Why the Board Exists
CCS exists to disciple the next generation for Christ. To support this, our board exists to:
-Seek God’s vision for CCS and strategically align the school to pursue it
-Protect the organization by stewarding resources and finances and holding the COO accountable for excellence in that role
-Ensure long-term sustainability of the school within the values of the school society
-Ensure that policies are up-to-date and utilized by the organization
How the Board Works
Our board of directors is made up of CCS parents and society members who care deeply about our school. We take the highest level of care and consideration with every idea, proposal, fee change, budget, decision, policy, and complaint that is shared with us.
When decisions impact our school’s families, we thoroughly review them in detail. We do our utmost to push aside any personal agendas in our roles. Our Directors take time to deeply consider the matters we are discussing, not merely “rubber stamping” or pushing items through for approval. We often acknowledge our biases as we make decisions around the Board table. We consider many viewpoints, seeking to understand how our decisions will affect students, parents, and staff.
We’re not perfect. None of us are professional board members. We don’t get paid for the many hours of work we put in as a board. Some of our decisions will work with great success. Others won’t. We evaluate our results so we can continue to improve.
Most importantly, we care deeply about the eternal work that the Lord is doing through our school, and we care deeply about our community members.
Current Board of Directors
Seth Partridge
Board Chair
Seth works for Salytics in the field of digital marketing. He has been in leadership roles for over 20 years, at Calvary Church, at work and has volunteered for various not-for-profit organizations. He has lived at not-for-profit Christian camps for his entire childhood. He also serves as the drummer in the worship team at his church.
Nathan Wassink
Vice Chair
Nathan Wassink serves as Operations Manager at VanRooyen Earthmoving Ltd., where he is involved in business operations and organizational oversight. He is actively engaged in his church community. He has served as a deacon and participated on the building committee for many years. Through these roles, he contributes to building maintenance, capital projects, and supporting the needs of those in the community. Nathan brings experience in operations, facilities oversight, and he values contributing to the Christian communities he is part of and is interested in supporting the mission and long-term growth of Cambridge Christian School through thoughtful service and practical leadership.
Nathan Kikkert
Treasurer
Nathan is a partner at McKellar Structured Settlements. He has experience in legal/insurance industry, including involvement in management of staff/operations. He serves on the Finance Committee at CCS as the chair of that committee. Nathan has volunteered and served in various roles in his church. Nathan and Candace have four children attending CCS, ranging from JK to grade 6.
Karin DeVries
Director
Karin DeVries is a business owner with a heart for community and a deep trust in God’s plan. She and her husband Bart are parents to Rayna (Grade 1) and Emil (JK), and they attend Forward Church together. Karin currently serves on the CCS Expansion Committee and volunteers as a Shift Lead at the Cedar Chest, bringing her passion for the school’s future into practical action. As a small business owner at Ginkgo Ridge Lawn and Garden Ltd., she leads a team and brings hands-on experience in strategic planning and setting measurable goals. Karin loves to pray boldly, believes God is doing something special at CCS, and wants to use the gifts He’s given her to come alongside that work.
Anthony DiGiacomo
Director
Anthony DiGiacomo brings a wealth of experience from both corporate and ministry leadership roles, making him a valuable addition to our Board. Currently employed at Loblaw Companies Limited, Anthony manages a multimillion-dollar P&L and leads a large team, focusing on enterprise procurement strategy and supplier performance management. His extensive ministry experience at Grandview Church, including two terms as an Elder on the Board of Directors, has equipped him with valuable skills in finance, facilities management, and creative direction. Anthony has a deep, multi-generational connection to our school, with his wife Bethany being an alumna, his father-in-law John Vlasov having served on the CCS board. His two children both currently attend CCS.
Lavinia Oltean
Director
Lavinia Oltean is deeply committed to Christian education and values the important role CCS plays in a child’s early development. She works as a Digital Pedagogy Specialist at McMaster University, with experience in finance, customer support, administration, and volunteer coordination. Lavinia serves on the CCS Thrift Store committee, leads Parent Nights, organizes Pizza Thursdays, and is active in her church’s Kids Ministry and Family Reunion Team. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Computer Science. Lavinia and her husband, Paulo, have two daughters, Bianca in SK-B at CCS and Hailey in preschool, and they attend Restoration Church.
Natalie Price
Director
Natalie Price serves as an Administrative Assistant at Heritage College and is deeply thankful for CCS and the work being done in the lives of students and families. She desires to take an active role in shaping the future of the school. Natalie brings value as a board candidate with her experience at the Dawn Centre, running fundraising initiatives, and serving as secretary on her church’s elder committee. She and her husband, Matt, attend Temple Baptist Church with their children, Colt (Grade One) and Eva (Senior Kindergarten), and she is also actively involved with volunteering at her church and with Safe Families.
Art Smit
Director
Art Smit, currently a senior operations consultant at Revenue Solutions Inc., brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Christian education to our Board. With a strong background in deaconship at various churches, Art has a proven track record in leadership, event organization, and financial management. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Redeemer University and a B.Ed. from Lakehead University, complemented by teaching experience in subjects such as Bible, Computers, and Math. Art is dedicated to supporting our school’s mission, believing that Christian education is crucial for fostering a strong faith foundation in students. Art and his wife Elaine have children at CCS in Grade 1 and Preschool, and a baby at home. The Smits attend Zion United Reformed Church in Sheffield.
Jessica Vanderloo
Director
Jessica Vanderloo is a parent and alumna of Cambridge Christian School. Her oldest siblings started at the school in 1980 and her family has been a part of the school ever since. She has a deep love for this community and investing in the next generation of God’s kingdom. Jessica is married and has two children who currently attend CCS. She is currently completing her second 3 year term on the Board of Directors.
Contact Us
We welcome your comments and questions. Please email our Board Secretary if you would like to communicate with our Board of Directors.