Administration

While the majority of my education, post high school was obtained from secular universities (AA from Portland Art Institute, BA and M. Ed from Oregon State University and a Professional State Administrator Licensure from Lewis and Clark College), my appreciation of Christian education goes way back. Having attended Christian high schools, my husband Jeryl and I both share a deep appreciation for Christian education. .Jeryl graduated from Western Christian in Salem, and myself, and our two children graduated from East Linn Christian. As a graduate, and the parent of two East Linn Christian graduates, I can personally testify to the strong spiritual foundation East Linn Christian provides.  

I had always enjoyed working with children. I love coaching. I was able to coach middle school basketball for several years before my children were born and varsity volleyball when my daughter was in high school. In my mid 20’s I felt called to pursue teaching. The need for Christian educators in the public school setting was evident. While pursuing my teaching license, I took a position as a special ed assistant providing instruction for students with special needs at a public school just outside of Lebanon. After receiving my masters in 1998, I took an elementary teaching position with Lebanon Community School District. Even though I couldn’t openly share my faith, I felt very affirmed in the ability I had to model Christ for my students and colleagues in silent ways. When offered the opportunity to work as an instructional teaching coach, I saw it as an opportunity to have an even greater influence for Christ. I enjoyed the work I was doing and didn’t see myself ever leaving public education. In 2005, I was asked to provide some consulting services for East Linn Christian. Considering the fond memories I had for all the teachers who had sewn into my life, I gladly accepted the offer. The experience opened my eyes to the gravity of their ministry. It's so much more than imparting information. Purposeful planning goes into every aspect of the school. Everything; the instruction, the discipline, athletics, extra-curricular programs - all aiming to support the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. A few years later when I was asked to consider the elementary principal position at East Linn, I knew God was calling me to full-time service in Christian education. While it was a challenging decision, I’ve never regretted it.

In Mark 14:8, Jesus affirms Mary Magdalene for “doing what she could” in service to Him. As the superintendent of East Linn Christian, I have the privilege of serving a dedicated faculty. I consider it an absolute honor and joy to serve with so many highly qualified, humble people who love God and seek to “do what they can” each, and every day to provide formational instruction that prepares young men and women to live out their God-given calling.

When I started seriously thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, I knew it was either to become a psychologist or a teacher. I started down the psychology road and completed a psychology degree from OSU in 1996. During this same time my wife, Carolyn and I started our family and I felt I really needed to take a different direction that would earn a paycheck quicker to support a family, so I attended Corban University and earned a teaching certificate.

The summer after I earned my teaching certificate, I had several interviews in public schools but was beat out by teachers with experience. I had picked up an application from Albany Christian School, but didn’t really want to teach there because I had my mind set on being a missionary in a public school. So I did not fill out the Albany Christian application. By the end of summer I still didn’t have a public school job, so I filled out the application for Albany Christian and got an interview. The principal told me he was hoping I would come back. Two hours after the interview I got a phone call with a job offer to teach 4th grade. In my mind I thought I would teach a year and then apply for a public school job with a better chance of getting a job having some experience.  

But God had a different plan for me. After a year teaching at Albany Christian School, I was hooked. Teaching kids in a classroom and having the freedom to teach God’s word was what I wanted to do. I taught at Albany Christian School for 4 years and then applied for a 4th grade position at East Linn Christian and got that job. I loved being in the classroom teaching elementary students and soon realized that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

 After several years of teaching I was encouraged by a lawyer acquaintance to pursue classes to become a mediator which was very appealing because of my love for psychology. I took classes to become a mediator and did volunteer work as a mediator for juvenile victim/offender cases for Benton and Linn County Juvenile Courts for several years. I was wondering if God was leading me into another direction because of the satisfaction I got from helping children resolve their legal problems.

After about 15 years of teaching I decided I should start working on a Masters degree to learn more about being a Christian school teacher. I completed a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Corban University in 2014. Also in 2019 I received a Professional Lifetime Education Certificate from ACSI.

Before I finished my degree, I was offered the job of elementary principal of Linn Christian Elementary School. Looking back I see how my love of psychology, becoming a mediator and earning a master’s degree was all planned out by God to prepare me as a principal in an elementary school. It has been a very rewarding job.

I have been around Christian education my entire life. I was blessed to be in a family that understood the importance of Christian education for me and I too have found the same value for my children. Christian based education is so much more than a safe environment or a Bible class during the school day. Christian education is about educating the whole child. Not just in mind, but in body and spirit as well to glorify God. It is educating the youth that we are privileged to educate about what a blessing it is to put on the full armor of Christ as they navigate each day. It is teaching them about living a life of purpose, intention, and humility as they keep their pursuit of the Father their first priority. At East Linn Christian, we have the unique privilege of partnering with the parents to propel these students into a life of excellence as they serve our Lord.

I have had vast experience in Christian education ranging from running a vibrant international student program, being a campus pastor, Marketing Director, Dean of Students, Development & Financial Director, Principal, as well as Superintendent and School Board Chairman. My experience around a Christian School has enabled me the opportunity to see the inner workings of a school, define the needs as well as the skills represented, and encourage my colleagues to be the best they can be in their roles. Communication is a strength of mine and I enjoy working with parents, students, as well as school faculty to navigate the challenges of a school year. In addition to my school roles, I have also served in the past as a Youth Pastor as well as owned multiple of my own retail and service based businesses.

Outside of the school, I have an interest in theater, music, & athletics. Basketball is my first athletic love and I have coached it for many years at multiple levels culminating with the highlight of winning a State Championship in 2015 coaching High School Girls Basketball. I believe enriching opportunities for our students is a vital part of their education. I encourage students to be fully engaged in the classroom, but also continue their interests outside the classroom as well whether it be in a club, a sports team, a thespian group, band, or any other various activity!

I have four children attending here and I am honored to serve the amazing East Linn Christian community in serving as the MS/HS Principal. My hope for every student can be found in Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." I pray that the God of hope will fill each and every student with his strengthening joy and unwavering peace so that they may live their lives ahead overflowing with His hope no matter where their journey may take them!

My husband graduated from East Linn Christian, and we always wanted to enroll our kids when the time came.  I actually went on a campus tour for my preschooler and left with a job! After spending the first 15 years of my career in public education, getting to talk about Jesus while teaching young children is a blessing I don't take for granted! In my spare time, I love hiking, baking, painting, traveling, spending time with my family and drinking loads and loads of coffee.
 

My Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10
Current Favorite is 1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms." I love the truth in this verse that tells us we have all been specifically gifted by God in order to be a blessing to others. We all wear the title "Stewards of God's Grace" however it looks different on every person because God loves diversity and uniqueness!

Educational Background:
Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Boise Bible College – Boise, Idaho. Over 750 hours of Early Childhood Education. Licensed Childcare Center Director through the State of Oregon.

Years in Education: 23
My first 15 years in education took place in the public sector as a KidCo “Head Start Teacher” & and “Home Visitor” in the Linn County region

Years at East Linn Christian: 8

My Deep Hope: 
My Deep Hope is that my students realize their preciousness to God and to me, and that they walk in relationship with Jesus who empowers them to do the hard things he has called them to do

 

I have spent my entire professional life in the Pacific Northwest, growing up in South Eastern Washington, attending undergraduate school in The Treasure Valley of Idaho, and from 1987 to present in Western Oregon where I finished my graduate education at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. My wife Shelley and I are active in our local church where we teach Bible in Sunday school and home Bible studies. We are the parents of four adult children and have one grandchild. My professional education includes:

• BA – Biology Education: Northwest Nazarene College (NNU), 1984
• MA – Counseling: Oregon State University, 1989
• Initial & Continuing Administrative Credentials – University of Oregon

Professionally speaking, I have served as a middle and high school Science Teacher, Coach, Counselor, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, & Principal. My first 31 years in education were spent in the public education systems in Idaho & Oregon before coming to East Linn Christian in July of 2017. My initial plans when I started college in 1979 were to earn a degree in biology and return home to Washington and take over my father’s farm equipment business, but ultimately my plans were not the LORD’s plans (Prov.16:9). The initial change to secondary education was providential, and has been the most rewarding career imaginable. Never have I felt more fulfilled in my calling as I have since becoming an “Eagle.” Working here gives me the opportunity to address education for the whole person and not just the academic mind. I am thrilled to be able to address the historically based revelation of God first through the patriarchs, then the prophets, Christ, and the apostles (Hebrews 1:1-2)

I'll share three things about me as an individual. I lived in Australia and did school there part of my Junior and Senior years. I have a diploma called a Victorian Higher School certificate. It is one step above what we would think of as a high school certificate, and in those days it was automatic entrance and free tuition to University for Australian students. However, the school to earn that degree is approximately equal to the Master's degree in America. I am still friends with my school classmates from those years, and they and their love means everything to me. I love cats and claim the title of crazy cat lady.  I am loving the connections to the Christian Community that come with working at ELC. It's a joy today to meet the children and grandchildren of those I taught in the 1980s. If you want a front row seat to watch God perform miracles and if you want God to use you to show His love and salvation to others, come join the ministry at ELC.

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Arts – English Education (OSU); 
24 credits toward master's degree in education and curriculum design – Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington 
Juris Doctorate in law (JD) – University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon
250 hours in mediation training; credits in Bible, train the trainer, adult education, and disability planning. I own Bridgewaters Mediation and Training and trained over 2000 mediators. 
I have held licenses to teach in grades 5 through 12 through the State of Oregon and through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Years in Education: 30+
I have taught grades 4-12; community college; law school; and adult instruction.

Years at East Linn Christian: 7
This is my 7th year, spread over the second to fortieth years ELCA has been an institution. I taught in ELCA years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 19; and was Vice Principal in 85-87; Now in ELCA's 40th year, I am part-time as human resources/employee relations director.

Other Experience: 
Teacher, Echo Public Schools, Grades 7-12: English, Literature, Publications (Newspaper & Yearbook), Photography. 
Private Recruiter & Placement Officer. 
Retail Management: Pay'n Save Corporation (Lamonts, BiMart, & Others): Trainer, Retail Buying, Store Management. 
Law Professor in Mediation & Interviewing & Counseling: University of Washington; University of Oregon; Willamette University. 
Non-Profit Director: Columbia Foundation (St. Helens); Linn-Benton Mediation Services (Albany); Victim-Offender Mediation Program (Portland). 
Bridgewaters Mediation & Training: Owner. Original Name "LawTalks." Trained over 2000 mediators. Corporate training in communications, problem solving & conflict resolution. Corporate/organizational consultant. 
Assistant Editor: Virtue Christian Magazine. (Selected, edited, published articles on Christian living for Women.)

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education? 
I admire and appreciate the Christian environment, where kindness and understanding are the foundation of each relationship and where FAITH is the foundation for every decision. It is a joy to openly live one's faith and to serve God in His work to make faithful disciples. Teaching others to walk with God is a joy.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 & Micah 6:8
One of my favorite chapters in scripture is 1 Corinthians 13, as it's all about love. Love does conquer all. I also subscribe to Micah 6:8, and that is the source of my deep hope.

“8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
   and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (ESV)

My Deep Hope: 
My deep hope is that we, as God's beloved, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly together to make faithful disciples.

 

I love Christian education because I get an opportunity to train godly leaders and enable them to fulfill their purpose in life.  I have been able to pursue my passion while teaching in seven different states and at every level, from Elementary school all the way up to College subjects. Working with a broad range of education will help me serve East Linn in selecting and evaluating our curriculum. My husband, Jeremy, and I have been teaching in different capacities together, making our lives even more fun as we serve in ministry together.
Before East Linn, I served at Paideia Classical Christian School in Tampa, Florida, as the Academic Dean.  I started my education at New Hope Christian College in Eugene (formerly Eugene Bible College), where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. After a short period at Lane Community College, taking prerequisites for nursing, we had a heart to move to Ohio and minister. While in Ohio, I completed my Teaching English as a Second Language certification at Wright State University. Then God called us to Texas. Jeremy got his Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary and his Masters in History from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. At that same time, I received my Masters in Intercultural Studies and Theology. I was lead Academic Advisor for North Lake Community College and Instructional Specialist for ESL teachers. Before we left Texas, God impressed upon my heart to pursue my doctorate. However, God also wanted us to move to North Dakota, but it all worked out, and I received my Doctor of Education from Southeastern University.  I’m excited to be a part of the East Linn Christian community, and I know that with God’s help, my background, and experience, I will be able to assist students in reaching their goals of graduating from a Christian school and reaching the world for Him.
I have been a Christian for over thirty years and have been an ordained minister for over fifteen years. Jeremy and I have been married for over 15 years. One of my favorite verses reminds me of who I live for in life- not my family, not ministry, not work, but for Christ: Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I love God above all. I also enjoy theater (writing, directing, & acting), volleyball (playing & coaching), watching movies, reading books, and hanging out with family and friends. I have had many work areas, from maintenance, nannying, barista, reception, and even a telemarketing job. My husband and I are willing to go wherever God wants us. We seek Him, and He shows us the way every time. Each time He leads us differently, it is always exciting to be in His will and on the right track.

My Deep Hope is that we will learn to love and serve the Father with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and, in turn, love and serve others.

Educational Background:
BS in Education – Multnomah University (2015) – Portland, Oregon  
BS in Bible & Theology – Multnomah University (2015) – Portland, Oregon  
ME (Master of Education) Educational Policy & Leadership (EPoL) – University of Oregon (2022) – Eugene, Oregon  
Teacher Standards And Practices (TSPC) certification as elementary teacher and administrator:

Years in Education: 8
I've only ever worked at East Linn Christian, although I have 20 years of Children’s ministry experience-both in leadership and as a teacher. At ELC I was previously a 2nd grade teacher, and in 2020 I went back to school for educational leadership. This is my second year as technology administrator. I've been serving Jesus in education for over 20 years. I started serving in children's ministry when I was 10 years old and I haven't stopped since!

I started helping in the 3's and 4's group at my church as a youth helper, but actually started teaching children when I was 17 when I attended a training school to learn how to teach the Gospel through the Wordless Book method. God used that experience to show me gifts that He had given me that I didn't know I had. Even though I had already been on the education track through my middle school and high school years, I finally had the confirmation of what direction God wanted me to go into as I looked at graduating from high school. Over the years, my husband and I have done youth ministry, college ministry, and children's ministry.  We currently serve a non-profit that trains teens to teach the next generation the Gospel and equips them with the tools to lead the next generation into a saving relationship with Jesus. 

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2014 

My favorite part about working at East Linn Christian is getting the opportunity to encourage the next generation to step into the calling that God has placed on their life. I love getting to inspire them to walk boldly in what God is calling them to do and empower them to stand up for truth in their communities, countries and world. I love getting to show them that Jesus is and can be part of every single part of their life, not just their Sunday and Wednesday life. 

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9 &  Jeremiah 29:11 
“9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Hobbies & Other Interests:
I love visiting Disneyland or watching Disney movies. I love playing any number of the musical instruments I own, although my favorite is my piano. I love going camping with my husband and my son and watching the Milwaukee Bucks play basketball. I love traveling and a good road trip! While Disneyland is my favorite place to travel, I do enjoy visiting my best friend in Wisconsin and going to the local cheese factories and having fresh cheese curds (if you've never tried a true Wisconsin cheese curd you need to!) I enjoy baking and cooking, my current obsession is learning to can my own food and baking my own sourdough bread. 

My Deep Hope: As warriors in God's army we have been called to be on the lookout for false words and stand up against the enemy of this world, to live, speak and make God's truth known.
 

My favorite thing about working for East Linn Christian is the compassionate and welcoming atmosphere. From day one they have made me feel valued and that the work I do is essential! 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – Animal Science, California State University – Fresno, CA 
Bachelor of Science – Business Management, Strayer University – Washington DC

Employed at East Linn Christian Since: 2020

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”