Keith Vanderzwan
Principal, English Language Arts 11 – 12, Science 7-9
Math 7 – 9, Global Studies, Bible, Accounting, Faith and Culture, HS Choir
I came to East Palmyra Christian School in 1993, after having taught at Toronto District Christian and Durham Christian High Schools in Ontario, Canada, and I have been here ever since in the capacity of teaching principal. My subjects of teaching include English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, Accounting, Bible, Faith and Culture, and (in the past) Physical Education. I also coach the EPCS Girls Volleyball team(s), coach at Marion High School, and have coached EPCS Middle School Soccer in the past.
EPCS is a community of Christians, students, parents, and supporters who are encouragers and who strive to live out what it means to be Christians living in community. Developing community is a big part of what I work at here at EPCS. We are to be Christ-like!
I continue to enjoy my work! Although retirement is looming ahead for me, I hope to be part of this community in my capacity for several more years, God willing. This school community is an important place in God’s kingdom, and God allows us to touch lives here!!
Kelly Hooge
1st and 2nd Grade
This is my third year at East Palmyra Christian School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in special education. Currently, I teach full-day kindergarten, as well as pre-school, which joins kindergarten two afternoons a week. Teaching at EPCS provides the unique opportunity to experience the awe and wonder of Jesus Christ within the everyday curriculum. Our small class size allows us to know each other on a personal level and afford children the benefit of plenty of individual attention. My goal is to build the foundation for my students to become productive, responsible, caring, and Godly individuals by providing them with the academic knowledge, social proficiency, and emotional awareness they need, all within a spiritual framework.
Rachael Maag
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Hi! My name is Rachael Maag, and I’m the preschool and kindergarten teacher. I also teach writing to the third through sixth graders. I came to EPCS in 2010, after serving as the elementary music teacher and band director at Science and Arts Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois. I have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL).
I am married to Brian Maag and we moved to the area in September of 2009. Brian is the pastor at Woodlane Community Church in Newark. We are originally from the Chicago area where we met and married. We have a beautiful son, Andrew, who keeps us on our toes when we are not busy with our ministry and other activities.
EPCS is a Christian community of learners, parents, staff, and wonderful volunteers. The small community makes this school a home and a wonderful learning environment to many. The Holy Spirit moves in this place and continues to bless us every day!
Nicole Feinour
3rd and 4th Grade, MS and HS History
Hello everyone! My name is Nicole Feinour. This is my fifth year teaching at EPCS. I teach 3rd and 4th grade as well as 7th and 8th grade American History. I am also assisting in coaching soccer, and I will be in charge of student council.
I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and I moved to New York 5 years ago. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Messiah College. Over the years I have taught in grades 1 – 8 in several settings including the regular education classroom and several special education classrooms.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling and being outdoors. I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
I am impressed by the sense of community here at EPCS and the importance that community is given among staff, students, and families in the school. I strive for my students to have that same sense of community in the classroom along with a fun, safe place to learn.
Judy Rachow
5th and 6th Grade, Bible 7 – 10
Hi! My name is Judy Rachow, and I’m the fifth and sixth grade homeroom teacher. I also teach math to the third and fourth graders, and Bible to the seventh through eleventh graders this year. While teaching so many different age levels keeps me busy, I like it because I feel that I really get to know all of the students at EPCS. I also can see the long-lasting effect of Christian education on my students as I watch them grow.
My hometown is Green Bay, WI, as anyone who has spent much time at EPCS knows, because I am an avid Packer fan.
Since I’ve been on staff at EPCS, I’ve earned an MS from SUNY Brockport and a permanent teaching license for NY.
East Palmyra Christian School has become part of my family during the last fifteen years. The many students (and their families) who have come and gone, and the staff members with whom I’ve served, have enriched my life. In them, I see the promise that God gives in His Word in many places, that those who are rooted in Christ will grow strong and prosper. My prayer is that what we do at EPCS will impact our world and will bring glory to His Name.
Kathy Cornwell
Music Pre-K – 10, Art 7 – 10, ELA 7/8 & 9/10
Hi, I’m Kathleen Cornwell, music teacher at EPCS. I have a Bachelor of Music degree and a MM in Music Education, both from Ithaca College. I began a band program here in the spring of 1998 while teaching part time for Newark Central School. In 2002, I became a full-time staff member, teaching second grade core classes and K-2 PE, as well as instrumental music and band. I have also been directing the choral groups and teaching general music classes since 05-06, and middle school/high school art since 2006. ELA for 7/8 and 9/10 is my newest assignment, which I find rewarding.
I enjoy teaching at EPCS because of the creative challenges, the supportive staff, the loving Christian community, and the positive attitudes of the students. I live in Newark with my husband, Jason, and our children, Luke (EPCS ’08) and Mara, who just completed 7th grade.
Terri Fernaays
Science 3 – 4, PE Pre-K – 11, Health 7th and 8th
I am teaching K-11 PE, 5/6 Science, 5/6 Geography, 7th grade Math, and 7/8 Health. I have enjoyed my time here at the school. It has challenged me as a teacher, in my Christian walk, and as a person as a whole. Looking back, I am grateful for each and every one of those challenges. I also enjoy working here because I believe we have the best staff and students. My colleagues were very helpful, making the adjustment my first year, and now they are a great inspiration. They push me to be a better teacher and Christian. The students have also helped me. They are very accepting of new challenges, and of me as a teacher, along with some of the new things that we do in class. I am looking forward to seelng what God has planned for me, the staff, and students, and the direction God has for the school.
Maestra (Janet Brusso)
Spanish 7 – 10, Spanish 5/6, 3/4
Janet A Brusso was born in Elmira and raised in Elmira Heights, NY. She received her BA degree from Nazareth College of Rochester, and MA degree from SUNY Albany.
Janet, a.k.a. Maestra, enjoys photography, travel, scrapbooking, card making, baking, and gardening, and lives with her husband Jim.
Janet’s interest in Spanish began in the third grade, when she worked with a student teacher from Guatemala. In 7th grade, she knew she wanted to be a Spanish teacher. In college, she spent her junior year studying in Madrid, Spain.
She has also spent time with a family in Mexico.
Janet also had a somewhat unique experience of teaching for NYS Corrections. This is where she became truly fluent in Spanish, teaching English as a Second Language and helping inmates prepare for the high school equivalency exam, or GED, in Spanish. This meant teaching all subject areas, from language arts to science, in Spanish!
In September, 2005, Janet began a new experience with the students and staff at EPCS. She started out teaching Spanish to the 7th and 8th graders, supervising Spanish Buddies, and teaching Spanish to the 5th and 6th graders. As of 2010, she teaches Spanish 1A (7), Spanish 1B (8), Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and Spanish 4. In addition, she meets with the 5th and 6th graders twice a week, and hopes to add grades 1 through 4 to her schedule during the 2010-2011 school year.
Janet soon learned what a caring, fantastic place EPCS is to work. The Holy Spirit is definitely present, working through, and supporting administrators, staff, and students.
On January 31, 2011, Maestra passed away after a battle with cancer. Maestra’s Memorial Service was held on Sunday, February 13, 2011. We miss her much!
Senora (Annette McDowell)
Spanish 7 – 12
Judy White
School Secretary
Hi, I’m Judy White, office secretary at EPCS. Our family has been involved with EPCS since 1991 and our daughters, Leah and Bonnie, graduated from EPCS 8th grade (2000 and 2002).
I am married to Don White and we moved to Marion, NY in August of 1990. Don is the pastor at Second Reformed Church in Marion, and we previously have served churches in Edgerton, MN, and Inwood, IA. I am originally from Philadelphia and Don is from Grand Rapids.
Over the past 16 years, along with my involvement with EPCS, I substituted in teaching and non-teaching roles at the Marion Jr/Sr High School. There, the Lord prepared me for the many facets of the EPCS secretary position. I also serve on the Strategic Planning Committee at EPCS.
I am very thankful for EPCS. It is such a haven in this world of chaos. It is such a joy to watch the students excel academically and strengthen their spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to be called to be a part of EPCS.
Jean Starkenburg
(Volunteer) Reading Grade 1 – 2
Lois Admiraal
EPCS Librarian
