Cecilia Sebastiani has served at Kalamazoo Christian Schools for the last 13 years, teaching 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade in the Spanish Immersion (SI) program. For the last six years, she has been the SI Program Coordinator and Instructional Coach..
For Sebastiani, seeing the SI program grow has been very rewarding. “We started with a group of 25 students and now we have more than 300 students K-8 in the SI program. Also, seeing our first group, now sophomores in college, using their Spanish skills in many capacities is very rewarding, and I love that I have been part of this journey.”
She recognizes the support of the community, parents, staff and colleagues on a professional and on a personal level, saying, “My relationship with the Lord is stronger as I see the testimony of the groups that I have been connected to in different ways, and also when I taught Bible. I have learned to love God and others even more than I did before!”
On her first 5th grade Science Camp trip, Sebastiani remembers the support of her students and the parents around when she went zip lining at the age of 56. She also treasures the 8th grade Blessing Ceremony where the staff speaks a special blessing over the students.
On her first 5th grade Science Camp trip, Sebastiani remembers the support of her students and the parents around when she went zip lining at the age of 56. She also treasures the 8th grade Blessing Ceremony where the staff speaks a special blessing over the students.
One of the changes Sebastiani saw throughout her time here was the growth of the school. She said, “Growth brings challenges, but God has given us vision and solutions—with a few tears in between—to adjust to this growth.”
The next step in Sebastiani takes her and her husband to Florida for their children and grandchildren. With this move, God has continued Sebastiani’s teaching journey. She has accepted a position at Calvary Christian Academy, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where she will be teaching Spanish in their bilingual track in the high school.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24
“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Sue Feddema retired from Kalamazoo Christian Schools in 2025 after 39.5 years of service teaching 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade and 4th-8th Academic Support. In retirement, Feddema plans to volunteer, continue working with kids, garden and travel.
She has loved getting to know the families that have come through her classes, sometimes having taught all of the siblings of a family. She’s even seen children of former students in her classroom. She said, “It has been fun to see the generations continue coming through Kalamazoo Christian as the legacy is carried on.”
Feddema’s favorite moment as a teacher is when a student has a “light bulb” moment and she can see it on their face.
She said, “I have learned that in all the uncertain times to trust God and have patience for answers. If you give it to him, things will work out.”
The biggest change Feddema remembers at KCS was the finished Elementary building on 12th Street in 2000 which caused South Christian and North Christian faculty and students to move together.
“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
