Faculty and Staff
Members of the Pen Bay Christian School faculty and staff have been selected on the basis of academic credentials, as well as their dedication to the goals of Christian education. All of our teachers have completed a college or graduate level teacher preparation program and are State of Maine Certified as well as being active members of a bible-believing church.
Trudy Heanssler, Kindergarten & 1st Grade
I graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching a total of 21 1/2 years of which 15 1/2 years is here at Pen Bay Christian School.
Karen Wheelis, 2nd & 3rd Grade
Mrs. Wheelis holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies PK-8. She holds a Professional Teaching Certification K-8 through the State of Maine. She has teaching experience at several grade levels including Kindergarten. Her background includes studies in Early Literacy and Special Education, at the graduate level.
Mrs. Wheelis lives in Union, ME. Her husband teaches at Medomak Valley High School and is also a local pastor. One of her children has also attended our Pen Bay Christian Nursery School.
Beccy Chamberlain, 4th & 5th Grade
Rebecca Martz, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
Charlie Shaw, Art Teacher & Gym Teacher
Sarah Robertson, Music Teacher
I spent most of my growing up years in Wisconsin. My dad is the pastor of a small church, and early on I learned the importance of music. My parents invested in music lessons for me, and I took nine years of piano lessons and several years of voice lessons. I continued to take music lessons throughout my college years. I’ve also taught piano lessons in the past. God continues to give me opportunities to learn and stretches me in ways that cause me to grow in my walk with the Lord.
Music holds a special place in my heart as I enjoy it so much. My desire is to teach your child the value of Godly music, different composers in history, and making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 104:33
Judy Terrio, Librarian, School Board Chair
Cynthia Wallace, Administrator
Born in Chicago, I attended a Christian school from grade 3 through grade 8 and have always had a deep appreciation for what I learned about the Lord during that period. Most of my Bible memorization is from that period of my life. I moved to Maine just prior to my 20th birthday. I transferred from the University of Illinois to the University of Maine in Orono eventually earning a B.A. in English.
David and I have been married for more than 46 years and live in the home we built in Friendship. As David and I were not blessed with a family, I made the decision to spend my life with children in an elementary classroom. To obtain my K-8 teaching certification I took the required teaching courses in the evening while working in classrooms as an Associate Teacher. In 1992, I earned my Master’s degree in Education also through Orono. I loved being a teacher but retired in 2013 after thirty-five plus years. As I look back on my life, I can now see how everything in my life has led me to this position. In March of 2014 I was serving on the Pen Bay Christian School Board and found myself being asked to become the school’s administrator.
David and I attend the Friendship Advent Christian Church. I attend a weekly women’s Bible study there and sing in their choir. As you can see my life was not planned by me but has been well-planned by the Lord! My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.”
Kristin Lappin, Office Assistant
I received my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from University of Maine at Augusta. I have had the honor of serving Pen Bay Christian School in both the preschool classroom and in the school office for the past 3 years. God has drawn me back to where my own education started, right here at Pen Bay Christian School.
Outside of school hours, I enjoy sculpting with sheep wool. I enjoy reading a good book and am currently working my way through the church library’s excellent selection.
My favorite verse from the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
Lynette Robertson, Preschool Teacher
Sharon Shaw, Preschool and Elementary School Teacher Aide
Education-Extension Courses on Early Childhood from Lancaster Bible College
Bible classes throughout the years my life at churches & conferences.
I have always been drawn to work with children since an early age. I began teaching Sunday School & Children’s church when I was in 4th grade. This has continued throughout my life. My dad was a pastor so there were many opportunities to serve in children’s ministries. I continue to read and advance my education so I may better serve and teach the children.
My hobbies outside of school are cooking, gardening, photography and crafts.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:39.
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
