2026-2027 Staff & Faculty
Preschool Staff
Rachel Dakins
Preschool
Teacher
Mrs Dakins. is the youngest of 6 kids and graduated from UNI in 2012 with a nonprofit administration degree. She has a daughter Bella (6) and a son Alex (8) and her husband Shane works for the street department in Winterset where they currently live. This will be her 4th year teaching. She went to a Christian school all her life and feels it is so important to raise this next generation up in knowledge and love for the Lord. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family. They love to be outside hiking, fishing, biking, camping, and exploring. She loves to read and brings a book with me her everywhere she goes. She feels honored to be able to teach phonics and writing and share the love of reading to her students at SRC.
KeriAnn McCain
Preschool
Associate
I am thrilled to be returning to Strong Roots this year and I am looking forward to growing with your children! Before Strong Roots I spent 7 years in the Pella Community School District where I lead a preschool classroom and assisted in high school SPED. My favorite things about teaching is seeing each and every child grow in their own individual ways. My family and I just moved to Indianola in the last year. I have twin boys who are almost 3. We love to be outside, adventure, sports, swimming, and being with each other. We are always on the go! My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 60:22, When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen. I love this verse because it humbly reminds us of Gods sovereignty, and faithfulness while encouraging us to be content when trusting and waiting.
Angie Flinn
Preschool
Associate
My family and I live in Indianola and I have spent the last 24 years running my own in-home daycare! We are members of Thrive Church where I have served as a volunteer for youth group on Wednesday nights and have went on several mission trips with the youth!
My husband Cory and I have 5 children and enjoy traveling, camping and living in the country! I especially enjoy my animals, growing my hobby farm and gardening!
I am very excited to build new relationships with coworkers and getting to know the kids at SRCS!
My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11! A constant reminder that God is always in control!
Primary Campus Teachers
Mrs. Kaldenberg
Mrs. Kaldenberg has served the Lord through Christian education for over twenty years teaching a variety of grade levels, including pre-K and 2nd through 8th grade in multi-grade combinations. She loves teaching children the truth of God's Word and then seeing students apply it to different areas of their lives, no matter what age they are! Mrs. Kaldenberg and her husband reside south of Indianola in Medora and have one grown daughter. When she is not teaching, she loves to spend time with family and friends. Her favorite part of life is to study the Bible where she gets to be the student and continue to grow and be rooted in God’s Word. Her desire is for her students to have "strong roots" in God’s word and its principles.
Mrs. Veach
Kindergarten
Mrs. Veach just completed her 28th year of teaching, all in Kindergarten or 1st Grade. She earned her teaching degree at Faith Baptist Bible College and feels it has been the greatest blessing to be able to serve her students and families through Christian education. She resides on the south side of Des Moines with her husband, John, and their daughter, Zoe, where they attend Ankeny Baptist Church. Mrs. Veach enjoys her two rescue kittens (Thor & Loki), reading, thrift shopping, and organizing. She also loves spending time with her husband, grilling, watching Chiefs football, and playing board games. They would love to open up a board game cafe/coffee shop someday in the unspecified future. She is excited about the opportunity to teach at Strong Roots Christian School and looks forward to teaching Kinders not only the basics of reading, writing, and math, but also teaching them about Jesus and how the Bible is essential to everything else we learn in life.
Mrs. Sereg
2nd Grade
My name is Pam Sereg and I am very excited to be here! I have taught in the Public School sector for over 20 years. I have taught both elementary and middle school students. I love working with students of all ages! My great passion is watching kids grow as learners. I love all subject areas while integrating Christ, the arts, and hands-on learning opportunities.
I will be celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary this year. My husband David is a mechanic. We have 4 adult children and 9 grandkids. Our oldest son lives in Des Moines. My son Steven (wife Erin) have twins (Stevie & Johnathan). They are very committed to Strong Roots. My daughter Stephanie (husband Andrew) lives in Ireland. She has 4 kids (Lydia, Kezziah, Malachi, and Teddy). Kezzy and Mally are twins. My daughter Anna (husband Brandon) teaches middle school. They have 3 kids under the age of 4 (Colt, Darrell, and Ellis). I love spending time with my family! Faith is very important to all of us.The Bible verse I love is from Psalm 56:3 which reads, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." (King James Version). I am looking forward to a great year!
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Mr. Flickinger
My name is Luke Flickinger and this is my third year teaching at Strong Roots, and the first at the Primary Campus. I attended Clark’s Summit University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Bible and Theology. Outside of schooling I have gained experience teaching Sunday School classes, creating children’s classes at church, doing a mission in Zambia, Africa at an orphanage, and spending extended time in São Paulo, Brazil on missions trips. When at home I enjoy reading, playing the piano or guitar, cooking/baking, or watching a good movie! An interesting and maybe weird fact about me is that I enjoy watching K-Dramas which are Korean Dramas. I am married to my beautiful wife Jeannie.
I enjoy being a teacher because it gives me the opportunity to build strong relationships with the students and hopefully have great impact on them and their development in this world. I look most forward to continuing to bring the Word of God into these children's lives and giving them a biblical perspective to look at the world! My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:34 as it always roots me in the truth of God’s peace and steadfastness! I don’t need to worry about anything because God goes before and carries me through!
Mr. Mleko
3rd Grade
Zach grew up Catholic in heavily wooded upper Michigan, where he met his wife Jamie at Northern Michigan University. He came to saving faith in Christ there in 1998, and joined the Air Force after 2 years of school. During those 20 years in the military, the service moved them around 6 times stateside, and they had 7 kids in the process (Hannah/Josiah/Gabriel/Abigail/Naomi/Lydia and Hadassah, ranging from 26 to 10). He also spent time in tropical Iraq and Afghanistan.
Zach obtained his undergrad from Moody Bible, and his grad degree from Liberty University. He has taught at numerous Christian schools and in various posts (5th grade/Principal/secondary Bible/substitute). He enjoys watching the Packers, and reading/teaching Biblical archaeology presentations across Iowa in his off time. A Scripture close to his heart is Isaiah 53:5: 'But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.'
Mrs. Pedersen
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4th Grade
Hello, I am Amber Pedersen. That's pronounced (ˈpÄ“-tÉ™r-sÉ™n) but spelled with a “d” and all e's. I grew up in a rural farming community in Colorado. I went on to study education here in Iowa. After graduating I stayed in the area and have been teaching in central Iowa. This will start my 25th year of teaching in various Christian schools. I love teaching history and worshiping each morning with my class.
I have a 6th grade son and a 2nd grade daughter. We live in Indianola.
This year I look forward to teaching Iowa History.
Psalm 72:18 "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things".
Second Campus Teachers
Mrs. Graff
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History & ASL Teacher
This will be my 28th year of teaching! I have had the privilege of teaching in public school, private school, and Christian school settings over that time. I have taught in both Deaf Education and also Elementary Education settings. I have also worked for a Christian company as a dyslexia interventionist for 2nd grade-12th grade students. All of these experiences have given me a lot of tools in my tool box to help students learn.
One of the things I love about teaching in a Christian school is that not only do I get to teach my students important skills like Reading and Math but I also get to teach my students about things that matter for all of eternity and to point them to Jesus.
My husband Jim and I have been married for 28 years. We have 3 children. Our oldest child works in intelligence for the military and lives in Texas. Our second oldest child is studying at Moody Aviation to become a missionary pilot and lives in Spokane WA and our youngest child will be a freshman in High School at Strong Roots this year. We also have 2 beautiful grandsons. My family and I have been blessed to go on many missions trips together over the years to both International and Domestic locations. We always love to see how God is at work in different parts of the world and in other cultures
Ms. Fonseca
My name is Kiera Fonseca, and I am so excited to begin teaching math. I began substitute teaching in September of 2025, and loved getting to know many of the amazing kids at Strong Roots Christian School!
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, creating art, and spending time with my family and my cat, Mario. I also have a long-term goal of illustrating my own children’s book. I have enjoyed creating artworks for the kids to enjoy in class.
I graduated from Iowa State in May of 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in B.A. Psychology and a minor in Human Development & Family Studies. I have always loved working with kids and have a passion for helping them grow and succeed. I believe in positive teaching, encouraging students to try their best, and helping them develop perseverance, confidence, and strong connections with others.
My goal is to support your children’s growth in both faith and education
throughout the year.
I look forward to working closely with you and your children this year.
Mrs. Pentico
5-12th Science Teacher
Hi, my name is Rochelle Pentico I will be your student’s science teacher this year. I am looking forward to meeting and working with
your student. I am a mother of three grown children and grandmother of two that
enjoys teaching, reading, cooking and hockey. I teach the nursery –pre-k students at our church along with teaching cubbies in our
Awana program and love getting to build relationships with the kids as we learn about God's word through our lessons, song, and play.
I love when new information that students are learning and interacting with makes connections with them. I have been teaching 4th grade, ELL and intervention in the public schools for the
past 14 years. I am excited to start this new adventure with your student.
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Secondary Math Teacher
Mr. Grant
5-12th Bible Teacher, 10-12th Econ, & Math Teacher
BIO COMING SOON
Ms. Sexton
5-12th ELA Teacher
BIO COMING SOON
Mrs. Dakins
2-Day Prep & 3-Day Kinderprep Associate
Specials Teachers
Mrs. Williams
Mr. Foust
Mrs. Saal
Mrs. Bass
Art Teacher
Mrs. Williams always enjoyed playing school as a child with an old piece of wood as a chalkboard to instruct her imagined students. Fast forward through many years, and she attended Iowa State to pursue her desire to study interior design. However, the Lord had a more perfect way for her and had been preparing her with events in her life. She soon understood that although she loved art, her future lay in teaching, loving, and telling little ones of Christ's amazing love. After being a substitute teacher for a few years, her teaching path began with teaching at a church preschool. Her teaching days continued with teaching 1st and 2nd grade at a Christian school, doing what He wanted her to do, teaching, loving and telling little ones about Him and His perfect love. Now at this chapter in her life and becoming "Oma," or as her grandson calls hers "Owi," her path has changed again as she now wants to be a teacher for her grandsons and be an example of Christ's love to them. She loves teaching just a couple days a week so she can be Oma. Through the years after she stopped teaching full-time, events led her to begin teaching art .. and she loves it! Her other favorite activities are reading, animals, and her family .. but, her grandsons are hands-down her unsurpassed, quintessential, paramount favorite! She looks forward to serving Strong Roots Christian as an art teacher.
Senior Youth Pastor
With over 20 years of youth ministry experience at Thrive Church, Mr. Foust has a deep passion for working with students—helping them grow in their faith, discover their purpose, and find ways to serve others. He graduated from Indianola High School, Vennard College, and earned his master’s degree from Trinity.
Beyond ministry, He stays actively involved in the community as the race director for the Hillbilly Hike, president of the Indianola Baseball Club, and camp director at Camp Tri-State. His heart is to walk alongside students, encouraging and equipping them—not to replace the role of the church or family, but to support and strengthen it.
In working with Strong Roots students, his goals are to build meaningful relationships, support families and staff, and provide a faith-based approach to helping students resolve conflicts and navigate struggles. Additionally, he aims to meet weekly with each middle school and high school class in groups or smaller settings for 25-30 minutes, creating space for deeper discussions, encouragement, and growth.
K-12th Music Teacher
My name is Sonjia Bass. This is my first year teaching music as I have provided home day care in my home for the past 24 years! I am very excited to see what God has planned for me! I have been married to Troy for 35 years and have 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 due in December. We are blessed that they all live here and we get to see them often. We also have a dog Kaia and see is adorable! I have always had a passion for music, starting piano lessons at age 5. I have been on the worship team at church for over 20 years now and enjoy sharing my gift that way. I am looking forward to working with the kids at Strong Roots and teaching them about praising God through music. My motto: When things get rough - Sing!!
P.E., Health, & CPR Teacher
Mrs. Saal is from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in Kinesiology. She earned her Masters in Sports Management from Northern Illinois University. Her first job was as an assistant volleyball coach and assistant strength coach at Simpson College in 2007. She met her husband, Preston Saal, at this time. She has coached collegiate volleyball and strength and conditioning for the past 15 years, the majority of it at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Ms. Becca and her family recently moved back to Indianola from Wisconsin. Her three daughters, Ruby, Ezra, and Willa, will be attending Strong Roots. Ms. Becca enjoys sports and exercising, being outdoors and spending time wiht her family. Ms. Becca is most excited to help teach hands-on activities at Strong Roots and show the students how we can use our God given talents and abilities to serve him.
Support Staff
Heather Duckworth
Librarian, Custodian,
Kindergarten & 1st Associate
Mrs. Duckworth grew up in the Indianola area, but has also lived in Arizona and Texas. Shelives south of town with her four kids and has horses, cattle, and goats. Mrs. Duckworth loves to train and ride horses and has had experience in teaching equine assisted therapy for children with disabilities. She loves animals and enjoyed working as a vet tech for many years. Recently she has been the janitor at the school and has subbed as an associate when needed. She stays busy taking kids to softball, t-ball, 4-H, and the pool during the summer. She previously homeschooled her children and transitioned to Strong Roots in 2023. She is looking forward to helping the students grow and learn all about Jesus!
Briana Fonseca
Primary Campus Associate
BIO COMING SOON
JoAnn Sayre
Primary Campus Associate
Mrs. Sayre was born and raised on the east coast. She taught elementary school in New Jersey for years. She also taught High School Theology and worked as a counselor. Her religious background has given her the great opportunity to do mission work in foreign countries. Her greatest love is to help children know and love Jesus. I am very excited to join the Strong Roots Team, I can't wait to see how God works in the lives of these little ones! Favorite Bible verse, (Psalm 23) The Lord is my Shepherd
Jayce Hall
Primary Campus Associate
BIO COMING SOON
Kendall Gilbert
Primary Campus Associate
Miss Kendall was born in Davenport, Iowa, and has proudly called Indianola home for the past eight years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, reading, and cheering-one of her lifelong passions.
She graduated from Indianola High School in the spring of 2024 and began her college journey at the University of Northern Iowa. However, missing her hometown and church community, she made the decision to transfer to Simpson College here in Indianola, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Her long-term goal is to become an elementary school principal and a cheer coach, combining her love for education and mentorship. Miss Kendall is thrilled to begin her journey in the field of education as an associate and is incredibly grateful that God has led her to Strong Roots Christian School! She looks forward to supporting teachers and students however she can and is excited to see how the Lord will continue to work in and through the SRCS community!
Lauren Wilke
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Primary Campus Associate
BIO COMING SOON
Mrs. Fox
Secondary Education Cordinator
Mrs. Fox was born and raised in Iowa, growing up in Bettendorf. She graduated Kaplan University with an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting. She has devoted much of her time raising her five children, alongside her husband. Once all of her children were school age, she began as an associate for Strong Roots during the 2024-2025 school year. She enjoyed seeing the children's smiling faces, watching them learn, and grow.
Outside of school she spends time attending all of her children's activities from sports, choir, and show choir. She also enjoys reading, bible studies, gardening, coloring/drawing, serving in kid zone and a variety of other capacities at her church, and serving her community.
Mrs. Fox has many favorite Bible verses, but her favorite in this season is "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do." ~ Psalms 73: 26 & 28
Mrs. West
FCS Lead, Second Campus
Angela grew up in Eastern Iowa where she received her formal training in cosmetology and interior design. Soon after marrying her husband, they started moving around the country to states that bordered the Great Lakes region. Her and her husband have four children ranging from 29 to 13 years of age and their first grandbaby. All four of them have been blessed to be enrolled in Christian schools at some point in their educational experience. While living in Michigan, Angela found her calling of serving others and brightening other's day. She has always been actively involved in schools, from PTA to "lunch lady", board member. When she isn't volunteering, you will find her creating her many craft ideas, learning about how God has blessed our bodies with natural ways of healing, and working in the garden. She enjoys seeing God's beauty in nature. Her two annual vacations are to the Great Lakes to hike and view waterfalls and to see God's beauty here on earth.
Ms. Caskey
French Teacher
Mary, an Indianola local, returned in 2022 to her hometown after six years serving in France with Greater Europe Mission. Her greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with her two kids and creating- whether it is art, music, baking bread, making delicious food, or gardening. Outside of her time at Strong Roots, she also works as a Certified Story Work Coach helping adults find healing and connection with God, others, and themselves. Mary regularly serves at Indianola Community Church on the worship team with drums, guitar, and singing. She loves a good laugh and enjoys her conversations with the students.
Administration & Office
Mrs. Erin Shearer
Acting Head of School
Erin Shearer serves as the Head of School at Strong Roots Christian School. With over twenty years of experience in education and leadership, complemented by international experience and executive training in corporate environments, Erin brings a depth of expertise and an unwavering passion for Christ-centered learning. She is dedicated to creating an environment where children thrive academically and spiritually and believes in building strong partnerships with families to nurture faith, service, and lifelong learning.
Outside of school, Erin treasures time with her family and friends, whether it’s sharing meals, traveling, or simply being together. Her life and leadership are strengthened by Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Mr. Derek Dusenbery
Principal
Derek Dusenbery joins Strong Roots Christian School as Assistant Administrator, bringing a diverse background in education, military service, and environmental work. A former high school science teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, Derek is working towards a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Dordt University. He is passionate about Christ-centered education and equipping students through both academic and spiritual growth. Derek and his wife, Hannah—also a teacher—live in Indianola with their two children, Bella and Sutton. He enjoys outdoor activities and is especially inspired by the way biblical truths intersect with science.
Mrs. Woolverton
Director of Operations
Mrs. Woolverton grew up just south of Indianola and moved to Texas after getting married. While in Texas, she worked at Wells Fargo for over ten years as a supervisor and quality assurance liaison. In 2012, she and her family moved back to Iowa. She served as the Administrative Assistant at Redeemer Church in Winterset.
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Her two kids have been homeschooled and have also attended private Christian schools, giving them a mix of both learning environments. Her family lives in the country near New Virginia, where they enjoy the peace and space of rural life. Kristin especially loves spending time outdoors—gardening, growing flowers and veggies, and taking care of her flock of chickens.
She also loves to cook and bake, and has been decorating cakes professionally for over 20 years. Whether she’s in the kitchen or out in the garden, she finds joy in the simple things. Kristin always looks forward to meeting students and watching them grow in their faith throughout the school year.
2-Day Prep & 3-Day Kinderprep Teacher
Mrs. Wilke grew up in Pleasantville, Iowa and has worked in childcare for over 15 years. She is active in the nursery ministry at her home church in Pleasantville, where she was raised. She has a heart for children and loves watching them grow and learn. It’s a great passion for her!
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Mrs. Wilke enjoys a good cup of coffee, hanging out with friends and spending quality time with her husband and two kids. She is excited that God led her to Strong Roots Christian and can’t wait to see how He will continue to work!