Faculty

Click photos for biographical information.

School Leadership

Dana Beachy
2nd Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Dana Beachy

Title: 2nd Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Subjects Taught: 2nd Grade

Email Address: dana.beachy@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2015-2016

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: B.S.E. in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University

Church Involvement: I attend Millport Mennonite Church where I play violin for a worship team and participate in young adult Bible studies.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, running, reading, making music, and traveling.

Countries Visited: Costa Rica, Uganda, Ethiopia, Honduras, Guatemala, Canada, France, Belguim, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

Life Verse: Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reason for Teaching: I love to learn. Teaching excites me because of the constant challenges and opportunities for growth.

Christopher Brode
5th Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Christopher Brode

Title: 5th Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Subjects Taught: 5th Grade

Email Address: christopher.brode@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2012-2013

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: B.S. Ed. in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University

Church Involvement: Old Order River Brethren - I serve as a song leader.

Hobbies: Working in my garden and orchard; helping with farm chores; reading; genealogy

Family: My wife Sandra and I have three children.

Countries Visited: Nicaragua, Ecuador, Canada

Life Verse: A favorite verse of mine is Psalm 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Reason for Teaching: Growing up, I always enjoyed school. I wanted to return to the classroom as a teacher to help future generations of students develop a love of learning.

Brieanna Heisey
6th Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Brieanna Heisey

Title: 6th Grade Teacher, Teacher Leader

Subjects Taught: 6th Grade

Email Address: brieanna.heisey@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2010-2011

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in Elemenatary Education and Early Childhood from Millersville University

Church Involvement: White Oak Church of the Brethren; Vacation Bible School Teacher; Youth Advisor

Community Involvement: I have participated in the Manheim Project (a mission oppurtunity in the Manheim area led by various churches in Manheim and sponsored by Love INC).

Hobbies: Reading, creating "new" things out of old things, crafting, going on Road Trips with my husband

Family: Husband: Tyler

Countries Visited: Canada

Life Verse: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".

Reason for Teaching: It is so rewarding to see the students grow into the men and women that God has called them to be.

Jon Cassel
Director Of Operations

Jon Cassel

Title: Director Of Operations

Email Address: jon.cassel@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2010-2011

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: Selling from the Inside Out Advanced Training by Laura Schanz Consulting Associates, Various Business Courses by National Seminars Group/Rockhurst University Continuing Education

Church Involvement: White Oak Church of the Brethren, Serves as a Minister

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and in Potter County, Photography

Family: My wife is Keri and our 3 oldest children are enrolled at EMS

Countries Visited: Canada, Grenada, Nicaragua

Life Verse: 1 John 4:4 "You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

Reason for Teaching: My parents gave me the gift of Christian Education and it is an honor now to be working in a school that is continuing the legacy of Christian Education for impacting another generation to lead godly lives.

Joshua Good
Administrator

Joshua Good

Title: Administrator

Subjects Taught: Social Studies, Bible

Email Address: joshua.good@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2015-2016

Level of Education: Master's plus 15 credits

Education: BS in History from Liberty University, MS in Teaching Secondary Social Studies from Brooklyn College; City University of New York, and MS in Educational Leadership from Baruch University.

Church Involvement: Cornerstone Mennonite

Hobbies: Chess, Philosophy, Theology, Church History, Music, Sports

Family: Tonya (wife), three children - all are EMS students.

Countries Visited: Guatemala, Canada, Belize

Life Verse: Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reason for Teaching: I have always liked school and enjoyed teaching and learning. I also like people, so working in a school seemed like a natural fit. I have enjoyed teaching and working in schools.

Michael Stauffer
Director of Facilities, Events, & Athletics, Teacher Leader

Michael Stauffer

Title: Director of Facilities, Events, & Athletics, Teacher Leader

Subjects Taught: Social Studies

Email Address: michael.stauffer@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2012-2013

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in Social Studies Education at Millersville University

Church Involvement: Harvest Bible Church. I teach Sunday School to College and Career group and help with VBS

Community Involvement: Summer Camp (Counseling and operations)

Hobbies: Frisbee, volleyball, hunting, hiking, woodworking, and almost anything outdoors and active.

Family: My wife, Chrystal and 2 children.

Countries Visited: Canada

Life Verse: Psalm 37:4-5 " Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Reason for Teaching: I enjoy working with young people. It's never boring or monotonous! More importantly, I want to impact the future. Teaching is a chance to do that. Teaching students who have the potential to accomplish great things brings a satisfaction I have never found in any other job.

Elementary

Jean Wagler
Kindergarten Teacher

Jean Wagler

Title: Kindergarten Teacher

Subjects Taught: Kindergarten

Email Address: jean.wagler@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2014-2015

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: One Term at SMBI, One Term at Faith Builders

Church Involvement: Mine Road Mennonite Church

Community Involvement: I volunteer once at week at the Alpha & Omega English Center in Lancaster. I help provide childcare for young Somali, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Syrian children while their parents take English classes.

Hobbies: reading, traveling, running, snowboarding

Countries Visited: Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Jamaica, Grenada, Liberia, England, France, Italy, Switzerland

Life Verse: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Arlene Birt
1st Grade Teacher

Arlene Birt

Title: 1st Grade Teacher

Subjects Taught: 1st Grade, Curriculum Coordinator

Email Address: arlene.birt@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 1987-1988

Level of Education: Master's plus 15 credits

Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Grace College, M.Ed in Education from Grace College, various grad classes

Church Involvement: Lititz Dunkard Brethren Church - Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, led a new believer's Bible study

Community Involvement: taught Bible school at Navajo mission, directed VBS in Indiana

Hobbies: reading, sewing, gardening, crafting, traveling

Family: just the dog :)

Countries Visited: England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Mexico, several Canadian provinces

Life Verse: Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Reason for Teaching: I feel called to teaching, and I love my job! I enjoy my students and colleagues and the fun of school. I am so thankful to have a job that doesn't feel like a job.

Michelle Weaver
3rd Grade Teacher

Michelle Weaver

Title: 3rd Grade Teacher

Subjects Taught: 3rd Grade

Email Address: michelle.weaver@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2010-2011

Level of Education: Bachelor's plus 21 credits

Education: BS in Elementary Education from Alvernia College; Working on Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction at EMU Lancaster

Church Involvement: Ephrata Community Church; volunteer at Information Center

Community Involvement: Volunteered for 4 years at Ephrata Pregnancy Center (ending in April 2016)

Hobbies: reading, painting & drawing, running, baking

Countries Visited: Canada, Haiti, Colombia, England

Life Verse: Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Reason for Teaching: I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a young girl. I made my younger sisters and cousins play "school" with me so I could be the teacher.

Sheila Nolt
Spanish Teacher

Sheila Nolt

Title: Spanish Teacher

Subjects Taught: Spanish

Email Address: sheila.nolt@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2016-2017

Level of Education: Master's Degree

Education: BS From Millersville University MA from West Chester University

Church Involvement: Shiloh Mennonite Church, Teach the Ladies SS class

Community Involvement: Volunteer as a Translator for FaithCare Medical Clinic, Visit non-Christian Neighbors, and enjoy being part of a Spanish Bible Study.

Hobbies: Walking, Biking, Camping, Spending time with Friends and Family, Reading, Gardening, Traveling, Cooking

Family: I am an aunt and love being an aunt. My nieces and nephews are priceless gifts. I have 9 and love the times I spend with them. We camp-out, play games, talk, laugh, make pop corn and cook together.

Countries Visited: Grenada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

Life Verse: Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

Reason for Teaching: As a young child I dreamed of being a teacher. I did have several favorite elementary school teachers who I really admired. I teach because I enjoy interacting with students and lesson planning. School teaching is one job that I do not mind coming to every day and usually do it with a smile on my face.

Wendi Martin
Music Teacher

Wendi Martin

Title: Music Teacher

Subjects Taught: Elementary Music

Email Address: wendi.martin@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2017-2018

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

Church Involvement: I recently moved and look forward to visiting churches in the area and finding a place to settle in over the next few months.

Hobbies: Reading, Spending time with family and friends, Singing, Taking care of and cultivating my collection of plants

Countries Visited: Guyana, Haiti, England, Ireland, Italy, and Canada

Life Verse: Psalm 86:11-13 - "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."

Reason for Teaching: I love watching children and people grow and discover new things. I want to be a part of that growth specifically in music because of the way music can bring unlikely people together to worship Jesus, and to use their gifts to offer something beautiful to the world and each other.

Alyssa Rutt
PE Teacher

Alyssa Rutt

Title: PE Teacher

Subjects Taught: Elementary PE, MS Girls PE

Email Address: alyssa.rutt@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2017-2018

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: Graduate of Ephrata Mennonite School

Church Involvement: Faith Mennonite Fellowship

Hobbies: Sports, hanging with friends, acting, painting, exploring

Family: Parents: Clair and Janice Rutt/ Siblings: Andy Rutt, Travis Rutt, Sheir Laughman, Shawn Rutt

Countries Visited: Canada, Nicaragua, Africa

Life Verse: John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Reason for Teaching: This was something I always dreamed of becoming as a child. I never thought the Lord would bring the dream to life at the school that I had attended for 13 years! I thoroughly enjoy educating students for Christ.

Ronica Weaver
Art Teacher

Ronica Weaver

Title: Art Teacher

Subjects Taught: Elementary Teacher

Email Address: ronica.weaver@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2017-2018

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: High School Graduate of Ephrata Mennonite School

Church Involvement: I attend Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship. I am the secondary girl's craft teacher for our Kids Club.

Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy doing various types of art, hanging out with friends and family, drinking coffee and knitting.

Countries Visited: Nicaragua, Jamaica

Life Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger, by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as imposters, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we life; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything."

Reason for Teaching: Ever since I was a child it was a dream of mine to become an art teacher. Art class was always my favorite class through all the grades. In high school it is common to lose interest in art but my high school teacher especially helped me keep the joy alive and she also helped me realize how art was one of my gifts. Now I am thrilled to be able to teach other students the joys of being creative and how using their artistic talents to the fullest is really a blessing to their creator. All glory goes to God for helping me use the gifts He's given me to bless and teach others.

Chantal Zimmerman
4th Grade Teacher

Chantal Zimmerman

Title: 4th Grade Teacher

Subjects Taught: 4th Grade

Email Address: chantal.zimmerman@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BEd. Foundation Phase & Early Childhood Development Studies at University of Pretoria, South Africa

Church Involvement: Church of the Word International (CWI) - Was Director, Co-Ordinator & Teacher of Children’s Ministry (2012-2017), Worship Team, Food&Fellowship Director

Community Involvement: Armada Missions Member & Alumni

Hobbies: Being with my family, playing piano, guitar and singing, playing tennis, reading, being creative in painting & drawing, talking with my family in South Africa, and furthering my education

Family: Spouse: Aaron Ray Zimmerman and 6 Children (and 1 son-in-law)

Countries Visited: Croatia, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy. Lived in: Austria (1 year) & Reni, Ukraine (8 months)

Life Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Reason for Teaching: The Lord has placed in my heart, a love and a passion to teach. One of my favorite quotes is: "I touch the future. I teach." - Christa McAuliffe

Secondary

Leanna Martin
English Teacher

Leanna Martin

Title: English Teacher

Subjects Taught: English, Student Newspaper, Yearbook

Email Address: leanna.martin@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2011-2012

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: B.A. in Secondary English Education from God's Bible School and College

Church Involvement: I attend Shiloh Mennonite Church where I teach Sunday school and Bible study and also help out with teaching and organizing VBS.

Hobbies: I love to read, shop, and travel to historic locations. I really enjoy hanging out with my family, especially my 3 nephews and 1 niece. You can also often find me sipping coffee, preferably with friends.

Family: I'm from a family of all girls. My parents are Warren and Annetta Martin, and I enjoy spending time with them and my sisters and their spouses, Alinda and Dean Hollinger, Cheryl and Chris Comparativo, and Amy Martin.

Countries Visited: I have visited Canada, Grenada, Belize, and Romania.

Life Verse: Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

Reason for Teaching: I just enjoy learning. I hope I can be a life-long learner, and it's fun to share what you learn with others. I also really enjoy the written word, and I would say those two things added together made me want to be an English teacher.

Krista Weaver
Math Teacher

Jay Bomgardner
PE Teacher

Jay Bomgardner

Title: PE Teacher

Subjects Taught: 5th & 6th PE, Secondary Guys PE

Email Address: jay.bomgardner@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2012-2013

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: High School Diploma from Annville - Cleona, Experience coaching baseball, softball and basketball teams

Church Involvement: Word of Life Mennonite Fellowship/ Deacon

Community Involvement: EncourageMen

Hobbies: Farming, golf and spending time with family

Family: Wife - Lorene; Children - Ryan, Kyle, and Nicole; and 2 Grandchidren

Countries Visited: Canada, Mexico

Life Verse: Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Reason for Teaching: I enjoy youth and I love to encourage and inspire them to walk close to God. I get excited when I can teach fundamentals in P.E. and the students improve their abilities.

Eileen Heller
Backyard Ag Teacher, Teacher Aide

Eileen Heller

Title: Backyard Ag Teacher, Teacher Aide

Subjects Taught: Backyard Ag

Email Address: eileen.heller@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2005-2006

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: 9 year member of the Herb Society of America, 1 year member rabbit breeders Association, 1 year member Pa. gourd society, 2 year member Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association

Church Involvement: White Oak Church of the Brethren, Vacation Bible School Teacher

Community Involvement: taught in the 4-H program for 8 years

Hobbies: crafting, spending time with family

Family: Husband George III, Brieanna married to Tyler Heisey, George IV married to Meg; grandchildren Paisley and George V, Sabrina, Paul, Geoffrey

Countries Visited: Canada

Life Verse: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

Reason for Teaching: Seeing student growth

Alycia Weaver
Art Teacher & Learning Support Supervisor

Alycia Weaver

Title: Art Teacher & Learning Support Supervisor

Subjects Taught: HS Art

Email Address: alycia.weaver@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2013-2014

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Lebanon Valley College

Church Involvement: Reformed Presbyterian Church

Hobbies: Sketching, Reading, Gardening

Family: Husband - Josiah Weaver and a daughter

Countries Visited: Guatemala, St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands), Haiti

Life Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Reason for Teaching: The reason I wake up and love to come to school is to interact with my students! I love to work with them, to hear about their lives, and see them get excited about learning

Jesse Weaver
Music Teacher

Jesse Weaver

Title: Music Teacher

Subjects Taught: Music, MAT Director

Email Address: jesse.weaver@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2016-2017

Level of Education: Bachelor's plus 15 credits

Education: Bachelor of Music-Vocal Performance; Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College; Certificate of General Studies Graduation from Faith Builders Training Institute

Church Involvement: Oasis Mennonite Fellowship Songleader/SS Teacher

Hobbies: Tennis, Volleyball, Disc Golf, Choral Singing, Cooking

Family: Oldest of 5

Countries Visited: Canada, Thailand, Bangladesh, Grenada, Ireland, England, Scotland

Life Verse: Colossians 1:11-14--"Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reason for Teaching: I've always seen myself as a teacher in different areas, and my passion for music led into teaching others how to sing and enjoy music as well.

Caroline Farrar
Social Studies Teacher

Caroline Farrar

Title: Social Studies Teacher

Subjects Taught: Social Studies

Email Address: caroline.farrar@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in Social Studies Education and Bible, Minor in Special Education from Clarks Summit University

Church Involvement: Fleetwood Bible Church - teach 3-5 grade Sunday School

Hobbies: Reading, cooking, shopping, spending time with family and friends, watching movies

Family: Parents, twin sister, younger sister, and two younger brothers

Countries Visited: China

Life Verse: Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reason for Teaching: I teach because I enjoy learning, interacting with students, and equipping them to fulfill God's unique plan for their lives.

Ryan Priest
Bible Teacher

Ryan Priest

Title: Bible Teacher

Subjects Taught: Bible

Email Address: ryan.priest@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in English from Thomas Edison State University

Church Involvement: Lititz Dunkard Brethren Church. I am often a Sunday School Teacher.

Community Involvement: Have helped with a Kids Bible Club in Harrisburg, and taught a small group Bible Study.

Hobbies: Board games, reading, and volleyball

Family: I live with my father, mother and two younger brothers.

Life Verse: Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Reason for Teaching: My extended family has multiple teachers and I always felt very inspired by their lives of service. Also I loved my school years and am addicted to learning. I enjoy growing in my knowledge and seeing others improve their skills and understanding of truth.

Kenton Mummert
Science Teacher

Sheldon King
English Teacher

Sheldon King

Title: English Teacher

Subjects Taught: English

Email Address: sheldon.king@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Education: BS in English Education from Millersville University

Church Involvement: Mine Road Amish Mennonite Church

Hobbies: Reading, water sports, and exploring new places

Family: Wife - Tiffany King

Countries Visited: Canada, Grenada, Spain, Ireland, Morocco, China, Thailand, Laos

Life Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Reason for Teaching: I enjoy reading and writing and see teaching as a way to pass that love on to students.

Delmar Oberholtzer
Math Teacher

Delmar Oberholtzer

Title: Math Teacher

Subjects Taught: Math

Email Address: delmar.oberholtzer@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: Bachelor's plus 15 credits

Education: BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from Millersville University; Ongoing coursework on an MS in Educational Leadership through Bob Jones University

Church Involvement: Oasis Mennonite Fellowship

Community Involvement: I volunteer as a counselor and board member for the Anascholastic Institute, an organization which aims to support and encourage scholarly thought and education in Anabaptist communities.

Hobbies: Reading, playing games, and debating

Countries Visited: Switzerland & Germany

Life Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:26a "For God giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy

Reason for Teaching: I am a teacher because there is little that is more satisfying than seeing someone grow and mature in their understanding or abilities, and few things that are as rewarding as being a part of that learning process.

Support Staff

Emily Alwine
Teacher Aide

Emily Alwine

Title: Teacher Aide

Email Address: emily.alwine@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2014-2015

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Church Involvement: White Oak Church of the Brethren , teach 2nd grade Sunday School, Kitchen Committee, Ladies Fellowship Committee

Hobbies: Spending time with our family, scrapbooking, reading, playing games, or going for walks

Family: My husband Steve & I have been married for 24 years. Our oldest son got married Sept. 2017, our second son is planning a May 2018 wedding, our 3rd son is a Junior and our daughter is in 8th grade.

Countries Visited: Bahamas, Jamaica

Life Verse: Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reason for Teaching: As a student I had to work hard for my grades, and really focus. I really enjoy working with the children because I know what it is like to have to give it your best.

Brenda Derstine
Librarian, Teacher Aide

Tracey Fox
Teacher Aide

Tracey Fox

Title: Teacher Aide

Email Address: tracey.fox@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2017-2018

Level of Education: Associate's Degree

Education: Associate of Science in Nursing from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing

Church Involvement: Hinkletown Mennonite church: Children's Ministry Curriculum team Children's Mission Coordinator Teaching 1st grade Sunday school Group Leader for Gopher Buddies(Wed. eve. Bible club for PreK and K) Vacation Bible School committee

Hobbies: Reading biographies or mysteries, Watching movies, spending time with my family

Family: Husband - Gerald Fox , 4 children, and 1 grandchild.

Countries Visited: Cambodia

Life Verse: Colossians 1:9-12 "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

Reason for Teaching: I want to encourage children to help them know that God loves them and that they are created with a purpose.

Christine Heiler
Teacher Aide

Christine Heiler

Title: Teacher Aide

Email Address: christine.heiler@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 1998-1999

Level of Education: Master's Degree

Education: BS in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Millersville University and MS in Reading Specialist Certification

Church Involvement: I attend Mohler Church of the Brethren. I'm one of the organists at our church and I sing in the choir.

Community Involvement: I volunteer at the TNT Center held at our church on Monday evenings.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading "just for fun" and taking walks.

Family: My husband and I live in Rothsville, and we have been married about 25 years.

Life Verse: My favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10--"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reason for Teaching: I enjoy working with children. They usually make me laugh.

Tiffani Heisey
Student Life Coordinator

Tiffani Heisey

Title: Student Life Coordinator

Subjects Taught: 11th Grade Girl's Practical Christian Living

Email Address: tiffani.heisey@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2016-2017

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Church Involvement: I am currently attending Life Fellowship Mennonite.

Community Involvement: I enjoy attending The Living Room occasionally on Tuesday evenings.

Hobbies: Hosting friends. Cafes. Making food. Swimming/Working out at the Rec. Catching up with family. Spending time with friends and their children. Coloring. Road Trips. Watching Movies. Listening to audio drama. Worshiping through music and singing. Journaling. Going to the beach. Sleeping. :)

Family: I live with 1 of my 3 sisters. I have 2 siblings at home with my parents, an older sister living in Ephrata, and an older brother who is married.

Countries Visited: Canada. Dominican Republic. Jamaica.

Life Verse: I don't tend to stick with one life verse but one of the first ones that comes to mind in time of stress, trouble, or encouragement is "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Reason for Teaching: I know God has me working here at EMS. At times I'm not exactly sure why, but I know He has me here to stretch me and grow me for His glory. I love coming to School to see the students, tell them good morning, and be a part of their everyday lives. I enjoy meeting students' learning needs through one-on-one tutoring, assisting Teachers by filling in the gaps of whatever needs done, and reflecting what I'm learning about the combination of working hard and enjoying life.

Katelyn Hess
Piano Teacher

Katelyn Hess

Title: Piano Teacher

Subjects Taught: Private Piano Lessons

Email Address: katelyn.hess@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2017-2018

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: Two terms of study at Elnora Bible Institute

Church Involvement: I attend Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship, and I serve on the worship team and as librarian.

Hobbies: Reading, playing piano, various craft projects, writing, spending time with friends, being with my family, and traveling.

Life Verse: Hebrews 12:28-29 "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reason for Teaching: I love that I have the opportunity to encourage and inspire the next generation. I have the privilege of teaching my students how to create and share something beautiful with which they can bless others.

Yuriy Kravets
Instrumental Music Teacher

Kristen Copenhaver
Secretary

Andrea Rutt
Assistant Secretary

Phoebe Beiler
Learning Support Teacher

Abigail Martin
Teacher Aide

Abigail Martin

Title: Teacher Aide

Email Address: abigail.martin@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: Child Development Associates Credential (CDA)

Church Involvement: Meckville Mennonite Church

Community Involvement: Community Kids clubs

Hobbies: Piano, playing basketball

Countries Visited: Jamaica, Canada, Nicaragua

Life Verse: Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reason for Teaching: I love to see children grow and learn throughout life, and I want to be able to be a guide in some way during their years of education.

Madison Snyder
Learning Support Teacher

Madison Snyder

Title: Learning Support Teacher

Subjects Taught: Learning Support

Email Address: madison.snyder@ephratamennonite.org

School Term Starting at EMS: 2018-2019

Level of Education: High School Diploma

Education: Graduated from Warwick High School, One term at Capernwray Hall Bible School

Church Involvement: White Oak Church Of The Brethren, Bible School Teacher

Hobbies: Reading, kayaking, traveling, playing lacrosse, spending time with family and friends.

Family: Husband: Cody

Countries Visited: Ecuador, Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, France, Kenya

Life Verse: Esther 4:14b "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Reason for Teaching: I knew I loved working with children and wanted to pursue that passion. However it was not until I went on a missions trip to Kenya where we traveled around and taught in various schools, that I realized that I wanted to work with children in the school setting and teach them. To be able to work here at a school that I have the ability to freely share Jesus and His love with the students, while also helping them learn, is an amazing privilege that I am so thankful for.

Ephrata Mennonite School partners with parents and churches to challenge students to become Citizens of the Kingdom of God, who are Lifelong Learners and Team Players, through Diligent Work and Academic Excellence.