ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
Discipleship and spiritual formation are less about erecting an edifice of knowledge than they are a matter of developing a Christian know-how that intuitively understands the world in light of the Gospel. ― James K.A. Smith
Diana Lim studied early childhood education at the University of Montana. She taught for five years before moving into administration roles within the business sector and at Christ Church Bellingham. Diana is passionate about classical Christian education and began working as the Head of School of Trinity Classical School in 2016. Diana is a wife to Arthur and mother to Lily, Julianna, and Ryder. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, skiing, camping in the family's 1960s vintage trailer, and playing games with her kids.
Mrs. Diana Lim
Head of School
The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life. ― Plato
Angela Strotz has been a lifelong Whatcom County resident. She spent 13 years working in business administration for a family-owned contracting business and has spent many years in real estate as an investor, property manager, and, most recently, as a broker. Angela is passionate about theology and discipling women. She and her husband, Rich, have two daughters attending Trinity Classical School since kindergarten. Angela loves to go camping or hiking with her family, complete DIY projects, or read from an eclectic array of books in her free time.
Mrs. Angela Strotz
Campus Coordinator
The object of education is to love what is beautiful. — Plato
Laura attended Western Washington University and received a BA in Communications. During her time at WWU, she met Gabe, and they married in 2002. After working in various marketing and public relations roles, she now enjoys being a mom to their three boys. When it was time to decide where their boys would attend school, it was the Christian classical model presented by Trinity Classical School in 2013 that made sense. And so began their family’s Christian, classical education journey.
Mrs. Laura Martin
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
Lisa started her journey toward teaching
with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Seattle Pacific University. She
completed a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University. Life has also given Lisa precious lessons as she raised her four children, Melody, Eliana, Obadiah, and Moses. Her beloved husband of 23 years, James Meyer, likes to accompany her on the trails, hiking, and biking. The family enjoys the rhythm of home
life as teenagers and grandchildren come and go. Two Irish golden doodles, Rosa and Ryder, often steal the show and keep the family laughing.
Mrs. Lisa Meyer
Kindergarten Teacher
Wonder is the beginning of wisdom. ― Socrates
Michelle Vander Pol graduated from Trinity Christian College in Illinois with a BA in elementary education. She taught 1st grade in an inner-city school in Chicago for four years before moving to southern California. In California, she taught pre-kindergarten at a Christian School for eight years. She then found a Classical school in the area where she taught kindergarten prep for three years. It was there that she fell in love with the Classical model of education. Michelle is so blessed to be a part of Trinity Classical. She loves teaching the first grade because they are eager learners and are excited about discovering new things. She and her husband, Mark, have two beautiful children who attend Trinity. They enjoy camping, hiking, bike riding, and playing games together as a family.
Mrs. Michelle Vander Pol
Grammar School Dean
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 graduated from Western Baptist College (now called Corban University) in Salem, Oregon, with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in a Christian school. Sjana and her husband, Brian, moved back to Bellingham following God’s call to plant Legacy Church. During the formation and throughout the first few years of the life of this new church, God used Sjana’s passion for children’s discipleship and education experience to build a Gospel-centered children’s ministry within the church. Sjana and Brian have been blessed with three children, Hunter, Makenna, and Karis, all whom attend TCS. Having experienced the benefits of classical education firsthand in the lives of her children, Sjana has become a strong advocate for classical education. She is inspired and grateful for what it has produced in her own children and is excited about partnering with families to disciple other young lives. She loves reading, baking, being with her family, and spending time on 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 was raised in Colorado, where she attended a small Christian school from the first through eighth grades. After a short time in Michigan, God brought her family to Washington state. Judy graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham with a B.A. in Elementary Education, which includes a K–12 endorsement for Language Arts. She has taught third through fifth grade for 25 years and especially enjoys the way that children at this age are so excited about reading and learning as they discover God’s world around them! Judy and her husband, Henry, have been blessed in God’s great love with four children and ten grandchildren. She is thankful for time spent 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 is a Wyoming native who loves the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She has been married to her husband, Jimmy, for over 18 years. They have two children, Ethan and Ella, and a spoiled Alaskan Malamute. Julie served eight years in the United States Army in both active and reserve components. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Brownsville and has been working towards her MA in Education from Grand Canyon University. In Bellingham, she was privileged to teach preschool and pre-kindergarten for several years. She has found her passion for sharing the joy of learning with children and exploring God’s beautiful creation. Julie has fallen in love with the classical model of education as it allows a foundation where students can lovingly grow and develop spiritually and intellectually. In her free time, she enjoys adventures with her family, 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. She spent the last 15 years of her career working in administration with senior citizens in health care. Jamie has been married to Matt Nichols, a financial advisor (and great husband and father). They have three children; twin boys, Liam and Gage, and a daughter, Genevieve. Jamie has volunteered at TCS while her children have been enrolled and remain completely enamored by the true beauty of classical education. The Christ-centered philosophy and deep traditions of the learning environment provide an inspirational, challenging, and wholly unique worldview. Jamie has substitute taught at TCS and loved every minute of it! She is thrilled to have her own classroom this year. In her free time, Jamie enjoys not killing her plants (whenever possible), cooking meals outside in her cast-iron Dutch oven, camping, playing with her kids, reading, challenging her husband to games of 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 Liberal Studies degree, specializing in Education & Humanities. She enjoyed the beautiful beaches, artsy atmosphere, and warm sunshine in Pasadena, California. After completing her Student Teaching in 5th grade at Pasadena Christian, she moved back home to Lynden, Washington, to substitute teach in public and private schools. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing guitar, reading, and discovering new coffee shops. Sophia is thrilled to join the TCS team, united in the goal of forming young men & women shaped by the Word of God, skilled in the art of logic and eloquence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Mrs. Sophia Southard
Sixth Grade Teacher
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 (King Lemuel)
Olivia was born and raised in Lynden, WA, and always dreamed of being an art teacher. She attended The Master’s University in Southern California, completing her general education courses and obtaining a biblical education. During this time she grew a deeper knowledge and passion for sound theology in God’s Word - Sola Scriptura. Olivia moved back home and began working as a middle school youth group leader, Pre-K-1st grade Sunday School teacher, K-8th grade paraeducator, and a dance teacher for ages 2-17. Through these different positions, she quickly realized her passion for educating children and went on to complete her BA in Elementary Education K-8. Olivia enjoys creating pottery, painting, dancing, traveling, and enjoying the California beaches with her friends. Olivia is excited for the opportunity to bring glory to God through art, while she teaches the students of Trinity Classical School.
Ms. Olivia Tellefsen
Art 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 born and raised Washingtonian. He and his wife Hannah married in August of 2020, and moved to Bellingham in 2021. Mr. Berry graduated from Western Washington University with his BA in English Literature. During his time there, he worked closely with faculty and professors, collaborating on research papers and co-teaching a Technical Writing class. Mr. Berry has also had the pleasure of teaching English in a variety of environments, both in a classical setting and tutoring children aging from 6-16. Mr. Berry hopes for his students to both gain an appreciation for literature as an art form and to see their Creator as the ultimate storyteller. When he’s not buried in a book, Mr. Berry can be found stalking trout in the creeks and rivers of Whatcom County, talking his friends into playing yet another complicated board game, describing the “stone-fruit” notes in his newest coffee roast, or picking a new hill to — metaphorically — die on. 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 has been happily married to her husband, Ryan. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Zoology degree, with the dream of teaching secondary science. The Lord had other plans! After Ryan accepted a job offer in Bellingham, and God promptly blessed them with four delightful little people. Although the seeds were first planted when she was 19, Meagan’s deep love for classical education primarily grew through homeschooling her own kids. She tutored for nine years through the Classical Conversations program and was surprised to discover that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching English grammar and studying the great books with her students. It is her delight to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty through good literature alongside the Trinity students. Meagan enjoys time outdoors (mountain biking, hiking, sailing), learning all the things (books, podcasts, stimulating conversations), and spending time with family and friends (eating, playing, laughing).
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. Though a lifelong native Oregonian at
heart, he has lived, worked, and studied in several places, including Japan, Seattle, and
Grand Rapids. He graduated with 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 desires to see students learn to love God with
both their hearts and minds.
Mr. Ryan Ferries
Secondary Humanities &
Secondary Greek 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, where he attended a boarding school for missionary children while his parents worked in Vietnam and Thailand. He earned an M.Ed from WWU and taught in Washington, Korea, Malaysia, and Canada. Jay is passionate about teaching in a school where all our lives and all the world is open to our curiosity and understanding. We worship a God who wants us to enjoy creation, to be creative ourselves, to build constructive relationships, and to be productive in ways that bless others. To do those things well requires learning at home and school and for the rest of our lives. 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
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.― Plutarch
Molly Crocker acquired a BA and MA in education from WWU and taught for five years in public schools. Her career spans math and music; public and private schools, working with homeschoolers in small groups; 17 years as WCC adjunct math faculty, and online courses; pre-K through adults. Hobbies include ensemble singing, song leading with guitar, gardening, baking, and walking. She has two grown children and two granddaughters. Her bucket list includes learning another language and learning to sketch and watercolor.
Mrs. Molly Crocker
Secondary Math 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 veteran of classical education, has experienced every stage of learning while homeschooling her children prior to joining Trinity. While working as a tutor in Classical Conversations, she was able to lead a group of high school students, allowing her to experience the goal of classical education: young citizens capable of critical, independent thought and the rhetorical skills to glorify God and inspire others as they communicate those ideas. This ignited in her a passion to encourage others in this manner of education. Amy describes herself as the “lead learner” of her classroom. She knows her enthusiasm for discovering all that God has made knowable across all subjects is contagious and hopes to pass on a desire never to stop learning to all those under her care. Amy is married to Mike and has six children. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, and play volleyball in her backyard.
Mrs. Amy Hollister
Secondary Latin 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 completed her bachelor’s degree in History from Liberty University and has a level three certification in the Kodaly method of music education. She studied violin and voice through the Peterson Conservatory in Skagit and has performed as a soloist with the North Stars Chamber Orchestra for music festivals and concerts in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. In 2015 Avah began working for a local youth symphony and discovered the joy of helping children grow in their knowledge and love of music. She has been teaching music at Trinity for several years and loves to see students grow in their desire and skill to worship our Creator through music. Avah married her husband Joel in 2020 and welcomed daughter Dottie in 2023. As a family they enjoy road trips, audiobooks, and hiking with their enormous dog.
Mrs. Avah Vroom
Secondary Music Teacher
EDUCATION COUNCIL
