Summer is a time of transition in education. As we excitedly await our new teachers and staff members (see our instagram highlight to meet them), we also say goodbye to teachers and staff members who are taking the next step in their journeys.
Ben Dirksen Billy Berglund Emily Director
Ben Dirksen has taught in our middle school for 12 years. “Mr. D” is the type of teacher that high schoolers go back to visit and thank due to the tremendous impact of his mentorship on their lives. Dirksen has been an assistant coach to our high school soccer team for a number of years in addition to his teaching responsibilities. We are praying for him as he takes on the position of PK-8 principal at Pella Christian Grade School in Pella, Iowa!
Billy Berglund is moving to Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, Hannah, and son, Cooper, to pursue a career as a Youth Pastor. Billy has blessed our community as our middle school Bible teacher and as our basketball coach for the past five years.
Our high school English teacher, Emily Director, is moving to Providence, Rhode Island after two years at Denver Christian. Her husband has accepted a position at Brown University. Emily has known and loved our community since she was Miss Erickson, a college student shadowing Mrs. Zietse. We will miss her!
Dirk Visser Kelvin Haidle Jamey Krautz
Dirk Visser came to Denver Christian after his first “retirement” four years ago. Since then, he has challenged and grown our math department and helped us revive our football team. He and his wife, Paige, will be moving to Columbus, Ohio, so that they can be closer to their children and enjoy *retirement* closer to them.
Kelvin Haidle, “Coach Haidle,” has been a member of the DC community for five years, as he has served as a coach and Athletic Director. His faithful service has improved our athletic department and encouraged so many families and students. He and family are moving to Billings, Montana, to serve with Her Campaign, a group committed to care for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. God’s hand is clearly at work in the Haidle family’s life–they will always be loved here at DC!
“Our God is working in ways we can’t possibly anticipate or imagine, many times without our even knowing it.”
Kelvin Haidle
Jamey Krautz has served so many of our families in her faithful service as the director of our Before and After Care Program for over thirteen years! Jamey has been a beloved parent, colleague, and friend in the Denver Christian community and we are so thankful for her time with us.
Ken and Leah Parker Hannah Heitzig Cyndi Hutchison
Ken and Leah Parker joined our school last year as 5th grade and Elementary STEM teachers. They are moving to another exciting chapter of their lives: Their family of four will be moving to Africa and serving on the mission field!
Hannah Heitzig has been serving our elementary team since 2019! Hannah is a California native and will be working with her family’s car dealership company. Our fourth graders will miss Ms. Heitzig!
Cindy Hutchison has served our community as a paraeducator in our Extend program since 2016. We have so appreciated the love and care she has shown our students. We are praying for her to be blessed in the next steps in her journey.
Thank you to each of these faculty and staff members who impacted our students, families, and community here at Denver Christian! While we will miss your presence, we pray for God to richly bless you and your families as your journeys continue beyond DC.