Meet Our Ministry Team
Seth Van Dyke
Director of Operations
Mr. Van Dyke serves at Heartland in the Director capacity and principal roll. He also serves as our Physical Education Teacher. All 4 of his children attend Heartland, and his wife is in ministry as well.
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Growing up in a small Christian School made choosing Heartland easy. He is currently finishing his degree in Business Administration from Dort University and will be going on to his Masters in Education.
Kerin Hanson
Middle School and High School Teacher
Kerin Hanson has spent her teaching career with all different ages and abilities, all of which demonstrates her love of teaching and of learning.
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Mrs. Hanson is in her third year at Heartland teaching, and is a Heartland parent. She is a student herself, with her Masters Degree in Education and she is working towards her Doctorate in Education from Walden University.
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 joins Heartland with 4 years of teaching experience. 3 of which were at a Christian school.
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Lea is a newlywed, and moved to Bemidji last year, which is the hometown of her husband. Teaching kids about Jesus has always 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 join Heartland and continue to pursue teaching kids about Jesus.
Lynda Vaughn
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Vaughn has served in many different capacities at Heartland, showing her gifting of servanthood. This past year, she stepped into teaching preschool full time again. She brings a fun presence to her classroom, always joining in their dress up days.
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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 is always gives above what is expected.
Karrie Hanson
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Hanson is excited to meet all of her new kindergarten students this year in Kindergarten and bring some fun hands on learning to their day. She moved to Bemidji to attend BSU and graduated with her degree in Education, and decided to stay in the area.
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Karrie and Levi, her husband, have 2 dogs, a cat and chickens! She's outdoorsy and loves to be creative! Both of which she will bring to her classroom.
Chelsey Crotty
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Crotty has been saying for years she wants to be involved at Heartland however she can, and stepping into the kindergarten class is right were God called her. Now she moves with them to be their 1st and 2nd grade teacher. She is a Heartland parent of 2 kids who also attend Heartland.
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Mrs. Crotty is a bubbly teacher who brings an aspect of learning into everything she does. And is quick to step into a need. She is a Nutritionist and has credits towards her Masters degree.
Megan Harvey
Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Harvey is our 3rd and 4th grade classroom teacher! She brings a warm and encouraging personality. God's light shines brightly to her students and likewise in their education.
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Megan loves drawing and reading and spending time with her family and friends. She is a newlywed! Congratulations to her and Tamarius on their recent wedding! Mrs. Harvey graduated from Bemidji State University with her teaching degree.
Brianna Madigan
ParaprofessionalJanitor
Mrs. Madigan joined the staff of our school upon moving to Bemidji with her husband and 4 kids. She is eager to help when and where needed, which has included, Para, After Care, Janitor and Teaching Art.
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Brianna's post high school time includes North Hennepin Community College and Avada Institute. She, along with her husband, also works with Teen Challenge.
Amber Vold
Art Teacher
Mrs. Vold is a familiar face at Heartland, having spent time here as a Substitute Teacher and a previous parent. Students will see her in a new roll as our Art Teacher. Amber holds a Fine Art Degree from BSU and has many years of experience boosting her role.
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She and her Husband have 5 Children all of whom will have been students here at Heartland. Amber also has 10 years of youth ministry teaching AWANA and Children's Church. She loves sharing her faith and teaching kids about Jesus in creative ways.
Polly Fafach
Volunteer Specialty Paraprofessional
Mrs. Fafach specializes in teaching and tutoring children with learning disabilities, specifically dyslexia. She attended Multnomah Bible College and switched gears to pursues completing her teaching degree. She is quick to notice when a student needs extra help and brings many years of experience to support and supplement their learning needs.
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Miss Polly brings music and songs into the classroom and many times you will see our students singing around the school.
Megan Beighley
Office Manager
Mrs. Beighley has been with Heartland for her 6th school year. Even though her job is primarily in the office, she steps into any roll as needed. She enjoys her roll at Heartland for the great balance or working with students, parents and staff members.
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Megan has her Bachelors degree in Business Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a Heartland parent. She has many years of experience working with students and teaching them about Jesus through her church and homeschool community.
Jenna Schafer
School Nurse
Mrs. Schafer is joining our staff as our School Nurse. She will be familiar to our students as she is a parent of 2 students at Heartland.
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Jenna is a Registered Nurse and we are grateful for her to take her extra time to bless our students in the school nurse role.