Primary Teachers

Email
Lindsey Story Kindergarten Teacher
read more

Classes
Kindergarten

Education
BS- Social Sciences from Portland State University MED- Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Portland State University

Experience
My teaching journey began in 2006. My first few assignments were in third grade and first grade before settling into Kindergarten where I’ve spent the majority of my career. I have taught in both private and public schools in the Beaverton and Hillsboro area. Forest Hills is my first opportunity to teach in a setting where I can share my faith and teach about the love of Jesus. I am so blessed to be here.

Passions/Interests
I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and daughter. We love to be outside hiking, biking, swimming and playing. Summer is our favorite time of year because there are so many adventures here in Oregon where I’ve grown up. In my spare time I like to organize, exercise or have coffee with friends.

Email
Joy Gehlen 1st Grade Teacher
read more

Classes
1st Grade

Education
BA in Education from Pacific Lutheran University

Experience
I taught first grade in Spanaway, WA for three years before coming to Oregon. I then continued to teach first grade in both the Hillsboro and Tigard-Tualatin school districts. In 2004 I came to FHLCS and co-taught kindergarten half-time for two years before moving into the first grade position I am in currently. My personal educational journey also includes earning an endorsement in Reading instruction from PLU and completing the Colloquy program at Concordia University, Portland.

Passions/Interests
Teaching first grade is my passion. I love the energy and excitement that young learners create. Being part of the early stages of development is rewarding and being able to witness the electricity of so many “light bulb moments” is something very special. I feel so blessed that I teach in a place where I can share God’s love with my students, share my faith with my colleagues, and pray with my class. I love to spend time with my family, travel, write, read, draw, and visit book stores!

Email
Sarah Hoffman 2nd Grade Teacher
read more

Classes
2nd Grade

Education
BA in Education from Concordia Portland, and an MA in Curriculum & Instruction Lesley University.

Experience
Taught in Alaska before moving to Oregon. I have taught traditional 1st and 2nd grades at FHLCS as well as a Primary Multiage.

Passions/Interests
I like to read, walk, travel and spend time with family and friends. I feel extremely blessed to be able to teach in a Christian school where I can share the love of Jesus with students and families.

Intermediate Teachers

Email
Paula Freeman 3rd Grade Teacher
read more

Classes
3rd Grade

Education
BA Concordia University, Chicago;

Experience
I taught at Calvary Lutheran School in San Leandro, CA right out of college. The past 5 years I have substitute taught for Forest Hills and area public schools.

Passions/Interests
I enjoy spending time watching my 3 daughters enjoy all of their activities. Additionally, we enjoy our yearly adventure to Iowa to visit my family. We try to find new sights to stop at along the way. I also love to spend time at the Oregon coast. I always feel at peace and restored after spending time talking with God there.

Email
Tamara Spycher 4th Grade Teacher
read more

Classes
4th Grade

Education
Masters of Arts in Teaching, specialized in Elementary Education from Pacific University, Master of Science in Post Secondary Adult Continuing Education, Bachelor of Science in Social Studies.

Experience
I have been a preschool associate teacher at Harvest Preschool, Student Leadership Electives teacher for 6, 7 and 8th grade for 3 years, Instructional Aide for Kindergarten, first and second grades at City View Charter School for two years and Substitute teacher for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.

Passions/Interests
I am happily married to my best friend Johan. We have three children, two boys and one girl, they are 9th grade, 4th grade and 2nd grade. We love animals. We have six pets, two dogs, three cats, and a bunny. We also love to go out to our family cabin, hike, fish and have camp fires. We also love visiting the ocean and sledding at Mount Hood.

Email
Daphne Erikson 5th Grade Teacher
read more

Classes
5th Grade

Education
BS in Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Education from Portland State University. Masters of Arts: Teaching from Pacific University.

Experience
This will be my first year teaching 5th grade at Forest Hills. Last year I was a regular substitute teacher at Forest Hills. Prior to that I taught grades first through sixth for the Hillsboro School District.

Passions/Interests
Teaching is a passion of mine and being able to teach at a Christian School in my own community is a huge blessing. Outside of teaching my time is spent with my family, friends, and our two German Shorthaired Pointers. My two children also attend Forest Hills, and it is a joy being able to be with them everyday. My family and I like to travel, spend time outdoors, camp, BBQ, and try new places to eat around Portland.

Middle School Teachers

Email
Ben Bauer 6th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Science, Christian Studies, Worship Team
read more

Classes
Middle School Science teacher, 6th Grade Homeroom, 6th Grade Christian Studies, Memory, and Social Studies, Middle School Praise Team

Education
Mr. Bauer has a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University in Portland (2012). He also attended Concordia Portland for his undergraduate degree in Christian Education and received his certification as a Director of Christian Education.

Experience
Before teaching at Forest Hills, Mr. Bauer taught at Faith Bible in Beaverton for six years. Before teaching, Benjamin was the Youth Leader at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aloha, Oregon.

Passions/Interests
Benjamin loves spending time with his family. They keep a family garden, enjoy spending time at the beach together, and have made a tradition of making Apple Cider in the fall.

Email
Bonnie Moeller 7th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Language Arts and Literature
read more

Classes
7th Grade Homeroom & Christian Studies, Middle School Language Arts and Literature, Drama

Education
BS in Education from Concordia University in Nebraska

Experience
I started teaching in 1991 - 1992 in Seattle at Amazing Grace Lutheran School in 5th & 6th grade. I served at Pilgrim Lutheran School as a 6th and 6th/7th Grade teacher from 1992 - 1994. I was given the opportunity to be a founding teacher here at Forest Hills Lutheran School starting as the 3rd & 4th Grade teacher moving to the 4th Grade from 1994 to 1999. After serving on the school board, teaching private piano lessons, and substituting for a number of years I returned to teaching at St. Paul's Lutheran School in 2014-2015 teaching 3rd - 5th grade. I then taught Middle School History, 7th grade Christian Studies, Drama, and Speech at Emmaus Christian School from 2015-2016. I returned to Forest Hills in 2016 teaching Middle School Language Arts, Literature, and 7th Grade Christian Studies.

Passions/Interests
I have always enjoyed teaching. It is so rewarding leading and watching students discover new ideas and grasp new concepts. Watching them use the talents God gave them brings me great joy. Being a part of Forest Hills for so many years has been very rewarding. I feel so blessed having the opportunity to watch Forest Hills grow from its simple beginnings to a community richly blessed by God. My husband and I have three terrific children that keep us very busy. In my down time, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and cooking. Throughout the year I enjoy gardening and traveling with my family, especially to my childhood home in Minnesota.

Email
Julie Ryan 8th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Math
read more

Classes
8th Grade, Middle School Math

Education
Master's of Ed in Instructional Design and Technology, American College of Education; B.S. National American University; Oregon teaching license K-12, highly qualified in math K-8.

Experience
I taught 3rd grade at Forest Hills for 5 years. Prior to that I taught 3rd, 5th, and 7th Grade math for 8 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Beaverton, Oregon.

Passions/Interests
I love being a part of a school community that is a family. My passion is helping kids reach their full potential especially at math! When I am not at school, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and traveling. I have been to 42 out of the 50 states in our country. I am excited to visit the last eight soon. My husband and I have two grown kids who both live in Oregon as well.

"Specials" Teachers

Email
Susan Dieter-Robinson Art Instructor
read more

Classes
Art

Email
Carla Shaw Physical Education, Health (Grades 5-8), Athletic Director
read more

Classes
PreK-8th PE, 5th-8th Health, Athletic Director

Education
Master's in Public Health (MPH) in epidemiology from Yale University, BS in exercise physiology from University of Connecticut

Experience
I started volunteer teaching at Forest Hills when my daughter Jessi was in first grade in 2005. The following year I joined the staff as a PE teacher and athletic director. Since then, I have expanded the athletics programs and have added teaching health.

Passions/Interests
I love anything that is related to sports and exercise. I spend my active times running (lots of running), kickboxing, and hiking. I also referee youth soccer and track and field. When I am not actively participating in sports and physical activities, i can be found watching sports, reading, or going to trivia night at a local sports bar.

Email
Megan Havens Librarian, Digital Literacy
read more

Classes
Middle School Humanities, Library

Education
MA, Education from University of California at Santa Cruz, 2012, with an emphasis in Social Justice issues in Education
Teacher Training for Waldorf Education, Micha-el Institute, 1998-2001, Portland, Oregon
Three years of class work towards M.Div., 1985-88, Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky
BA in Comparative Literature, 1983 (Departmental Honors) Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin

Experience
Middle School Humanities Teacher, Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School and Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School, (August 2019-present)
Teacher, Vernonia Academy, Oregon Outreach, Inc., Portland, OR (August 2018-June 2019)
Head of School. Altair School for Gifted Children, Bethany, OR. (July 2017-May 2018)
Teacher Mentor/Parent Education, Monterey Bay Charter School, Pacific Grove, CA (January 2016 to June 2017)
English and History/Social Science Teacher at Millennium Charter High School, Salinas, CA (Sept. 2013-Dec. 2016)
Faculty Chair at Monterey Bay Charter School. (March 2008-July 2011)
Director of Contract Programs, The Lyceum of Monterey County. (May 2007-February 2008)
1099 contractor/Parent Volunteer at Monterey Bay Charter School (Summer/Fall/Winter 2006-07)
Waldorf Class Teacher, grade 3, Monterey Bay Charter School (July 2005 through June 2006)
Waldorf Class Teacher, grades 1-4, Olympia Waldorf School, Olympia, Washington (July 2001 through July 2005)

Passions/Interests
Passions: Fiber Art (knitting, spinning, felting, sewing, etc.), the Pacific Northwest (camping, exploring, history), and my family (six children, 8 grandchildren)
Interests: British history and archaeology
I also paint watercolors and I am on the Hospitality committee at my church.

Email
Lana Pratt Band
read more

Classes
Middle School Band

Education
I completed my bachelor's degree at Cedarville University in Music Education with a minor in Bible. I received my master's degree from Portland State University in music education with a certification in Kodaly music teaching methods.

Experience
I started teaching music, band, choir and orchestra at Morrison Christian Academy in Taipei, Taiwan, and then moved to the Hillsboro School District. In Hillsboro I taught elementary music and middle school band for 16 years and was the director of elementary music and band for the district.

Passions/Interests
I LOVE teaching students music and the Bible, and have developed my own curriculum. I love teaching these subjects a lot but I also enjoy studying the Bible and practicing and performing music on my own just as much. The flute is my main instrument, but I play just about every instrument. I have 6 kids and I love to go out in our electric canoe, go camping in our school bus, take road trips, and ride our family size electric bike.

Email
Dean Fairly Music
read more

Education
Studied Music Education and Music Performance at Portland State University

Experience
I’m presently in my second year of teaching at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School.
Previously I taught private lessons for twelve years and taught small group classes at Portland Conservatory of Music for seven years.

Passions/Interests
Jesus is Lord of my life. I’m a worship leader at church. I’m delighted for the opportunity to share the Bible, as well as music fundamentals, with students. Family is also very important to me. My wife and I have six children and ten grandchildren. We love the Oregon Coast and we like to travel. I was born in France and have visited 37 states and 8 countries.

Email
Natalie Penner Resources Specialist
read more

Classes
Resource - Reading and Math Intervention

Education
M.S. Curriculum & Instruction
Reading Endorsement
Math Supplement

Experience
K-8 Resource Intervention Teacher at FHLCS
Preschool & Kindergarten Teacher in the Hillsboro School District
K-6 Product Development Center Teacher in the LA Unified School District

Passions/Interests
I enjoy traveling and spending time watching my kids play basketball and baseball.

Administration

Email
Kimberly Luna Principal
read more

Education
M. Ed, Seattle Pacific University; BS in Education, Western Oregon University

Experience
Over 20 years of teaching experience beginning with teaching Kindergarten and Second Grade in Coos Bay, Oregon for seven years. After moving to Hillsboro School District in 2006, I taught Kindergarten at Eastwood Elementary before joining the Forest Hills staff in 2013. Prior to serving as Principal, I taught Kindergarten, Multiage 3,4,5 and the fifth grade during my time here at Forest Hills.

Passions/Interests
I absolutely love serving at Forest Hills. It is my mission to instill a love of learning in all of our students. My greatest joy in life is being able to share my faith and love of Jesus to my students. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running, traveling to anywhere Disney, watching football: especially the Titans, Chiefs, and my Ducks and of course laughing.

Email
Angie Reese Business Manager
read more

Education
BS in Business Administration - Finance from California State University, Long Beach

Experience
I worked for NIKE in Accounts Payable and Morton Salt as Staff Accountant/Office Manager before having my four children. After taking a number of years off to raise my children, I joined Van Dyke Grain Elevators as Inventory Accountant/Quality Control Manager. I joined the team at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School as Business Manager in 2016.

Passions/Interests
All four of my children attended Forest Hills and it is a blessing to continue to be able to serve this close and caring community. In my spare time, I love being with my family, gardening, crafting, and learning about natural health.

Email
Elysha Johnson Director of Community Engagement
read more

Education
BA in Public Relations - Communications from Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA

Experience
Consultant and Strategist for Simple Pin Media with a Customer Relationship Management skillset focus
Substitute for K-4 in the Forest Grove School District
Marketing Director focused on sponsorship and fundraising for Forest Grove Youth Baseball
Marketing Intern for Hillsboro Farmers Market

Passions/Interests
I love spending time with my family and enjoy nature. I'm passionate about community and education.
Psalm 118:24 & Philippians 4:13 are my favorite bible verses.

Email
Mary Kenton Office Manager
read more

Classes
Office Manager/ School Nurse

Education
BA in Nursing from Purdue Calumet

Experience
I have worked in health care since I was 19. I was a Nursing Assistant in long term-care facilities prior to nursing school. As an RN I worked at St. Vincent's hospital and then 5 years in home health care. I took some years off to be at home with my family and am so excited to start a new adventure at Forest Hills! I feel like my years at home being the house manager and wrangler of small humans. That combined with my nursing experience put me in a good position to tackle this role.

Passions/Interests
I love being with my family in whatever we are doing. We are an outdoors group and love to hike, camp, fish and all the outdoor activities this area has to offer. Alongside those things I love to read, do unnecessary DIY home projects and play with clay in my ceramic shed.

Support Staff

Email
Erin Ysunza Nutrition Program Director
read more

Education
BS- Elementary & Special Education, Northern Arizona University
Culinary Nutrition Expert Certification, Academy of Culinary Nutrition

Experience
My time working with children in schools began in college, when I taught preschool at the Flagstaff, AZ YMCA. After graduating, I taught 9th-12th graders as a Special Education teacher before moving to Oregon in 2011. From there, I took on many different roles in the Hillsboro School District before leaving education to begin my own business, teaching families how to plan and cook nutrient-dense meals. In 2022, I took a leap of faith and accepted the role of Hot Lunch Director. I love how this position blends my previous career experiences so well!

Passions/Interests
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons. We like playing outside, working on home projects, and cooking together. I also love to read, getting together with friends for game nights, going to concerts with my husband, and creative projects, especially painting.

Michelle Ouchida Nutrition Program Assistant Cook
Asisa Ikeda Nutrition Program Assistant
read more

Education
Asisa is in their senior year at Portland State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Arts and Letters.

Experience
In my current position, I am responsible for preparing and serving balanced meals to K-8 students, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and fostering positive interactions with students. My background includes more than two years of experience working in kitchen environments, gained through positions as an assistant baker and server. Additionally, I have two years of experience offering tailored support to seniors and individuals with disabilities, developed through my work as a caregiver and DSP, which has equipped me to provide compassionate and professional service to diverse populations.

Passions/Interests
I’m passionate about videography, music production, and anything that allows me to explore my creativity! I enjoy spending my free time playing video games, shooting hoops, hiking, experimenting with makeup and fashion, and relaxing with my two cats, Batty and Totoro.

James Rosita Nutrition Program Assistant
read more

Education
Bachelor of Science in Economics from Portland State in 1989

Experience
41 years in Financial Securities as a licensed assistant and in administration. 2 1/2 years with Y.M.C.A.

Passions/Interests
I enjoy golf, tennis, piano, and reading

Email
Gustavo Verduzco Facilities Director
read more

Education
Automotive technology certification Intro ASE certifications (passenger vehicles)

Experience
8 years retail experience
4-5 year loader experience
10+ years mechanic experience
6+ years management experience
6+ years landscape experience

Passions/Interests
Fixing things, understanding how things work.
Spending time with family and friends.
Love sports, playing and watching.
Traveling and discovering new places and people.