Vonda Smestad

Mrs. Smestad has a passion for working with young children.  She earned her bachelors degree in education from Calvin College and her Early Childhood Endorsement from GVSU.  Vonda has spent 20 years working within a Preschool program.  She and her husband have raised four children and have two grandsons.  Vonda enjoys family time, camping, game night with friends, reading and walking her dog.  She feels blessed to be here at Messiah as our Fantastic Fours Teacher and Director. This is Mrs. Smestad’s 8th year teaching/directing at Messiah.

vonda.smestad@messiahgr.org

JEREMY FABRIS

Mr. Fabris feels blessed to be called to work with the Terrific Three’s and Young Four’s class. This is his 2nd year working in our preschool program. He earned a master’s degree in secondary education from University of Phoenix and most recently an endorsement for elementary education.  While much of his experience comes at the elementary level, he has participated with the Great Start Readiness Program, which focuses on early childhood.  He is married and has two young children.  When he is not working, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family, watching football, and running.  He is excited to serve this community and teach not only educational and social/emotional concepts, but the love of Christ as well. Mr. Fabris and family have been members of Messiah for the last three years.

Patrice Conrad

Mrs. Conrad has been a nurse for many years.  Recently retired, having spent most of her career as a diabetes educator.  She has a master's degree, which makes her a Clinical Nurse Specialist (in diabetes).  She absolutely loves being a mom of 3, and grandmother of 2, both of whom attended Messiah’s preschool. When not spending time with her grandkids, she enjoys walking, biking, working out, crocheting, and traveling with her husband.  This is her first year at Messiah, and she's very much looking forward to getting to know, learning from, sharing God's love, and enjoying the 3 year olds in the program.   

Sally Hoogewind

Ms. Sally is in her 3rd year at Messiah as our teacher assistant and is in our Fantastic Fours classroom. Ms. Sally is married with 2 children in their early teens. She has an associate’s degree from GRCC with classes in Early Childhood Education. Sally has many years of volunteering in own children’s classrooms, serving as a GEMS counselor at church and babysitting. Sally says, “I love kids and I want to show God’s love through me.” Sally loves baking (she is famous for her banana bread), gardening, wood working, walking her dog and going to the beach to swim and camp. She has a servant heart and is a dedicated staff member.