Faculty & Staff Directory

Degrees: B.A. in History with Distinction and Departmental Honors, Stanford University; M.A. in History, Yale University

Year Joined Staff: 2016

Professional Background: After 12 years working as a craftsman and builder, Mr. Koch’s love of learning led him back into the classroom to study American western, environmental, and religious history. While in graduate school he taught history at a classical Christian school in New Haven and decided to direct his academic efforts toward serving in the classical Christian education movement. Mr. Koch developed curriculum and taught history, literature, rhetoric, theology, and biology for several years at another ACCS member school before coming to St. Stephen’s Academy as the Dean of Academics. He began serving as Headmaster in 2018.

Philosophy of Education: The goal of education is to train up free, wise, and eloquent persons who love God and serve others in the home, church, workplace, and city using whatever gifts God gives them, wherever He calls them to serve. This goal is best accomplished through a liberal arts education that consistently emphasizes the relationships between our knowledge of God, His world, and His creative and redemptive purposes.

Degrees: B.S. in Physical Science, Biola University; Master of Education in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year Joined Staff: 2016

Professional Background: Mr. Gilmore taught high school in inner city Las Vegas for four years, with the first two years as part of Teach for America. He taught physics and geoscience and served in school leadership as the Instructional Leadership Team Chair.

Philosophy of Education: Mr. Gilmore believes that education is ultimately a training of the affections in which a love for the Good, the True, and the Beautiful of each unique discipline is fostered. In the classroom, Mr. Gilmore seeks to develop this love through highly engaging inquiry-based lessons that require students to think critically.

Degree: B.S. in Business and Equestrian Studies, Rocky Mountain College

Year Joined Staff: 2017

Professional Background: After completing her degree, Mrs. Emly started working in the banking field. She finished her banking career as a branch manager and loan officer after 10 years of experience. She is a trained Dave Ramsey Financial Coach and has taught many classes of Financial Peace University. Hayley serves the school as Director of Operations and Athletic Director.

Degrees: B.S. in Business: Accounting, University of Idaho; B.A. in History and Social Science, San Diego Christian College

Year Joined Staff: 2018

Professional Background: Prior to joining St. Stephen’s Academy, Mr. Thompson worked in secondary education as a teacher and school administrator.

Degrees: M.S. in Speech and Language, Portland State University.

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Mrs. Hidde has been working with families as a Speech Language Pathologist since 2014, supporting the development and learning in younger children. She developed a love of classical Christian education as she taught her own children over the past few years and through her work as a tutor with Classical Conversations. Mrs. Hidde serves the school as Admissions Coordinator and Community Engagement.

Degree: B.A. in Education, Bethel University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: After graduation from college, Mrs. Bennett held positions in Early Childhood Education with non-profits in Cleveland, OH, and St. Paul, MN. When returning to her home state of Oregon, she worked to mentor teachers and facilitate continuing education training. After nine years of staying home with her daughters, she returned to the classroom to teach kindergarten and 1st grade, where her daughters attended school.

Philosophy of Education: Mrs. Bennett is eager for each of her students to learn more about God’s world and who they are created to be as image bearers. Learning about God’s world will be done in a variety of ways: movement, play, songs, rhymes, catechism, memory work, math, and reading many books. Mrs. Bennett loves to read stories aloud that point to the “Big Story,” the Jesus story, that we each are a part of. Mrs. Bennett prays students leave each day with a greater wonder of God’s world and character; ready to praise the Lord with their whole self! Psalm 113: 3 states, “From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised.”

Degrees: B.A. in Liberal Studies, California State University, Fullerton; M.A. in Special Education: Orientation and Mobility, California State University, Los Angeles

Year Joined Staff: 2016

Professional Background: Prior to teaching Kindergarten at St. Stephen’s Academy, Mrs. Marshall worked as an educator for blind and visually impaired students in California for seven years. She has experience working with students ages birth through 12th grade and has worked for a variety of educational agencies in both the public and private sector. She also holds a Clinical Rehabilitation Credential and completed an internship at the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center at the V.A. Hospital in Palo Alto, CA.

Philosophy of Education: Mrs. Marshall strives to teach her students to view all areas of learning through the lens of a biblical worldview. She strongly desires for her students to be both challenged and encouraged by what they are learning, and she feels honored to be one of the instruments used to cultivate growth and instill grace in her students’ lives.

Degrees: M.A. in Teaching ESL from Matej Bel University in Slovakia and B.F.A. in Interior Design from the Design Institute of San Diego

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Born and raised in former Czechoslovakia to a mother who holds a PhD in English, Simona developed a passion for education and teaching at an early age and as soon as the Iron Curtain fell, she had the opportunity to pursue that passion by working as a nanny throughout Europe and then in the United States. Working as a nanny proved incredibly valuable in Simona’s ability to work with children of various abilities and backgrounds and also fueled her desire to eventually serve in the classroom.

Upon moving to San Diego with her nanny family, Simona earned her B.F.A. in Interior Design and after moving to Portland, worked as Project Manager for an Interior Architecture firm for six years, until the birth of her first son. Twelve years and four sons later, Simona is over the moon to be serving in a Christ-centered school and to have the opportunity to make an impact and glorify God in the lives of the children at St. Stephen’s.

Philosophy of Education: As a Christian kindergarten teacher, I believe that education is a partnership between the home, the school, and God. I see teaching not merely as a profession, but as a ministry—an opportunity to help young children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in the light of God’s truth. I seek to integrate biblical principles into every aspect of learning, helping children see the world through a Christian worldview.
At the heart of my philosophy is the belief that every child is a unique creation of God, made in His image (Genesis 1:27), and therefore worthy of love, respect, and individualized care. My role is to nurture that God-given potential by creating a safe, joyful, and engaging classroom where children can thrive.
Just as God extends grace to us, I strive to show grace to my students. Mistakes are part of learning, and I encourage children to try, fail, and grow without fear. At the same time, I believe in clear, consistent boundaries that help children feel secure and understand right from wrong. Discipline is not punishment, but guidance, rooted in love and the desire to help children grow in wisdom and self-control.
In summary, my educational philosophy is to teach with excellence, nurture with compassion, and lead by example—always pointing children toward the love of Christ. My prayer is that through this foundation, each child will grow in wisdom, eloquence, and godly character.

Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education, George Fox University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: A deep love of children and a heart to serve the Lord led Mrs. Olander to pursue a career in education. Mrs. Olander began her teaching career in the Beaverton School District. She took an extended break from teaching while raising her three children before returning to the classroom. Mrs. Olander is entering her tenth year of educating students classically, during two of which she served as an administrator. Mrs. Olander has spent the majority of her career teaching 1st grade and is excited to be part of the St. Stephen's Academy team.

Philosophy of Education: For Mrs. Olander, it is a privilege to participate in the great tradition of classical Christian education, which has spanned thousands of years. She highly values teaching the next generation at a school where Christ is at the forefront of everything. Mrs. Olander loves guiding students to discover and allow the Lord to awaken wonder, be inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, and develop a love of learning. She believes the learning process should be filled with fun and meaningful experiences that lead students toward deeper knowledge, wisdom, eloquence, and godly character.

Degree: B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture, New Saint Andrews College

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Miss Adams graduated with her B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture at New Saint Andrews College in 2025. During her senior year, she taught 5th and 6th grade Latin at the Jubilee School in Moscow, ID. There she discovered her passion for being in the classroom. Before college, she received a classical Christian education herself, which gave her a deep love for old books and beautiful things. Miss Adams is excited to pass on the classical Christian model to the next generation.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that, at its core, a person’s education makes them more human. All men are stewards over Creation and image-bearers of God, but before education, man does not have the tools to truly see, understand, and interact with the world he was placed in. As a teacher, I hope to equip my students with those tools of understanding as well as to shape their minds, desires, and loyalties so that they actively hunger for and pursue learning even outside the classroom.

Degrees: B.A. in English, Oregon State University; MBA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year Joined Staff: 2023

Professional Background: After graduating from Oregon State, Mrs. Lehne worked for Human Resources at a semiconductor company in Hillsboro. Five years later, circumstances took her to Virginia where she completed her MBA at Virginia Tech. Upon returning to Oregon, she continued working in Human Resources until deciding to stay home with her two sons. During this time, she was asked to become a Children’s Leader with Bible Study Fellowship. She served on the leadership team for over a decade teaching preschool children about God’s attributes, His love, and His true Word. In the past two years, she has helped substitute for St. Stephen’s Academy at the Lower School, and it became apparent that the Lord was calling her to become a full-time teacher at the school.

Philosophy of Education: Teaching at St. Stephen’s Academy for me is about loving and leading the next generation to find a vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. In doing this, I seek to help students see and understand the beauty, truth, and love that the Lord has graciously given us. I look for ways to encourage the students to grow to their fullest potential academically and spiritually. It is a great privilege and responsibility to lead these children, pointing them towards Jesus. It’s a calling that enables me to find such joy in knowing that this is eternal, kingdom work.

Degree: Certificate of Teaching English as a Second Language from the International TEFL Academy

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Mrs. Laurie has been teaching young children for the better half of her life. She began her journey into education by helping to administer homeschool curriculum in the home and at co-ops. She spent many summers teaching horseback riding and mentoring at-risk youth through her church’s non-profit horse ranch and has been consistently involved in leading children’s Sunday School and spearheading children’s programs in the mission field. She has worked as a private nanny and taught English as a Second Language for grades K-12 in the countryside of Colombia, South America. Her formal teaching career began in 2024 when she taught the first Kindergarten class of the new collaborative program Covenant Classical Academy. She is grateful for the rich understanding that varied life experiences and formal training have brought her as she begins a new chapter at St. Stephen’s Academy.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that the foundation of excellent teaching is love. We must love that which we teach, and we must love those whom we teach if we are to teach anything meaningful. Keeping the joy and wonder of learning alive is crucial, especially with young students. One of the most integral aspects of this is encouraging students to learn with all five senses, giving them outlets for physical energy and curiosity, and stimulating their minds and hearts. Classical Christian education seeks to form the whole student as an individual person and as part of a greater community; as a child of God and a great influence in the world; and as a sharp critical thinker and an empathetic, relational friend. I believe that effective education eventually eliminates the need for a teacher; we are privileged to support and encourage students as they memorize, think, express, discuss, and become proficient learners and teachers themselves.

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Education and Professional Background: Mrs. Jackson studied at Virginia Tech and at the University of Maryland. In 1996, she married a Marine officer, following him as he was sent and teaching children at home.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that a teacher must not merely be a master of her subject, but be an avid learner, constantly seeking to grow and gain. I follow hard after Christ and pray that, as I stand before them, my students might see less of me and more of Him. Respect, courtesy, and service of others is expected and encouraged, since we are a body working together toward a common goal. We will work hard, play hard, and strive to be skilled workmen, worthy of praise. I want my students to taste and see, hear, feel, and smell (yes, even smell) that the Lord is good! With joy and wonder we will observe, examine, measure, weigh, and learn new things. We will test the limits of our minds and bodies, seeking to do a little more and a little better with every attempt. At the end of the day, my desire is for students to be both satisfied and insatiable – that they would be stretched and filled, but hungry, hungry, hungry for more.

Degree: B.S. in Mathematics, George Fox University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: While earning her degree at George Fox University, Miss Rodrigues was actively involved in children’s ministry at her home church and discovered a deep love for working with children. She spent a year volunteering and substitute teaching at Veritas School in Newberg before joining the faculty at St. Stephen’s Academy in 2024.

Philosophy of Education: Miss Rodrigues would sum up her educational philosophy in the words of Socrates: “The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.” She believes that an excellent classical Christian education will form a student who is not only versed in the typical knowledge and skills that the world expects at graduation, but that the student will graduate with a deep love of that which is Good, and True, and Beautiful and a sincere desire to pursue those things as a lifelong practice. Practically, this means cultivating wonder and delight in learning, approaching discipline from the standpoint of forming the heart for godliness, and honoring the Lord in their work day by day. She wants her students to see God’s handiwork in every subject, from recognizing the orderliness of mathematics and the beauty of language, to seeing the character of God in the Bible and enjoying the way that he made humans to love stories such as we find in literature.

Degrees: B.A. in History, Metropolitan State University of Denver; M. Ed., University of Phoenix

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Mr. Gryniewicz spent 10 years teaching elementary students at an English immersion school in South Korea. Previous to that, he taught early childhood education and completed his student teaching at Oberon Middle School in Colorado.

Philosophy of Education: Mr. Gryniewicz is extremely passionate about education and believes that lessons should be practical, engaging, and stimulating for all students. He constantly challenges his students to go beyond what they think they are capable of and reach their true potential as learners. He believes that God’s image shines clearly through children, and it is his duty to educate students in a loving and Godly manner.

Degree: B.A. in Liberal Studies: Teacher Education, The Master’s College

Year Joined Staff: 2015

Professional Background: Mrs. Cybulski first began teaching in 2005 at a Christian school in California. After an extended time off to raise her family she returned to teaching. She was very excited to join the team at St. Stephen’s.

Philosophy of Education: It is Mrs. Cybulski’s desire to educate students about who God is and what He has done in the world around them. She enjoys highlighting God’s hand in history, science, mathematics, and even language. She seeks to build a foundation of education that will prepare students to discern truth and think critically.

Degrees: B.S. in Elementary Education, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR; Certificate in Biblical Studies, Bodenseehof/Columbia International University, Friedrichshafen, Germany

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Mrs. Adams completed her elementary education degree in 1998. After reading a book on classical Christian education and spending a week in a school based on that approach, she was hooked! Soon after, she started a cottage school for 4 th -7 th graders in her home, creating a 2-year course using classical content and methods. During the past 22 years, she has homeschooled her children, tutored individual students, and taught many subjects to children of all ages in a classical Christian co-op.

Philosophy of Education: 1 Peter 2:4-5 reads, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Children are a precious gift from God! He has entrusted us with the task of raising up immortals, creatures made in the image of God, intended to glorify and enjoy their Creator for eternity. This is a high calling! I hope to support the work of parents and churches by pointing my students to their Savior and Lord and showcasing the wonders of His word and His world.

Degrees: B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, Multnomah University.

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Mr. Anton worked as a case manager at a Christian ministry for the homeless before joining St. Stephen’s Academy. He was also a teaching assistant for Bible and theology courses at the seminary and undergraduate level.

Philosophy of Education: The aim of education is to shape character and understanding. It is the role of the educator to implant a love of learning and growth in the heart of the student. Education is successful when God is brought to the forefront and one can see how the world reflects His awesome character, works, and promises.

Degrees: B.A. in English, Biola University; Teaching Credential and M.A. in English, California State University, Long Beach

Year Joined Staff: 2016

Philosophy of Education: Love my students. Build relationships. Learn cool stuff. Write about it. It’s not very philosophical, but it is elementary, Dear Reader. The challenges and joys of the blessed role of “teacher’ are, from my perspective, founded on a desire to connect with my charges as we explore the world of story. And there is so much to discover! I am inspired and awed by the divine story, of course, the greatest of tales, told by a Master Author, in which we “live and move and have our being.” As my students and I delve into history and literature, joining the adventures of characters both real and fictional, we learn how our attitudes and actions impact others, how precious and fragile is the human heart, and how our need for redemption makes us yearn for Truth. Love my students. Build relationships. Learn cool stuff. Write about it. It’s a story I’m grateful to be living.

Degrees:
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, Covenant College;
MDiv; Covenant Theological Seminary

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: Prior to joining the SSA faculty, Mr. Dean worked on staff at a P.C.A. church as a pastoral assistant upon graduating from seminary. In that role he oversaw the youth ministry, as well as doing some preaching and teaching and helping out with pastoral duties at the church. He also taught a middle school Old Testament survey class, where he confirmed his love for learning in the classroom environment.

Philosophy of Education: Learning is hard work, but it should be a joyful endeavor because learning is ultimately about studying the glory of God—and that is no boring subject. We are made to glorify and enjoy God forever. Therefore, education should help us to see God’s glory in His world more clearly, train us to live in a way that glorifies our God, and shape us to be people who increasingly enjoy God and His world.

Degrees: B.A. in English Literature (History minor), Biola University; M.A. in History, California State University, Fullerton; Ph.D. in Medieval European History, Northwestern University

Year Joined Staff: 2019

Professional Background: After a brief period working at a mutual fund company, Dr. Fort pursued his love of history and the Middle Ages in graduate school, where he studied the religious, cultural, and intellectual developments of this vibrant era. In Evanston, he taught courses, published articles, and undertook a fellowship for teaching history. Over the next two years, Dr. Fort lectured and taught in the Honors College — a Great Books program — at Azusa Pacific University.

Philosophy of Education: I work to train the minds and hearts of students to cultivate wonder, ask questions, humbly approach a text, and diligently pursue ideas, which are the enemies of test-like approaches to education that focus on simplistic answers. When students examine primary texts and wrestle with big ideas, they are not only sharpening their minds but also developing their love for all of God’s creation. I am excited to walk with students on this journey so that they will be prepared for whatever vocational callings they pursue.

Degrees:
B.S. in Physics, Minor in Mathematics, California State University Fullerton;
M.S. in Teaching: General Science, Portland State University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: Mrs. Hunter has taught physics to high school students for fourteen years in a variety of settings: public school, independent private school, and independent homeschool class. She has also been involved in tutoring high school students in physics.

Philosophy of Education: God created this amazing universe, made people in His image, and gave us this home on earth to rule and reign as His representatives, that we may bring glory to His name. His beauty, wisdom, power, and glory can be seen with our eyes as we look around at what He has made, and it can be seen with our intellect as we study His creation and discover the deeper order and patterns He has embedded within it. Mrs. Hunter delights in guiding students’ exploration of God’s creation through the discipline of physics, that in coming to know these deeper realities which originated in the mind of God, they may grow in knowing and loving God Himself and in bringing glory to His name.

Degrees: B.S. in History, United States Naval Academy; M.S. in Operations Research, Naval Postgraduate School

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Prior to joining the SSA faculty, Mr. Jackson worked for six years in the analytics industry as an Operations Research Analyst, developing mathematical models and conducting both quantitative and qualitative analyses in support of organizational decision-making. His professional expertise developed out of a 20-year career in the Marine Corps, where he also served as an intelligence officer.

Philosophy of Education: Be what you want your students to become; cultivate their affections to love rightly; ask questions that inspire inquiry; all with the object of filling students with the desire to take every thought captive for Christ.

Degrees: B.S. in Psychology, Seattle Pacific University; M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) with a Reading Endorsement, Pacific University

Year Joined Staff: 2018

Professional Background: Karissa has interned and worked in various school districts and programs from Seattle to Palo Alto at all grade levels, including programs in special education.

During her Master’s Degree program, she interned at Emmaus Christian School where she got her first taste of classical Christian education. After graduation from Pacific University, she was hired at Agape Christian School (a former classical Christian school in Beaverton) as a 5th grade teacher, then later as a part-time middle school teacher.

She picked up the hobby of photography because she wanted high-quality pictures of her children’s activities. The owner of the performing arts studio where her children took classes liked her pictures and she was “hired” as the official photographer. She began taking official photos for dance shows, recitals, and musical theater.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that teachers are called to instruct students in new ideas and then to guide students in their own responsibility for both learning and behavior; the relationship is collaborative even at very young grade levels. Students are often capable of more than we give them credit for. I like to emphasize responsibility, communication, and respect in the classroom by listening to students. I want to hear what they have learned, their ideas and perspectives. A teacher’s primary goal is to help students learn and to train them to become independent learners. This skill will transfer to all areas of life as they grow in not only education, but also in their faith, family, and careers.

Degree: B.S. in Marketing Management (Minor in Operatic Vocal Performance), Grove City College

Year joined staff: 2023

Professional Background: Mr. Laurie’s career began in business development for law firms, but most recently he worked as a management consultant and trainer for several software conglomerates. His role as a trainer reminded him of one of his earliest loves—teaching. He returned to Oregon from his home in North Carolina and is thrilled to be back at his high school alma mater.

Philosophy of Education: The St. Stephen’s faculty handbook reminds teachers that we operate in loco parentis; we steward and develop young minds on behalf of, and in collaboration with, the families of our students. In that light, it is well to remember that each of our students has a heavenly father. He has created them in His image, and their minds reflect His own. Our efforts on behalf of these students ought always to point them to Him—and to remind them that the capacity for creative, critical thought is evidence of our origins as creations of a divine being. We are responsible for encouraging students to steward that capacity well, to use it for His glory, and to participate in His work.

Degrees: B.S. Biology, Linfield University; M.S. in Teaching Science, Portland State University; M.A. in Teaching, Willamette University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: Following two wonderful seasons of field botany, Mrs. Person began preparing for a career in education. Over the past fifteen years, Mrs. Person has taught in a variety of formal and informal settings, with students ranging in age from preschool through adulthood. She is delighted to return to teach the age group that has truly captured her heart: middle school.

Philosophy of Education: In Mark 22, Jesus instructs that the greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Whatever the content of the class, Mrs. Person strives to encourage students to fulfill these commands, both in the present and all their days after leaving St. Stephen’s. Learning should be a joyful experience that directs the learner to celebrate God and His goodness, giving thanks for what He has created.

Degrees: B.A. in English Literature (Humanities Minor), M.A. in English Literature, Azusa Pacific University

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Aside from a brief stint in recruiting for IT companies, Mr. Reasoner has spent the majority of his professional life teaching English grammar, reading, and composition. While finishing higher education, Mr. Reasoner began his teaching career as an English tutor to Japanese business professionals in the Tokyo prefecture. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University, Mr. Reasoner spent the next two years teaching language arts to 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade students in Pasadena, CA.

Philosophy of Education: Education is the means by which curious learners gain an understanding of God, themselves, and the world. When done well, education can provide students with the tools to broaden their perspective, properly orient themselves in the world, and participate with God in His purposes. In this way, education is not only about the growth and liberation of the mind, but also the cultivation and even sanctification of the soul. Mr. Reasoner seeks to implement this philosophy in the classroom by engaging texts with an open posture, fostering critical thinking, contextualizing information within grand narratives, and nurturing an enjoyment of God.

Degree: B.A. Education, The Master’s University

Year Joined Staff: 2017

Professional Background: Prior to coming to St. Stephen’s, Mrs. Smith had 11 years of experience as an educator, serving as a special ed. teacher in Los Angeles, a homeschooling tutor out of her home, and a grammar school teacher at Beacon Hill Classical Academy, an ACCS school in California that she and her husband helped found.

Philosophy of Education: Because Jesus calls us to love God with all our minds, it glorifies Him when we train our minds well. Loving God with all our minds includes exploring the beauty of His creation, telling and writing stories, rehearsing His providential rule through history, analyzing words in sentences and paragraphs, memorizing Scripture, creating art and music, and exercising our brains through logic and mathematics. Since the whole earth is full of His glory, education is a devotional experience.

Degrees: B.S. in Psychobiology, University of California, Riverside; M.D., Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Dr. Suranyi spent 21 years in private practice as a board certified Anesthesiologist at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, California. Although clinical care and patient interactions have been vocationally and personally rewarding, his passion for other interests, including Christian ministry, teaching, and horticulture have led him to early retirement from medicine.

Philosophy of Education: Being made uniquely in God’s image, we have an innate curiosity about our world and an inner desire to know our Creator. The complexity, as well as manifold dimensions of God’s created order, require an honest, objective, and systematic, yet humble approach to learning. It necessitates the integration of the spiritual, mental, and physical realm of the natural world. Ultimately our goal in learning is not solely the pursuit of understanding, but rather, bringing glory to God in such pursuits.

Degree: B.S. in Mathematics (Minor in Writing), George Fox University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: Miss Tamminga completed her mathematics degree immediately prior to coming to St. Stephen’s Academy. During her years completing her undergraduate degree, Miss Tamminga worked as an instructor at a Mathnasium learning center and was a TA and a tutor for the math department at George Fox University.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that education is a never ending process by which we gain a better understanding of what it means to be humans in a world governed by the Triune God. The things we learn and the very act of learning are reflections of God’s character and ultimately serve to help us know Him better. My role as a teacher is to invite my students to explore the truth and usefulness of mathematics as something arranged by God, and to assist them in their exploration and appreciation of mathematics.

Degree: B.S. in Biochemistry, Hillsdale College

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Before joining the St. Stephen’s community, Mrs. Walker worked with students ranging from 2nd grade to high school in both classical Christian school and Christian camp settings. She also worked as a writing center tutor while earning her bachelor’s degree.

Philosophy of Education: Mrs. Walker believes that a good and proper education is one where the student’s soul is formed to know, love, and pursue the truth. Through this education, the student is able to distinguish all that is good and beautiful amidst the chaos of our world and live a virtuous life. As a science teacher, Mrs. Walker seeks to form the souls of her students through emphasizing the importance of studying the natural world, the limitations of science, and the joy of what Kepler called “thinking God’s thoughts after him.”

Degree: B.A. in Classical Liberal Arts, The Master’s University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Miss Miller finished her Classical Liberal Arts degree in 2022 from The Master's University, where she then went on to teach middle school for three years at Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia. She has returned home to Oregon to keep teaching and live nearer to her family.

Philosophy of Education: Being a Christian and being a teacher is a wonderful harmony I get to participate in. By being a teacher, my role is to lead students out of themselves and up to higher things and ideals than they could achieve on their own. And by being a Christian (at a Christian school no less), those higher things are all gifts and virtues from God Himself that we get to learn and imitate with sincere joy. I am so blessed to build relationships with my students and to seek their good every chance I get - what a gift God has given to us on both sides of the classroom!

Degree: B.S. in Physics with Honors with a minor in Computer Science, Calvin University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Miss Paivarinta came to St. Stephen’s Academy directly after completing her undergraduate degree. During her years at Calvin University, she used her honors thesis as an opportunity to integrate her science education electives with her physics major courses by applying cognitive learning models to a standard high school physics unit and comparing the results to other methods of teaching science. In addition to working as a barista, Miss Paivarinta has primarily worked with students from preK-college in various contexts including tutoring, summer camps, science labs, classical Christian classroom settings, and more.

Philosophy of Education: The goal of education is to show students and teach them to seek what is true, good, and beautiful, so that they both have the tools and the affection to pursue it themselves as they engage with the world. Education should cultivate a pursuit of excellence in all endeavors and a passion for lifelong learning, driven by the joy found in seeking wisdom and knowledge, while understanding the limitations and fallibility of humanity. Specifically with science, education should consist of creating opportunities for students to experience and make sense of the wonders of creations and the ways that it points us to our good Creator. Education should be driven by creating experiences and asking questions that cause students to think deeply and questioning preconceptions, experiencing the truth, goodness, and beauty in the world around us so that they may grow in both knowledge of and love of God.

Degrees:
B.A. in Psychology from University of Arizona;
Master of Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Family Ministry from Multnomah University.

Year Joined Staff: 2023

Professional Background: Mrs. Bivens home-schooled her three children for several years until they enrolled at St. Stephens Academy. She was on staff as the Connections Coordinator in 2019-2020. She has also volunteered at SSA in many different capacities and enjoys substitute teaching at both campuses.

Philosophy of Education: I see teaching as an honor, joy, and opportunity to holistically point my students to Jesus. As a teacher, I desire to model, encourage and spur my students to grow into who God created them to be. In Physical Education, my students will have opportunities to grow in this knowledge as they learn and develop skills that will also increase understanding of gross motor skills, teamwork, social skills, and problem solving while learning about respect, kindness, and care for themselves and others.

Degrees:
B.A. Music Education & Liberal Studies, Simpson University; M.A. Cross Cultural Education, National University; E.S.O.L. Endorsement, Western Oregon University; Orff Schulwerk Certification – Level 2; Feierabend First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege Certifications

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Mrs. Gaither began her music teaching career in 2002. She comes from a musical family, filled with memories of singing hymns in church and attending her grandmother’s choir concerts with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. It was a 1980’s McDonald’s commercial, where she first heard the song, “Fur Elise,” that inspired her to play the piano. She has sung in various choirs from middle school through college and into adulthood, including the Willamette Master Chorus in Salem. She regularly participates on the worship team at her church, and she participates often in music and choral conducting workshops, most recently with the Westminster College of Music.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that all people need to experience beauty. When they do, it changes them. When we experience beauty, we behold a glimpse of God’s glory (Psalm 19). The more we behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, the more we are transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is my desire that my students have a rich experience of God’s beauty found in music. It brings me joy as a music educator to be a part of their experience.

Degree: B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Biola University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: After getting a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, Mr. Johnson moved to Deerfield, IL where he studied Systematic Theology and developed an interest in Medieval Theology, leading him to study Latin. He has served as a youth pastor and a teaching assistant in various graduate theology courses.

Philosophy of Education: I believe in the formative power of learning, not just because of the end result, but because the process itself transforms our hearts and minds. Studying a language is one of the most arduous and humbling intellectual activities we engage in, but also one of the most rewarding. As a teacher, my goal is to guide students in this formation offering encouragement, wisdom, and guidance so that together, we might glorify God in the process of learning.

Degree: B.A. in Theatre and English from George Fox University

Year Joined Staff: 2024

Professional Background: Miss Komarek recently began her teaching career in 2024 at St. Stephen’s Academy after studying music, theatre, and English at George Fox University. She grew up surrounded by music and the arts, singing on the worship team with her mom and sisters, participating regularly in dance classes, choir, musical theatre and voice lessons. She remembers with fondness the rich visual and performing arts program of her elementary school and is overjoyed to share the beauty, delight, and challenge of learning art with her students. She has participated in numerous chamber and concert choirs throughout her education and continues to take private voice instruction and participate in performing opportunities in the community. She is excited to bring her love of music, creativity and storytelling to her role at St. Stephen’s Academy.

Philosophy of Education: God has given us each a heart, mind, body and voice with which to praise Him! As a teacher, I desire to guide my students' hearts towards our Creator as we delight in Him through the experience of beautiful music and art. My desire is that my students would leave my class with a taste of Christ’s gracious love and with a glimpse of His beauty and glory in the beautiful art and music we get to behold. It is my joy to help young children discover and cultivate beauty, artistry, and their voice through music, art and even numbers!

Degree: B.A. in Psychology and Art, Southern Oregon State University

Year Joined Staff: 2002

Professional Background: A lifelong artist, Mrs. Mier has been showing and selling her artwork in shows, galleries, and privately for over 25 years. She owned a gallery in Portland, Oregon, before coming to St. Stephen’s Academy and has been teaching art for 19 years, 15 of those at St. Stephen’s. She recently illustrated a children’s chapter book written by a local author that is now available on Amazon. Her passion is watching students reach their potential in art and have that work be a joy to fellow men that honors God in Heaven.

Philosophy of Education: Education should be provided in a safe but disciplined environment that challenges all students to achieve academic and artistic excellence by honoring God and exciting the human need to create and question through a demanding and comprehensive curriculum. Students should be able to obtain and use tools of learning to create demonstrate and perform or present materials that represent the curriculum learned.

Degree: B.A. in English with minors in Early Childhood Education and Spanish, Hillsdale College

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Miss Wolcott worked for 5 years as a behavioral interventionist with children with Autism spectrum disorders. In this role, she provided therapeutic interventions with a focus on language and communication, social and play skills, self-help and advocacy, and behavioral and sensory challenge management. She also trained and collaborated with parents and educators to support students’ success in home, school, and community settings. During the pandemic, Miss Wolcott led a private, home-based classroom of seven students (1st-4th grade). She provided individualized support, direct instruction, tutoring, and curriculum development and collaborated with local public and private teachers to optimize student growth. Miss Wolcott also develops PreK-8th grade curriculum for online, app-based, and virtual learning.

Philosophy of Education: As teachers, our role is to help students grow and thrive. My pedagogical approach prioritizes engagement of students’ imaginations, fosters creativity, and invites students to take ownership of their academic and personal development. I also believe that students are most likely to understand and retain new ideas when they encounter these ideas in experiential modes of learning. Finally, each student learns in their own way, and it is a teacher’s privilege to help students discover ways of learning that serve them. This process involves helping students develop the resilience, character, confidence, and curiosity to face academic challenges.

Degree: B.S. in Nursing, Minor in Spanish, Concordia University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Cristi Bryant worked as a Registered Nurse in Emergency prior to having children. She developed a passion for classical Christian education by educating her own four children at home and by teaching science classes at their church’s co-op. As her children have grown, so has her love for teaching. Cristi is overjoyed to be part of St. Stephen’s Academy and its community of families, as they partner together in pursuit of an excellent classical Christian education.

Philosophy of Education: Cristi firmly believes that God has entrusted parents to be the primary educators of their children, and she is humbled to accept the great responsibility that has been delegated to her as a teacher. Her goal is to come alongside families in a joint mission to classically educate their children with a focus on developing affections for what is true, good, and beautiful. She aims to cultivate knowledge, wisdom, eloquence, and virtue in her students through classroom instruction and modeling. In doing so, she strives to instill a love of God and His creation, and to support families as they continue this mission at home.

Degree: BFA, University of Calgary
Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Mrs. DeWitt taught at a Christian school in Canada for several years before moving to Philadelphia. There, she took up a role in administration and served as a school principal for four years. Two moves and three children later, she began working as Director of Lower School at an ACCS school in Virginia. Currently, she is completing her MEd at Queen’s University.

Philosophy of Education: Christian education trains children in the fear, love, wisdom, and knowledge of the Lord, and equips them to live coram Deo in thankfulness. The Belgic Confession eloquently summarizes that to achieve this end, both teacher and pupil must be students of God’s world and Word: “We know Him by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe; which is before our eyes as a most beautiful book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many letters leading us to perceive clearly God’s invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature…Second, He makes Himself more clearly and fully known to us by His holy and divine Word as far as is necessary for us in this life, to His glory and our salvation.” (BC Art 2)

Degrees: B.S. in Biology, Whitworth University; MEPN, University of San Diego
Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Mrs. White worked as a Registered Nurse for 15 years prior to teaching.

Philosophy of Education: It is a joy and privilege to present to students the knowledge necessary to understand the written word and the ordered world. All education must have its foundation in the triune God as creator, sustainer, and redeemer so that we can guide students towards knowing Him personally and living for His glory. Teaching students to appreciate truth, goodness, and beauty is essential in establishing their Christian worldview and rightly understanding the world around us. Collaborating with parents in the endeavor of giving their children a Christ-exalting education that prepares them for a life of wisdom and eloquence is my aim as a teacher.

Degrees: B.S. in Teaching ESL, Eqerem Ҫabej University in Gjirokaster, Albania

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: After finishing College, Mrs. Harmon taught English for a K-12 school and other after-school programs. She was hired by the Abraham Lincoln Foundation of Albania to teach English as a Second Language for K-Adults, as well as tutor foreigners who were learning Albanian. For the next seven years, she taught and received a variety of experiences and training in how a culture can be transformed through the power of education. Upon moving to Oregon, Mrs. Harmon shadowed the homeschooling community in her Church and learned about classical Christian education. For the next 14 years, she homeschooled her own children and participated in a co-op that implemented classical Christian education.

Philosophy of Education: In the first Westminster Shorter Catechism answer, we read that: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Every child is a gift and is made in the image of God. It is a great privilege to come alongside parents to raise immortal human beings that are designed to glorify their Creator as they learn about the amazing world around them and enjoy the beauty of following the example of obedience of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Degree: BS in Merchandising Management from Oregon State University Professional

Year Joined Staff: 2023

Background: Right after graduating from Oregon State Mrs. Child began working at Nike, Inc. as a Developer in Women’s Training. She then shifted to a Technical Developer working closely with designers and overseas factories having clothing made for Men’s Sportswear. Once Mrs. Child and her husband had their first daughter, she realized it was more important to put her career on hold and turn her focus to being a stay-at-home mom. Mrs. Child has two daughters and has volunteered for the last 3 years at St. Stephens Academy before taking on a full-time job once again.

Degree: B.A. in English Education, Eastern Washington University

Year Joined Staff: 2018

Professional Background: Before joining St. Stephen’s, Sheila held professional and administrative positions with the State of Washington Employment Security and Child Support programs; the Association of Classical & Christian Schools; and for her church. She moved to Oregon with her family the fall of 2017 and is thankful to be part of the SSA community!

Degree: B.S. in Nursing, Biola University

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: The first three years of her nursing career Mrs. Gilmore worked in an Adult Day Care, Low Income Christian Health Care Clinic, and Long Term Acute Care hospital in Las Vegas, NV. She also has over four years of experience working as a care manager and triage nurse at OHSU Internal Medicine Clinic. This position has provided her the opportunity to sharpen her knowledge and skills in nursing, while also fulfilling her calling as a wife and mother.

Year Joined Staff: 2021

Professional Background: Kara worked in accounts payable/receivable for seven years at a large company in the Portland area she and her husband decided to start a family and she stayed home with their daughter. In order to be a stay-at-home mom and contribute financially, she started her own cleaning business in 2012, which she carried on until she began working at St. Stephen’s. Prior to joining the St. Stephen’s staff, Kara was a regular volunteer in the Lower School for many years.

Philosophy of Education: I believe that teaching how to learn is equally important as what we learn. I also believe that by teaching a curriculum that is full of truth in a loving, supportive, and stimulating environment our children will have the tools necessary to navigate their way through life not only academically but spiritually as well! “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Degree: B.A. in Sociology with social work emphasis and Spanish minor, Chapman University

Year Joined Staff: 2022

Professional Background: Mrs. Ring began her career in a transitional housing program for youth formally placed in foster care. She later worked as a corrections technician and victim advocate within the adult criminal justice system. In the 13 years that followed, she served as a counselor for youth involved in the delinquency system. After 16 years in social work, the Lord called Mrs. Ring to apply her skillset and love of children to the role of teaching.

Philosophy of Education: My highest calling is to spark in my students a passion for following Jesus and a love of learning. I aim to cultivate a classroom culture focused on glorifying God and exploring the wonders of His creation. I believe that a student’s excitement for learning grows as they come to know their Father intimately, for He is the ultimate teacher and source of all wisdom. It is through this communion that their callings and gifts are revealed.

Degree: B.S. in Finance and International Business, Oregon State University

Year Joined Staff: 2018

Professional Background: Before joining St. Stephen’s, Evelyn worked in a commercial insurance brokerage firm and did bookkeeping for a local accountant.

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Amanda Ueoka is a dedicated mother to two daughters, ages 14 and 12. She homeschooled them for 5 years, fostering both their academic and spiritual growth. Amanda is actively involved in her church community, serving in various ministry roles, including the youth program. With a heart for helping others, she is currently studying to become a certified Christian counselor, pursuing her passion for supporting individuals and families through faith-based guidance.

Degrees: B.S. in Social Sciences and M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Portland State University

Year Joined Staff: 2025

Professional Background: Mrs. Edwards graduated from Portland State University. After college she worked in a variety of administrative roles before stepping aside to enjoy the blessing of staying at home with her children. With her four children attending at St. Stephen's Academy, she delights in introducing new and prospective families to the joys of a St. Stephen's Academy education.