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!

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.

Prior to coming to ELC I served for many years as the Executive Director for the Adult and Teen Challenge program in Shedd, OR, and as a local minister.  I currently have a ministry called "Go God Ministries" along with my role here at East Linn.  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.

Alison is an East Linn graduate who is returning to her alma mater to minister to others through education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from The Masters University in Santa Clarita California, so her Biblical training is impeccable. She returns to ELC with over 8 years of teaching from the perspective of Classical Conversations which will draw immediate respect from many of our families with a home schooling background. In addition to her experience in direct instruction she has proven success as a professional tutor over the past three years. Over the last near decade Alison has tutored and guided students in foundational skills including reading, writing, and mathematics. Her current position will largely focus on mathematics, but she has a strong background in multiple disciplines and has been trained to guide students through a wide range of highly rigorous curriculum. Alison reports that she is “Passionate and committed to shaping the hearts and minds of students so they might realize the fullness of God’s image and call in their lives.”

Alison’s personal testimony reveals that she understands personally the struggles our students face making her a good person to disciple them with humility. She described herself as an early “rule follower,” and a “people pleaser so it was easy for me to think I was a good person.” As she moved to adulthood, God revealed to her that she was “trying too hard to have all the answers” in life. She relates that God has been here for her through the doubts and struggles of life. Her final words in her testimony were “I’m so thankful He’s not waiting for me to be a ‘perfect Christian,’ but that He is patiently forming me into the likeness of Christ as I sit at His feet and invest in relationships that point me toward Jesus.” This is a great picture of the kind of discipleship we pray for in leaders at East Linn. We want people who regularly sit at the feet of The Master, humbly guiding our students. 
 

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)

Employed at East Linn Christian Since: 2022

From 2006-2012 all my experience was with young people. Tutoring after school for low-income students housed in Portland, lifeguards at Woodburn pool and running events at a family fun center in Sherwood called Safari Sams. Every Summer from 2006-2011 I worked camps at both secular day camps in Federal way Washington and church camps like Camp Tilikum. In between my associates degree and Bachelors degree, I studied for a semester in Sundsvall, Sweden at Mid-Sweden University as an ambassador for Green River College to recruit Swedish students to study in America. Since my favorite part of working with kids is actually at summer camp, my favorite part of serving at my church (First Baptist Church in Brownsville) is at VBS each summer. From 2012-2022 I served in a different senior living facility as a Recreation Therapy Director when I coordinated life-giving experiences for people with disabilities. In 2022, it was when I discontinued working at the Oregon Veterans Home in Lebanon and  came to ELC to serve students in my position as Academic Advisor as well as health/PE, career education and personal finance instructor 

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian:
Getting to express my faith openly. Encouraging students and co-workers in their struggles. Knowing we all want the best for each other because we are all serving the same Lord. Kids are so fun to work with because of their energy and their ever-changing growing minds and thoughts about the world. My role here is mainly to help them find their God-Given calling and assist with them pursuing that calling before graduating from ELC. I find a lot of joy in helping people find their passion, explaining why they love their passion and then finding a way to do it joyfully for the Lord. 

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1
“Faith is 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.

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
My family loves to ride our ATVS at shotgun Creek or Big lake (Santiam trail system) . We enjoy sitting by our campfire in the backyard on a weekly/daily basis. My husband and I enjoy our coffee in the morning together before school so we can encourage and pray for the day/week. My favorite thing to do to take care of myself is to exercise and encourage my friends to be healthy. My favorite workouts are H.I.I.T workouts, boxing, weight lifting and going for a walk or run. I wish I could get to go swimming more. 

My daily prayers include praying for all my close family/friends who do not know the Lords peace and how wonderful it is to live for Him. He makes your burden light and I want everyone I know to feel his Love and Mercy. Life is hard enough; God sent his Son to walk it with us and through us. Our Earthly experience is so much more amazing for us all if we choose to live for Him. 

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” 
 

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 had 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, 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 would leave East Linn Christian ready to shoulder the responsibilities of building the Kingdom of God in whatever circumstances He places them.

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education: 
I love that my coworkers and I are on the same page when it comes to the importance of teaching a biblical worldview in our classes, through whatever curriculum and course subject we happen to use. 

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
I enjoy reading, travel, cooking and baking. Also, watching athletics!
 

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.

Year Hired at East Linn Christian: 2006

Other Experience: 
Sweet Home High School, English teacher and yearbook advisor, 1996-2006. 
Thomas Middle School, 7th grade language arts teacher, 1995-1996 
Deerfield High School, Part time HS English teacher, Assistant director of peer tutoring, 1994-1995

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 God’s truth, morals, and best practices for life live in literature and Good words. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
English Standard Version 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education:
First of all, my colleagues are amazing people who show me love, acceptance and guidance every day. Secondly, I love my students. They give me energy and joy most days, and on the bad days, I try to love them and show them that we can move forward and tomorrow is a new day for us all. Thirdly, the job of a teacher is a little different every day. It is a challenge that I like.

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
I enjoy cooking and baking and taking care of my home. We have 2 dogs at home that we train and work with. I love to swim too.


 

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! I'm sincerely blessed to be part of the ELC community!

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

Other Experience: 
Pastor (Crawfordsville Calvary Chapel, Sweet Home River of Life, Lebanon First Baptist); Educator (Lebanon Obria); Assistant Pastor & Communications Director (Edmonds Westgate Chapel), Asst. Store Director (Seattle Thriftway). 

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2015

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: That our adoration of God becomes a lifestyle of worship that’s evident in our thoughts, words, and actions. Romans 12:1,2

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education:
Seeing young lives become transformed by the power of God's Spirit and Word.

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
Outside of school I enjoy woodworking, reading, boating, creative design. 

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
 

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2014

Favorite Thing About Working at ELC: 

Working with the students, getting to know them on a personal level, and having a positive influence on their life!
 

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.

John began his educational experience as a home schooled student growing up in Stayton Oregon. He has 5 years of full-time teaching experience in Christian schools following his completion of his degrees from Corban University in Salem and Western Seminary in Portland. He worked in a substitute role for ELC several years back but was scooped up by Crosshill Christian before we could hire him full-time. He was well received by our students then and has fond memories of his time with us in the past. We are fortunate to have him back. John comes to us with extensive experience in teaching Bible, History, Government, and Language Arts. He has even taught some undergraduate Bible courses at Corban University in the past and dual enrollment college credit Bible classes at the high school level. His personal mission as a teacher is “to proclaim the gospel to students, helping them embrace all that it means to personally belong to Jesus Christ and to walk in the reality of his presence, promises, and authority.”

John came to know Jesus as a young child and references the following in his personal testimony: “God opened my heart to receive the good news when I was 6 years old. My mother explained how Adam and Eve had rebelled against God, but that Jesus bore the penalty for sin in our place on the cross. I remember being overcome with gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and putting my hope in him for salvation. I grew up in Stayton and attended Corban University, where I discovered a love for teaching and discipleship. It was also during this special season that I met my amazing wife. We were married in 2017, and the next year I completed an M.A. in Bible and Theology from Western Seminary.”

Scripture is clearly key to John’s work in teaching Bible, and his favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 4:6 which reads "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." When relating to this passage personally John shares “As human beings, our greatest need is God himself. Real knowledge and joy are only found in him, as we draw near to his Son in faith and obedience.” John and is wife have two children. He enjoys “adventuring with the family, reading theology, playing piano at our church, and running hills.” 

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.
Training in PLTW Engineering courses

Years in Education: 10

Employed at East Linn Christian Since 2014

Prior Experience: I worked for two years in the public school system.  I also was the director of youth ministries for a total of 5 years.

My favorite thing about working at ELC is the community of people who all love each other and the students!

Other Hobbies & Interests:
I play board games, role playing games, and my husband and I do ballroom dancing.

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 is that we exercise endurance as we strive to view creation from new vistas.  (Romans 5:3-5 + Colossians 1:16 + Psalm 19:1)
 

Allie is a local product and comes to us from the premier teacher training institution in the Oregon State System of Higher Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle and High School Health Education. After graduating from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Allie accepted a position at Stayton High School and taught AVID 9 (a program focused on college and career readiness), High School Success, & Freshman Focus last year. Now she says “I am very excited to be a part of the East Linn Christian Academy Community!”

Allie’s favorite Bible verse comes from the powerful Psalm 118 where the Psalmist references the steadfast love of God that brings confidence under any circumstances or on any day. When asked to select her favorite verse, she went to this chapter.
“This is the day that the Lord has made;
   let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 
– Psalm 118:24

When referencing her educational history and the reasons she is excited to be joining the “East Linn Christian” community, Allie reports “Christian education is very important to me. I was raised going to a religious affiliated school and feel as if the skills and life lessons I was taught greatly helped shape me. I want to be able to be the support and teacher to help students learn similar life lessons and support them throughout their journey.”
 

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.
 

Wayne is a graduate of Wheaton College whose clarion call “For Christ and His Kingdom” is similar to the charge our athletes always cry out before playing a game: “For the LORD!” In speaking of his educational experience, Wayne says “My BA from Wheaton was in Archeology and near Eastern studies. I wanted to be a famous archaeologist, but that didn't quite work out, so I minored in math.”

Wayne’s life started out a little different from most of the students and families at ELC. “I was born in Tanzania, East Africa.  I would tell my students that my parents were with the CIA, but actually they were missionaries.”

Following his collegiate experience, Wayne had numerous experiences in different school settings. He has taught in large and small school environments such as Portland and Harrisburg, on the other side of the country -Philadelphia- and the world – Morocco.

Favorite Scripture: Deuteromy 8:2 
“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”  He shared that he liked this verse “because it tells a purpose for our trials.

Education: 
Undergraduate Certificate of TESOL, Wright State University
Associate of Arts in Bible, SAGU (now Nelson University)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, SAGU (now Nelson University)
Master of Arts in History, SAGU (now Nelson University)

Other Experience: 
2021-2023: Paideia Classical Christian School of Tampa - History and Bible teacher grades 5-8; 5th grade math teacher
2017-2018: Kilgore College - Assistant Registrar
2015: Dallas College (Northlake Campus) - Adjunct ESL Instructor

Employed at East Linn Christian Since 2023

My Deep Hope: My deep hope for my students is that they would know that God is always Sovereign – in the past, present, and future.

Daniel 4:34b-35
Isaiah 43:13
Psalm 103:19
1Timothy 6:15-16
Colossians 1:15-18

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education: 
Seeing young people grasp the truth and seeing that truth changes their lives.

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
I enjoy reading, walking (slowly), long road trips, finding a quiet place.

Education: 

• BA in Theater Arts (Western Washington University, 2007); 
• Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry (Concordia Theological Seminary, 2012); 

Certifications: 

Rostered Pastor in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (2012-present); CompTIA A+ (2018), Cisco Certified Network Associate (2019), CompTIA Network+ (2024)

Other Experience: Lay Bible study leader, volunteer nursing home worship leader, HS youth chaperone at Higher Things conferences, MS Christian discipleship classes, leader of multiple weekly adult Bible studies

Employed at East Linn Christian since: 2023

My Deep Hope: 
My deep hope is that every student know that they are the pearl of great price for which Christ gave all He has, so that they might be His forever. (Matthew 13:45-46)

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education:
I am delighted every day with the caring environment in which learning takes place. It is a joy to see students of greatly different interests and abilities be nurtured by teachers and their peers as they continue to grow into the young men and women God has made them to be.

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
Much of my free time I spend with my family, who enjoys hiking, photography, traveling and snowshoeing in the winter. I also enjoy computer games such as Minecraft, DoTA2, and other first-person survival games.


 

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

Employed at East Linn Christian since 1987
(Cyndy is the longest tenured teacher at East Linn Christian!)

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 recognize God's unconditional love for them so that they are free to love others.
Luke 10:27

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education:
My favorite part of teaching is building relationships with my students, which allows me to watch them grow into men & women of God.

I am truly Blessed to be a part of the East Linn Christian Community!

Education:
BA Music ED, George Fox College
MA Reading, Western Oregon University

Other Experience: 
Band/Choir director Pierce Idaho
Band/Choir director director Glide Oregon
Worship team Sodaville Church

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2015

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that My Students will Honor God in ALL they Do, and Say and Are.
Revelation 4:8-11

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education: 
Seeing the growth of the students throughout the year (years) and Fellowship with the staff

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
Playing in the WVCB. (Willamette Valley Concert Band), Antiques and Vintage Autos & Estate Sales

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

Other Experience: 2 years as an Instructional Assistant at Forest Grove School District

Year Hired at ELC: 2012

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 will pursue your potential - your God-given ability only realized thru commitment, effort, and trust.

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian:
I love that the students are genuinely interested in learning about God and that the staff work well together. I can tell that the staff are here on a mission.

Hobbies & other interests: 
In addition to teaching and coaching, I enjoy officiating high school and college men's basketball in the winter months. I also enjoy gardening & woodworking.

Allison completed her Bachelors degree in “Interdisciplinary Studies” with a focus in “Spanish Education” from what has been long known as the premier educational university in the Oregon Public University System. She reports that she will soon be starting an MAT (Masters in Teaching) from Western Oregon as well.

Unlike most students who come out of a classroom only experience, Allison got rubber meets the road teaching and learning experience in languages, and it impacted her personally and profoundly. “This will be my first year teaching but I am beyond excited to learn and grow with everyone. I knew I wanted to teach Spanish after I spent a year studying abroad in Mexico which completely changed my life.”

It is always amazing how God works behind the scenes. Like Superintendent Detweiler was years ago, Allison was recruited to ELC from the inside by a professional colleague who thought she might be just what we needed. Allison relates the story like this: “I found ELC through a friend I met in college who also is a teacher here. She reached out to me about the job opening and got me in touch with the right people.”

Allison is not afraid to jump into her first year and it’s not due primarily to her exemplary skills in Spanish or her sound training in school. It goes back to her favorite verse which comes from the words of Moses to the people before entering into the Promised Land:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

Kirk is another staff member who went to school at Corban University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and then a Master of Divinity.  Prior to teaching, Kirk worked in ministry in several capacities. For a time, he worked in youth ministry, children’s Sunday School, and even as a Senior Pastor for three years at a Baptist church in Canby. In describing those experiences, he says “I have gained experience teaching the Bible to high schoolers, middle schoolers and adults of all ages.”

When asked what led him to ELC and why he wants to teach in this setting Kirk was direct and specific: “I believe God has given me the gift of teaching and I am very passionate about the truth of His Word and strongly desire to help know who God is and what His Word says. After Grace Baptist Church sadly closed down, I began to seek another position where I could serve God. That is when ELCA reached out to me for a teaching position. I was very excited to receive this opportunity because I believe a Christian school is a great place to be able to enrich young minds and fill them with the knowledge of God and teach them more about their faith.”

His favorite Bible verse is “Rejoiced in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Education: 
High School Diploma from Rogue River High School 1983.
AA in Diversified Ministry from Pacific Christian College 1989.
 

Other Experience: 
Youth Pastor for 31 years in Brookings, Oregon.
Missions - 2 trips to Swaziland, South Africa to build churches. Multiple trips to Mexico to build houses, churches and work in orphanages. 
School bus driver for 17 years in Brookings, Oregon.
Instructional Assistant for 3 years at Azalea Middle School in Brookings, Oregon.
Instructional Assistant SPED for 1 year at Riverview Elementary School in Lebanon, Oregon.
Missions - Samaritan's Purse/Operation Heal Our Patriots in Port Alsworth, Alaska. Volunteer Housekeeping for 5 weeks in Summers of 2019 and 2020.

Employed at East Linn Christian since 2021

My Deep Hope: My Deep Hope is that all will be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ who Love God, Love Others and Love Life!
"Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."
Jude 22&23.

Favorite part about working for East Linn Christian / Working in Education: 
The atmosphere and environment. You are free to talk about Jesus and engage with the students about how they are walking out their faith in Him! To be able to challenge them to think about how their life can have an impact on the world for the Kingdom of God! 

Hobbies & Other Interests: 
Hanging out with our grandchildren/family. Church. The Bible. Golf. Dirt bikes. Skateboarding. Snowboarding. Traveling.