Elementary/Bridge 56

Lori Bates
1st Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Lori grew up in the central Columbia Gorge area. Both parents worked in the educational system where her mom was an administrative secretary and her dad a K-12 music teacher. She graduated from Sherman High School, then Warner Pacific University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She later completed her teaching license through Corban University. She married her husband, Robert, and they have 3 adult children and one student at Salem Academy. She enjoys gardening, bird watching, home decorations, and taking walks.

I am so humbled and grateful to be a part of the Salem Academy family. SA is the completion of a dream God put in my heart as a young woman to work in a Christian Elementary School. I can’t imagine working with better people, and having my daughter get a better education elsewhere.

Serving SA Since: 2015

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

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

Christina Chrowl
1st Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

In 2013 Christina graduated with a B.S. from Western Oregon University, majoring in Public Health. She decided to pursue a career in teaching and completed the Graduate Teacher Licensure Program at Corban University. Before coming to Salem Academy, she taught 6 years at the Salem-Keizer school district. She enjoys spending time outside on their hobby farm, caring for cows and chickens.

I am looking forward to serving the Salem Academy community in the years to come!

Serving SA Since: 2021

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

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

Kristin Gawne
1st Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2024

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

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

Teresa Hockman
Elementary Administrative Assistant
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2025

Jennifer Imig
Physical Education (K-6)
503.399.7360

Jennifer grew up in northwest Iowa and received her B.A. from Dordt University in Exercise Science and K-12 Physical Education, M.S. from Emporia State University in HPER. She began her teaching career in northern California and moved to Salem in 2007. Since then, she has served Salem Academy in a variety of roles both teaching and coaching volleyball. She is married to Aaron and has 3 children. She enjoys indoor cycling, hiking, watching any sporting event, reading a good book and chocolate milk.

I love how God is the center of all we do at Salem Academy. Whether it is in the classroom, or out on a court or field, we use Biblical principles as we teach youth to grow in knowledge of God’s amazing creation and to glorify God in all they say and do. I enjoy being a part of the SA staff, they are a blessing!

Serving SA Since: 2007

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

Haley Johnson
5th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Haley grew up in Chico, CA, and Tigard, OR. She attended Colorado Christian University School of Education and graduated from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. She is married to Cole and has three children; Clara, Lewis, and Elsie.

The community at Salem Academy is amazing. I have been so blessed by parents and faculty praying for our class and encouraging me as a teacher and follower of Jesus Christ.

Serving SA Since: 2016

Autumn Johnson
Educational Support Services Teacher
503.399.7360

Autumn graduated from Willamette University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2024. Autumn and her husband, Sean, have 4 children together and a chocolate lab. She enjoys reading, gardening, watching her kids play sports, and movie nights with her family.

God’s plan is often not as straightforward as I would hope, but it’s always good. God called me to Salem Academy when I least expected it. Being part of this community is a huge blessing to our whole family.

Serving SA Since: 2024

Kylie Kiser
4th Grade Teacher
503-399-7360

Kylie grew up in a Christian school in Richland Washington. After high school, she attended Corban University and got her BS in Elementary Education. She taught in Stayton as a 4th grade teacher. She has been married to her husband, who is a Middle School math teacher, since 2021. When she is not working she loves to travel and spend time with her family!

I have LOVED being able to work at a Christian school and continually get to help kids grow in Jesus.

Serving SA Since: 2022

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

Ramie Moody
Computer (K-6) Teacher
503.399.7360

Ramie attended college at George Fox University, where she met her husband, Nathan. They have four children (Judson, Cooper, Porter, and Benson), a golden retriever named Gus, three cats, and lots of chickens. She loves teaching, reading, camping, board games, and just about any activity she can do with her family.

I’m so thankful God called me (and my children) to Salem Academy! We love being part of a school that feels like family and gives glory to the Lord!

Serving SA Since: 2021

Lisa Morris
5th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Lisa received her BA in Education from Western Oregon University, taught in Christian schools and homeschooled her children. Keeping Christ in the center of her teaching is important. She is married to Ryan and they have two children: Emily and Andrew. As a family, they enjoy camping and Friday pizza & movie nights at home.

I am always amazed by God’s plans and provision. God has taught me throughout my years of teaching to be faithful and keep following His lead. Even when some doors close, He has shown me that He has great plans for me and my family. He opens doors that I didn’t even realize existed. I love being able to encourage students to trust God with their lives as well.

Serving SA Since: 2018

Jeneé Orso

Jeneé Orso
Librarian (K-12)
503.378.1211

Jenee graduated from George Fox University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Married to Andre’, they have three sons Gabe (SA ‘12) Elias (SA ‘19), and Noah (SA ‘22); and two granddaughters Audrey and Layla.

I love being a part of the Salem Academy family as a parent and as a staff member. It is an honor and privilege to pray for our students, staff, and their families each day. The Lord called me the the mission field of Christian education knowing that the mission field was going to continue to grow each year. It is important to me that our students know how much they are loved and valued not only by their teachers, but also their Heavenly Father. I am so blessed every single day that I can be a small piece of that solid foundation they can build while they are here at SA.

Serving SA Since: 2007

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

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

Emily Rogers
2nd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Emily grew up in Salem and has lived here much of her life. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Elementary Education. Before coming to Salem Academy she was a 3rd grade teacher as well as a substitute teacher. She and her husband have five kids. She enjoys playing games and watching movies with her family, spending time outdoors, and dancing.

Teaching elementary art was my dream job that I never thought was possible. God blessed me immensely by opening up this position at Salem Academy. I love teaching children art, especially in a Christian school. I am continually blessed by the friendship and support offered by the other staff. I am also thankful that my children can learn the Word of God at school from teachers who continually point them to Christ and His ways. Working at SA has truly been a blessing to me and my family.

Serving SA Since: 2019

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

Jessika Simpson
Childcare Assistant & Lunch/Recess Duty
503.370.8488

Serving SA Since: 2022

Janelle Staehlin

Janelle Staehlin
6th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Serving SA Since:

Sara Sullivan
Kindergarten Teacher
503.399.7360

Sara was born and raised in south Georgia. She met her husband while he was serving in the Navy. They moved to Oregon, after he retired, to be closer to his family. They have two boys who attend Salem Academy.  She has a BSED from Georgia Southern University and a Masters from Armstrong Atlantic University. She has been teaching for over 20 years, and enjoys reading mysteries, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and animal watching.

I had told my husband before we even married that I would NEVER live in Oregon. I am a southern girl. Well, God had other plans! He knew my family and I needed to be in Oregon and Salem Academy. The minute we toured the school I knew this is where we wanted our boys to go, and I knew I wanted to teach at SA. My family loves SA because of the family feel you get when you are here. SA is Christ-centered and a caring, loving place to work and go to school.

Serving SA Since: 2016

Lindsay Walker
6th Grade Teacher/Bridge 56 Servant Leadership
503.378.1201

Mrs. Walker has spent her entire life in Oregon, where she earned her degree from Cascade College. It was there that she met her husband, Brandon, with whom she shares three children who are actively involved at Salem Academy. Music plays a significant role in her life, and she finds joy in teaching Bible classes at their church, running children’s programs, and exploring new coffee and tea shops. She is also certified in Biblical Counseling and values opportunities to encourage and support others in their faith journey. Lindsay enjoys traveling with her family. In 2023, her husband was called home to Heaven, and while her heart is comforted by the hope she has in Jesus, she eagerly anticipates the day when we all will be reunited and experience eternal love and restoration in Heaven.

I am deeply grateful to be surrounded by individuals who earnestly pursue Christ, teach with dedication, and faithfully follow the path God has set before them. It is a true blessing to have my children embraced by faculty and staff who consistently uplift them in prayer and guide their growth as disciples. This supportive community is a precious gift from God, and I am humbled to share it with my students each day. Being among fellow believers who are passionate about following Christ and walking in faith is a profound blessing, and I am thankful for the continuous prayers and guidance my children and I receive from this community.

Serving SA Since: 2022

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