Teachers

Meet Ms. Bloemhof:

I grew up on a farm in Shafter California. My Dad is an almond farmer/ beekeeper and my mom is a TK teacher at Maple Elementary school, which is where I went as well K-8. At Wasco High School I was active playing volleyball in the fall and swimming the rest of the year. I was proud to be a part of a valley medaling team. I also took AP History and English classes during my years there. 

My family and I are active at Grace Community Church in Wasco and still are though I have moved to Clovis Church of Christ as I am living in Clovis now. I moved there to do my student teaching at Clovis North High School after graduating from Biola University with a Bachelors in History and a minor in Bible. 

God has blessed me with the ability to gain my first teaching job at such a special place. I look forward to being a part of the Immanuel community. 

Favorite verse: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”  Proverbs 16:24

Meet Mr. Brown:

I was born and raised in Modesto, CA as the youngest in a family of four. My dad was a junior high math/PE teacher and was a big reason why I went into teaching. In high school I attended Modesto Christian High School and played basketball there.  I was able to continue my basketball career at Fresno Pacific University from 2006-2010.  It was there that I earned my B.A. in Kinesiology and met my wife!

I married my wife, Tarin Brown (Tartaglia- IHS c.o. 2005), in 2010 and the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to travel around the country as I played more basketball with Athletes and Action, and overseas to play professionally in Australia.  In 2012 we moved here to Kingsburg and I began to teach and we both began to coach at Kingsburg High School, where I’ve been the past 10 years. My wife has operated a Christian apparel company, River Raised, while staying at home and raising our four children: Ford, Poppy, Boone and Honor.

It is very clear to see how the Lord has taken care of us and has led us throughout our life and we know, without a doubt, that He prepared and brought us here to Immanuel in His perfect timing.  

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”  - Titus 2:6-8
 

Meet Mr. Dinkins:

Greetings students and parents! It is with great joy that I introduce myself as the Junior High Mathematics teacher. My journey with Mathematics and teaching began at Fresno Pacific University, where I received my Bachelor’s in Mathematics. It was there that I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty, simplicity, and captivating nature of math to the human mind. I soon discovered that I enjoyed explaining mathematical concepts to others just as much as I loved studying them for myself. Thus began my pursuit of teaching, which has brought me here to Immanuel. It is my goal to provide every student I teach with an unforgettable (in a good way) year of exploring, creating, and thinking as a Mathematician.

On a more personal level, here are a few fun facts about me. I am the youngest of four children and the third in my family to study mathematics. Every day before school I eat a bowl of Grape Nuts to fuel my teaching. I am passionate about global mission and learning from the Church in other cultures.

Students, I believe in you. Parents, I believe in your children. Each student is a capable mathematician and it is my job to bring that to the surface. May God bless us with an incredible year ahead as we journey in education!

Meet Mrs. Faust:

Hello! My name is Rebekah (Bekah) Faust and I am so excited to start a new adventure along with my kiddos here at Immanuel! My husband Darren and I have been married for over 15 years and have 3 kids. Oldest son, Noah, 13 yr old 8th grader, middle son, Greyson, 11yr old 6th grader, and daughter, Olivia, 9 yr old 4th grader, will all be joining me at Immanuel and are super excited as well. We love to travel and raise orphaned and injured wildlife with Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation Service.

I have a BS Degree in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology from the University of California at Davis and a Biology Teaching Credential from CSU Fresno. Before going into teaching I was a land animal trainer for Six Flags Marine World (now Discovery Kingdom) in Vallejo. But my passion for teaching kids about animals, along with the cost of living in the bay area, led me back home to Clovis to pursue a career in teaching science.

I taught science for 13 years at Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Selma, then for the past 5 years I have taught science online for California Connections Academy. I love the fact that I get to finally teach science with an emphasis on God, our amazing creator and using this to point students back to Him.

Favorite verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Meet Mrs. Friesen: 

My name is Coleen Friesen, and I grew up in Fresno, California. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree and teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University. At FPU, I met my husband David, an Immanuel alumnus, and after college we married and settled in Reedley. We have been blessed with seven children who have graduated from or are currently attending Immanuel Schools. Some of my hobbies are camping at the beach or in the mountains, watching our kids play sports, and singing.

I began my career as a kindergarten teacher and then taught K-8th grade students at a charter school. I also spent many years --14!-- homeschooling my own children. All of these experiences, as well as my time as a real estate agent and property manager, prepared me in amazing ways for the job I hold today. I was thrilled when the Lord opened the door for me to work at Immanuel. 

One of my favorite hymns says “Oh love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong...”  What a privilege it is to share the immeasurable love of God with students every day!

Meet Mr. Gossenberger:

Hello everyone! My name is Jason Gossenberger and although I was born in Vallejo, California I grew up in Clovis. My father was (and is still) a pastor and my mom was a stay-at-home mother. Yes, it is true what they say about Pastor's kids, but I can safely say I was not one of them. It would be an understatement to say I grew up in the church, and that it was basically a second home for me.

I graduated from Buchanan High School in 2007 with a class of 1,000+ students, so it is safe to say there will be a little bit of an adjustment for me at Immanuel. I knew God was calling me to serve Him after high school by being someone who could offer guidance, support, and Biblical understanding to the youth of the next generation.

I married my incredible wife, Maribeth, and graduated from Fresno Pacific University. I have spent the last 9 years of my professional career as a Youth and Associate Pastor, but there was always a tug on my heart to enter into education. So, less than a year ago, God opened a door that I had to step through and here I am today getting ready to guide, support, and provide Biblical understanding for each student that walks through my classroom doors. I am thankful, blessed, and pumped to be a teacher at Immanuel Schools and I look forward to all that God will do.

Favorite Verse: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Meet Mr. Ibanez:

Mr. Joseph Ibanez is a lifelong resident of Reedley. He was educated at St. La Salle School and Reedley High School. Upon graduation from Reedley High, Mr. Ibanez was honored as a Pirate Pillar. He attended Reedley College and Fresno State University with a focus on Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Art. He, also, has a degree in Culinary Arts and is an accomplished Chef.

Mr. Ibanez has been in the fabrication trade for over 45 years and continues to own his own fabrication company. Hobbies include athletic officiating and ride his Harley Davidson.

From a young age, he has followed Jesus and as an adult, he proclaims that Jesus is his Lord and Savior.

Meet Mrs. Kodman:

Hello Eagles and Families! My name is Kaila Kodman and I teach 8th grade English and Journalism. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in communications from the University of Phoenix. I am so looking forward to my first year teaching at Immanuel. Prior to teaching at Immanuel, I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know many of our students while being on staff as the Student Ministries Support at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church!

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kyle, and our four children (our oldest two attend Immanuel), reading and journaling, and baking sourdough bread. My goals this school year are to facilitate strong relationships with students and their families, create opportunities for students to grow in their relationship with Christ, and to create a comfortable, yet constructive and effective learning environment where students will feel supported, motivated, and connected. I am prayer and excited for all the Lord has planned for all of us here at Immanuel this year! 

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‬‬

Meet Mrs. Laemmlen:

I am excited to be back teaching at Immanuel after a few years away! It is a joy to share my passion for Christ as well as baking, cooking, and sewing with students again.

I started sewing when I was 4 or 5, following the patterns by the pictures before I could read, and have enjoyed baking, sewing, embroidery and quilting all my life. I attended Immanuel after we moved to Reedley from Kansas, and then went to Fresno State. Early in college Mark and I got married, and I started working with the family fruit corporations as a bookkeeper. After our boys, Dustin, Nate and Jordan were born I was able to stay home with them, until I started teaching Home Ec and Foods here in 2002. In 2013 I felt the Lord leading me to work at MCC, first in the cafe, then in the quilt shop. During those years we welcomed 3 precious daughter-in-laws, Michelle, Tayler, and Amy. God has been so good!

My life verse would be Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful.”

Meet Loren LeBeau:

I grew up in Fresno, and played college basketball at Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University. Upon graduation I began my coaching career, including time coaching high school level basketball at Edison, Clovis West, and Central High Schools. I also coached at the college level at Fresno State, Fresno City, and Pepperdine University. As a Head Coach, I led Central High with 3 T.R.A.C. Championships, two Valley Championship runner-ups, and three coach of the Year awards.

My resume and my references will tell you of my passionate work ethic, my ability to reach and inspire all types of people with diverse backgrounds, and my ability “win.” What neither one will tell you is that my life, in many ways, has been shaped through tragedy. My father committed suicide when I was twelve. At the age of 44, I was involved in a vehicular accident that took a life. As a result, I spent 79 months is state prison. And just recently, my brother’s oldest son took his own life. Ultimately however, it's not what I have been through that defines who I am, it's how I got through it that defines who I am today.

The “how” was a Father's love. I learned, in prison, that our Heavenly Father's love is the only love that can't change or be lost (Rm. 8:35). His love is the only thing like that. It was this revelation, this "good news" that has molded me into the man I am today. A man who was gracefully broken but rebuilt by the truth of the gospel. I never sought suffering. But it taught me to completely trust in God (Pr.3:5), and because I did that, I discovered a priceless joy, strength of character, and a power that can come in no other way. This kind of fight has led to a deeper desire to share the good news!

Sometimes when you're in a dark place and you think you've been buried, you've actually been planted. To be a leader and proclaimer of the gospel is my God-given duty. This is the responsibility God has laid at the doorstep of everyone who carries the title Christian. One day Paul was killing Christians, the next day he was a Christian. One day Peter was a fisherman, the next day he was a fisher of men. We shouldn't judge someone based on the "one day." If God can create the world in 6 days, He can surely create a new heart in one.

Life verse: Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

Meet Mr. March:

I live in Reedley with my wife, Eleni. We have four children: Dimitri, Alexis, Zoe, and Sophia, all alumni of Immanuel. I am a native of the Central Valley, born and raised in Kingsburg, graduating from Kingsburg High School and went off to graduate from Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C., Canada with a B.A. degree in Biblical Studies. I completed my Masters Degree in Christian Ministries from Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. I came to Immanuel after spending some time in the military and serving as an Area Director of Young Life in Selma. I have taught at both the High School and the Junior High, currently the 7th and 8th Grade Bible teacher.

Meet Mr. Merritt:

Hello my name is Josh Merritt, and I am the Choral and Performing Arts Director. I teach all High School Choirs, Drama, and Worship Funds. I also teach Jr. High Choir and Drama. I am an Alumni of Immanuel, and have my BA in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Education from Fresno Pacific University. The Lord has blessed me by allowing my passion for serving Him and my love of music to flow together in everything I have done.

Along with my teaching experience, I have had the privilege of starting my own non-profit organization called Kingsburg Vocal Academy. I have also been blessed by becoming the Worship Pastor for Kingsburg First Baptist Church. Through everything the Lord has brought me through, His promises remain true, and it is evident to me that music can be such a powerful tool to bring glory to God. This is something I hope every student that I come into contact with will learn and understand before their time ends here at IHS. 

My wife Chelsea (also an Immanuel Alumni), and I have 2 boys, Hudson and Dawson, and our baby girl will be here in October 2021. I love to sing and play guitar and piano in my spare time. I also have a deep love and passion for sports. Basketball and Football are sports I will play and/or watch anytime! 

“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”  -  Proverbs 18:12 

“Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving; let’s shout triumphantly to him in song.”  -  Psalm 95:1-2

Meet Mr. Nolen:

Hi, my name is Connor Nolen. I come from a family of four with three younger brothers. I grew up in a family of educators and coaches so I spent a lot of time on a school campus and attending sporting events when I was young. I grew up in Clovis, CA and attended Clovis North area schools. I played sports for most of my life. Cross country and track and field were my focus when I started high school. After high school, I was blessed with an opportunity to continue my education and run at the collegiate level at Fresno Pacific University on scholarship. In four years, I received my B.A. in Kinesiology from FPU. I completed one more year of graduate studies and received my teaching credential through FPU. 

Following my completion of the credential program, I was hired in Madera Unified. I taught in Madera for three years as a physical education teacher and was a head coach for cross country. God opened a door for me to teach at Immanuel and I am beyond stoked to be a part of the Immanuel community, build a successful cross country program, and show my students the love that God has for them.

I am a proud member of VIA church in Fresno. I enjoy physical activities such as running and hiking. I like a good cup of coffee and listening to podcasts. I also like playing spikeball and taking trips to the beach, mountains and anywhere I can enjoy God’s creation.

Favorite verse: “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
 

Meet Mrs. Ramming:

Hi, my name is Erin (Jost) Ramming. I grew up with my family in Dinuba and attended Kingsburg Mennonite Brethren Church.  I attended Grand View Elementary in Dinuba and then went on to graduate from Immanuel Junior High and Immanuel High School.  I then earned a BA in Mathematics, a single subject  teaching credential and a master’s degree in education from Fresno Pacific University.

My husband, Glenn, and I have been married for almost 14 years and we have four kids: Emery, Kinsley, Adelynn, and Landon.  Our girls have attended Immanuel Elementary for two years and Landon will join them in another year. I love to read a good book and be in the kitchen with my kids.  As a family, we like to play games and take road trips.  I have been a math teacher at Selma High School since the 2008-2009 school year and am excited God has led me to become a teacher at Immanuel.  I am looking forward to working along fellow believers to help students not only learn math but to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Verse:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33

Meet Mrs. Rogers:

My name is Kimberly Rogers and I’m ecstatic to be teaching 7th and 8th grade History this year.  I’ve been in education since 2002 after I got my Teaching Credential in Social Studies at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA.  My Bachelor's Degree is in History and Political Science and I also have a Master’s Degree in Education.  Mostly I’ve taught 11th grade U.S. History and AP U.S. History, however, I started my career teaching Junior High and that has always remained my favorite age group to teach.  It’s going to be a fun year getting back to 7th grade World History and 8th grade U.S. History! 

I grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I love its rich Spanish and Native American culture and great food.  When I left for college, I had every intention of returning to Santa Fe, but God had other plans.  While at Vanguard, I met my husband John (IHS Alumni) and after living in Orange County for many years we decided to move to the Central Valley to be near his family.  It’s been interesting living in a rural agricultural area and I’ve learned a lot about small town living that I’ve really grown to cherish.  I’m continually thankful the Lord brought us here to raise our family and for planting us in an awesome church.  We love traveling around the U.S. and the world with our three children and showing them all the different people God has made and teaching them about the similarities and differences among His people.  In the end, however, I love that we always get to come back to our little small town of Kingsburg.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."  -  James 1:22


 

Meet Mr. Sheehan:

Meet Mrs. Sonksen:
Hi my name is Elisa Sonksen. I am blessed to be one of the new Agriculture teachers here at Immanuel.  I come from a large family where I am one of five children. I grew up attending Kingsburg Evangelical Free church until high school when my family made the switch to Kingsburg Community church. That has been my church home ever since. I married my husband Trevor in 2009. The Lord has blessed us with three amazing kids. This is their third year here at Immanuel schools, Cameron is in 7th, Brooklyn 6th and Kennady is in 2nd grade. 

I grew up in Kingsburg where I attended all Kingsburg schools K-12. During my years at Kingsburg High School I was an active member of the Future Farmers of America. I participated in many events at the local, regional and state level. The positive impact that FFA had on my life led me to pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Education-teacher preparation with a concentration in animal science. I enjoyed helping students find their love and passion for all things agriculture. In 2010 I felt the Lord calling me away from agriculture education in order to raise my family. It was such a blessing to have that opportunity and I enjoyed that precious time. This school year I decided to get back in the classroom by substitute teaching at Immanuel. Which helped lead me to this position. I am so excited to be back in the classroom and to be able to share my love of Jesus and agriculture education with the students.

Favorite Verse: Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Meet Mrs. VanLeeuwen:

Hello! My name is Deniele (Croissant) Vanleeuwen. I grew up in the Dinuba countryside where my father was an auctioneer and farmer while my mother worked alongside him. I spent many weekends working at our family auctions with my younger brother. I grew up attending Kingsburg Mennonite Brethren Church. I was enrolled at Grand View Elementary and Washington Junior High. Both of my parents attended Immanuel High School, so I was excited to also attend Immanuel for high school.

After high school I attended Fresno State University, and majored in Fine Arts. Several months later I purchased a retail store (Coffee & Candy) which I owned for ten years in Reedley, until I got married to my husband Todd Vanleeuwen. I am a mom blessed with three amazing children and honored to be raising two of them. My husband Todd and I reside in Kingsburg along with John and Rebecca, they both love going to Immanuel and are always keeping us on our toes. I love crafting, painting and being creative, which is why I was thrilled when God opened a door for me to teach Art and Yearbook at Immanuel High School. I am blessed to be a part of the supportive and caring Immanuel family. Working at Immanuel brings me much joy, comfort and above all the ability to talk about my love for our Lord and Savior!

Exodus 14:13-14 - “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, … The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”