Board Member Candidates
Board Member Election Process
In accordance with the Society's Bylaws, new trustees shall be elected at each annual members’ meeting; two nominees shall be presented for each of those whose terms of service are expiring.
The Board is pleased to put forth the following candidates for your consideration.
Please vote for four (4) of these candidates to serve a three-year term as Ada Christian School board members.
Ryan Erickson
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Nolan (11), Ella (11), & Elin (10)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Vice President of Sales Strategy and Business Development, The White Stone Consulting Group
What is your spouse’s name?
Tiffany
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Clinical Lead III at Premier Research, where she oversees clinical trials to ensure patient safety and that studies are conducted efficiently and in compliance with regulatory standards.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
John 1:5 and Psalm 139:13-16 God’s light never fades. Everyone is created with purpose and love. Affirmation that God’s design is intentional, and reassurance that His truth always prevails.
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
What vision do you have for our school?
I help guide organizations through change with strategic, fact-based leadership, preserving core values and prioritizing people. My experience in stewardship, collaboration, and decision-making equips me to serve with integrity. I’m committed to academic excellence, student support, and parent engagement, so that ACS continues to thrive in faith, community, and mission.
I see ACS as a place where kids experience Christ, shaping their faith, friendships, and learning—preparing them to reflect His light. Student support through academics, services, and balanced electives so they flourish. Parent engagement strengthens ACS. Together we remain resilient, standing firm in values to ensure outside influences align with our mission and keep Him at the center.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
My skills align with Operations or Long-Range Planning. I excel at aligning resources, driving efficiency, and making mission-driven decisions. But, I’m willing to serve wherever ACS needs me most.
Sam Klooster
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Rachel (14), Hannah (12), Faith (9) & Abigail (7)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Managing Director at Klooster Software Group
What is your spouse’s name?
Jennith
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Homemaker
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
- Philippians 4:6
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
I offer leadership skills as I have led software product teams, sales teams, and a company division. I offer business & finance skills as I am going through the process of finding and buying a company to run. Personally, I’m a girl dad with 4 girls across ACS and GRCHS and I have a passion to see girls succeed. When I have time, my hobbies include road cycling, golf, and reading a good book.
What vision do you have for our school?
I desire for ACS to continue to nurture our children as they grow in Christ and education. The Ada area continues to grow and be a desirable area to live and ACS needs to be able to serve our community as it has done in the past. This means having the resources to hire the best staff, equip them with the supplies and training they need to be a light to our kids, and the facilities to support them.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Based on my career experience and education in Engineering and Business, I would prefer serving on the Finance, Long-Range Planning, or Operations Committee.
Lauren Schuitema
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Brynn (6), Madison (4) & Tatum (8 months)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
I became a stay at home mom last spring with the birth of our third daughter. Prior, I served as an affiliate professor of nursing for 9 years at Calvin University.
What is your spouse’s name?
John
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
ER Nurse Practitioner for Grand River Emergency Medical Group.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary."
- Isaiah 40:28-31
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
I have a MA in Youth & Family Ministries, as well as a MSN in Public Health Nursing. Through years of formal experience in youth ministry, as well in collegiate teaching, I have gained invaluable experience in how to build and support intergenerational Christian community. I am a detail-oriented, personable team player and a creative problem-solver. I truly find joy in taking on new challenges.
What vision do you have for our school?
My vision for ACS is to foster a robust intergenerational community that together serves to equip students as disciples of Christ for a life of service and influence in our greater communities and beyond.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Education, Promotions or Long-Range Planning
Mike Stob
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Nolan (9) Ella (7) & Mya (4)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Chief Financial Officer at Buttonwood Capital Management
What is your spouse’s name?
Dana
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Stay at home mom
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
- Romans 12:2
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
Some strengths I would bring to the Board include strategic thinking, the ability to work with all types of personalities to solve complex issues, and a passion for being a good steward of the resources God has provided. These gifts have been instrumental in my professional career and I believe they would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the Board.
What vision do you have for our school?
My vision for ACS is to ensure that Christ remains at the heart of everything we do while providing children with an exceptional education that develops them spiritually, academically, and socially. I believe this is best accomplished through strong community and collaborative partnership between parents, the staff, and the Board.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
My skills and background would be a good fit for the finance and operations committees.
Debbie Townley
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Lincoln (14), Juniper (11) & Bingham (9)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Stay-at-home mom
What is your spouse’s name?
Kress
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Anesthesiologist with Anesthesia Practice Consultants (APC)
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“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.” - Matthew 11:28-30
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
I believe I am a loyal, faithful, thoughtful person. I enjoy listening and processing thoughts and ideas. I try to “hear” beyond what is being said in the immediate. I feel a connection to people and in wanting to learn their story. I have not worked outside the home since 2010, but I’m involved as a volunteer with Worship Team as well as a leader for the Women’s Ministry program at my church.
What vision do you have for our school?
We have been with ACS since 2016. With that, we have seen a lot of consistency along with changes. I believe change is going to happen regardless of the situation. My hope has always been that the message of Jesus Christ and the life-altering news of the beautiful Gospel remain not just at the core, but on the outside too, for those looking in. Everything flows out of this unshakeable Truth.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Promotions or Education
Todd VandenBrand
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Will (10) & Drew (8)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
B2B Sales Large Enterprise- Verizon
I also own and operate investment properties.
What is your spouse’s name?
Jennifer
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Recruiter/HR and stay at home mom
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
Faith has been a part of my life since a young age - I attended Christian schools while going on to graduate from Calvin College. A successful 25+ year career in B2B sales has allowed me to work with people from many different backgrounds. I have driven results through strong communication, active listening, collaboration and persistence. I am levelheaded, open-minded and operate with integrity.
What vision do you have for our school?
My vision is for ACS to provide our students with the best opportunities for personal development, friendships, excellent education and growth in their faith. I look forward to collaborating with the board to integrate faith into all aspects of ACS while also contributing to decisions that will impact students as they serve God and the world.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
My skills align with Finance, Long-Range Planning and Operations.
Kevin VanHaitsma
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Caleb (6), Bruce (5), & August (2)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Commercial Real Estate Agent
What is your spouse’s name?
Rachel VanHaitsma
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Physical Therapist- Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"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." - Proverbs 3:5-6
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
My passion for Christian education and dedication to families drive my willingness to serve on the Ada Christian School Board. With strong problem solving and communication skills, I build relationships, encourage collaboration, and promote transparency. As a commercial real estate advisor, I bring strategic insight to companies and individuals and help execute their long-term goals.
What vision do you have for our school?
With three young boys just starting school, we envision a place where children grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Rooted in Biblical truth, Ada Christian nurtures faith, character, and a love for learning. Students build friendships, develop their strengths, and discover their gifts through academics and extracurricular activities in a supportive Christian community.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Operations, Long-Range Planning, Finance or Education
Brett Verkaik
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Braden (9), Coen (7), Willem (5)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
- West Highland Capital Partners LLP, CIO (Chief Investment Officer)
- The Standard Market LLC, Partner
- 11 Tribes Ventures, Partner
What is your spouse’s name?
Michelle
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Homemaker, paused Nurse RN
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
Glory to God, I’m blessed to have the gift of faith in Jesus. My experience is rooted in growing and guiding organizations. My strengths are in finance, strategy, and investing. I currently serve on several company boards and advise others. I am high energy with a passion for working with others. I place high importance on cultivating community, culture and brand..
What vision do you have for our school?
As an ACS alum with 3 boys, I love the momentum here. Having moved away for 15 years and recently come back, I'm excited to share positive experiences from other blue ribbon schools. I believe ACS has a strong vision. We should aspire to be first class in everything, especially academic excellence through curriculum & technology. Celebrating almost 75 yrs, Let's position us for the next 75.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Finance, promotions, or Long-Range planning. Where ever the need is highest.
The following candidates have been nominated to serve a 2 year term to fill a board vacancy as an interim trustee per series 200 article IV, section 7.
Please vote for one (1) of these candidates to serve a 2 year term as Ada Christian School board members.
Adam Suwyn
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Rylie (7), Maddie(5), Baby #3 Due in April!
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Financial Advisor with JVL Wealth Strategies
What is your spouse’s name?
Arielle
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Stay-at home mom
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
My experience has primarily been focused around financial planning, process improvement, and relationship management. On the Board at ACS, I believe these skills will provide value in evaluating opportunities currently available to the school, developing plans to grow the school according to the mission, and working with appropriate partners to execute on those plans as needed.
What vision do you have for our school?
I hope to see Ada Christian continue to be a place where students can mature in their Christian faith while obtaining a best-in-class education. My desire is that God will continue to use the school to shape the hearts and minds of students to pursue excellence not simply for the sake of achievement, but rather as a way of positively impacting the advancement of His kingdom.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Finance, Long-Range Planning & Operations
Derek VanSolkema
What are the names and ages of your child(ren)?
Sailor (6), Cutler (4), & Crewer (2)
What is your occupation and place of
employment?
Certified Financial Planner - Advance Capital Management
What is your spouse’s name?
Paige
What is your spouse’s occupation/place of work?
Accounts Manager/Jude's Barbershop
What is your favorite Bible verse?
" The ultimate sacrifice. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16
What strengths or gifts would you bring to the Board?
As a Fiduciary Financial Advisor for 14 years I can use my skillset to help with the following
1.Budgeting: make sure the school is managing its resources wisely
2.Making sure financial decisions align with biblical principals and ACS's values.
3. Strategic Planning and Investment Oversight- Providing guidance on management of the ACS Education's endowment, the Faith Forward Campaign, etc.
What vision do you have for our school?
My hope is that I can help impact the longevity & sustainability of the school for generations after my kids are gone. ACS is a wonderful school filled with incredible staff that truly care. My ultimate vision is to provide Christian school education to as many kids as possible regardless of their financial landscape. To leave ACS in a better financial position than it was before my time serving.
On what committees would you be willing to serve?
Finance
Long-Range Planning