Specialized Teachers

Mrs. Shari Spoolstra teaches first through eighth grade art and a variety of Rhetoric classes. She has a B.F.A. focusing on interior architecture and design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. She worked in various capacities within the building and design industry for over 10 years and is excited to share her love of art with the students at Providence Christian Academy. Shari and her husband Jonathan have 3 children who attend Providence. The Spoolstras attend Redeemer United Reformed Church.

Mrs. Laura Bruinsma teaches K-4 Music, K-2 Science and 1-2 Latin. At Trinity Christian College she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education with a Music Concentration. She taught in Monee, IL before she and her husband, Dan, had 5 boys who have all attended Providence. They call Oak Glen United Reformed Church their church home.

Rev. Daniel Svensen teaches 9th and 10th grade Greek. He and his wife Michelle have four children, three of whom attend Providence. They are all members of First OPC in South Holland, where he labors as a minister of the word and sacraments. 

Mrs. Robin McMurray teaches Rhetoric Omnibus and Kindergarten Art.  She graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in English and Economics, completed her MBA from Pepperdine University and earned an M.A. in Theology from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida.  She has homeschooled her three children, taught a variety of co-op courses and was a swimming instructor and coach.  She and her husband Brad attend Grace Presbyterian church where he serves as a teaching elder.

Mrs. Sarah Boer is thankful to be able to share her love of learning and of seeing others learn by filling the position of academic support at Providence. She and her husband, Tim, have 5 children. Their two sons are graduates of Providence and are now homeschooled. Their 3 daughters are currently attending Providence.

Mrs. Carol Buckley serves Providence as the 5-8th grade music teacher, specifically as the choir director. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Illinois University with certification to teach grades K-12. She has decades of experience in adult choral conduction and choral ensemble participation. She and her husband Derek are members of Grace Church (PCA). 

Mrs. Hannah Ipema teaches a variety of younger classes at Providence, including phonics, art, physical education, and science. She has previously worked as a classroom aide and behaviorist at another local Christian school. She and her husband Ben are members of First Church PCA in Lansing.