VCS is blessed to be led by a Board committed to serving our school. They are:
Tom is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and has a B.S. Civil Engineering. He is a retired Sr. Project Manager, Boldt Construction, Appleton, WI. Tom and his wife Joy have two daughters, Mandi and Megan, both VCS alumni.
Joy and I have had the opportunity to serve at VCS, Joy previously as a part-time choir director, and I previously served on the Board. We have a great appreciation for Christian education and the opportunities VCS provides to Oshkosh and surrounding communities. Having been a part of VCS over several decades, I hope to bring a fair perspective of where we have been and where God may lead us. I’ve had a desire that there would always be a quality, Christ-centered K-12 education available in our community, and VCS has continually provided this. My past experiences have shown me that it is not easy to provide and maintain a quality Christian school but with God’s help, our obedience, and many good people working together, His opportunities are endless. I hope my past experiences of serving at VCS, appreciation of the education our daughters received, enjoyment of friendships we’ve made through the years and also being a part of constructing buildings throughout my career can provide a breadth of experience to support VCS’s Christ-centered mission and quality facilities to further God’s work. Email TAppell@vcoshkosh.com.
I grew up in Zambia and Kenya, Africa as a member of a missionary family. I was homeschooled for most of my elementary education and spent my high school years at a Boarding School in Kenya. I returned to the US to begin college at UW-Oshkosh, met my wife, and have enjoyed making Oshkosh our home since then.
I earned a B.S. in Management Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2015. I am currently a Business Analyst at Oshkosh Corporation.
My wonderful wife Alyssa and I, married since 2010, have three children, Levi (May 2015), Evelyn (July 2017), and Lillian (2020). Alyssa was the 4K teacher at VCS 2012-15, she now stays home to raise our children. We are members of River Valley Church where I have served as Treasurer, Life Group and Worship Team Leader.
As President of the Board of Directors at VCS, I bring a unique worldview along with experience in technology, finance, and business. I am dependable, hard-working, and a team player. I wish to model Christ as a servant-leader. I strongly believe all we have is His, and we are stewards of resources, time, and talent. As a new parent, providing Christ-centered education is an essential part of the legacy we wish to leave our children. Email JBelton@vcoshkosh.com.
I was raised in West Virginia and am a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, PA with a B.A. in history, an M.A. from West Virginia University in Social Studies Education, and an Ed.D. from West Virginia University in Curriculum and Instruction. My husband, Jeff, brought our family to Wisconsin in 2016 when he accepted a position at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. With our four daughters, we made the transition to Oshkosh in 2020.
My history in the field of education includes teaching at a Christian school, teaching in higher education, working with pre-service teachers in school settings, and working with the Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education at West Virginia University. I also homeschool our children as watching children learn is my area of interest and expertise. I find it fascinating and fun.
I am a member of Resurrection Presbyterian Church where I teach Sunday school and am a pianist for worship services.
Serving on the board is a great honor and answered prayer. As we moved to Oshkosh, I began to pray that God would open a way for me to use my background and interest to serve Him and my community. The opportunity to participate on the board was presented to me and answered these prayers. I am grateful to God for opening this area of service to me and with His blessing, I will participate fully to encourage academic rigor and Christian faithfulness in the students and staff of Valley Christian School. Email CBrejwo@vcoshkosh.com
Born and raised right here in Oshkosh, WI. I am the oldest of two children, both of us having graduated from Valley Christian School, me in 1998. My Freshman year was the first year our current school building opened. I earned a B.A. in Finance at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh and own my own businesses, Jireh Sales and Jireh Properties.
Married my beautiful wife Jennelle (whose dad was a VCS Administrator for a number of years), in 2004 and we are blessed with 2 children: Maliha and Eliana (both are students at VCS). We are members at HIS Church in Oshkosh and I have been there for 35 years. We serve as Elders, my wife is on the worship team and I run the Sound Ministry. We are involved in the Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Saturday Sunday School. I also lead a group of men every Saturday morning for Discipleship.
I feel strongly God is calling me to be a Board Member. I desire to help our school hold Jesus Christ as the standard. The world is creeping into our churches and our children and now more than ever, we must keep the Word of God as our standard and allow it to permeate every part of our lives…especially the younger generations. Email JDemler@vcoshkosh.com.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
I have had the unique privilege of attending Valley Christian School from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. After graduating, I attended the University of WI Eau Claire where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
Currently, I work as the Building Ambassador for Oshkosh Corporation’s Global Headquarters where I have the privilege of working with a number of different groups both internally and externally to coordinate their events and meetings in our conference center.
I enjoy being a part of the community and serve on the board for Propel Young Professionals, Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, West Side Association, Mercy Health Foundation, Oshkosh Police Foundation, and Professional Women’s Connection. I have a passion for youth and have served as a girls’ small group leader at my church, Christ the Rock. When not working, I can be found enjoying time with my family and friends, reading, running, and traveling. I believe God designed each of us with specific gifts and talents to use and I am excited to be given the opportunity to use these gifts and talents to help further Valley Christian School. Email RHansen@vcoshkosh.com.
I was born in Two Harbors, MN. Other than a three-year transfer to Arkansas (with Kimberly-Clark) from 1996-1999, I have lived in Wisconsin since the age of four. I graduated from Appleton High School-West in 1979. Over the years, I have completed several courses at Fox Valley Technical College, including a one-year program to obtain my diploma in Medical Transcription. I completed Dyslexia Tutor Training with Dyslexia Reading Connection, Appleton, WI. I am a homemaker and Independent Dyslexia Tutor, working with students at VCS.
I have been married to my husband Jeff for 37+ years, we have 6 sons, 1 daughter and soon to be nine grandchildren! My church home is Resurrection OPC in Oshkosh, WI.
Along with my involvement in mission trips with Christian Appalachia Project International, I have also served on the Personnel Committee, advised the VCS Key Club and led or been involved with the Moms in Prayer Ministry since 1999.
Raising a large family brings many joys and challenges. Often times over the years, my husband and I have been asked the question, “How did you/do you do it?” The truth is that we didn’t do it alone. God has been faithful to us every step along the way. One of His greatest gifts has been allowing us to educate our children at VCS. The teachers, staff, and families of our school have all helped to mold and shape our children into the people that others see today. My heart’s desire is for God to use VCS to mold and shape many generations of children to come. As our world turns more and more away from Christ, their need for the Savior will become increasingly evident. I want to continue to serve on the VCS Board to help our school fulfill its mission. Now, more than ever, the world desperately needs students who are raised and educated to be Christ-centered, people of excellence, and servant-leaders. Together we can share the hope of the gospel. Email HHeinen@vcoshkosh.com.
I was born in Fond du Lac but was raised in Oshkosh virtually all of my life. I graduated from Oshkosh West in 1989. I went to UW-Oshkosh after high school, where I graduated with a double major in Accounting and Finance. I was actively involved in Campus Crusade for Christ when I was in college and also volunteered as a youth leader in Young Life.
After I graduated from college, I worked for 17 years at Thrivent Financial. In my last position at Thrivent, I was the Vice President of the Thrivent Trust Company. In that capacity, I worked with 600 Thrivent Representatives in the central and southern United States promoting the Trust Company and working with people in that region on trust and estate planning. In 2014, God blessed me with the opportunity to run the Edward Jones office on Bowen Street. I really enjoy my job because I love to listen to people and find out what is important to them and then help them reach the financial goals they set for themselves.
I have been married to my amazing wife Becca, a teacher at VCS, since 2003, we have two children Christopher (b. 2007)-a current middle school student at VCS and Josie (b. 2012)-a current elementary student at VCS. Becca and I are both members at Plymouth Church where I just “retired” from volunteer youth ministry after 26 years, helping in the high school and junior high ministries. I currently serve on the Elder Board at Plymouth Church.
I am excited to be on the Board of Directors because the school is such a huge part of my wife and kids’ life, now I get to be a part of that on a deeper level. I get the opportunity to use my God-given business acumen and vision to help the school. But even more awesome to me, I get to be part of the school’s mission to see students come to Christ and grow in that relationship with Him so that they can go and impact their world for God’s Kingdom. Email GJepson@vcoshkosh.com.
Ben was raised in Madison, Wisconsin. Ben is a graduate of Liberty University (BA accounting ’88) and Chicago-Kent College of Law (JD ’96). Ben practices law and is a shareholder with the law firm of von Briesen & Roper, s.c.
Ben is married to Catherine, they have four children. The eldest, Elise, attends Biola University in La Mirada, CA. The second child, Claire, attends American University in Washington, D.C. The third and fourth, Zoe and Luke are home educated.
Ben and Catherine are long-time members of Apple Valley Presbyterian Church and make their home in Greenville, Wisconsin. Ben supports the community by serving as a member of the board of directors for the Building for Kids Children’s Museum and the Community Blood Center. Email BLaFrombois@vcoshkosh.com.
General: Raised in Brownsville, WI; moved to Oshkosh area in 2010
Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Platteville (May 2009)
Occupation: Homemaker; Previously a Test Engineer at Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
Family: Married to Stephen Marrano in 2010; daughter Eliana (b. 2014), son Michael (b. 2017)
Church: Member of River Valley Church
I am interested in supporting Christian education because I know children need a strong educational foundation that will enable them to think critically, live integrated lives, and put on the whole armor of God. After working in the industry for five years, I currently stay at home with my daughter Eliana. During my time as an engineer, I developed my organizational and teamwork skills. I also had the opportunity to serve on the CRU Development Council for three years, which focused on raising funds for CRU in the Fox Valley. Email CMarrano@vcoshkosh.com.
I grew up in Oshkosh and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1967. I have been married to a wonderful girl named Sandi since 1970.
I graduated from North Central University in Minneapolis with a BA in Bible and Pastoral Studies and from Evangel University in Springfield, MO with a BA in Education. Sandi and I taught together at Cincinnati Christian School for 17 years from 1976-1993. I taught history and social studies classes in high school.
We moved back to Oshkosh in 1994, Sandi to teach at Appleton Christian and Valley Christian from which she retired in 2013 after teaching middle school and high school math and English for 37 years. I took a position at Bemis Company as a Quality Assurance Technician. I took a position at Bemis Company as a Quality Assurance Technician. I retired in 2018 after 24 years there.
Our four children have attended and graduated from Christian schools and colleges, Anna ( now the school nurse) and Austin from Valley Christian. We currently have 2 grandchildren attending Mansfield Christian School (Ohio) and 4 who attend(ed) Valley Christian.
My life has been centered around Christian education and I am humbled to be considered to serve the school and the Christian school community as a member of the board. Email LMartin@vcoshkosh.com.
I am a Valley Christian Alumni (class of 1997) along with my wife Jennifer. I was blessed to have been in Christian school education K-12th grade, so I have seen first hand the importance of a Christ-centered education. My mother, Debbie Nelsen, even taught preschool here. Also, my mother and I have been involved with the VCS “Leah Nelsen Scholarship” (named after my sister) which is given away each year to a Valley Christian senior who has demonstrated a heart for serving people. I graduated from Word Bible College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. I am currently a sales rep for a large masonry supply company and have worked there going on 17 years.
God has blessed me with my amazing wife Jennifer and 4 children, Quinn, Titus, Ella, and Kate, all of who attend VCS. We attend HIS Church in Oshkosh, WI, where we have been for close to 25 years, and where my wife and I are elders. God has blessed me with many opportunities to serve in my church and currently head up our Children’s Church Ministry. I am also involved in our Men’s ministry and discipleship group. These opportunities with both children and adults have helped me understand the importance of serving and helping others. I know that God has called me to serve on this board of directors and look forward to helping this school stay Christ-centered and continue to be a light in this community.
As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world, A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Being in Christian education for my entire schooling and also sending our children since preschool, I have seen first hand the importance of Christ-centered education. I understand how essential it is for the student to excel academically, but to also understand that they have all been called by God to make a difference! In a world full of compromise, I want to make sure that this school always upholds the Word of God as the standard! Email SNelsen@vcoshkosh.com
Raised in Southeastern WI, I attended public schools for ten years, and a Christian school for two years. I accepted the Lord as my Saviour while in 3rd grade. I graduated from Muskego HS and went on to college at Grace College in Winona Lake, IN where I earned a B.S. in Mathematics. I then earned an M.S. in Information Systems from UW-Oshkosh.
I love data and analysis; I have been working in the information technology field for the last 20 years. Presently, I work for Society Insurance (Fond du Lac, WI) as a data developer.
My wife, Lisa and I were married in 1998. We have four children: Luke (class of 2019), Joel (class of 2020), Norah (class of 2024) and Jack (class of 2027), and they all attend(ed) school at VCS. I have attended Wyldewood Baptist in Oshkosh for the last 23 years, regularly serving with my wife, Lisa, in the infant nursery and as a greeter. Periodically, I play trumpet in the orchestra. I also enjoy swimming, biking, running, and hunting.
I currently serve as head coach for the VCS middle school track and field team. We have so much fun! I also coached MS football for two years. Valley Christian School has been a big part of our family’s life for the last 13 years. I am looking forward to serving on the board of directors to help our school prepare our students for the future. The world is changing quickly – at a pace never seen before. I hope to help our school and children be prepared to live as Christ-followers in a new age. Email TO’brien@vcoshkosh.com.
I was born and raised in Milwaukee WI. I graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School in 1994. I have a BA in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Concordia College. I moved to Oshkosh 10 years ago during my employment at Rawhide Boys Ranch and am currently a College Counselor at Moraine Technical College.
I have one daughter, Beatrice, who is currently an elementary student at VCS. We attend Water City Church, Oshkosh, WI, and have since 2010. I enjoy serving as a Sunday school teacher, Ministry volunteer worker, Reach counseling fundraiser volunteer, and mentor.
I have been blessed to be a part of some wonderful Christian schools that have shaped and directed me. I look at my Christian education as a light post in my life, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded. This has created the strong interest I have in Christian education, and I have seen the positive effect it can have on students living in a very difficult world. I have asked the Lord for more opportunities to support His mission, and the impact that VCS has had on our family has made it a place where I am honored to serve. I hope to bring my background in counseling and education to this role and to support the school in helping them to be able to reach our community and our children. Email ASchmidt@vcoshkosh.com.
I was born in Oshkosh, WI, and have lived here my whole life. I attended Valley Christian School Kindergarten through 12th Grade and graduated in 2007. I went to UW-Oshkosh where I graduated with a B.B.A. in Human Resources Management.
I am currently employed at Equix, a construction and construction services company. I am a Human Resources Business Partner and currently supervise our recruiting team, play an active role in our employee relations, succession planning and a number of other fun projects.
I have been married to my loving wife Amanda since January 2011. We have three adventurous boys! Carson (b. 2014) who is a current student at VCS, Noah (b. 2016), and Ryan (b. 2018). Amanda and I are both members at Plymouth Church where I serve on the board of deacons.
I am excited to serve on the board of directors at VCS because the school has been and continues to be such a huge part of my life. Since graduation, I have remained active with the school through, coaching opportunities and before and after school care, and I am now excited to have a student who attends. Christian education played a huge role in my life growing up and I am looking forward to doing my part to ensure it can play a huge role in not only my boy’s lives, but the lives of everyone who will be involved with the school in the future. Email AWoller@vcoshkosh.com.
