Staff

Mrs. Elbin started teaching at Genesis Prep in 2014.  With the growth at Genesis, she stepped into the role of Elementary Principal in 2022 and oversees our elementary by supporting the teachers as they serve their students and families.  Mrs. Elbin has taught in several schools, both public and private and brings valuable experience to this new position. She and her husband have two boys and live in Post Falls. She enjoys reading, gardening, walking, hiking, and having coffee with friends.
 

Mrs. Whaley was born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She graduated from Lake City High School in 2009 and attended North Idaho College, Whitworth University, and Grand Canyon University. She played basketball and softball in high school, and continued her softball career throughout college. After working in the physical therapy field for 5 years, she decided to go into education and pursue teaching and coaching. Mrs. Whaley is in her second year at Genesis Prep academy and is teaching HS Science, Math, and coaching HS Girls Basketball. 

She has been married to her husband, Chris, for 8 years and together they have 2 beautiful children who also attend Genesis Prep. Outside of school, she loves to be at the lake, spend time with her family and enjoy sports and diy crafts. 
 

God called me to Genesis Prep in 2013. I have been married for 25 years and have one child who attends Genesis Prep and one who graduated in 2022. I love Genesis Prep, the families, the students and the people I work with! I attend Real Life Ministries where I volunteer my time in the cafe. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing and coaching volleyball, camping and crocheting.  
 

Mr. Onderdonk was born at Nellis air force base May 2nd, 1974.  He moved to Portland, OR when I was about two. (which he doesn’t remember that).  He discovered the Lord when he was 9, by an elderly neighbor who bought him his first bible for my birthday.  He graduated from Parkrose High School in 1992.  He moved to North Idaho September 11th 2019.  He is a cancer survivor from 2019.  Praise the Lord!   He came home and to Real Life Ministries in 2020.  He’s been at Genesis Prep since October 2021 and works in our tech department.  If students need help with your iPad, Mr. Onderdonk will be happy to help!

My name is Angie Hill and I was born and raised here in this very popular place Coeur d' Alene, Idaho!  Many of you know me already since my kids have been attending Genesis Prep for 10 years, and I previously coached the high school volleyball team here for 6 years.  I now am assistant coaching the middle school girls volleyball and have so much satisfaction in helping girls fall in love with this sport!  My husband Jesse works at Real Life Ministries Post Falls as one of the New Groups Pastors, so we have been involved and around GPA for so many years.  I have 3 beautiful daughters Shayla, Riley and Finley all attending GPA. We enjoy camping up the CDA river or finding a new campground in the northwest to try!  A fun fact about me is I enjoy woodworking projects and using big manly tools!  All the tools in my house mostly belong to me and all the cookbooks and cooking stuff belong to my husband who loves to cook!   Before starting here I worked in the medical field for over 17 yrs in administration. It has been such a blessing to be here side by side with staff who have a biblical worldview and understand the struggles we face in this life.  I'm so incredibly thankful to be here as the Student Accounts Coordinator/Registrar and seeing my kids everyday is the highlight of my day!

Mrs. Thurston has been working at Genesis Prep for 4 years, and coaching HS volleyball here for 5 years. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska (GO BIG RED), she moved to St Maries, Idaho at age 12. Growing up in St Maries, really grew her love of the outdoors. After graduating from SMHS and then went on to play collegiate volleyball and softball while getting her AA, then transferring to the University of Idaho and graduating in 2013 with a double bachelors in Psychology and Organizational Science. She currently resides in Post Falls with her husband, Nathan, and two boys who also attend Genesis. Her favorite part of working here is coaching volleyball and the relationships she gets to have with the students and coworkers! 
In her spare time she likes to play volleyball, serve at church coaching youth sports, watching various sports, snowboarding, hunting, cooking, and gardening.

Head Volley Ball Coach: 
Coach Thurston believes an athlete′s character is more important than their talent.  Her goal is to create not just good volleyball players, but good people. Using volleyball as a tool to develop leadership skills, self-accountability, self-discipline, and a good work ethic. Hard work and a positive attitude will get you far in both sports and life! She is a Level 3 nationally certified coach, and has been coaching HS volleyball at Genesis Prep for 5 years. 

Coach Thurston is a graduate University of Idaho with a double bachelors in Psychology and Organizational Science. Before transferring to University of Idaho, she attended Big Bend Community college where she earned an AA in arts and science. While at Big Bend, Coach Thurston played collegiate volleyball and softball.
 

I am a mom of 4 and wife of 25 years to my husband, Dylan Martin. Our family has been at Genesis for 12 years. I started working here when my youngest started Kindergarten at Genesis in 2016. All 4 of my children have been at Genesis since they began school. I have worked in many jobs here at Genesis, from recess aide and lunch lady, to my current position as Office Manager. I feel blessed to be able to work where my children attend school. I love working at Genesis because of the wonderful staff and students here. It is like a family. I enjoy spending time with my family boating, hunting, hiking and camping. I also like playing in a recreational volleyball league. 
 

Mrs. Nead was born and raised here in beautiful North Idaho. She graduated from Post Falls High School in 2005. In 2011 she married her husband who is also a North Idaho native. Their two daughters attend Genesis Prep. 

I'm originally from Oregon, and moved to Post Falls in 2004 to be closer to my parents. I have been teaching at Genesis Prep since 2011.
 

My name is Nicky Ubert and I am in my second year, as the Director, at Genesis Prep Academy Preschool. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and over 20 years experience working with children and families through center care, licensed family childcare and as a children's ministry director.  I love being in an environment where I get to support  whole child development grounded in biblical truth.  I have been married to my husband, Andy, for 24 years and we have 4 children~ Jack (20), Nate (18), Bentley (15), & Amari (14). We are originally from Minnesota and moved to Post Falls in 2021. I have also lived 4 years in both Florida and Arizona in our early years of marriage.  I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, cooking, family movie nights and adventures with my family. 
 

Hello! I am Mrs. Baker! I love the Lord and discipling the next generation! After graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2008, I have worked in public and private schools teaching both elementary and preschool students. I feel so blessed to now be a part of Genesis Prep Academy here in North Idaho. God led my husband and I to Coeur d'Alene about 3 years ago from Boise, Idaho. We enrolled our kiddos into GPA immediately and after a few years of staying home with our littlest one, I joined them at school becoming a part of the elementary staff in 2021. I teach 3rd grade in the afternoons part time and am Mrs. Schroeder's counterpart in the classroom. My primary focuses of instruction are science and history. It is such a joy to explore God's amazing design for creation with my students in these subjects using a Biblical lense!

My husband and I have been married for 15 years this summer and have 3 kiddos in 6th grade, 4th grade and preschool. We love exploring the outdoors as a family skiing, hiking, boating, biking, fishing and going to the beach! Summer is definitely my favorite season in the Pacific Northwest. When we are not outside, you can find me cooking, baking, crafting, or reading. I love learning and experiencing new things!
 

Hi, my name is Cassie Basler. I am so excited to be a part of the Genesis Prep Preschool team and I’m looking forward to this upcoming year. I have my bachelor’s degree in social work and worked in the field for over ten years. After having children, God led me in a new direction. I was able to stay at home with my children and began volunteering at their preschool, which led me here! I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 11 years and we have a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. We spend our free time enjoying the outdoors. We love backpacking, boating, kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing in the winter. 
 

Hi, my name is Amanda Gintz and I am excited to start my journey as the 4-year-old Preschool Teacher here at Genesis Prep! I graduated from Eastern Washington University with an Elementary Education degree, majoring in Early Childhood Education and minoring in ESL. I have taught at several preschools around the area. I have been married to my husband, Jason, for 16 years and together we have 4 kids. Landon (15) will be a sophomore at Post Falls High School, Lane (10) will be entering 5th grade at Genesis Prep and Layla (6) will be in 1st grade at Genesis Prep this year. We also have a beautiful daughter, Lyla, who resides in Heaven. In my free time, I enjoy reading, line dancing, going on long walks, traveling, hanging out with the family, and drinking coffee! I am so excited to begin teaching at Genesis Prep!
 

My name is Kristen Borne and I love my North Idaho life, where I am surrounded by all of the beautiful mountains and trees. My faith and family time is what’s most important to me. I love spending time outdoors with my husband Morgan, and amazing kids Jason and Brooke. We enjoy hiking, sledding, bike riding, and taking a drive to our favorite spots in Sandpoint and Priest Lake. 

I’ve been at Genesis Prep for just about a year and I get to enjoy being in each of the 3  Preschool classrooms. It is truly a privilege that I get to journey alongside these kids and watch them grow in their first academic years. My hope and prayer is that I have the biggest impact in teaching these littles the love of Jesus and nurturing their relationship with Him.  
 

Hi, my name is Jessie Anderson and I am so excited to continue at Genesis Prep Academy as a preschool teacher’s aide! I have been a part of the Genesis family for the last 6 years, and this will be my 5th year in the classroom. We’ve also attended Real Life for the last 10 years. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your kids and being a part of their preschool journey! My husband Travis, and I have been married for almost 11 years and have been blessed with 3 amazing kids: Elijah, Rylee and Levi. 
 

My name is Rebecca Scribner and my family has been a part of the Genesis family since 2015 and we have called Real Life Ministries our church home since 2006. I have two amazing daughters, one who is now an adult and another who still attends Genesis. I have been on staff since 2016 and have had the privilege of working in a variety of different roles. I have been the P.E. teacher, the lunch room lead, and an instructional aid for kindergarten. I now have the blessing to work as a part of team preschool where I have been an assistant teacher for the last two years. I love what I do and have a passion for helping children learn and love helping to lay a foundation for lifelong learning.

 Leslie Richard has been a preschool teacher here at Genesis Prep since its inception in 2016. Together with her husband Matt they are raising their three children: Gracie, Dane, and Isaac. All their children have done preschool at home with Leslie and they all have attended Genesis Prep since kindergarten. Leslie earned her AS degree in early childhood education from North Idaho College and is currently attending the University of Idaho where she will get a blended degree in early childhood education, elementary education and special education. Leslie has a passion for children and loves to interact and help them develop both educationally and spiritually. The Richard family has called Valley Real Life their church home since 2006 and Leslie and Matt have volunteered as leaders in the youth ministry since 2009. She has lived in Post Falls since 2007 and loves everything about the North Idaho lifestyle. Some hobbies she enjoys with her family are camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and anything outdoors and active.
 

I am a mommy of three, a firefighter’s wife and a kindergarten teacher! As a parent, I have been a part of GPA since 2012 and have worked in some form or fashion at Genesis since 2015! I have my bachelors degree in elementary education from UNLV where I graduated and spent a few years in Nevada teaching 2nd grade. I love the excitement, the hugs and the growth that happen in kindergarten.
 

Hi, I’m Mrs. Haller and I have taught for 20 plus years mainly in first or second grade in both public and faith based schools.  I love teaching and I especially love the challenge of first grade. There is a favorite gift in my office that says CHILDREN ARE MY BUSINESS.  There is not a day that goes by when I wonder if this is what I really feel like doing and what God wants me to do.  I know it is and am so happy to be teaching at Genesis Prep Academy. I love working with parents/staff to build a village to raise up children in the way they should go. A couple fun facts about me: I am a registered forklift driver and I have worked with giraffes in the zoo. 

I live in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho with my husband Dean whom I married in college. We love traveling and anything that is outside. We have a passion for serving others and look for those opportunities wherever we go. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with BA degrees in both Elementary Reading and Special Education and a Minor in Early Childhood Development. In addition, I have  earned a Standard Teaching Certificate from ACSI.  I taught for several years after graduating.  I then committed myself to raising my family and helping my husband in his business ventures. I am so thankful to be back in my happy place, a classroom.
 

I am originally from Hawaii, but spent 19 years living in the Wenatchee Valley and the last 3 years in Post Falls. My husband Kory and I felt God calling us on a new adventure a few years back, and we moved here to the wonderful state of Idaho. We have three wonderful children: Jayce, Mason and Keziah. We also have two dogs, one small chiweenie and one big black lab. As a family, we love exploring new places and going on adventures!

I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Central Washington University, along with a minor and endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. This will be my 7th full year teaching, but my 17th year working in the schools in some facet. In high school I started tutoring, which in turn spurred my passion for teaching children. Additionally, I spent 6+ years learning Spanish and enjoy researching different cultures and languages.
 

I am excited to be teaching 4th grade for the new school year.   My favorite subject to teach is writing.  Having grown up in Juneau, Alaska I love trees, mountains and water. It is my wish for every student to be captured by the wonder of something in their environment. For me, it was the whales, the glacier and the ribbons of auroras that rippled across the sky. I try to become a wonder hunter with each class I teach.
 

Fun Facts about Mrs. Tritto:

• I have 2 “running jaguars” of my own.
• I love the book of Psalms- especially Psalms 1, 23, and 139.
• I love to cook, but I dislike baking.
• If I could live anywhere I would want to live in a lighthouse.
• My favorite children’s book series is The Chronicles of Narnia. I also enjoy a good mystery.
   

I was born and raised in Michigan and attended college at Central Michigan University. Following graduation, I married my husband in 2014 and we moved to Kodiak, Alaska. I taught there for three years before moving to Idaho. I have two children who also attend GPA. I love what God is doing in and through our school. It is a blessing to work here! In my free time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
 

Andrea St. Louis was born and raised in Post Falls.  She attended Post Falls High School and earned her associate's degree from North Idaho College and her bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University in health science and dental hygiene.  She went on to practice dental hygiene for several years and specialized in pediatric dentistry.  She also taught at Eastern Washington University.  Andrea discovered her passion for teaching through her time as a clinical professor at EWU and decided to pursue a master's in education through the University of Idaho.  This is her first year teaching 6th grade at Genesis Prep, and she is so excited to be a part of our amazing school!  In her spare time she likes to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, paddle boarding, camping and skiing with her husband, three daughters and her border collie. She is an active volunteer at Real Life Ministries. She also spends a lot of time at the softball field with one of her daughters that is playing softball for North Idaho College.  Another one of her daughters is attending college for cosmetology at Paul Mitchell.  You may see her youngest daughter on campus, as she is in first grade here at Genesis Prep!
 

My name is Patricia Apparius or Miss Patti, a foodie and country girl at heart! This is my second year as GPA's Lunchroom Lead. I grew up in the Seattle area, moved to Post Falls in 2017 and now live in Coeur d'Alene. I'm married with three kids, two are grown and pursuing careers out of state and one is in 1st grade here at Genesis. I'm a member at Real Life Ministries and serve as a women's small group leader, and as the Beverage Bar Lead for Ladies Night Out. You might also see me serving up gourmet burgers at Red Robin on Saturdays. I enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, gardening and cooking. I love working with students and staff at Genesis because I am free to give and receive encouragement from God's word and offer prayer. It's rewarding to think about the eternal impact I can have on the next generation of Christ followers, and the opportunity to speak into a child's life about their value as God sees them.
 

I have been married 25 years to my husband and together we have four children. One of our 3 sons and our daughter attend school here.
This is my third year working at Genesis Prep as an Instructional Aide and my first year teaching both Music and STEM to Kindergarten.
I love being able to encourage, pray and care for the students and staff I work with each day.

I am excited to see the kids growth both in character and creativity. I enjoy the laughter and sense of community that my fellow coworkers provide on a daily basis. We are God's family here.
I am really looking forward to building relationships with the students, and new adventures in kinderland.

When I'm not at school you will usually find me doing anything creative. I enjoy doing art, crafting, music, reading and spending time with my family. Also I can never turn down an awesome Dad joke or riddle. Just ask the kids.
 

Hi Jag Families! My Name is Melissa Hughes and I am the Lead Aide here at Genesis Prep. This is my fourth year here and I absolutely love all the people I get to work with. I have been a Christ follower for 30 years. I am a mother of 17-year-old twin girls and a 13-year-old son, who are my whole world. I have been married to my husband, Jeremy for 20 years and couldn't imagine a better husband or father.  My hobbies are camping, hiking, swimming, and hanging out with my family. I love all the seasons but fall and winter are my favorites. I love animals and would own a zoo if I could.  I love working with children and feel blessed that God has allowed me to learn and be a part of their lives here at Genesis. My prayer is that your children will find comfort and a strong foundation in Christ this year.
 

My name is Melissa Jones. I'm married with 2 sons. Both my boys attend Genesis. 11th and 7th grade. My family and I enjoy football and baseball. We like watching the Marvel and Star Wars series. My favorite Marvel character is Loki. My least favorite Star Wars movie is #3.

I've been working at Genesis for 3 years. My first year I was an aide, now I teach Elementary PE. I love it! I love working at a place where I can pray with my coworkers and students whenever we want. I love hearing families and coworkers’ stories of how God has blessed them. My day is lit up with excitement from lost teeth, finally learning to tie their shoes, becoming a big brother or big sister, getting a new pet, or the fun they had visiting family over the weekend.

Every year I look forward to the excitement from the kids learning a new skill, ie: throwing a football, dribbling a basketball, catching a baseball, skipping, or holding a plank for a minute. I love seeing kids try and giving their best. I wish they liked high fives as much as I do. It's so uncool to high five a teacher. Hahahaha. I love cheering them on. 
 

My name is Manuel Castaneda . I was born and raised in Chihuahua Mexicowith my seven brothers and four sisters.I lived there for 22 years. I migrated to the United States in 1989. I have a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Spanish Literature. I am married to my beautiful wife Christina Gail Castaneda. We have four kids.Quincey, Zannah, Zackary and Quade. I have been teaching Spanish for 33 years. Presently, I am honored to be teaching World Studies, U.S. History and Spanish I and II.  
 

Mr. Couch was born in the Cincinnati, OH area, and has lived in Ohio, Wyoming, and Montana as a kid, and Washington, Idaho, and Oregon since he graduated from college. He grew up as a pastor’s kid, and also married a pastor’s daughter.

He was a youth pastor, worship pastor, and small groups pastor for 25 years before he took the position as the Bible teacher at Genesis Prep. His hobbies include nearly all things outdoors, including hunting and fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, and three grown children.
 

Hello, I’m Mr. Gee.  I was born and raised in Idaho where I grew up in Rathdrum playing football, wrestling, baseball, and enjoying every moment of living in the beautiful inland northwest.. I started my post-secondary education with the goal of becoming a teacher, but God had different plans for me. I spent the next 10 years working in the mission field, five of those years living in Tecate Mexico. During the latter part of this time I obtained a degree in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute. For the next few years I drove trucks before finally deciding to go back into teaching. I graduated from the University of Idaho in 2021 and started at Genesis January of 2022.

I love anything to do with history, especially museums and historical sites. Living abroad gave me the appreciation of other cultures and I love learning about other people and especially enjoying different kinds of foods. In my free time I love spending time with my family, friends, and enjoying my hobbies of history and ham radio.
 

I have been an educator for 23 years. I attended The Master’s University earning a Liberal Arts Degree. I also earned my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Master's Degree in English at Grand Canyon University. My specialty is Language Arts, but I have taught history, science, math, Bible, and Logic. I enjoy dance, music, and volleyball.