Amy Duhamell Bell
Class of 1993
Posted on July 24, 2023
Since Amy Duhamell Bell (’93) was a child, she always had an interest in teaching, thought she would go into education as an adult, and admired many of her teachers throughout her educational journey. With this lifelong passion, it would seem almost unfitting that after Heritage she went on to attend Cornerstone University and earned her bachelor’s degree in English (minor in communications). After a short time in marketing and advertising, Amy felt the calling to go back to school to earn her English education endorsement for grades 5-12 from Anderson University followed by earning a master’s degree in education leadership from Cornerstone University in 2019. She is a licensed administrator in Michigan and currently serves as the Disability Coordinator and Academic Counselor at Calvin University in Grand Rapids.
Amy explains that she went into education, and specifically into educational leadership, to make a difference in the lives of children. “Education is the tool the Lord gave me to minister to families and I am thankful for the work Christ has done over the years.” She thinks that the most rewarding part of her career is seeing the difference educators can make long term. For example, as a principal in her last school, they hosted a dyslexia intervention program where many students learned how to become strong readers. “In one family, the burden of dyslexia was lifted as both siblings are now reading and performing above grade level and this gives them hope and confidence to enter the world ready to make a difference.”
Amy credits her Heritage education as the strong platform from which she has been able to build upon throughout her adult life. “My teachers were purposeful in sharing their hope in Christ and I have often remembered their influence as I saw the Lord's patient hand upon my life. Amy mentioned a few special Heritage teachers including Mr. Watt, who made government not only bearable but fun, and Mrs. Haley who instilled a love for all things English-related. “I have wonderful memories of great literature discussions with Miss Hubbard and I distinctly remember how all the teachers poured into our lives.” She also fondly recalls Janice Houghton and credits her with introducing her to good books in the library and praying with her about where to should attend college. “As a teacher, academic director, dean, administrator, and now moving on to higher education in a Christian university, my time at Heritage impacted how I see my work. My teachers at Heritage inspired me to invest in students and show them Christ's love.”
When asked about her favorite Heritage Christian School memories, there were a few that came to Amy’s mind. “I came to Heritage in 5th grade as a transfer student and it took a while to adjust to a new school. I am so thankful for Beth Jarrett, who became a lifelong friend.” She enjoyed being a part of the cheerleading team with her lifelong friend, Laurie (Hahn) Johnson and she also enjoyed the senior fall retreat to Brown County.
Amy lives in Rockford, MI with her husband, Trent, and their four children who are all attending Christian school.