Our People
WRCA’s team, including the Board of Directors, Leadership Team, teachers, educational support staff, operational support staff, and administrative staff, is united in providing an excellent Christ-centered education.
Our teachers and educational support staff guide students academically, fostering Godly character and a sound Biblical worldview. In addition, our operational and administrative staff work behind the scenes to ensure a safe, efficient, and nurturing environment.
Together, with the guidance of our Board and Leadership Team, we support each student’s holistic development, helping them reach their full potential.

Board of Directors
WRCA is a category one independent school operated by the White Rock Christian Academy Board of Directors.
Leadership Team

Joel Slofstra
Head of School
Joel Slofstra brings 25 years of diverse experience to WRCA, including roles as an Environmental Science Specialist in Michigan and an Elementary School Principal in Ontario. At WRCA, he has served as Junior School Principal, Senior School Principal, and Assistant Head of School. Joel believes each student is uniquely created in God’s image and is dedicated to helping them explore their gifts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Calvin University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Outside work, Joel enjoys hiking and canoeing. He and his wife recently celebrated 25 years of marriage and have three children.

Danielle Zonneveld
Senior School Principal
Danielle’s educational journey began in Ireland and extended to England, where she earned her teaching degree. She taught at an IB school in Singapore before obtaining her master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of The Fraser Valley. At WRCA, Danielle has served as a Senior School Teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Senior School Principal. Her vision centers on nurturing students’ faith and purpose, emphasizing a strong connection with Jesus. Outside work, Danielle enjoys hiking and board games. She is a devoted parent to two children, with family at the core of her values.

Gerry Goertzen
Junior School Principal
Gerry Goertzen brings over 33 years of experience in Christian education, having worked in Japan, Prince George, Abbotsford, and White Rock. His vision for WRCA students is to encourage their growth as godly citizens who can transform their world for Christ. He is an innovative leader in IB education, integrating creativity and a Christian worldview. Gerry holds a Bachelor of Science from UBC and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Trinity Western University. Passionate about puppets, music, technology, and more, he incorporates these into his leadership. Married for 36 years, he has three adult children, and his wife teaches P.E. at WRCA.

Sam Rehman
Chief Administrative Officer
Sam’s Enrolment Management career began at Trinity Western University, where he served in Admissions, including three years as Director, achieving record growth. He later worked in Fundraising and Business Development, contributing $2M annually through partnerships. After TWU, Sam was the VP for Individual and Strategic Giving at the Centre for Child Development. For over 10 years at WRCA, he has shaped Enrolment, Operations, and Fundraising. A believer in the home-school partnership, Sam values independent education. Originally from Toronto, he holds degrees in Business and Psychology, and a Master’s in Business Leadership from TWU. He’s a fan of Toronto sports and the 49ers.

David Houston
Chief Financial Officer
David Houston joined WRCA as the CFO in 2020. Prior to that he spent 5+ years on the Board of Directors. He has extensive management experience in overseeing complex business structures gained by over 20 years of international private banking. He holds a BSc in Biology from Augustana University and a diploma in International Trust Management from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Both of his children have White Rock Christian Academy experience, and he is actively involved in the community through a number of charities with a focus on our youth.
Teaching Staff

Emily Berry
Primary Years Programme Coordinator

Gatim Houston
Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Lymoon Birch
Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Gyssel Romano
Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Brenda Breuls
Kindergarten Teacher

Chelsea Sharp
Kindergarten Teacher

Anna Fehringer
Grade 1 Teacher

Camille Noel
Grade 1 Teacher

Tracey Mothe
Grade 2 Teacher

Alyssa Vanderliek
Grade 2 Teacher

Katie Karram
Grade 2 Teacher

Kelly Berghammer
Grade 3 Teacher

Nathan Jager
Grade 3 Teacher

Janey Johnson
Grade 4 Teacher

Nancy Bakken
Grade 4 Teacher

Jodi Paluch
Grade 4 Teacher

Lymoon Birch
Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Lorraine Whitmarsh
Grade 5 Teacher

Janis Ottevangers
Grade 5 Teacher

Elizabeth Eckert
Junior School Teacher – Music

Michelle McLauren
French Teacher

Joanna LeFave
Physical Education & Bible Teacher

Debbie Goertzen
Physical Education

Jeff Weichel
DP Coordinator and Senior School Teacher

Natalie Poirier
MYP Coordinator and Senior School Teacher

James Caswell
Fine Arts Coordinator

Anthony Bigornia
Senior School Teacher and Student Life Coordinator

Laura Lee
Senior School Teacher (French) and Biblical Foundations Coordinator

Paul Lukacin
Japanese Student Program Coordinator

Tolu Pauls
Athletic Director and PE Teacher

Mary Kathryn Perrin
Senior School Teacher and Academic Counsellor

Debbie Alexander
Senior School Teacher (Art)

Lauren Bennett
Senior School Teacher

Milli Caswell
Fine Arts Assistant

Marius Corduneanu
Senior School Teacher

Liza Gerei
Senior School Teacher

Kristin Jakola
Senior School Teacher

Aaron Kennedy
Senior School Teacher & IT Integration Manager

Phoebe Lo
Senior School Teacher

Phoebe Lo
Senior School Teacher

Joy Leung
Senior School Teacher

Michelle McLauren
French Teacher

Jackie Miles
Senior School Teacher and Drama Director

Josh Miles
Senior School Teacher (Art)

Brylee Nelson
Senior School Teacher

Samuel Selvin
Senior School Teacher

Mitchell Skjeveland
Senior School Teacher

Emily Snyder
Senior School Teacher – Music

Bianca Suepat-Pennant
Senior School Teacher

Melissa Thiessen
Senior School Teacher – French
Support Staff

Angelique Scheirer
Teacher Librarian

Liza Capdecoume
Development & Library Tech

Jodie Doerksen
Counsellor and Safe Schools Coordinator

Mary Kathryn Perrin
Senior School Teacher and Academic Counsellor

Cheryl Penner
Education Support Services Coordinator

Collin Cole
Education Assistant

Katrina Jakola
Education Assistant

Monica Ma
Education Assistant

Marilyn Rempel
Education Assistant

Sandy Wallis
Education Assistant

Joanna Wates
Education Assistant

Linda Zhao
Education Assistant

Elwyn Fast
JSP Assistant

Maddie Lay
Youth Care Worker

Fiona White
Executive Assistant

Delia Gan
International Student Program Director

Cindy Louw
Admissions and ISP Coordinator

Aaron Kennedy
Senior School Teacher & IT Integration Manager

Carroll Luk
Administrative Assistant

Odile Jin
Administrative Assistant

David England
Facilities Manager

Bob Irving
Facilities

Cecil Naidu
Communications Officer

Diana Sawatzky
Full Charge Bookkeeper

Heather Nagtegaal
Accounting Clerk

Helen Thayakaanthan
Financial Controller

Scott Allen
Development and Alumni Relations
