My name is Shawna Smith. I am originally from the megatropolis of Bangor, Michigan. If you know Bangor, you’ll know that it’s nothing close to being a megatropolis. I have been a Christian for 36 years, and I am really excited to be principal at Tree of Life. I have been an educator for nearly 30. I have had an extensive career in education that spans from early childhood through college-level instruction. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a national trainer in early childhood education. I look forward to serving the children and families of Tree of Life for many years to come.

My name is Daisy Young. This is my second year teaching at Tree of Life School.

One of my favorite parts about teaching at Tree of Life is the way God has revealed to me His plan and purpose. He has shown, and continues to show me how the relationships, creativity, jobs, gifts and talents given to me, have always had a purpose for such a time as THIS. Which is a reminder of how omniscient He is and always will be.

When I am not working you can find me loving on and laughing with my husband & best friend, my kids, and some type of loud Christian music proclaiming His goodness and presence in my life.

I am currently the 5th/6th grade teacher at Tree of Life. This is my 14th year at TOL. My favorite part of being at TOL is being able to witness when students understand something new, especially if it is a Jesus related concept (academics are cool too!)! When not at Tree of Life teaching, I can be found traveling with my family and watching live music with my husband, Chris.

After being prompted by the Holy Spirit to work at Tree of Life School, I started serving in 2017 as the third & fourth grade teacher. I am still serving as the third & fourth grade teacher. I am privileged to be a part of a staff that puts God & our precious students at the top of every agenda. I am humbled & excited to be in a place where God is on the move & being honored while working alongside our amazing staff, students & families. I praise God that He has allowed me to be a part of His miraculous plan for everyone involved with Tree of Life, and I cannot wait to see how God is going to bless & surprise all of us in the future.

Hello! My name is Cathy Hoogenboom, and I am the 1st/2nd grade teacher at Tree of Life School.

Thank you to the staff, students, and families for welcoming me so warmly. As this is my first year at Tree of Life, I feel truly blessed to learn and grow alongside your children! Each day, as we learn together, our Lord is woven into every lesson. He is our great Provider, Protector, and Awesome God, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share His love with my students.

I’m a kindergarten teacher with 26 years of experience in special and general education I have a heart for helping children grow and discover God’s love. Creative at heart, I enjoy crafting, gardening, traveling, and finding joy in life’s little moments. My faith, family, and friends mean the world to me, and I believe life is best filled with love, laughter, kindness, and a little adventure!

This is my 12th year at Tree of Life School, where I teach TreeK and music. I love helping young students discover the joy of learning, creativity, and music. Outside of school, I enjoy performing, leading worship, and spending time with my family

This is Alisa’s first year at Tree of Life, where she teaches art to students from kindergarten through 8th grade. She loves creating alongside kids and helping them discover that art isn’t about making something perfect—it’s about exploring, experimenting, noticing, and being willing to try.

This year, Alisa hopes the art room will be a place where students feel free to be curious, make mistakes, try something unexpected, and discover just how creative they already are. She believes we are all brilliantly creative because we are made in the image of a brilliantly creative God.

When she’s not at TOL, you’ll probably find Alisa painting in her studio, writing, taking pictures of little things that catch her eye, spending time outside, or dreaming about her next adventure.

Hello! I have been serving at Tree of Life/Path of Life as the Coordinator for Special Education Service (k-12) since the 2022-23 school year. I also provide special education support to middle school students, serve as a middle school teacher, and provide Teacher Consultant support to middle and high school staff. I have enjoyed working with a diverse and gifted group of individuals. When I am not at work, you may find me developing my garden, enjoying leisurely walks in the woods, serving in my local church and community, or curled up on my sofa with a good book.

I am blessed and humbled to have been on the Tree of LIfe adventure from day one. To see God take a vision, make it a reality, and change so many lives along the way has been simply amazing. When we opened in 2010 we knew we were partnering with God to make the school a reality, but we had no idea the multitude of ways we would see Him move in the lives of our students, teachers, families, friends, and community. I am honored to get a front row seat to watch Him work! Through the Title I program, I get the opportunity to help God’s children discover their gifts and help them grow through their struggles on a daily basis. I praise God for this amazing opportunity!

My name is Jerry DeBoer, a.k.a. “Coach”. I started at TOL in 2020/21 as the Athletic Director and P.E. Teacher. My favorite thing about what I do is seeing a bunch of kids from different backgrounds come together and achieve more than what they ever thought, athletically and otherwise. The unity and resilience that God gives these kids through athletics is remarkable! When I’m not at TOL, it’s still pretty much sports 24/7. Whether it’s watching my kids’s teams, the Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers and Iowa State women’s basketball.

Jameelah has been a social worker for 20+ years in various areas including homelessness, therapeutic day schools and human trafficking. With a Master’s in Social Work, and Master’s in Divinity, her passion is to marry the two, providing trauma informed, holistic care to individuals and families, being that we are mind, body and spirit.

When not working, Jameelah enjoys serving the Body of Christ, travel/adventures, indulging ethnic foods and rest. She is thrilled to be a part of the Tree of Life family and to serve our community!

This is my first year with Tree of Life. My favorite part of working at TOL has been getting to know the staff and students. When I’m not at TOL you can find me hanging with my husband and children, couponing, hanging with my friends, and serving in the choir at church.

Greetings from Ms. Bria. I am energetic about my new beginnings here at Tree of Life as the Lunchroom Manager. I am new to the Kalamazoo area and blessed to be apart of an organization like TOL to keep me grounded and remember I’m an example to our future leaders, teachers, and preachers. Being able to spend time with the children to show them there is a joy of being fueled by food to carry them throughout the rest of their day.

In Bria’s free time she likes to spend it traveling, going back home to visit family, doing anything creative like painting, diy projects, and catching a good series to watch on any streaming app.

Since 2022, I’ve been blessed to serve at Tree of Life, a school where Jesus is at the center of everything we do. My journey began as a substitute teacher, then as a TOL parent and volunteer, and today I’m part of the staff, teaching and supporting students. As a minister in the community, I also lead outreach in our city, and one of the things I love most about serving at Tree of Life is getting to pray with students and walk alongside them as Jesus transforms their lives. It is a joy to see students grow academically, spiritually, and in character. Whether I’m teaching, praying, or simply serving where needed, I count it all joy. My wife and I have two sons in the Tree of Life and Path of Life Schools, so this is personal for us. When we’re not at school or church, you’ll find us exploring the outdoors together. I truly believe Tree of Life is the greatest school on the planet, and the best is yet to come!