NECS Staff
Dedicated Educators, Passionate Leaders. Meet Our Christ-Centered Staff!
Our Christ-centered teachers and staff provide every student with personalized attention, support, and the individualized guidance they need to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Bio
Education: B.A. in education with a learning disabilities endorsement from Hope College
Experience: General education and special education teacher for 21 years with 18 of those years at Montague Area Public Schools.
Favorite Bible Verse: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
What do you like about being at NECS? I enjoy being part of a school community that shares and lives the love of God everyday. From the moment I walked in the door on my first day here, I felt a sense of belonging, understanding, and caring from both the staff and the students. When you are at NECS, you are truly blessed!
Mrs. Barb Bowditch
7th / 8th grade ela
Mrs. Debbie Braak
kindergarten
Bio
Education: B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University.Teaching Experience: Began teaching at New Era in September of 2021.Deep Hope For His Students: Is that we would be Curious, Passionate Learners who dream big about our stories, which are ultimately part of HIS-story.What do you like best about teaching at NECS? What I most love about teaching at NECS is that the primary focus is on helping our students grow into the person God is calling them to be. Not only do we have great academics, but our students put their faith into action at school and everywhere else they go.
Bio
Education: BA Degree in Education, English, and minor in Art from Northwestern College; MA Degree in Counseling/Psychology from Western Michigan University, MA Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley University.
Teaching Experience: Mrs. DeRoos has been teaching at NEC since the fall of 2018. She also worked as an administrator in a variety of capacities at South Olive Christian, New Tech High School, and VR Tech High School. She was also a counselor at Woodside Elementary in Holland and a teacher at West Ottawa and Caledonia Public Schools.
Deep Hope For Her Students: That my students will be inspired to see God’s presence.
What do you like about teaching at NECS? I enjoy sharing Christ and encouraging students as they grow in their faith and learning. Working with a Christian staff such as the NECS staff is such a blessing! I look forward to working with the parents, students, staff, and community at New Era Christian!
Miss. Jessica Eekhoff
1st / 2nd grade
Mr. Jim Eppink
principal
Mrs. Becca Gale
music
Bio
Experience: I have served many different schools as a school psychologist, including public and private schools in urban, suburban and rural communities. I have also worked in private practice and hospital settings in pediatric psychology/counseling. I have been professor of psychology at Cornerstone University for 24 years and also serve as the Disability Accommodations officer overseeing student disability accommodations and programs at CU.
Bio
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics and Middle Grades Teaching Endorsements in Mathematics and Social Science from Trinity Christian College.
Teaching Experience: I Began teaching at New Era in September of 2016.
Deep Hope For Her Students: My students personally experience and comprehend God’s unending and unchanging love, and because of that, they can go and spread God’s love toward others.
What do you like best about teaching at NECS?
I love teaching at NECS because of the small community here. Being from a small school allows you to know everyone in the building which creates a very loving community within these walls. Another reason I love it here is that you are able to see the growth your students make in the two years you have them and it is truly remarkable to witness. Not only that, but we get to connect with each of our students for two years in a row which has allowed for some great relationships to be built. However, the biggest reason I love teaching at NECS is that I get to share my love for God with my students and watch as they grow closer to Him as well!
Bio
Education: Fremont Christian School, Western Michigan High School, Calvin College
Experience: I began working at New Era Christian in 2007 assisting in the Kindergarten. Each year has been a unique learning experience as our ESS program has been developed. It has been a joy and a privilege to see this program grow and bless the students and staff at school.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What do I like best about New Era Christian School? I love spending time with students! I love to hear their thoughts and stories! They carry so much energy and hope! Seeing students learn and grow is exciting. I also love the people I have worked with on staff over the years. Each person has been an amazing and unique blessing to NECS and to me.
Mrs. Rachel Moore
Morning Secretary & Chapel Worship Leader
Bio
Education: Attended Muskegon Community College and Baker College
School Experience: I began at New Era Christian in September of 2017. Before coming to NECS I worked at Whitehall Evangelical Covenant Church as the Director of Children’s Ministry for 7 years and 6 years serving as the Preschool-Kindergarten Coordinator.
Deep Hope For Her Students: That they would receive Jesus as their personal savior, know they are loved by God, and seek His will as they serve others.
What do you like best about teaching at NECS? The students and staff! I love that I am able to share God’s Word with students. I love seeing the excitement in their faces when they hear the Bible stories and the great questions they ask. I love that I am able to work alongside other believers who care for one another. It is a blessing and privilege to be able to share God’s Word at NECS and I thank God for this.
Bio
Education: Bachelors in Human Services from Grace Bible College (now Grace Christian University)
Experience: Began working with New Era Christian’s ESS program in September of 2016. Spent 2 years working with high school students at Wedgwood Christian Youth and Family Services, 1 year as a librarian for North Godwin Elementary, and 8 years working in a self-contained regional emotionally impaired program for Godwin Heights Public.
Favorite Bible Verses: I’ll narrow it down to just a couple, but I could go on and on. Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Ephesians 5:1-2 – Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
What do you like best about being at NECS? I love building relationships in a small school environment and working with many of the same students year after year. This allows for deep conversations and teaching that goes beyond academics, including helping students understand Biblical truths and discover their God-given strengths. I enjoy the variety that comes from teaching children in different grades throughout each day.
Bio
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Grace College in Indiana. M.A. in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University.
Teaching Experience: I Began teaching at New Era Christian in September 2020. Retired from Muskegon Public Schools in June 2020 with 30 years of experience.
Deep Hope For Her Students: That they would know that they are SPECIAL creations of God who are loved DEEPLY and who will SEEK God as they explore, discover, and play.
What do you like best about teaching at NECS? I love that our school’s focus is on helping children grow into the person God wants them to be. It is amazing to watch these young children pray and sing praises to God. I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful family of students, parents, and staff!
Val Vincent
Art teacher
Students
After School programs
Faculty
Years Established
Get In Touch
Location: 1901 Oak Ave, New Era, MI 49446
Telephone: (231) 861-5450
Email: [email protected]
School Hours: M-F: 8am - 3pm