Preschool-Childcare

Emilie Becker
Preschool 4'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
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

Alicia Garner
Preschool 3's/4's Teacher
503.370.8488

Serving SA Since:

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

Ashlynn Hughes
Preschool 3's Assistant

Serving SA Since:

Jocelyn Ralston
Preschool 3's/4's Assistant

Serving SA Since:

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
503.370.8488

Serving SA Since: 2022

Karly Vickroy
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

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