Our Staff
Helga Steenhof
Resource Manager, Administrative Assistant
My husband Chris and I moved to Smithers 28 years ago for him to teach at Bulkley Valley Christian School and we have never looked back. We loved raising our 5 children here and continue to love the Bulkley Valley even though some of our kids have moved on. Three of our children are married and two of them are currently in university. We have identical twin granddaughters who have a sibling on the way! We homeschooled all of our kids and then had them with a BVCOS program down south. When we were asked to help develop a BVCOS program for Bulkley Valley Christian School we jumped at the chance and thus began Bulkley Valley Christian Online School. I love my job which is to help families and teachers develop a program to meet each student’s uniqueness and to find resources that will work for each family. I also work with High School students who are taking a course or two online. I have a passion for math and love that I get to use that too. When I am not working you will find me enjoying the outdoors or curled up on the couch with a good book or my current knitting project. I am usually the first point of contact for families inquiring about our program and I love having a discussion and assisting in finding out if our program is the right one for a family.
Chris Steenhof
BVC Online School Principal
My name is Chris Steenhof and I serve as the vice-principal of the BVCOS school. My main job is the principal of our Bricks and Mortar school but I head up the Grade 10-12 section of our BVCOS school. This includes finding curriculum and teachers for both cross-enrolled and full-time BVCOS students. BVCOS has always been a passion for me and along with my wife, we spearheaded BVCOS almost a decade ago. I’m very thankful to the staff who have been with us since the beginning and those who have joined along the way. My wife and I have 5 children, 2 grandchildren, and although we are supposed to be empty nesters, our house is still really busy. I love outdoor activities but most of all golf!
Natasha Bandstra
Teacher
I started teaching at BVCS and after 3 years I took time off to do my dream job- a Mom! My husband and I have 4 boys and love living in Smithers. Currently this is my 10th year of BVCOS and I love my job! I really enjoy connecting with my BVCOS families and building relationships with them. I enjoy walking, biking, and spending time with my friends and family.
Aleeda Vis
Teacher
I am Aleeda Vis, a wife, a mom, a Nana, and a BVCOS teacher. I have been married to John for over 40 years, have five children, two children-in-law and four grandchildren. I love to read a good book and enjoy a walk and talk with friends.
I have been a BVCOS teacher for over 10 years and feel that this is how God has called me to use my teaching skills. I enjoy the diversity of parents and students I am allowed to work with, finding joy in their discoveries and successes and trying my best to help them in areas of struggle.
I enjoy watching my students learn and grow. Some are just learning to read, some have gifts in art, some love math. Students I had in my first years are now in optometry school, flying helicopters, in nurses training, living on the farm with their spouses etc. God has a plan for each of his children, and I have the privilege of guiding parents as they begin their stories