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
Head of Operations
Brock holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has successfully owned multiple businesses. A dedicated role model and mentor to many, he is deeply devoted to the Lord and passionate about demonstrating God’s impact in children’s lives. He loves hunting and fishing with his family while eagerly exploring the stunning landscapes of South Dakota.
Kelli Akes
Teaching and Learning Coach
Kelli is a native of the Black Hills region, she spent much of her early life after her parents relocated to Henderson, Nevada, for work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and later completed a master’s degree from Lesley University. With 25 years of teaching experience, she built a strong career in education before retiring.
Following retirement, Mrs. Akes returned to her roots in the Black Hills, moving back to Spearfish with her husband and son. She is thrilled to be part of the BHCA community and looks forward to collaborating with the staff and students in her new role.
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
My role at BHCA is truly an answer to many years of prayer! It’s been such a blessing the way God has worked in my life, shaping my job to fit each new season. He’s guided me from working two days a week as a teacher’s aide for 11 years, to half days in the office, and now to a full-time position as an office assistant. God has continued to faithfully provide meaningful work for me in a healthy, Chris- centered environment, with quality individuals that have become like family! It’s been an amazing journey & the last few years the verse that has spoken to me the most is,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
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 children. She says, “My heart has been for this school since the day I first toured it. I truly believe God led us to South Dakota and that He is going to do amazing things through our school. I can’t wait to be a part of it! Teaching quickly became my passion, and being at the school full-time teaching Pre-K feels like a dream. I love showing kids what a life with Jesus can do for them and teaching them skills they can carry into their school careers and beyond. I am honored to be on staff 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
Michele Hazledine
Kindergarten Teacher
Michele grew up in Spearfish and attended Black Hills State graduating with majors in education and child development in 2017. She began her journey as a classroom teacher at BHCA in 2018, teaching 1st grade. After 3 years at BHCA, she worked for the Douglas School District, teaching kindergarten for 4 years. She is thankful that God has led her back to BHCA to teach kindergarten! One of her favorite verses is Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord has appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Bailie Waterland
1st Grade Teacher
Annie Thayer
2nd Grade Teacher
Annie brings a wealth of diverse teaching experience, including Kindergarten, 4th grade, K-12 Spanish, and most recently serving as a reading interventionist. A passionate educator and proud mother to MelAndie and Jack, she began her journey in Northeastern Montana, spent over a decade in Wyoming, and relocated with her family to beautiful Spearfish in 2023—a move she describes as a true blessing.
Outside the classroom, Annie’s life centers on her family. Her husband, John, teaches welding and coaches wrestling at Spearfish High School. Together, they balance life in Spearfish with time at their Wyoming ranch and visits with loved ones. Annie is deeply grateful for the opportunities this community has provided and looks forward to bringing her energy, experience, and heart to BHCA.
Ashley Schorzmann
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Schorzmann is in her first year at BHCA teaching 3rd grade. She loves how quickly BHCA has felt like home and how she can learn and grow in her faith right alongside her students. Mrs. Schorzmann grew up in Northwest Iowa and earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree from Augustana. She has previously taught 4th grade for eleven years and served as an elementary technology integrationist for two years. Her family moved across the state this past August from Harrisburg, South Dakota. Her husband Adam coaches basketball at BHSU. They have two children: Della who attends preschool at BHCA and Theo. Being new to the Spearfish area, she will gladly accept any of your fun food and family activity recommendations!
Deaundra Muller
4th/5th Grade Teacher
Deaundra Muller graduated from Black Hills State University with an Elementary Education degree and a minor in vocal music. She taught within the Rapid City Area School District for four years as an Interventionist for grades K-5. She is excited to be teaching in a school where she can show her love of Christ to the students that she will teach!
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Sheryl Malde
Aide
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.'”
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 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.”
Kayla Gifford
K-12 Music
Zach Gifford
Pathways Program Director/MS Bible
Dana Hawk
Leadership and Service Teacher
Mrs. Hawk Planbook
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.
Paula Gruenwald
Office Assistant
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.”
Katrina Huft
PE Teacher
Katrina has a deep love for Jesus, kids, and fitness! She has been married to her husband for 9 years, and they have a daughter attending BHCA.
“The students and staff at BHCA make my heart smile! I love that I get to openly talk about Jesus in my classes and incorporate faith into PE,” Katrina said.
One of Katrina’s favorite verses is Hebrews 12:1. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.”
Sentel Schreier
Spanish Teacher
Sentel holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Augustana University and spent a college semester abroad in Costa Rica. Her experience includes teaching ESL with the nonprofit Caminando Juntos and three prior years teaching Spanish at BHCA. Outside the classroom, Sentel enjoys life on her family ranch with her husband Nathan and their one-year-old daughter Hazel.
Ed Kruger
MS/HS History Teacher
Ed holds a current teaching license for grades 6-12 and brings experience teaching high school U.S. History, World History, 20th Century History, and various other social studies courses at the middle school level.
In his free time, Ed enjoys playing chess, baseball, hiking, horseback riding, spending time with German Shepherds, watching Western movies, and reading original historical publications. He has a particular passion for the founding era of America, and one of his favorite Bible verses is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Ingunn Kuester
MS/HS Math Teacher
Ingunn grew up in Norway and earned her master’s degree in education from NTNU in Trondheim. Part of her student teaching took place as an exchange student in Seattle, serving as her introduction to US culture. She later married her American husband and settled in Washington State, where she taught Physics and Science at a private high school and spent several years at home raising their two daughters.
After twelve years in the Pacific Northwest, Ingunn and her family moved to Spearfish in 2022, and they absolutely love it here. She especially enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and exploring new areas of the Black Hills. Ingunn is excited to share her love of math with BHCA students and looks forward to being a part of the school community.
Caroline Johnson
MS/HS English Teacher
Caroline is a South Carolina native raised in a large family, she and her husband Danny chose to raise their three children in Montana, relocating westward 20 years ago. Caroline’s first teaching experience came through homeschooling and raising her own children, followed by earning her formal teaching degree from Black Hills State University (BHSU) in the Black Hills.
She has had the privilege of teaching all grades K-6 in a one-room schoolhouse and spent recent years as a 6th-grade teacher in Broadus. With her three daughters now married and out on their own, Caroline and Danny recently moved to Spearfish. She is excited to expand her expertise by adding middle and high school endorsements in English, allowing her to teach beyond 6th grade for the first time.
Madelyn Westenberg
Extended Care/Beyond the Bell Coordinator
Madelyn is native of Sioux Falls, Madelyn was born and raised there and attended Sioux Falls Christian from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation. She is currently entering her junior year at Black Hills State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Spanish.
Madelyn has a deep passion for working with children that began when she was 14 years old, and she has continued in that role ever since. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, attending concerts, grabbing coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
Avery Knecht
Extended Care
Avery Knecht is a junior at Black Hills State University, where she is pursuing a major in Elementary Education.
Her passion for working with children began at a young age, when she first started babysitting, and has only deepened over time. Avery finds great joy in witnessing the spark of understanding and excitement in a child’s eyes when they grasp a new concept or skill.