Teachers

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 Mrs. Byrd:

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 Mrs. Faust:

Hello! My name is Rebekah (Bekah) Faust and I am so excited to be here at Immanuel! My husband Darren and I have 3 kids here with me. Oldest son Noah, middle son Greyson and daughter Olivia. 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 5 years I 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 Mrs. Henderson:

Hello! My name is Brittany Henderson. I was raised in Clovis in a family of six, I have three older brothers. I attended all Clovis Unified schools for my K-12 education, starting at Red Bank Elementary, continuing on to Clark Intermediate, and finishing up at Clovis High School where I graduated in 2005. I received a full ride volleyball scholarship to play the sport I love and earn an education at Fresno Pacific University. I graduated in 2009 with a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Physical Education. Post graduation, I realized that my heart was very much in coaching as well as teaching, which led me to earn my teaching credential from National University in Single Subject Physical Education in 2011. I taught PE and coached volleyball for 2 years at Sanger High School and also completed my Master's Degree in Kinesiology ('13) at Fresno Pacific simultaneously. Upon the completion of my M.A. I received a new opportunity to coach and teach at Clovis North Educational Center (7th-12th grades), where I remained for three years.

In 2013 I married my husband, Aaron, who began working at Immanuel as the Athletic Director. He now currently works in Ag. We have been blessed beyond measure with four beautiful children, Taylen (8), Hadley (6), Trey (4) and Eli (1).

It has been truly amazing watching Immanuel stand firm in the face of much adversity through the years. Immanuel's faithfulness to the Word of God is what ultimately led us to bring our children here to attend school. I can't express how excited I am to not only call Immanuel home but to also be on the same campus as my children and provide my students with a Christ-centered educational experience.

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

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. Kircher:

Hi, my name is Brooke Kircher.  I grew up in Clovis, California and attended Campus Baptist Church where my family was very involved.  I graduated from Clovis High School in 1995 and then attended Fresno State University where I graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance.  I went on to receive my multiple subject teaching credential from National University, my Master's degree in Educational Administration and my preliminary administrative credential.  After 10 years in the elementary and middle school classroom, I made the decision to "retire" from teaching to stay home with my babies.  

My husband, Nathan and I are proud parents to 2 teenage young men, Tristan who is 16 and Titus, who is 14 and a new 8th grade student here at Immanuel.  I love strength training and all things nutrition-related!  I also love watching my boys compete on the athletic field!  Our family enjoys being competitive during family game night, watching movies together, and going fishing.  I am so excited to get back into the classroom here at Immanuel and create lasting relationships with my students, their families, and the staff!  

Favorite verse:  
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away;  behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Meet Mrs. Laemmlen:

I am excited to be at Immanuel and it is a joy to share my passion for Christ as well as baking, cooking, and sewing, with students.

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. Then God, with His amazing guidance, brought me back to Immanuel a few years ago, and in the last few years we’ve been blessed with our precious grandchildren, Lexi & Maverick. 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 Mr. March:

Mr. Jeff March lives in Reedley with his wife, Eleni. They have four children, their son, Dimitri married to Samantha and have a son and a daughter, Mason and Madison; daughter Alexis married to Austin Eberle of Frisco Texas, daughter Zoe, also in Texas and daughter Sophia who lives in Reedley. Mr. March is a native of the Central Valley, born and raised in Kingsburg, graduating from Kingsburg High School (‘79) and went on to graduate from Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C., Canada with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He completed a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministries from Grand Canyon Theological Seminary in the Spring of 2019.

After serving in the military and serving as the Area Director of Young Life in Selma, in 1993, Mr. March began serving at Immanuel Schools. He taught World History and Junior Bible for 14 years at the High School and has been at the Junior High for the past 18 years, and is currently the 7th Grade Bible teacher.

“God has been so faithful to my family, to me, and to the students that I have been blessed to teach. To watch them grow and see what God has done in their lives is an amazing gift and privilege. I trust that when students leave the Junior High, they are continuing to be prepared to think with a Biblical Worldview, desire to open the Word of God, and know for certain that they can have a personal relationship with our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”.

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 Mrs. Nelson:

Hi, my name is Erin Nelson. I was born and raised in Visalia. My grandpa was the pastor of my church growing up, and there I accepted the Lord as my Savior at a young age. I attended Westmont College where I received my BA in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I continued my education at Fresno Pacific University where I received my multiple subject teaching credential.

I met my wonderful husband Randy when I was a senior in high school, and we got married in 2001. We live in Visalia and have been blessed with three children, Aidan, Seth, and Abby. I had the privilege of homeschooling for 15 years, and now the Lord has provided a new opportunity. Abby will be completing three years of high school at Immanuel, and I have the incredible privilege of teaching here as well. I never imagined this is where I would be at this stage of my life, but I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing me here in His perfect timing. The Lord is so good and faithful! What a joy and gift it is to have the opportunity to teach science at a school where God is the center of everything!

Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do. Together, we love playing games, watching movies, and traveling. In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book or having a coffee date with a friend.

Favorite verse: 
“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” - Psalm 118:24

Meet Mrs. Rogers:

My name is Kimberly Rogers and I love serving at Immanuel in the History Department!  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.  The bulk of my experience has been at the high school level but it’s a joy and a lot of free entertainment teaching junior high here at Immanuel.

I grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I love its rich Spanish and Native American culture and great food.  At Vanguard, I met my husband John (IHS Alumni) and after living in Orange County for many years we decided to move to Kingsburg to be near his family.  I’m continually thankful the Lord brought us here to raise our family and for planting us in an awesome church and community.  We enjoy traveling around the U.S/World with our three children visiting historical places, national parks, baseball stadiums, and just exploring the world that God created.  I’ve also loved being a part of the Students International missions teams from Immanuel the past couple of summers and getting to see and serve the global church.  My time at Immanuel has been very special and I’m incredibly thankful to the Lord for bringing me into this community.  

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

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.”

Meet Ms. Young: 

Hello! I am Brooklynn Young, one of the Immanuel Ag Teachers. My passion for sharing the gospel and the agriculture industry are guiding principles of my teaching and I am so happy to be at Immanuel!

Throughout my walk with the Lord, He has constantly shown me that His grace abounds and His plans are perfect. I had a severe fear of all animals that hindered all of my interactions with friends and family. I let the fear grasp me and it took years of prayerful consideration for my family to get a dog. Little by little, I overcame the fear by praying and slowly interacting more with our puppy. Jesus transformed my heart from a heart of fear to a heart of courage through Christ. Because of this, I joined 4-H and FFA, realizing my love of FFA and agriculture. I knew God was calling me to a career in agriculture education, and that led me to Immanuel. God's grace and faithfulness to His people allowed me to discover that I can truly live a life without fear and embrace His joy in everything. My walk of faith has come with many toils and snares, but I am confident that Christ strengthens us in Him through all trials and heartbreak.

I was privileged to participate in FFA at Kingsburg High School, which is in the same FFA section as Immanuel! While there, I competed in Best Informed Greenhand, Nursery Landscape, Tree Pruning, Job Interview, Creed, and Floriculture. I had the opportunity to show beef, dairy cattle, and sheep through FFA, and I showed swine and goats in 4-H. I won a state proficiency in Agricultural Sales Placement and was a National Proficiency Finalist. I received my American Degree in 2020 while beginning my college career in Ag Education. I graduated in 2023 from Oklahoma State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Education, with an emphasis in communications and floriculture. I also completed the CASE Institute Certification for the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Course at Iowa State University over the summer of 2024.

My life verse is Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved; not by works so that no one can boast.”  I found this verse when naming my first dog, knowing that God’s grace abounds and covers all flaws of the human heart. We can do all things because of God’s perfect grace.

Want more information on Immanuel FFA, visit our site: https://sites.google.com/immanuelschools.com/immanuelffa