UMEI CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Staff
UMEI Christian High School’s teachers have university degrees along with their Bachelor of Education degrees. All teachers are members of the College of Teachers and are in goood standing. Outside class hours, our teachers can be found running clubs, coaching winning teams, designing sets for drama productions, leading ensembles and choirs, and enriching student experiences in countless ways.
UMEI’s teachers are passionate about their subjects, gifted at teaching, and generous with their time and energy as they work together to create a matchless educational experience for our students. Nothing makes them prouder than our students’ successes.
Darcy Bults – Junior and Senior History, World Issues, Junior and Senior Physical Education, Civics
Darcy Bults, OCT, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both History and Physical Education from Calvin College and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor. He has an strong interest in all sports and believes physical activity is of utmost importance. Darcy is always looking for ways to push UMEI students to become more physically active in a variety of different ways. He loves working at UMEI because of the incredibly strong sense of community that facilitates an excellent learning environment for all UMEI students. This year, Darcy was one of the coaches for the UMEI boys’ basketball team, as well as one of the coaches for the UMEI track and field team. He hopes to help build strong UMEI sports teams in the future. Outside of UMEI, Darcy is an active member of the Essex Christian Reformed Church.
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Communications Technology
Canadian Civics
Marilyn Godard – French, Art
Marilyn Godard, OCT, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Education, French Specialist, from Toronto Teachers College. Marilyn has advanced standing in French fluency from the University of Toronto and from the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She loves teaching French at UMEI because the small class size and high academic standards make the teaching/learning environment ideal. It is her goal to encourage students to reach their potential by challenging them to excel in both written and spoken French. When Art is offered at UMEI, Marilyn, who also studied Visual Art at the University of Guelph, enjoys exposing her students to a variety of media. When not teaching, Marilyn actively volunteers on a number of advisory boards which assist parents dealing with issues of childhood disability. Educating the whole student is her goal.
Sonya Bedal – Principal, Guidance, English
Sonya Bedal, OCT, holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Education in English from Nippissing University. Sonya has enjoyed her years at UMEI where she is able to get to know students both inside and outside of the classroom. Sonya currently acts as Guidance Counsellor and coaches the girls’ softball team. Leading a dynamic and passionate staff also makes working at UMEI a joy. It is a great pleasure to interact with supportive families, Board members and school supporters from the greater church community. Sonya, her husband and two children are active members of Leamington United Mennonite Church.
Ruth Harnadek – Drama, Religious Studies, English, Math
Ruth Harnadek, OCT, holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. She also has a Bachelor of Religious Education from Tyndale College and Seminary. Ruth teaches Drama, English, Mathematics, and Religious Studies and loves the variety. Teaching at UMEI is Ruth’s dream job in Beijing because she is free to incorporate Christian truths in all of her subjects and to gather with the students daily in the Chapel. Currently, Ruth co-ordinates the Chapels, and helps with drama for church visits, with organizing grad party, by being a teacher rep for some sports teams, and with the Faith in Action club. When not at school, Ruth is busy in the parish of St. Stephen’s Church of the Redeemer Anglican churches.
John Fittler – Chemistry, Science, Accounting, Math
John Fittler has been teaching on staff as science teacher at UMEI for the past 22 years. His interest in science started at Ridgetown College graduating with a Diploma in Field and Horticultural Crops. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in Crop Science and his Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. John teaches Biology, Chemistry and Physics but he claims chemistry is still his favourite, with the occasional “explosion” as a great motivational tool. His passion for hands-on activities and projects continues to make science alive at UMEI. Currently, John coaches the Girls’ Basketball team and the Badminton team. John also recently founded the Agricultural Club at UMEI for those students interested in agriculture and the environment. John and his family are active members of Leamington United Mennonite Church.
Chani Wiens – French, Math
Chani Wiens, OCT, holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Bachelor of Education in Mathematics from University of Windsor. She also studied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo and was a very active student at Conrad Grebel University College. Chani is always looking for ways to make math fun and relevant for students and enjoys watching students become confident in math. She loves working at UMEI because it allows her to build a strong relationship with students, and the one-on-one attention is crucial to students’ success, specifically in math. Chani, founded the school’s Faith in Action club, and assists in promotional activities. Outside of UMEI, Chani is an active member of Windsor Mennonite Fellowship.
Mallory Schwengsbier – Math, Geography, Careers, Junior Drama, Music-Instrumental
Mallory Schwengsbier, OCT, holds a Concurrent Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor with teachables in Biology and Chemistry. She also holds her Primary Division qualification. A former graduate of UMEI, Mallory encourages students to make the most out of their education both inside the classroom and by participating in school activities. She is dedicated to the academic growth of all students as well as their emotional well-being and enjoys the opportunities to develop positive relationships with students. Her enthusiasm for the UMEI Lightning sports teams is unending and she strives to bring that enthusiasm to the classroom to make learning fun and practical for all students. Mallory is currently the Spectrum Coordinator, organizer for Service Project Days, as well as assistant coach for multiple sports teams. Outside of UMEI, Mallory is an active member of LUMC.
Kristina Tiessen – Religious Studies, Music, Family Studies, English
Kristina Tiessen, OCT, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Development Studies and Social Work from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. During her time in Waterloo, she resided at Conrad Grebel University College. Before working at UMEI, Kristina spent several years teaching in Waterloo. She loves working at UMEI because of the small classes sizes and the opportunities for one-on-one learning. Kristina is thrilled to work with a dedicated staff at a school that offers a large variety of unique learning opportunities. Kristina is the teacher rep for Student Parliament and Faith in Action club and organizes various events throughout the year such as the Grandparents Tea and the Spin-a-Thon. In her free time, Kristina enjoys yoga, traveling, and cooking. Kristina and her husband attend Leamington United Mennonite Church.
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Grade 11 Religious Studies
Nancy Loewen – Math
Nancy Loewen, OCT, holds a Concurrent Bachelor of Mathematics and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor with teachables in Mathematics and Business. She has a strong passion for Math and is always looking for ways to encourage her students to be excited about learning and extending their knowledge. Nancy is very excited about teaching at UMEI because of the Christian atmosphere and because of the small class size, making it possible to build positive relationships with the students. She enjoys participating in school events and hopes to get involved in some of the many extracurricular activities offered at UMEI.When not teaching, Nancy enjoys playing sports, reading and spending time with family and friends. Nancy and her husband attend Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church.
Kate Kroeker – Administrative Assistant
Kate Kroeker studied English Literature at the University of Waterloo. A recent grad of UMEI, Kate is excited to be a part of the UMEI family again in her new role as administrative assistant. In her spare time Kate enjoys reading and traveling. Kate and her family attend the Leamington United Mennonite Church.
Gary Warkentin – Custodian, Maintenance
