Administration

Tim Peterson
Superintendent
503.378.1219

Tim holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Liberty University in addition to a Master’s Degree from Heritage University in Educational Leadership and a second Masters from Corban in Business Administration. Tim and his wife Tricia (also an SA staff member) have three biological children (Trevor and daughter-in-law Harper, Taylor and son-in-law David, and Tanner) and a son (Carlos) and daughter (Malena) who joined their family as blessings. They are proud grandparents of Cooper and Kysen Peterson. The Petersons enjoy entertaining, working on their property, and spending time with family.

I am excited to watch the Lord do great things through Salem Academy. It is an honor to work with such a great leadership team watching students grow and develop both spiritually and academically. I look forward to serving God, staff, students, and the parent-partners as we watch God work through His school.

Serving SA Since: 2023

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

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

Lisa Canaday
Elementary Principal (K-6)
503-399-7360

Serving SA Since: 2024

Emily Johnston
Director of Development
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

Jeff Kline
Executive Director of Operations
503.378.1219

Jeff was born in Elmira NY, moving to Illinois his freshman year of High School. He attended Chemeketa and graduated from Barat College with a Bachelor’s degree in Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He has three children - two Salem Academy alumni and one graduating this spring.  He is known to many as “MacGyver” when it comes to problem solving.

I like being part of the solution, and I believe God called me here for that purpose.

Serving SA Since: 2012

Brandi Price
Assistant Athletic Director
503.378.1211

Brandi grew up in Sisters, OR, playing sports for Sisters High School. She played basketball and ran track for Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, and graduated with a BA in Education & Learning and minors in Coaching, Psychology, and Kinesiology. She met her husband at Pacific University; they married in 2014 and now have one son, a dog, and a cat.

Brandi has a passion for coaching and athletics; she began coaching in 2009 and hasn’t stopped since! The Prices’ lives are full and busy, as both Brandi and her husband work in local schools. They live in Salem and enjoy gardening, reading, volunteering, spending time with family, and supporting their respective school sporting events!

I began working at Salem Academy as the middle school track & field coach, then a girls basketball coach for middle and high school, and eventually became a full-time employee in the high school office. God keeps calling me back to SA in various ways and departments, even after leaving to become a stay-at-home-mom after the birth of my son. I am excited to be working in the Athletics Department, and look forward to seeing how the Lord uses me in this next season of life.

Serving SA Since: 2015

Angela Shearer
Director of Admissions
503.378.1219

Having grown up in Salem, Angela attended local public schools and only moved out of the city to attend the University of Oregon, where she received a B.A. in Journalism. She met her husband, Chris, in high school and they have three children, Natalie, Ethan, and Jack, who have attended SA since kindergarten. She enjoys Taekwondo lessons with her boys and puttering around their yard.

My family has been part of the Salem Academy family since 2013, when the first of my three children began kindergarten at this amazing school. A few years ago, God set me on a path that placed me here as SA’s Development Director. Working at this school that my family loves so much is truly God’s blessing. I am thankful for the wonderful people He has placed in my life and many of them are here at SA.

Serving SA Since: 2021

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

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