Elle Neiusma

After graduating from Calvin University with a degree in Secondary English Education, I was hired as a high school English teacher and theatre director at Holland Christian Schools.  

While teaching, I completed a Master’s degree in Literature at Grand Valley State University. And with that degree, I was able to step into the AP position at my school. I took some time off of directing while I had my two sons, but I'm thrilled to be stepping back into theatre next year again! 

Some of my favorite career accomplishments have been my Masters thesis "Cabined, Cribbed, Confined": Tyrannical Anxiety and Maternal Power in Shakespeare and directing four state-winning theatre teams in MIFA One-Act competitions. 

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to lean into those spaces where your passions and skills align. The joy I experience in my job is so special, and I really think it's because I've found the intersection of those two things.