Kindergarten
CARRIE GREY
BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington, and currently studying through WGU for Masters Degree in Elementary Education: Born and raised in Port Orchard, WA, I married my high school sweetheart. We have three adult children and a son in high school. I am excited to utilize my experience and education to provide high-quality, research-based instruction and strategies in purposeful play, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to become “Big Thinkers” who are on the road to academic success and a lifelong love of learning. My role here at LCS is as a humble servant who has been entrusted with the responsibility of sharing the Good News of Christ’s salvation with the next generation of leaders. My hope is they will lean on God’s Word and believe, “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.”
MADELINE KVINSLAND
I was born and raised in Gig Harbor and am so excited to be returning after attending Western Washington University where I received my BAE in Sociology/Elementary Education. I have always had a passion for teaching and a heart for kids. I am looking forward to becoming part of the LCS community and sharing my faith and knowledge with these students! In my free time, I love to golf, hike, read, and spend time with my friends and family! Philippians 4:13
CARRIE TATUM
I am a lifelong teacher with over 20 years of experience in the teaching profession. I have known I wanted to be a teacher and invest in children’s lives since I was very young. I taught my sister to read and was hugely impacted by an elementary school teacher that made a profound difference in my life. I received a BA and Teacher Credential from Cal State Bakersfield and have taught in various capacities, beginning with public elementary school to recently teaching Pre-K at Stepping Stones Pre-School. My husband and I have two adult sons and a daughter in high school; and have resided in Gig Harbor, WA for the past eleven years. It is an honor to join the LCS community and share God’s love with my students. “How precious is your unfailing love, O’God.” Psalm 36:7
First Grade
KRISTI HANNAN
B.A. in Elementary Education from Central Washington University: I am so thankful for how Jesus has worked in my life and can’t wait to see what He will do for our students this year. Nothing brings me more joy than teaching young students because their excitement is contagious. While I was born and raised here in Western Washington, I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer for five months in Eastern Europe. Although I have taught six years in both public and private schools, I find that there are new things to learn every single day. I enjoy reading, hiking, spending time at the ocean, and star-gazing. My favorite Bible verse is 1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
KELLY GUTIERREZ
BA in Education from Covenant College with added endorsements in ESL and Special Education. Since 2008 I have taught and tutored a variety of grades between K-4th in public school, charter, and private education in Georgia, Tennessee, and Washington. I’m returning to Lighthouse after a 4 ½ year hiatus to care for my family. What a blessing it is to return to the Lighthouse community! Serving and growing young minds to follow Jesus is an honor and joy. Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with my family and church family. We like walks, playdates, biking, soccer, and going out for coffee or boba. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
ANDREA SANDQUIST
BA from the University of Washington and MA in Elementary Education from WGU. Gig Harbor has been my home since moving here as a high school student. Married to my wonderful husband, Bryan, we have the privilege of raising our two children in this special Gig Harbor community. As a family, we love anything outside and are active, so there’s continual energy around our home. I also enjoy using a good power tool and appreciate how that transforms spaces – which means I always have projects going on. I have great joy in my opportunity to combine a love of Jesus with my love for teaching at Lighthouse. I’m energized by learning from my students and creating a positive, engaging classroom for them to grow spiritually and academically. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.
Second Grade
QUINCY BIADOG
BA in Elementary Education from George Fox University, OR, with an ESOL Endorsement. Upon graduating from George Fox University, Kitsap County beckoned me back home! During my free time, you will find me relaxing around home, reading, and doing crafty projects. I love spending quality time with my family and husband, finding a beautiful place outside, or meeting friends for coffee. For as long as I can remember, I desired to be a teacher. Well, there was a time in first grade where I genuinely planned to become a ballerina princess, but I suppose you could say that dream has evolved ever so slightly! Teaching has stretched me more than I ever expected and reminded me of the importance of being a learner oneself. The greatest learnings (and my most satisfying memories) have come from watching and my students blossom each year. For the last five years, I taught first graders in Central Kitsap School District, and I adore the way young children see the world. They are wonderful teachers of kindness, friendship, forgiveness, curiosity, joy, honesty, and determination. They have also provided me with countless opportunities to laugh. I am immensely grateful to become part of the Lighthouse community, teaching 2nd grade. I cannot wait to hear the students’ unique ideas, watch them have “aha” moments about our subjects, and help them deepen their love for and knowledge of God.
FIONA GLASS
I grew up in a farming community in Western Australia, the youngest of 4 children. After graduating from university with a BA in Primary Education, I had the opportunity to teach Music for 4 years in both the public and independent Christian school sector. My faith has always been an important part of my life and I have been involved with serving in the local church since my teen years. I have always believed that God directs my steps and uses one experience to prepare me for the next. In 2000, I moved to London, U.K where I taught Years 1 and 2 in several Independent Preparatory Schools for 11 years. I fell in love with teaching young children how to read and write; The excitement of being present when they had a ‘lightbulb’ moment is still one of my greatest joys of teaching. I met my American husband at church and after having our son, we felt that God opened the door for us to make the move to the U.S to be closer to family. I am so blessed to be joining the Lighthouse community as a teacher and I am looking forward to the role I will play in your child’s journey at school.
RACHEL THOMAS
BA in Elementary Education (K-8) from Western Governors University. God has given me a heart and passion to help students learn and grow. I hope to help inspire students to develop a love for learning. I started down the education path after working in a Christian daycare. I learned through this time that I love to help students grow spiritually and academically. For the past four years, I have been working as a paraeducator in a special education class. I have loved my time working with incredible students and staff in a local public school. I grew up in this area, and I am so excited to be stepping into my new role as a teacher here at Lighthouse Christian School! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love the outdoors exploring, hiking, and skiing. I also enjoy being creative and making quilts!
Third Grade
EMILY CARLSON
BA in Education from Central Washington University. I was raised in Gig Harbor and attended LCS for Kindergarten. I feel blessed to be back as a teacher this time! For the past year, I taught grades PreK-5 at a public school. I could not be more thankful and excited to partner with Lighthouse to influence and love the next generation while pointing them to Jesus. Apart from school, I love spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and serving at my church.
AMANDA O’CALLAGHAN
Bachelor of Education (Special education endorsement) Master of Education( Early Childhood Education). I have always been a teacher at heart and I love working with children. I have taught for more than 10 years in Pre- K to 6th and in a variety of Public, Independent, and Catholic school settings. I was born and raised in Queensland, Australia, and my husband, children and I have called the PNW home for 15 years. I am delighted to join the staff at LCS and I am grateful to be part of this wonderful Christian community. I hope to bring my passion for teaching and experience with differentiating student needs to LCS! I love teaching from a Responsive classroom framework and use Whole Brain teaching to keep my students engaged.
JULIE ROCKNESS
BA and Teaching Certificate from Seattle Pacific University and a Masters in Reading and Literacy from City University: During my time as a teacher I have enjoyed teaching Kindergarten, First Grade, Third Grade, and being a Reading Teacher. Before coming to LCS, I worked for the public school system. I am so excited to be teaching at Lighthouse. I love being able to share my faith and love for learning with my students. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four kids!
Fourth Grade
GREG ALBERT
Masters Degree of Education from University of Washington – Tacoma: I’ve spent time working in public schools, a charter school, and other private schools, on the East Coast, the jungles of Central America, and in the Gig Harbor area, and with that said, teaching at Lighthouse Christian is the best. Apart from school, I enjoy family time, involvement in our church, reading, running, and biking. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
MINDY STAGG
BA and Teaching Certificate from City University, For the past 20+ years I have been teaching grades PreK-9th grade in both public and private schools. The past few years I have found a passion for teaching 4-5th grade highly capable students. I am so excited that God has guided me to Lighthouse Christian School! My husband and I have been married for 28 years and we have a grown son and daughter in law that live in the Portland Oregon area. For fun, we love riding our Electric cruiser bikes and going on hiking adventures all over the Pacific Northwest.
Fifth Grade
STEPHANIE HAGEN
BA in Education from Washington State University and a Masters in Education from City University. I am so fortunate to be a part of Lighthouse. I love having the opportunity to not only challenge my students academically but also the opportunity to build relationships and encourage them in their faith. I love spending time with my incredible family – my husband of 27 years, our son, Matthew, who is a junior at George Fox University and our daughter, Allison, who is a senior at Gig Harbor High. I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading and spending time outside.
MARC HEANY
Bachelor’s from Pacific Lutheran University and post-graduate teaching certification from The University of Washington, Tacoma: This is my 18th year teaching, and I love it more each year. I’ve had the opportunity to teach in several schools in the US and Britain and can certainly say that Lighthouse is the best place to teach and learn! Fifth grade is a pivotal year in the life of a student; one in which he/she will develop independence as a learner, make deeper friendships and continue to grow in his/her faith. It is also fun! Apart from school, I love spending time with my amazing wife and two daughters, church, travel just about anywhere, reading, hiking, home improvement, and working out.
HEIDI STEPHENS
Master of Education degree from the University of Washington. This is my 28th year teaching and my 10th year at Lighthouse. I enjoy cultivating a fun, productive, and Christ-centered classroom environment. I am a lifelong Gig Harbor resident and share my time away from school with my husband of 31 years. Our older son, Joseph, is a junior at GCU, and our younger son, Benjamin, is a senior at GHHS. “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” – John 1:16
Middle School
STEPHEN BUCHANAN
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, & Geometry; Grades 6 – 8th
BS & Masters of Arts in Teaching/Administration from Oakland City University (OCU), Pro-Cert from Seattle Pacific University: In June 2013, my wife and I welcomed our eighth child into the Buchanan family. Teaching is rewarding because it is relational, emphasizes truth, involves growth, and impacts lives…for now and eternity. I give thanks for God’s gifts of my wife, my family, my health, my vocation, and most importantly His Son & LIFE eternal!
ERIN CARMAN
Middle School Electives
BA in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and Elementary Education Credential from CSUB. During my 11 years at Lighthouse, I’ve had the privilege of teaching kindergarten, 2nd grade, creating a math lab program, launching our TLC dyslexia tutoring program, and coaching track. When I’m not working with students, you might catch me rearranging furniture or painting hallways around the school. Home improvement projects, woodworking, and interior design are my beloved hobbies, and I’m thrilled to get to share my passion with other enthusiastic young decorators in my new interior design elective! My husband, Joe, and I just celebrated our 18th anniversary, and we have two sweet girls in middle school here at Lighthouse.
DAWN EBERHARDT
Middle School Teacher
BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego. Served in the US Air Force as a Mechanical Engineer until promoted to stay home to raise two children, Megan (25) and Nick (22). I have been married to my husband, Bill, for 29 amazing years. My passion for God, His Word, and His children grew as I taught and led in Bible Study Fellowship for 21 years. I continue to care for people in BSF classes in the South Puget Sound area. I love helping children and adults to thrive spiritually, emotionally, and academically. I am thrilled and honored to be part of the LCS family working in the Instructional Support Center and Middle School math and study hall classes. When I am not at school or a BSF class, you might find me drinking coffee with friends, on an outdoor adventure, sitting on a dock or hiking in Montana, watching the Mariners and Seahawks, or chasing sunsets.
KRISTIN FINNIGAN
History, Grade 7 – 8th
BA in Psychology & K-8 Education Certification from Seattle Pacific University: History excites me because it is made up of standout stories that can inspire us to understand God’s larger story. My hope is that in coming alongside students to discover the world around them, they will gain a clearer vision of how to impact culture today and in the future. My husband Ryan and I have three children- one in the adult world, one in college, and one in high school. All three attended Lighthouse! I am thankful to be a part of such a God-honoring, purposeful place that influences the next generation
KAITLYN GOODEVE
Middle School Electives
BA from Seattle Pacific University and an AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration from Seattle Central Creative Academy. Working towards a MA in Teaching (partially completed at Seattle University). I grew up in Gig Harbor and am so thankful that my husband and I get to raise our three children in my hometown. Our kiddos have thrived during their time at Lighthouse and the school and community have been such a blessing to our family. I love to be outdoors with my family hiking, skiing, kayaking, and walking our two dogs (Wookie and Waffles). When I cannot be outside I enjoy being creative by painting, illustrating, sewing, and designing. I am so honored and excited to be joining the LCS team part-time this 2022-2023 school year teaching the graphic design elective and as a staff floater. I cannot wait to meet all of the amazing students and help them learn more about technology, design, and creativity.
TERYL ISENBERG
Bible, Grades 7 – 8th
BA in education from Seattle Pacific University, Masters in Biblical Studies from Covenant Bible Seminary: I have seen God’s mighty hand working with Middle and High school students for 11 years in Youth ministry and am thrilled to continue ministry through teaching 7th and 8th grade Bible. I also have the privilege of teaching electives: Study Skills, Missional Leadership, Drama Workshop, Creation Creativity and Study! My fan club consists of my high school sweet heart, Jonathan, amazing kids Timothy, Ethan, Ashley and running buddy-dog Mortie! Stop by my classroom anytime if you need a treat, a hug, a run, a book recommendation or a joke!
DAWN JIMENEZ
Language Arts, Grades 7 – 8th
BA from Washington State University: I feel called to the ministry of teaching and am honored to play a small role in equipping students for the work God has for them to do. My hope is to inspire the joy of learning, the importance of critical thinking, and the value of becoming active rather than passive members of the culture. My husband and I have two grown children. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, traveling, exercising, reading, and learning new things. Isaiah 1:17
SELINA KELLY
Science, Grades 7 – 8th
BS of Microbiology and Biology education, with a minor in Chemistry from Washington State University: I am married to my best friend, Mike, and I am a mother to 5 active, precious children. Through them I have learned unconditional love. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach students about science with a Christian worldview. I see the beauty in our creation and appreciate the opportunity to point our students to the Creator. Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
CYNTHIA LONGABAUGH
Grade 6
Musical Theater, French, Grammar Workshop; Grades 6 – 8th
Master of Arts, Education (SPU), BA in French (UW & Université de Nice) Colson Fellow (Christian Worldview Instructor): I am married to Reverend Dr. Ed Longabaugh, pastor of Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church. I have three children, Drew in the US Coast Guard, married to Bekah, and twins, Claire and Eric, officers in the US Navy. I have taught middle schoolers for more than two decades because they energize me, and I love getting students excited about seeing God at work in history, literature, and EVERY discipline! “There is no neutral ground in the universe, every square inch, every split second is claimed by Christ and counter-claimed by Satan.” C.S. Lewis.
ALINA MESSERSMITH
Middle School Teacher
I have a BA in English from Santa Clara University and MA in Education from City University. I have more than ten years of experience teaching English at both the middle school and high school levels. My husband, Tim, and I are blessed with an incredible family. Klara, our daughter, attends Washington State University Honors College. Taggart, our son, attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. In my spare time, I love to travel and read. I am honored to be teaching at Lighthouse Christian School and hope to inspire my students to “go forth and set the world on fire” for the Greater Glory of God.
KATHE OVERLAND
Middle School Teacher
Master of Education, Bachelor’s Degree, and Teaching Certificate from the University of Washington. We (me, my husband of 17 years, and our two sweet kids) just returned to the area after 4.5 amazing years of teaching in Taiwan. Prior to living overseas, I taught in public, private, and cooperative schools. I’m looking forward to being part of the Christ-centered community of learners at LCS!
JOEL PAYNE
Grade 6
BS in Aerospace Engineering from Cal Poly, MS in Materials Science & Engineering from NJIT, MA in Teaching from WGU (student teaching at LCS!): I enjoy exploring God’s wonderful world with my wife and four kids. I am excited to join the LCS team in 2020!
MARY PHILLIPS
Grade 6
BS in Criminal Justice, BS in Elementary Education, Masters in Math Education, Masters in Administration. I have served in public education for 34 years, first as a math teacher in middle school and then as an administrator. My family and I regularly chose Washington for our family vacations and hoped that someday we would be able to make Washington our home. In December 2021, God led us to Gig Harbor and we feel extremely blessed. It has always been a dream of mine to teach at a Christian school and when the opportunity arose, I decided to come out of retirement and teach at Lighthouse Christian School. My goal is to be an integral part of an awesome team and to have a positive impact on the students at LCS.
COREY RIPLEY
Middle School STEM
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, A.A. in Networking and Security. I was first introduced to Lighthouse through my wife Julianne, who was a first-grade teacher at the time. I immediately fell in love with the mission and vision of the school, and by God’s grace, was able to join the IT staff in 2015 after having worked in higher education and the healthcare sector. You will find me helping teachers and students with all their classroom technology, as well as teaching Middle School STEM electives and Elementary after-school clubs. When away from LCS, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife Julianne, and amazing kids, John and Eliza. We enjoy board game nights and planning our next vacation! Having lived in Washington since I was 8 years old, Gig Harbor is a special place and I am very blessed by our Creator to live and work in such a beautiful place.
JILL STURROCK
Middle School Teacher
I have a BS in Business Marketing from Liberty University, where I played collegiate volleyball. After realizing that the business world was not nearly as dynamic and thrilling as education, I went back to school, ironically, after subbing at Lighthouse Christian School. I received my Masters In Teaching from the University of Puget Sound. I have taught in private, public, and homeschool since 2001. I have tutored math out of my home since 2007, in addition to dyslexia tutoring. Middle school students are my favorite and I love watching them change and grow. I also love playing sports, being active, and the beauty of the great outdoors. In this stage of life, I can be found cheering on my three children during all their sporting events, chasing them down the mountain in Packwood, or folding all the laundry involved in those activities.
Specialists
ANNIE BURLEIGH
BA in Education from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. I look forward to teaching P.E. at Lighthouse Christian School. From a young age, the Lord impressed upon my heart, the desire to teach. I have enjoyed teaching in many capacities throughout the years. I am grateful to be a part of the Lighthouse Christian School community. I am married to John and we have four children together. When I am not teaching, I enjoy exploring the PNW outdoors, playing any sport, being creative, and spending time with friends and family. It is an incredible honor to team up with parents and invests in the next generation. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
JODY COULSTON
Ceramics, Grades 6-8
Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Associate of Science Degree in Commercial Photography: My husband Mike and I have been married for 30 years and now live in Ruston where we are restoring an old farmhouse. We are involved in leadership in our church and lead small group Bible studies. We have three wonderful adult children, a sweet daughter-in-law, and six fantastic grandkids. I am passionate about teaching art, bringing a diverse scope of creative skills to the classroom. I am excited to be back with my Lighthouse family after 5 years of living and teaching in the Seattle area. I look forward to working with each aspiring artist teaching the mastery of technical skills while encouraging students to develop their own unique artistic talent using art to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, the Lord, and the world around them. I enjoy teaching the bible, gardening, hiking, taking photographs, and creating all types of art.
HEATHER DE PREE
Elementary Music; Middle School Choir
Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Education from Cedarville University with an endorsement in elementary education from SPU and Level 1 Certification in Kodaly method of music education from SPU: I grew up in the wonderful state of Michigan where I first learned to love music by taking violin lessons at the age of seven. Music has always been a part of my life rather it was in Church, practicing my instruments, singing in the choir, playing in pit orchestras, or going to the theater. I moved to Washington in 2007 to begin teaching music at Lighthouse where I can reach children with the gift of music. In my free time, I love being involved in the Gig Harbor Peninsula Civic Orchestra and playing with my string quartet for different events. Being involved in my local church is also a wonderful place where I can serve the Lord. My other hobbies include hiking, cycling, enjoying time with family, road trips, and jigsaw puzzles.
JILL GERINGER
Librarian
BA in Elementary Education (K-8) from Western Washington University, Special Education Endorsement: I love working here at Lighthouse! My favorite part of my job is that I get to interact with all the students and encourage the love of reading and their relationship with the Lord. I have a wonderful husband named Tim and two fabulous daughters; Rachel, who just got married in 2018, and Emily who attends Seattle Pacific University. I love to READ, exercise, golf, travel, and spend time with my family.
SUSAN LARSON
Science lab, K – 5th grade
BA, experimental psychology from Covenant College. MS, research psychology emphasis on childhood memory and cognition from University of TN, Chattanooga: I began my career in pharmaceutical research and shifted to clinical research in both a pediatric hospital setting as well as in academia. My research emphases included childhood eyewitness testimony, pediatric cancer and coping strategies, and early detection of neurodegenerative disease.
I have been a Gig Harbor resident and Lighthouse parent for nearly ten years. I started out volunteering in numerous capacities and fell in love with the school. More recently, I have been a K through 8th grade substitute at the school and the head cross country coach for several years. Additionally I am a USATF certified Gig Harbor running coach, involved in youth track and field, trail running groups for children and adults, mental training, and private coaching.
LEA LOZANO
Technology
Bachelor’s from Wheaton College in Illinois: After graduating from college, I eagerly left the cold and snowy midwest to return to Washington, and made my way to Bremerton to teach fourth grade in the Bremerton school district, then eventually to Lighthouse. I love helping students discover their passions and guiding them on how to use that to glorify the Lord. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, adventuring in the outdoors with my husband, and drinking coffee, preferably all at the same time.
JANI MILLER
Art, Grades K – 5th
BA in Elementary Education and Language Arts (K-12th grade) from Seattle Pacific University: What an amazing adventure God has led me on over the fifteen plus years of teaching everything from 1st grade, junior high math, science lab, to Senior High English! I love getting to know my students and using my creativity to make the learning come alive for them. I am passionate about teaching, my relationship with the Lord, and my family which includes a husband of 26 years and two kids, ages 18 and 20. I enjoy art, animals, reading, scrapbooking and skiing.
ILIANA NICHOLAS
Spanish K-4th, 6th-8th
World Languages 6th-8th
BA in Elementary Education from Western Governors University: It is a joy to have been a part of LCS for almost 14 years, first as a parent looking for a Christ-centered quality education for my kids and later as the Spanish teacher. I was born in Cuba, lived in NJ, and have settled in Gig Harbor with my husband Keith and our three teenagers. I love sharing my first language and the culture of the Hispanic world with my students. It is my goal to help them develop an appreciation for the diverse languages and cultures of God’s world, gaining practical knowledge in order to make a positive impact not only locally, but also globally to the glory of Jesus Christ! “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:10-12
REBECCA SHARRETT
Concert, Jazz & Worship Band, Grades 5 – 8th
BS in Liberal Arts, with a Focus in Music from Excelsior College: Growing up in a large musical family that loves the Lord, I grew a passion for music and having fun with kids. After high school, I joined the Army Band as a trombone player, where I met my husband, John, also an Army trombonist. Eventually I became the First Sergeant and Commander of an Army Band where I conducted many concerts and ceremonies, both military and civilian. My husband and I have three grown children who attended LCS since kindergarten, and we both still enjoy playing trombone together in local community bands. I am blessed to work at Lighthouse where I can share my love for music while inspiring kids to grow their own passion for music – and for the One who created it!
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