paddleboarding. I’m married to Ed, and we have two daughters, Madelynn and Katelynn, along with a yellow lab and two kittens who keep our home lively. At Mission Hill Church, I contribute by helping with Vacation Bible School during the summer, fostering faith in young children within our community.
What I love most about TCCS is the family-like community and the incredible support system among staff, students, and parents. This supportive atmosphere sets TCCS apart from other schools, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued. Among our core values, Christlike-Character Development inspires me the most, as it guides our students to grow in kindness, integrity, and faith. To families considering TCCS, I warmly invite you to visit, meet our staff, and see firsthand what makes our school special—a place where your child can thrive in a caring, faith-centered community.
Mrs. Emily Leunenberger
Art
Mrs. Emily Leunenberger
Art
I’m Emily Leuenberger, the Art Teacher at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS). I grew up in Interlochen and now live in Honor, where I spend my free time soaking up the outdoors—visiting the lakeshore, mountain biking, paddleboarding, hiking, backpacking, and capturing it all through photography. My husband, Cameron, and I have been married for 25 years, and we have two daughters who have graduated college and are exploring the world as creative, out-of-the-box thinkers. I’m incredibly proud of them. Our family includes our dog, Vinnie (short for Vincent van Gogh), who loves jumping in the van for adventures. My passion for art and the outdoors shapes my teaching, where I get to inspire students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
At TCCS, I cherish the relationships I build with students and the excitement they bring to learning new things in art class. The smaller class sizes allow teachers like me to focus on each student individually, getting to know their siblings and families, which creates a tight-knit community. The Whole-Child Emphasis, one of TCCS’s core values, inspires me the most because art fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, history, techniques, and communication. I love seeing students create unique projects that reflect their individuality—it truly makes my heart smile. To families considering TCCS, I invite you to visit and experience our fun, supportive community where your student can feel comfortable and thrive creatively and personally.
Ms. Robyn Mead
Kindergarten Aide
Ms. Robyn Mead
Kindergarten Aide
Mr. Chris Murphy
IT and Facilities Manager
Mr. Chris Murphy
IT and Facilities Manager
Mrs. Rachel Nederhood
Instructional Aide
Mrs. Rachel Nederhood
Instructional Aide
Mr. Craig O’Connor
Director of Family Relations
Mr. Craig O’Connor
Director of Family Relations
I’m Craig O’Connor, the Director of Family Relations at Traverse City Christian School (TCCS), where I focus on Admissions and Enrollment, Brand Marketing, and Community Outreach. Originally from New Zealand, I met my wife, Jinny, a Traverse City native, while serving in the military, where her aircrew worked alongside my unit. I immigrated to the U.S. in 1987, became a citizen in 2002, and remain a devoted fan of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. In my spare time, I enjoy DIY projects around the house. Jinny and I, married since 1987, have two daughters, Katie (TCCS Class of 2012) and Margaret (TCCS Class of 2015), and we’re a dog-loving family, always adopting mutts from the pound. We attend City Church, where I play drums on the worship team and, with Jinny, lead small groups. Margaret sings on the worship team at City while Katie serves as a worship leader at Resurrection Life.
The tight-knit community at TCCS is what makes it truly special, with our smaller size fostering close relationships among staff, students, and parents. TCCS students stand out for their respect toward parents and teachers and their care for one another, nurtured through programs like our Buddy program and small group ministry. Of our core values, the Biblical Worldview inspires me most, serving as the foundation for everything we do. To families considering TCCS, I’d share that, despite its smaller scale and financial commitment, choosing TCCS was the best investment Jinny and I made for our daughters, whose faith, service, work ethic, and friendships reflect the school’s impact. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to raise your kids in an environment that values faith, family, friendships, and learning.
Mr. Adam Oliver
Custodian
Mr. Adam Oliver
Custodian
Mrs. Jessica Polzien
Second Grade
Mrs. Jessica Polzien
Second Grade
Mrs. Judy Radtke
HS Math
Mrs. Judy Radtke
HS Math
Ms. Joy Reist
HS Science
Ms. Joy Reist
HS Science
Mrs. Sara Terrell
Manager – Double Edge Thrift Shop
Mrs. Sara Terrell
Manager – Double Edge Thrift Shop
Mr. Nathan Weemhoff
Government and History
Mr. Nathan Weemhoff
Government and History
Mrs. Melissa Wheat
MS Social Studies
Mrs. Melissa Wheat
MS Social Studies
Mrs. Nicole Williams
Instructional Aide
Mrs. Nicole Williams
Instructional Aide
Mrs. Danielle Williams
Educational Specialist
Mrs. Danielle Williams
Educational Specialist