GMS Teaching Staff
Mr. Lowell Bechtel
Instrumental Music
Education: B.S., Music Education, Mansfield University, M. Ed, Music Education, Penn State University
Experience: 37 years; Greenwood Mennonite School 1994-present
Assistant Pastor: Tressler Mennonite Church
Mr. Nathan Bechtel
Class of 2013 Advisor
Track Coach, 11 and 12 Bible, U.S. History, World History, Intro to Psychology, Yearbook
Education: B.A. History Education, University of Delaware; 1 year certificate in Biblical Studies, Philadelphia Biblical University
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School: 2004 to present.
Interests: UD Football
E-mail: Nathan.Bechtel@gmsflames.org
Mr. Michael Chaffinch
Assistant Principal, Middle School Math, NILD Certified Educational Therapist; Search and Teach
Education: B.S., Elementary Education, University of Delaware, certified coach by American Sports Education Association
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School: 1977 to present
Varsity Softball Coach; Middle School Boys Basketball Coach
Interests: solving math problems, bicycling (in moderation!), coaching various youth sports
Verse: He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
E-mail: Mickey.Chaffinch@gmsflames.org
Mr. Richard Conner
Class of 2012 Advisor
Algebra I and II; HS Boys Physical Education, 9 and 10 Bible; Chapel Committee Sponsor Education: AA Catonsville Community College; BA Bob Jones University
Experience: 31 years; 8 years at GMS
Ministry Involvement: Choir, Song Leader and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Lewes.
Interests: sports, cars, cooking, music
Verse: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I Peter 5:7 (KJV)
E-mail: Richard.Conner@gmsflames.org
Mr. J. David Hertzler
Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Pre-Calculus
Education: B.A in Biology and M Ed in Natural Science Education, University of Delaware; Graduate Studies at Providence Seminary and Regent University; Delaware Nature Society Member; Certified Delaware Naturalist
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School: 1963-1966, 1971-1976, 2001-2002, 2005-present
Cristal Lake School: 1978-1981
Wahbon Bay Academy/Stirland Lake High School: 1981-1984, 1985-1988
Ministry Involvement: Elder at Laws Mennonite Church
Interests: gardening, chorale/vocal music, nature studies, reading
Verse: By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. Hebrews 11:3a (NKJV)
E-mail: David.Hertzler@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Glena Isaacs
First Grade
Education: B.S. Eastern Mennonite College; Summer teachers Clinic-ABEKA, Pensacola Christian College
Experience: 23 years; 14 years at GMS
Ministry Involvement: Pastor's wife
Interests: gardening and flowers, reading
Verse: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts, . ." Isaiah 55:8,9 (NKJV)
E-mail: Glena.Isaacs@gmsflames.org
Mr. Roy Landis
Class of 2010 Advisor
High School English, Spanish I and II, Play Director, Senate Co-Sponsor
Education: B.S. Secondary Education and Communications, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Experience: 22 years; 19 years at GMS
Attends Tressler Mennonite Church
Interests: reading, drama, hiking
Verse: Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 (NIV)
E-mail: Roy.Landis@gmsflames.org
Mr. Allen Lester
Eighth Grade Homeroom
Middle School Science; 7 Geography; 8 Health; 7,8 and HS Boys Physical Education
Education: B.A. Washington College; M.A. Education, Eastern University
Experience: 13 years; 5 years at GMS
Attends Eagles Nest Fellowship Church, Milton, DE
Interests: Wife Bobbi, Daughter Maddy; Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Colvine Bison Farm
Verse: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
E-mail: Allen.Lester@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Vivian Lowe
Second Grade
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education, Salisbury University
Experience: 29 years; 4years at GMS
Interests: spending time with family, reading, cooking, needlework, flower gardening
Verse: trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 (KJV)
E-mail: Vivian.Lowe@gmsflames.org
Mr. Duane Miller
Administrator, High School Principal, Algebra teacher
1980 High School Graduate from GMS
Education: B.S. Mathematics Ed. University of Delaware; M.A. Education, Wilmington College
Experience: 19 years high School Math Teacher at Milford High School
Ministry Involvement: Elder at Hope Fellowship
Interests: small farm, backyard astronomy, golf
Verse: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
E-mail: Duane.Miller@gmsflames.org
Miss Rachael Miller
Third Grade
Education: B.S. in Elementary Ed., Grace College, Winona Lake, IN
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School 2006 to present
Attends Hickory Ridge Community Church
Interests: drawing, reading
Verse: ..."Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14b-16 (ESV)
E-mail: Rachael.Miller@gmsflames.org
Miss Shirley Miller
7 Math; 7,8 Bible; 5,6 History, Bible Quiz Team Coach
Education: Christian Education, Rosedale Bible College; B.A. Elementary Education, Cedarville University; Russian Language (2 Semesters) Columbia University
Experience: 7 years at GMS; 10 years as Missionary/ESL Teacher in Ukraine
Attends Laws Mennonite Church
Interests: reading, travel
Verse: But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 (NIV)
E-mail: Shirley.Miller@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Grace Scott
Sixth Grade Homeroom
7-12 Home Economics, 5,6 Physical Education, 7,8 girls Physical Education, 8 girls Health, Senate Co-Sponsor
Graduate of GMS, Certified CNA
Attends Greenwood Mennonite Church
Interests: running, tennis, reading, gardening
Verse: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians: 3:17b-18 (NIV)
E-mail: Grace.Scott@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Dawn Sterling
Fifth Grade Homeroom
5 Math, 5 English, 5,6 Bible, 5 Reading
Education: B.A., Elementary education, Eastern Mennonite College
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School 1989 to present; Woodbridge School District 1972-1974; Seaford School District 1970-1972
Attends Hickory Ridge Community Church
Interests: reading, hiking, watching my sons play basketball, volleyball and softball
Verse: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
E-mail: Dawn.Sterling@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Carel Tennefoss
Fourth Grade
Education: B.S. Elementary Education (k-8) with English & Math emphasis, Southwest Texas State University
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School 2003 to present
Interests: working with children; card games
Verse: He tends his flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
E-mail: Carel.Tennefoss@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Marlene Warfel
Kindergarten & Pre-K
Education: B.S.W., Eastern Mennonite College; M.E.E., Wilmington College
Experience: 18 years at GMS
Attends Greenwood Mennonite Church
Interests: reading, walking for exercise
Verse: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
E-mail: Marlene.Warfel@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Sharon Workman
Class of 2011 Advisor
Accounting, Life Skills,1-9 Computer Tech; Bank at School, GMS Coordinator
Education: Educational Technology Certification, Delaware Technical and Community College
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School 1999 to present
Ministry involvement: Son Seekers Summer Program Volunteer
Attends Tressler Mennonite Church
Interests: traveling, antiquing, photography, the beach.
Verse: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. I Corinthians 13:4,5 (NIV)
E-mail: Sharon.Workman@gmsflames.org
Mr. Kevin Yoder
General Music:grades 1-5; Vocal Music:grades: 6-12; Ensemble Director, Music Theory, Music appreciation
Education: BME (Bachelor of Music Education) Ohio State university; 4 terms RBC
Experience: 1 year at Bexley School for Girls (OH), 1 year at Rosedale Bible College, 16 years at Greenwood Mennonite School
Ministry Involvement: Associate Pastor at Greenwood Mennonite School
Interests: carpentry, watching college basketball
Verse: ...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6b (NIV)
E-mail: Kevin.Yoder@gmsflames.org
Mrs. Tonya Zitvogel
Seventh Grade Homeroom; Middle School English, 6-8 Reading, 6 Spelling
Education: Psychology and Criminal Justice (double major), University of North Carolina at Pembroke; M.Ed., Education, Wilmington College
Experience: Greenwood Mennonite School 2003-2006, 2008 to present
Attends Crossroad Community Church
Interests: reading, scrapbooking, watching HGTV, attending my kids' sporting events, attending Yankees' games, visiting Lancaster, PA
Verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
E-mail: Tonya.Zitvogel@gmsflames.org