Elementary/Bridge 56

Jena Bates
2nd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2026

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

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

Alyssa Darst
5th Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Alyssa graduated from Corban University (after also graduating from Salem Academy) and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and their daughters Ellie and Harper.

I first became a part of the Salem Academy community when I was in junior high. After receiving my teaching license, God opened up the door for me to be able to return to SA. I love being able to share my faith with my students and being part of a Christ-centered staff.

Serving SA Since: 2019

Kayla Dickson
Bridge 56 Administrative Assistant
503.378.1201

Serving SA Since:

Dawn Fry
Elementary Administrative Assistant and Account Manager (K-6)
503.378.1201

Dawn is from the state of Washington.  She enjoys farming and has had a farm in KY and OR.

I am enjoying the short time I’ve been here at SA and am excited to be a part of the SA family. The Lord is very important in my life, and He has lead me to SA. I’m excited to see what He has in store for this journey in my new role!

Serving SA Since: 2025

Kristin Gawne
1st Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2024

Karie Hutchings
6th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

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

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

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

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

Kylie Kiser
Elementary Administrative Assistant
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: 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

Brace Langenwalter
Choir Director (5th-12th)
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2026

Ramie Moody
Computer Teacher (K-6)
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

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

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

Larry Porter
Recess Duty and Instructional Assistant

Serving SA Since:

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

Carly Scott
Music Teacher (K-4th)
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2019

Sarah Shadle
3rd Grade Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2026

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
4th Grade Teacher
503.378.1201

Janelle grew up in Oregon most of her life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. She traveled to the far reaches of the globe teaching and ministering to children in Mexico, Africa, and Papua New Guinea. When the Lord brought her back to Oregon, Janelle taught Physical Education for several years before marrying her husband Paul and staying home with her two children Henry and Daisy. When God brought her back to teaching, Janelle taught 2nd grade for two years and 3rd grade for five years prior to coming to Salem Academy. She mentored middle school youth while teaching, which ultimately led her to accept the 6th grade teaching position at Salem Academy in the fall of 2025.
Janelle enjoys reading the Bible, historical fiction, and lots of children’s books. With her family, she likes going to the beach, hiking, traveling, and bike rides. Most of all she loves worshiping the Lord through sign language and creative movement.

I am honored to be part of this loving, God-centered community of Salem Academy. God called me to speak Life into children. It is my privilege to guide and mentor them in their walk toward becoming God-fearing followers of Christ. Salem Academy provides students with an excellent education while being surrounded by teachers that pray for them.

Serving SA Since: 2025

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

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

Lindsay Walker
Bridge 56 Leadership & Biblical Counseling
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

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