Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Robert Keeley, Calvin College education chair, author, curriculum writer, and children’s ministry leader
Dr. Robert Keeley is professor of education and chair of the education department at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He teaches educational psychology and religious education in the elementary classroom. He received his Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Denver and has more than 30 years of experience working with children and young people in churches and schools. Dr. Keeley has published a number of articles, two mathematics textbooks, and, along with his wife, Laura, has co-authored a number of Christmas plays and church school curricula for children. His latest book, Helping Our Children Grow in Faith: How the Church Can Nurture the Spiritual Development of Kids is published by Baker Books. He also has written two chapters for The Church of All Ages: Generations Worshiping Together (edited by Howard VanderWell and published by Alban.) Bob and Laura also serve as Directors of Children's Ministries at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, where Bob frequently uses his guitar to lead worship. The Keeleys have four children.
Session Leaders
Karen De Boer, Kid Connection editor, children’s ministry leader
Karen De Boer has been involved in children’s ministries for more than 20 years as a teacher, a children’s worship leader, and most recently as a member of the kids' ministry team at a mission-focused church called The Journey. Karen is an editor and writer with Faith Alive, where she’s been working on Kid Connection. You may recognize her voice and photo from the tips and ideas she posts online at the Kid Connection website. She lives in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband and their four daughters.
Jan Contant, international speaker for Christian education and children’s ministry, university instructor
Jan Contant is an instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley, but spends time in the summer attending and presenting workshops at conferences on Christian education. Prior to teaching at UFV, Jan worked as a life-skills coach, program coordinator, and director of children’s ministries. Some of Jan's fondest experiences and “God-stories” come through her volunteer work and times spent with kids in various ministries. Her desire is that participants who attend the workshops will be nurtured in their own faith walk as they share God’s love and amazing grace.
Sandra Elgersma, elementary music instructor and children’s choir director
Sandra Elgersma has taught elementary music full-time for the past 20 years at Abbotsford Christian Elementary School and is presently teaching grades one to five there. She also teaches a music education course at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. Her life is filled with singing out God’s praises, leading church and children’s choirs, and playing piano.
Jolanda Malburg, training coordinator for Faith Alive, children’s ministry leader
Jolanda Malburg was a youth director before joining the Faith Alive staff as the training and consulting coordinator. She loves to see young people grow in Christ and leaders grow in their passion for ministry! Her home church is Coit Community CRC where she serves as the chair of the church education committee.
Ruth Vander Hart, Sunday school teacher, writer, and managing editor for Faith Alive
Ruth Vander Hart is managing editor and curriculum editor for Faith Alive. She’s a teacher, writer, and editor who has been working for many years in church curriculum development, including Faith Alive’s Bible Way, LiFE, Walk With Me, and Kid Connection curricula. She’s passionate about finding new and creative ways to reach today’s kids with God’s good news.