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Preschool-Childcare

Emilie Becker
Preschool 3's Assistant/Childcare Teacher

Emilie Becker
Preschool 3's Assistant/Childcare Teacher
503.370.8488

Emilie grew up going to public school in the Salem-Keizer School District and went to Corban University right after high school. She grew up in Oregon and could not imagine living anywhere else. She is passionate about music and singing, and enjoys being around friends and family, reading, playing volleyball, and going to the beach. She loves being around and working with kids, so working at Salem Academy feels like a great fit.

The Salem Academy family is beyond kind and welcoming, which causes me to love going to work every day.

Serving SA Since: 2020

Misti Birky
Preschool 4's Assistant

Misti Birky
Preschool 4's Assistant
503.370.8488

Misti attended IWU for Social Work undergrad and IU for Masters of Social Work. She is married to a retired Coast Guard Pilot, with 2 girls who attend Salem Academy. She loves being outside, reading, sewing, and being with family.

My girls started attending, and a position in the preschool came available. I love kids, and applied. Everyone has been great to work with and I love the kiddos!

Serving SA Since: 2021

Beatrice Brown
Preschool 3's/4's Teacher

Beatrice Brown
Preschool 3's/4's Teacher

Serving SA Since:

Sandra Cartier
Preschool 3's Teacher

Sandra Cartier
Preschool 3's Teacher
503.399.7360

Serving SA Since: 2022

Renae Cruz
Preschool 4's Assistant

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

Karly Grant
Preschool 4's Teacher
SA Class of: 2002

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

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

Allison Hiley
Preschool 4's Teacher

Allison Hiley
Preschool 4's Teacher
503.370.8488

Allison graduated from George Fox University with a B.A. in Social Work where she met her husband Deryk. They have two daughters, Madilyn and Kacyn who have been a part of the Salem Academy family. She loves reading, watching movies, playing card/dice games, camping, and watching her girls dance ballet.

“My teaching position at Salem Academy can only be called a “God Thing.” I was actively looking for a part-time position that fit my already hectic schedule. I happened to look on the careers page at SA and it showed a childcare position open for afternoons. I thought sure why not. Long story short, I interviewed for the position, was offered a teaching position instead, and after much prayer and consideration, I listened to the call God had extended to me and accepted. I love being a part of something bigger than myself, actively teaching young lives about the grace and love of God.”

Serving SA Since: 2015

Ashlynn Hughes
Childcare Assistant

Ashlynn Hughes
Childcare Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Jocelyn Ralston
Preschool 3's/4's Assistant

Jocelyn Ralston
Preschool 3's/4's Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Joan Shelton
Childcare Assistant

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:

Brad Shimomura
IT Technical Support

Brad Shimomura
IT Technical Support
503.378.1219

Brad was born and raised - and lived most of his life - in the Pacific Northwest. He is ordained with the Assemblies of God and has served as a Children’s Pastor in Washington and Oregon before being called to serve in Japan as a missionary. He is currently studying IT/Cybersecurity at Oregon Institute of Technology Portland-Metro Campus.

SA is a great community! God is truly doing something great on this campus!

Serving SA Since: 2023

Jessika Simpson
Childcare Assistant & Lunch/Recess Duty

Jessika Simpson
Childcare Assistant & Lunch/Recess Duty
503.370.8488

Serving SA Since: 2022

Sonya Stewart

Sonya Stewart

Childcare Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Deanna Wilson
Director of Preschool & Childcare

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

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