Tacoma Baptist Elementary - Faculty
LAURA MCCARTY
Principal
lauramccarty@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 103
Laura holds a BA from Washington Baptist College of Biblical Education, a Principal Certificate from ACSI, and is currently working on an M.A. in Educational Administration. Laura served as a teacher and supervisor at Resurrection Christian Academy in Sterling, Alaska, for ten years prior to moving to Washington. She taught in the middle school at Tacoma Baptist Schools for twelve years before moving into administration in the fall of 2003 and becoming middle school/elementary principal in the fall of 2004. In addition to her educational experience, Laura has served in a number of church ministries as well as assisting her husband in his role as camp director at Resurrection Bible Camp. Paul and Laura have three grown children and six grandchildren. Laura enjoys hiking, writing, painting, and reading as time allows.
BRENDA TALEN
Elementary Secretary
brendatalen@southsoundchristian.org
253-475-7226 Ext. 100
Brenda has enjoyed working for TBS for 8 years. After serving the school family in several different positions, she is currently the Elementary Secretary and Receptionist. She enjoys seeing things that can be improved upon and works to raise the standard in every way at TBS Being connected with TBS for many years and married for 22 of those to alumni, Marc Talen (Class of 80), her heart is entrenched in the tapestry of all that goes into the ministry. Marc and Brenda have four boys, all of whom have attended TBS since kindergarten. In her spare time she enjoys spending moments with friends, scrap booking and reading! Her favorite thing to do is to attend her children's events, whether they be sporting, concerts or fundraisers. TBS has been very instrumental in the lives of the Talen family, and the Lord has truly blessed.
MARCIE KAZAROVICH
Pre-Kindergarten
marciekazarovich@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 148
Marcie Kazarovich has over 15 years of experience teaching and ministering to children of all ages, both in professional and volunteer positions. She earned her Bible degree from Word of Life Bible Institute and her bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She completed her elementary education credential at Western State College, in Gunnison, CO, and is currently working toward a master's degree in education. Marcie has been actively serving the Lord, first, as a chaplain's wife and mother of five, and second, in the Good News Clubs, AWANAS, and various other ministries within the Army chapel. God has put a desire in her heart to teach children and bring them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
LORNA KEARNS
Kindergarten
lornakearns@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 149
Lorna Kearns joyfully served the Lord as a Children's Leader in Bible Study Fellowship International for six years before earning her bachelor's degree in education with an endorsement in biology at Pacific Lutheran University in 2003. She gleaned valuable teaching techniques while working as a substitute teacher for three years before she began teaching kindergartners at TBS in September 2006. Lorna is continuing her education in the Professional Certification program at Seattle Pacific University. Equipping children to grow cognitively, physically, socially, and most of all, in their walk with God, is Lorna's mission as a teacher, modeled on Luke 2:52, which states that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Lorna and Stephen, her husband of 40 years, live with their cat, Rainier, and are the proud parents of three adult children, all married. They especially enjoy their six grandchildren.
TRISHA THORNTON
First/Second Grade
trishathornton@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 150
Trisha Thornton came to Tacoma Baptist after working in youth ministry and children's ministry for four years. She earned her bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Eugene Bible College in 2002. This is her fourth year teaching at Tacoma Baptist. When asked what she loves about teaching, Trisha answered, "I love teaching young people God's Word and helping them to look at the world around them based on God's truth. It is a privilege to partner with parents to help their children grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally." Trisha enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with her three children.
DEANNA HENNING
Fourth Grade
deannahenning@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 152
CHERYL KOSKOVICH
Third Grade
cherylkoskovich@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 151
Cheryl Koskovich has served 22 years in Christian education, first in San Diego, CA, and then in the Northwest. She completed her BA in Behavioral Science at National University in San Diego and then completed her teaching credential program at United States International University, also in San Diego. God called her to Tacoma Baptist Elementary in 2003. She has enjoyed teaching third grade for the past seven years and is very glad to be entering her eighth year teaching the third graders. Cheryl says, "I love teaching this age, when they are so open to the message of God's love to them, the Gospel." Cheryl enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, which includes five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
JULIE PETERSON
Fifth Grade
juliepeterson@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226
Julie Peterson is no new face to Tacoma Baptist Schools. She started as a kindergarten student and continued at TBS through graduation. After graduation she attended Western Baptist College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Education, and immediately returned to TBS and began her 12 year (and counting) teaching career. When asked what led her back to teach at Tacoma Baptist she replied, "Tacoma Baptist feels like home to me, and had such a powerful influence on me as a student both spiritually and academically that I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else." Julie enjoys spending time baking, reading, and hanging out with her husband (also a TBS graduate) and three children.
DONNA BROOKS
Sixth Grade
donnabrooks@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 186
Donna Brooks began serving at TBS in the art room in 2001. She began teaching in 2004 after earning her Masters in Teaching from City University. Her bachelor 's degree was earned through Western Washington University in 1993. Donna appreciates the opportunity she has had to watch students grow in Jesus throughout their years at TBS. Outside of school, Donna enjoys family vacations with her husband, Mike, and three daughters, Sarah, Ashley, and Jennifer.
LYNN HAMLIN
Instructional Support Center
lynnhamlin@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 179
Lynn Hamlin graduated from Western Oregon State University with a BA in Education and an endorsement in Special Education. She worked for two years as a Resource Room Teacher in the Bethel School District before starting her family with her husband of 20 years. After five years of homeschooling their three children, Lynn returned to the classroom. This is her fifth year at Tacoma Baptist. Lynn writes, "I love working with the students in the Instructional Support Center (ISC). They are a daily source of inspiration to me. Working with all grade levels makes this teaching opportunity both unique and satisfying." Along with being a pastor's wife, her three children keep her "enjoyably busy." Lynn also enjoys gardening, canning, and baking.
AMANDA HINZ
Band
amandahinz@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 119
Amanda Hinz is the instrumental and general music teacher at Tacoma Baptist Schools and New Hope Christian School. This is her third year teaching in South Sound Christian Schools. Amanda received her degree in music education at Pacific Lutheran University in 2004, and is currently working toward a master's degree in education at The Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA. Miss Hinz loves to show her students the enjoyment of participative music making. In her spare time, Miss Hinz enjoys camping, hiking, and reading.
BILL JACKSON
Art
billjackson@southsoundchristian.org
(253) 475-7226 Ext. 185
Bill Jackson came to SSCS after serving 18 years as a Missionary/Church Planter with Mission to the World. Many of those years were spent serving in Japan. He earned his bachelorʼs degree in education from eastern Washington University in 1979 and his Masterʼs degree in Missions from Reformed Theological Seminary in 1988. Bill state, “It is a great privilege to guide young people to see that all truth, goodness and beauty is found in Christ and His Creation.” Bill enjoys playing games with his family of eight boys, one girl, and one wife of 29 years.
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