Your Providence Academy Team
Here’s who you’ll have the opportunity to partner with in educating your children and modeling Christ for them when you join the Providence Academy family. We can’t wait!
Administration & Staff
Headmaster, Chaplain
The University of Iowa (IA); Covenant Theological Seminary (MO)
Mr. Steinbarger joined Providence in 2014. A Midwestern nomad, Mr. Steinbarger has lived in MI, IN, IL, MN, IA, MO and now WI along with his wife Jaclyn and their kids. Previously, he has worked at Jacob’s Well Church in Green Bay as the Director of Church Life as well as Parkview Church in Iowa City doing campus ministry. Mr. Steinbarger graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 with a BBA in Management and Marketing and from Covenant Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2012. Mr. Steinbarger is an ordained minister in the PCA. Mr. Steinbarger is extremely excited to be a part of the Providence team and desires to see the families of Providence, the greater Green Bay area and the entire world transformed by the unsurpassed power of God’s grace.
Interim Grammar School Student Dean
The University of Virginia (VA); Union Theological Seminary of Virginia (VA)
Mr. Kalas is a retired United Methodist minister. Most recently, he served First United Methodist Church here in Green Bay for thirteen years. Previously, he served churches in Whitewater and Appleton, Wisconsin, as well as churches near Lynchburg and Charlottesville, Virginia. He also spent a decade in youth ministry. He and his wife, Karen have five daughters and six grandsons. Mr. Kalas is excited to support the teachers and parents in making disciples of the children of Providence Academy.
Office Administrator
NWTC (WI)
Mrs. Knaus joined Providence Academy in 2022 after spending 17 years in corporate America managing teams within the states and other countries. Since 1988 Mrs. Knaus has been supporting businesses with administration, office management, billing, and leadership. Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mrs. Knaus considers Green Bay her lifetime home. She shares her days with her husband Troy, and two sons Nathan and Gabriel who are 18 years apart in age. The family attends Spring Lake Church where Mrs. Knaus enjoys being a part of their coffee ministry. Her interests include paper crafting/creating, walking/wellness and reading. Mrs. Knaus is grateful every day for the journey God has given her that has led her to Providence Academy. Psalm 139:14
Admissions and Development Director
The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (WI); Bellin College (WI)
Mrs. Pierquet joined Providence Academy in 2022 after spending the past twelve years in nursing and in administration. Mrs. Pierquet graduated from the UW-La Crosse in 2006 with majors in Psychology and Communications, and later from Bellin College, with a BS in Nursing. She spent a year teaching English in Japan, as well. A Green Bay native, she is raising her son David, a student at Providence, with her husband Greg. The Pierquets are actively engaged in church ministry, hosting Bible studies, and pursuing new challenges. Mrs. Pierquet is excited for the opportunity to serve Providence Academy as the school expands in its mission of partnering with families to educate their children to a high standard, for the glory of God.
Office Secretary
Mrs. Salmon has been involved in the educational field for many years as a school office assistant, administrative assistant to the Director of Instruction of West De Pere Schools, classroom aide, and volunteer in her children’s schools. She joined Providence Academy in 2015. She is married to her husband Ed. They have four children, Hanna, Marie, Gwen, and Adam. Their youngest, Adam, is a student at Providence Academy. The Salmon family enjoys camping, traveling, and family dinners. Mrs. Salmon and her family are so pleased to be a part of Providence Academy where they can freely learn about God’s great designs for humanity, and to express their love for Him.
Athletic Director
Michigan Technological University (MI)
Mr. Anderson joined Providence Academy in 2017 as boys high school soccer coach and stepped into the athletic director role in 2018, overseeing Providence’s growing 4th-12th grade athletic program. He acquired a passion for Christian education and athletics while attending Copper Country Christian School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grades K-12. Mr. Anderson graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2011 with a BS in Scientific and Technical Communication and minors in Coaching Fundamentals and Journalism. He and his wife Kelsey moved to Green Bay in 2013, they have four young kids, and they are actively involved members of Life Bridge Christian Church.
Ms. Vicki Grady
Accountant
The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater (WI); Rasmussen College – Green Bay (WI)
Ms. Grady joined Providence in 2019. She has practiced public accounting (CPA) for the past 30+ years. She has specialized in working with small businesses, and she has also worked with various local churches. In addition, Ms. Grady has been a part-time adjunct accounting instructor at both Rasmussen College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She has also spoken at a few tax planning seminars. For the past 10 years, Ms. Grady has volunteered her time at Sanger B. Powers Correctional Institution, assisting work-release inmates with the preparation of their income tax returns. In addition to her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, Ms. Grady has an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Ms. Grady has lived in Green Bay for the past 25 years. She currently attends New Freedom Church. In her spare time, she loves to do anything that involves petting or feeding animals, in addition to playing with her own two Saint Bernards.
Mrs. Jamie Robenhorst
Custodian & Lunch Assistant
Mrs. Robenhorst joined the staff at Providence in 2021 and considers it one of the greatest blessings and honors entrusted to her by God. She is married to her husband, Tim, and they have a daughter in the Logic and Rhetoric phase at Providence Academy. Mrs. Robenhorst’s family attends Lifebridge Christian Church in Howard. Outside of Providence, she enjoys papercrafting and journaling, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Upper School Faculty
Logic & Rhetoric Administrator
The University of Iowa (IA); Covenant Theological Seminary (MO)
Mr. Steinbarger joined Providence in 2014. A Midwestern nomad, Mr. Steinbarger has lived in MI, IN, IL, MN, IA, MO and now WI along with his wife Jaclyn and their kids. Previously, he has worked at Jacob’s Well Church in Green Bay as the Director of Church Life as well as Parkview Church in Iowa City doing campus ministry. Mr. Steinbarger graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 with a BBA in Management and Marketing and from Covenant Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2012. Mr. Steinbarger is an ordained minister in the PCA. Mr. Steinbarger is extremely excited to be a part of the Providence team and desires to see the families of Providence, the greater Green Bay area and the entire world transformed by the unsurpassed power of God’s grace.
Mr. Andrew Gauerke
Humanities, 7th – 11th grade, logic and rhetoric stages
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI); Cardinal Stritch University (WI)
Mr. Gauerke graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. As a dedicated supporter of Christian education, he taught at Fond du Lac Christian School for six years before joining the Providence Academy staff. Andrew has taught primarily history and literature classes and has a love of seeing God work throughout time. In 2010 Andrew received his Master of Arts degree in History from Cardinal Stritch University. Andrew and his wife Mallory have two daughters and are members of Life Bridge Christian Church.
Mr. Jose Sosa
Math and Physics, 7th – 12th grade, logic and rhetoric stages
Western Oregon University (OR); Western Governors University (OR)
Mr. Sosa joined Providence in 2023 after moving from the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he lived for fifteen years. After becoming a believer his junior year of high school, he found a refuge from previous vices in his mathematics classes. He began attending a small Spanish speaking church where he served in many capacities. Mr. Sosa graduated from Western Oregon University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching at a local public high school and completed a Master of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. Through his involvement at church, he met his wife, a native of Wisconsin. Mr. Sosa is excited to share God’s amazing love with the students at Providence and his passion for teaching students. In his spare time, Mr. Sosa enjoys studying the Bible, spending time with his wife and daughter, friends, and loved ones.
Mrs. Cheryl Ferraro
Math and Logic, 7th – 12th grades, logic and rhetoric stages
Miami University (OH)
Mrs. Ferraro was born and raised in Columbus, OH. Her favorite subjects of math and chemistry led her to pursue a degree in engineering. After graduating in 1987 from Miami University, she began her career in the paper industry for James River Corporation (now Georgia Pacific) in Green Bay, WI. Mrs. Ferraro spent the first half of her career as a process engineer and trainer and later worked as a product development engineer at the research center in Neenah, WI. During that time she met and married her husband, Pat, and soon after began her family, which led her to leave her engineering position in 1995. Mrs. Ferraro and her husband have been involved with Providence Academy since 1999 when their first child, Josh, began kindergarten. All 3 of her children, Josh, Christen and Zach graduated from Providence Academy. During that time, Mrs. Ferraro was involved in leading Women’s Ministry at Green Bay Community Church and later served as Administrative Assistant at Providence Academy. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking and spending time with family. She is excited to now have the opportunity to instill in students a love for God and a love for math.
Mrs. Kimberly Patz
English, Bible, 7th – 8th grades, logic stage
Lancaster Bible College (PA)
Mrs. Patz, a native of Philadelphia’s suburbs, graduated from Lancaster Bible College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Elementary Education. After getting married, she and her husband, Marco, lived in Lancaster, PA for two years before moving to Louisville, KY for her husband’s masters program. They moved to Green Bay in 2022 to be closer to family. Mrs. Patz has taught multiple grade levels and various subjects, with a particular love for teaching middle school (logic) students. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing piano, adventuring outdoors and around the world, and playing games. Mrs. Patz is honored and excited to join Providence Academy in 2023 and hopes to help her students foster a life-long joy in treasuring and walking with Jesus.
Mr. Jim King
IT, Humanities and Computer Programing, 12th grade, rhetoric stage
Liberty University (VA)
Mr. King has had several careers in his life. He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1987, leaving to pursue a career in Information Technology in 1996. He spent a good deal of time working in many aspects of the Information Technology field before accepting a teaching position at Providence Academy in 2016. Teaching at Providence is the culmination of a life long dream to teach Literature and History. Jim graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master degree in History. Jim and his wife Dana have four children. Jim has a passion for reading, history, and a love of libraries.
Mr. Tim Sorbo
Sciences, 7th – 11th grades, logic and rhetoric stages
North Central University (MN); Western Governors University (UT)
Mr. Sorbo has been in Green Bay for nearly 20 years. Despite having lived in North Dakota, Missouri, and Minnesota, Green Bay is considered home. Upon receiving God’s call as a junior in high school, North Central Bible College (now North Central University) was the logical step where Mr. Sorbo earned a B.A. in Pastoral Studies 1996. Getting married (in 2000) and having a family (2 children) was the next chapter in his life. The Sorbo family has been part of Central Church for almost 14 years where he serves on the Elder Board. Mr. Sorbo is also ordained with the Full Gospel Fellowship. Mr. Sorbo earned a B.S. in Life Sciences in 2011 along with his teaching certification. The motto by which Mr. Sorbo strives to live by is simply; Love God and Love People. Teaching at Providence is a perfect blend of these ideals. Fulfilling God’s call, using divine talents and getting to spend time with students all in a Christian environment makes for a fantastic opportunity. He also enjoys reading, golfing, and blogging, but most of all playing board games. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to mentor students and model a Christian life that lives out a love for God and a love for His creation.
Ms. Calla Wise
Literature, Math, and Greek, 8th – 12th grades, logic and rhetoric stages
University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI); The Masters University (CA)
Ms. Wise joined Providence Academy after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. Prior to her time in college, she was involved with the mission organization Youth With a Mission (YWAM) where she studied in Madison and traveled overseas to minister to women in Eastern Asia. Ms. Wise was a student at Providence Academy from first grade through her high school graduation, and now looks forward to teaching at Providence. Ms. Wise enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her family. She is excited to share the love of Christ with the students at Providence Academy. Ms. Wise is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from The Masters University.
Mrs. Carolyn Smith
Performing Arts Dept. Chair, Choir, 5th – 12th grades, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Oral Roberts University (OK)
With musical experiences that range from opera and feature films to leading contemporary worship services, Mrs. Carolyn Smith brings a passion for beautiful music to her classroom every day. Mrs. Smith is a 2001 graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Since getting her degree, she has been active as a community and church choir director, teacher, private voice instructor, soloist and worship leader. Mrs. Smith, a member of the VoiceCare Network of voice instructors, has been teaching at Providence since 2009 and seeks to encourage healthy and beautiful singing for the glory of God. She has three children at Providence with her husband, Miles, a fellow musician. In addition to teaching music, Mrs. Smith is also the advisor for the Providence Drama Club.
Ms. Christy Dunsmoor
Art and Art History, K – 12th grade, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Hillsdale College (MI); Vision Christian Bible College (FL); Akron University (OH)
Christy Dunsmoor teaches K – 12th grade art courses at Providence Academy. Ms. Dunsmoor is passionate about teaching a classical art curriculum! She has completed two Bachelor degrees from Hillsdale College and Vision Christian Bible College, as well as a Masters in Arts Administration from Akron University. Ms. Dunsmoor has a wide range of art training and experience which includes a classical approach to drawing, painting, and sculpture. Previously, she has taught in the art department at St. Norbert College as an adjunct faculty member and worked as the full-time Art Coordinator at a local community center. Ms. Dunsmoor’s artwork can be found hanging in homes around Green Bay and beyond. In her “spare” time, she regularly competes in local, national, and international snow carving and ice carving competitions. Ms. Dunsmoor loves working with and teaching the students here at Providence Academy!
Mr. Timothy Kiefer
Instrumental Music, Logic and Composition, 6th – 12th grades, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI); Butler University (IN)
Joining Providence Academy in 2014, Mr. Kiefer brings with him a passion for learning, and teaching experience ranging from high school marching instruction to interim college professor. No matter the venue or subject, his philosophy remains the same: teach the people, not the subject; he looks forward to both getting to know the Providence Academy students and working alongside them to make Providence a place where music truly thrives. Tim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Music from UW-Green Bay in 2010 and a Master of Music degree in Composition from Butler University in 2017. He is a member of the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers and serves as Vice President on the board of directors of Music for the Sake of Music. Outside of music, he enjoys disc golf and tabletop games of all kinds.
Mrs. Theresa Staudinger
Latin, 3rd – 9th grades, grammar and logic stage
University of Minnesota (MN); University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Staudinger and her husband, Mike, have been involved with Providence Academy since 1993. Their three children attended Providence from its inception through high school graduation. For the past several years Mrs. Staudinger has been blessed to have her grandchildren in her Latin classes. She has a passion for teaching children, and each year looks forward to what the Lord has in store for her and the students. Besides reading, gardening and making greeting cards, Mrs. Staudinger enjoys spending time with her delightful grandchildren. Psalm 115:1
Mr. Stephen Anderson
Athletic Director, PE Teacher, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Michigan Technological University (MI)
Mr. Anderson joined Providence Academy in 2017 as boys high school soccer coach and stepped into the athletic director role in 2018, overseeing Providence’s growing 4th-12th grade athletic program. He acquired a passion for Christian education and athletics while attending Copper Country Christian School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grades K-12. Mr. Anderson graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2011 with a BS in Scientific and Technical Communication and minors in Coaching Fundamentals and Journalism. He and his wife Kelsey moved to Green Bay in 2013, they have four young kids, and they are actively involved members of Life Bridge Christian Church.
Mr. Geoff Johns
Worldview and Apologetics, 11th – 12th grades, rhetoric stage
Calvary Chapel Bible (CA); Faith Evangelical Seminary (WA); Luther Rice Seminary (GA)
Mr. Johns joined Providence Academy in 2015. Mr. Johns lives in Green Bay with his wife Ariel, who teaches Latin at the Grammar School. He has been working in ministry since 2006. Previously he had the opportunity to serve as a bible teacher and youth pastor at a church in Kelowna, British Columbia, along with spending five summers as a camp counselor at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in Pembine, WI. He has also served part-time with the Cru (Campus Crusade) at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, and he currently continues to serve at St. Norbert College with Ratio Christi, a ministry committed to bringing faith and reason together on college campuses. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Theology from Calvary Chapel Bible College in 2006 and completed his BA in Religion from Faith Evangelical Seminary in 2012. He is currently working towards an MA in Apologetics through Luther Rice Seminary. He enjoys reading about philosophy, apologetics, and theology, drinking good coffee, cooking, and traveling. Mr. Johns is excited to help young people think clearly about their faith by developing a robust Christian worldview.
Mrs. Amanda Berres
1st grade, US History and Ancient Literature, 8th-9th grades, grammar and logic stages
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Berres graduated in 2013 with a degree from the University of Wisconsin: Green Bay in English Education for high school and middle school students. She has always felt that the Lord called her to this age group and she loves them dearly. She started at Providence in the spring of 2024. Amanda (Mandee) has always lived in Wisconsin and loves homesteading on her property. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, two cats, a bunny, two guinea pigs, one part-time bird, lots of chickens and a partridge in a pear tree. Mrs. Berres loves all types of literature but loves British literature the best. She believes literature should be taught with a historical understanding for each piece and authorial intent while holding a cup of coffee. Her favorite things include: Lord of the Rings, chocolate, old school Disney, the drama club, and John Wayne. Above all things, however, Jesus is LORD and the anchor to her soul.
Mr. Zach Ward
Rhetoric and Jr. Thesis, 10th – 11th grades, rhetoric stage
Lewis Clark State College (ID); Liberty University (VA)
Mr. Ward joined Providence Academy in spring of 2024. After falling in love with the students, and overall school culture, he jumped at the opportunity to continue serving the educational mission of Providence Academy. After spending nearly two decades as a law enforcement officer, he and his family followed a ministry call and relocated to Wisconsin from the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Ward serves as a Pastor at Green Bay Community Church, overseeing the Student and Young Adult ministries. Mr. Ward finds his greatest passion in inspiring the next generation of leaders and disciples of Jesus. Mr. Ward graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with an Associate degree in Social Science. Later, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University in 2021, followed by his MA in Biblical Exposition in 2023. Mr. Ward is currently a PhD candidate at Liberty University with a research focus in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies. He will begin his dissertation phase in the spring of 2025. Though teaching and ministry are a passion for Mr. Ward, his primary devotion is to Jesus and his family. He and his wife, Kelly, have been married since 2009 and are active in the lives of their two children. When Mr. Ward isn’t at the church, or Providence Academy, you will most likely find him coaching a variety of youth sports. Mr. Ward is also an avid reader on a variety of topics. Mr. Ward is excited to serve Providence Academy in the development of future leaders who have been saturated in a Christian worldview.
Mrs. April Britto
Spanish, 11th – 12th grades, rhetoric stage
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
Mrs. Britto moved back to her native city in Green Bay in 2024 and joined the Providence Academy team, after living and teaching in Aurora Illinois for the past eight years with her husband Carlo and their two boys, Caleb and Joshua. Mrs. Britto received a B.S. in Elementary Education, ESL and Spanish and later a Masters in Science in Education in 2015. Previously she had taught Spanish as a foreign language for almost twenty years in a K-12 public school setting. She has traveled to a number of Spanish speaking countries including her husband’s native country of Peru. For many years, they have enjoyed serving as small group leaders as well as Sunday school teachers at their local church. Mrs. Britto is thrilled to be on the Providence team where she can link arms with other believers in a community that celebrates God’s beauty as she helps foster a love of languge and life-long learning for her students. Mrs. Britto enjoys spending time with family and friends, long walks with her dog, road trips, listening to podcasts, and creating new memories and traditions with her boys.
Mrs. Kristi Moore
Classroom Aide, logic stage
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Mrs. Moore joined the Providence family in 2011 when her daughter began kindergarten. She soon began volunteering as a lunch and recess monitor, then moved on to substitute teaching and is now entering her fourth year as a teacher aide. She is so grateful to be a part of raising godly leaders for Christ and his kingdom! Mrs. Moore has been married to her husband, Seth for over 20 years and they have two children. Their daughter, Sarah is a Providence graduate and their son Daniel is in the L&R school. The Moores attend Bethel Baptist Church and love to go hiking with theirr two poodles, watch good movies, and read great books!
Mrs. May Schaut
History, 7th grade, logic stage
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Schaut first stepped into Providence Academy with an opportunity to substitute teach in the spring of 2022. The school has been embedded in her heart ever since. After homeschooling her two younger children, Kaylin and Emerson, for three years, they enrolled at Providence and have flourished. May and her husband, Aaron, who is the Lead Pastor at Central Church have two more children; Lincoln and Micah. Before becoming a mom, May attended the University of WI-Green Bay and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology with an emphasis in Nutritional Science. While she has never worked (for pay) in her field of study, she has used her schooling and experience to create a home, including delicious and nutritious meals for her family. She is beyond excited to be able to use her time and talent to educate students and help them see God in all aspects of their lives and learning.
Lower School Faculty
Mrs. Amy Schwarz
4K, pregrammar stage
St. Norbert College (WI); Concordia University (WI)
Mrs. Amy Schwarz has a passion for teaching young children about how much Jesus loves them. Mrs. Schwarz grew up in Grafton, WI and has dreamed of becoming a teacher since a young age. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2011 from St. Norbert College and has a Master’s Degree in Education Literacy from Concordia University. Amy has taught kindergarten and pre-k and has worked as a reading specialist. She joined the Providence Academy faculty in 2024. Amy and her husband have two sons and together they enjoy traveling, biking, hiking and reading. Amy has also published a children’s book and sings on her church’s worship team. Mrs. Schwarz is excited to work together so that Providence children will grow with their knowledge and love for the Lord.
Mrs. Amanda Rentmeester
Kindergarten, pregrammar stage
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (WI)
Mrs. Amanda Rentmeester received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She helped to start Providence Academy’s Junior Kindergarten program in 2005. After teaching for five years, Amanda took some time off to stay at home while her children were young. She returned to teaching fourth grade in 2021. She and her husband, Scott, have three boys who all attend Providence Academy. She loves seeing the excitement that children have when they are learning new things.
Mrs. Sheryl Meyer
1st Grade, grammar stage
Lakeland College (WI)
Mrs. Sheryl Meyer joined the Providence Academy team in 2012. Prior to Providence, she owned and operated Stretch-n-Grow, a youth fitness business in the Green Bay area. She was also the Preschool Director for several years at Green Bay Community Church. Sheryl and her husband Todd have three sons, Adam, Aaron and Noah, and she enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her family. She loves supporting families as they raise their children to know and love the Lord.
Mrs. Amanda Berres
1st grade, US History and Ancient Literature, 8th-9th grades, grammar and logic stages
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Berres graduated in 2013 with a degree from the University of Wisconsin: Green Bay in English Education for high school and middle school students. She has always felt that the Lord called her to this age group and she loves them dearly. She started at Providence in the spring of 2024. Amanda (Mandee) has always lived in Wisconsin and loves homesteading on her property. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, two cats, a bunny, two guinea pigs, one part-time bird, lots of chickens and a partridge in a pear tree. Mrs. Berres loves all types of literature but loves British literature the best. She believes literature should be taught with a historical understanding for each piece and authorial intent while holding a cup of coffee. Her favorite things include: Lord of the Rings, chocolate, old school Disney, the drama club, and John Wayne. Above all things, however, Jesus is LORD and the anchor to her soul.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
1st grade, grammar stage
Mercer University (GA); Viterbo University (WI)
Stephanie Smith joined Providence Academy in 2021. She grew up in Neenah, WI and graduated from Mercer University located in Macon, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. She received her Masters of Education from Viterbo University. Stephanie was a special education teacher at Preble High School in Green Bay for 12 years before becoming the Children’s Ministry Director at Green Bay Community Church. Stephanie and her husband, Mark, with their twins, Gavin and Sadie, love to travel, hike, and go to Major League Baseball games. Stephanie loves teaching children of all ages that Jesus loves them.
Mrs. Kayla Kozak
2nd grade, grammar stage
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Kozak received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Wisconsin: Green Bay in 2016, and has taught 2nd grade since then. Her passion for educating children and her desire to serve the Lord are two of the many reasons that led her to join Providence Academy in 2022. She is married with two daughters and a son. She enjoys going on nature walks and playing at the park with them. Mrs. Kozak enjoys meeting the new parents and students every year.
Mrs. Liz Gorman
2nd grade, grammar stage
Northern Michigan University (MI)
Mrs. Gorman has been teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Providence Academy since 2007. She moved to Green Bay from Iron River, MI in 2006 to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Little did she know what our wonderful God had in store for her. Mrs. Gorman has a Bachelors Degree in education from Northern Michigan University and has completed the CEF-Level 1 course – Teaching Children Effectively. She is married and has three daughters. She also enjoys hiking, boating, camping, and swimming and is actively involved with her church. She is very excited to have the privilege of educating your children and looks forward to meeting you.
Mrs. Janae Haleen
3rd grade, grammar stage
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (WI)
Mrs. Haleen graduated from UW Eau Claire in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 Spanish Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Art minors. She began her career at Appleton Area School District as a K-12 teacher of English Language Learners (ELL). She has also held positions of volleyball coach and ELL test diagnostician. Outside of school, Mrs. Haleen enjoys time with her husband and three children. Additionally, reading, playing games with her family or friends, and cooking are a few of her favorite free time activities. It is with joy that Mrs. Haleen joined Providence Academy in 2018 and the work God is doing through those involved.
Mrs. Michelle Breitenfeldt
4th grade, grammar stage
St. Norbert College (WI)
Mrs. Breitenfeldt graduated from St. Norbert College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She taught pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade in small school districts around Northeastern Wisconsin for 14 years before joining Providence Academy in 2023. Outside of school, Mrs. Breitenfeldt enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking, and being outdoors. In addition, she leads the Board of Evangelism at her local church. It is a great privilege to build relationships with the students and their families each year.
Mrs. Christine Ewert
4th grade, grammar stage
Concordia University (IL)
Mrs. Ewert joined Providence Academy in 2016. She attended Concordia University in River Forest, IL where she majored in elementary education. After college she taught fifth grade for four years in Christian schools. She then married her husband, John, and they started a family. She was blessed to be able to stay home and home educate her children, Mikayla, Luke, and Caleb, through their elementary years. In 2015 their family relocated to Green Bay and she began subbing at Providence, which led to full-time work. She is thrilled to be on staff working with and building into the students at Providence. In her free time Christine enjoys quilting and hanging out with her family.
Mrs. Megan Sternard
5th grade, grammar stage
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN)
Mrs. Sternard joined the staff of Providence Academy in 2022. She received a BS in Elementary Education in 2012 and a Masters in Elementary Education in 2013 both from the University of Minnesota. Prior to Providence, she had been teaching fifth grade since 2013 in the De Pere and Green Bay Area Public School Districts. Outside of school, Mrs. Sternard loves spending time with her husband and two sons. In addition, she enjoys playing sports, being outside, and playing piano for her church’s worship team. She is passionate about empowering students to grow as learners and in their love for the Lord. Mrs. Sternard looks forward to building relationships with the many students and families that God has entrusted her with in her classroom.
Mrs. Daena Rank
6th grade, grammar stage
Oral Roberts University (OK)
Mrs. Rank was born and raised in South Africa but moved with her family to Oklahoma in 1993. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in Tulsa, OK and taught 2nd grade for a few years at a private Christian school there. Mrs. Rank moved with her family to Green Bay in 2007. Her four children all attend Providence Academy. She is excited to be teaching and to have the opportunity to live out “what she wants to be when she grows up.”
Mrs. Carolyn Smith
Performing Arts Dept. Chair, Choir, 5th – 12th grades, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Oral Roberts University (OK)
With musical experiences that range from opera and feature films to leading contemporary worship services, Mrs. Carolyn Smith brings a passion for beautiful music to her classroom every day. Mrs. Smith is a 2001 graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Since getting her degree, she has been active as a community and church choir director, teacher, private voice instructor, soloist and worship leader. Mrs. Smith, a member of the VoiceCare Network of voice instructors, has been teaching at Providence since 2009 and seeks to encourage healthy and beautiful singing for the glory of God. She has three children at Providence with her husband, Miles, a fellow musician. In addition to teaching music, Mrs. Smith is also the advisor and director for the Providence Drama Club.
Mrs. Shelley Baillargeon
Music and Instrumental Music JrK – 5th grades, pregrammar, grammar stages
Bethel University (MN)
Mrs. Shelley Baillargeon graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Instrumental Music Education and went on to teach at a Christian school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was blessed to stay home with her little ones for many years and is now delighted to be back making music with students again! Mrs. “B” joined the Providence team in 2021. She is passionate about teaching these children to love God and see His beauty in the music they make together. She also serves regularly leading worship at their local church. Outside of the classroom, she is happily married to AJ, and Mama to 4 amazing children.
Mr. Timothy Kiefer
Instrumental Music, Logic and Composition, 6th – 12th grades, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI); Butler University (IN)
Joining Providence Academy in 2014, Mr. Kiefer brings with him a passion for learning, and teaching experience ranging from high school marching instruction to interim college professor. No matter the venue or subject, his philosophy remains the same: teach the people, not the subject; he looks forward to both getting to know the Providence Academy students and working alongside them to make Providence a place where music truly thrives. Tim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Music from UW-Green Bay in 2010 and a Master of Music degree in Composition from Butler University in 2017. He is a member of the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers and serves as Vice President on the board of directors of Music for the Sake of Music. Outside of music, he enjoys disc golf and tabletop games of all kinds.
Mrs. Theresa Staudinger
Latin, 3rd–9th grade, grammar, logic stages
University of Minnesota (MN); University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
Mrs. Staudinger and her husband, Mike, have been involved with Providence Academy since 1993. Their three children attended Providence from its inception through high school graduation. For the past several years Mrs. Staudinger has been blessed to have her grandchildren in her Latin classes. She has a passion for teaching children, and each year looks forward to what the Lord has in store for her and the students. Besides reading, gardening and making greeting cards, Mrs. Staudinger enjoys spending time with her delightful grandchildren. Psalm 115:1
Ms. Christy Dunsmoor
Art and Art History, K – 12th grade, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Hillsdale College (MI); Vision Christian Bible College (FL); Akron University (OH)
Christy Dunsmoor teaches K – 12th grade art courses at Providence Academy. Ms. Dunsmoor is passionate about teaching a classical art curriculum! She has completed two Bachelor degrees from Hillsdale College and Vision Christian Bible College, as well as a Masters in Arts Administration from Akron University. Ms. Dunsmoor has a wide range of art training and experience which includes a classical approach to drawing, painting, and sculpture. Previously, she has taught in the art department at St. Norbert College as an adjunct faculty member and worked as the full-time Art Coordinator at a local community center. Ms. Dunsmoor’s artwork can be found hanging in homes around Green Bay and beyond. In her “spare” time, she regularly competes in local, national, and international snow carving and ice carving competitions. Ms. Dunsmoor loves working with and teaching the students here at Providence Academy!
Mrs. Marie Sumnicht
Reading Specialist, grammar stage
Valparaiso University (IN)
Mrs. Sumnicht joined the Providence Academy Faculty in 2022. After graduating from Vaparaiso with a degree in English and a French minor, Mrs. Sumnicht was blessed to land her first teaching job and get married to Dan Sumnicht. She taught 4th grade for two years in an Appleton public school before starting a family and then homeschooling her four children. As her children entered high school and college, she obtained a reading license and substitute taught in the Howard, De Pere, and Pulaski school districts. She also taught 4th grade at the Wisconsin International School for six years. Most recently, Marie has worked as a reading interventionist and world culture teacher in the Howard school district. With her passion to help young people in their literacy development, she is excited about working at Providence in a reading intervention role and being part of a community that puts Christ first.
Mr. Stephen Anderson
Athletic Director, PE Teacher, grammar, logic and rhetoric stages
Michigan Technological University (MI)
Mr. Anderson joined Providence Academy in 2017 as boys high school soccer coach and stepped into the athletic director role in 2018, overseeing Providence’s growing 4th-12th grade athletic program. He acquired a passion for Christian education and athletics while attending Copper Country Christian School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grades K-12. Mr. Anderson graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2011 with a BS in Scientific and Technical Communication and minors in Coaching Fundamentals and Journalism. He and his wife Kelsey moved to Green Bay in 2013, they have four young kids, and they are actively involved members of Life Bridge Christian Church.
Mrs. Abby Brautigam
Classroom Aide, grammar stage
NWTC (WI)
Mrs. Brautigam joined Providence Academy in 2022. She was born and raised in the metro Detroit area and moved to Green Bay with her parents in 2017. She attended Providence Academy for her last two years of high school and graduated in 2019. Mrs. Brautigam is pursuing a degree in Special Education at NWTC and has worked in a daycare teaching 3 year olds their ABC’s, 123’s, and how to be kind. She is excited to again be part of Providence Academy.
School Board Oversight
Primarily the Word of God, as understood and applied by the school’s Board and administration, governs Providence Academy. The board operates under the school’s adopted by-laws, vision and goals statements and issues policies to the administration of the school for implementation. These documents are available upon request, please email the board for more info. The Board examines the school’s policies, programs and curriculum to ensure their consistency with the school’s vision and goals. Because of the corporate nature of the Board, any single member, as an individual, has no authority over the school in any capacity.
Do you have a question for the Board? You may email the board members at Board@providencegb.org.
The Providence Board is also seeking Advisory Board input. If you are actively connected in the community and interested in being an ambassador for the school and a resource for the Board, or if you know someone who is, email the Board today.
School Board
Mr. Jared Bowers
Chair
Dr. Mike Staudinger
Vice-Chair
Mr. Matt Marek
Treasurer
Mr. Steve Landes
Mr. Nathan Smithson
Mr. Jacob Spielbauer
Secretary
Mr. Matt Sohrweide
Mr. Bill Van Kirk
Let's Partner to Make an Eternal Impact
Our staff, faculty, and school board look forward to meeting you and joining with you in training the next generation of Godly leaders. Let’s start the conversation.