School Leadership

^{Pictured Above: Stephen Roddy (bottom left), Kate Bare (top left) , Marc Heany (top right), Teresa Garcia (bottom right)}

Stephen Roddy | Head of School

Stephen Roddy grew up in the Gig Harbor area and attended Pacific Lutheran University, where he earned his teaching  degree. After spending two years in the Tacoma School District as a middle school teacher, Stephen’s strong Gig Harbor roots and desire to serve in Christian education brought him to Lighthouse in 2002. Over the years, Stephen has taught 5th and 6th grades, as well as middle school history and science. In 2009, Stephen received his Master of Education Leadership degree from City University of Seattle. In 2011, he was promoted to the Director of Education at Lighthouse. Stephen assumed the role of Head of School in 2020 and is looking forward to the new challenges God has in store for him. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, along with sports, reading, and virtually all outdoor recreation activities. Stephen is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Western Regional Council and is currently an elder at Believers Fellowship.

Favorite Bible Verse: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV

Teresa Garcia | All School Principal

Teresa Garcia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Central Washington University and Master of Instructional Design degree from American College of Education. As a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, she grew up in the great outdoors and loves camping, toiling in the yard, hiking beautiful trails, and finding hidden treasures on road trips. Teresa's generational roots in Gig Harbor have grounded her family in the community she cherishes. Teresa and her husband have enjoyed raising four children and watching them flourish into young adults. Teresa has many years of teaching experience, including 9 years teaching Pre-K through 5th grade elementary students. She has served as a teacher, Middle School Dean, and Middle School Principal at Lighthouse and currently serves as the Director of Education. Lighthouse has been an integral part of her family’s development and she feels privileged to work within such a thriving and nurturing environment.

Favorite Bible Verse: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 ESV

Kate Bare | Director of Operations

Kate Bare has worked in LCS operations, Human Resources, and finance since 2018. She has two boys, Parker (a Junior at GHHS) and Colton (8th grade), who both attended Lighthouse Christian School for their K-8 grade years. Kate's husband, Brian, is captain of the research vessel, Rachel Carson, which is part of the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography. Prior to joining Lighthouse, Kate worked in the corporate tech industry for 20+ years with roles in project management, product development, and digital marketing for large corporations and local tech startups. She has a passion for complex problem solving, creating efficiency, and championing employee morale. In 2011, the Bare family was deeply involved in planting One Hope Church in Gig Harbor. They are now actively attending the recent church plant, Heart Church, on Fox Island. In her free time, Kate enjoys gardening, canning, boating, reading, and devoting time to support Seattle-based non-profit, Open Hearts Big Dreams, which creates opportunities to increase literacy and leadership in Ethiopia.

Favorite Bible Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 
 

Marc Heany | Director of Human Resources

Marc Heany is excited to serve as the Director of Human Resources at Lighthouse after 20 years of teaching. He believes people are Lighthouse's greatest asset, and that it truly is the best place to work. Marc and his wife have been blessed to see their daughters grow up at Lighthouse. Prior to his years in the classroom, Marc earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and worked in the aerospace industry. Outside of work, he enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, travel, Bible study, home improvement, working out, hiking, and active involvement in church.

Favorite Bible Verse: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV