Administrative Staff

Doug  Tharp

Principal

Doug has been with ACS since July 2016. Prior to coming to ACS, he enjoyed working as a K-12 Christian School Superintendent, Elementary School Principal, College, High School, and Middle School Teacher. He is married to his adorable wife Carolyn and they have three fantastic boys, Ryan, Brett, and Cooper.  In addition to learning and teaching about Jesus, Doug loves spending time with his family, reading very short books, spectating just about any sport, from ping-pong to jai-alai, and participating in outdoor activities. 

Laura  Elliott

Vice  Principal

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misti  southard

Preschool  &  Childcare   Director 

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Trena  Mcmahon

Admin. Assistant

Cheyenne  Scribner

Office Manager

Heather  Hemmer

Preschool Bookkeeper

K-5th Grade Teachers & Aides

Jenny Thompson

Kindergarten Teacher

A few years after graduating from Montana State University, my husband and I made Oregon our home and raised our family. For over the past 18 years, I have loved working with the students and staff at ACS. I truly enjoy helping Kindergarteners get off to a great start and develop a love for learning. 

Kelly Tewes

Kindergarten Aide

Peggy Phillips

1st grade teacher

My name is Peggy Phillips. I am very blessed to be a first grade teacher at ACS! I’ve been teaching for a total of 16 years, 4 of which have been at ACS. I absolutely love teaching this grade because the students are becoming independent, but still will hug me! I have 3 grown children, 2 of which are married, and 6 precious grandchildren. I live in Salem, but moved 4 years ago from Tucson, AZ. God has been so faithful through the good times and bad. My hope and prayer is that I glorify Him with my life.

Ai miller

1st grade aide

Abby kuhn

1st grade Teacher

I am a 1st grade teacher at ACS. I graduated from Western Oregon University with a teaching degree in 2023. Mr. Kuhn and I have a black dog and an orange cat. Their colors can probably tell you about their personalities – the black dog is trusty and smart, and the orange cat is chaotic and sweet. I really love reading children’s literature. Reading picture books is my favorite thing to do with the class. 

Amanda jennings

1st grade aide

Rachel guthrie

2nd Grade Teacher

The JOY of the LORD is my strength! I’ve been teaching second grade here at ACS since 2013 and loving it! I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, gardening, and cooking.  

Melissa Slyter

2nd grade aide

Deidre Elliott

2nd grade teacher

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Rebecca Pruett

2nd grade aide

Ruth Wilke

3rd grade teacher

Having spent a few years as a piano tutor and teaching English overseas, Ms. Wilke discovered her passion for teaching and was led to pursue a teaching degree from George Fox University. After graduating, she was hired on at ACS and has been here since 2017.  In her free time, she enjoys going on road trips to national parks with her two sons. 

Rebecca Laberee

3rd grade aide

Miranda Mckay

3rd grade teacher

Hello! My name is Miranda McKay and I’m a teacher at Albany Christian School. I have an amazing husband, two wonderful sons and two goofy dogs. I enjoy time with my family, coffee, and a good book.
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
Psalm 23: 3

Cayla alu

3rd grade aide

Amy Withee

4th Grade Teacher

I graduated from Willamette University with a Master of Arts in Teaching and have taught both 4th and 5th grade in the public school system.  After taking time off to raise my three children, I returned to full time teaching here at ACS in 2020. My family and I also attend WCC and enjoy serving our community through various ministries.

Gabriel shields

4th grade aide

Lorin Watzig

4th Grade Teacher

This is my first year teaching at ACS. I grew up going to school here as a child and have loved every minute I have gotten to spend in the ACS family. I recently graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. In my free time, I love to watch football, read a good book, and go on fun adventures with my husband.

Rachel Hanson

4th Grade aide

Carolyn Tharp

5th Grade Teacher

I became a Jesus follower when I was thirteen years old and have been committed to love and serve Him all my days.  This is my 9th year teaching 5th grade and my 18th year teaching elementary students.  I love teaching, spending time with family, music, and Diet Coke!

Dan Mencer

5th grade aide

Ray Reeves

5th Grade Teacher

I came to Albany Christian School in 1989. Through the years I have taught a combination 5th & 6th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, and middle school. I have taught children of former students! My wife worked as the bookkeeper and my 3 kids went through ACS, so there were years that my whole family was here at the same time. I am now back to 5th grade and I enjoy it very much. I have a daughter who works here at ACS and a granddaughter and grandson who attend. We attend WCC so there are some weeks I am in the building 7 days a week. 

Bob Lyons

5th grade aide

Middle School Teachers & Aides

Breanna Jarmer

6th grade teacher

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Nisha Atkinson

7th grade Teacher

My name is Mrs. Atkinson, and I am thrilled to join the incredible team at Albany Christian! I have been teaching 6th grade for the last two years at Cascade Christian Middle School in Medford, Oregon. I love exploring the outdoors with my husband, Luke, and my
​3-year-old son, Eddie!

Linda Hunter

8th Grade Teacher

At the Lord’s prompting, I moved to Albany, Oregon from Huntington Beach, California at the end of 2015. I have three adult children, and one grandson, who lives all the way in Savannah, Georgia. I received my teaching credential through Biola University, and have taught for almost 30 years, in all grades K-8, but my passion is for teaching middle school!  In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, exploring the many sights, hikes, shopping, and restaurants of my new hometown, and watching the Hallmark Channel!  Coffee and chocolate chip cookies (with nuts) are always welcome treats!  It is such a blessing to be part of this wonderfully supportive, generous, and loving school family!

Robin Sparks

6th  grade  aide
​ Elective  Teacher

Joanne White

middle  school  aide
​ Event  Coordinator

Preschool  &  Childcare  Staff

breanna mcclearn

5 day  prek  teacher

Brittany hartsfield

5 day  prek  aide

Rachael Folger

5 day  prek  aide

Katee Willard

Maleah Harris

Rathey Ly

5 day  prek  teacher

5 Day  prek  aide

5 Day  Prek  Aide

Danielle Mcalhany

2/3 Day  Preschool Teacher

Britney Mitchell

2/3 Day  preschool  aide

Becky lyn bellando

2/3 day  preschool teacher

Carissa Warner

2/3 Day  Preschool  aide

Jen Sherfy

5 Day  Preschool  Teacher

Nikki Wright

5 day  preschool  ​Aide

Amanda Madesh

KinderClub

Regina Nelson

Preschool / childcare  Office
420 Third Avenue SE Albany, OR 97321 |  541-928-1110 
School Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:30pm   |   Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
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