Meet Our School Administration
If it is ever necessary to meet face to face with our Administrators (get sent to the principal's office) their offices are located in the Kelowna Christian Center Society building located at 905 Badke Rd. Map to the HCOS Offices
We are looking for educational leaders who are specifically equipped to work in an online environment. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in working with us in an administrative capacity please contact our Superintendent . We would ask that anyone interested in serving in such a role first spend quality time reviewing our school philosophy, policies and procedures throughout the website and make sure to consider all the requirements listed at: Teachers Wanted before contacting Greg Bitgood.
Heritage School's Superintendent - Greg Bitgood
Pastor Greg Bitgood has been a director of Heritage Christian School since 1987 and our Superintendent since 1996. As Pastor of Christian Education in the Kelowna Christian Center Society (the governing board authority of all of our educational programs) he oversees:
- Heritage Christian Preschool
- Heritage Christian School (Kelowna Campus, Grades K to 12)
- Heritage Christian Online School (Electronic Campus, Grades K to 12)
- Global Ministry Training Center (One and Two Year Bible School)
"On the front row of my church in 1983 while attending Bible college the Lord very clearly to my heart and said, 'I want you to work with the children'. Ever since then my wife and I have poured our hearts and lives into ministering to and discipling children, youth and young adults. Jesus has mandated us to "go and make disciples of all the nations." We responded to this command by educating and training children to become agents of kingdom transformation. From early on in our work with children we began to see the pervasive influence of a "secular education" in their lives. Families would bring their children to us on Sunday for one hour of mentorship and take them to explicitly secular mentors for 30 hours a week. Is it no wonder why many of our children forsake a kingdom approach to life when they get older and leave the nest? Thus we began to involve ourselves with Christian education flowing from the two primary educational institutes; the home and the church-run school."
Pastor Greg has lived in Kelowna, BC, Canada since 1986. His wife, Christine, is the children's Pastor at Kelowna Christian Center and director of Heritage Christian Preschool. Their oldest son, Richard has completed his Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and is now teaching in both the campus and online schools. He graduated from Heritage Christian School as a recipient of the BC Provincial Scholarship. He is also a graduate of the one year Discipleship program at the Ministry Training Institute. In 2006, Richard married Chelsea who has also received her Bachelor of Science from UBC-O and is also pursuing a teaching career. They are expecting their first child this fall.
Greg and Christine’s daughter, Christabelle, is pursuing an education and career in medicine following her completion of one year in MTI. She also received the BC Provincial Scholarship, graduating from HCS and was on the Dean’s list in her first year of university. Josiah also graduated from HCS and is currently serving on the mission field in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. On his return he hopes to receive training in music and children’s ministry at Hillsong, Australia, and someday become a firefighter. Kenny, their youngest, will graduate also from Heritage and plans to go for an engineering degree after a year in Bible School. All four of their children are actively involved in the youth, children's and music ministries of Kelowna Christian Center.
HCOS Home Education Consultant - Sarah Bennett
Sarah Bennett is a writer, mother of three, and has been home educating for five years. Since the beginning of her family’s homeschooling journey Sarah has researched different home education approaches and curriculum. Her passion is helping parents to define their unique educational philosophy and choose resources that will provide their children with an education suited to their age, ability and aptitude.
"I have learned so much from other home educating parents over the years and I’m looking forward to working with our Online School parents. There are so many different choices out there in terms of both curriculum and homeschooling approaches. It’s a very exciting time to be educating our children at home."
Sarah Bennett has lived in Kelowna with her husband and three children for the past year. Her family attends Trinity Baptist Church and they are active in the local homeschooling communities. Sarah spent two years homeschooling in London, England where she consulted with numerous home educators in a forum dedicated to supporting parents as they developed their philosophy of education. She’s been active in virtual homeschooling communities across Canada, the US, and the UK where she has learned about a broad range of homeschooling styles and resources. Sarah has been published in BC Parent Magazine as well as in Homeschooling Horizons Magazine. She will be speaking at the BC Home Education Convention this June. Sarah is a lifelong learner whose current passions include mathematics, Russian history, and Latin.
Graduation Counselor - Sue Savard
What a blessing it is to me to be part of this amazing staff. Though I was born and raised in the Okanagan, I currently live in Langley, BC with my husband, Mike and we have three grown daughters. Two of them, Lauren and Chantelle, are attending Trinity Western University and our eldest, Alyssa is finished her schooling and she and Nick are currently focusing on raising our beautiful granddaughter, Naya. I bring a passion to empower others to lead a life that honors God and thoroughly enjoy working with the Grad Program students and parents that are part of our school community.
Administrator of Individualized and Special Education - Janet Rainbow
Janet is a qualified teacher in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. She has taught pre-school through grade ten in the public school system, and home schooled her own children- son Raun and daughter Rita. Janet has served as principal of a private school, has worked as the home-school liaison for Campbell River Christian School since 1990 and is well-known throughout British Columbia for her workshops on a variety of topics relating to home schooling.
Director of Operations - Ted Gerk
Ted is HCOS’s Director of Operations, overseeing the day-to-day function of our office. He is the father of 11 children, and has been married to Marina for 27 years. Ted came to HCOS after 18 years in pro-life/pro-family ministry, serving in a variety of positions in local, provincial, national and international organizations. He is the former executive director of Kelowna Right to Life, a past president of the Pro-Life Society of British Columbia, and the past director of Life InterNET, an organization creating web-based educational materials dealing with bioethical topics.
His hobbies include hiking, reading and anything to do with Russian history.
Communications Director - Kristin Oenema
Kristin is our Communications Director, and is a graduate of Royal Roads University in Victoria, where she obtained her Bachelor of Environmental Science. From 2003 to 2006 she worked with ‘Samaritan’s Purse’, an international relief organization, in Sudan, Congo, and Uganda. Her hobbies include learning new languages, experiencing new cultures and people, and travelling. An avid reader, Kristin loves to be active and outdoors…especially living outdoors, as well as hiking and camping.
Kristin is the friendly and helpful voice you hear when you contact our office!
Director of Accounting - Sherri Foster
I was born and raised in India. My folks were missionaries with the Christian & Missionary Alliance- "Alliance" in Canada. I attended a Christian Boarding School in India for most of my schooling (except for a few furlough years). Even so, our family was very close and made the most of our times together. I would not exchange my multi-cultural experience and feel my life was enriched by it.
I attended Capernwray Bible College in England where my husband, Tim, also attended. We met on a "blind" date set up by mutual friends and just celebrated our 30th anniversary in June. It was important to me to be home to raise our 2 children and be involved in their schooling as much as possible. I applaud the parents who have chosen to home school their children and am pleased to be a small part of the process.
I have worked in a variety of clerical and bookkeeping positions... always learning with each new challenge. I also enjoy reading, golf, walking our dog, and especially value time with family and friends.
Tim and I are thankful for the godly heritage passed on by our families and that our children have chosen to continue this walk with the Lord.
"...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Communications Coordinator - Elissa Gerk
Elissa is our Communications Coordinator. Elissa is the eldest of 11 children, the daughter of Ted & Marina Gerk. A graduate of Heritage Christian School, Elissa’s responsibilities include maintaining all the student files, coordinating Rosetta Stone, student enrollments, and assisting Kristin.
Elissa has an extensive background in Customer Service in both Canada and New Zealand.
Her interests include reading, art, and traveling. She enjoys working with children and meeting new people.
Administrative and Clerical Assistant - Donna Perret
Over the last twenty-some years, my husband, Rob, and I, along with our 3 daughters, have served in ministry in India, Pakistan, Cambodia and Uganda. For now, we have the pleasure of living and working in Kelowna, close to friends and family.
Librarian - Shandra Wiebe
I am a working and homeschooling Mom of three wonderful children and wife to my wonderful, supportive husband.
I began my homeschooling journey twelve years ago when my daughter begged to be removed from school in grade 7. She was struggling with dyslexia and a rowdy class so another option had to be found. While on this journey we tried many different curricula and methods including distance education and integrated programs; eventually we found what worked for her. During this time I became very committed to homeschooling our sons so they have never attended public school.
The joy of learning along side my children continues to amaze me. The difficult days teach us much about ourselves and getting along with others!
I love to share the joy of homeschooling with other families and I really love books, so working in the library is a special privilege. It also keeps my home library from growing too big! I enjoy serving the moms and dads who e-mail, call or drop in looking for information and helping them find the books and kits that will inspire them and their children.
Director of BC Online School – Gordon Robideau
I am thrilled to be part of the ministry and vision of Heritage Christian Online School. Currently I administrate the BC Online School division of cross-enrolled students and the Advanced Placement program. It has been truly inspiring for me to be part of a community of ministry minded professionals whose heart is to disciple and educate children in all areas around the world where God opens the door for us. I see the transformative nature of the biblical worldview we live from evident in the teachers, the students and the staff of HCOS. It is a joy to serve with an inspiring group of people.