Judah Board Members

Brenda Childers
President

This is my 5th year serving on the JCS School Board.  I am originally from Maumee, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo.  I graduated from the University of Toledo in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  In 1995, I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Master’s Degree in Reading Education.  I have been a substitute teacher at Judah for 8 years in both the Elementary and Jr. High school.   

My husband, Doug and I have two children, Brooke (grade 9) and Austin (grade 7).  They have been attending Judah since Preschool and I am convinced that the teachers and staff at Judah are the ones you want impacting your students both academically and spiritually!  Our family worships at First Christian Church.  My interests include golfing, hiking, biking, snow skiing and family time!

Graham Berry
Vice-President

I grew up in London, England and graduated from Ealing High School in 1979 and Ealing Culinary School in 1981. I met my wife Liz in 1988 at Frasca airport in Urbana and we were married in 1990. I received a commercial pilot license in 1990 and spent 9 years flying for a regional airline based in DC and Chicago O'Hare, then switched to corporate aviation in 2000.

Liz and I have four children; Alex graduated from Judah in 2010 after attending for 13 years. Hannah will graduate in 2012 from Judah; Max is currently in 7th grade and Lily is in 3rd grade. Judah Christian School has been a massive part of our lives and we have enjoyed seeing how The Lord has blessed the school over the last 14 years. We look forward to seeing what He has in store for the school's future.  Our family attends First Christian Church.

Derrick Helm
Treasurer

I am a native of Chicago, IL. In 1989, I moved to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois, where I studied Nuclear Engineering.  While attending the U of I, I was blessed to have met my beautiful wife of nearly 15 years now. We both loved the atmosphere of the C/U cities and decided to make this home. She has a Master's in Education and works for the Urbana School District as a kindergarten teacher. Our son is now in his fifth year at Judah and has a real passion for both God and his own scholastic excellence.  Our family attends The Church of the Living God (affectionately known as "The Love Corner").
 
For the past 17 years I have been blessed with a career in the in the automotive business. I currently serve as the General Manager for the Volkswagen department at O'Brien Auto Park in Urbana. My career has allowed me to utilize both my engineering (problem solving) and people skills. Throughout my career God has utilized me to be a blessing to others through my passion for service. At work, I truly enjoy helping people accomplish their automotive goals. In my daily life, I try my best to just be a small light for the paths of others.
 
My hobbies include: Serving God and the community through my philanthropic affiliations - Rotary and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, assistant coaching boys basketball, working with youth, and most important spending quality time with my wonderful family.

 

 

 

Brian W. Conway

My full time occupation is an airline pilot, but I also work with a property management company.  I have been married to my wife, Marta for over 25 years.  We have three children attending Judah; Jenna (15 years old, sophomore), Sam, and Allison (twins 13 years old, 7th grade).  I was saved from an upbringing of un-Biblical theology and my family and I attend First Baptist of Champaign-Savoy. I try to live by the motto, "Thy will be done", from the Lord's Prayer.

Ryan Gower

I am tremendously honored to be serving my first year on the Judah Board of Education.  My experience with Christian education goes back to 1981 when my parents enrolled me in the newly formed Community Christian School in Savoy.  From CCS, I transitioned to Judah Christian School where I received a fantastic education and graduated in 1990.  After Judah, I attended The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I earned a few degrees, but more importantly met the love of my life.  Tracey and I have been married for 10 years, and have 3 wonderful children (Evan, Grace, & AJ) who all attend Judah.  We attend First Christian Church.

I earned my Ph.D. in 2008 with a specialization in Experiential Education.  I am currently on the faculty at the University of Illinois in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism where I am the Director of Undergraduate Studies.  My primary responsibilities are instruction in our management core and the implementation of our curriculum assessment program.

As a member of the Board, I am passionate about; 1)  continuous assessment of our educational program, 2) ensuring that our administration, faculty and support staff have all the tools and resources they need to provide for their families and the student body, and 3) equipping our students to attain their post-graduate aspirations.

Mick Noteboom

I grew up in Milford, Iowa and graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa in 1983 with a degree in humanities and Christian Education.  After working as a youth director for 7 years I began my career in the insurance and investment business and have owned and operated Professional Benefits Group for over 20 years.  I have been married to my wife Julie for 25 years and we are also business partners.  We have 4 kids: Adrianna is a Judah graduate and is currently at Northwestern College in Orange City Iowa.  Telma is a 7th grader at Judah, Josh is in the 6th grade at Jefferson Middle School and Isaac is in the 4th grade at Judah.  We attend Windsor Road Christian Church. 

I was a board member for 6 years and after a couple years off I felt called to serve again.  We have come so far in the past years and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for us in the future.  I love Judah and love serving on the board.  Judah has been such a blessing to our family and I know our teachers and staff prepare our kids for the future.

Jenny Park

I was born in Seoul, South Korea and came to the United States in 1978.  I grew up in Tolono, Illinois and earned my B.S. from the University of Illinois and J.D. from Indiana University.  I am currently a shareholder at my law firm, Meyer Capel, A Professional Corporation where I specialize in land development, real estate law and business law.  My husband, Peter, and I have been married for 13 years and we have two beautiful children, Noah (12 years old and attending Judah) and Sophie (2 years old).  I am a member of the Korean Church of Champaign-Urbana.  Judah has been a blessing to my family, especially to my son.