Faculty and Staff
2009-2010
Susan Baurer,Principal
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Susan Baurer is the principal of Eugene Christian School. She came to ECS in 1964 as a teacher and became the principal in 1993. Teaching in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Oregon, Mrs. Baurer has devoted herself to educating children for over 40 years. During this time she has taught at all levels from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. A graduate of Portland State College, she also completed graduate courses at U of O, LaVerne College, Eugene Bible College, and Western Baptist Seminary. She is married to a pastor-turned-business-owner, and has two grown sons who are ECS alumni, and one grandchild. Since childhood, Mrs. Baurer has always had a great desire to work with children. “I find it exciting and new every day, inspiring, encouraging, and a worthwhile way to spend my life.Children are our future! I believe we should be about the business of educating them for eternity.”
Karina Callahan, Pre-K – 3 & 4-year-olds
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Karina Callahan came to ECS last year and taught the Pre-K class. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a degree in elementary education. Karina has been teaching since 1994. For three years she taught in Nebraska, then established her own Pre-K through 4th grade school. Karina also minored in special education and religion. Besides teaching our PreK classes, she also tutors students who need special help and provides testing for all Kindergarten through 6th grade students. She and her husband, Rob, live in Springfield. They have two children who are current students.
Jen Wickersham, Kindergarten
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Jen is one of our newest teacher at ECS and taught kindergarten last year. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the U of O with a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education (K-6th) and minor in special education. She was director of the ECS Kids Club before and after school program, last year. Many of her family members are kindergarten teachers so she is following their footsteps. Jen also coaches the school’s girls volleyball and track teams.
Judy Buck, 1st Grade
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Judy Buck has been with ECS since 1994. She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten and for the past several years, has taught Second grade. This year, she teaches a First and Second grade blend class. Her grandmother was a one-room teacher on the Nebraska prairie and Judy shares her vocation with two sisters, many cousins and even a niece. She attended Boise College and Boise Bible College where she met her husband, Gary, then transferred to the University of Oregon where she received her degree. Mrs. Buck enjoys her family of three grown children and three grandchildren.
Helen Worcester, 2nd and 3th Grade
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Our 3rd Grade teacher is Helen Worcester (pronounced “Wooster”). Mrs. Worcester attended Bible college in Los Angeles and graduated from the U of O in 1975. She taught several grades at ECS before moving to Alaska with her husband, Doug, in 1982. After enjoying many wonderful outdoor experiences in Alaska, they returned to Eugene in 1989. Mrs. Worcester home schooled her four children and taught as a substitute in public schools for several years. Helen especially enjoys Art, Literature, and hands-on activities. Her husband is the pastor of Eugene Community Church.
Pam Bennett, 4th Grade
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Pam Bennett is our new 4th grade teacher. She taught for many years at Lifegate Christian School in Eugene. Prior to this, she taught four years as a public school substitute teacher. Mrs. Bennett graduated from Oregon State University, and received her Master at Teaching at Pacific University, at the Eugene campus. She has had training with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She has a passion for teaching the love of God to children. Mrs. Bennett and her husband, Luther, have four adult children.
Patty Duncan, 5th Grade
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Patty Duncan teaches 5th Grade at ECS. Mrs. Duncan received her Bible college degree, then spent many years raising a family and helping run a family business. In the late 90’s she returned to school and obtained her teaching license from Northwest Christian College. Her experience includes two years of substitute teaching and one year of teaching Middle School. Mrs. Duncan’s children attended ECS back in the 80’s, so she is right at home here. Mrs. Duncan is a published author, and brings her freelance writing skills into the classroom which ensures many creative writing adventures for the lucky 5th Grade class. She currently has over 250 pieces in print. Mrs. Duncan is also an accomplished artist and teaches after school e-classes (enrichment) in art. “Most of all,” Mrs. Duncan says, “I pray we’ll add ‘precept upon precept and line upon line’ as we fall more deeply in love with the Lord Jesus and His Word.”
Carolyn Hennen, 6th Grade homeroom teacher
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Carolyn Hennen says she has always enjoyed working with children. After babysitting as a young teenager, teaching Sunday School classes in high school, and doing volunteer work in a class for academically challenged elementary age students during her senior year, she felt that Elementary Education was an obvious choice for her college major. Mrs. Hennen attended the University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University in Ashland, and Northwest Nazarene University, where she received her degree. With over 22 years of classroom experience, she has taught, in some capacity, at all Grade levels from Pre-K through 8th Grade. Currently she is the 6th grade homeroom teacher. Mrs. Hennen finds it particularly gratifying and fulfilling to teach in a Christian school, working with parents to prepare children for the future through a Christ-centered, Bible-based teaching program.
Connie Kempf, 7th Grade homeroom teacher
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Since Connie Kempf’s grandmother and great grandmother were both country school teachers, she believes she was destined to become a teacher, too. She says it has been a dream come true to be one at Eugene Christian School. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Rhetoric (Speech & Drama) from the University of Oregon in 1972, Mrs. Kempf taught at Springfield High School while working on an Interdisciplinary Master’s degree in Speech, English and Counseling. In 1976 she received her Master’s from the University of Oregon. For several years during the summer months, Mrs. Kempf worked as a teacher and supervisor in the Talented and Gifted program at the University of Oregon. She has over 35 years of teaching experience and has been been at ECS since 1988.
In Mrs. Kempf’s words, “Of all the places I have ever taught or attended, Eugene Christian School stands out as the best place at which I have ever had the privilege of working and is, I think, the best kept secret in Eugene for high quality education with a Christian emphasis throughout its curriculum. The staff is the best I’ve ever worked with, especially with regard to their level of commitment to Christ and the way they care for their students and for each other.” Connie and her husband, Bob, live in Eugene. Their son, Ted, is an ECS alum.
Bill Altmiller, 8th Grade homeroom teacher, Science, Bible & Math
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Bill Altmiller grew up in the south. His parents were both in education. He is married with three children. His oldest recently graduated from ECS, and his two youngest are current students. His wife, Terri, teaches an e-class in Ballet. Mr. Altmiller began teaching at Eugene Christian School in the spring of 2003, while completing his degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon. He is certified with ACSI and is teaching math, science and Bible. He says, “Education for our children is my passion and where the Lord has called me.
Christina Hammond, Middle School History, Computer & Drama
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Chris Hammond teaches computer classes, drama and middle school history. Prior to teaching at ECS, Mrs. Hammond worked in the construction industry for 18 years as an I.T. manager, database manager and accountant. She is currently working towards her masters degree from Seattle Pacific University. Her son, Zachary, graduated from ECS. After serving 3 years on the Board, and assisting with drama productions, she was hired to teach computers and drama in 2000. Mrs. Hammond holds a B.A. degree from the University of Oregon. She and her husband, Duane, live in Springfield and their son is an ECS alum now attending college.
Alisa Kincade, Music
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Alisa Kincade is our elementary and middle school music teacher. Mrs. Kincade holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon. She is excited that there is new music curriculum this year. All students have new music textbooks that are interactive and fun. She and her husband Rick, have one daughter who graduated from ECS and is now a college student, and another daughter who is a current ECS student. “The children are a gift to me everyday,and the staff and teachers are wonderful. I feel privileged to teach music at ECS.”
Kathleen O’Bannon, Physical Education
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This is the third year Kathleen O’Bannon has taught physical education at ECS. She received her Master of Arts Teaching from OSU in 1998, majoring in physical education. She was a substitute teacher in Eugene for several years before joining the ECS faculty. Kathy also enjoys promoting and coaching after school sports such as basketball, volleyball and track. Kathy and her husband, Jerry, live in Springfield, and have two children who are current students.
Laura Purkey, Development and Community Relations Director
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Laura Purkey was hired in July 2005 to start the Development Department at ECS. She has worked in the field of fund raising for many years. She was the Development Director for Pearl Buck Center for 9 years. Mrs. Purkey’s two sons attended Christian schools so she is a passionate advocate for the benefits of quality Christian education. She was a founding member of Emerald Valley Development Professionals and received the EVDP Emerald Award for Professional Development in 2006. She and her husband, Dan, enjoy serving God, ministering to the poor and encouraging others in their faith.
Meladie Kallien, Bookkeeper/Health Coordinator
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Meladie Kallien has worked at ECS for over 30 years – 3 years as part-time nurse, and 27 years full time as a bookkeeper and front office employee. She is a licensed practical nurse from 1967-1999. Meladie’s children attended ECS, beginning in 1974 through 1987. Her husband, Fred, served as Board President for 6 years, and Education Committee Chair. She served as PTF officer for 3 years. She says, “We love ECS as a family and value its work in our community.”
Shauna Wirth, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator & Playground Aide
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Shauna Wirth oversees the recruitment and retention of families to ECS. She is the “Go to” person for information about enrollment and re-enrollment. She oversees the preview tours and maintains connections with prospective families. She is also our playground aide. She enjoys managing the recess time. Shauna and her husband, Greg, have a recent ECS graduate and another son who is currently attending.
Jacquie Strickland, Secretary
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Jacquie is the bright friendly voice that greets you on the phone or when you come into the office. She is the ECS receptionist and secretary to the Principal. She has worked in various office settings over the years. She volunteered as ECS office assistant for several years and was the substitute bookkeeper. Jacquie became ECS secretary in 2006. Jacquie is married to Rob, and a son graduated from ECS and two others are current students.
Got Questions?
Contact us via email or call 686-9145 to learn more, schedule a school visit, or talk with a teacher!
