I grew up in Salem, Oregon and always loved children so much that I started volunteering for children’s ministry at my church and babysitting as soon as I was old enough. As a young adult, I was a camp counselor and women’s chaplain at Canyonview Camp, where I met my husband Eric and learned to more fully rely on God. 

I graduated from Corban with a degree in elementary education in 2008 and earned my master’s degree in 2011.  I taught for 7 years at Grant Community School and Englewood Elementary School here in Salem before leaving in 2015 to stay home with my son. My husband and two children, Andrew and Alaina are my very favorite people. We enjoy playing board games, going on bike rides, camping, traveling, and reading together. 

Once Andrew and Alaina were in school I started working at OSCS as the Academic Director and eventually as a principal. I love being able to work somewhere where I get to openly praise God and teach children about Him. Leading chapel is always the highlight of my week! I am so thankful to be a part of this community and to be able to raise my children alongside others who are learning all about Jesus at the same time as they are learning reading, writing, and math. My goal is to make sure all children are challenged and pushed to reach their full potential both academically and in Christ.

I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. I attended college at Seattle Pacific University where I graduated with a degree in business in 2009 and met my husband. I have two amazing daughters whom I feel blessed to see at OSCS every day. As a family we love to be outdoors, whether that’s hiking, biking, playing soccer, paddleboarding or camping. We also love snuggling up to a good book. I love playing all sports including my favorite soccer and close second pickleball. You can also find me listening to a good audiobook in my freetime!

Growing up I always had a passion for youth ministries and pursued every opportunity I could get during high school, college and beyond. My work experience has spanned from working at World Vision, multiple after school youth programs in Seattle and Portland, and has even taken me to Panama for the Peace Corps. I love applying my administrative skills to programs where I can interact with children on the daily. That’s what makes my job so fun and fulfilling!

My daughter had such a wonderful experience at Ark Angels that I knew this is where God was calling me to be. I feel so blessed to interact with kids and see their smiling faces. My goal is that the children feel known and loved by our staff as well as how much God loves them! 

I’m a Southern Oregon transplant with a love for the Oregon Coast, as well as a passion for board games, puzzles, and spending quality time with my family.

My love for working with children started at a young age. As a teenager, I taught Sunday school and babysat, and after high school, I began pursuing a career centered around children. I co-directed a daycare center where I also served as the preschool teacher. After having three children of my own, I transitioned to running an in-home childcare business, which I did for seven years.

Joining the team at Our Savior’s was a natural progression for me. I love the opportunity to share about Jesus while working with children of all ages, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see their love for life and faith grow.

Hello my name is Miss Tonya. I am one of the lead preschool teachers here at Our Savior’s Christian Elementary/Ark Angels. This is my 3rd year of teaching preschool. I have worked with children most of my adult life. I have 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I am also the preschool music teacher for the 2nd year. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.

I have been married for 18 years and have three children of my own. I have 2 boys who are 11 and 17 and one girl who is 13. We are really into sports in my family so I spend a lot of my time outside of work watching, traveling and enjoying my children playing their sport. As a family we love to kayak, swim, camp, and watch movies. I love Jesus, reading, shopping, butterflies, and being creative. 

God leads me each day to do my best and share his love with my students. I am looking forward to sharing his word this year with the children just beginning preschool and continued growth for those returning.

My name is Annabelle Frith. I’m so excited to teach preschool this year! I grew up here in Salem and attended OSCS before it was a full elementary school. I’ve been working with kids since I was 14 as a teaching assistant for S.K.I.T. theater and working here at OSCS as an assistant for 3 years now. I’ve been all over the school from 3rd grade to preschool, which is definitely where my heart lies. I love being able to create a faithful foundation in our youngest students and teach them His word and love. 

When I’m not teaching I’m spending time with my family. My fiancé Skyler and I have three cats and are extremely family-oriented. I’m lucky to be surrounded by family here in Salem, and together we love to bake, work in our church’s ministries and, currently, plan my wedding. On my own I love to teach singing classes and sing in my church’s worship team. Faith has always been a big part of my life, and I try to see His love and glory in every situation. in faith I have followed through with many goals and feel it has brought me here to this position. 

I can’t wait for this school year and I think I am most excited to get to work with our wonderful staff and meet all these amazing kids! 

Ally has taught musical theatre, acting and dance for SKIT and SKITLs for 14 years and was privileged to assistant direct Miracle on 34th St and Hello Dolly. She directs and teaches classes at Northwest Children’s Theater and has choreographed for Albany Civic Theater, Russell Tripp Performing Center, Chemeketa and Salem Academy. 

Ally has also taught dance at Classic Tap and intensives at Enlightened Theatrics. 

By day, Ally is in her third year teaching kindergarten at Our Saviors Christian School. Before OSCS, Ally spent a year in the preschool at Ark Angels. 

Apart from a degree in Early Childhood Education, Ally’s ultimate goal is to acquire a Master’s in Special Education to help establish services for gifted learners and students with exceptionalities. 

When she pops up for air, she loves taking her children to Disney, scrapbooking, writing and going on McMenamins passport quests. 

With a 14 year background in teaching in the performing arts world, it is no wonder Ally loves incorporating music and movement in her kinder classroom. Readers theatre and immersive, creative experiences are a fixture. 

A particular passion for Social Emotional Learning also guides her teaching practices for littles. She bases common core and fine art instruction on her personal relationship with Jesus, His calling on her life, His grace and His word. Through that lens, all other learning whether on the stage or in the classroom, is possible. 

Ally considers OSCS to be her home base as an educator committed to maintaining a safe and positive place for children to learn and grow until the good Lord calls her home. 

‘The only thing

I want in life

Is to be known

For loving Christ

To build his church

To love his bride

And make His name

Known far and wide. For this cause I live, for this cause I’d die. I surrender all for the cause of Christ. 

I want it said about my life that I did more to build His name than mine.’

My name is Samantha Powell and I am so excited to be returning to OSCS this year after taking a year off to care for the newest addition to our family! Our family now consists of my husband and I, our 6 month old daughter, and 2 large dogs, which can lead to some wonderful chaos at times. In the moments between the chaos, I enjoy playing board games and doing crafty things like crochet or painting miniature models. I spent several years working as a kindergarten assistant in public schools before teaching 4th & 5th grade at OSCS, so this will be a fun return to my roots! I am looking forward to teaching kindergarten in a setting where I can share the truth of God’s love with students and help them see the wonders of God’s creation! It’s going to be an amazing year!

I was raised in the Lutheran church by a Lutheran school teacher and went to Concordia, Portland to pursue education. There I met my husband, Roy, and we have been married since May 2006. We have three amazing kids: Harrison in 4th grade, Karlee in Kinder, and Macallan in preschool. I enjoy hot chocolates, the zoo and children’s museum, and the cool, crisp fall weather.

This is my 16^th year teaching. I have also taught Kinder, 5th and middle school science and English. My BA is in early childhood/ elementary education with a minor in professional church work. I have my MA as a Reading Specialist.

My favorite verse is Romans 2:8- For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. 

Every year I am amazed by the growth, from the beginning of the year to the end, that 1st graders make in reading, spelling, math, and understanding their place in God’s world. I am truly blessed to share my love and more importantly God’s love with each student.

My name is Erin Petrillo. I have two daughters. My oldest is about to enter high school and my youngest is going into middle school. I recently moved to Salem from the Portland area and am very excited to be adding a step-daughter to our family soon who will be a 4th grader this year at OSCS. I enjoy hiking and traveling but I also love sitting at home playing games with my kids or reading. 

I have been in education for around 18 years. I have taught every grade from preschool to 5th grade. I also was an Education Specialist for several years and I facilitated workshops and created trainings to support employees and community members. I taught in AZ for 8 years in a Title One school and I was at a private Christian school in Portland for the last 6 years. I have enjoyed the challenges and rewarding experiences that come with each age.

I am so excited to teach 2nd grade this year and get to know my students as well as all of the rest of the Ocelots! This year I am looking forward to Chapel. This was one of my students’ favorite parts of the week. I am excited to worship and praise Jesus with my new students. One verse that I refer to often as a teacher is Psalms 118:24 “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it”. This verse reminds me that each day is a new start and while we all have challenging days, we have the opportunity to start each day fresh.

I grew up in Salem, went to North High School, and got my bachelor’s in elementary education from Western Oregon University. I have two amazing daughters, Eden and Opal. I love camping, charcuterie, macrame, and God. My faith has grown stronger and deeper through each difficult season of my life. I’m proud to be at this amazing school where His loving embrace is evident. I’m thrilled to teach your kiddo academics and deep personal faith this year. 

Hello, my name is Katie Stoner. I am looking forward to teaching the 4th grade class at OSCS. I graduated From Western Oregon University in the winter of 2023. This is my first year as a head teacher and I am so excited to jump into this next chapter of my life. I have been married to my wonderful husband Jaedon for 3 years and together we have an energetic dog named Zuko. I love to read, watch shows, and create art in my free time. My husband and I love to travel and go on road trips whenever possible. I am a major Disney fan and I have made it my goal to visit as many parks around the world as I can. I am passionate about working to instill a love of learning in my students. My faith is a big part of my life and I am so grateful that I get to teach my students about God and help them to develop in their own faith. 

Hi!  My name is Deanna Jones and I will be teaching 5th grade this year!  Many of you may already know me, as I have been at OSCS since 2016 in a variety of roles.  During that time I taught half-time first grade, worked with small math groups and assisted with recess duties.  Before my time at OSCS, I taught 4th grade for 6 years at Aumsville Elementary and had several long-term substitute positions at both Cascade and Salem-Keizer schools.  

I am married to my husband Tracy, and we have one daughter, Addison, who will be a sophomore in high school this year.  We also have a dog, Marlee, and a bunny, Opal. We love to go camping at the coast (yes, we take our bunny camping!), hiking to waterfalls and kayaking.  I just got a paddleboard for my birthday so I am excited to add that to our outdoor fun! When we are home, we like to play games, do crafts and watch football (Go Hawks!)  We attend Salem Heights church and are active in the ministries there.  

I am so excited for this school year! One of my favorite aspects of teaching is getting to know each student as an individual and figuring out how to help each one be the most successful learner they can be. I try to capture their enthusiasm and inspire a love and passion for learning. God has “fearfully and wonderfully made” each child and I want them to understand and be confident of this truth. I also get to guide them as they interact with others and walk alongside them as they grow in their walk with Jesus. What an amazing privilege that I take very seriously!   

I was born and raised in Salem, and have attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church since I was 7
years old. This church is also where I met my husband and we married in 2007. We have two
incredible boys who are growing too quickly and we can’t get enough of! I graduated from
Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development with an emphasis on
Early Childhood Education.
I have always loved watching children grow and develop in their academics, in their physical
abilities, and most importantly their faith in God. I volunteered for many years as a young adult
in Youth Ministry and seeing the way the Lord shapes the lives of our kids is one of the biggest
rewards and blessings as leaders.
Health and Fitness has always been a part of my life. I was raised in a household that believed
in moving our bodies every day and eating healthy most of the time. Moderation and balance in
all things. I worked as a health coach for four years and was honored to guide people in finding
a healthy lifestyle that worked for their everyday life.
Since our oldest son was born I have been a stay at home mom and have had the joy and
privilege to spend this time with them. Now, with teaching here at OSCS I will have the
opportunity to share my love for health and fitness, while sharing my heart for the Lord and
spreading His word in fun and moving our bodies!
Our family loves game nights, playing outside, camping, football, anything water related, Jesus,
spending time with family, and yes we love fall, but our favorite is summer! Nothing beats the
blue sky!

My name is Taylor Berg and I have been in education for 8 years. I taught 5th/6th for 7 years and substitute taught for 1 year. My husband and I attend Salem Heights Church and have 2 children – Noah is almost 2 and Madalyn is 5 months. I enjoy walking, reading, baking when I can, and getting together with other moms. I believe the Lord wants to do amazing things this year at OSCS and I am thankful to be a part of it. I am excited to work with all levels this year teaching music – something I absolutely love!