Our Leadership

Daryl Vriesenga, Principal

Education (College(s) names, and degrees:

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education: Calvin College
Masters of Education: Michigan State University

Previous Education experience and number of years in the field:

39 Years working in the Education Field
25 Years with Grand Rapids Christian schools as both a teacher and building Principal

What do you like most about working here?

I enjoy the wonderful staff, students and families that we have here at Vanguard. Our school is full of energy and we focus on the growth of each child.

Other work experience:

Over the past 25 years I have published more than 20 enrichment activity books for Instructional Fair Inc.

Personal Information:

My wife Jan and I have 3 grown, married children and 9 grandchildren. As a family we enjoy outdoor activities- swimming, boating, biking, skiing, and camping. One of my favorite hobbies is fly fishing.

Mark DeJong, Assistant Principal

Education:

I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University in MN. I have a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Bethel University in MN. I am currently working towards my administrative credentials at Grand Valley State University.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

This is my 12th year in the field of education. I have had the privilege to work at wonderful schools in MN, the Dominican Republic and now here in MI. I have taught for a total of 5 years in a special education setting and in 5th grade and this is my 7th year serving as a school administrator at three different schools.

What do you like most about working here?

The thing that I like most about working at Vanguard is our school community. It is a joy to come to school every morning knowing that I will get to work with great teachers, parents and students! Vanguard parents, students and teachers rock!

Personal Information:

I have a wife Kate and 3 children, Noah, Sam and Isla. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family. I also enjoy the great outdoors and my favorite vacation is to go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota.