Johanna Rasmussen: Challenged To Grow

In our series, ‘Meet The Board’, we share conversations with our school’s leaders, focusing on their background and their family’s journey to TC Christian, their dreams for the school, and the challenges and opportunities they see moving forward.

Johanna Rasmussen joined the TC Christian Board in 2018 with a simple objective. “I wanted to get to know other TCCS parents and staff by working with them to support the school.” She has certainly accomplished those objectives and others she didn’t expect, like serving as the President of the Traverse City Christian School Board.

A quick glance at Johanna’s resume will show you she is a busy professional with an extensive background in education. It is interesting to note that Johanna has an ongoing relationship with three very different school systems: a parochial (church) school, a public school, and TC Christian.

“I am employed as a school counselor at Mesick Consolidated Public Schools and I serve on the boards of both Trinity Lutheran School and TC Christian.” These roles give Johanna a unique view into what makes schools function well, and she relishes the roles into which God has placed her. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved and serve the Lord in this capacity.”

The Messenger caught up with Johanna for more insights into her family and what excites her about the future of TC Christian.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Alpena and my husband, Brian, and I attended the same high school which is where we started dating. We have now been married for 23 years and have three delightful teenagers, all at TCCS: Adam, a Senior; Emily, a Sophomore; and Luke, a Freshman. All three enjoy using their musical talents on the worship team at TC Christian, and they are also part of the bowling team. As a family, we enjoy boating, camping, hiking, biking, bowling, and traveling.

Brian and Johanna Rasmussen with (l to r) Emily (Sophomore), Adam (Senior) and Luke (Freshman)

We attend Trinity Lutheran Church where I serve on the school board, Brian and the boys serve on the ushering team, and Luke also plays trumpet in the brass choir. Our family also volunteers in the food pantry at church.

I am employed as a school counselor for grades 6-12 with Mesick Consolidated Public Schools, where I get to assist students with academic & personal/ social issues, as well as college & career planning. Prior to working as a school counselor, I taught high school German & psychology.

Why did you choose TC Christian for your children’s education?

This is our fourth year at TC Christian and we find this to be a special community which equips students with the knowledge and faith to serve God, family, church, and the community during both their school years and beyond. Our kids first attended Trinity Lutheran School, which is affiliated with our church, from kindergarten through eighth grade. We appreciated the positive impact of the small, Christian learning environment at Trinity, and were blessed to have them transition to TC Christian for high school, so they could continue with a similar experience. What I love about TC Christian is the caring, Christ-centered relationships among students and staff where students are challenged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

What challenges and opportunities do you see moving forward?

I would love to see TC Christian expand enrollments over the next few years, so that more of the families in our area could benefit from being a part of this amazing Christian learning environment.

It’s the year 2035 and you’re back on campus. What you would like to see, feel, and experience?

My vision for the school in the future is a significant increase in enrollments, additional classrooms and staff, continued sense of Christian community, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit at work in staff, students, and parents to glorify the Lord and expand His kingdom.

And finally, what words of encouragement would you offer to parents wondering if they should serve on the Board?

I would encourage other parents to prayerfully consider serving on the school board in the future as it is a rewarding experience. Having a board composed of members with a variety of backgrounds allows for continued improvement of the school and the wonderful opportunities it affords school families.

If you would like to connect with Johanna on Board issues, you can email her at jrasmussen@tcchristian.org