Board of Trustees

• Robert Lough (Micro Visions Inc.)
• Doug Poortenga (Progressive Technologies)
• Tom Seven (Seven's Paint & Wallpaper Company)
• John Weeber (Facilities Resource Group)

"I like all my subjects and all the teachers that go with them!" --5th grade Trinitas student

Kindergarten Teacher and Administrative Assistant

Jill Hultink

Jill studied elementary education at Cornerstone College and has worked in a variety of educational and administrative settings aiding in preschool, developing a catechesis curriculum and program for school-age children, and managing the office of Greenco Land Design, her family’s business. Jill previously assisted with office responsibilities and was a classroom aide at Trinitas. We are pleased to expand her responsibilities and welcome her as our administrative assistant and kindergarten teacher. She is well-suited for both positions and is a warm and welcoming presence for all who come to the school, including our youngest students.

1st/2nd Grade Teacher

Susan Mehari (B.A., Hillsdale College)

Both a National Merit Scholar and honors student at Hillsdale, Susie majored in history and minored in Spanish. Classically educated herself, Susie is a teacher who has both an excellent rapport with children and extensive knowledge of classical education. Susie is an invaluable member of the Trinitas community, as she brings a wealth of ideas, energy, and educational expertise to our school.

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

Patricia Soddy (B.A., Cornerstone University; M.A., Western Michigan University)

Recognized by her students and colleagues as an engaging and energetic teacher, Pat has an extensive background in classical education, having taught previously at two classical schools. Pat's strengths in the classroom are many. She is, however, particularly well-known for her creative, activity-based science experiments. In her spare time, Pat enjoys participating in Civil War re-enactments. Trinitas is grateful to have such an experienced and respected teacher on its faculty.

Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher and Headmaster

Peter Marth (B.A., Concordia College; M. Div., Concordia Theological Seminary)

Most recently, Peter was senior pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert, Wisconsin. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Peter taught 5th and 6th grade at St. Peter's Lutheran school, where he designed and implemented a classically-based religion curriculum. Peter has also taught Greek at Concordia College and 7th and 8th grade at Zion Lutheran Academy, a classical school. Peter brings to Trinitas a rare blend of administrative, pastoral, and academic experience in a classical setting. He has an excellent rapport with students, teachers, and parents alike. We are delighted to have a man of so many talents with us.

Physical Education

Dr. Nate Helweg (B.S., Bowling Green University; M.S. Ed., Southern Adventist University; Ph.D., Gonzaga University)

Nate's background and current professional responsibilites involve facilitating and managing experiential education and ministry focused wilderness and adventure experiences. Nate holds a M.S. Ed. in Outdoor Education and a Ph.D. in Leadership studies. Nate's rich background and experience enable him to incorporate leadership development and group dynamics into the physical education curriculum for our students. We are thankful for his time spent at Trinitas!

Art

Martha Ver Straate De Korver (B.A., Calvin College)

Marty has a degree in art education and has been teaching art to students in kindergarten through eighth grade for twenty-five years. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has actively promoted art with various organizations throughout the community including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Hospice of Michigan, Kendall College of Art and Design, and the Council of Performing Arts for Children. Trinitas is pleased to have Marty share her talent, experience, and love for art with our students.

Music

Megan Vos

Megan has over 15 years of music experience with voice and piano. She is currently studying Music Education at Cornerstone University and also operates a music business, teaching students of all ages voice and piano. Megan thoroughly enjoys teaching and has delighted the students of Trinitas with her warm personality and love of vocal and choral music.

Logic

Dr. Charles Hogg (B.A., Grove City College; M.Div., Concordia Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Indiana University)

Dr. Hogg (aka Fr. Gregory Hogg) was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1956. He received his B.A. in religion and went on to receive his M.Div. and Ph.D. in philosophy. He is married to Cindy, and they are blessed with five children. Dr. Hogg also teaches philosophy at Grand Valley State University and serves as the priest of Holy Cross Orthodox Church. Dr. Hogg says he loves to teach logic because he gets to be a kid again: "It's like playing with blocks." His delight in the subject is greatly valued by Trinitas students and parents alike.

Grammar/Literature/Writing

Maureen Richards (B.S., Central Michigan University; M.A., Aquinas College)

Maureen Richards teaches seventh and eighth grade grammar and fifth through eighth grade literature and composition classes at Trinitas. She retired from the United States Army Reserve at the rank of lieutenant colonel after twenty four years of service, the last seven as a history and leadership adjunct instructor for the Army’s Command and General Staff College. Maureen spent four years teaching eleventh grade English and twelfth grade Rhetoric at a Christian K-12 school where she developed a love for the classical and a passion for joining “The Great Conversation.” Although her master's degree is in education and her bachelor's degree is in English and Psychology, she believes that her real education did not begin until she started studying logic, rhetoric, history, and English through a biblical worldview and discovered God’s thumbprint in literature as man’s restless soul cries out for the rest that is only found in his Creator. Maureen brings to Trinitas a wealth of knowledge and experience and a tireless commitment to classical education and our students.

Latin/Math

Elizabeth Kratt (B.A., Miami University; M.A., Grand Valley State University)

Betsy has an undergraduate degree in Latin Education and a graduate degree in Secondary Education. She taught high school Latin for nine years before staying home to raise her three children. She has been actively involved with the Michigan Junior Classical League and served as state chairperson. In her spare time, Betsy enjoys spending time with her family, doing triathalons, and watching her kids’ sports. She is excited to teach Latin and also seventh and eighth grade math at Trinitas. Her enthusiasm is contagious!

Science

Monica Ackerson

Monica teaches seventh and eighth grade science. She brings to Trinitas a love of science and a desire to infect students with that same love!  She believes that this earth on which God has placed us is an amazing gift, and as we learn about His creation, we will stand in awe of His wisdom and power and be inspired to worship Him, the Author and Giver of Life. Monica has studied at Calvin College and Grand Valley State University, and is currently taking classes at Western Governors University to become a certified sixth through twelfth science teacher with an emphasis in biology. In addition to teaching, Monica is a mother to four children.