staff

Kurt Langstraat

Kurt grew up in Lynden and married Gwen Visser in 1984. They lived in Bellingham for a year before moving to Burlington, WA to help start a community church called His Place. Kurt served as pastor of worship and youth at His Place until 1996. During that time, Levi was born in 1988 and Lindsey was born in 1990. In 1996, the Langstraat family moved to Bothell where Kurt served as pastor of worship and college ministries at Eastside Church, and Gwen was Fitness Director at Juanita Bay Health Club. Then in 2001 the Langstraats moved to Taiwan where Kurt served as chaplain for Morrison Academy in Taichung. In 2003, they returned to Lynden where Kurt joined the staff at NCCTK as associate pastor, and Gwen went back to college and earned her nursing degree. In January, 2014, Kurt received the position of Lead Pastor for NCCTK.
Kurt loves his family, loves the church and loves helping people find their way back to Jesus. He leads from a Team perspective, and is committed to keeping the Gospel central to the church. Kurt holds a BA degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.

Steve Osborne

Steve grew up in Southern California and graduated from Azusa Pacific University. It was there that he met his beautiful wife Darcy, who is a native to Bellingham, WA. They have been married for 10 years and have two hilarious boys. Steve went back to APU and completed Seminary and graduated with a Master’s of Divinity. His passion is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through practical and energetic teaching from the Bible. His other passions include great coffee, BBQing, mountain biking, snowboarding, playing games and going on adventures with his family. If you know of a great taco or coffee shop make sure you let him know.

Bill Lynch

Bill was born in Anchorage, Alaska. He grew up in The Salvation Army Church, where his parents served as officers (pastors). Bill graduated in 1982 from Ingraham High School in Seattle, and spent two years in the military (Army), after which he returned to Seattle, and met his wonderful wife, Pam, who worked as a nurse at CRISTA Senior Living for 35 years. They have celebrated 33 years of marriage together so far and have successfully raised two children together: Emily and Nathaniel. Bill served from 1990 until 2011 as the youth pastor for Calvary Chapel in Bothell. From 2007 through 2009, Bill participated as a counselor & then camp director in the Royal Family Kids Camp program for foster kids. Most recently Bill has been the Chaplain/Pastor for CRISTA Senior Living since February 2015. Bill’s purpose in life is to equip people to be successful Spiritually, Personally and Professionally. Bill’s favorite hobbies are anything Disney, puzzles, thinking about exercising, getting better at helping people be their best, traveling, spending time with family and friends and just having fun! Bill also loves the Bible, anything written by John Maxwell, tacos, Italian food and vanilla chai tea latte.

Joel VanMersbergen

Joel is a hometown boy born and raised right here in Lynden, Washington. He graduated from Lynden High School and later Trinity Western University. In 2004, Joel married the woman of his dreams, Amy and they made a few replicas of themselves: Kaleb, Jessa, and Madelyn. They are 4 of the 5 loves of his life. The fifth love is of course the guitar. Joel has been playing the guitar in bands and at churches since he was a squeaky little 13 year old. Unfortunately his guitar playing was a bit squeaky at first, but some lessons fixed that. At NCCTK Joel oversees the music, video production, and printing and production departments. Joel loves laughing, giggling, snickering, being with his family, being with people, playing music, leading people in worship, and eating, and running (mostly because he likes eating). Most times you see Joel he will either be holding a guitar or a coffee. If it’s a good day it’s either a Telecaster or a Starbucks Pike Place Roast with cream. Joel also accepts gifts.

Matt Bateman

Matt graduated from Lynden High School in 1999 which is where he met his wife, Brea, on the first day of their sophomore year. They were married in 2001 and together have four talented, energetic, and awesome kids. In 2014 Matt began volunteering in Edge after being called into ministry. He has joined the NCCTK staff in his current role as Edge Director, which fits him perfectly as he gets to fulfill his calling in ministry, and act like a giant kid with 4th and 5th graders, all at the same time!

Ramona Stumpf

Ramona grew up in Washington State, graduated Washington State University, and worked as a journalist and Clerk of the Whatcom County Council before giving it all up for mommy-hood in the late 90s. Until moving to Lynden and NCCTK in 2009, she was very involved in her small, rural church, where she volunteered in and led several ministries. Ramona and her husband Paul have four terrific children. Two still live full-time at home, and she homeschools the youngest. She is a Precept Bible study leader but also loves acting, reading, writing, music, kids, animals, science fiction and any combination of these things.

Megan Taylor

Megan moved to Lynden 12 years ago from Seattle to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law and their growing family. Megan’s main reason to move to Lynden, though, was because she heard Christians lived there and wanted to become one. Even though she grew up in a Christian home, the passing of her mother at a young age led her off course until the age of 24 when she knew she ‘couldn’t do it by herself anymore.’ The Lord has taken care of her ever since. Just a couple months ago He dropped this perfect job in her lap! Megan is now using her gifts of hospitality, creative organization and ‘labeling stuff’ for the glory of God. You will usually find her speed walking around the facilities sporting cute hats, purple lipstick and a tool belt! So if you see her say ‘Hi!’ She gives free hugs:)

Aimee Cantrelle

Aimee lives in Lynden with her husband Chris. She stays busy cheering on her 3 daughters in their various activities. She also enjoys serving as a worship leader once a month alongside her husband. She carries sriracha packets in her purse because let’s be honest, it makes EVERYTHING taste better! She also loves running once the temperature rises above 55 degrees, otherwise, she sticks to her trusty treadmill.

Tiffany Smith

Tiffany graduated from Meridian High School and later from Whitworth University. She married her high school sweetheart, Devin, in 2010 and four beautiful, funny, amazing children followed. Tiffany volunteered in women’s ministry for several years before becoming the Women’s Ministry Assistant. The best part of her job is sharing Jesus and His word with others. She loves reading, board games, and coffee is a staple in her life.

Michelle Flint

Michelle is the Women’s Ministry Director of NCCTK during the day and a storytelling, adventure taking grandma of 4 beautiful kiddos the rest of the time. Together with Michael, her husband and greatest love, Michelle makes her home in Whatcom County where she is a life-long resident. She spends time working with and doing life with her daughter Tiffany and Son in law Devin (and those beautiful grandbabies), she plays cribbage with her mom almost every day, and is blessed to regularly have tea with the wonderful friends the Lord has brought into her life. Before joining the NCCTK staff Michelle wore many hats including job coach, buyer for an electronics company and business owner. While each job was a blessing in itself, Women’s Ministry is her favorite because she gets to share the gospel every day. What could be more life giving than that?

Bethany Adams

Bethany was born in California, but grew up mostly in Western Washington. After graduating high school, she studied worship and marriage and family ministry at Columbia Bible College and then attended Trinity Western University. In 2003, Bethany graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and spent several years teaching English as a second language to adults and children in the U.S. and Canada. In 2006, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul, and they have been blessed with three children, Josiah, Jamison and Kaylin. 

Bethany and Paul feel privileged and blessed to serve together in leadership of Thrive Marriage Ministry, which offers ongoing community, and marriage and parenting classes throughout the year. They seek to equip and strengthen marriages to realize their full potential and the blessings that come from following God’s heart and design for families. Bethany is also a certified Connected Families Parent Coach and is passionate about working with parents and helping them grow thriving families that can receive and pass on God’s grace and truth. In addition to this, she serves on the Life Ministry team at NCCTK behind the scenes with data management and other administrative tasks.  

Vanessa Pedersen

Vanessa is a dual Canadian/American citizen and moved to the US in 2011. She and her husband moved to Lynden in 2013 after they started attending NCCTK. Together, they are raising a family and have three sweet kids. Vanessa started working at NCCTK in January 2017, and she thinks it’s the best job, besides being a mom and wife. She enjoys shopping for clothes for her kids and growing flowers in her garden at home – dahlias and roses are some of her favorites!

Emily Wood

Emily was born and raised in Snohomish County. Growing up the daughter of a Youth Pastor and participating in Kings Kids (a ministry out of YWAM), Emily has been involved in discipleship, ministry, and missions her entire life. She met her husband, Jeremy, while studying communications and pastoral theology at Trinity Western University. She lived in Canada for nearly a decade, attending and working at Trinity Western. Emily and Jeremy moved to Lynden in 2015 and promptly fell in love with the people and church life at NCCTK. Emily and Jeremy have two boys: Walter (named after Mr. Disney himself) and Gilbert. She is passionate about getting people plugged in at church, community life, and making sure that everyone is taken care of. In her spare time, you will find Emily singing and dancing with her kids, watching Disney Movies, planning her next opportunity to travel, or spending quality time with friends and family.

Summer Maas

Summer loves being a wife to Calvin and mom to two growing boys here in Lynden, Washington. She has a hunger for the Word which has led her to volunteer in many ministries over the past decade including worship team and hanging with the 4th/5th grade kiddos in Edge. She’s passionate about helping women find body and food freedom so they can live their healthiest, happiest, and most free lives in Christ. As a Revelation Wellness Instructor, she uses fitness as a tool to spread the Gospel to help the body of Christ internalize Truth and walk in the fullness of their giftings — that’s why you’ll find her teaching classes here at NCCTK.

Sandra Smith

Sandra was born in Salvador, Brazil and grew up in Iran, Holland, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, and Ecuador. She graduated with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from the University of Denver. She married her high school sweetheart, Matthew, in 1996. They spent time in New York, Georgia, and Texas, while he was in the Army, and finally became stationed in Tacoma, Washington. They moved to Lynden in 2000 when they began working with an orphan ministry, reaching children in Romania, India, and Nepal. Together they have two wonderful children, Nicole and Elliot. She started working at NCCTK in September 2017 and feels blessed to be part of such an amazing team. In her free time she love to be with her family, explore new places, take walks, or have coffee with a friend. She also speaks fluently in Dutch and is proficient in Spanish from her time in Paraguay and Ecuador.

Mike Mors

Mike grew up in the Chicago suburbs. He graduated from Notre Dame College Prep in 1973. Has been married to his sweet wife Annie since 1997. A fun fact about Mike is he had two grandfathers come to America on the Mayflower! Mike Loves genealogy, history, and hanging out with Kevin, his cat.

Jessi Telgenhoff

Jessi was born and raised in Whatcom County. After graduating from Lynden High School in 2006, she attended YWAM Germany, where she grew deeper in her faith and understanding of the Lord. She went on to Thailand where she worked alongside a ministry that helped empower women to get off the streets and find their identity in Christ. After returning to Whatcom County, Jessi attended Northwest Hair Academy, and she uses her training and talents to help empower and love her clients. In 2013, Jessi married the love of her life Craig and was also blessed to become a mom to their precious Faith and in 2015 they welcomed their son, Daniel. Jessi loves spending time with her wonderful little family and enjoying the beautiful northwest and all it has to offer.

Laurel VanderYacht

Laurel grew up in Lynden, WA and graduated from Lynden High School in 2018. She is currently attending Western Washington University for a degree in Early Childhood Education and qualifications in Spanish and Education & Social Justice. Laurel has worked with kids all her life, starting with babysitting and volunteering at NCCTK in the preschool rooms. She started working at NCCTK in 2017 and has gotten to work with all different age groups. Now, you can find her teaching in our preschool rooms! Laurel loves showing the littles how precious they are and how much Jesus loves them. She also loves spending time with her family, reading, crocheting, and everything to do with coffee!

Emily Colacillo

Emily grew up in Lynden and became a Christian after attending middle school youth group here at NCCTK. She served in middle school and high school ministry for 6 years until she moved to Argentina as a full time missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) where she met and married her best friend Cristian in 2013. In January 2017 they moved to Lynden. Together they have two daughters, Sofía and Constanza.
Emily loves loving people and wants to help them realize their full potential in Christ. She also loves all things soccer, pineapples, hippopotamuses and dinosaurs.

Dawn Buttrey

Long ago and far away in the land of Ohio, a precocious child was born (shortly after dinosaurs became extinct) and grew up in a loving household but not one who followed Jesus – at all. Upon graduating from high school at the ripe old age of 17, Dawn drove her 72 Vega out West to California where she took on many different jobs and heard about Jesus from a workmate and chose to follow Him. Shortly thereafter, she met the man of her dreams (literally) and promptly got married in 1986 to her husband, Randy. Upon the birth of their first child, Samantha, this new family followed their dream to live in the beautiful PNW and moved to Whatcom County in 1991. A few years later, their son, Dakota was born and then a few more years later, their daughter Shania was born. At last their family was complete and after many nomadic adventures in California and Idaho, returned to their beloved Whatcom County where they settled down at NCCTK and finally found their “framily”. Dawn began working at NCCTK in 2008 and has had various jobs, but in 2012, she found her passion – teaching kids about the unfailing love of Jesus and the greatness of God. Dawn LOVES kids and truly enjoys hearing their precious stories and doing her best to make sure they know they were created on purpose by a loving and all powerful God who has great plans for their futures – futures filled with hope.

Shania Buttrey

On a warm spring morning in 1998, the most wonderful surprise came to a loving family of 4: Randy, Dawn, Samantha and Dakota…Shania Raye Buttrey was born. And ever since then, this thoughtful, detailed, super shy and artistic child was raised in a truly one of a kind family where siblings never argued and always got along and outdid each other in kind deeds……NOT! Unlike most families, where siblings have time apart, her mother chose to home-school them all from K-12th – much to the chagrin of the Buttrey children : ) After years of being home-schooled and hearing, “Fair is a place where they show pigs and horses”, Shania chose to begin volunteering in Children’s Ministry at NCCTK at the then Everson campus along with her siblings and parents. At the age of 14, Shania’s mom lassoed her into helping out in KidsPlace and began running sound and being a small group leader. A year or so later, Shania became an official NCCTK staff member where her duties and responsibilities quickly increased – mainly taking care of her mother and her technological shortcomings and making sure she’s on top of things ; ) Shania has found her passion – helping kids know their Creator and Savior and loving kids who are having a hard time and feeling insecure. Shania loves being the KidsPlace Assistant because she gets to create and research, but mostly because she gets to work with her mom – who wrote this because Shania hates talking about herself ; )

Shawna Sletvik

Shawna was born and raised in Deming, WA. She attended college at Whatcom Community College and studied Business Administration. She married her husband in 2007 and they have two sons and a daughter together. In 2008 she started volunteering with the toddler’s at NCCTK and absolutely loved it! In September of 2012, Shawna started her career at NCCTK. God has given her a passion for working with young children and she feels blessed to be working with God’s youngest children. She loves spending time with family, scrapbooking, doing crafts with her children and reading! If the sun is shining, you will see her outside playing with her children.

Bree Maberry

Bree was born and raised in Whatcom County. After graduating from Meridian High School, she went to play volleyball at Central Washington University. She graduated with an Elementary Education Degree with a minor in business. Bree married her love, Jon, in November 2009 and they have beautiful daughters, Haedyn & Riley and their son, Blake. Bree coached volleyball and track at Meridian for 3 years. God has blessed Bree with a heart passion to love people especially kids! That is why she loves serving on the Children’s Ministry team here at NCCTK. Bree’s happy places on earth are on the back of a horse, on the volleyball court and in Gimmewald, Switzerland which looks like a fairytale.

Elisa Cuellar

Elisa Cuellar grew up all over the United States but came to Lynden in high school. She married her husband Randy in 2004 and started working at NCCTK in 2007. She has 3 beautiful daughters, Crystal, Bailey & Alexa. God has blessed Elisa with a detailed and organized creative mind, a heart and a passion for serving kids and families through Children’s Ministry, and connecting with young women to help them discover their identity in Christ. You will always see Elisa wearing fabulous shoes; but as much as she loves shopping, she loves reading a good book with some hot tea and a cozy blanket! If Elisa could be any animal, she would be a bear so that she could eat as much as she wanted in the warm sunny weather and then sleep for six months in a cozy cave.

Suzzi Snydar

Suzzi was raised primarily on the Olympic Peninsula and traveled a lot as a child in the great Northwest because her father was a musician. Suzzi has been employed at NCCTK since 2007. She enjoys getting families plugged in and making sure they know all that is available to them at NCCTK. Suzzi is Check-in Coordinator and nearly every Sunday you will find her meeting and greeting new families in the KidsPlace Commons. Suzzi is passionate about safe environments for children and has furthered her training to be a Stewards of Children Facilitator. She is a DO-ER of many things for the KidsPlace team and you will frequently see Suzzi doing ministry shopping, cooking for the team and volunteers for all our events. She LOVES to feed her people and keep them energized to serve the LORD. She has 11 pet companions on her families farm, 10 of which that have been adopted or rescued. That’s right! 4 dogs and 6 indoor/outdoor cats. She has a Border Collie cattle dog in training for work on the farm. Who’s training who is the question! She’s a bit of an animal whisperer.

Madison Joss

Madison is new to the Lynden community. Raised in Arizona, she came to Lynden for the first time to work in the berries the summer after high school. She went on to attend University, first at Arizona State and then transferred to Trinity Western. She is “taking a break” from school and moved to Lynden full-time in the Spring of 2020. Madison loves coffee and hanging out with kids almost as much as she loves her dog, Angus. She will never turn down a good conversation or a simple hug. Madison came on staff to help Anchor with her crazy math skills and intense organization at the start of 2021 and loves it!

Beau Lindsey

Beau was born in Texas but grew up here in Whatcom County. He graduated from Lynden Academy in 2014 and is currently enrolled at Redemption Seminary. He married the love of his life, Kiana, and has 3 cute kiddos! Beau is truly a “Jack of all trades” with all of the hobbies he has! He loves music, crocheting, soap making, Bagpipping, lock picking, chess, and Stunt kiting! If you ever see Beau around, ask him about his time having a kangaroo as a pet!

Makenzie Neufeld

Makenzie grew up in Snohomish WA and later moved to Whatcom County! She was a rockstar volunteer turned even more amazing staff! She has a heart for young people and helping them feel loved and accepted. Makenzie got married on New Year’s Eve 2015 and celebrated into the new year! She loves cold leftovers, cooking, and interior design.

Shaun Holtorf

Shaun was born in Colorado and moved to Whatcom County when he was 11. He was raised by his father Brad, who taught him everything he knows about mechanics and small engine repair. Shaun grew up racing dirt bikes and micro sprints and enjoys the sport of dirt track racing.

Shaun graduated from Sehome High School in 2001 and started working right after. He had the privilege of working for Walton Beverage for 8 years and in 2009 was able to join his father in starting their own eCommerce store HotRodMiniBike.com (yes this is a plug). They share a passion for fixing or modifying small engines, fabrication and inventing.

In June of 2012, Shaun married his dream girl, Kara, who is by far way out of his league. They moved to Lynden in 2016 where they fell in love with the community and NCCTK. They currently have one fur baby named Harley Holtorf.

Shaun rededicated his life to Christ just before meeting his wife in 2010. He’s been on a journey of transformation and growth over the past several years, and has come out with a strong desire to learn more about God’s will for his life and His Word. Shaun is excited to join the facility team and feels blessed to be able to use his passion and fabrication skills to serve at NCCTK.

Erin Bode

Erin grew up in a Christian home where she accepted Christ at a young age. She is the youngest of 6 children. Born in Spokane, she moved to Bellingham at age 3 and Lynden at age 12, where she has been ever since. She graduated from Lynden High school in 2001. She met her husband Todd the same year on a houseboats trip with their youth group. It was love at first sight! They have been together 20 years and have 5 beautiful children, Ethan, Autumn, Jonah, Oliver and Cora. Erin went on her first mission trip last year with the Anchor team and hopes to do many more in the future along with her children. She has always had a strong desire to be used in any way God can use her and hopes she can be a good example to others, especially her children during whatever season of life. Besides making things clean and tidy at the church Erin loves to travel, garden, listen to country music and attends as many concerts as possible.

Melissa VanCleve

Melissa has lived in Lynden her whole life and graduated from Lynden Christian HS. As a kid, she was a daddy’s girl and loved following him around the fire station. As a teenager, she loved kids and did a lot of babysitting. After her dad passed away she followed both of those passions by working at a preschool and joining the Lynden Fire Dept. While volunteering on the FD she met her husband, Roy. They now have 4 kids, Carson, Gracelyn, Tayla and Paige, and 2 dogs. In her “spare” time, when she’s not running her kids around in every direction, Melissa loves to play piano, color and play games. She still loves serving the community by volunteering for the county fire department.

Becky Gerlach

Becky grew up right here in Lynden, Washington. She graduated from Lynden Christian in 1999 and went on to Discipleship Training School with YWAM. She has been playing in church since she was 12, and came on staff here at NCCTK in 2010 after volunteering for 4 years on the worship team. Singing loud and playing the piano, along with her sincere desire to please God, has made her position at NCCTK a perfect fit. She loves to write music and released her first album with Joel Van Mersbergen in 2013 called “Catalyst”. In 2018 Becky & Joel released their second album “Listen”. Becky is married to her favorite person, Matthew, and they have 3 beautiful children. Becky also plays for the school choir, and runs many, many miles.

Julie Lukens

Julie was born and raised in Lynden. She grew up on a dairy farm, chasing cows and riding horses. She started working at NCCTK in 2009 after several years of volunteering. She married her husband, David in 2011 and they live in Lynden. Julie thrives on details, organizing and delegating as she serves and supports the ministry directors at NCCTK. Julie enjoys interior painting, reading and spending time with awesome friends. She doesn’t drink coffee very often but when she does she enjoys a vanilla chai latte.

Lisa DenBleyker

Once upon a time, there was a chick named Lisa. Her parents were tired of the hustle & bustle of the city & decided to open a Dairy Queen up in a small town where the grass was green, the cows were numerous & all was well in the land. So, in the summer of ’84, they packed their bags & moved up north to Lynden. Lisa went to Lynden High School & then graduated from WWU with a Visual Communications Degree. After a few frogs, she found her prince charming & married Tim Den Bleyker in 1996. Shortly after, lo & behold, children started to appear: Bo, Bailee & twin boys, Eli & Zach. Lisa has always loved art & graphic design & thoroughly enjoys what she does with the creative gifts God has blessed her with. After years of working at various places as a designer, she has found her “glass slipper” in a perfect fit here at Christ the King as their Lead Graphic Designer. And her happy ending? To be able to eat ice cream, Skittles & pizza without getting fat, to learn to not sweat the small stuff, & MOST importantly, for her kids to love & trust the Lord & be confident in Him, & for the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. Amen.

Delci George

Delci is the resident queen of social media. She is passionate about using social media to share the love of Jesus before people even step foot inside the church building!

Delci married the love of her life, Steven in 2019 and has been living her best life ever since! She enjoys creating things for her small business and hanging out with Steven in her spare time!

Steven George

Steven grew up in Lynden and Graduated high school in 2016. He did not miss a beat and jumped right into making videos for Jesus! In 2019 he married the most beautiful and funniest woman, Delci! He loves drumming, biking, photography, videography, and admiring his lovely wife. If you ever hear a fun, loud, and contagious laugh, you should know that Steven is probably close by

Jeremy Wood

Jeremy lived most of his life in King County. He grew up with a lot of Christian influence and musical training from his parents, extended family, friends and the Church as well as various other professionals. When he was 18, he moved up to Canada for the next 8 years to attend Trinity Western University to broaden his worship and arts skills and then to seek out adventure. Jeremy met his wife, Emily, in Canada while in University and together they traversed the rest of the country. They moved back to Washington and came to Lynden in 2015 where they were received with open arms and open hearts at NCCTK. Jeremy and Emily have had various adventures throughout the years, primarily involving anything Disney or Disneyland related (they both REALLY LOVE Disney), but the greatest adventure came when they became parents. They have two boys, Walter and Gilbert who are the joys of their lives. Jeremy loves worship and how it connects him and others with God. His passion for God is most evident when he worships and he loves to share that passion with everyone he meets.

Zach DenBleyker

Zach DenBleyker was born and raised in Lynden, WA in 2002 alongside his twin brother, Eli. Zach also has two older siblings, Bo and Bailee, and his parents, Tim and Lisa. He started out as a volunteer for tech on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights running slides and mixing live stream video all the way back in the younger days of 2016. Zach started working part-time at the church during late summer of 2020.

Jason Nelson

Jason grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in LA County and later moved to Mount Vernon, WA. He married the most amazing woman EVER in 2006 and became a dad 2 years later. He is an Eagle Scout, drummer, guitar player, and business owner who enjoys making his daughters cringe. Something you might not know about Jason is he used to run the network for some of the largest gaming events in the country!

Aidan Johnson

Aidan was raised in Whatcom County and graduated high school in 2021. After lots of hours volunteering with the tech team, we thought, “we need more of this guy!” And now he is an important part of all things tech here at North County! Aidan enjoys playing guitar and eating lemons and limes as if they were oranges! 

Parker Vanderyacht

Parker grew up in Lynden. Graduated 2021. He is a vital part of our sound and tech team! Something unique about Parker that you may not know… is he has poor eyesight and requires eyewear. When you see him feel free to give him a BIG HUG!

Denice Clarks

Denice grew up in Lynden and lives here with her son, Kordel (20) who attends WCC. Denice directs our Human Resource and Administrative Departments. She also enjoys leading our two singles groups. The first is S.A.L.S.A -Salt and Light Single Adults, which is for those who are 45 and older. And SOLO – Singles Offering Life to Others, for those 30 to 45.

Pam Lynch

Nadine Nutting

Sara Nelson

Sara was raised a military brat who lived early childhood years in the deep South. In high school her family moved to Mount Vernon, WA where she met her future husband, Jason. They now have two girls, Sadie and Zoey and have lived in Lynden since 2018.

Sara is passionate about building significant relationships. After becoming a mom at the age of 22 Sara had many years where she felt isolated and disconnected. Having walked through seasons without genuine friendships she feels passionate about building an environment of Small Groups where everyone is loved, seen and valued.

Fun facts about Sara: She once played an Argentinian Housemaid in a murder mystery play. While Sara has been commissioned to create multiple wedding cakes she no longer bakes because sweet carbs are her kryptonite. Sara taught herself to play piano. And last but not least, when she has to do a dreaded household task, Sara will blast Audio Adrenaline.

Nicole Smith

Nicole grew up in Lynden, Washington, but has a missions heart and a heart for overseas! She is graduating from Whatcom Community College and Lynden High School in June of 2022. A random fact about her is that she has four cats! And loves playing keys on the worship team at NCCTK! 

David Vis

David recently joined the staff at NCCTK after more than 20 years working as a small business and consumer bankruptcy lawyer, which he continues on a part-time basis from his new home office. He and his wife, Kathy moved to Lynden in 1990. They have five children and one grandson. David enjoys boating, skiing, hiking, crabbing and summer camping in eastern Washington.
He met Jesus personally at a Bible camp at age 12 and has attended NCCTK for more than 13 years. David has been active in men’s ministry and men’s groups and also previously served six years on the church council. He always has a stash of chocolate in his office and can often be seen passing it around to his fellow staff.

Larry Phlaum

Larry is a newcomer to North West Washington leaving his home in Southern California to work at NCCTK. He has spent most of his life trying to figure out how things work, from taking apart clocks in his grandfather’s garage to repairing machinery across California and Nevada.
His journey into computers started in high school running keypunch machines and making program flow charts (showing his age). Larry’s heart is in missions and has been on several missions trips to Europe and Asia and has led a trip to Israel where his heart is. Larry lives in Lynden with his wife Debbie and son Jonathan.

Kathy Vis

Delayne VanderHaak

After years in lay counseling and prayer ministry, Delayne discovered her passion while gaining valuable experience on the ‘front lines’ at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. Besides studying various experts in the field of death, dying and grief, her training also includes classes through Hospice House and training with Dr. Wolfelt (Center for Loss and Life Transition). Delayne coordinates NCCTK’s memorial services, meets one-on-one with people who find themselves on the grief journey, teaches classes on supporting the bereaved, facilitates small groups, and coordinates classes regarding end-of-life topics.

Delayne and Dean (aka The Farmer) were married in 1984. They’ve raised 3 amazing children, have a wonderful daughter-in-law and love their recent role as grandparents of two. A few of her favorite things are her friends, her pets, books by C.S. Lewis and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, coffee, pastries, ‘junk’ shopping, painting, jazz and ‘70s music.

Jackie Vanderpol

Jackie was born and raised in a small town in the middle of the mitten (aka: Michigan) and moved to Grand Rapids, MI after high school where she earned her BS degree and elementary certification at Grand Valley State University. In 2008, she relocated to Lynden with her husband, Erik, who is an LC grad. After six years of having the blessed opportunity to stay at home with her two children, she began teaching preschool at Tiny Treasures in 2015. She loves the team she works with and teaching this age group because they are so much fun. She also loves the opportunity she has to teach the children about God’s love for each and everyone of them. Jackie enjoys running and watching the University of Michigan Wolverines football-GO BLUE!

Ashley Solum

Ashley was born in Wisconsin and raised in the Idaho panhandle. Ashley married Scott in 2004. She earned her teaching degree from Boise State University in 2006. They moved to Washington in 2007, and up to Lynden in 2009. They have two daughters; Aurora born in 2009 and Lilyana born in 2011. When not teaching or doing “mom jobs” Ashley can be found reading a book, enjoying the fresh air on a walk or bike ride, camping, and always having music playing!

Trina Baron

Trina is one of the lead teachers at Tiny Treasures Preschool. She loves being able to help shape the children’s hearts and minds as they prepare for their school years ahead, and she treasures the moments she gets to spend with the children. Trina is thankful that God called her to this amazing profession and feels blessed each day she is in the classroom.

Being born and raised in Lynden, WA, Trina is a true Pacific Northwest girl at heart. She drinks her coffee black and has no problem with the rain. In her spare time, you will find Trina’s face in a good book, spending time with her family, walking her teddy bear of a dog, or running outdoors. She is the wife to an amazing husband, who is also her biggest encourager. And she considers her best job being ‘mom’ to her two crazy and adventurous boys.

Shanachie Chambers

Shanachie grew up in Northern California but settled in Lynden after graduating from University. Shanachie is married, and they have one son and one dog. Shanachie worked for Costco for 17 years before God’s timing allowed for her passion and giftings to be aligned to become a preschool teacher at Tiny Treasures in 2017. Shanachie feels like she is her most true self when she is sharing God’s love and encouraging awe and wonder in all the incredible things He created with the children she has been blessed to get to know. Shanachie loves the hugs and giggles that abound with this age group. When Shanachie is not at Tiny Treasures you may find her at her son’s school volunteering, spending time with family and friends, going on adventures with her son, walking her dog, listening and singing praise music, swimming, reading or crafting. Shanachie also loves a good caramel macchiato or chai tea latte.

Shanachie has a Bible College Certificate from Covenant Bible College in Alberta, Canada as well as a B.A. in General Studies with a concentration in Social Studies consisting of Sociology, History and Geography, a Minor in Elementary Education and a Minor in Elementary Human Kinetics from Trinity Western University in B.C, Canada.

Laura Greenfield

Laura Greenfield is a teacher in NCCTK’s Tiny Treasures Preschool. You can find her teaching four and five-year-olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning classes. After graduating from Eastern Washington University and then later moving Idaho, she returned to Whatcom County in 2009 to raise her two daughters with her husband, Seth. Laura loves coffee and kids! She especially enjoys being part of an amazing preschool where she gets to prepare students for their elementary years while sharing god’s love. During her summer breaks from teaching, you can find her in the garden or camping with her family.

Amber Brown

Amber was born and raised in Whatcom county. In 2008, she married her husband Mike and they have two boys, Corbin and Kasen. Amber loves a good book and working in her garden. Amber is an assistant preschool teacher at the Friday morning preschool class.

Marika Hill

Amanda Brown

Amanda was born and raised in Whatcom County. She graduated from Meridian High School in 2005 and got married in 2006 to her childhood sweetheart, Brent. They have 4 kids, Chayse, Cayden, Cale, and Chloe. Amanda and her family have been members of NCCTK since 2018. She started working in Tiny Treasures as a preschool teacher’s assistant in August 2020. The Lord has blessed Amanda with a passion for serving kids and families through the Children’s Ministry. Spring through fall you will find her camping in the mountains and enjoying hiking, fishing and hunting with friends and family. She also enjoys coaching her kid’s sports teams and volunteering at her kid’s schools.

Lesley Olson

Jaclyn DeBoer