Profiles

Lindsy Brownell
Secondary Principal
503.399.7360

Married to her husband Jason for 20 years. They have four sons- Brady (SA ‘23), Logan, Hayden, and Evan. She received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Corban University, Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from GCU, Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Cairn University, and currently half way completed in earning PhD in Christian Education Leadership from Columbia International University.

I love our SA family! This community is not only about education, but also growing and serving the Lord. I love serving with a team that loves the Lord and loves teaching His truth. Our student body is priceless and such a special community of kids.

Serving SA Since: 2014

Sarah Adams
Secondary Choir
503.378.1211

Sarah holds a bachelors and masters degree in music, specializing in opera performance (with violin as a secondary instrument) from Western Oregon University. She has taught private voice and violin lessons for over 20 years. She is married with three children; Taylor, Emma, and Ethan. When she is not performing or teaching, She loves creating color pencil and watercolor art, knitting, reading, and playing video games with her kids.

Salem Academy is an amazing place where students get an amazing education, yet it is also wrapped the love of Christ. He moves mightily through this school. I felt God’s call to teach the glory of God’s creation and love in the way he created the human voice and his will in how we use it.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Rebekah Bates
4th Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Rebekah has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies from Corban University. Teaching 4th grade is where her heart thrives. Outside of the classroom you will find her spending time with her husband and their animals, reading, or gardening! She is honored to teach every student that walks into her classroom.

I love working at SA because I am able to share my love of Christ and grow alongside my students! We are so lucky to share such an important part of our life with students.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Karri Bauldree
Athletic Director
503-378-1211

Serving SA Since:

Brenda Beebe
3rd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Brenda went to Western Oregon University for her teaching license and then to Corban University for a Master Degree. She is married to her wonderful husband, Dana, and they have three adult children (two boys/one girl), as well as seven beautiful grandchildren! She has a Russian tortoise name Teddy for her class pet, and she collects black and white cows!

I feel blessed to be part of Salem Academy, because I have the opportunity to teach my students about Jesus and His love for them. Children need to feel safe and loved before they are able to learn, and this school provides this. The staff and parents are the best to work with!

Serving SA Since: 2004

Jeff Benjamin
Elementary Principal (K-6)
503-399-7360

Serving SA Since: 2024

Nicole Britton
Elementary Vice Principal (K-6)
503.378.1201

Mrs Britton has her degree in Educational Administration Leadership & Licensure from Portland State University, her M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology Integration from Walden University, and a B.S. in Education from Corban University.  Mrs. Britton has 20 years of teaching experience, 7 years of instruction coaching experience, 3 years of experience working in a behavior modification group home and 3 years of experience as a Children’s Ministry director. She lives in Aumsville with her husband Dan, who is also a teacher. They have 3 adult children. She attends church at Calvary Chapel Salem. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, gardening, and technology.

I love working at SA because we get to help students know Jesus and grow in their faith. The work we all do here at SA has ETERNAL impact!

Serving SA Since: 2022

Beatrice Brown
Preschool 3's/4's Teacher

Serving SA Since:

Tami Burrell
JH Science & JH Forensics
503.378.1211

Tami was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest , then traveled/ worked a few other places ( NJ , ME , CA , AK ) before coming back home to support the family during the death of their parents. She has stayed put in Salem since that time, with a few journeys and travels to keep things sane. She enjoys science, math, most creepy crawlies, fire, music, and travel.

Being at Salem Academy is enjoyable, especially as cherubs participate when curiosity strikes and we go exploring (physically or mentally ). God is wonderful providing a place and people so accepting of exploration!

Serving SA Since: 2013

Terran Campbell
Custodian

Serving SA Since:

Jayden Crew
9th and 10 English

Jayden graduated from Pensacola Christian College in May of 2024. He has a Bachelor’s in English and History Education. He enjoys college football, cooking, studying literature, and good conversation with friends.

As a 2020 graduate of SA, I am beyond excited to join the teaching staff this year. I learned so much at Salem Academy and experienced true spiritual growth as a young man through class, small groups, and chapels. I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses this year in the lives of our students.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Renae Cruz
Preschool 4's Assistant
503.370.8488

Renae Cruz is a wife and mother to three kids, Cole, Eden, and Violet. They have been at Salem Academy since they were tiny! She enjoys working in the preschool now; and when not working, enjoys spending time at home and working on her jewelry business. Fun facts include: She loves interior decoration, shopping for good deals, and unicorns.

The one thing I love so much about Salem Academy is the small, close community! I also love being right were my kids are. That is so precious to me! God called me to SA at a point in my life when I had been a stay-at-home mom for a decade and coming back to work was so scary! But He gave me an opportunity right when my family needed it the most, and I am ever so thankful.

Serving SA Since: 2017

Charis DeVight
Music (K-6) Teacher
503.399.7360

Charis graduated from Corban University in 2019 with a degree in Music Education. Her family is an important part of her life and include husband Marcus, her parents, and her four siblings. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, making music, and being outside. Her favorite instrument is the viola; ask about her favorite viola joke.

I have loved being part of the Salem Academy family. The teachers and staff here support each other. I often have other teachers staff come and ask me how they can pray for me, help me learn a new teaching skill, or just ask me how my day is going. It is a blessing to be part of this community and I am excited for this year and everything that we will learn in music!

Serving SA Since: 2019

Summer Donily
JH/HS Yearbook, JH/HS Photography, Film Studies and Robotics
503.378.1211

Summer graduated George Fox University with a B.S. in Behavioral Studies. She loves being with her family. She and her husband Rob, have two children. Their son Brysen, a student at SA, and their daughter, Madelynn. She raises Maine Coons and enjoys wood working. She loves being in her garden and greenhouse; as well as camping, hiking, kayaking, and anything outdoors - from the ocean to the mountains. Volunteering is a great passion of hers; she loves serving in her church and in the community. She also loves road trips and seeing new things.

I homeschooled my son for 7 years. I felt God calling me to a new chapter. I wanted him in a safe, Christ centered school. There was no doubt SA was the school for him. I was given an opportunity to become staff and was eager to accept it. I love these students and am honored to be here. I am so grateful to be able to share the gospel every day. SA creates a place for students and staff to grow in their faith and become part of the body of Christ.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Christie Edwards
6th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Christie obtained her undergraduate degree from Corban University in Interdisciplinary Studies (Theological and Intercultural Studies). After spending 20 years in non-profit administration, she took a break and began working as an IA at Clear Lake Elementary. She fell in love with working in education and went back to Corban to obtain her teaching license.

Christie lives in Keizer with her husband and two children. She enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking, making things, reading, and watching her kids play sports.

I am excited that God has given me an opportunity to combine three of my passions: kids, math, and the Bible! Attending a Christian elementary school myself gave me a solid biblical foundation for life, and I feel privileged that I now get to participate in Christian education. Fun fact: my dad attended Salem Academy in the 1960’s.

Serving SA Since: 2024

Jayme Fridley

Jayme Fridley

Jayme is a dedicated wife to Nolan and a proud mom. Currently, she has three children enrolled at Salem Academy, while her eldest (class of ‘25) is pursuing higher education.

In 2004 she received her degree in Education from Corban University, and went on to teach 2nd grade at Salem Academy. After dedicating her early career to teaching, Jayme has shifted her focus to support her family and contribute to their family business while continuing to advocate for a faith-based education.

Jayme’s passion for Christian education drives her commitment to fostering an environment where students can grow spiritually and academically. She firmly believes in the importance of guiding children to imitate Jesus as they strive to “grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man”. (Luke 2:52)

Serving SA Since: 2024

Kristin Gawne
1st Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2024

Karly Grant
Preschool 4's Teacher
503.370.8488

Karly graduated from SA in 2002 and has taken several classes through Chemeketa Community College as well as many continuing education courses relevant to working in a preschool/childcare setting. In her free time she enjoys reading a good book, going to concerts, or a trip the beach with friends or family.

I am so excited to be a part of the SA family once again. After attending 8th-12th grades here, I came back to work in the preschool/childcare for 15+ years. Recently I left to continue my education and explore some other endeavors that the Lord led me on. This is such a fun, supportive, and important community, and I am so excited to be back sharing the love of Jesus with the families of SA.

Serving SA Since: 2023

Darcy Gunter
Childcare Supervisor
503.370.8488

Darcy Gunter has an Associates Degree in Science from Boise State University. She is married to her husband Keith and they have one son Kyle. She loves to spend time out in their yard & garden and go to the beach with the family. A new hobby that she loves to do is Diamond Art. Prior to coming to SA she worked at Riviera Christian School & Childcare for five years. Her family attends West Hills Community Church.

My family is new to SA. God called me to SA in July of this year and opened the door to a new opportunity for myself & my family. I am looking forward to working with the staff & families at SA and making many new friends.

Serving SA Since: 2023

Pauline Hacke
CAD Design & 3D Printing, JH Technology, 2D Animation
503.378.1211

Pauline has a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from San Jose State University. She has taught computers to students at all grade levels since 2007 and is thrilled to take on the challenge of teaching middle and high school students (which have been her focus since 2020). She is married and has a daughter. She enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking (especially her native Chinese cuisine), and walking her dog, Max.

God called me to Salem Academy in 2018, shortly after my family relocated to Oregon from California. I had never worked at a Christian school before. I’m truly amazed at how God has continually prepared me professionally and spiritually to help students build a solid foundation in computer science and technology here at SA.

Serving SA Since: 2018

Karen Haslebacher
Director of Student Success & Leadership (JH & HS)
503.378.1211

Karen went to school at Willamette University and Liberty University. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling. Her family love to go camping, hiking, and paddle boarding. They spend as much time outside as the Oregon weather allows.

It is an honor to walk with students as they grow in their relationship with the Lord, mature in their character, and discover who God made them to be. As each student graduates and moves on to a new adventure, I feel privileged to have played a small part in their journey through life.

Serving SA Since: 2006

Helena Hennigan
Secondary Art/Pottery & Bridge 56 Art
503.378.1211

Helena went to school at Indiana Wesleyan University where she received her undergraduate in Graphic Design and Illustration. She went on to receive a Masters of Teaching at Concordia University. She is married and they have two girls. She loves spending time on her family farm; gardening and playing with their girls.

The staff has been so welcoming. I had previously taught at in the public schools and then took a few years off to be a stay at home mom to my girls. It has been an amazing transition back into teaching. I was thinking about going back into teaching, and God knew where my family and I needed to go. It has been a wonderful experience.

Serving SA Since: 2021

Ashlynn Hughes
Childcare Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Karie Hutchings
4th Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Karie grew up in Corvallis and attended Oregon State University. She and her husband have raised two daughters, both graduates of Salem Academy. She raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, reading, and crafts.

I have been an educator at Salem Academy for many years because it is a place where I can equip students from a Christian perspective to know and serve God.

Serving SA Since: 1992

Heather Ivey
6th-grade Language Arts & History
503.399.7360

Heather graduated from Northwest Christian College, now Bushnell U, with a degree in Elementary Ed., and later received her Master of Ed. Degree from Cedarville University. She is married with 4 adult children and a dog named Cooper. She loves to sing in her church’s choir and worship team, reading, traveling with her family, and spending time at the beach.

I first became connected to SA when we enrolled our daughter, Kiersten, into high school in 2015. Four years later, while enrolling our son, Caleb, I was invited to join the teaching staff as a 5th grade Lang. Arts teacher. SA has become a very special part of my life where I have made lifelong friends and memories!

Serving SA Since: 2019

Brittanie Jeppe
Bridge 56 Office Manager
503.399.7360

Brittanie was born and raised in Salem and graduated from Salem Academy in 2004. After attending college in both Tennessee and Alabama she returned to Oregon and completed her degree at Corban University. She and her husband Leighton have three kids, (little) Leighton, Annaleigh and Hadleigh. She loves sports! She played softball into her college years and now enjoys coaching her daughters. She loves watching football (Green Bay Packers) and hockey (Colorado Avalanche).

Being at Salem Academy again has felt like coming home. To be part of this community is such a joy and just the change I didn’t know I needed.

Serving SA Since: 2020

Cheryl Johnson
2nd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Cheryl did her undergraduate studies at PSU, then went to George Fox University for a MAT degree (Master of Arts in Teaching). Recently, she went back to school to pursue a reading endorsement and Dyslexia certificate with Pacific University.

She and her husband Jay recently moved to Salem and have 3 children ranging in ages from 13-22. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, and doing crafts.

I love being here at SA because it’s a school that focuses on teaching students to grow in their relationship with the Lord by establishing a Biblical worldview. I also enjoy hearing the children pray and learn about God’s word on a daily basis.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Emily Johnston
Administrative Coordinator
503.378.1219

Emily grew up in Salem and attended Salem Academy from 7-12th grade.  After graduation, she spent some time in Arizona, but returned to Oregon where she met and married her husband Danny, gaining a bonus-son (Tyler) as well.  Together they have twin boys, Crew and Hudson. They owned a retail shop for several years here in Salem, but after Covid, she closed up shop and transitioned into working in Christian education. 
Her weekends are filled with all things “boy” - sports, car shows, and overall chaos control.  She loves home design and shopping, especially thrifting.

The boys were close to aging out of their current elementary school and I had been praying for an opportunity for them to stay in Christian school.  When Salem Academy called me not only about a job opening, but they also happened to have 2 spots left in the boy’s grade, I knew God was clearly opening a door for our family.  This job had been a great fit with fantastic staff - the community here is really like a family!  Bringing the boys over to start at Salem Academy has been a seamless transition and they are flourishing.  God answered a prayer for us and we are thrilled to be a part of the SA community!

Serving SA Since: 2025

Jamie Knust
Secondary Admin Assistant/ Registrar/ASB Coordinator/ Honors Psychology
503.378.1211

Jamie received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Youth & Family Studies and a minor in Biblical Theology from Corban University. She married her wonderful husband, Adam, in 2010, and they have 3 kids; Jackson, Levi, and Eleanor. She loves taking road trips and having adventures with her family!

I am so grateful and blessed to be a part of the SA community. I love that I get to be a small part of their mission to not only help every student thrive academically, but to help them become passionate followers of Christ!

Serving SA Since: 2023

Jana Koning
Kindergarten Teacher
503.399.7360

Jana was born and raised in Sunnyside, WA. She graduated from Dordt College with a degree in Elementary Education. She is married to Jason and they have three children: William, Aiden and Molly. She enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

I love that God has called me to teach at SA. This community of teachers and families are centered around Christ. I love that I am free to talk about my faith openly and love others. This school is a blessing to me and my family, and we are thankful everyday for this amazing gift.

Serving SA Since: 2015

Jeff Larson
World History, Geography, & Speech
503.378.1211

Jeff graduated from George Fox in 1992 and did graduate work at both Eastern Oregon University and Concordia University Irvine. He’s been married to Louise for over three decades. They have three kids and two grandkids. He enjoys coaching track and field (sprints and hurdles), and loves mountain biking, and growing beautiful flowers.

I have felt very welcome at SA from the moment I stepped on campus. It’s clear to me that sharing God’s grace is top priority here!

Serving SA Since: 2025

Stephanie Law
Secondary Office Manager
503.378.1211

Stephanie received her Associate of Arts degree from Rogue Community College. She married her husband Brandon in 2005 and they have two kids, Alysha and Kyler, who are here at Salem Academy. She loves baking, soccer, and going to the beach.

I love Salem Academy. I started out as a SA mom, and a few years later when my son started preschool, I was ready to start working again. I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to teach preschool for a few years. I am now excited for my new adventures in the middle school office. I am so thankful to be working at such a great school centered around God.

Serving SA Since: 2018

Kayla Miller
Algebra I & Algebra II
503.378.1211

Kayla graduated from Salem Academy in 2020 and attended Western Oregon University to get her degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. She married in the summer of 2022 to her high school sweetheart who works as an electrician. She loves coaching and playing basketball, as well as all things outdoors.

I love being a part of the SA family because of the tight knit community.

Serving SA Since: 2023

Katey Mills
2nd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Katey was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. She graduated with a B.A. in Music with emphasis in education and majored in percussion. In 2008, she graduated from Willamette University with her M.A.T. in early childhood and elementary education. Katey spent her first decade of teaching in public schools before moving to teach in the private setting. She is married to Seth and together they have four children. Along with their cats they have a golden retriever named Shelby. Katey enjoys spending time with her family, playing music and writing songs, photography, and being outside whether it is gardening, taking walks, watching her kids play, or golfing.

I feel extremely blessed to be a part of the Salem Academy community as a teacher and parent. God has clearly opened doors to allow my family and I to come here. It is a privilege and honor to be a part of students’ educational journeys at a place where we can learn God’s Word daily and bring Him glory in all we do. My husband and I are also excited to have our own kids be able to attend a Christ-centered school with strong academics and other opportunities.

Serving SA Since: 2022

Arletta Narvaez
Spanish (I-II), Honors Spanish (III-IV), & NHS Advisor
503.378.1219

Arletta graduated from Murray State University with degree of Bachelor of Arts and Spanish major.  For graduate school, she attended Western Kentucky University for her Master of Arts in Education with Spanish major.  From Corban, she received her ESL/Bilingual certification.  She and her husband, Oscar, have two children. In her spare time, she loves to read.

I was looking for a change in my professional life as my children started school.  At that time, I had enrolled my youngest in kindergarten here.  God opened the door for me to come to Salem Academy at a time when other doors were closing.  Looking back, it is so easy to see why and where I was being led.  I am thankful to be part of the SA family.

Serving SA Since: 2014

Rachel Onstott
Educational Support Services Director
503.399.7360

After growing up in Portland, Rachel received her bachelors degree from Washington State University, her Masters degree in teaching from George Fox University, and an ESOL endorsement from Western Oregon University. She spent the first thirteen years of her teaching career in public schools in the Portland metro area teaching as a classroom teacher and as an English language development teacher. Both her family and herself felt moved to relocate to the Salem area in the summer of 2023, and have settled in Dallas. Rachel has been married since 2006 and they have been blessed with two beautiful daughters. When not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family and two Ragdoll cats, and traveling as much as possible!

I am so thankful the Lord has brought me to Salem Academy as both a faculty member and as a parent and I can’t wait to be able to serve the Lord and the school community.

Serving SA Since: 2024

Tricia Peterson
English III/IV & Honors English III/IV
503.378.1211

Tricia was born and raised in Eastern WA on a wheat farm (raising horses & cattle and driving truck for harvest); She received her B.A. in English and teaching certificate from Washington State University followed by an M.A. in English from University of Idaho. For 25 years she lived in Connell, WA, where she taught English for Connell High School and dual credit classes for Eastern Washington University. Tricia and her husband Tim have four adult children: Carlos, Trevor, Taylor, and Tanner. They have two amazing grandsons, Cooper and Kysen, with whom they love to spend all of their free time. Tricia and Tim love to hike, camp, renovate yards, garden, cook, and run.

I am so excited to be part of a school that so highly values their students. Salem Academy strives to grow their students spiritually and academically. I am honored to be part of a team with that same shared passion for student growth.

Serving SA Since: 2019

Aimee Plotts
4th Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Aimee has a degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University and holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Pacific University.  She has two amazing boys, Tillman and Lincoln, and they enjoy being outside and spending time with friends.  Baking and music bring her a lot of joy, too!

I have worked in public education and other private schools and nothing compares to Salem Academy and the community we have here.  My late friend, Trisha Duman, paved the way for me to join this awesome school, and I am forever grateful that God opened that door.

Serving SA Since: 2017

Jocelyn Ralston
Preschool 3's/4's Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Sarah Reed
U.S. History, Gov./Econ, H U.S. History, H Gov./Econ., & H European History
503.378.1219

Sarah was born and raised in Boise, ID, to parents Marvin and Debbie Merkel. She has one younger sister, Carly, who is a doctor in Falmouth, ME.  They grew up skiing at Bogus Basin on the weekends in the winter and rafting the Boise River in the summer.  It was an ideal place to grow up and she will always be a true Idahoan at heart. After graduation from Boise High School, she moved to Oregon to attend Corban Universtiy and study education.  Four years later, she graduated from Corban with a B.S. in Social Studies Education and then married her college sweetheart the following day.  She continued her education at Western Oregon University and graduated with a M.S. in Education. Today, she and Steve (an SA alumn) have three wonderful children; Emilie, Brandon, and Sydnie.  She has a passion for teaching young leaders to be difference makers in the world for Christ as well as traveling, running, skiing, and watching her kids play sports.

I have really enjoyed being a part of the Salem Academy family.  My husband, Steve is an SA graduate and he is the one who encouraged me to apply after we both graduated from Corban University. I am so grateful that he did; growing up at a large public high school allows me to be aware and appreciate the daily difference that SA provides to our students.

Serving SA Since: 2006

Jose Santana
Head Groundskeeper
503-378-1201

Serving SA Since: 2024

Felicia Sealey
Secondary Administrative Assistant
503.378.1211

Felicia is married to Clint and is the mother of Wyatt, James and Luke. She loves spending time with her immediate and extended family and enjoys weightlifting, golfing, hiking and camping.

I am so blessed to be a part of SA. God opened the door for my three boys and me to be a part of the SA family. We enjoy being a part of SA’s sports and getting to know the families here has been so rewarding.

Serving SA Since: 2025

Joan Shelton
Childcare Assistant
503.370.8488

Joan is married and has one son who recently graduated from Salem Academy. She loves the beach and the outdoors.

I worked in the kitchen for 8 years until they went a different direction for school lunches. Then I decided to leave the company I was with and seek something at Salem Academy which landed me in the Preschool/Daycare. I feel this isn’t a job but something I love to do.

Serving SA Since:

Shauna Simeral
Kindergarten Teacher
503.399.7360

Shauna is a born and raised Oregonian. She received her B.A. in education from the University of Northern Colorado and her master’s degree from Western Oregon University. She taught third grade and first grade for several years in Mill City. Shauna has been married to Ira for over 15 years and they have four children together, Rylan, Dawson, Lexi, and Nora. She loves to spend time with her family outdoors, gardening, hiking, and swimming.

It is such a blessing for my family to be a part of the Salem Academy family. The families and staff of SA are amazing. I love teaching in a Christ-centered environment, where we can pray, serve, and learn about our God together. I am so thankful God called myself and my family to SA.

Serving SA Since: 2020

Edward Smith
Custodian
503.378.1201

Serving SA Since: 2021

Sonya Stewart

Childcare Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Ingrid Thomas
Executive Assistant & HR Coord.
503.378.1219

After graduating high school, Ingrid received a B.S. degree in Nursing in Seattle and worked for over a decade as an admin at a cancer research organization before embarking on work at a college and then later for a lawyer. She and her husband have lived all over the west coast and have 3 kids (two SA graduates and one still attending). Some of her favorite hobbies are traveling, hiking, wine tasting, reading, thrift shopping, and entertaining family and friends.

I absolutely love my co-workers and feel like they’re an extension of my family. My work at SA is enjoyable and it brings me great joy to see how the Lord works in the lives of our students and staff.

Serving SA Since: 2015

Heidi Thurston
Music/Theatre
503.378.1211

Heidi went to George Fox University and received a BA in Theatre with a minor in Biblical Studies. She met her wonderful husband, Caleb, at George Fox. Caleb is a theatre teacher at Woodburn High School. They have three amazing daughters. Right out of college they founded their theatre company, Valley Repertory Theatre and Heidi helped run that for several years before she became a stay at home mom for 9 years. She then had the privilege of working in children’s ministry at Salem Alliance Church for a year and a half while also coaching, directing, and choreographing students at Woodburn High School Theatre.

I am overjoyed to be joining the Salem Academy team. Theatre was something that truly changed my life. The Lord used storytelling to empower me and heal broken parts of my life. I cannot wait to invite students to see how the Lord can use storytelling as a way to bring truth and love to the world around us.

Serving SA Since: 2024

Melissa Turner
College/Career Coach & Senior Seminar
503.378.1211

Melissa graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Social Sciences with an emphasis in Education. She taught high school social studies for 12 years, and coached a variety of sports, before staying home to raise our two boys, who currently attend Salem Academy. She volunteered in their elementary classrooms, as well as with the ASPIRE program (college and career mentor) at West Salem HS. Their family loves golfing, hiking, crabbing - anything outdoors, and all sports.

I am so excited to be a part of the SA family! It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to come along side these students to help them grow, plan, and reach their goals and dreams. I’m looking forward to helping students be successful!

Serving SA Since: 2021

Jorge Vallejo-Ascencio
Custodian

Jorge attended school in Mexico and moved to the U.S. in 1990. He is married to Rosa and they have 2 adult children. He enjoys running, shopping, and playing drums.

I love Salem Academy!

Serving SA Since: 2016

Matt VandeBurgt
Physical Science, H Chemistry, H Pre-Calculus, H Physics, & H Physical Science, H Calculus (I & II),
503.378.1219

Matt graduated from Dordt University in 2011 with a degree in Physics. Since then, he has enjoyed teaching at Salem Academy and loved every year!  He is married and is blessed with a baby boy.

I love the family that Salem Academy has become, and look forward to many more years of teaching here.

Serving SA Since: 2011

Heidi Vaubel
3rd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

A lifelong Oregonian, Heidi grew up in Springfield and attended George Fox University in Newberg where she received her degree in Elementary Education. Over the years, she has taught Kindergarten, third grade, fourth grade, and students of all ages as a tutor for Sylvan Learning. She enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family, which includes husband Aaron, twin daughters Emily and Kaely, and son Ryan.

My journey at Salem Academy began when my own children started preschool here. A few years later, in an answer to prayer beyond what I had asked or imagined, God opened the door for me to join SA’s teaching staff. Being part of the SA family continues to be a huge blessing to me and my family. As a parent, I see my children thriving here, and I’m so grateful that they have teachers who love them and speak truth into their lives. As a teacher, I have the privilege of helping my students grow, not only academically, but spiritually as well. I couldn’t feel more blessed to have my family on both the giving and receiving end of SA’s mission and vision: To provide an excellent education, from a Christ-centered, Biblical perspective, so that our students might know and serve God.

Serving SA Since: 2015

Deanna Wilson
Director of Preschool & Childcare
503.370.8488

Deanna attended Corban University for two years as a business management major and accounting minor. She worked for 10 years and then was home for 5 years with her two kids - Evan & Janelle - both SA alumni. While at home she started volunteering in the children’s ministry department at their church and eventually became the leader of the children’s program and officially on staff. She eventually started subbing in preschool and the rest is history. Over the years she has taken classes and trainings in early education and child development. Deanna has been married over 25 years years to Cory (an SA graduate and current staff member). She loves to spend time with family (immediate and extended), read, play with her guinea pigs, and enjoy the NW.

We were just going to keep our kids at SA for preschool and kindergarten and both our kids have graduated from SA after each attended for 14 years. I always say I fell into my job at SA but really I can see how God directed me here and used my previous experience and passion for working with children and their families for His use at SA.

Serving SA Since: 2004

Cory Wilson
Head of Maintenance
503.378.1201

Serving SA Since: 2007

Rob Wood
6th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Rob Received his Bachelor’s degree from Corban Collage in Education with a minor in Bible and Music. He has taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Married to Ruth Wood, a current art teacher at SA, they have two children and four grandchildren. He was a Civil War Reenactor for 10 years. Other hobbies include driving around in his 1980 MGB, fishing, and building model planes, cars, ships, and spaceships.

I started teaching at Christian Center, a small Christian school and then four years later Christian Center merged with SA. I enjoy being a teacher at Salem Academy because I get to share Jesus with my students, show them how much He loves them, and how they can learn to love Him more each day.  I am grateful we have a strong Christian Administration team.

Serving SA Since: 2004

Ruth Wood
Elementary Art Teacher
503.399.7360

Ruth graduated from Washington Baptist Teachers College with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She has two daughters and four grandchildren. She enjoys walking, swimming, camping, and gardening as well as arts and crafts.

I count it a privilege be a part of Salem Academy because of the freedom to teach from a Biblical perspective and to be able to train students to personally know the Lord and serve Him faithfully in all aspects of life.

Serving SA Since: 2004