Meet our new staff & read our teacher updates!
Emily Wilson – Grade 3/4 Teacher
This summer, my family and I made the move to Vernon from High Level, Alberta, a small town in the north where I was born and raised. My husband Adam and I have been married for 11 years and have been blessed with two children, Kennedy (age 4) and Kade (age 2). I worked as an Educational Assistant for a few years before becoming a teacher and finished my Bachelor of Education in 2016 and Master of Education in 2019. In my 7 years as a teacher, I have gained experience as an Elementary Teacher, Inclusive Education Coordinator, and Literacy Coach.
I am excited to serve in a Christ-centered community and be a part of the discipleship at Vernon Christian School, through the teaching of God’s Word, developing a heart for service and building Biblical character in the students. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, families, and community members of the school.
Stephanie Vandermeulen – Grade 3/4 Teacher
It is with great enthusiasm and a little bit of nerves that I introduce myself, Stephanie Vandermeulen to the VCS community. First, I would like to express my gratitude for Vernon Christian School opening up its doors to my family and I.
My family and I are embarking on a new adventure from Spruce Grove, Alberta to Vernon, B.C. We have talked about moving to Vernon for a few years and found ourselves faced with the opportunity when it arose at the end of this past school year. In my family, we have myself, my husband Chad, our two daughters and a little yappy dog. Aria is our oldest who will be turning 9 in September. Paisley turned 6 and is excited to be attending school every day this year! Moana is our little morkie, named after our love for all things Disney.
We are so incredibly excited to settle into Vernon and the VCS family from which we have heard such incredible and amazing things. I am excited to work with the dedicated staff, wonderful students and supportive families of Vernon Christian School. We are excited to be surrounded by a school that is passionate about loving and serving Jesus. I hope to be a blessing and positive influence surrounding VCS and the community of Vernon. I cannot wait to connect with you all in the upcoming year.
Matt and Ashley Milec
Matt – Grade 7 teacher
Ashley – part-time primary PE teacher
We are Matt and Ashley Milec. We are very excited to make the move to VCS from Chilliwack. After spending 9 years as an athletic director, Matt is ready for a change of pace and will be teaching grade 7. Whether he is hiking, biking, skiing, climbing or playing hockey, he is happiest when he’s moving and exploring. Ashley is looking forward to spending time with primary students in the gym while she teaches PE. She will also be substituting so make sure you say hi and give her grace as she attempts to learn everyone’s name. Together with our three kids, Caleb, Kalia and Dash, we are excited for a new school and a new adventure. After much prayer, talking to several friends who have recently joined the VCS family and visiting the area in various seasons, the doors started opening for us to work here. It is wonderful to be able to look back over the last year and see how God has directed our steps to Vernon. We are looking forward to new friendships, exploring God’s beautiful creation, and being positive, Christ-honouring members of the VCS Family.
Heather Chobot – SC Humanities & ADST Grade 9-12
My name is Heather Chobot and I attended the University of Regina where I earned a degree in Education and Arts with a focus on cross-curricular teaching. I served as the department head of humanities and art at a Christian School in Kelowna for the past 6 years and I am excited to share my passion in these areas with the students at Vernon Christian School. Teaching young people with a Christian worldview and helping them pursue a life of discipleship and service to themselves and those around is my calling as an educator.
I was raised in the prairies, and I enjoy baking bread, gardening, and being a mom to my two young boys. When I’m not creating in the kitchen or tending to my garden, I’m likely on a hike or playing outside with my family. My husband and I moved to the Okanagan from Saskatchewan, drawn to the warmth and beauty of the people and the landscape here.
I am really excited to be a part of the Vernon Christian School community and look forward to getting to know you.
Krista Gutknecht – part-time SC teacher
Hello! It is wonderful to be joining the VCS community on a more permanent basis. I have been a part of the VCS team in some capacity for almost 10 years! I greatly appreciate the flexibility to work fluidly as a teacher, EA and as a TOC (teacher on call) as our family has grown. Thank you for trusting me with your students and classes.
Many of you already know me and my family. Steve works as part of the administration team as the Director of Development. We have two boys, Jacob (8 years old) in grade 3, and Ivan (5 years old) who will be starting Kindergarten this year. We are excited to be working alongside all of you as we seek to raise disciples of Jesus in our school community.
I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment where we get to pray together as staff, help students find their place in God’s story, and worship our God as a school. My passions are teaching topics around life skills and how to live a healthy lifestyle (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually).
In my free time, I love to go camping, enjoy quiet time outdoors, spend time with family and watch my kids become all who God has created them to be.
I am still learning as a teacher and am excited to see what God has in store over this next year! Thank you for welcoming me back,
Current staff in new roles
Amanda Gaythorpe who stepped into grade 7 at the end of the year last year has moved into a full-time teaching grade 7 this fall. We are excited to welcome Amanda to full-time teaching at our secondary campus.