Our People – White Rock Christian Academy
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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.

Grace Ding

Director of Finance & Operations

Grace brings extensive experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, and operational leadership, with over a decade of service in BC’s healthcare sector, including senior roles at Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), has a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and is currently completing her MBA. Grace is committed to supporting mission-driven organizations and is excited to bring her skills to WRCA. Her strong analytical background, paired with a heart for service and leadership, will help guide our school’s financial stewardship and operational excellence in the years ahead.

IB Coordinators

IB Coordinators at White Rock Christian Academy (WRCA) play a vital leadership role in implementing and supporting the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme within the context of WRCA’s vision for Christ-centered, student-focused education. They ensure that the IB philosophy and standards are integrated in a way that aligns with the school’s mission to cultivate thoughtful, compassionate, and globally-minded servant leaders.

Jeff Weichel

DP Coordinator and Senior School Teacher

Natalie Poirier

MYP Coordinator and Senior School Teacher

Alyssa Vanderliek

PYP Coordinator

Teaching Staff

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

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

Lorraine Whitmarsh

Grade 5 Teacher

Janis Ottevangers

Grade 5 Teacher

Elizabeth Eckert

Junior School Teacher – Music

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)

Mike Burge

Senior School Teacher

Milli Caswell

Fine Arts Assistant

Marius Corduneanu

Senior School Teacher

Katy Davis

Senior School Teacher

Lisa-Joy Dubois

Senior School Teacher – Music

Liza Gerei

Senior School Teacher

Jane Howlett

Senior School Teacher

Kristin Jakola

Senior School Teacher

Aaron Kennedy

Senior School Teacher & IT Integration Manager

Phoebe Lo

Senior School Teacher

Michelle McLauren

French Teacher

Nolan Medel

Assistant Athletic Director and PE Teacher

Jackie Miles

Senior School Teacher and Drama Director

Brylee Nelson

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

Library Tech

Jodie Doerksen

Counsellor and Safe Schools Coordinator

Mary Kathryn Perrin

Senior School Teacher and Academic Counsellor

Cheryl Penner

Education Support Services Coordinator

Shelby Gordon

Education Assistant

Katrina Jakola

Education Assistant

Monica Ma

Education Assistant

Marilyn Rempel

Education Assistant

Joanna Wates

Education Assistant

Maddie Lay

Youth Care Worker

Fiona White

Executive Assistant

Delia Gan

International Student Program Director

Cindy Louw

Enrolment and ISP Coordinator

Aaron Kennedy

Senior School Teacher & IT Integration Manager

Carroll Luk

Administrative Assistant

Deborah Thiessen

Administrative Assistant

David England

Facilities Manager

Bob Irving

Facilities

Cecil Naidu

Communications Officer

Diana Sawatzky

Full Charge Bookkeeper

Heather Nagtegaal

Accounting Clerk

Scott Allen

Development and Alumni Relations