Staff

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I wanted my kids to attend a school that shared the same theology that our family believes. This school was a match and I have stayed since 2014 because I love the people I work with and believe in what we are doing. 

How do you support students and families in your role?: I want to help my staff and our students to live out what we all profess to believe. Saying what you believe is one thing, but living it out in the messiness of conflict and problems is something else. I hope to help others to grow into a deeper faith walk and/or a deeper appreciation for God's word.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school event is worship with the elementary students in chapel. There's something very special about hearing all the sweet young voices praising God. 

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.  
 

Role and Experience: Working at Genesis has blessed me with the opportunity to combine my career of finance with my faith. 

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: With a deep reverence for God and 20 years of financial experience, I hope to instill a legacy of integrity and honor in my role.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: There is no other school like Genesis. Through the ups and downs, it's still standing. I truly believe God is working through this school to build the next generation of faithful disciples. 

Role and Experience: I have worked in the early childhood field in a variety of capacities for over 20 years and love the concept of blending social/emotional/educational development through faith. Our family moved here from Minnesota about 5 years ago and was blessed with the opportunity to join the Genesis team working with an age group I am very passionate about (Preschool). I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and almost nine years of experience working as a children's ministry director. As far as my HR role~ I love organization/systems and having the opportunity to develop relationships with people and support them in their GPA journey. 

Personal Values & Approach: I love being able to partner with families and being a part of their child's story. I enjoy seeing families make supporting connections with their child's teachers as well as the building of community with other families. It brings joy to see the curiosity of littles when it comes to exploring the stories of the bible and making those faith connections. I hope to be a resource and safe place for families/students to seek support in the raising of their littles in both practical and spiritual needs.

What makes this school special in your eyes? I love that the school is passionate about providing a strong Christian Education. The faculty care deeply about the students, families, and each other. As the preschool director, I love our family connection events. The children loving being able to have that special someone join them in experiencing part of the day. We see so many connections/relationships developed through our family connection events. 

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!

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. 
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I dreamed of being with my kids everyday and God opened that door up for me 5 years ago to come on staff here at GPA.  I have thrived here with the amazing coworkers and staff and seeing the students receiving a quality Christ centered education. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: My relationship with Christ is so much stronger because of the influence of these amazing coworkers I get to be with daily!  

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love to see the passion every year to make sure the students are impacted spiritually, relationally, and educationally while keeping a biblical Christ entered school. 

Mrs. Thurston has been working at Genesis Prep for 6 years, and coaching HS volleyball here for 7 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.
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?:  I love the people I work with!

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The thing I enjoy most about working here are the people. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love that I get to see Jesus working in the hearts of the students and staff here everyday. 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: This is my 5th year at Genesis Prep and I think I can definitively say I've worked in every department. I'm excited to start my new role as elementary PE teacher!

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I believe that we are called to be a positive encouragement to those around us (Thessalonians 5:11). This is especially true for raising up the next generation and being a supportive guide throughout their school day. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I believe raising kids rooted in Christ is so important and value that ALL the staff believe in the same mission.

 What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to your teaching?: I bring years of classically trained music experience, as well as a passion for lifting praises to the Lord.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: The thing I enjoy most working at Genesis Prep is sharing my passion for appreciating and making music with students.

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: My favorite school event is the weekly chapel.

What roles and experiences have you been part of?: I came in 2011 as a math teacher. I started the STEM program in 2016.

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I LOVE teaching STEM! I love having hands-on challenging activities with students and watching them think and explore in new, creative ways.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: My goal is to remind students daily that they are loved, important, heard, and needed. All of us teachers are uniquely gifted to reach students as individuals, recognizing that some of us will connect with different types of students. As a staff, we try to make sure everyone has someone that they can connect with. No one should fall through the cracks.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I was drawn to this school because I see it as a place where faith and education come together to shape the next generation of believers. Having not always been a Christian myself, I know firsthand the importance of positive role models and the impact they can make in the lives of young people. My own journey has given me a deep desire to invest in students—not just academically, but in their character and walk with Christ.  I pursued this role because I want to help students see that their faith is not separate from their learning or their future. Being able to teach, coach, and mentor in an environment where Christ is at the center is both a privilege and a calling for me.  I stay connected through continuing education opportunities and by learning from other Christian educators who share this mission. I bring with me not only my background in teaching and coaching but also the perspective of someone who has experienced life both with and without Christ at the center. This gives me a heart to encourage students, challenge them to grow, and model what it looks like to live with integrity and faith in today’s culture.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: What I enjoy most about working here is being able to teach from a biblical worldview without tiptoeing around culture. I support students and families by being approachable, encouraging, and consistent. My hope is to be a positive role model and to shine the light of Jesus each day I’m blessed to be here.

How do you help carry out the school’s mission or values?: I help carry out the school’s mission by striving to be the head, heart, and hands of the church—living as an example of what it means to follow Christ in today’s world. My desire is to impress upon students not only the importance of knowing Christ, but also the need to allow Him to transform the parts of our lives we can’t, or sometimes don’t want to, change on our own.

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. 
 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I decided to join Genesis because my girls go to school here, and I wanted to help provide the same Christian education for others as well.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love being involved in this school community and growing relationships with coworkers and classmates!

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I love that Genesis prioritizes growing each student's walk with the Lord, and providing a great academic foundation.  

 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.
 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: From a young age, I felt God calling me to be a teacher. The teachers who impacted my life planted a desire in me to one day do the same for my own students. That calling has only grown stronger, and in January I will be pursuing my Master’s in Literacy to further equip myself to serve students with excellence.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: My favorite part about teaching is being able to create a second home for my students. A place where they feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. More than anything, I want every child who walks out of my classroom to know two truths: Jesus loves them, and they are loved by me.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes this school so special to me is the staff’s shared heart for both Jesus and teaching. Together, we have the unique opportunity to provide high-quality education while preparing students to step boldly into the world, grounded in their faith and walking with Him.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I am currently working on my Master of Elementary Education. I have also been working in schools and early childhood development for about 4 years now, and have loved every minute of it. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love working here because everyone is so supportive and just wants to see you succeed in life, and be a part of that journey the whole way.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school has a great community and a welcoming place to call home.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love teaching. I think it is one of the most rewarding professions. I love to see students that have a light bulb go off when they learn new things. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love Genesis and being part of this team! This is an amazing community of people that truly love God and these kiddos.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: As a teacher I can help carry out our school's mission by modeling a Christlike character by showing love, kindness, and humility to everyone. I also enjoy praying with my students daily and growing closer to God as a class family. 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: God led me to Genesis Prep as a substitute aide in spring 2024. This is when I fell in love with the school. The staff welcomed me to the family instantly. As I witnessed the students praying and learning about their faith, I knew this was the school I wanted my own children.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I enjoy partnering with families to build up their child’s unique talents and interests. I love incorporating the specific passions of each student into our daily learning!

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: Chapel is one of my favorite parts of GPA, my heart fills with joy and gratitude to be able to proudly worship God alongside my students. The Eagle Cruise field trip is a fourth grade tradition that is another one of my favorite experiences!

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I began my college career at NIC. They had a class called Introduction to Teaching where students could try out teaching in educational settings to see if it was a good fit. I took that class and discovered I really enjoyed working with children. I love to teach writing and am the leader of a writing group called The Glass Pen Guild.

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I most enjoy building relationships with students and their families and watching my students grow up in a school where they get to interact with other age groups.

 What is your favorite school event or tradition?:  I love the art walk, showcase day, and speech meet.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: My son attended the preschool here at Genesis and I enjoyed the family-like feel. I knew this was an environment and community I wanted to be a part of. 
What do you enjoy most about your work here?: This place is more than just a school, it’s a family. We truly get to know each other here and do life together. Building relationships and holding each other accountable in our walk with Christ is something I don’t take for granted. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I absolutely love how we come around and support each other. Building relationships and continuing those relationships is very important to me. My favorite thing to do is to attend extracurricular activities of current and past students. 

What special training, languages, or skills do you bring to your teaching?: I have an initial teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. My emphasis in graduate school is reading. 
 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: It is a blessing to have the opportunity to work alongside people that pray with you. Being able to teach students about God and hearing about their faith is amazing.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school is special because it bridges the opportunity for kids to learn about God along with all the core subjects. 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: This is my 10th year teaching in Private Christian education, but my first year at GPA. I love the community that comes with a close family, like Genesis Prep! I also have coached volleyball for 17 years, and will be coaching the varsity team with Paula and Erin!

What do you hope to contribute to our school community?: I hope that I can bring some new life and joy into GPA with all of the moving pieces. 

What is your favorite school event or tradition?: I love homecoming and afterschool high school sports in general! That is where the community and family piece comes into play!

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.
 

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: I came for the curriculum; I stayed for the people. 

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: Getting to do headstands at recess. And having the opportunity to bring a bit of joy to someone's day. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: I work with an amazing team that makes me smile everyday! 

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.
 

What inspired you to pursue your current role?: I came to GPA after hearing about the position from a mentor of mine who works at Real Life. I have always loved education, and I was heavily involved in ministry for many years, so this job was a perfect mix of both of my passions.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love the relational atmosphere at the school. Working here is like working with family. I hope to contribute my passion for history and desire to teach from a biblical worldview to this school.

What makes this school special in your eyes?: This school is special because of the desire to not only teach knowledge to the students but also pour into their lives. I try to help carry the schools missions by creating a fun and unique curriculum for my classes and instilling a biblical worldview into the students.

What brought you to this school or inspired you to join the team?: Middle and High School English Teacher. I came to Genesis Prep because I was following the plan God laid out for me. From the start of my educational journey, I left it in God's hands. When it came time for me to find my first teaching job, He kept placing Genesis Prep in my path. It wasn't until I received the email about the open English teacher position that I finally said, "Okay, I hear you. I'm going to apply." I am forever grateful that I did because I have found an amazing family here at Genesis.  

What do you enjoy most about your work here?: I love the fact that I get to pray and talk about God with my students and the people that I work with. I love that we are relationship first. 

What makes this school special in your eyes?: What makes this school special are the students who walk through our doors. I not only get to invest in their educational journey, but I also have the opportunity to help them grow spiritually.