Faculty and Staff

Jeff Pospisil

PRINCIPAL

Bachelor of Arts, Math and Secondary Education, Coe College (1994); Master of Arts in Education, University of Northern Iowa (2002)

Jeff began teaching at Cedar Valley part-time in 1991. He moved to a full-time teaching position in 1994 and started administrative responsibilities in 1995. In 1997, Jeff became the Secondary Principal and in 2011 he became the Principal at CVCS.  He and his wife Jennifer have four children. They attend Cedar Valley Bible Church and are actively involved in the church.  Jeff and Jennifer coach the Varsity Volleyball team together.

Melanie Snodgrass

PRESCHOOL/PRE-K

Early Childhood Education, Kirkwood Community College

Melanie worked for McLeod Academy (Summit Schools) as a Preschool Para-Educator and Before/After School Director from 1995-2007. She married in 1999, and as their family grew, she was blessed to stay home with their children Baylea, Tyler, and Luke. During those years she served as a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Co-Coordinator for three years at New Covenant Bible Church. When her youngest started Kindergarten, her passion for working with children called her back into the public school setting working one-on-one with special education students. Melanie joined the Cedar Valley staff in 2016. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, crafting, and spending time with family.

Melanie Lynch

PRESCHOOL PARAEDUCATOR  

Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Services, Iowa State University 

Melanie has been working in the preschool room at Cedar Valley since 2019 and is also a Cedar Valley alumni. She has three children that attend Cedar Valley, and her husband is on the school board. Melanie devotes a lot of her time being involved in the ministry of both Cedar Valley Bible Church and the school. Besides her ministry at Cedar Valley, she also enjoys going on walks, playing games with her family, having coffee with friends, and shopping- especially at thrift stores. Melanie considers Cedar Valley her second family, and feels lucky to be a part of the staff.

Laura Wheat

PRESCHOOL PARAEDUCATOR  

Bachelor of Arts, University of Northern Iowa

Laura is married to Jeremy, and they have 3 children who attend Cedar Valley Christian School. She was blessed to be a stay at home mom for her children but re-entered the workforce when she began to work part-time in the preschool room at CVCS in 2017. Laura enjoys spending time with her family, camping, crafting, working out and singing on the praise team at church. 

Jill Wilson

KINDERGARTEN

Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Northern Iowa with certificates in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education as well as Basic Orton-Gillingham and Handwriting without Tears

Jill has invested many years as an educator in the Cedar Rapids area. She started the preschool program at McLeod Academy (now Summit Schools), taught K/1 and served as a 1-1 teacher for a special needs student for five years at All Saints and CV.  For several years, she served as the Preschool Director at CVCS. She is now the kindergarten teacher which is her heart's passion!  In her free time, she likes to spend time with her husband, her four children and son-in-law, as well as her church family. She enjoys scrapbooking with friends.

Chelsey Dixon

KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT

Taylor Welch

FIRST GRADE

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies, Emmaus Bible College

Taylor enjoys reading, hiking, and meeting new people. In her free time, Mrs. Welch loves painting, completing DIY projects, and baking.

Lisa Conn

SECOND GRADE

Lisa is married to Adam (CVCS Secondary Math Teacher). Lisa enjoys running, ultimate frisbee, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. She and Adam have three sons and one daughter.

JoAnn Slee

THIRD GRADE

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Literacy Education, University of Northern Iowa

JoAnn is new to Cedar Valley in 2023. She has previously taught locally from preschool through first grade. She has also taught internationally, from student teaching at a military base in Heidelberg, Germany to Nagoya, Japan; which ranged from 1-2 year olds through second grade. Outside of the school walls, she loves reading, family bike rides, singing on her church's worship team, and knitting. She counts it a blessing to be added to Cedar Valley's staff and looks forward to all that God has for her and her students! 

Heather Thomas

FOURTH GRADE

Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Northern Iowa

Heather has been working at Cedar Valley since 2016 and has enjoyed teaching the third, fourth, and fifth grades.  Heather loves everyone at Cedar Valley, especially her students! In her free time, Heather enjoys reading, baking, volunteering at her church, spending time with family and friends, and coming up with fun, educational activities for her students.  Heather counts it a privilege to partner with parents in educating future generations.

Esther Pate

FIFTH GRADE

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Liberty University. 

I am passionate about integrating a Biblical worldview in every subject that I teach. Every day is different, and every student is unique, so every day our learning looks different,  but I want my students to leave every day knowing that they are loved and cared for in my classroom and knowing more about Jesus.  A lot of changes and growing takes place in 5th grade, and I hope to provide a fun and safe place for my students to grow and learn. In my free time I like to read, cook, play video games and watch movies with my friends, and travel whenever I can. I enjoy going to bookstores and finding new books to read, or for my students to read.   I love learning even more about history and any chance I get I like to see historic sights. 

Drew Kayser

K-12 PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry and Bible, Emmaus Bible College

Drew is the PE teacher. Drew was a substitute teacher at Cedar Valley for the last two years. This is Drew's first year teaching full time. He loves all kinds of sports (especially Baseball.) Drew enjoys playing fantasy sports such as fantasy football, hockey, and baseball, getting outside to walk or swim, and he cherishes getting together with his father on Sundays after church to watch football. 

Samantha Ulmer

VOCAL MUSIC GRADES K-12

Bachelor of Science in Education, Arizona State University (1969)

Samantha began teaching music at CV in 2009. Before that, she taught in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools for several years. Samantha was married for 35 years to her husband, Bill, who went to be with the Lord in 2002. She is blessed to have two children, Darin and Daphne, and 13 grandchildren. Her grandson, Jordan, graduated from CVCS in 2011. Samantha has always been very involved in church music and serves as Music Director at Community Baptist Church in Marion, leading choirs for first graders through adults. One of her favorite ministries is taking her teen choir, REDEMPTION, on a choir/ministry tour each summer. Besides music related activities, Samantha loves spending lots of time with her grandchildren, watching sports, and cheering for the Huskies! She is very thankful for the opportunity to teach music at Cedar Valley and share her love for praising God through song!

Carrie Lane

ART GRADES PreK-6

Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education, The University of Iowa

Carrie grew up on a farm near Cascade and started her teaching career in Boone, Iowa. She and her husband moved to Denver, Colorado for eleven years, where she taught for a few years and then stayed home with their two children. They moved back to Iowa in 2014. Carrie has most recently taught in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. She enjoys Hawkeye sports, gardening, biking, being in nature, and cheering for her children's sports teams, especially baseball and softball. 

Laurie Sloterdyk

PRIVATE PIANO

Bachelor of Music Education, University of Northern Iowa

Laurie taught vocal music in public schools for five years. She has provided private piano for 30 years with 17 of that being at CVCS. Laurie has been blessed to be at CVCS since 2004. She and her husband, Aric, have two amazing sons and daughters-in-law, Aaron (Claire) and Luke (Ally). In her free time she loves to sing, read, walk with her dog, Jaz, and go boating with the family.

Jackie Davis

RESOURCE TEACHER

Currently working on completing Masters in Reading Education, Liberty University

Jackie focuses on individual and small group resource work at CVCS. She collaborates with classroom teachers to provide supplemental, individualized instruction for students as needed. Jackie also teaches our elementary students social skill lessons tied to our school mission statement. This is Jackie's 12th year in formal education. Prior to teaching, Jackie was a therapist for an autism program in Wisconsin. She has a deep love for teaching people of all ages and ability levels.

Mrs. Davis and her husband James have two daughters who both attend CVCS. Jackie enjoys reading, decorating cakes and talking with friends. As a family, the Davis' enjoy special family traditions such as Friday Night Movie night (complete with pizza and popcorn), donuts after church, and reading aloud together.

Wendy Cronbaugh

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Wendy taught at CVCS 21 years before moving to Arizona. Her last two years of teaching at CVCS, she was a part-time counselor and part-time sixth grade teacher. Now back in Iowa, Wendy is available for counseling on Thursday mornings.

"I love spending time with the kids in this manner and know the Lord has really blessed me with the ability to hear the heart of these kids. And getting to share Christ’s love with them is first and foremost the most important part of this. I’m so excited to be back in the building with these kids even if it’s only for a few hours." 

Sue Menken

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Northern Iowa; Master of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading, Mount Mercy University; certifications at the Associate and Certified Levels at the Orton-Gillingham Academy.

Sue has worked at Cedar Valley for 14 years as a first and fourth grade teacher; she retired and has rejoined the staff as the Elementary Education Coordinator.  In her free time, Sue enjoys hiking with her husband, Roger, traveling to see her children, playing at the beach with her grandchildren, going out for breakfast with friends, quiet times with her Savior, and reading.  Sue loves being back “home” to Cedar Valley as she walks alongside and encourages the talented, creative and capable elementary teachers!

Jennifer Spurrell

RESOURCE PARA / AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Kelly Crosby

RESOURCE PARA

Adam Conn

MATH FUNDAMENTALS, PRE-ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY, ALGEBRA II, FUNCTIONS STATISTICS AND TRIGONOMETRY, 6TH GRADE MATH

Bachelor of Arts in Education K-8, Iowa State University

Adam is married to Lisa (CVCS' 2nd grade teacher). Adam enjoys spending time with friends and family. He enjoys playing games and playing sports like ultimate frisbee and soccer.

Amber Schouten

SIXTH GRADE Language Arts 6, English 6, Advisory, and WIN

Bachelor of Arts in English - Teaching, University of Northern Iowa

Amber has worked in education for 9 years; for the last 3 years, she has been teaching 6th grade at Regis Middle School, and she is excited to be making the switch to 5th grade at CVCS!  She enjoys reading, distance running, practicing hospitality, and spending time with her family. Together the Schouten family enjoys spending time outdoors, playing board games, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

Sarah Davis

HIGH SCHOOL LITERATURE, AP LANGUAGE, AP LIT, CREATIVE WRITING

Bachelor of Education, University of Northern Iowa

Advanced Placement Institutes at the University of Iowa

Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, watching racing (all kinds), and sledding with her dogs. In her spare time, she reads and scrapbooks.

Tom Fogle

7-9 ENGLISH GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION, 11-12 FAMILY LIVING

Bachelor of Arts in English Education, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, NC (1968)

Master of Theology in Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX (1978)

Tom has been teaching at CVCS since 1978. He also coaches 5/6th Girls’ Basketball.

Craig Foote

AMERICAN HISTORY, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, PSYCHOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY, FINANCE

Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science, University of Iowa

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Iowa

Master of Arts in Education, Graceland University

Teaching Certifications: History, Government, Psychology (University of Iowa), Driver Education (University of Northern Iowa), Coaching (Kirkwood Community College)

Craig has been a teacher at Cedar Valley Christian School since 1993. He also teaches Driver Education and has been fortunate to coach students in basketball, tennis, and soccer for a number of years. His interests include spending time with family, reading (history, religion, politics), and sports (basketball, tennis, biking, swimming, weight training). His family has been extremely blessed by their relationship with the people of Cedar Valley Christian School.

Jeff Pospisil

PRINCIPAL, AUTOMECHANICS, CALCULUS   

Bachelor of Arts, Math and Secondary Education, Coe College (1994)

Master of Arts in Education, University of Northern Iowa (2002)

Jeff began teaching at Cedar Valley part-time in 1991 and then moved to a full-time position in 1994. He and his wife Jennifer have four children. They attend Cedar Valley Bible Church and are very involved in the church and school. Jennifer and Jeff coach the Varsity Volleyball team.

Sean Lillis

HS BIBLE

Bachelors of Arts, Biblical Studies, Emmaus Bible College

Master of Arts, Theological Studies, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Sean and his wife Sarah have three great kids: Jorja, McLean, and Haddon. He teaches Romans and Apologetics at CVCS and also is the Director of Christian Education & Evangelism at Cedar Valley Bible Church. He loves the woods and often can be found hunting, fishing, or searching for mushrooms, frequently with his children. If he's not in the woods or at work, he's probably with his wife at home, tending to their garden and chickens in the backyard or cooking together inside.   

Joshua Schramm

6TH-10TH GRADE BIBLE

Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, Moody Bible Institute

I am brand new to Cedar Valley and a brand new teacher! My background in ministry varies from serving at camp ministries, being a missionary in South Africa, and working as a Youth Pastor. My heart is to encourage youth to own their faith and live it out. It is an awesome privilege to get to teach, while also an immense amount of responsibility (Jam 3:1). I ask that you pray along with me that as we study Scripture, we would "be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rom 12:3a). In my free time, I enjoy one thing the most - family. The Lord has blessed me with a wife, and four beautiful children. Thank you for the opportunity to teach your loved ones, and I look forward to partnering with you and your family!

Dawn Foote

HS SPANISH, 7TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS

Bachelor of Arts in History with Secondary Teaching Endorsement, University of Iowa (1990)

Spanish Endorsement, University of Iowa (1993)

Dawn is married to Craig, another CVCS teacher, and we have 3 grown children. She taught at CVCS from 1991-1999, took time off as she raised their children, and returned in 2018. In my free time, I like to read about language, history, and the lives of interesting people. 

Rick Long

JUNIOR HIGH SCIENCE

BSE Biology, Mount Mercy College

Earth Science, University of Northern Iowa

Rick was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. He and his wife Sarah have six children and 13 grandchildren. He worked in business for 25 years and as a science teacher in the Cedar Rapids School District for 15 years. Rick and Sarah attend Maranatha Bible Church and are involved in their Sunday school program.

Evan Mills

HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE, ALGEBRA I

Evan was born in Kathmandu, Nepal and spent most of his childhood in Mongolia as a missionary kid. When he was fourteen, his family moved to Orange City, Iowa. At Cornell, he ran cross country and track & field and was active in campus ministry. Evan loves experiencing God's glory through His creation and His word and sharing it with others.

Robin Crow

SECONDARY ACADEMIC COACH

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Certificate in School Aged Care, University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Arts English and Secondary Education, University of Iowa

Masters of Theological Studies and a World History Endorsement from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Robin Crow has been teaching at Cedar Valley since 2001.  Robin spends her free time cooking with her husband, reading, camping, and acting in local theater productions. Robin loves helping her students see God's hand in every subject she teaches. 

Michelle Fields

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Graduate of Triway High School and two years at Malone College in Ohio.

Before coming to Cedar Valley in 2006, Michelle worked for Redwood Arms as a manager, starting in 1991. Michelle is married to Travis and they have four children: Brandon, Taylor, David and Elisabeth.

Lynette Nugent

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Graduated from Northwestern Bible College and Kirkwood.

Lynette was a stay-at-home mom whose son, Michael, attended CVCS from kindergarten until his graduation in 2013. During that time, she volunteered whenever she could (including organizing the hot lunch program). Lynette came to work in the office part-time in 2012. She has been married to her husband Tom for over 30 years.

Amy Fulkerson

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Iowa State University

Amy is married to Dennis and has 3 daughters. She attended CVCS from Preschool through 8th grade. She worked at CV from 2000-2005, took time off to raise their daughters, and returned in 2017 to work in the office. She enjoys watching football and volleyball, playing with her dog and ministering with her husband. 

Stephanie Hodge

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Bachelor of Arts Music/Education & Flute Performance, Coe College

Master of Fine Arts/Flute Performance, University of Iowa

Stephanie and her husband Richard have three sons: Benjamin (CVCS 2001), Stephen (CVCS 2003), and Gabe (CVCS 2006). All of their sons now live in Nashville, TN. She enjoys visiting them as well as the great city of Nashville. She says, “I am passionate about athletics at Cedar Valley and excited to be a witness to God working in the lives of our young people.”