Van Lunen Ascending Leaders
The Ascending Leaders program is designed and directed by Christian school leaders who have management experience, expertise, and a longstanding association with the Center’s Fellows program. Ascending Leaders will learn from currently practicing heads of school, in both program sessions and in-school settings. Each participant of the Ascending Leaders will be paired with a graduate of the Van Lunen Fellows program for a one-on-one mentoring experience.
Topics during the three in-person sessions will include knowledge and skill preparation in the following main areas of Christian school leadership:
- Mission and vision
- Spiritual leadership
- Budgeting and financial management
- Principals of leadership
- Marketing and enrollment
- Effective communication
Additional topics essential to preparing leaders to step into their first head of school role will also be incorporated into the program. Ascending Leaders also participate in a mentor-mentee relationship with a Van Lunen Fellow during the year-long program.
Eligibility
You can apply if you currently serve in a Christian school and will likely be serving as a head of school in the next 1-5 years. Your current head of school will need to sign a form indicating they support your participation in the program. To learn more about cost and additional details, contact us at info@vanlunencenter.org.
Built on the successful Van Lunen Center Fellows program for heads of Christian schools, the Ascending Leaders Program is designed to equip aspiring leaders with executive management education in preparation for new leadership roles, particularly for those beginning the head of school role within the next 1–5 years of their career.
Applications for the 2025-2026 Ascending Leaders Program will be accepted through March 31, 2025.
Program Dates and Locations
- Session I: Prince Conference Center, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Sunday, July 13 – Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Session II: Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ
Tuesday, January 20 - Friday, January 23, 2026 - Session III: Prince Conference Center, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Wednesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18, 2026
Ascending Leaders Share Their Feedback
2024-2025 Ascending Leaders
Joel De Luna
Elementary Principal
North Valley Christian Academy
Phoenix, AZ
Blake Dyer
Principal
Cornerstone Christian Academy
McKinney, TX
Fred Eaves
Assistant Head of School
Battle Ground Academy
Franklin, TN
Shannon Gillespie
Middle School Principal
Nanaimo Christian School
Nanaimo, BC
David Haynes
High School Principal
Trinity Lutheran School
Bend, OR
Nathanael Hope
PreK-12 Principal
Manhattan Christian School
Manhattan, MT
Jennifer Jeffes
Grammar School Principal
Seven Rivers Christian School
Lecanto, FL
Andrew Kleyn
Director of Learning
Holland Christian Schools
Holland, MI
Ryan Kloostra
Junior High Principal
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Becky Knight
Lower School Principal
Mount Pisgah Christian School
Johns Creek, GA
Suzanne Kraai
Director of Enrollment
Eastern Christian School
North Haledon, NJ
Gabe Kremler
Assistant Principal-Secondary Campus
Pacific Christian School
Victoria, BC
Angela Laing
Principal
Richmond Christian School
Richmond, BC
Kristen Newell
K-5th Principal & STEM Director
Sioux Falls Lutheran
Sioux Falls, SD
Dan Newkirk
Principal
Maranatha High School
Pasadena, CA
Cory Nikkel
Head of High School
Des Moines Christian
Urbandale, IA
Matt Nyberg
Head of Lower School
Rockford Christian Schools
Rockford, IL
Alex Reid
Middle School Assistant Principal
Hebron Christian Academy
Dacula, GA
Monica Remer
Assistant Head of School of Academics
Ben Lippen School
Columbia, SC
Katy Rozema
Director of Teaching & Learning
Zeeland Christian School
Zeeland, MI
Wade Tapp
Academic Dean
Westminster Academy
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jeremy Van Nieuwenhuyzen
High School Principal
Sioux Falls Christian School
Sioux Falls, SD
Lauralee Veenstra
Elementary Principal
Denver Christian School
Lakewood, CO
Jamie Wernet
Director of Learning
Lansing Christian School
Lansing, MI