faculty
Lauren Jones
Administrator
Mrs. Jones joined the BHCA family in 2022. She brings extensive experience as a classroom teacher, a focus on excellence, and a heart for serving the Lord by educating His children.
Brock Green
Assistant Administrator
Jody Merchen
Office Manager
Mrs. Merchen joined the team at BHCA in 2011. She has a love for serving children and their families. Her previous fifteen year experience in children’s ministry as a volunteer and children’s director, along with her business background, serve beautifully in her role as office manager. She looks forward to the new opportunities God has for her as she comes alongside the dedicated staff, the wonderful families, and the amazing children. She counts it a privilege and joy to be part of the BHCA family! Col. 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Beth Kozel
Office Assistant
Mrs. Kozel came to BHCA in 2011. She studied Elementary Education at Boise State University. She feels that her job at BHCA is a direct answer to several years of prayer. “It has been a long wait, but in His timing God provided the perfect place for me to work. As a mom of two very active kids, I feel very blessed to have a part-time job that works with my family’s busy schedule, is in a healthy Christian environment, and also allows me to work with children and a team of quality individuals like the staff at BHCA.”
Darla Gates
Building Supervisor + Lunch Coordinator
Mrs. Gates started at BHCA in 2018. She’s a hard worker with a servant’s heart, eager to support staff and students with her skills. Mrs. Gates’ willingness to help makes each day brighter for BHCA staff, students, and families.
Brenda Karp
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Karp joined the BHCA team in the fall of 2017. She has a degree in Christian Education from OK Wesleyan University. She has served with her husband in pastoral ministry for 20 years and has led children’s programs. “I am very excited to be at BHCA and to work in a place where I can help kids learn about Jesus and to grow into the people God wants them to be.” A favorite verse of hers is Philippians 4:6-7a, “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand…”
Desirae Green
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Desirae is a wife and mother of three kids that all attend BHCA! She says, “My heart was for this school since the day I took a tour of it. I truly believe God lead us to South Dakota and is going to do some amazing things through our school and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Teaching quickly became my passion and being at the school full time and teaching PreK feels like a dream! I love showing kids what a life with Jesus can do for you and teaching them skills to carry over into their school careers and beyond. I am honored and excited for this year at BHCA! “
Favorite verse:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Tyffany Johnson
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Johnson joined us in 2019. She had been blessed to stay mostly at home raising her two daughters, who are now part of the BHCA family as well. She has always had a heart for children’s ministry since middle school, and joining BHCA has been an amazing extension of her passion for filling children with God’s truth! A verse she has found constant comfort in is Lamentations 3:23 “They are new ever morning, Great is thy faithfulness.”
Bailie Waterland
1st Grade Teacher
Brittany Robinson
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Robinson joined BHCA in 2010. She graduated from Black Hills State University with a degree in Elementary Education and has her South Dakota certification. Mrs. Robinson also works with elementary children on Sunday mornings at her church. “I love working and teaching in a Christian school! This is a place where I can teach on my favorite subjects while keeping Christ at the center. I am looking forward to blessing each of these children and helping them grow closer to Christ.” One of her favorite verses is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Kari Harter
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Harter joined the BHCA family in 2022. With a wide variety of experiences in providing interventions for students of all ages, Mrs. Harter excels at researching and finding resources to serve her students. Her calm demeanor, consistent expectations, and commitment to doing what needs done bring strength and excellence to her role at BHCA.
Sheryl Malde
4th Grade/HS Yearbook/Photography Teacher
Mrs. Malde attended Dakota Wesleyan University for business administration and took additional courses at Black HiIlls State University. She has been married to her husband for 40 years and they have two boys who both work and live in the Spearfish area. Sheryl has worked with students at the public school in Hot Springs for 13 years and LOVES to work with students of all ages.
Mrs. Malde said the following, ” I feel that the chance to work with 4th graders in a school with a Christian emphasis is an amazing God given opportunity for me. With a positive attitude and a heart for 4th graders, I am honored to work with the staff at BHCA. My life verse has always been Phillipians 4:8 ‘ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.'”
smalde@blackhillschristianacademy.com
Mrs. Malde Planbook 4th Grade Science
Mrs. Malde Planbook Photography
Katie Utecht
5th/6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Utecht joined the BHCA staff in 2022. She graduated from Concordia University in Seward, NE with a degree in Middle Level Education and emphasis in Science and Theology. Her mission is to love and serve her students while proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus’ death and resurrection for them. 2 Peter 3:18 is a daily reminder for Mrs. Utecht: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Julie Esmay
Art Teacher
Julie Esmay joined BHCA in 2022. She has an art education degree from The University of South Dakota and is excited to share her passion for art with the students. She believes that both engaging in the artistic process and learning about art throughout history are important and strives to create opportunities for both in her classroom. Julie is thankful to work in an environment where creativity can be explored and cultivated as a gift from God for His glory.
Gregg Dennison
HS Math/HS Bible Teacher
Mr. Dennison joined BHCA in 2012. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Colorado State University in mathematics. He has 20 years of experience teaching mathematics at the secondary level as well as 4 years experience teaching English as a second language to adults. He also holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from The Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, California. “I am so thankful to have the opportunity and privilege of working with students, parents, and staff in a setting such as BHCA that seeks to honor Christ in the pursuit of instilling Christian principles with academic excellence. May He receive all the glory!”
Jen Zoller
MS/HS Math, Science Teacher
Prior to teaching at BHCA, Mrs. Zoller worked at Spearfish Middle School as an Education Support Person. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from BHSU in 2002 and then earned her teaching certificate from BHSU in 2012 specializing in Chemistry. She is also endorsed in middle school math and science. Zoller currently helps teach middle school-aged students at her church. For her to be able to talk openly about her Lord and Savior in school is such a wonderful thing. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Keyesy Logan
MS/HS English/Spanish Teacher
Kayla Gifford
K-12 Music, MS/HS History Teacher
Zach Gifford
4th Grade Teacher
Dana Hawk
Psychology Teacher
Mrs. Hawk Planbook
Megan Ratzsch
PE Teacher
Mrs. Ratzsch worked at Creekside Elementary for the past two years as a Special Ed paraprofessional. Before that she was at home with her three kiddos Laila, Eli, and Calvin. She likes to read and spend time with her family outdoors. “My husband Tony and I have lived in Spearfish for 12 years and are so grateful to call it home.”
Jamie Groneberg
Aide
Mrs. Groneberg joined BHCA in 2013. She attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University studying early childhood development. Mrs. Groneberg worked in a daycare for 3 1/2 years in Buffalo, WY, and later in a Christian Preschool until she had children of her own. She has two children that attend BHCA and enjoys the convenience of having the same schedule. Mrs. Groneberg enjoys working in a Christ centered school environment, and is excited about being an aide at BHCA.
Reyna Torberson
Aide
Mrs. Torberson joined BHCA in 2021. As a former classroom teacher currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, Mrs. Torberson has a wide range of experiences that add wisdom and joy as she supports both students and teachers in the pre-k classrooms.
Paula Gruenwald
Aide
Mrs. Gruenwald joined the BHCA family as a substitute teacher in 2020, and came on staff to teach PE in 2022. Her passion for children started at a young age, when she loved to babysit. After high school, she received her child development associates. She taught pre-k for 5 years, and then was a director of a daycare for another 6 years. She has been blessed to stay at home mostly to raise her two boys for the past several years. God has truly guided the Gruenwald family here to BHCA and Mrs. Gruenwald looks forward to encouraging children to be their best. A verse she sees within BHCA is Thessalonians 5:11 “Encourage each other and build each other up.”
Lauryn Holt
Extended Care Coordinator
Lauryn is from Peoria, IL originally and is currently in her senior year at BHSU studying early childhood and special education. She has been working in childcare since the age of 14 and is super excited to run the programming for our Extended Care! You may have seen her before at BHCA during chapel helping with worship as she sings and plays guitar on the worship team at the Black Hills Cowboy Church.
Avery Fogelman
Extended Care
“Makayla Friederich
Extended Care
Makayla is from Kaylor, SD and went to school in Scotland, SD. She is currently a senior at BHSU majoring in elementary education and early childhood/Special education. Makayla has worked in childcare for 8 years and helping with community children activities for 6 years like Sunday school and Vbs. “I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with my friends.”