Board of Directors

2022-2023 BOARD MEMBERS

DAN REHBERGER
Board Chair

Dan is outnumbered by the ladies in his life. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Catherine, and they were blessed with two daughters who are now in elementary school at Lighthouse.  During the day, Dan is the Chief Financial Officer for the Bruce Titus Automotive Group.  When not volunteering or working, he cherishes family time and taking advantage of living in the beautiful PNW.

DAN CARPENTER
Vice Chair

Dan and his wife Elizabeth have two children, Caroline and Michael.  Both kids have been at Lighthouse since kindergarten with Caroline now entering 5th grade and Michael, 2nd grade.  Dan and Elizabeth met at Washington State University (Go Cougs!) where Dan studied engineering and Elizabeth nursing.  Dan works for the Navy at Keyport while Elizabeth is a full-time mom and Lighthouse volunteer.  Both Dan and Elizabeth attended Christian schools growing up and know the value of a Christian education from a young age.  Dan is excited to be more involved at Lighthouse by serving on the School Board of Directors.

JESSE THOMAS
Treasurer

Jesse and his wife Britlese live in Gig Harbor and have four children, three at Lighthouse (1st, 4th and 6th grades) and one in preschool. He is a consultant with experience in a variety of leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical and technology industries. Jesse graduated from PLU with a degree in Business Administration and has lived and worked in Pierce County for the last 20 years. Jesse enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Northwest and spending time with his family. “Lighthouse has been a fantastic educational and spiritual environment for our children and I cannot be happier to help advance the mission and objectives of the school.”

LAUREN BECK
Secretary

Lauren and her husband, Matt, have 2 children and became part of the Lighthouse community shortly after their 2016 move to Gig Harbor.  She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a business degree but settled into her career as a teacher in a public middle school.  Now as a stay-at-home mom, she and her family are actively involved in the Safe Families and foster care ministries.  “As we strive to keep Jesus at the center of our home we love that Lighthouse is a continuation of that way of life.  This school has been a safe community of God-loving, caring adults who pour into our son.  There is so much value in a child experiencing the stability of Christ-centered love and support as he or she grows and discovers this world!  I am humbled and excited to play a part in helping to create that safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment for all Lighthouse students, faculty and families.”

AT-LARGE MEMBERS

Kirk Andonian

KIRK ANDONIAN

Kirk’s four children attended Lighthouse before moving on to Gig Harbor High School and college. Now he is a grandfather with adult children. LCS positively influenced the Andonian children’s Christian development. Al Greene, the founder of Bellevue Christian School, which Kirk and his wife Maria attended as kids, often said that Christian education’s challenge was to “teach God’s unchanging truths in a rapidly changing world.” Kirk feels this statement has never been more relevant, and he is privileged to give his time to Lighthouse. As a newer Lighthouse Christian School Board of Directors member, Kirk looks forward to working with the school’s leadership team, faculty, and staff to ensure that every student receives a top-quality education grounded in Christian values. He is excited about the opportunities and new challenges ahead, and committed to helping Lighthouse Christian School fulfill its mission of empowering students to reach their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. Kirk graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara and has been a business owner in Gig Harbor for the past 25 years.

ASHTON DENNIS
Ashton and his wife Ashley have two children, Scotland and Roslyn, who both attend Lighthouse. Beyond Scottie and Rosie, the Dennis’ are a licensed foster care family and work locally with Olive Crest to provide respite care for children. Ashton is a proud alum of Washington State University as well as Seattle University School of Law and has been practicing in Pierce County for nearly a decade. Ashton and Ashley are so thankful for the Christ-centered education their children receive at Lighthouse. For fun, the Dennis family can be found exploring in their travel trailer, fishing, or golfing when the northwest weather permits. Having young children, Ashton and Ashley are thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful community at Lighthouse.

ERICA FRANK
Erica and her husband Nick have lived in Gig Harbor for the past 10 years. They have two daughters and a son. Both of their daughters will be attending Lighthouse in the fall (Kindergarten and Second). Erica graduated from the University of Portland and was a CPA until 2015 when she decided to stay home and raise her children. In addition to raising a family, she volunteers her time helping our young adolescent community. She is a strong advocate for children, especially with respect to education. Throughout the past several years, Erica has been a cheerleading coach at Gig Harbor High School and Bellarmine Prep. Nick and Erica attend Life Center in Tacoma and feel blessed to be a part of the Lighthouse community. “I am extremely humbled to be on the board for this amazing school. Lighthouse is the best of both worlds combining the highest academic standards and giving children a Godly worldview.  The personal relationships developed here make this more than an education. I look forward to fulfilling the school’s mission to create leaders centered in Christ for years to come.”

PETER GONNASON
Peter and his wife Mollie met through their involvement in the ministry of Young Life.  They currently reside in Gig Harbor and have three beautiful daughters (Sophie (7) – 2nd grader at Lighthouse, Ellie (5) and Grace (2).  Peter graduated from Pacific Lutheran University (Business Finance) and obtained his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington.  He currently works as a Medical Device Sales Rep in the greater Puget Sound area.  In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time relaxing with family and friends, golf, working in the yard, and reading.  “It is an honor and privilege to serve the Lighthouse students, staff, and faculty as a Board Member.  I’m excited to see how God works through Lighthouse Christian School to make disciples of Jesus and shine His light in this community.”

MALI HAWKINS
Mali and her husband, Rylan, moved back to Gig Harbor in 2021 with their three daughters (Rosie, Tova & Brynn). Mali is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in women’s issues and perinatal mental health. She enjoys splitting her time between her private practice and role as mom to the girls. As an alumnus of Lighthouse, she is thrilled to be back and a part of the amazing work being done daily in students’ hearts and minds. The Hawkins family loves spending time with extended family and friends, playing pickleball, boating, and relaxing together at home. “I am excited to be able to serve a school and community that blessed me so much as a young person. It is an honor to work with the rest of the board to further the mission of Lighthouse and contribute each of our unique gifts.”

ANDREW MOREN
The Moren family feels blessed to be involved with Lighthouse since 2005. Andrew’s wife, Tracey, worked in the middle school administration while their children, Allison and Nathaniel, attended from kindergarten through 8th grade. Andrew is the founder and president of Fireshield, Inc and has contributed his fire protection expertise on more than 1000 building improvement projects throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. He founded a fire and life safety software company that helps fire marshals, service inspectors, and property owners manage system inspections. He’s a founding member of OURChurch in University Place, where he serves on weekends. Andrew has been attending Covenant Bible Seminary in Lakewood since 2016 where he’s earned his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Biblical Studies degrees. He also teaches a leadership workshop called Inspired Incorporated that helps people develop tools to align their missions with Jesus. Andrew enjoys writing, traveling, and fitness classes. He loves spending his free time with his family. “Our children attribute their spiritual and academic strengths to the partnership that we developed with Lighthouse. The school reinforced the Biblical principles that we taught at home and it further blessed us by being a place where the Holy Spirit would fill us daily. I’m grateful and humbled with the responsibility to protect those blessings for all LCS families.”

BLAKE PERRY
Blake and his wife Shawmonee live in Gig Harbor and have four children (Graysen, Logan, Jayce, and Cozette). Originally from southern California, he has found his home in the Pacific Northwest. He is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and also serves on the board of the Pierce County Medical Society. Blake enjoys spending time with his family and friends, coaching youth sports, and staying active outdoors. He and his family feel blessed to be part of the Lighthouse community and are excited for the opportunity to help serve on the board.

DEB ROBERTSON

Deb is married to Gary. They have two children, both Lighthouse alumni, and two grandchildren. Deb graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a K-12 teaching degree and Special Endorsement in Reading Diagnostics and Remediation. She has taught in both public and private schools. She has been a business owner and was a founding member of Lighthouse Christian School. Deb served on the LCS teaching team before serving as Director of Ministries for Children and Families at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church for 21 years. Lighthouse has always held a special place in her heart and she is glad to serve the Lord and the school as a board member.

BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS

TROY ALSTEAD

Troy Alstead served two terms on the Board and led the Finance Committee as the school’s Treasurer. He is the founder and president of Ocean5 and Table 47 in Gig Harbor. Troy currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Levi Strauss & Company, Harley-Davidson, Topgolf International, OYO Global, and Array Technologies. He also serves on the Advisory Council of EarthLab, an initiative of the University of Washington. In early 2016, Troy retired from Starbucks Corporation after 24 years with the company, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, leading the day-to-day global operations of the company. He previously held the positions of Group President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer, and he spent more than a decade in Starbucks international business, including roles as Senior Leader of Starbucks International, President Europe/Middle East/Africa headquartered in Amsterdam, Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks Greater China headquartered in Shanghai, and Representative Director of Starbucks Coffee Japan headquartered in Tokyo. Troy and his wife Connie have four children who all have graduated from Lighthouse.

RICK BARNEY

With wide-ranging experience as a corporate attorney and a litigator, Rick Barney has blessed our Board with his strong acumen in business law. He and his wife Barb are grandparents of one LCS alumni and two current LCS students as well. Rick has a huge heart for the Lord and for serving others. The Barneys enjoy spending time with their family and traveling to Hawaii.

DION RURIK

Dion Rurik and her husband Greg are one of the founding Lighthouse Christian School families. In their 18 year history with LCS Dion has served in many Board positions ranging from the building committee and human resources to Board Chair, a position she held for many years. Four Rurik children have progressed through Lighthouse Christian School. “I had a passion to help create a school of solid academics which was based on the word of God…and a passion to create the best learning environment for my kids as well as others,” says Dion. She enjoys being a homemaker and community volunteer as well as gardening, quilting, horseback riding…and family.

MARK SOUPISET

Mark served on the Board from 2008-2015, including six years as Chairman of the Board. During his tenure, LCS experienced a time of improving financial strength and enrollment growth, and the development and implementation of its 10-Year Strategic Plan (2013). Mark is a Director of Communications for USAA, a San Antonio-based diversified financial services firm that serves the military community and their families. Mark and his wife, Robin, have three children and now live in San Antonio. They are members of First Baptist Church of San Antonio.

DENNIS TRITTIN

The Board Chair for 3 years and now an Emeritus member, Dennis is the parent of two Lighthouse Alumni – Michael, a graduate of Pepperdine University, and Lauren, who is in the Master’s program at Seattle Pacific University. The Trittins came to Lighthouse in 1995 and have been involved ever since! A retired Portfolio Manager for Russell Investments, Den has now moved on to a new passion as a publisher, author, educator, and mentor. His passion is in equipping young people with the leadership/life skills they need to succeed. Den serves on the Finance Committee and is a mentor for LCS administrators. When asked why Den serves at Lighthouse he replied, “Because of my passion for young people, the overwhelming need for Godly leaders in this country, the incredible foundation LCS gave our children and my love of this community.” A huge golf fan, Den also enjoys vacationing in Door County, Wisconsin, spending time with family and friends, and any opportunities to be with young people.

KIP VANDEVENTER

Kip retired after serving 32 years in the insurance industry as a commercial insurance broker and CFO of his firm. Believing in giving back to his community, he has served on numerous boards including serving six years on the Franciscan Foundation Board. Kip fell in love with the mission of LCS during the ten years his wife, Lynda, worked as a teacher and then in administrative roles. He has continued to be involved serving on the finance committee and consulting on insurance issues for the school. He has also been on other committees in the past several years.