PRESCHOOL STAFF
Mrs. Emily Ritchie
Childcare Center and Preschool Director
Joined the CFK Family: 2012
Birthday: January 21
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Italian
Hi! My name is Emily Ritchie. My husband Joe and I have one son, Caleb, and a yellow lab named, Bentley. I have been attending St. Michael since I was born; I was baptized, confirmed, and married here. I am very excited to be a part of this great church and school and be able to see it grow more every day. I graduated from Delton Kellogg Schools in 2006 and received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education from Western Michigan University in 2011. I love to be around the kids every day and watch them grow both academically and spiritually. In my free time I love to be on the lake, spend time with my family, and travel to different places!
Mrs. Cheryl Julian
Lead Childcare Teacher
Room: Preschool and Little Lambs (3-year-olds)
Joined the CFK Family: 2007
Birthday: October 30
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Candy: Any Chocolate
Hi, my name is Cheryl Julian and I have been with Christ for Kids since 2007. I am married and have one daughter. I attended KVCC and Davenport studying Elementary Education and Business. In October 2014, I was awarded a Child Development Associate Degree. I love to play volleyball and soccer. I grew up here at St. Michael Lutheran Church and it’s great to see how much it has grown. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with young children. I love to see them grow spiritually and academically.
Mrs. Sally Noble
Childcare Teacher Aide
Room: Office Assistant
Joined the CFK Family: 2013
Birthday: July 2
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Chinese
Hi, my name is Sally Noble! I work part-time in CFK as an office assistant and part-time with the 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. I began working at CFK in 2013. My time in the office gives me a different perspective into the business side of childcare. It has been interesting watching the children grow and learn. I also am happy they are all so curious about God and the Bible.
I am a mom and my son attends Vicksburg High School now. He was at St. Michael Lutheran School from 4’s preschool to 8th grade and graduated from here in the spring of 2018. In July of 2019, I will be celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary. My husband works at Pfizer. We live in the country on 4 acres and we love it! Our Boston Terrier, Minnie loves it too. In my spare time, I love yard work, woodwork, and gardening! Life is good!
Ms. Mindy Burdick
Room: Waddlers
Joined CFK Family: 2021
Birthday: April 20
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Chili and Cornbread
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Hello! My name is Mindy Burdick. I am the lead infant teacher. Before that, I worked with the 3’s and 4’s pre-schoolers. I’ve been St. Michael’s School Since 2017 volunteering in numerous roles and still do so today. My favorite role here so far has been being able to care for, pray for, and love all the children every day! I am a mother of two boys, Tyler and Benjamin, and a cat named Luna. My children have attended St. Michael’s since preschool. We live in Portage. When I am not working at CFK, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and exploring new places.
Mrs. Becky Mohler
Preschool Teacher
Room: Preschool
Joined the CFK Family:
Birthday: September 29
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Hi! My name is Mrs. Mohler. My husband, Scott, and I have two boys Desmond and Reuben. I have my bachelor's in Elementary Education from WMU with an Early Childhood endorsement along with my Michigan Teachers Certification. While attending WMU, I worked at CFK. Upon completion of my degree, I was hired at St. Michaels to teach third grade and did so for two years. Then I moved to teaching the kindergarten class here at St. Michaels and taught for three years until my husband got a job in Grand Rapids and we had our son, Desmond. We relocated to Grand Rapids and I spent those years raising my sons and working at a daycare. It has been a blessing returning to St. Michael and teaching. My family enjoys going to WMU hockey games, playing outside, and watching movies together. In my class, we work together to prepare your child for Kindergarten. I look forward to helping your child grow socially, academically, and most importantly their faith in Christ.
Mrs. Kathy Roedel
Room: Toddler
Joined CFK Family: 2016
Birthday: July 21
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Candy: Any Chocolate
I am a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw and serve on various boards and committees there. I have two dogs, three children, and six grandchildren! My hobbies include watching MSU football and basketball and enjoying my grandkids while following them in their various sporting activities. I have cared for children for many years. I love nurturing and caring for children and especially love being able to work in a wonderful Christian environment.
Mrs. Laura Tuinstra
Room: 3, 4, 5′s
Joined the CFK Family: August 2017
Birthday: October 13
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
My name is Laura Tuinstra. I have been working in childcare since 2012. I love working with kids because they have so much energy and are so curious. I live in Kalamazoo with my husband and dog Rufus. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, go to the beach, read, and I love doing Zumba! We go to Calvary Bible Church
Ms Mariah Chilcott
Room: 3, 4, 5′s
Joined the CFK Family: 2023
Birthday: January 6
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Asian Foods
Hi, my name is Mariah Chilcott. I grew up in Portage but was adopted from Guatemala! I started my schooling career here at Christ for Kids when I was 2 and continued at St. Michael’s through 8th grade. I livid in Kona, Hawaii for three years doing a school missions program called Youth With a Mission also known as YWAM. I have been to 8 different countries and in the beginning of 2024 I will be moving to Brazil to do mission work there!
I love working with kids and it is a joy to watch them grow, learn, and discover the world. They are so funny and so joyful, they know how to put a smile on my face.
Mrs. Tonja Jowett
Room: 5 day Preschool
Joined the CFK Family: 2018
Birthday: April 9
Favorite Color: Teal, Lime Green, and Orange
Favorite Food: Indian Food
I live in Kalamazoo (Texas Township) with my husband Alan. We have two children, a son Keagan who goes to 12th Street Elementary, and a daughter Brittany. She is married to her husband Jesse, and they have a son Corbyn with another baby on the way. I like to spend time with my grandson, watching my son Keagan play soccer and I also enjoy doing crafts and crochet.
I have cared for children with all kinds of needs. I have had a home daycare in my home since 2010 and recently decided to come to work for Christ for Kids to get a new view in child development. I love to help children explore and grow!
Ms Ashlee West
Room: Toddler/Waddler Room
Joined the CFK Family: 2023
Birthday: December 5
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Mac n Cheese
Hi! My name is Ashlee West. I am an only child. I graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. I also graduated from Western Michigan University with my bachelor’s degree in Family Studies. I love cycling, spending time with family, and soap and candle making in my free time. I enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces. I am glad to be a part of this wonderful childcare and preschool with hopes to see it grow well.
Mrs. Laura Martin
Room: Infants
Joined the CFK Family: August 2019
Birthday: July 7
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Candy: Toffee
My name is Laura Martin and I live in Kalamazoo with my husband Jeremiah and our daughter, Louisa. I am so excited and proud to be here at CFK. I enjoy working with children and I believe that they can teach us as much as we teach them!
Ms. Brenda Barker
Room: Infants
Joined the CFK Family: August 2019
Birthday: July 7
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Candy: Toffee
Hello! I am Brenda Barker. I work as an assistant teacher in the infant room. I’ve been with CFK since August 2021. I graduated from high school in Provo, UT. After graduation, I attended Davenport University then began work at the VA Medical Center for the next 30 years.
I am a mother to one daughter, Mindy, and a grandmother to two grandsons, Tyler & Benjamin, who currently attend St. Michael. It brings me such joy to take care of and love your little ones while building relationships with each of you! I look forward to meeting you all!
Mrs. Jessica Lonc
Room: Preschool
Joined the CFK Family: October 2016
Birthday: March 22
Favorite Color: Teal and Pink
Favorite Food: French Fries
My name is Jessica Lonc and I’ve been a part of the St. Michael family for many years. I started my teaching career in 2009 teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade here at St. Michael. I taught middle school for five years until my first child was born. I have also worked in the infant room for Christ for Kids and for the last several years I have been teaching preschool-age children for Bible Study Fellowship. I received my teaching degree in Elementary Education from WMU. My husband and I met in college and have been living in the Kalamazoo/Portage area since 2003. We were married in 2009 and have three children; Levi (born in 2014), Avalon (born in 2017), and Everly (born in 2019).
Mrs. Maryanne Ruesch
Room: Waddlers
Joined the CFK Family: 2022
Birthday: April 6
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hi, my name is Maryanne Ruesch and I work as an assistant teacher in the waddler room. My husband Alex and I have one son named Jack. I have been working with children since 2016 and so happy to be a part of the Christ for Kids team! I love to crochet and work on crafts. The beach is my favorite place to be! I love working with the littles and look forward to meeting you soon!
Mr. Everett Noble
Room: School-Age
Joined CFK Family: 2021
Birthday: August 6
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Candy: 3 Musketeers
Hello! My name is Everett Noble. I work part-time here at CFK in the school-age room. My time with the children has given me a great consciousness of how different and distinctive each child is. It has been compelling watching these kids sprout, learn, and assimilate themselves around their peers and educators.
I am the son of Mrs. Sally Noble, who works here as the office assistant and helping in rooms at times. I attended St. Michael Lutheran School from Pre-K all the way through 8th grade. Currently, I am at Vicksburg High School as part of the Class of 2022. After high school, my plan is to go to college and major in either sports broadcasting or creative writing. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, watching sports and movies, and sometimes writing.
Mrs. Alicia Keinath
Room: Preschool
Joined the CFK Family: 2020
Birthday: November 8th
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Tacos
Hi! My name is Alicia Keinath and I’ve been a member of the St. Michael family for many years. My husband, Joey and I were married here at St. Michael Lutheran Church in 2011 and have two children Jack (born in 2013) and Madeline (born in 2015) who both attend school here at St. Michael. We are members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw. My family enjoys spending time outdoors, attending sporting events, and watching movies!
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from WMU with an Early Childhood Endorsement. While completing my degree I had the opportunity to work in many different classroom settings. I look forward to spending time with the kids every day and watching them grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Mrs. Chelsea Denaway
Room: Infants
Joined CFK Family: 2021- for a second time, was here in 2016-2018
Birthday: July 26
Favorite Color: Mint
Favorite Food: Desserts and Sushi
Favorite Candy: Reese’s
My name is Chelsea Ritchie! I used to work at CFK with Mrs. Mohler in the preschool class from 2016-2018. I am very happy and excited to be back working at CFK! I have 4 kids; Carter, Mason, Ella, and Lillian. They keep me pretty busy with all their activities, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! We also have chickens and 2 dogs. I love camping, kayaking, and spending time with my family. I’ve been attempting to learn how to garden, in hopes someday I can have a BIG successful veggie/fruit and flower garden. Our family goal is to someday have a mini petting zoo/hobby farm of our own!
Mrs. Alex Lustila
Room: Floater
Joined CFK Family: 2022
Birthday: February 20
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Chips
Hi, my name is Alex Lustila. I am married to my wonderful husband since 2020. We don’t have any kids (yet) but we do have a cat named Loki. I’ve lived in Michigan since 2020 but have to say I am not a huge fan of the cold. My favorite activities include yoga, reading, and crafts. I work with all ages here at Christ for Kids and am excited to be a part of this team.
Ms. Sarah Harmelink
Room: 3, 4, 5 year old childcare
Joined CFK Family: 2020
Birthday: May 2nd
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Candy: Kit Kats
My name is Sarah Harmelink and I am Mrs. Julian’s preschool assistant. I moved back to Michigan in March 2020 after living in Utah for 2 years where I attended the University of Utah. I’m still a full time student at the University of Utah, but am able to do all my classes online. I am currently majoring in International Studies while also earning the TESOL Certificate. I was baptized at St. Michael’s and attended the preschool program when I was a kid. When I’m not working or attending classes, I enjoy hiking, reading, and buying houseplants. I look forward to meeting you!
Mrs. Sonia Iqbal
Room: Floater
Joined CFK Family: 2022
Birthday: June 21
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Food: Chinese
Hi, my name is Sonia Iqbal. I am a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church. I have 3 kids, one in high school and the other 2 attend St. Michael Lutheran School. I love to be with kids helping them learn and playing with them. I am so happy to get this opportunity to be at Christ for Kids and watch these wonderful children grow in their love for Jesus and learn so many new things!
Ms. Emily Kuchmuk
Room: Infants
Joined CFK Family: 2022
Birthday: November 21
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Candy: Reese's
Hi my name is Emily Kuchmuk. I am originally from Traverse City and moved down to this area in 2010. I have 2 elementary aged boys who attend SMLS, along with a little Yorkie named Peanut.
We are a very active family who love hiking, kayaking, ATVing, or anything adventurous. When we aren't enjoying those you can expect to see us at the baseball or football field or other sport/extracurricular activities.
I started working in childcare in 2017 part time and haven't stopped since. I absolutely love being able to love on each child and teach them new skills.
Mrs. Anna vanAalst
Room: Floater
Joined CFK Family: 2023 (previous 2019-2021)
Birthday: June 8
Favorite Color: Beige and Olive Green
Favorite Drink: Iced chi latte
Favorite Candy: Peanut M&M's
Hello, my name is Anna! I'm so excited to be back in Michigan, and see everyone again! I have definitely missed my CFK family while away. During my time of absence, I had moved to Texas, got married to my best friend, and adopted a stray dog, all very exciting things! My husband and I enjoy traveling Up North and staying at our family's cabin. We hike, go sightseeing, and get a coffee or two at a few of my favorite shops and bistros. I consider myself a homebody, I definitely find joy in decorating my house for the holidays, playing a few board games with friends, eat junk food and watch old classic movies.
