OUR TEAM
Dr. Sosthene and Kara Maletoungou
Founders of The Teacher's Garden
Sosthene and Kara are based in Guinea, West Africa from where they have been serving their callings in Christian education ministry since 2013. They have over twenty years of experience in international ministry spanning across Europe, North America, and Africa including with YWAM (2004-2012); Resonate Global Mission (2013-2022); and ACSI (2023-present). Originally from Central African Republic, Sosthene holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and Technology from the University of the Nations, a Master’s in Government from Regent University (VA), and a PhD in International Education from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (UK). He is a commissioned pastor in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and Sosthene and Kara are members of Bozeman CRC in Montana. Currently, Sosthene holds the position of Africa Director with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Kara grew up attending Manhattan Christian school in Montana where, as a teenager, she discerned her missionary calling. She did her missionary training with the University of the Nations (YWAM), including the discipleship training school; the school of biblical studies; and the school of community development. Kara also holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University. Together, Kara and Sosthene pioneered The Teacher’s Garden ministry. They have been married for over 15 years and are blessed with 4 sons. Sosthene enjoys reading, keeping up with international news, exercising, and cooking for family and friends whenever he has the chance. Kara enjoys crocheting, volleyball, and creating teaching and learning materials for teacher-student classrooms practices in Africa.
OUR BOARD
Orlan Gulker, Board President
Orlan and his wife Evie live near Sioux Center, IA. They have been married for 56 years and are blessed with 4 married children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Retired since 2016, Orlan owned and operated various ag businesses in the Midwest, including a feed business and a grain elevator. He also spent two years working at Hope Haven in Rock Valley, IA, a facility that works with people who have disabilities. Speaking of that time, Orlan writes “I truly learned to love people with disabilities. We all have disabilities of some sort or another.” Orlan has served as a deacon and elder at Lebanon CRC, as well as on the boards of two local Christian schools in Iowa. He enjoys fishing, golfing, and wood working.Ron Geerlings, Vice President
Ron and his wife Sue live in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating from Calvin University in 1980 as a Maths-Physics major, Ron and Sue moved to Nigeria where he began teaching. In 1984, he completed an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and for the next 36 years, Ron served in leadership roles for the mission agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), providing oversight of mission work in Africa and Europe. Ron and Sue have 3 grown children who were all born in Nigeria. They are now married and Ron and Sue have 7 grandchildren. Ron has served four terms as an elder in his home church. Besides spending time with his family and serving at church, Ron enjoys golf, and throwing shotput and discus in Senior Olympics.Dr. Ryan Zonnefeld, Public Relations Officer
Ryan and his wife Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld live in Sioux Center, IA. They both work at Dordt University, where Ryan is a Professor of Education, the Associate Dean for faculty development and Director of Assessment. Ryan has also served in multiple K-12 schools including 3 years as a teacher, 6 years as a principal, and 3 years at Northwestern (IA) College. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and K-12 Choral/Instrumental Music Education, and Master’s and PhD degrees in School Leadership. Ryan enjoys working on DIY projects at home, playing strategy board games, and spending time with family, including their 3 married adult children.Mike Baartman, Financial Officer
Mike and his wife Tammy live on a small farm near Rock Valley, IA and are blessed with three adult children and one grandchild. Mike holds a degree in Ag Business from Dordt College and is part-owner and District Manager for a rental company operating in Iowa and South Dakota. He is a member of First CRC in Rock Valley where he has served two terms as a deacon, two terms as an elder, and is involved in various activities like Men’s Society, choir, and praise team. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including two terms on the board of a local Christian school. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and helping others, especially watching his employees learn and grow.Helen Emmelkamp, Secretary
Helen lives in Bozeman, MT where she and her husband Larry, who passed away in 2023, raised 5 children on a dairy farm that they owned and operated. She carries many years of experience in Christian education, beginning with her own K-12 education at Manhattan Christian School in Churchill, MT. After graduating, she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with majors in English and history from Calvin College. She then taught 5th grade at Manhattan Christian for two years before taking time off to raise her family. She returned to the classroom in the mid-90’s, working as a Middle School teacher. She eventually completed a Master’s in Education Leadership from Calvin and served as the 6th-12th principal at Manhattan Christian for 8 years. She is a member of Bozeman CRC where she has served multiple terms as a deacon. She enjoys spending time with her children and 9 grandchildren, gardening, and being outdoors.