We’ve got some fantastic people joining us for 2022. (For Faculty Dr. Tim Mackie and Dr. Brad Harper see our faculty page under “academics”)

Tonia Martens

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome back Tonia from our 2019 group. And this time she’s with us for the whole trip. Tonia serves as the Program Director at Southern Alberta Bible Camp (Alberta) and has also been a pastor’s wife for 3 decades. While we were all at Briercrest together in the 80s, we really became friends in Surrey BC working at Johnston Heights Church. Tonia is married to (Pastor) Kim who may also join us for a week or two and is the mom of three grown children. Tonia is a great addition to our team, caring for students as dean, and also helping Leslie in the kitchen during the Spring term (March April).

Leah Vanderlaan

We first met Leah in Germany working with Military kids 10 years ago. She was leading a youth group of about 100 kids in Stuttgart, These days she’s serving as a Mobilizer with Avant Ministry based in Ontario (Canada). Leah will be doing some Dean work with the students, and, (like all of us) helping around the Chateau as needed. Between her experience working with young people, and also living in Europe she will be a terrific asset to our group. She will be driving one of our two vans group as we visit various countries. Leah will be with us during the Summer (May/June) session.

Cathy Friesen

Cathy has been a great friend for the past 20 years. Hailing from Steinbach Manitoba, she works at my favorite bank in the world…. the world famous Steinbach Credit Union. But we’re excited to have her because she is a terrific person who will have great advice for our students, is fun to be around, and also will also do a great job working with Leslie in the Kitchen:). Cathy has been married to Tim for…. ? 30 years? and has three grown kids. She will be joining us for the May/June session (mostly Chateau time).

Leslie Hildebrand

Leslie is truly the Lady of the Chateau. She makes all the decisions about decor, improvements, meals, housekeeping, and anything related to the house. Primarily during the terms she serves as our cook in addition to caring for students. For the Record, Leslie is also the Founder of LVSA, it was her idea to do the program in France, and she made the call on purchasing the Chateau.

Rob Hildebrand

While at the Chateau, Rob is the handyman, lawn-mower, toilet un-plugger, roof leak rain catcher, and Van driver. He Sometimes drives to the bakery for the morning breakfast, and helps out whenever not in the classroom.