Meet Our Ministry and Teaching Team
Seth Van Dyke
Director of Operations
Mr. Van Dyke serves as Heartland's Director of Operations for his 5th school year. He is currently finishing his degree in Business Administration from Dordt University and plans to pursue his Masters in Education. His role provides a consistency throughout our school by serving as leader of our staff, school operations and being the Principal for our students. Attending a small Christian school himself, made choosing to join the staff at Heartland easy for Seth. All 4 of his children attend Heartland, and his wife is in ministry locally as well. Mr. Van Dyke also also serves as our Physical Education Teacher and oversees our High School students, which provides a daily opportunity to connect with our students. Mr. Van Dyke also coaches our Trap Team in the Fall and Spring.
Lea Cermak
Middle School and High School Teacher
Mrs. Cermak graduated from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul with a degree in Social Studies Education and a minor in Bible. She has 7 years of teaching experience, 3 of which were at a Christian school in the Twin Cities. Teaching kids about Jesus has been a central part of her life growing up as a Camp Counselor, attending a Christian college and starting her career in a Christian school. She is honored to be at Heartland and continue to pursue teaching students about Jesus. Lea, her husband, and her son, Jack, love the outdoors. In summer you will find them traveling to Minnesota State parks to go hiking, camping and canoeing. Mrs. Cermak spent two summers serving in a Christian ministry in the National Parks. These days, they make sure to snap a photo of their dog at each entrance sign.
Derek Mills
Middle School and High School Teacher
Mr. Mills brings a heart for Christian education, a love of learning, and a passion for building meaningful relationships with students. While growing up with missionary parents in Mongolia before moving to Iowa, he developed a unique perspective on faith, culture, and serving others. He graduated from Dakota State University in 2025 with a teaching degree and currently serves as a pastoral intern at his church. Mr. Mills is excited to help students grow both academically and spiritually through engaging math and science lessons. He enjoys connecting with students, encouraging curiosity, and pointing them toward Christ in everyday learning. Whether he's sharing his love of books, exploring God's creation outdoors, or building relationships in the classroom, Mr. Mills is committed to helping students discover the gifts God has given them.
Lynda Vaughn
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Vaughn has served in many different capacities at Heartland over the last 11 years. God has gifted her with a heart of servanthood. This is her 4th year as our Preschool Teacher, providing a great balance to all of our class options. She brings a fun presence to her classroom, always joining in their dress up days and providing a warm atmosphere for our youngest students. Mrs. Vaughn has had all of her kids in Heartland. She also serves on our PTO. She is usually the first to volunteer when a need arises and gives above what is expected. She connects well with all of our students, and parents too.
Chelsey Crotty
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Crotty has always desired to serve at Heartland wherever God would lead her. After stepping in midyear as a kindergarten teacher, she quickly discovered her calling in the classroom and now serves as our 1st and 2nd grade teacher. As both a Heartland parent of 2 children and teacher, she brings a special understanding of teaching to help every child succeed. While Mrs. Crotty entered the classroom through a non-traditional path rather than a teaching license, the past three and a half years have consistently demonstrated her God-given gift for teaching. Through her dedication, creativity, and commitment to student success, she has earned the confidence of families, staff, and students alike. Her background as a Nutritionist, graduate-level coursework toward a master's degree, and passion for relationship-centered learning allow her to create a classroom where students thrive both academically and personally. She is quick to step into a need and is committed to helping every child grow with confidence and purpose.
Tia Schuster
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Schuster joins Heartland with a wealth of classroom experience and a deep passion for Christian education. She earned Bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from the University of South Dakota and taught in Bemidji for five years before serving at a Christian school in Montana. That experience strengthened her calling to partner with families in raising children who love and follow Christ. Mrs. Schuster has called the Bemidji area home for nearly ten years with her husband, and their two children. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, discover their God-given gifts, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Her caring spirit, strong relationships with families, and desire to nurture students academically and spiritually make her a wonderful addition to the Heartland community.
Kindergarten Teacher
Teacher Information coming soon.
Amber Vold
Art Teacher
Mrs. Vold holds a Fine Art degree from Bemidji State University and is a familiar face at Heartland, having previously been both a Heartland parent and substitute teacher. She and her husband have five children, all of whom have attended Heartland, and she has had the unique privilege of teaching several of her own children in the years she homeschooled. Through both her family and teaching experiences, she has built strong relationships within the local homeschool community and enjoys partnering with families who are passionate about Christ-centered education. Amber also brings 11 years of ministry experience teaching AWANA and Children's Church. She loves sharing her faith and teaching children about Jesus in creative, engaging ways. Her heart for discipleship, creativity, and building meaningful relationships makes her a wonderful part of the Heartland family.
Megan Beighley
Office Manager
Mrs. Beighley has been with Heartland for her 8th school year. Even though her job is primarily in the office, she steps into any role as needed. She enjoys her role at Heartland for the great opportunity of working with students, parents and staff members. Megan has her Bachelors degree in Business Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She has many years of experience working with students and teaching them about Jesus through her church and homeschool community. Christian education is especially meaningful to her and her husband. And has been foundational for her children’s lives as Heartland parents.
Jenna Schafer
School Nurse
Mrs. Schafer is a Registered Nurse returning to our staff as our School Nurse again this year. She brings great knowledge to our students and school. Nurse Jenna's full time role is a Registered Nurse locally and we are grateful for her to take her extra time to bless our students in the school nurse role. Jenna is familiar presence to our students having been our nurse last year, but also being a Heartland parent with 2 kids in Heartland. She and her husband have 3 kids, and they are very active within our community and with their families.
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Lucas Karl
Janitor / Trap Team Assistant Coach
Mr. Karl is returning to Heartland this year with an eagerness to continue to serve our school in any capacity. He will be taking care of the everyday cleaning of our school along with the weekly and monthly maintenance necessities. Lucas and his wife have 4 kids, 2 are old enough to be at Heartland. I'm sure we will often hear a proud "My dad fixed that!" come from both boys throughout this school year. When Lucas isn't working his full time job or serving as Janitor here, he is our Assistant Coach for our Trap Team in the fall and spring seasons.
Miss Rhianna and Miss Layla
Before and Aftercare Workers
As part of developing leadership and service skills, our high school students serve in our before- and aftercare program, mentoring and supporting younger students each day. Through servant leadership, they reflect our mission to grow both hearts and minds. As they guide younger learners, they gain valuable experience while deepening their faith, following the example of Jesus Christ — leading with humility, patience, and love. All three students are CPR certified and have prior experience working with younger children, equipping them to serve with competence, confidence, and care.
