Meet Our Leaders

Tim Gill
Tim GillPrincipal
B P.E. (Exercise Physiology) University of Calgary
B.Ed After Degree (Middle School) University of Alberta

I graduated from the school when it was called People’s Christian Academy. I returned to DCS in the fall of 1995 as a learning facilitator and started to teach junior high after getting my after degree.

All three of my children have attended Destiny and benefited from the Christ centered learning environment. I teach math, science, physical education and a variety of option classes for grades 6 to 9 as well as taking a leadership role in the sports program that provides our students opportunity to compete with many of the schools in the public and separate school systems.

It has been a great pleasure to work with an amazing staff over the years. God continues to grow our staff with teachers who have a vast variety of teaching expertise. We celebrate the different learning styles of students and strive to create an environment where Christ is honored and students are prepared for their God given destiny!

Brandi Gerber
Brandi GerberVice Principal & Junior High Teacher
B.Ed University of Alberta

Taught at DCS for 4 years before taking time off to raise her babies.

DCS has been a huge part of my life. I attended high school here; I teach here, and my children attended the school.

It is a school that cares about all aspects of a child: educational, emotional and spiritual and we work with the families to bring children to success. I love that the teachers genuinely care for the students and help them to grow as individuals!

Meet The Teachers

Laurie Brown
Laurie BrownPreschool & Kindergarten Teacher
B. Ed University of Alberta

I am excited to be joining the DCS family! I have over 14 years of experience in elementary education, specializing in literacy intervention and early childhood development.

Carol Abt
Carol AbtGrade 1 Teacher
B.Ed University of Alberta

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher, so upon graduating from high school I studied my first two years of post-secondary education at the Red Deer College and then transferred to the University of Alberta to complete my Bachelor of Education Degree. I have enjoyed teaching in Red Deer since 1990 and will be the first to tell you I have the best job on the planet! Over the years, I’ve taught pretty much every grade up to and including Grade 9, but my absolute favorite, is Grade 1.  Their enthusiasm about everything and their sense of humor make going to work an absolute delight!

Faith, family, church and friends are the relational pillars in my life. I believe in the power of prayer and on the tough days, I just hold on to the promises in the Word of God with a little more resolve.

Stephen Bell
Stephen BellGrade 1 Co-Teacher
Mus.B. University of Manchester, U.K.
P.G.C.E. La Sainte Union College, Southampton, U.K.
B.Ed After Degree University of Alberta

After working for twenty years in the public school system (Wolfcreek School Division), teaching classes from kindergarten to grade six, I started work at DCS in the fall of 2024 as a part-time teacher in the grade one class.

This work has been truly inspiring – what a wonderful opportunity that I can use my Christian faith and relationship with Jesus Christ in a grade one class, with the sole objective of ‘preparing students to live out their God-given destiny as disciples of Jesus Christ.’

For twenty years, I have volunteered in the children’s ministry at Home Church, and it has been wonderful to re-apply everything I have learned in the children’s ministry with the current grade one class.

In addition to this, I now do a lot of voluntary work as a piano accompanist, usually accompanying junior choirs, and on a voluntary basis as a vocal coach for a school’s musical theatre production in Lacombe. For the last four years, I have also served on the Lacombe music festival committee, as funding director.

Chassity Kindrachuk
Chassity KindrachukGrade 2 Teacher
B.Ed Elementary Education University of Alberta

I am Miss Kindrachuk and I am going to be your grade 2 teacher
this year!

I am committed to meeting the different needs of each child in my classroom including their academic, emotional, social and wellbeing needs.

I encourage an open-door policy and solid partnership with parents.

I’m from Red Deer, born and raised. I took
dance lessons for 22 years and was in four musicals. I love my dogs and niece and nephew and hope to have a family of my own one day. I enjoy music, the arts, popcorn and coffee. In my spare time I like to read, do word searches, paint and sew.

Amanda Wright
Amanda WrightGrade 3 Teacher

B.Ed University of Alberta

Mrs. Wright has rejoined the team as grade 3 teacher.

Tasha Balasbas
Tasha BalasbasGrade 4 Teacher
B.Ed University of Alberta

I am very excited to be back teaching my favorite grade after taking a few years off to raise my sweet babies at home. Grade 4 is where my heart is because they still love to learn, give hugs/secret handshakes, and you can give them the best puns that often end in laughter because of how corny the joke was.

I am very passionate about animals and the environment, and I love that I can bring this into my classroom and school. As a leadership project, I created the “green team” which gives my students the responsibility of recycling for the entire school.

I am so grateful that I get to teach children about God and even worship alongside them weekly! Teaching truly is the best job. I have the privilege of working with amazing children and to help them grow in their relationship with God.

Veronica Emanuel
Veronica EmanuelGrade 5 Teacher
B.Ed Burman University

Master of Arts English India

I had the opportunity to student teach in the middle school at DCS during the 2023-2024 school year. My experience at Destiny was very encouraging and I’m excited to be joining the team.

I’ll be teaching primarily Language Arts and Social Studies for grades 5 & 6 and I look forward to a great year.

Erin Gill
Erin GillGrade 6 Teacher
B.Ed University of Lethbridge
B.Sc University of Lethbridge

This is my third year of teaching at DCS, and I am so excited to be teaching grade 6 homeroom which will include Math and Science 6. I look forward to also teaching Math 7 & 8 this year.

I attended Destiny growing up and I can’t wait to give back to the community that helped me build a strong foundation of faith.

I believe every student is unique and special and I have a passion for helping students figure out their God-given purpose. I’m looking forward to a great year!

Jenessa Lucina
Jenessa LucinaJunior High Teacher
B Ed. (Middle School) University of Alberta

I’m so honored to be a part of a school that empowers and inspires students to reach for the potential that God has given each one of them. I will be teaching Grade 7 and 8 Social Studies and Language Arts. I’m blessed to be able to teach at DCS.

Nathan Mullen
Nathan MullenJunior High Teacher
B.Ed University of Alberta

I am excited to be on the team at DCS!  I have been working with the team since January 2020 and look forward to the future at DCS.

This year I will have the privilege of teaching Grade 5 Math and Science and continue with Math 9 and Social 9.

Meet the Educational Assistants

Wendy Ward
Wendy WardLiteracy Coach
Level 1 Early Learning Child Certificate

I love working with students and helping them realize their reading potential.

Julie Crowther
Julie CrowtherPreschool & Kindergarten Educational Assistant
From running inclusive daycare programs to leading children’s ministries and organizing youth events, I have spent decades fostering learning, confidence, and joy in young people.

I look forward to joining the DCS family.

Karen Wheeler
Karen WheelerGr. 1 Educational Assistant
Educational Assistant Certification (RDC)

I began as an educational assistant at Destiny School in 2008.  I love working with the kids in such a great atmosphere.

Valerie Diaz
Valerie DiazEducational Assistant
Educational Assistant Certification (RDC)
Child Development Assistant

This is my second year at Destiny School, and I am excited to support the wonderful students in achieving their full learning potential.

Raphael Rivera
Raphael RiveraEducational Assistant
Level 1 Early Childhood Educator

I enjoy having the opportunity to impact young disciples 1-1 in a way that demonstrates and explains the character of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. I am intent on asking questions and learning about each student, who they are and their families to better support their God given identity and calling. I consider it a great honour and privilege to be in a leadership position here and strive to provide an integral, safe, inclusive, respectful, balanced environment with each student.

Keyara Young-MacNeill
Keyara Young-MacNeillEducational Assistant

I look forward to joining the DCS team in supporting student learning. I have foundations in literacy, numeracy, and behavioural support. My approach is rooted in empathy, structure, and collaboration, helping students thrive both academically and socially.

With additional training in trauma-informed care, Indigenous perspectives, and mental health, I am committed to creating safe, inclusive learning environments that reflect Christian values and holistic student development.

Meet the Office Staff

Estelle Matula
Estelle MatulaExecutive Assistant
My journey with DCS began as a student graduating grade 12 in 1995.  I then began working in the school office during summers (1997 & 1998), and then full time as office administrator for the 2000/2001 school year.  I consider it such a privilege to again be a part of the office administration team and work alongside a great team of teachers and staff! I’m equally excited to have my own children now attend DCS!
Corrine Liivam
Corrine LiivamAcademic Administrator
I started working at Destiny in the fall of 2001. After taking time off when my sons were born, I slowly increased my hours till I returned full time in 2013. I’ve always been amazed by my co-workers. The teachers at Destiny truly want to see each student succeed, both academically and spiritually. I get to play a small part in the lives of our future leaders. What an amazing gift!
Denise Sherriff
Denise SherriffOffice Administrator
I love being a part of this Destiny Family. Since starting at the school in 2022 I have been welcomed and I endeavor to become a valuable member of the team. My family and I have attended Home Church for 20 years and call it home. It is my pleasure to serve God by serving the teachers and parents here at Destiny.
Diane Genkens
Diane GenkensFinance Director