05/28/2026
Meet our Manager of Mission Advancement & Growth, Shay Notenbomer!
It has been a year and a few months since I started with Christian Education Benefit Solutions. The story of how I came to this position is truly an example of God’s provision in my life and an answer to a prayer I didn’t know I was asking. The art of doing ‘sales’ was newer to me, coming from a communications and marketing background, but not unfamiliar. When I was approached with the job description, it felt a bit daunting to imagine stepping into something I would be learning and growing into as I went. After taking time to pray and consider, I said ‘yes’, sensing God’s prompting in every step of the process. Now, it has truly been a life-changing year, and I am incredibly grateful to the Lord for providing a space full of peace and joy.
My role keeps me moving from one end of the country to the next. It includes social media management, communications, developing marketing materials, presentations and workshops, to connecting externally with current and prospective schools through conferences, mailers, and school visits. I’m directly responsible for engagement within and outside the Plans as we foster their growth.
I have always enjoyed making connections with people, hearing their stories, and finding ways to play ‘Dutch Bingo’. It’s come naturally, being an extrovert in a community I come from. So, it’s only made sense to work in a position that allows me to do so. At the heart of that, I’m passionate about reflecting Jesus’ love in the relationships I build and creating meaningful connections. I believe that when people see genuine care and purpose behind what you do, it strengthens the community you build and helps others recognize and share in that same passion.
The world is so often fraught with darkness, and for kids, sometimes their whole world feels overwhelmed by it. As a Christian educator, working in public or private sector, you have the opportunity to be a light in that darkness. Speaking into a child’s life is a huge privilege, and sharing the Good News that comes with that light could make all the difference in how that child perceives themselves and others. They were created so wonderfully and intentionally, and you are showing them just how powerful that is as a child of God. Lean into that! It’s not just about making sure they know the curriculum, it’s showing Christ through the fruits of your labour that you might only receive a glimpse of this side of heaven.
The verse I carry with me comes from my days in GEMS, with Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse continues to shape not only what I value, but how I show up in my work and my relationships, guiding me to act with integrity, treat others with compassion, and approach each interaction with humility. It is a constant reminder to respond in love and mercy, seeking to reflect that same grace to those around me in both word and action.
