Mr. Howie Martin
Principal
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Major: History, Minor: Religion) - University of Prince Edward Island
Bachelor of Education - York University
Masters of Education Leadership - University of Prince Edward Island
The day I was hired as a grade five teacher at MCS, it felt like God had specifically led and prepared me to be here. I have grown to love this school, its students and community. I am honoured and thrilled to serve as Principal.
My passion for teaching stemmed from early experience as a hockey coach and camp instructor interspersed throughout my career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Atlantic University Sport (AUS). Even more so, it was the experience of growing up and bonding with my special needs brother that truly equipped me with an educator’s heart. I earned my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history and religion from the University of Prince Edward Island and my Bachelor of Education at York University’s Urban Diversity program.
I was raised in a loving, yet non-Christian home, the second oldest of five children. Unbeknownst to me, my spiritual journey started when I was just twelve years old through a grade seven teacher, Mrs. McDougall. For some reason, she felt a distinct calling to pray for a shy boy who was known for just one thing - playing hockey. In high school, I came to know and invite Jesus in my heart through the kindness and influence of a Christian friend. That friend is now my wife Cheryl, with whom I have three young sons.
I know from personal experience that earnest prayers of a teacher, radical kindness of a “Christian girl” and the example of a committed Christian family can have a profound and life-changing impact on the life of a young person. Leading by faith is about modelling the very behaviour Christ demonstrated in His years of ministry, serving those around Him and living out the fruits of the Spirit. I will strive to create and lead an environment of care and engagement that brings students, staff, and families together - a place of Christ-centred education and academic excellence. It is an honour to be the principal of Milton Christian School. I look forward to working with our dedicated and talented staff as we equip students to excel in their academics and bless others in our community.
Blessings,
Mr. Martin
Howie Martin
Principal
Mrs. Christine Klein-Geltink
Vice Principal/Grade 4 Teacher
Education
Bachelor of Arts—Redeemer University College
Bachelor of Education—University of Ottawa
Hobbies/Interests/Family Life
Christine lives in Milton with her husband and three children. Before moving to Milton in 2006, Christine and her husband taught English in Japan for two years. They love traveling and exploring new places when they get the chance. Christine enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends. At MCS, she loves coaching the cross-country running team, and the Battle of the Books team.
What do you love about MCS?
Christine has been a teacher at Milton Christian School since it first opened its doors in 2006. She has watched it grow from a very small school of 11 students to the flourishing community it is today. It has been a blessing to see God at work every step of the way! Christine loves having the opportunity to teach through the lens of the Gospel, to connect with students, and to be part of a dedicated staff that cares deeply about Christian education.
Mrs. Onyi Oyedele
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Education
Master of Communications Management (MCM), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Media and Communications Technologies, University of East London (UEL), United Kingdom.
Hobbies/Interests/Family Life
Onyi lives with her family in Milton and enjoys reading, writing (Poetry, short stories, articles), cooking, crafts, and traveling (especially road trips … if she is not the one driving). Onyi was born in Cardiff, Wales, and grew up in Nigeria. She misses the warmer climate and authentic street foods.
What do you love about MCS?
Onyi loves the energy students bring to school each day which is quite contagious. Everyday at MCS is busy, so “Mrs. O” never has a dull moment! MCS is indeed a pleasant place to work with an amiable staff team, who are passionate about teaching and instructing students academically and in Godly character. MCS has very generous and supportive families. The school has a fantastic opportunity in Milton and Onyi looks forward to its continuous growth and expansion.
Mrs. Kim Hagen
Bookkeeper
Kim is excited to work with Milton Christian School as our bookkeeper.
Kim lives in Cambridge with her husband and 2 children. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors with her family and 2 dogs as well as watching my children play sports
Mrs. Joline Hanna
Business Manager
Joline is a seasoned facilitator, trainer, coach and management professional. She is currently working with MCS as a Business Manager to support their business and financial needs, in order to maximize future opportunity and growth. Joline has diverse business experience in the Engineering, Construction, Finance and Consulting industries that provides her with a unique perspective in approaching and overcoming challenges.
Education
MBA with Project Management emphasis
MACP – Masters of Art in Counselling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology
Hobbies/Interests/Family Life
Born and raised in Western Canada, Joline moved to Ontario 10 years ago. Joline enjoys the outdoors and activities like swimming, gardening and spending time with her three kids.
What do you love about MCS?
When looking for a school for their own kids to attend, MCS became the logical choice with its family feel and strong Christian Values.
Mr. Oreleo DeCanha
Maintenance
Oreleo is originally from South Africa. He lives in Milton with his wife, daughter (an MCS alumni) and their bird. Oreleo enjoys being outdoors and loves the small, Christian, family-like community at MCS.
Ms. Deanna Killam
Senior KINDERGARTEN Teacher
Education
Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior), Redeemer University College
Bachelor of Arts (Major: English, Minor: Psychology), Redeemer University College
Bachelor of Theology (Major: Christian Education), Master's College & Seminary
Hobbies/Interests/Family life
Deanna loves just about anything creative - she loves to crochet, colour, cross stitch, and make jewelry. Deanna loves to play board games, do all kinds of puzzles and escape rooms. She enjoys art history (the Impressionist era is a favourite) and will visit museums and learn new things any chance she gets. Deanna has a collection of teddy bears as well as a growing collection of rocks and mineral samples. A special treat for her is visiting a tea room for a high/afternoon tea.
What do you love about MCS?
Deanna has lived in Milton almost all of her life. When she was a kid there was no Christian school option in town and she loves that parents now have the opportunity to provide their children with Godly instruction and academic excellence. MCS has great students, wonderful families, amazing teachers and staff which adds up to an awesome school.
Mr. Marvin Bierling
grade 8 teacher
Mr. Bierling has been a teacher and school administrator for 25 years. He loves to share his love for the Lord and his love for God’s creation with his students inside of the classroom while looking for opportunities to bring students outside as much as possible. When not at school, you are likely to find him cycling, enjoying his garden, and hanging out with his wife, three children and his new son-in-law. Marvin looks forward to partnering with the parents of his students as we all look to discover how we can serve God in our community.
Mrs. Charmaine Coke
GRADE 1 TEACHER
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Major: Geography and Minor: Sociology)—University of Toronto
Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior)—York University
Charmaine lives in Milton with her husband and two children, who are MCS alumni.
She enjoys helping referee intramurals and leading one of the worship teams. Charmaine loves the Godly instruction and high standard of academics at school, believing that our small size and family atmosphere is a very special experience.
Mrs. Cathy Alava
Grade 2 Teacher
Education
University of Toronto—Honours B.A. - double major Spanish and Sociology
University of Western Ontario—Bachelor of Education—Primary/Junior
Cathy loves to spend it with my family and friends. To relax, she enjoy reading well written stories – especially historical fiction. Her favourite place to be is anywhere near the water — country over the city any day.
Cathy and her husband have lived in Milton with their three children for over 16 years - the longest she has ever been in one place! Cathy was born outside of Canada, spent much of her childhood in Argentina, and her teen years in Spain.
What do you love about MCS?
One of the things Mrs Alava loves most about MCS are the dedicated, caring staff members who put so much time and effort into doing what they do. It truly is an honour to work with each and every one of them! Cathy loves the students she has the privilege of interacting with each day — they are all so unique! She says “It’s rewarding and humbling to know that I get to play a small part in the incredible plan God has for each of them.”
Mrs. Heather Gillham
CLASSROOM Teacher
Education
Master of Science in Elementary Education — Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Bachelor of Science (Double major Elementary Education & Spanish) — Houghton College, Houghton, NY
Many of Heather’s interests and hobbies are reflected in the extra curriculars she helps out with at MCS. She enjoys reading, which made coaching the junior and senior Battle of the Books teams during different years at MCS a perfect fit. Heather also enjoys playing boardgames with her family which is why she hosts the boardgame club. Heather and her husband both play on their church softball team and enjoy traveling. She enjoys watching NCIS, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. Her favourite sports teams are the Mississippi State University football team and the Dallas Cowboys.
What do you love about MCS?
Heather’s family was attracted to MCS when they moved to Milton and as parents, it was one of the main reasons they chose Milton over other towns. They value Christian education for their children and knew that a Christian school would provide a needed sense of community after their move and a Christ centered world view. As a teacher, Heather says that she loves being a part of a team that works to share the gospel and make disciples while connecting their teaching to the real world. Making a difference in the lives of students is a big reason Mrs Gillham loves teaching at MCS.
Ms. Bethany DeGier
Grade 6 Teacher
Ms DeGier enjoys reading, playing the piano, watching comedies, and spending time with her family - particularly her nieces and nephews.
Bethany loves the community at MCS. The students are incredible, they have so much energy and a passion for learning. The staff and parents are very supportive and welcoming. Bethany likes to remind the students that “God has worked in all of our lives in such a way that we get to spend the time at school together. I am grateful to be a part of MCS.”
Ms. Sarah Sasaki
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Coordinator
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences - McMaster University
Bachelor of Education (Primary /Junior), Redeemer University College
Special Education Part 1, 2, and Specialist
Hobbies/Interests/Family Life
Sarah enjoys trying new things, going on adventures, and being around people. She and her son love going on outings and day trips.
What do you love about MCS?
Sarah loves that MCS is interdenominational and multicultural, which is a beautiful depiction of the body of Christ. She really appreciates that safety is a top priority for students. Sarah reflects “The passion behind MCS is visionary and forward thinking in nature which appeals greatly to me. I love that we can share our faith in Christ openly throughout the curriculum.”
Mrs. Catherine Lopez de Leon
Grade 7 teacher
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Major: English Language & Literature, Minor: History) Honours—Western University, London, ON
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales
Hobbies/Interests/Family Life
Mrs Lopez’s parents immigrated from the Philippines, but she and her brother were born in Canada. She is the eldest, but shortest, child in her family. Catherine is prone to mosquito bites and allergies, but still enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. She also likes playing volleyball and reading.
What do you love about MCS?
The staff and students are the reason Catherine loves MCS. She believes the school is full of talented and hardworking teachers and staff, who strive to create a positive learning environment that challenges as well as encourages students. Catherine believes that staff work, both in and outside of the classroom, to ensure the success of students and their education. Catherine believes it' is great to see students coming to school full of energy and imagination. She is constantly learning from my colleagues and students as to how she can become a better educator.
Mr. Jim Danielson
Bible Teacher
Education
Bachelor of Arts -Political Science -California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Master of Divinity (MDiv)-Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Jim and his wife have been married for over 35 years, with 3 children. He enjoys family time and walks with his wife, especially on the trails in and around Milton. Jim loves reading the Bible every day among other material - a good biography, mystery or western. He loves baseball - both watching and playing. Gardening, especially growing tomatoes, is a favourite summer past time.
What do you love about MCS?
Mr Danielson loves the children and thoroughly enjoys interacting with them, opening the Word of God to them and challenging them in their young faith. He loves the teachers and staff - an amazing collection of dedicated, hard-working, and a caring group of servant-hearted people. Jim says that it is a pleasure to come in every day and work alongside them.
Dr. Eduardo Farias
Music Teacher
Education
Doctor of Music Arts diploma, Michigan State University
Master of Theological Studies, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary
Dr. Farias has been teaching Music in different capacities for more than 10 years in Canada and in the USA. Eduardo is a native of Brazil, is married to Daniela, who is also a Music teacher, and the two have a young daughter.
Mrs. Maria Luna
French Specialist
Maria is a French Canadian born and raised in Quebec.
Maria began teaching French in 2006, while serving as a missionary alongside her husband in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic and its people hold a special place in her heart. Maria would say that her greatest reward is the satisfaction of seeing students grow and being transformed through learning.
Maria has two university-aged children, and enjoys reading, knitting, and traveling with her family.
Ms. Brooklyn Gander
Educational assistant, Gr 1 & After School Coordinator
Education
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English
Brooklyn grew up in a wonderful family with an older brother and a younger sister. She currently has one dog whom she love with my whole heart. Ms Gander’s journey in the Christian community began in the seventh grade when her best friend invited her to check out a youth group. She had so much fun that she decided to continue going every week and the rest is history!
Brooklyn loves spending time with friends and family, camping, swimming, singing, dancing, reading and travelling. She has had a passion for education from a very young age. She has worked in childcare for over ten years, and is thrilled to be joining Milton Christian School staff team.
Mrs. Erika Ofori-Darko
Grade 3 teacher
Mrs Darko is so grateful to be part of the Milton Christian School staff. Having completed her degree at Redeemer University, she felt called to teach in a local Christian school. Erika has a deep passion for the Word of God & the Gospel to be brought forth in the classroom and beyond. She has a heart that longs for students to deeply know and experience the love of God each day in the classroom in their interactions and their learning. It is Erika’s prayer that each student would be discipled and mentored as they learn about God and His faithfulness through the different facets of education.
Away from the classroom, Mrs Darko loves spending time out in nature, studying the Word, cooking, baking, enjoying a coffee, seeing sunrises & sunsets on the lake, and spending time with others!
Mrs. Joy Rabe
Junior Kindergarten teacher
Education
Bachelor of Education, Redeemer University
Early Childhood Education, Fanshawe College
Bachelor of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University
Mrs Rabe is thrilled to be part of the MCS family. From a young age, she has worked in various roles in Children's Ministry at church and childcare centers. Joy has taught all ages, from infants to teenagers. She takes delight in experiencing and expressing the joy of the Lord in her interactions with others, especially with children.
In her spare time, Joy loves being with family, worshipping the Father through song, hanging out with her dog, being outdoors, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Mrs Rabe looks forward to being a part of the growth around her and seeing how God will move this year.
Mrs. Laura Kroezen
CUSTODIAN
Laura worked for nine years as a custodian for Acton Bethel Christian Reformed Church. More recently, Laura worked at a greenhouse specializing in growing chrysanthemums and poinsettias. She enjoys gardening as a hobby, along with scrapbooking, hiking and travelling.
Laura is familiar with the Christian school system as she is a product of it (Immanuel Christian School in Aylmer, ON and London District Christian High), as are her husband and daughters (Georgetown District Christian School, now HHCS). Laura sees great value in a Christian education after growing up in that environment.
Mr. Duncan Steyn
Educational assistant, JK
Duncan Steyn is an educator who has worked with students for 5 years. He is passionate about equipping and empowering young people to discover their God-given skills and talents. He is passionate about seeing students flourish under effective leadership and Biblical principles. Outside off the classroom, he is involved volunteering at his church, long distance running, watching movies, and spending time with his friends. Duncan looks forward to supporting the families of MCS as their children continue to grow into the blessings and gifts that God has gifted each one of them with.
Mrs. Milanie O’Mard
Educational assistant
Born & raised in Vancouver, Mrs O’Mard is a vital addition to the Student Services team at MCS! With her experience in literacy and her joy for student success, she has been able to work closely with our youngest emerging readers to make great strides building a love of reading in many students! Mrs O’Mard is the lead for our Friday Reading program - for more information and to help out with this initiative email shine@miltonchristianschool.com
