Position at Unity: Secretary. This is my 6th year at Unity. I job share with Mar where I usually work 2 days and she works 3. She has been such a blessing to me as I continue to learn and try to glean from her 30+ years here. Our flexibility works out very well so you might not see us on the same days each week.

Professional and Educational Background:  I attended Hospers Christian Elementary School and Unity Christian High. I graduated from Dordt College with an Early Childhood Educ. AA degree. I taught at Preschools, Librarian at Kluckholn Elementary LeMars, and had a home daycare. Prior to my job at Unity I was a Creative Memories Consultant/Leader for 13 years where I loved being a stay-home-mom as well as run the business.

Childhood and Family Background:  I grew up on an acreage near Hospers (better known as the Beekeepers place) - daughter of Janice and late John Kuiper. I married Gary Malenke in 1986 who works at Natural Food Holdings in Sioux Center. We have 4 children – Neil a junior at Northwestern College, Caleb a sophomore at Iowa Western Community College, Schuyler a freshman at Unity and Justine a 6th grader at OCCS.

Church Life:  Our family attends Immanuel CRC in Orange City. I enjoy being part of the praise teams and teaching Sunday School.

Life Outside Unity:  I love being a mom and wife. I enjoy working on our yard, swimming and running with friends, competing in triathlons, photography, music, working on photo albums, following the kids with their sports, traveling with Gary on business, playing games, and family vacations.

Why I Teach at Unity:  All of life is worship and the hours I spend here I hope to provide a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere through daily work as I interact with students, staff, and parents. It is a joy to be surrounded by such a special Unity family.