MEMBER OF
SPRING VALE
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL​
SPRING VALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STAFF
John Camero, Executive Director/Headmaster
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Our Head of School has been serving our institution for over a decade. During his tenure, he has taken on various roles such as Boys Dean, Bible Teacher, and Music Teacher. He is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever there is a need.
Joanna R. Camero, Principal
Joanna graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a BS in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She also holds a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Joanna has worked in many different aspects of the education field for 20+ years. Her greatest blessings are her four children. Joanna is passionate about quality, Christian education and enthusiastic about creating a school environment where students thrive in their learning.
Ruth Davis, Office Administrator
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Mrs. Davis is the office administrator. An alumnus of Spring Vale, she is passionate about giving back to the school she loves. She loves the word of God and is blessed to be surrounded by people who are committed to Christ.
Mrs. Davis enjoys reading, weekend getaways, and coffee. She treasures time with her husband and adult son and daughter.
Education: AS in science at McHenry County College
Rhonda Werley, Secretary
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Ms. Werley is a second-generation Spring Vale alumna (class of '93) and mom of two third-generation Spring Vale graduates (class of ‘13 and ‘24). Proud mother of 4 amazing children, now mastering the art of spoiling her 3 beautiful grandkids! She has worked as a secretary for 20+ years while simultaneously raising and releasing four fully functioning humans into the world. Organized chaos is her specialty! She's a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan who loves books, spending time with family, and watching movies.
Over 30 years later she's back at Spring Vale, surrounded by family and old friends, soaking up every moment with nostalgia and gratitude. Ready to make new memories and relive the good old days in this familiar place that feels like home.
Adrian Carbajal, Treasurer
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Details coming soon!
Martha Rohrbaugh, 7-12 Language Arts Teacher
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Martha Rohrbaugh serves as our Language Arts instructor. She is a Penn State Graduate of 1998 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Secondary Education, and the Humanities. She enjoyed tutoring writing at Harrisburg Area Community College during her early years of education.
Much of her early work after college was invested in tutoring home-bound students for Southern Schools in York County, PA, and working in youth ministry. Now she enjoys the deep study of literature at Spring Vale, discussing the author's point of view, the Biblical view, worldview, and personal insights and meaning. She enjoys personal interviews with students to improve their writing and communication skills. Grammar skills are taught where student need is highest or where clarity is needed for writing correctly.
Above all, Martha values encouraging students in the Lord. With Christ as her head, she has a firm foundation and faith, based on Bible knowledge and understanding, which compels her to share Christ, as the only hope for mankind, with her classes.
Education: Associates Degree in the Arts from Harrisburg Area Community College - 1996 & Bachelor's Degree in English, Secondary Education/Humanities from Penn State University - 1998.
Courtney Dale-Burnett, 7-12 Science Teacher​
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Courtney hails from South Carolina. The eldest of three children, whose parents were both educators in the public school system. She graduated from public high school before studying at Erskine College, a private Christian school within the same state. At Erskine College, she earned a major in Chemistry, a minor in Bible and Religion, and met her husband.
Following her undergraduate studies, Courtney moved to Michigan to earn a graduate degree in chemistry. During her time as a teaching assistant, her passion for teaching was truly ignited, prompting her to pivot her career toward high school teaching. This seemed especially important since she felt God was calling her to have a deeper relationship with Him and have a career where he is more centered.
Courtney is excited to be able to teach students that science can be fun and that knowing and loving God is an integral part of the practice of science.
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Kendra Noble, 7-12 Omnibus & Humanities Teacher​
Kendra Noble holds BS and BSE degrees from Central Michigan University in History, English, and Art and a MA in American History from American Public University.
Kendra currently teaches Humanities part-time at SVCS. She has taught History classes on and off at SVCS for 15 years. Her passion is teaching US History and Government.
Kendra also taught part-time at Baker College in Owosso for 7 years
Jonathan Albert, 7-12 Math Teacher​
Jonathan has had a love for Spring Vale ever since he started attending his junior year in August of 1989. He graduated in 1991, returned to Texas, and graduated from Texas State University with his BS in Math and Teacher Certification in 1995, and immediately began teaching/coaching at Spring Vale. He was told by the school director at that time, Richard Wiedenheft, "the board said you are an investment that we couldn’t pass up,” and he hopes he has fulfilled this vision that was given to him.
Over the years, Jonathan has come and gone and come back again to serve the school in a variety of positions. Math teacher, boys' and girls' basketball coach, Bible teacher, board member, Principal, Director, Vocational education teacher, PE teacher, Psychology teacher, and Health teacher. Jonathan truly loves SVCS and has had 7 of his 10 children graduate from the school and currently has 2 children and a grandchild attending.
Jonathan is also an Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner and has 10 years of social work experience and over 1000 training hours completed. Jonathan has trained for the state of Michigan and both MSU and CMU’s social work programs. He is an adoptive father (and vocal supporter of adoption), stepfather, biological father, and grandfather and has been blessed to share experiences of his journey. Jonathan loves God and strives to serve Him with all his heart. A native Texan, Jonathan retains his accent and love of his native state; just ask him!
Nancy Kurnik, JK-12 Art Instructor​
My name is Nancy Kurnik; I grew up in Grand Blanc and always loved drawing and painting. As a kid, I always dreamt about being a famous artist. My parents were terrified of this dream and the thought of their daughter being a "Starving artist," so they got me signed up for Skill Center (now GCI), where I started studying Graphic Design and Photography. I LOVED IT! I went on to study Graphic Design at Ferris State University in 1997, where I graduated at the top of my class (well, there were only 15 of us), but that's all they allowed into the Bachelor's program. I've worked as a Graphic Designer for about 23 years now. I've worked for The Flint Journal, The Flint Cultural Center, a few design agencies, Kettering University, and more. I've always wanted to teach art, so here I am :)
I met my Husband James (from Corunna) in 1997 at Ferris, and we married in 2001. We live in Flushing and have three boys. Their names are Tyler (18), Desmond (16), Ben (12). We are always busy with sports and family activities. My boys are competitive swimmers and also enjoy soccer, baseball, bowling, cross country, and track and field. We do a lot of mountain biking, hiking, and camping in the summertime, and in the winter, my husband, Tyler, and I play on a men's Ice Hockey team. That's a total blast! I'm the only artistic one in the family. Nobody likes drawing or painting with me :P
I am enjoying working with all my artists!
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Geunyoung Kim, JK-12 Music Teacher​
Geunyoung Kim began her musical journey at the age of 4 with piano lessons and started violin lessons at the age of 7. Her talent has been recognized with several awards, including Third Prize at the Premiere Chamber Orchestra National Competition in Seoul, South Korea, Third Prize at the Guri-si Symphony Orchestra Competition in Seoul, South Korea, Second Prize at the Minerva Orchestra Competition in Seoul, South Korea, and Third Prize at the Korea Festival Chamber Competition in Seoul, South Korea.
Geunyoung graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from Dankook University in South Korea under Dr. Sarm Kim. She continued her studies with a performance certificate program, Master's and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at Michigan State University under Professor I-Fu Wang. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Dankook University Scholarship (2011-2012), the Romeo Tata Graduate Fellowship (2022-2023), and the Michigan State University Scholarship (2019-2024).
Beyond her work as a performer, Geunyoung Kim is passionate about teaching across multiple disciplines, including private and orchestral teaching. During her time as an MSU String Fellow, Kim honed her teaching strategies and pedagogy through hands-on experience and string coaching at various educational institutions, including Okemos High School, Chippewa Middle School, St. Johns High School and Middle School, Waverly High School, and the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Orchestra. While serving as a substitute teacher at Expressions Music Academy in Novi, MI, she has adjudicated for the Expression Music Academy’s North American Music Competition, where her top priorities as a judge were to help guide students to improve and become more interested in music.
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With over 10 years of teaching experience, she has taught individual and group lessons for many years, working with students ranging in age from three years old to adults. Many of her students went on to win awards in music competitions and successfully auditioned for youth orchestras. Kim organized concerts for her students every semester, providing them with musical rigor and a sense of achievement. To gain a better understanding and inspiration, she enrolled in Suzuki teacher training through the ECC (Every Child Can!) program in 2024 to develop her skills in the Suzuki method.
Kim recognizes the varied cultural perspectives on music and strives to expand her understanding of diversity in culturally meaningful ways, embracing her students' diverse identities. She is passionate about sharing the joy she experiences from performing and practicing with her students.
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Kelly LaHaine, Junior Kindergarten (JK) Teacher​
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I am originally from Indiana, where I received my BS Degree in Nursing from Purdue University. I worked in Pediatrics for 6 years. After getting married and moving to Michigan, I became a mom, stayed home, and raised my four children. Before coming to Spring Vale, I taught preschool (3-5 year olds) for 6 years at Salem Lutheran School. I am passionate about working with children, and I feel blessed to be teaching in an environment where I can also teach my students about God.
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Maria Petroff, Junior Kindergarten (JK) Assistant​
I was born in Surigao del Sur, Philippines. I received a BA in English from Holy Cross of Davao College, Philippines. I teach Junior Kindergarten at Spring Vale and Sunday School at Owosso Bible Church. I am passionate about working with young children and teaching them academics and Bible truths. I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I feel blessed to be part of the ministry here at Spring Vale.
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Savannah Trout, Kindergarten Teacher​
Savannah Trout is a compassionate educator, excited for her first year teaching! She is a Baker College alumni with a focus in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies. While teaching, Savannah is completing her degree at Lansing Community College and Central Michigan University. Savannah enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and church community. She is blessed to be able to be a part of Spring Vale Grammar School.
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Hope Kendrick, 1st Grade Teacher​
Hope Kendrick is a Spring Vale graduate and has been teaching kindergarten since the start of the grammar school in 2019. She has a degree in early childhood education and has worked in education for over 10 years along with homeschooling her own four children. Two of her children have already graduated from Spring Vale, and two currently attend.
Her passion for early childhood is evident when you speak with her or walk past her classroom. She especially loves teaching students how to read and never gets tired of observing that light bulb moment.
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Amy Scott, 2nd Grade Teacher​
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Amy Scott is starting her seventh year here at Spring Vale. She spent her first 4 years as the Girl’s Dean/Dean of Students. After taking a year off to work with the Owosso Public Schools as a Title One paraprofessional / substitute teacher, she returned to teach at Spring Vale. "Spring Vale is very near to my heart, and I am so happy to be back in this ministry."
Amy has been married for 27 years to her husband, Jeremy, and they have three kids. Hunter, Lizzie, and Tanner have all graduated from Spring Vale and are busy beginning their lives.
Amy attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, studying Deaf Education. She homeschooled her kids for about 4 years before moving to Owosso for them to attend Spring Vale.
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Tamela Voorhees, 3rd Grade Teacher​
I have spent six years teaching third-grade students in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in business administration, focusing on leadership and information technology management from Capella University. I am working towards a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, which I plan to complete in June.
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, hiking, and traveling with my dog, Dash. I love painting, gardening, yoga, and learning American Sign Language with Dash. I am excited to be part of the growth in the grace and knowledge of our God within the Spring Vale community.
Judith Cole, 5th & 6th Grade Teacher​
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Judith (Kuchar) Cole grew up in New Lothrop until graduating high school. After 35 years away, she has taken the long road home by way of Florida and Arkansas to finally come back to her beloved Michigan roots.
Judith was a substitute teacher in the Miami-Dade Public Schools for three years before obtaining a BA in Psychology and MSEd in Elementary Education from the University of Miami.
She spent many years homeschooling six of her nine children before joining the Spring Vale family. Her three youngest children are now attending SVCS.
Judith is very excited to be back in a classroom setting and blessed to speak openly to students about God's glorious Creation.
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Our Mission + Vision
Spring Vale's Mission is to prepare Christian Leaders well versed in God's Word and ready to fulfill His calling.
Our Vision is to Cultivate Christian ExCellence.
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Students attending Spring Vale receive high-quality, Christian values-based instruction. Our graduates are well prepared for acceptance to the nation’s top higher education institutions, but with a very significant difference. Through positive role models and in words and deeds, the Spring Vale experience prepares students to stay true to their values and embrace Christ throughout life.
Our History
Spring Vale was founded in 1946 by members of the Church of God (Seventh Day). Since then, Spring Vale has graduated more than 750 students, most of whom have gone on to college.
Many have distinguished themselves in graduate work, achieving advanced degrees, and serving in leadership positions within the Church and public service and the private sector.