School Leadership & Staff
Mr. Schenk
Principal
My name is Rick Schenk, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at Heritage Christian School. I’ve spent 33 years in education, including 25 years as a principal, and every one of those years has strengthened my love for children and my passion for helping them grow in both knowledge and faith.
I love the Lord and His Word, and that love shapes the way I lead, teach, and encourage others. I also enjoy coaching and playing sports, which has taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and character—qualities I strive to nurture in our school community and embody as a leader.
I’m excited to help schools thrive and feel called to ensure that the gift of Christian education is always left stronger and healthier than how I found it. It is my mission and joy to serve, support, and build up the next generation through Christ-centered learning.
Rachel Lancashire, B.Sc. (Hons.), B.Ed.
Kindergarten and Art Teacher
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My interest in the natural world eventually led me to the Fish and Wildlife Technology program at Fleming College. After graduation, I worked in the fields of wildlife research and horticulture.
During that time, I discovered how much I loved teaching through volunteer roles in children’s ministries such as Sunday School, VBS, and GEMS Girls’ Clubs. This led me back to school, where I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and my Bachelor of Education at Trent University.
I am deeply thankful for the way that God guided me to Heritage Christian School and for the opportunity to continue serving here. It is truly a privilege and a joy to teach in an environment where God is at the centre of everything we do.
Kathy Le Gresley, B.A.Sc., B.Ed.
Kindergarten Teacher
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I enjoyed teaching a variety of primary/junior grades in the years that followed but settled into JK/SK in 1999 where I have stayed ever since. While I had given up on my dream of teaching the wee ones, God had placed that longing within my heart for a purpose and brought it to fruition in His good timing; I have been greatly blessed.
These days, I only teach two days a week, but I love those days with our kindies as together we grow into the people God wants us to be. It is exciting to see the way God leads us through every stage of our lives!
Lynn Yan, B.A., B.Ed.
Grades 1 &2
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Growing up in a Christian family in China, where education was highly valued by my parents, I received a Montessori education from an early age. Throughout my elementary and secondary school years, I built a strong foundation across a wide range of subjects, with a particular interest in science and exploring the world around me. With a desire to study abroad, I pursued my first degree in Macao, where I studied linguistics, literature, and communication. These experiences broadened my worldview and deepened my understanding of people and culture. They also inspired me to continue learning and ultimately to invest in the lives of future generations. Driven by a passion for cross-curricular teaching, I later came to Canada to pursue teacher education and graduated from Brock University.
Having the opportunity to study and teach within different educational systems has greatly shaped who I am as an educator. Through observation and reflection, I have developed my own educational philosophy while seeking to draw upon the strengths of each system. Throughout this journey, my Christian faith has remained a constant and unshakable foundation in my life. I am excited to learn, grow, and explore the world alongside my students, especially in this beautiful community and within such a warm and caring school environment. I firmly believe that every child is an image-bearer of God, uniquely created with value, purpose, and potential. Guided by the truth that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” I hope to be a vessel through whom God’s love and teaching can be shared with children.
My prayer is that every child who enters my classroom will discover their God-given worth and purpose and grow to become the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
Nathan Gilbert, BBioSc, GradDipEd
Grades 3 & 4
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I grew up in Frankston, Australia, where I developed a love for nature that led me to a Bachelor of Biological Science at Latrobe University. There, I got to deepen my appreciation for plants and animals, but more importantly, it was where my faith flourished as I learned to share the Gospel on campus. Today, I bring that same passion to Heritage, where I aim to equip students to share their faith while exploring the world God has created.
Before coming to Heritage, I taught students with Autism in Australia and worked as an EA at Immanuel Christian School in Oshawa after moving here with my Canadian wife, Sarah. We are now firmly planted in Canada with our daughters, Ruth and Edith. My love for living things continues at home with a menagerie of pets that includes our dog Ralph, three cats, and a rabbit named Bugs. I have always enjoyed sports, and while I don’t always find the time to play, I have recently enjoyed taking up lawn bowling.
Adriana Koornneef, BA, BEd, MEd
Grades 5 & 6
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My name is Adriana Koornneef, and I am a Grade 5/6 teacher at Heritage
Christian School. I’ve been part of the Heritage community as a teacher since
2017, although I also grew up as a Heritage student, graduating in 2007. I have
served in a variety of teaching roles but most consistently as the Grade 5/6
homeroom teacher. Teaching is truly my passion, and I love building meaningful
relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where
they feel supported, challenged, and known.
I am continually inspired by the process of learning, both for my students and for
myself. Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to grow professionally,
including completing Responsive Classroom training, training in Christian conflict resolution, and earning my Masters of Education in School Leadership from
Dordt University.
Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors in every season and enjoying
life with my husband and our two young boys. I feel incredibly grateful to be
part of such a warm and supportive community at Heritage, where faith,
learning, and relationships are truly at the center of all we do.
Ruth Morden, B.Mus. (Hons.), B.Ed
Grade 7 & 8
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Growing up in Lindsay, I attended HCS as a student and even had the privilege of graduating with my dad as my Grade 8 teacher. Those years had a profound impact on me, and it was clear from a young age that I wanted to become a teacher myself. In high school, I discovered a deep love for music that inspired me to pursue music education.
After completing my music degree at Western University, I headed north to Nipissing University for my Bachelor of Education, and then even farther north to begin my career teaching high school music in Kirkland Lake.
A few years later, I returned to the Lindsay area and taught music in both local high schools and the middle school. In 2020, I was thrilled to join the team at HCS as the Grade 7/8 teacher. Being back where my own love of learning first began has been incredibly meaningful, and I’m excited for the adventures and growth still to come.
Sarah Kydd, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed.
French and Student Support
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I am a lifelong learner, mother of three wonderful daughters, and member of the Anglican Church of Canada. I came to Heritage in 2016, where I started out in a part-time French LTO. I have since served in a variety of positions, and am currently the French and Student Support teacher.
My roles allow me to work collaboratively with both staff and students, which I love. I am passionate about building a Growth Mindset through the Learning Continuum at Heritage and I have a special interest in supporting literacy through research-backed methods. I help students to see themselves as fearfully and wonderfully made image bearers of Christ. My goal is to help our students become strong, passionate, and curious learners who advocate for themselves and their fellow humans and who will continue to build the Kingdom of God beyond these walls.
When I am not working, I spend time with my family, enjoy nature and various hobbies, and of course, continue along on my learning and faith journey.
Judy Stuckey
Educational Assistant
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I love working with my students! Their energy, curiosity, and idiosyncrasies keep me continually challenged and fascinated. I was a stay-at-home mom until we moved to Lindsay from Orillia.
Once settled I pursued my Early Childhood Education and Educational Assistance Diplomas. Most people would not know that I also completed Equestrian Studies at Humber while still in my hometown of Niagara Falls. I have been married to Richard for many, many years, and we have two grown sons.
I enjoy kayaking/canoeing, camping, hiking, swimming, painting, and pyrography. I started at Heritage as an ECE at Tot Spot Daycare and now have been working as an EA for the past four years. I am so blessed to be part of the Heritage family, and I wake up each morning with joy and excitement to celebrate God’s word with our incredible students and staff.
Lisa Schaafsma
Educational Assistant
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I was born and raised in Kawartha Lakes in a loving Christian family, which laid the foundation for my faith and passion for serving others. I attended Emmanuel Bible College, where I earned a Bachelor of Religious Education in Counselling Studies. After completing my studies, I worked as a mental health worker in Hamilton, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals and families.
I later felt called to return home to Kawartha Lakes, where I began working as an Educational Assistant with the public school board. I am deeply passionate about Christian education, and when the opportunity to join Heritage became available, I truly felt God’s nudge to apply. I am grateful to be part of the Heritage community and to serve alongside like-minded educators.
I am passionate about supporting children not only in their academic growth but also in their mental health and overall well-being. Building strong, caring relationships with students is at the heart of my work.
Outside of school, I am a busy mom to three wonderful children. I enjoy spending time outdoors and love riding my horse, Petey, whenever I get the chance.
Laurie Jolicoeur
Advancement Director
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Hi there! I grew up in beautiful Portland, Oregon, and later moved to Texas to pursue a leadership internship with Teen Mania Ministries. That experience sparked a journey that’s taken me through a variety of executive, administrative, and marketing roles.
In 2014, I had the privilege of helping my husband launch his marketing business, combining my love for strategy, organization, and creative communication. My background is rooted in marketing and social media, and more recently, I’ve been excited to grow in the meaningful work of Donor Development during my time at Heritage.
Above all, I’m a wife and mom to three wonderful children. As a family, we love serving our community through the arts and music — finding joy in using our gifts to encourage and connect with others.
Jonathan Watts
Administrative Assistant
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I was born and raised in the Kawartha Lakes and am a proud Heritage alum. It’s a real joy to be part of the school community, serving as the administrative assistant in the office for 10 years. I love finding ways to use technology to help things run smoothly and to support the growth of God’s kingdom. I’m always looking for opportunities to learn something new or make a process a little more efficient.
Outside of work, I’m blessed to be married to my incredibly talented wife and to be the proud dad of three amazing kids. Spending time with my family is one of my greatest joys. When I have a bit of downtime, you’ll likely find me cheering on or playing soccer, hockey, baseball, or basketball. I’m a big sports fan and love the excitement of the game!
Arlea Parrish, CMA (CPA), CFP
Bookkeeper
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Received my CMA(CPA) and CFP designations and had the benefit of working for Deloitte Touche, Manulife, Estee Lauder, London Life, and Johnson & Johnson Medical Products.
I joined Heritage Christian School in 2015 as the bookkeeper. I have been blessed to work alongside so many amazing fellow Christians.
I love spending time at the lake with family & friends, swimming, hiking, and paddleboarding. What has amazed me the most is witnessing God’s unfailing love & protection of the Heritage Community and the miracles that have unfolded year after year.