Meet Our Caring, Dedicated Staff
SPCA Founders:
Pastors Matthew & Deborah Mallek
From the very beginning, Pastor Matt carried a strong vision to establish a Christian school where God’s Word is the foundation of every subject taught. When Refuge (formerly Good News Fellowship Church) was founded, the dream of creating a place where students could freely express their faith, ask questions, and grow spiritually was always part of the plan. That dream became reality with the opening of Stevens Point Christian Academy in 1985, and Pastor Matt remains deeply invested in that mission today. He loves teaching Bible classes and helping students experience the truth of God’s Word in a way that’s real and relevant to their lives.
Pastors Matt and Deb are married and have four children, all of whom—along with one of their daughter-in-laws—are proud SPCA graduates. They also have eight (and counting!) wonderful grandchildren.
Pastor Deb is the founding Director of Canaland Early Learning and played a key role in establishing SPCA. With a heart for both excellence and encouragement, she brings strong administrative leadership and a deep passion for seeing students grow in confidence, character, and Christ. Her heartbeat for SPCA is to create an environment where students are supported by faith-filled teachers and positive peer relationships, becoming all that God has called them to be.
Administrative Staff
CO-Director of Development:
Rena Brown
Rena Brown serves as the Executive Director of Development at Stevens Point Christian Academy and on the Executive Team at Refuge Church. She brings more than 18 years of experience in ministry, education, leadership development, and spiritual formation. Mrs. Brown is passionate about helping students, staff, and families grow in faith in Jesus, and to love learning. In her role, she leads staff development and formation, chapel services, and discipleship processes while helping strengthen the school’s mission and culture. Before joining SPCA, Mrs. Brown led the Worship department at Hillsong College USA in Southern California. She previously served for 12 years as a pastor and ministry leader at Hillsong Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Brown has also taught Worship Arts at Grand Canyon University and contributed to the development of its curriculum. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Brown loves encouraging others to grow spiritually and become confident Jesus-followers. She is grateful to serve the SPCA community, partnering with its staff and families in training the next generation.
Principal:
Heidi Uitenbroek
Mrs. Uitenbroek holds a Master’s in Education from Oral Roberts University and a Bachelor’s in Business Communications from UW–River Falls, with a focus on Communication Disabilities/Differences. She has been part of SPCA since 2006. Mrs. U loves spending time outdoors with her husband and four kids—kayaking, biking, gardening, and caring for their chickens and two dogs, Basil and Tilly.
CO-DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT:
Jesse Brown
With more than 20 years of experience in creative ministry and leadership, Jesse and his wife Rena guide the school’s mission, growth, and long-term strategy. Jesse has served in both higher education and K–12 settings, most recently at Hillsong College In Orange County, CA, where he led student teams and supported staff through operations and mentorship. Prior to that, he spent a decade as administrator of Experience Arts School in Phoenix, AZ. Overseeing staff, systems, and programs while cultivating a thriving, community-centered para-church ministry. Earlier in his career, he served in public education supporting teachers and students in the English department of a large public high school in Tempe, AZ. With a deep love for Christian education and community building, Jesse is passionate about creating healthy, faith-filled environments where students, families, and staff can flourish.
Counselor/Behavior Specialist:
David Guerrero
Mr. David Guerrero graduated from Liberty University 2005 with a MAR Religion/Theology. In 2009 Mr. Guerrero went on to become a professional life coach. In 2015 He received a Master of Divinity from The School of Hospice Chaplaincy in Chicago Illinois. From 2015-2022 he completed a Doctorate degree in holistic health and health and wellness coaching from IIOM as well as a professional certification as a Brain Health Coach from the Amen Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. He has enjoyed being a pastor, Christian counselor, life coach and health and wellness coach for over 15 years.
Administrative Assistant:
Tia Drifka
Mrs. Drifka is often the first friendly face you’ll see when you walk through our front doors! As part of our administrative team, she helps with so many important behind-the-scenes details that keep our school running smoothly. Mrs. Drifka graduated from Ultimate Medical Academy–Clearwater in 2015 with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Coding and Billing. She brings a wealth of administrative experience and is a valuable part of our school team.
Teaching Staff
kindergarten:
Kaely Vásquez
Mrs. Vásquez graduated from UW–Eau Claire with a B.A. in Psychology. She is married and enjoys spending time outdoors and with family. She and her husband have a one-year-old son who keeps them on their toes!
1st & 2nd grades:
Alysha Duzell
Mrs. Duzell graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Early Childhood Special Education. She has been in dance for seven years and taught dance for three years. Mrs. Duzell has taught Early Childhood for 13 years. Mrs. Duzell loves dance, swimming, and tennis.
3rd & 4th grades & art teacher:
Sarena Vandermuss
This is Miss Sarena’s third year teaching at SPCA, and we are so blessed to have her on our team! A graduate of UWSP with a degree in Fine Arts, she brings creativity and joy into every class she teaches. She is skilled in pottery and gifted in many art forms, and also teaches summer art classes in Door County. Her heart for students and passion for art make her a true blessing to our school.
5th & 6th grades:
Pam Harkabus
Bio coming soon.
7th & 8th grades:
Alice Herrick
Mrs. Herrick graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with a B.S. in education and earned her master’s in theology from Mon Valley Bible Institute. Mrs. Herrick has four children, a dog, a cat and five birds. She teaches 5-9th grade math, and 7-8th grade Bible, science, and health, and the consumer science/fiber arts elective.
9-12 Homeroom Teacher, K-12 Special Education teacher:
Beth Swenson
Mrs. Swenson graduated from UW—Stevens Point with a B.S. in Biology. Before coming to SPCA in 2012, she served in the Peace Corps and in the AmeriCorps. When not teaching, Mrs. Swenson enjoys being outside and spending time with her four amazing children.
high school teacher:
Matthew Duzell
This is Mr. Matthew Duzell’s second year teaching at SPCA. He is an educational assistant along with teaching History and Science. Ask Mr. Duzell anything you want to know about the over 50 varieties of mosquitos in WI and he’ll have an answer for you, because it was one of his UWSP college projects!
K-12 Special Education Teacher:
Marie Whitemarsh
Mrs. Whitemarsh graduated from UW-Madison with a B.A. in Social Work. She is also certified in Orton-Gillingham Phonics. Before coming to SPCA, Mrs. Whitemarsh worked as a special education assistant. She has six children, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Whitemarsh enjoys painting and spending time outside.
substitute Teacher:
Richard Dow
Mr. Dow earned his Wildlife Management/Biology degree from the UW-Stevens Point in 1980. He served in the Peace Corps in Swaziland (Eswatini) Southern Africa from 1980-1983. In 1985 he finished his Secondary Education degree (Natural Science and Biology) from UWSP. He completed a minor in chemistry at UW-Parkside in 1986. He earned his Master's of Education degree from National Louis University in 2004. He taught science at Verona Area High School for over 30 years. Mr. Dow enjoys spending time outside and adventures with his grandchildren. His hobbies include fishing, hiking and gardening.
behavioral specialist:
Miranda Winter
Mrs. Winter is our Behavioral Specialist and a graduate of UWSP with a degree in Social Work and Sociology. She also serves on staff at Refuge as Volunteer Coordinator and has led in many areas, including youth ministry and Camp Summer Fun. Miranda is full of joy, always willing to listen, and loves spending time with her husband and children.
Other staff:
executive pastor:
Tim Kleiner
Free & Reduced lunch program coordinator:
Jennifer Kleiner
food service director:
Juliana Carbo
facilities director
Rick Jones
Food Service Assistant:
Chris Wahl