Alumni Feature: A Generational Journey

Henriette Hoogendoorn and her daughter Esmee ('25) share a rare common experience: they both became foreign exchange students at Des Moines Christian School—nearly 30 years apart.

Henriette first attended DMC in 1996, at age 16. Unsure of her future, she embraced the opportunity through a family connection in the U.S. Her experience at DMC proved transformational: it helped her come out of her shell, discover her passion, and ultimately led her to become a high school English teacher in the Netherlands. She fondly recalls how DMC’s close-knit community.

Decades later, her daughter Esmee found herself in a similar place—uncertain about her future after high school. Encouraged by her mother, she applied to DMC through an exchange program. The Casady family welcomed her into their home, and the experience proved to be life-changing. Esmee quickly found friendship, community, and clarity about her calling. Through a class called Foundations of Education and a practicum in a kindergarten classroom, she discovered her passion for teaching and plans to study elementary education when she returns to the Netherlands.

In a powerful moment of connection, both Henriette and Esmee received the same Bible verse upon graduation from DMC: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)—a reminder that God’s hand has been guiding their paths across generations.