"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Diana Lim studied Early Childhood Education at the University of Montana and taught for five years before transitioning into administrative roles in the business sector and at Christ Church Bellingham. Passionate about classical Christian education, she became the Head of School at Trinity Classical School in 2016. Diana is married to Arthur and is a mother to Lily, Julianna, and Ryder. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, skiing, cleaning, and playing games with her children.
Mrs. Diana Lim
Head of School
Wonder is the beginning of wisdom. ― Socrates
Michelle Vander Pol earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL. She began her teaching career in Chicago, where she taught first grade at a Christian school for four years. She then moved to Southern California and spent eight years teaching pre-kindergarten. Her introduction to classical education came while teaching kindergarten prep at a Classical Christian School in San Diego, where she was inspired by the students’ enthusiasm for learning. Michelle moved to Lynden in 2016 and feels blessed to be part of Trinity Classical School, where she has taught first grade for eight years and now serves as the Grammar School Dean. Michelle and her husband, Mark, have two children, Jeremiah and Jasmine. She loves playing games, kayaking, camping with her family, and visiting national parks to appreciate God’s beautiful creation.
Mrs. Michelle Vander Pol
Grammar School Dean
The being in a state of grace will yield a man heaven hereafter, but the seeing of himself in this state will yield him both a heaven here and a heaven hereafter.” —Thomas Brooks
Faith is a native Texan who calls Montana home—there she developed a deep love of the jewel-toned mountains and snaking rivers of the Missoula Valley. After studying Liberal Arts and Culture at New Saint Andrews College, she spent some time on the the tilt-a-whirl of fine dining as a professional chef, later stepping off to study Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California where she also headed up the hospitality department. Moonlighting as a managing editor in the world of theological publishing, she spends much of her free time reading and wrangling words. The remains of her days are best spent out of doors (preferably on the water or in the woods), feasting with family and friends (ideally preceded by a cooking party), and singing (usually from the Psalter or a Bach cantata).
Faith Crawford
Director of Operations
“[The world] is a gorgeous old place, full of clownish graces and beautiful drolleries, and it has enough textures, tastes, and smells to keep us intrigued for more time than we have. Unfortunately, however, our response to its loveliness is not always delight: It is, far more often than it should be, boredom. And that is not only odd, it is tragic; for boredom is not neutral–it is the fertilizing principle for unloveliness.” — Robert Farrar Capon
Christina studied Human Services at Western Washington University and later went on to get her Masters in Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. During this time, she worked at the Center for Faith and Work, St. Louis, cultivating her passion for equipping people (young and old) to glorify God and enjoy Him in their callings. She has four children, Judah, Hazel, Phoebe, and Deacon, as well as a cat named Kimchi. She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, writing about herself in the third person, spending time with friends, and delighting in all the beautiful drolleries God’s world has to offer.
Mrs. Christina Hannah
School Secretary
Grammar school FACULTY
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young. ― Isaiah 40:11
Beth was born in Canada, raised in Australia, and attended boarding school in Malaysia, where she met her husband, Jay. They are blessed with three children and three grandchildren. In 2007, the Reimers moved to South Korea, where Beth began her teaching career. Over the next 13 years, she taught elementary music, early childhood education, preschool, and 1st grade while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. Beth loves the beauty of God’s creation and enjoys caring for their small farm, which is home to sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, and many flowers.
Mrs. Beth Reimer
Kindergarten Teacher
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in heaven."
― Matthew 5:16
Corinne earned her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Washington University in 2007, later returning to complete a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. For the past 15 years, she has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Bellingham Public Schools. Corinne met her husband during a Valentine’s Day all-paces run in Fairhaven, and they now have two daughters, Penny and Hattie. She discovered the classical model of education when her children started school and has grown to love it more each day. In her free time, Corinne enjoys running, cycling, reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Corinne Nelson
First Grade Teacher
“The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing God's hand in all that concerns it, cannot be a prey to fear, it looks beyond all second causes, straight into the heart and will of God, and rests content, because He rules.” -Susannah Spurgeon
Sjana MacSwan was born in Bellingham and earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Baptist College (now Corban University) in Salem, Oregon. She has experience teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in a Christian school. Sjana and her husband, Brian, returned to Bellingham to answer God’s call to plant Legacy Church. During the church’s early years, Sjana’s passion for children’s discipleship and education helped create a Gospel-centered children’s ministry. Sjana and Brian have three children: Hunter, Makenna, and Karis. Her children’s positive experiences with classical education have made her a strong advocate for its benefits. Sjana is excited about partnering with families to disciple young lives. She enjoys reading, baking, spending time with her family, and visiting the Oregon Coast.
Mrs. Sjana MacSwan
Second Grade Teacher
Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence. — St. Augustine
Judy Buiter grew up in Colorado and attended a small Christian school from first through eighth grade. After a brief time in Michigan, her family moved to Washington state. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, with a K-12 endorsement in Language Arts. Judy has taught third through fifth grade for over 25 years and loves this age group’s enthusiasm for reading and learning as they explore God’s world. She and her husband, Henry, have been blessed with four children and ten grandchildren. Judy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, skiing, gardening, and, of course, teaching!
Mrs. Judy Buiter
Third Grade Teacher
Education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul. ― Augustine
Julie Smith, originally from Wyoming, has a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She is married to Jimmy, and together they have two children, Ethan and Ella, along with a spoiled Alaskan Malamute. Julie served for eight years in the U.S. Army, both in active duty and the reserves. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Brownsville and is pursuing her MA in Education from Grand Canyon University. In Bellingham, she had the privilege of teaching preschool and pre-kindergarten for several years, where she discovered her passion for nurturing children’s love of learning and exploring God’s creation. Julie is drawn to the classical education model, which fosters both spiritual and intellectual growth in a loving environment. In her free time, she enjoys family adventures, epic road trips, reading, and a good cup of coffee.
Mrs. Julie Smith
Fourth Grade Teacher
You can never be overdressed or overeducated — Oscar Wilde
Jamie Nichols graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Human Services and a minor in Education. Before teaching, she worked in administration with senior citizens in healthcare. Jamie is married to Matt, and they have three children: twin boys, Liam and Gage, and a daughter, Genevieve. She is captivated by the beauty of classical education, appreciating its Christ-centered philosophy, rich traditions, and unique approach to learning. Jamie enjoyed substitute teaching and volunteering at Trinity in various roles. In her free time, she loves keeping her plants alive (as best she can), cooking outdoors with her cast-iron Dutch oven, camping, playing with her kids, reading, challenging her husband to Skip-Bo, and wearing animal prints.
Mrs. Jamie Nichols
Fifth Grade Teacher
But courage, child; we are all between the paws of the true Aslan.
― C.S. Lewis
Sophia Southard graduated from Providence Christian College in 2018 with a degree in Liberal Studies, focusing on Education and Humanities. During her time in Pasadena, California, she loved the city’s beautiful beaches, creative vibe, and warm sunshine. After completing her student teaching in 5th grade at Pasadena Christian, she moved to Lynden, Washington, where she worked as a substitute teacher in both public and private schools. In her free time, Sophia enjoys singing, playing guitar, reading, and exploring new coffee shops. She is passionate about working at a classical Christian school, where the focus is on shaping young men and women through God’s Word and developing their skills in logic and eloquence. Soli Deo Gloria!
Mrs. Sophia Southard
Sixth Grade Teacher
SECONDARY SCHOOL FACULTY
Deanna is a lifelong resident of Whatcom County who graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Elementary Education, which includes a mathematics endorsement. She has taught preschool, middle school, and high school students and feels fortunate to be using her gifts in a school that emphasizes the Christian worldview and utilizes the Classical education model. When Deanna is not at school or preparing math lessons, she enjoys spending time with and supporting her family. With her husband, Charles, Deanna co-owns two businesses, of which she is the finance manager. She delights in supporting the goals and passions of her teenage children, Sarah and David. Deanna sees her role as a mother and teacher as more of a "tutor" and "coach" when praying and encouraging her children and students to be physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially healthy.
“All good things — trout as well as eternal salvation — come by grace, and grace comes by art, and art does not come easily.”
― Norman Maclean
Lucas Berry is a Washington native. He and his wife, Hannah, married in August 2020 and moved to Bellingham in 2021. Lucas graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in English Literature. During his studies, he worked closely with faculty on research projects and co-taught a Technical Writing class. He has taught English in various settings, including classical education and tutoring students ages 6-16. Lucas aims to inspire his students to appreciate literature as an art form and to recognize their Creator as the ultimate storyteller. When he's not reading, Lucas enjoys fly fishing in Whatcom County’s creeks and rivers, convincing friends to play complex board games, savoring the “stone-fruit” notes in his latest coffee roast, or passionately debating new ideas. Soli Deo Gloria!
Mr. Lucas Berry
Secondary Humanities Teacher
The task of every Christian parent bringing children up to maturity in such a world is to do it in a way that equips…True protection equips. We do not want to build a fortress for our students to hide in; we want to give them a shield to carry - along with a sword.
― Doug Wilson
Meagan Wynne is happily married to her husband, Ryan. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Zoology, initially planning to teach secondary science, but the Lord had different plans. After Ryan accepted a job in Bellingham, they were blessed with four wonderful children. Meagan’s passion for classical education began at 19 but grew stronger through homeschooling her kids. She spent nine years tutoring in the Classical Conversations program and discovered a surprising love for teaching English grammar and exploring the great books with her students. Meagan finds joy in pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty through literature alongside her students. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and sailing; continuous learning through books, podcasts, and engaging conversations; and quality time with family and friends, filled with food, fun, and laughter.
Mrs. Meagan Wynne
Secondary Humanities Teacher
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ― Proverbs 22:6 (King Solomon)
Ryan was born and raised in Salem, Oregon, and though he considers himself an Oregonian at heart, he has lived, worked, and studied in various places, including Japan, Seattle, and Grand Rapids. He earned his M.Div. in the spring of 2022. In his free time, Ryan enjoys watching old and foreign films, listening to classic rock, and studying theology, history, and economics. He is passionate about helping students learn to love God with both their hearts and minds.
Mr. Ryan Ferries
Humanities &
Greek Teacher
The purpose of Classical Education is to cultivate virtue and wisdom. The classical Christian does not ask, “What can I do with this learning?” but “What will this learning do to me?” ―Circe Institute
Amy, a seasoned advocate of classical education, has navigated every stage of learning while homeschooling her children before joining Trinity. During her time as a tutor with Classical Conversations, she led a group of high school students, where she witnessed the true goal of classical education: developing young people capable of critical thinking, independent thought, and effective communication to glorify God and inspire others. This experience sparked her passion for encouraging others in this form of education. Amy sees herself as the “lead learner” of her classroom, believing that her enthusiasm for discovering God’s creation across all subjects is contagious. She hopes to instill in her students a lifelong love of learning. Amy is married to Mike and has six children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and playing volleyball in her backyard.
Mrs. Amy Hollister
Secondary Humanities Teacher
And the more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild. ― G.K. Chesterton
Jay spent much of his childhood in Malaysia, attending a boarding school for missionary children while his parents worked in Vietnam and Thailand. He later earned an M.Ed from Western Washington University and has taught in Washington, Korea, Malaysia, and Canada. Jay is passionate about teaching in an environment where curiosity and understanding can flourish, believing that God calls us to enjoy His creation, be creative, build meaningful relationships, and contribute in ways that bless others. He views learning as a lifelong journey that extends beyond school and home. Jay lives with his wife and son on a small farm in Nugent’s Corner, where they raise sheep, chickens, and a wannabe farm dog.
Mr. Jay Reimer
Secondary Science Teacher
“Man as scientist can be spoken of as the priest of creation whose office it is to interpret the books of nature written by the finger of God, to unravel the universe in its marvelous patterns and symmetries, and to bring it all into orderly articulation in such a way that it fulfills its proper end as the vast theatre of glory in which the Creator is worshipped and hymned and praised by his creatures.” ―Thomas Torrance
Ted grew up on the south end of Lake Samish and attended high school in Sedro-Woolley. He earned a chemistry degree from the University of Washington, a master’s in science education from WWU, and has taught and coached at all three public high schools in Bellingham. Ted believes that mathematics is one way we can see the order, beauty, and elegance of God’s creation. He lives in Bellingham with his wife, Jan, and has two adult daughters. In his free time, Ted enjoys investigating the relationship between science, mathematics, and Christianity.
Mr. Ted Flint
Secondary Math Teacher
Love was even more mathematical than poetry; it was the pure mathematics of the spirit." - Charles Williams
Emily earned her liberal arts degree in English Literature from Wheaton College and then went on to work in accounting for 15+ years. She remembers math as her favorite subject growing up and is passionate about finding and sharing ways to explore numbers. She believes that we reflect God's image in our appreciation of and participation in the order he has placed over all of his creation through mathematics, even in carefully solving an algebraic equation step-by-step. After homeschooling her four children and tutoring through Classical Conversations for many years, Emily is happy to combine her love for classical education with a community that values the growth of each student's heart and mind every day. Emily loves reading with her kids, spending time with family, and solving logic puzzles.
Mrs. Emily Blair
Secondary Math Teacher
The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. — Johann Sebastian Bach
Avah Vroom earned her bachelor’s degree in History from Liberty University and holds a Level Three certification in the Kodaly method of music education. She studied violin and voice at the Peterson Conservatory in Skagit and has performed as a soloist with the North Stars Chamber Orchestra at music festivals in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. In 2015, Avah began working with a local youth symphony, where she discovered her passion for helping children grow in their love and knowledge of music. She has been teaching music at Trinity for several years and loves seeing students develop their desire and skills to worship our Creator through music. Avah married her husband, Joel, in 2020, and they welcomed their daughter, Dottie, in 2023. As a family, they enjoy road trips, audiobooks, and hiking with their dog.