School Governance
Avail Academy is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the Calvin Christian School Society, the voluntary membership association that owns and operates Avail Academy. Board members serve as trustees of the beliefs and mission of Christian education, providing vision, guidance, and strategic direction for Avail Academy.
The Calvin Christian School Society of Minneapolis owns, operates, and supports Avail Academy. Membership is open to all current parents or guardians, staff, and donors who are committed to an education fully integrated with a Biblical understanding of God and His world. The Society meets once a year to join in community and gain insight into the work God is doing at and through Avail.
For more information about the Society or membership, email the Board's membership email at availbd@availacademy.org.
Board of Directors
Chad Anderson
Information coming soon
Steve Bruin
Profession: Pharmacist / Pharmacy Manager, Costco Wholesale
Family at Avail: Parent of 4 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"The entire Avail community comes alongside parents and the Church in raising up disciples for Christ. Students are challenged to learn about the world while discovering their role in His plan. The staff invests deeply in each child, understanding their unique needs and developing their gifts to serve God."
Lisa De Kam
Profession: Physical Therapist, The Melrose Center
Family at Avail: Parent of 2 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"Avail Academy teaches students about God, their world, and their lives from a Reformed Biblical worldview. The school celebrates each child’s unique gifts and the restorative impact of salvation."
Jon Dykstra
Profession: Architect, Alliance
Family at Avail: Parent of 3 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"My hope is to see Avail flourish as a uniquely covenantal Christian institution steeped in a Reformed biblical worldview—a community that partners with parents and churches to disciple and educate children for God’s glory and the redemption of His world."
Andrew Feikema
Profession: Relationship Manager, U.S. Bank Corporate Banking
Family at Avail: Parent of 3 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"Avail has been an integral part of my family’s faith life for many years. The purposeful Christian education and worldview Avail fosters is something my family cherishes. We especially appreciate the intentional Teaching for Transformation approach integrated across all subjects."
Ryan Mick
Profession: Lawyer, Dorsey & Whitney
Family at Avail: Parent of 4 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"As our own children begin to graduate, we are deeply committed to seeing Avail thrive for future generations and for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. A covenant model of Christian education is more important than ever—not to protect students from the world, but to prepare them to engage with culture and lead. Vision 2035 has inspired me to return to the Board and help advance Christian education in the Twin Cities."
Dan Moak
Profession: Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Family at Avail: Parent of 2 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"Avail provides a faith-based education that nurtures hearts and minds, preparing children to live Christ-centered lives at home, school, and in their communities."
Ross Nelson
Board President
Profession: Regional Sales Director, Harris
Family at Avail: Parent of 2 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"Faith alignment between our home, church, and education is a core family value. Every day our kids see God in their studies and in the hearts and minds of the Avail community—a gift we are grateful for."
Beth Ritzema
Profession: Reading Teacher, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Family at Avail: Parent of 3 students/alumni of Avail Academy
"As parents of three Avail Academy graduates, my husband and I are convinced that covenantal Christian education has been the greatest investment we could make in our sons. Time and again, we see the depth of knowledge and the kingdom-centered worldview that their Avail education instilled. My prayer is that God will continue to use Avail to equip minds and shape hearts to reclaim His world for generations to come."
Are you looking for a Christian school?
Learn more about Avail Academy and connect with our Admissions team.
Blaine Admissions:
Stephanie Christianson, Admissions Director
schristianson@availacademy.org or (763) 785-0135
Edina Admissions:
Kari Zylstra, Admissions Director
kzylstra@availacademy.org or (952) 927-5304 ext 123
High School Admissions:
Sarah Byrdziak, Administrative Assistant
sbyrdziak@availacademy.org or (763) 531-1732