Six individuals have joined the faculty at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., this year. They include: Kelly L. Arney, M.S.; Christina L. Church, M.A.; Angelia A. O’Gieblyn, M.A.; Kathy J. Oliver, M.S.N, R.N.; Chad A. Snyder, Ph.D.; and Richard W. Wanjema, M.F.A.
Kelly Arney is an instructor of Criminal Justice. She holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and an M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, Ferris State University. She previously worked for the Department of Child Services where she investigated reports of abuse and neglect. She has worked with fundraising for orphanages in China, and has also worked for the Michigan Department of Correction in Benton Harbor as a parole officer and later as a probabation officer. Professor Arney has also worked at Eagle Village, Inc. in Hersey, Mich., at the residential treatment program for juveniles. Her husband, Dustyn, works at Zimmer-Biomet, and they have a one-year-old son, Max. They enjoy bike riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and playing at the lakes in Winona Lake and Warsaw.
Christina Church is an instructor of Exercise Science. She has a B.S. degree in Athletic Training, Indiana Wesleyan University and an M.S. in Athletic Training, Ohio University. She previously worked as the Head Athletic Trainer for Grace College through Kosciusko Community Hospital. The past six years working as an ATC have prepared her for guiding students toward career options and best practices. She is excited to embrace the classroom and its opportunity for growth. Professor Church also delights in cooking, all types of water sports, softball, and traveling. She currently resides in Warsaw with her sister, Haley.
Angie O’Gieblyn is an instructor of Graduate Counseling. She has holds a B.S. in Religious Studies, Ball State University; an M.A. in Interpersonal Relations, Grace College and Seminary; and a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling with a Teaching Specialization, Trevecca Nazarene (ABD). Before becoming a clinician, she worked in college ministry and in holistic health as a massage therapist. As a clinician, she has worked in college counseling and in a group private practice where she encountered a variety of clinical issues. Clinically, Professor O’Gieblyn approaches theraputic work from an integrated, attachment-based lens, and focuses mostly on wellness, stress management, self-growth, and family of origin issues. Her personal interests include spending time with her husband and year-old son, as well as enjoying a good football game and delicious meal.
Kathy Oliver is coordinator for the Bethel Nursing Programs at Grace College. She has an A.S. in Nursing, Southwestern Michigan College; a B.S. in Nursing, Indiana University South Bend; and an M.S. in Nursing, Valparaiso University. She has more than 30 years of hospital experience in the critical care and open heart recovery units. It was during her time as a preceptor for new nurses that she discovered her love of teaching. She has taught at Indiana University, Saint Mary’s College, and Southwestern Michigan College. Having served as a chair, director, and dean over the School of Nursing and Human Services at SMC, Professor Oliver is returning to her greatest desire: to serve God by teaching others how to be a good and caring nurse. Her special interest includes working with students to handle the stress of nursing school. Professor Oliver has been married to her husband, Tim, for 30 years. They have four children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Chad Snyder is an associate professor of Chemistry. He has a B.S. degree in Science, Kentucky Wesleyan College; an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Western Kentucky University; and a Ph.D. Organometallic Chemistry, University of Kentucky. Dr. Snyder previously worked for Western Kentucky University for ten years where he taught general science courses, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Forensic Toxicology. He was also active in research while there. Dr. Snyder has presented his research at local and national meetings and has published ten manuscripts in peer-reviewed, synthetic organic chemistry and organometallic chemistry journals. He enjoys Winona Lake, skeet and target shooting, German Shepherds, apologetics, and chess. He also loves spending time with his family. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Amanda, for eight years and has three children, Avery (6 years old), Amelia (4 years old), and Adalyn (2 years old).
Richard Wanjema is an assistant professor of Visual Communication Design. He has a B.F.A. degree in Graphic Design and Communication, IPFW and an M.F.A. in Design Development, The Ohio State University. His research centers on taking aspects of oral traditions and converting them to products, like interactive digital books that can be available on mobile platforms. Professor Wanjema’s professional focus is in creating highly compelling user experiences that facilitate synchronous communication, exploration and collaboration. He is a freelance design consultant, specializing in print and web design, interaction, and user-centered research. His projects may be seen at wanjema.com.