Tim Ihms, Administrator, JH/HS Bible Tim Ihms founded Bios Christian Academy in June 2008. Previously, he founded Surrey Garden Christian School in 1996 and served as its principal for 12 years.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Tim graduated from Arizona State University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Special Education emphasis on mentally handicapped. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his Principal Certificate through northern Arizona University and the University of Phoenix.
Tim has been married to Beth for over 30 years. Together they have been blessed with three wonderful children: Ben, who is completing a Degree in Osteopathic Medicine;Laura, with a Master’s Degree in Agribusiness is the plant propagator for
an organic farm in Phoenix, and Matt, with a Master’s Degree in Architecture is working towards becoming a licensed architect. Their first grandson is on the Bios waiting list for the kindergarten class of 2016.
Beth Ihms, JH/HS Science Teacher Beth received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas. After a successful 20+ year career as a Certified Hand Therapist and Clinical Manager, she began teaching junior high and high school science in 2000. Her years in the rehabilitation profession have provided her with a rich appreciation of how "fearfully and wonderfully made" God's creation is and a desire to impart that knowledge to her students.
Beth and her husband Tim have been married for over 30 years and raised three delightful children – all Surrey/Bios graduates. Bringing in a wonderful daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandson have compounded the joy in their family. They happily worship at Redemption Church Tempe where they are members. Along with coaching cross country, Beth also enjoys reading and cooking.
April Cylwik, JH/HS Mathematics April is an Arizona native who lives in Tempe with her husband of two years, Eric, a digital modeling expert for a locally based company. She received her Bachelors degree from Arizona State University in Mathematics Education, and was privileged to teach various levels of mathematics at ASU for a number of years. She discovered her love of teaching during her time as an undergrad at ASU, where she was a TA for her calculus teachers and found the most enjoyment came in working one on one with her fellow students.
She takes her position as an educator very seriously and is passionate about her students' knowledge of mathematics and how it will help them understand the world in which they live. She feels privileged to be a part of the community at Bios, and excited to watch how God will move there!
When she is not in the classroom, she and her husband enjoy remodeling their home, riding their bicycles, and volunteering for various non-profit organizations, including their church, Redemption Church at the Tempe campus.
Kelly Maguire, JH/HS English Kelly Maguire holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Arizona and a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. Teaching since 1989, her experience ranges from Public, Private, Christian, Home School and Charter in the states of Kentucky, Florida, Hawaii and Arizona. Kelly is married to Colonel Joe Maguire, USMCR and mother to three girls. The Maguire family worships at Mission Community Church. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys working out at the gym, quilting, and volunteering within the Marine Corps community.
Staci Fletcher, JH/HS Mathematics and Science Staci Fletcher holds a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Arizona State University. She was an engineer for three years, stay at home mom for six and then earned her Post Degree Certificate in Elementary Education from Rio Salado College. Her M.Ed. is from Walden University. Staci is starting her 9th year in her teaching profession. This is her third year teaching math and science at Bios. Prior to joining the Bios staff she invested three years teaching elementary science, two years teaching junior high science, and one year teaching high school science. Staci has been married to her awesome husband Michael for 19 years and they together have two fantastic high school teens, a young man in 11th grade and a young lady in 10th, who both attend Bios.
Matthew Maier, JH/HS Math Mr. Matt Maier was born and raised in Michigan. As a high school student, he was blessed to have great math teachers who made him aspire to be the same. Upon graduation, Mr. Maier attended Duke University, where he received his BSE in Mechanical Engineering in 2003. Since college, his work experience has included retail and sales management, where he was able to discover his passion for the development of others. Combining with his desire to teach and background in math, Matt is excited to use his passion as an educator. He feels privileged to be in a position to teach in a system focused on maximizing the individual student's growth both in math scholarship and in their relationship with the Lord.
Matt and his beautiful wife, Carley, live in Gilbert and attend Mission Community Church. Mr. Maier is also the high school soccer coach at Bios and enjoys spending his time playing or watching sports.
Katie Micilcavage, Elementary Teacher (grades 4-6) Mrs. Micilcavage moved from Colorado to Arizona in 1986 to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a B.A. in print journalism. She currently lives in Gilbert with her two children, Caitlyn and Daniel, who both attend BCA.
Katie has eight years experience in teaching differentiated instruction, for which she has developed a deep and abiding love. She has found that getting to know her students and sharing the sweetness of the gospel are the most precious aspects of her job. When not fulfilling her vocation as a teacher, she edits a magazine and runs her own business providing administrative services to small business owners.
Carol Thompson, Elementary Teacher (grades 4-6) Carol graduated with a degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University and comes with many valuable years of experience in teaching. She had the privilege of home schooling her children for 14 years, and more recently taught grades 4-6 for nine years at a private school using an individualized method of teaching.
Carol and her husband, Hal, live in Phoenix and have three children and three grandchildren. They attend Church of the Redeemer.
Lori Halbison, Primary Teacher (grades 1-3) Lori has a B.S. in Education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in
Elementary Education & Human Development and The Family. She also holds an Arizona Elementary teaching certificate. In addition, Lori is WSI (water safety instructor) certified through the American Red Cross,
Lori began working at the University day care programs, and also at day care facilities for underprivileged children while attending UNL. She ran a physical fitness program for home-schooling families while her children were small and also worked at a Gymdandy program for toddlers and small children where they learned through exercise.
Lori has lived in Arizona for 17 years. While living in Arizona, she has taught 9 years as a primary teacher in a private Christian school. Prior to that she home schooled her four children, worked at a real estate company, worked in her children's classrooms, coached children's sports, and taught in the Arizona public school system. In addition, she coached a swim team, and has run her own private swim lessons for 11 years which included working with mentally handicapped children.
Lori is happily married to David, has four children, two boys and two girls. Two of her children are attending college.
Her love of children and teaching has brought Lori great joy and satisfaction.
Cyndy Kountz, Primary Teacher (grades 1-3) Mrs. Kountz is a graduate of Lyons College with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. She has been teaching for more than 15 years and has taught the individualized method of instruction for 12 years. She and her husband of 37 years, Stephen, live in Gilbert. They have three children who have blessed them with seven wonderful grandchildren.
Julie Gerhart, Homeschool Support Teacher (grades 1-6) Julie Gerhart graduated from Wheaton College in 1990 with a degree in Elementary Education. While teaching first grade in the Gilbert Public Schools, she earned her M.A. in El. Ed. from Northern Arizona University in 1997. In 1998 she left the classroom to stay at home full-time with Anna and later Thomas, Elizabeth, and William who were born in 2004. Julie has been home schooling her kids for 7 years with one or all of them involved in the Home School Support class at BIOS since 2009. This is her first year back in the classroom and she is privileged to be a part of the staff and family at BCA.
Julie has been happily married to Mark for 22 years. They worship as a family at Central Christian Church in Mesa. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading, baking, running, and spending time with friends.
Julie Rhoadarmer, Elementary Teacher Mrs. Rhoadarmer moved from Greeley, Colorado to Arizona in 1990. After working in the medical field for 18 years, she decided to pursue a teaching degree. She graduated from Ottawa University with a degree in English and secondary education. A veteran educator, Mrs. Rhoadarmer has taught for both public and private Christian schools.
She and her husband of 42 years, Allen, have been members of Broadway Christian Church since 1990 where she is active in the choir, Women on Broadway, teaching Sunday school, and served as interim Children’s Director. They have three awesome children, Todd, Tami, and Tara and 14 grandchildren.
Mrs. Rhoadarmer loves the Lord and her family and loves children. Her passion is her family and her grandchildren. In her free time, she spends it with those precious grandchildren and loves to read.
Janna Anderson, Kindergarten Teacher Janna Anderson teaches our Kindergarten class. She holds an Elementary Education Degree from Western Oregon University. She taught second grade for four years, then stayed home full time with her kids for six years. She transitioned back into education as a substitute teacher, teaching grades Kindergarten through High School. In 2009, Janna and her family relocated to Arizona from Eugene, Oregon. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married for over 20 years. They enjoy the adventure of Life in Christ and parenting two teenage boys.
Ruth Hernandez, Primary, Elementary, and JH/HS Spanish Ruth was born and raised in Sonora, Mexico. She graduated with an associates and a bachelor's degree in education, and had two years of Christian education.
Ruth is married to Jose, who is the pastor at Pan de Vida Bible Church in Gilbert. Together they have four children Ruth, David, Lydia, and Mario. Their family serves together in ministry.
Ruth loves reading, teaching, and doing all things to the glory of God.
Julie Daley, JH/HS Computers and IT Support Julie was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She currently resides in the east valley with her husband, son, and a foreign exchange student from China.
She received her B.S. in Engineering from Arizona State University and her MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.
Julie and her family had the great opportunity of living in China for one and a half years, and during that time she homeschooled their son. Now she is happily teaching computer classes at Bios Christian Academy.
Troy McDonald, JH/HS Guitar Troy McDonald has studied music for over 20 years. He began playing saxophone in elementary school and has learned several instruments since. Guitar became his primary focus in high school, where he also participated in Drama Club, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Mr. McDonald went on to perform with several bands as well as The Granite State Garrison Drum and Bugle Corp. After relocating to Phoenix, Mr. McDonald has had the opportunity to spend some time in the recording studio laying down tracks for several different CDs. When Mr. McDonald is not in the classroom or teaching private lessons, he can be found performing with several different bands thoughout the valley.
Heather Dominguez, JH/HS History + Drama/Speech Heather earned a degree in Business and Theatre from Arizona State University with a Minor in Art History. Along with her busband, Heather has coached high school speech and debate for the past seven years. She has also performed in over thirty stage and film productions.
Heather is married to Erik, who is a Spanish teacher at Desert Vista High School. They attend Redemption Church in Tempe where Heather enjoys singing in the worship band. Erik and Heather spend their free time training for half marathons and traveling. They are expecting their first child in September.
Tori Reina, String Orchestra and Choir Tori Reina teaches K-12 orchestra and choir. In 2009, she graduated with honors from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. During college, Tori sang in the concert choir, played in the University String Quartet as the violist, and studied private piano. In addition to teaching at Bios, Tori has maintained her private studio teaching violin, viola, and piano for seven years.
Tori has been happily married to her husband, Austin for three years. She and her husband attend CrossRoads Church of the Nazarene in Chandler. She enjoys reading, playing music, and hiking with her lab, Mya.
Email:treina@bioschristianacademy.org
Jae Yu, Art Teacher Mrs. Yu holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Arizona State University. She is currently studying Elementary Education at Northern Arizona State University. After graduating from ASU with a B.A. in Studio Art, she started to teach art to children. She has taught children from preschool to high school for 12 years in Sunday school, math, and English. Since 2004, Mrs. Yu has been employed by Young Rembrandts as a drawing instructor. She is the Sunday school director at Arizona Korean Baptist church and is a member of South Valley Rim Association as a Vacation Bible School clinic instructor.
Mrs. Yu is marred to Peter Yu and is a mother to three children. She loves to share the gospel with children. She loves teaching children art to glorify God. She feels blessed to be a part of the community at Bios.
Mrs. Groninger, Instructional Mentor Mrs. Groninger moved from Ohio to Arizona as a child and grew up in Tucson. She currently resides in Gilbert with her husband Donn and son Wyatt. Karie spent her career in retail loss prevention and inventory control until the birth of Wyatt at which time she became a stay at home mom. When a child is born, a parent is born…from whence came Karie’s business card which reads occupation “Wyatt’s Mom”.
Karie feels blessed and privileged to have become a part of Bios. Each child “fearfully and wonderfully made” is the blessing. How amazing to witness a child as he learns academically but better yet to see one grow spiritually.
The Groningers attend San Tan Calvary Chapel and Forest Lakes Community Church where they actively serve in the children’s ministry. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, raising African Sulcata tortoises and playing with her dog, Samson.
Kristi Lane, Homeschool Support Teacher (grades 4-6) Kristi Lane received her M.A. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, TX. She worked for 9 years with children and adolescents both in the foster care system and as a school counselor. In 2004, she became a stay at home mom to two beautiful girls. Kristi has been homeschooling her children for the past 5 years. Her girls have also been participating in the Bios home school support program. Kristi has been married to Brad for 15 years. Their family attends Chandler Christian Church.
Email:klane@bioschristianacademy.org
Lori Greene, Director of Admissions & Administration Lori was raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in 1990. Shortly after moving she married her husband, Jeff, a near-native Arizonan, and they have since made Arizona their home.
Lori brings to Bios over 20 years of office experience. Eight of those years have been assisting Tim Ihms at both of his schools.
Jeff and Lori have four sons and a daughter ranging in age from 13-19 years. The youngest four attend school at Bios while their oldest is attending Arizona State University. They all happily attend and worship at Redemption Tempe. The Greene family is very excited and honored to be part of the BCA family!
Shelley Orszewski, Bookkeeping Shelley Orszewski received her B.S. in Business from California State University Fullerton. She has over 20 years experience in corporate accounting.
Shelley and her family moved to Arizona six years ago. She and her husband, Dan, are actively involved in their church and oversee the junior high ministry. Their son, Brandon, attends Bios Christian Academy.
Maggie Dahlman, Bookkeeping Maggie was born and raised in a small Midwestern farming community. She moved to California in 1971 and began a career in banking in the Sacramento area. For the next 20 years she managed Savings and Loans in California, Minnesota and Arizona before retiring from banking in 1992 in order to work fulltime for her husband in his trucking business.
When her husband died in 2002 she sold the trucking business and asked the Lord what He would have her do. In 2003 she left comfortable Gilbert to minister with Mercy Ships for a year as they went to the West Coast of Africa helping the poor and needy of Sierra Leone in the name of Christ. After that she spent 2 years living and ministering in Uganda and Tanzania doing finance for the Rafiki Village and teaching within the orphanage schools.
God has given her a passion for discipling women, working both with refuge women from Africa and teaching Precept Upon Precept inductive Bible studies.
She worships and serves our awesome Lord at the body of Christ at San Tan Bible Church.
Becky Callahan, Lunch Room Manager, Playground Aide Becky Callahan is the lunch room manager and playground aide. Becky worked tirelessly at her previous school to keep the kitchen in perfect condition receiving the Gold Star award for 8 years in a row from the county health department. Before managing school lunch programs, Becky worked for the FBI and Ford Motor Company in Detroit .
Becky has been married to Jack for 30 years. They have 2 adult daughters, Kellie an attorney in Tempe, and Kathleen who helps her parents care for their 4 Golden Retrievers.
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Fern Woods, Office Assistant Fern Woods helps out in the office with filing, copying, and delivering materials to the classrooms. She is also the coordinator for the K-6th quarterly awards program – Grandma's Cookies.
Fern is originally from Oklahoma and lived a full life in Kansas with her husband Bob while raising 2 daughters. She and Bob moved to Arizona in 1993 to be close to family. Bob went to be with the Lord in 1998. Fern has grandchildren in both Arizona and Colorado and takes great joy in being a part of their lives. She is thrilled to be able to watch and help Bios grow into a ministry to children and their families that will glorify God.
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Jennifer Bennett, Office Assistant Jennifer Bennett graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. For the past 9 years she has worked with her family to start 3 businesses in the Valley, working flexibly in retail management, office administration, and bookkeeping. She is thrilled for the opportunity to be returning to the educational world.
Jennifer and her husband, Matt, have been married for 6 wonderful years. Matt teaches English at Desert Vista High School. Together they have a 3 year old son, Aiden, who keeps them busy in their free time. When Jennifer finds “free” time, she enjoys reading, movies, and baking (if it’s not too hot outside)!
Tracy Van Cuyck, Speech Articulation Tracy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders and Speech Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Over the course of 19 years, she has worked as a preschool teacher, childcare provider and teacher for infants to toddlers, directed Christmas musicals, and led Jr. High and High School discipleship groups. She has been the Speech Language Pathology Assistant for Bios since 2010.
She has been married for 15 years, with 3 wonderful children. Robert is 12, Timothy is 8, and Grace is 5. She has lived in Arizona for 6 years and is actively involved in The Grove Bible Church.Email:
