Felix Alvarado
Spanish
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Significant Life Experiences That Led Me to HLCS: I am a graduate of Harbor Springs high school, and grew up participating in the Harbor Light youth group where I committed my life to Christ. I moved to New England after graduating from the School of Education at University of Michigan. I started and grew my test prep company there, and achieved a reputation of being the best test prep coach in the New England area. When Covid-19 hit and my sessions were moved to online, I realized I could teach from anywhere. I decided to move back northern Michigan and continue to support my clientele in New England, as well as start an office in Harbor Springs. I have been an educator for 35 years, and I am excited to work at HLCS as our high school Spanish teacher.
I Love HLCS because… I am excited to be vocal about my faith and walk with God while at work. I am also looking forward to providing innovative ideas and solutions in this realm of small private school.
Activities & Hobbies I enjoy: I enjoy traveling, and I am hoping to get my pilot’s license.
Kate Britton
English
Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Biology from Spring Arbor University
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” Philippians 2:3-4
Significant Life Experiences that led me to HLCS: HLCS began when I was a senior in high school. Even though I was not able to attend here, I have had a passion for the school and the need for Christian education in today’s world. I received my bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University which helped to prepare me, not only for teaching, but teaching with a Christian perspective.
I love HLCS because… of the love that the staff and the families have for each other and for the students. I saw multiple examples of other people going out of their way to help my children succeed.
Activities and Hobbies I enjoy… I enjoy reading, biking and kayaking.
Janae Ernst
Math
Bachelor’s Degrees in General Mathematics and Applied Physics from Northern Illinois University
Master’s Degree in Physics from Northern Illinois University
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Significant Life Experiences that Brought Me to HLCS: We witnessed God moving in big ways though our family members who were called to the school; they were the ones who first put HLCS on our radar. Then, when the pandemic started during our son’s first year at public preschool, the shut-downs gave us an opportunity to step back and reevaluate our trajectory. During the next year, we took time away and traveled across the country in a camper, withdrawing and exploring, seeing the world with fresh eyes. We grew closer as a family and closer to God, and our prayers about schooling, our careers, and the state of our world led us to HLCS. The mission to raise up the next generation of leaders for Christ seemed more important than ever. I’m thrilled for each opportunity to pour out into that mission.
Activities and Hobbies I Enjoy: Family hikes, mountain biking, paddle boarding, skiing, dancing, drawing, poetry, learning new things.
I Love HLCS Because…It is built differently. Love, compassion, and service are prioritized alongside academics, preparing students for their higher calling. Every person here is valued and cherished for the important role that they play to make the school all that it is.
Josh Ernst
7th-12th Grade Science/Honors English
Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and English from Alma College
Master’s Degree in Physics from Northern Illinois University
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also” (Gen. 1:16). Because, oh by the way, there was a little time left that day, so He also made a trillion or so stars. What an Amazing God!
Significant Life Experiences That Led Me to HLCS: I played baseball at Alma College and earned a B.S. in Physics with an English double major and a Math minor. After graduation, I served as Sports Information Director there for two years, where I was responsible for gameday management, statistics, and media and public relations. From there, I went on to Northern Illinois University to conduct research in High Energy Physics at Fermilab and earn an MS in Physics. While at NIU, I also worked part-time in athletics – doing everything from talent stats for TV broadcasts to sideline management and press conferences. Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I accepted a position within the Physics department at The University of Chicago, where I worked for 7 years before heading back to Michigan in 2017.
I have conducted research at a national lab, I have taught classes at a large state college, I have worked in one of the most prestigious physics departments in the world – but there was something incredibly special about the opportunity to come home and help make a difference in the lives of young men and women who are working hard to become shining lights in this world.
I Love HLCS because… The staff is smart and kind. The students are eager and devoted. And the administration is caring and wise. HLCS gets that it is important to prepare young people to excel as students, but even more important to prepare them to be good people.
Activities & hobbies I enjoy: I enjoy playing and coaching sports and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Sarah Dawley
Math
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics/Secondary Education from Grove City College
Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Nicholls State University
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Significant Life Experiences That Led Me to HLCS: I attended HLCS K-12. Now our 3 children attend.
I Love HLCS because… our children are surrounded by people who love Jesus and they hear the same message from their teachers that they hear at home. I’m glad to be a part of that!
Activities & hobbies I enjoy: biking, going to the beach, couponing, gardening, spending time with my family.
Daniel Ledingham
Bible & Social Studies
One of My Favorite Bible Verses:
“I will hear what God the LORD will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth springs from the earth;
And righteousness looks down from heaven.” Psalm 85: 8-11
Significant Life Experiences that led me to HLCS: My first contact with HLCS was as a student. My seventh grade year was the first year of HLCS as a school. I graduated from Harbor Light in 1991 and went on to study ethnomusicology at Wheaton College and Kent State University. Returning to Northern Michigan after 4 years in Thailand, I joined the staff of Harbor Light Community Chapel as the Arts Director. Through my work at Harbor Light Chapel, I was given the opportunity to help write the curriculum for, and teach Bible to the Junior and Senior classes. I have immensely enjoyed the experiences I have had as a teacher to the great students of HLCS.
I love HLCS because… it is a place where faith and learning are brought together and applied to the lives of the students and faculty. It is also a place where people are treated as children of God, made in His image.
Activities & hobbies I enjoy: making music, skiing, cycling, and photography.
Angela Manthei
Bible
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. ” Colossians 1:28-29
Significant Life Experiences That Led Me to HLCS: My husband went to school here at HLCS 1st to 12th grade and we decided it was the best school for our 3 kids to attend. I have loved being able to be active in the school and use my education degree as I volunteered in my kids’ classes. Now I get to combine that with my love for God’s Word and passion for learning theology as I teach Bible class.
I Love HLCS because… of the people! I’m so thankful for a Christian community that strives to put Jesus first in everything they do. The staff and families have a common purpose of developing the students’ faith while pursuing an excellent education.
Activities & hobbies I enjoy: I love going to the beach, hiking, and running. I love reading and drinking coffee. I love Bible study with friends. And I love hanging out with my family!
Alex Norton
Bible and Social Studies
Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry from Nazarene Bible College/Associate’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Salvation Army College for Officers
Carmen Skop
Special Education & Technology
Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Alma College
One of My Favorite Bible Verses: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13
Significant Life Experiences that led me to HLCS: Back in August 2019, I was baptized by Pastor Gary and at this time, he asked me if I wanted a job at HLCS when he learned what I studied. The day that I went in to observe and job-shadow was the day that I truly gained an understanding of the immense difference between a public school and HLCS. Both faculty and students were extremely kind, more energetic, and clearly were genuinely happy being at school. This difference in attitude and the fact that it is more of a family, rather than just a school, is why I am extremely thankful and excited that God has led me to HLCS.
I love HLCS because… rather than being a school teaching academics and caring about the statistics, HLCS focuses on each individual as their own and how we are able to work together to grow and always follow God’s callings. HLCS is a tool used by God to teach kindness, wisdom, respect, compassion, teamwork, and to always love one another.
Activities/Hobbies I enjoy: I love being outside, whether that is traveling, hiking, stone hunting, biking, sunset chasing, snowboarding, skiing, or sledding. I also love spending time at home doing puzzles, reading, or making crafts while spending time with my husband, dog, and cat!
