Middle & High School

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!

Prior to coming to ELC I served for many years as the site director for the “Teen Challenge” program at Shedd for a decade, and as a local minister the last three years.  I currently lead the “Transform Lebanon” group of local ministers who gather weekly to pray for the power of God to transform and empower our local churches in this portion of East Linn County.  I have a desire to assist others in any way I can to further the kingdom.
 

Educational Background:

AA – Criminal Justice: Linn Benton Community College – Albany, Oregon
BA – Administration: Bellvue University – Bellvue, Nebraska
MA – Theological studies: Life Pacific University – San Dimas, California 

Years in Education: 2
Employed at East Linn Christian since 2020

Favorite Scripture:
My favorite scripture is John 3:16, and the whole context of me being saved and spreading the Gospel. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is to guide us in our identity found in Christ causing us to see the greater mission of the Gospel bringing a Living Hope to reflect on others through Christ full of Love and Grace.

I enjoy ocean fishing and being involved in athletics. I worked for a couple of years in crowd management at OSU sporting events. I have officiated high school volleyball for 7 years and was honored to be selected twice to work the 3A/4A state tournament. It has been a privilege to be involved for 16 years in Christian education and hopefully have a small part in disciplining young men and women in their Christian walk.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts – Elementary Education: William Penn College; Oskaloosa, Iowa
TSPC license with Endorsements in Elementary - Multiple Subjects; Foundational Mathematics; Reading Intervention; 1998 
-Iowa Reading Council Promising Young Teacher of the Year
 

Years in Education: 25 

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2014
 

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."
It reminds me that when things don't go the way I think they should, I need to trust God that He is ultimately in control and has a bigger purpose in mind.

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that my students observe God's direction in their lives and tackle each life experience as a personal training opportunity for a greater purpose in His story.

I love that I get to support ELC's mission as a Health Teacher as well as in a leadership role, encouraging students to pursue their dreams as the Academic Advisor. My family enjoys being outside in the woods on our ATV's, hiking or camping or in our backyard sitting around our campfire having s'mores together. We feel God closest to us in nature and in community with our friends and family. I have been at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon since its opening in 2014 as the Recreation Therapy Director. Before that all my experience has been with young people, enjoying life and being active. I love working at summer camp, learning about Jesus in His creation and playing sports and games with youth is where I am happiest. 
 

Educational Background:
Associate of Arts, Green River Community College 2008 – Auburn, WA
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance – George Fox University – Newberg, OR
TSPC of Oregon Substitute Teaching License and Endorsed to Teach Physical Education and Health. 
Recreation Therapy Certificate Eastern Washington University. 
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

Years in Education: 1 

Employed at East Linn Christian Since: 2022

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1
“Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that we all truly live in God's peace, in order to share his LOVE with the world.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in History from Corban University. – Salem, Oregon
Holds an ACSI Secondary Teaching License. 
Currently enrolled in Graduate school at Corban University, earning a “Masters in Curriculum Design and Instruction” 
 

Years in Education: 7

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2015

Favorite Scripture:
The 21st Chapter of John has been a favorite for some years now. In it, Jesus appears to the disciples and Peter throws himself off the boat to get to shore. I also love that Jesus has breakfast with his disciples, and that John thought it worth his time to record it. But, the best part of the chapter is after Jesus has taken Peter aside and asked him thrice "Simon, Son of John, do you love me?" - Peter is hurt that Jesus has asked this, and is then told by Jesus the life Peter has been called to lead in order to glorify Christ. Spoiler alert, it's not an easy calling. When Peter inquires about what another disciple is being called to, Jesus responds with “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” The first time I read that it knocked me off my feet. I had been frustrated with the Lord for not giving me what I wanted, and seemingly holding out on me. I had been envious of what the Lord had given others, and not given me. Jesus' words to Peter in this passage remind me "Don't worry about them. Your job is to FOLLOW ME"

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that my students recognize they are citizens of heaven before they are citizens of earth; that they would know when to flip tables and to pay taxes.

 

I grew up in Chicago-land, and swam for the University of Kansas where I became an education major. I met my husband, Bruce, at KU where he swam as well; he is from Sweet Home. After living in the Chicago area for 2 years and teaching 7th grade Language Arts and High School English, we settled here in Oregon and I taught at Sweet Home HS for 10 years. We had two girls who attended East Linn for preschool and kindergarten, then I applied to teach here in 2006. God opened every door for me to be successful here, and I have been so grateful for this position that I have had 16 years. Over the last 28 years, teachers and people in education have been so good to me, and I have been blessed with many mentors and good friends at every school I have taught in. God is so good to me, and I love my job. Most of all, I want to say that I have had the best students in the world and I love them.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Education. University of Kansas – Lawrence Kansas
Master of Education, National Lewis University – Evanston, IL 
Secondary Education License in English - TSPC of Oregon, 
ACSI Teaching License, English.

Years in Education: 28
Years at East Linn Christian: 16

Favorite Scripture:  “Be still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that my students will learn to be discerning while discovering that God's Truth, morals, and best practices for life live in Literature and Good Words.
 

I've enjoyed the East Linn community for years as a teacher, guest participant, and parent of a student. God is moving in this place!

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – Design: University of Washington – Seattle, WA
Master of Theology – NW Graduate School of the Ministry. 
ACSI certified teacher

Years in Education: 20 

Years at East Linn Christian: 2

Favorite Scripture: John 17:3
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that we would know the Bible well and know its Author even better! 
 

I love working at East Linn because the staff are very supportive and encouraging of each other!

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Theater Arts – Southern Oregon University – Ashland, Oregon. 
Masters of Arts in Teaching – Southern Oregon University – Ashland, Oregon. 
ACSI teaching license.

Years in Education: 10

Employed at East Linn Christian Since 2014

Favorite Scripture: Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Life can be really hard and so can school. When we face difficulties, it's important that we persevere and remember that our hope is in God and what he's done for us.

My Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is that we exercise endurance as we strive to view creation from new vistas.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – Agriculture Education/ minor in Economics – University of Idaho (2000) – Moscow, Idaho
Master of Science – Agricultural Education – Oregon State University (2003) – Corvallis, Oregon
Licensed through Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC)

Years in Education: 20
My years in education involve a short stint in Vancouver WA, followed by work as a full-time stay at home mom while substituting (predominately) in Sweet Home School District (all grades; short and long term).

Years at East Linn Christian: 2

Favorite Scripture: Genesis 2:7
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This is my favorite because it tells us everything and everyone is connected to each other- by the same source.

Something you may not know about me: I love cows. Well, all animals – but I really love cows. I spend months planning for the Linn County 4-H/FFA beef show, and transporting my own kids around to cattle shows every opportunity that comes along. I just may have more pictures of cows than kids on my camera roll, just ask to see them some time. 

My Deep Hope: My deep hope is for students to develop a deep love of God's kingdom by studying His grand design.
 

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in Multiple Subjects – Bethany University, Santa Cruz, CA
ACSI Teacher Certification

Years in Education: 38

Years at East Linn Christian: 35
Cyndy is the longest tenured teacher at East Linn Christian Academy.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

My Deep Hope: My deep hope is that my students encounter the sweet joy of serving the people in their everyday world.
 

In addition to teaching and coaching, I enjoy officiating high school and college men's basketball in the winter months.

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Willamette University (2009) – Salem, Oregon 
Master of Arts in Education from Pacific University (2010) – Forest Grove, Oregon 
Elementary Education and ESOL Endorsement - TSPC of Oregon

Years in Education: 13

Years at East Linn Christian: 11

Favorite Scripture: Luke 9:23 
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that you would acknowledge and encourage others in cooperative and competitive physical activities.
 

After graduating from Westmont College in California during the Spring of 2020, my husband and I lived in Hawaii with my family for a year. The present and the future during that time were unknown. However, God had plans for us. God called my husband and I out here to Lebanon in 2021, where he began to pursue a doctorate of Physical Therapy, and I have had the joy to teach, love and support the students here at East Linn Christian Academy. In the midst of change, I have been constantly reminded that God is good and always in control.

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Westmont College: Santa Barbara, California
ACSI certified teacher

Years in Education: 3

Years at East Linn Christian: 2

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 3:17-19
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

I really love this passage because it calls us to focus on deepening our understanding of who God is and the immeasurable unchanging love he has for us. I love that Paul informs us that knowing this love, the love of Christ, surpasses all other knowledge. As a teacher I value knowledge and learning in every area, because God is wisdom and every area of study allows us to learn more about God. However, more than anything I have a deep desire for everyone to know and grasp tightly onto the love that Christ has for them. So that ultimately, we may reflect his image and share his love to others as individuals and as the body of Christ.

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that our identity will be rooted in Christ in order to produce faithful servants who won't be shaken by the wind.

 

I love that I get to support ELC's mission as a Health Teacher as well as in a leadership role, encouraging students to pursue their dreams as the Academic Advisor. My family enjoys being outside in the woods on our ATV's, hiking or camping or in our backyard sitting around our campfire having s'mores together. We feel God closest to us in nature and in community with our friends and family. I have been at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon since its opening in 2014 as the Recreation Therapy Director. Before that all my experience has been with young people, enjoying life and being active. I love working at summer camp, learning about Jesus in His creation and playing sports and games with youth is where I am happiest. 
 

Educational Background:
Associate of Arts, Green River Community College 2008 – Auburn, WA
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance – George Fox University – Newberg, OR
TSPC of Oregon Substitute Teaching License and Endorsed to Teach Physical Education and Health. 
Recreation Therapy Certificate Eastern Washington University. 
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

Years in Education: 1 

Employed at East Linn Christian Since: 2022

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1
“Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that we all truly live in God's peace, in order to share his LOVE with the world.