2022-23 Department Leadership & Management

RACHEL BUCHMAN
Assistant Principal – Elementary
B.S. in Elementary Education from Northwest University with an additional endorsement in middle-level humanities; M.Ed. in Administration from Liberty University: I was seven years old when I discovered my passion for Christian education. I felt the love my teacher poured out on us daily, and for the rest of my childhood, I knew I wanted to be in Christian education. After teaching and being a department head at another school for a number of years, I earned a degree in school administration. Now, I am joyful that God has led me to LCS where I get to continue in both fields, teaching in the LCS technology lab while supporting students in fulfilling the LCS mission as the elementary student dean.

PAT HARRISON
Instructional Support Center
B.A. from Oakland University and Michigan State, M.A. from Cal. State: I began teaching in inner-city Los Angeles and then went on to Shantou University in China. I have been with Peninsula School District since moving to WA with my husband and children. Our family has been deeply blessed and enriched by having our kids attend Lighthouse and I am thrilled to be part of this amazing community. I love sharing the wonders of God’s world with kids in fun ways and helping them grow in the potential He has given them. My husband and I enjoy reading about history, swimming, and traveling.

CATHY HODGES
Coordinator, Dyslexia Screening and Tutoring Program
BA in Education from Central Washington University. I have spent over 37 years in education teaching in many areas which have included public school, homeschool, private business, and now working with students at Lighthouse Christian School. I feel fortunate to have worked with students at all levels of instruction and abilities. I truly believe that each student is gifted with talents that God has bestowed upon them. My joy has been to find the best avenue for each student to excel and reach their potential in their learning. My husband and I have been married for 37 years and have three (plus daughter in law) adult children and two beautiful grandchildren.

MICHAEL JOHNSON
Athletic Director
BA in English – Creative Writing from Western Washington University and pursuing a MA in Education through Western Governors University. My wife, Ashley, and I are parents to four amazing kiddos and we love supporting them in all of their extracurricular activities. Our oldest son, Isaac, is a Peninsula Seahawk (9th grade), while Calen (6th grade), Elsie (3rd grade), and Hadley (2nd grade) are all Lighthouse Navigators! I enjoy traveling with my family, a good game of whiffle ball, and I have a strong passion for coaching and working with youth. I have spent the last 17 years coaching multiple sports across many levels and I am currently in my 4th season as the Head Baseball Coach at Peninsula High School… Go Seahawks! Each day is a blessing and I am excited to journey alongside the incredible students and staff here at Lighthouse Christian, building lifelong relationships rooted in Christ.

MARISSA MCCOLGAN
Coordinator, Dyslexia Screening and Tutoring Program
BA in Elementary and Special Education from Central Washington University. My teaching story began in the Kent School District as a K-6 resource room teacher and then turned into substitute teaching in both the Federal Way and Peninsula School District as I wanted more time at home with my children. I love living in Gig Harbor with my husband, David, and raising our three young children in this community. I am honored and thankful to be a part of the Lighthouse Christian team, influencing students’ lives for Christ. I have a passion for helping all students succeed and reach their potential. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and adventuring in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

JON UELAND
Director of Technology & Facilities
A transplant to the Pacific Northwest in the late 1980s, Jon was born and raised in a small Northern Minnesota farming community. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a second major in Aviation Administration from The University of North Dakota’s John D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. In his first career, Jon earned his Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and flew professionally for a number of years, but getting married and becoming a father caused him to reconsider his career choice. He came to the conclusion that in order to be a good husband and father, the extensive travel schedule of a pilot had to end. God honored that decision and provided new opportunities to work in the I.T. industry which eventually led to his current position as Director of Technology and Facilities at Lighthouse. He believes that providing quality Christ-centered education to our children is a crucial step in making positive changes in our culture and the world. Jon and his wife reside in Gig Harbor and have three daughters.

CHARITH VARGA
Kitchen Manager
Charith and her husband Scott are Pacific NW all the way and have raised two kids in Gig Harbor since 2003. Katie and Spencer attended Lighthouse Christian School from Kindergarten until they graduated from LCS in 2016. Over the years Charith has enjoyed getting to know the wonderful Lighthouse families, students, and staff as she has devoted her time as a parent volunteer, and employee. In her free time, she can be found gardening, reading, spending time with family, and lounging at her favorite place on earth, Hood Canal. The Varga family has a passion for road trips and favorite destinations include Park City Utah, Vail Colorado, Grand Tetons, South Dakota, Coastal California and the Redwoods, Grand Canyon, and many places in between!

JODI YOUNGQUIST
School Counselor
Jodi Youngquist grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended Western Washington University to study developmental psychology. She then attended City University of Seattle to receive her Master’s in Education with a concentration in counseling. Her career experience includes three years as a Christian child and adolescent mental health therapist and school counseling in local school districts. Jodi has worked with kids, teenagers, and families in various ways at her home church for the past nineteen years.  She has spent time teaching Sunday school, mentoring kids in small groups, leading a mission trip, teaching parenting classes, running vacation bible school, and working as a camp speaker for elementary students. She is passionate about encouraging kids to have a personal relationship with Jesus while fostering good mental health and instilling coping strategies that help kids be the best learners they can be. She is a member of the American School Counselor Association and is a licensed mental health counselor associate. She specializes in child and adolescent mental health and uses elements from cognitive behavior therapy and person-centered therapy while weaving in a Biblical worldview. On a personal level, she enjoys hiking, helping run women’s retreats, painting, and studying God’s word. She and her husband are celebrating 25 years of marriage and she has three teenage sons.

DAVE ZETTERBERG
Chaplain
I am a native of the Tacoma area and attended college in Seattle where I earned a BA in Theology. Since college graduation, I have served the church in pastoral ministry for 40 years. Early in my career I pastored youth and children and then spent the past 26 years as a lead pastor. My wife Denise and I have been happily married since 1984. Our three children are grown and living out their own dreams.  We are blessed with two grandkids (with another on the way). I am an avid football and basketball fan and have been known to eat my fair share of pie. My wife and I enjoy hiking and exploring the great PNW; but nothing beats spending time with our grandkids.