My name is Melissa Brotherton. I have worked at Firm Foundation since 2006. I really enjoy little children; they are so great! It is truly a privilege to be at FFCS. I have lived in the Battle Ground area most of my life. I am certified in early childhood through ASCI and have my bachelor's degree in human development from Warner Pacific College. I have been a child care provider for the Family Studies Program at Clark College and volunteered for Head Start and Maple Grove Christian Preschool. I had the privilege of staying home with my children in their younger years and am so thankful they can attend Firm Foundation.Our home church is New Heights North. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. My hobbies include making cards, reading, gardening flowers, and walking. I look forward to see what the Lord will do this year in Preschool!

My name is Cara Berg, and I am honored to be the music teacher at Firm Foundation Christian School. I was born and raised Lutheran (Missouri Synod) and I am continually thankful for God’s blessings in my life. I have always wanted to be a teacher, but especially a music teacher. I attended Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, and graduated in 2007 with a B.A. in Education and minors in Professional Church Work and Music. I have been teaching at Firm Foundation Christian School since 2008. My husband is the Youth Minister at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Battle Ground, Washington. I direct the adult choir at our church, and I am part of the worship teams and hand bell choir at our church. I like to spend time with my husband, run, hike, bike, read, and play the piano.

I am Becky Walker and am very excited about teaching Kindergarten here at Firm Foundation Christian School. While I’ve worked at Firm Foundation since 2007, I have been teaching Kindergarten since 1995. I have also taught first grade and Reading Recovery. I graduated from The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California, with my Teaching Certification. I have taught in two public school districts and two private Christian schools.

My family and I moved to Clark County in 1998 from Alaska, where my husband and I grew up and were married. We now make our home in Brush Prairie, Washington.

We are actively involved in Glenwood Community Church. I have been involved in teaching Sunday school and working with Vacation Bible School and Women’s Bible Studies.

In my spare time I enjoy working on home improvement and landscaping projects with my husband.  I love spending time in my garden tending to my flowers and vegetables.  I also enjoy reading, walking, and cooking.

It is very exciting to see how God is working through the families and staff at Firm Foundation Christian School. I feel greatly blessed to serve the Lord in such an amazing place.

I am Joanna Sporysz (pronounced “spores”). In 2011, I started teaching at Firm Foundation after graduating in 2009 with my Master’s in Teaching at Concordia University. I have been teaching first grade ever since!  I live in Vancouver with my wonderful husband JP and dog Kai.  I love children and in some form or another have been working with youth for the last 11 years, whether in youth ministry or teaching.  I have a passion for travel and have been blessed to visit over 13 countries, mostly through missions.   I love the northwest and when I’m not teaching I spend my afternoons working in the garden or taking a hike in the beautiful Columbia Gorge.

My name is Tammy Warren and I have taught at Firm Foundation since 2002. I taught kindergarten my first year and have taught first grade ever since. I graduated in 1995 from Ohio University with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. I have been married since 1996 and have two children who both attend Firm Foundation. We moved from Ohio to Washington in 2000 so my husband could attend seminary at Multnomah. Before coming to Firm Foundation, I subbed for two years in the public schools, during which time I also taught at Sylvan Learning Center for two and one half years. I love being a part of Firm Foundation. God has really blessed our school. I appreciate the family feel that we have, and I couldn't imagine teaching or sending my children anywhere else. We attend Brush Prairie Baptist Church where I am the nursery director. Please pray for our school, staff and students, that we will continue to seek God and serve Him.

My name is Larry Peterson, and I have taught second grade at Firm Foundation Christian School since 2001. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Jessica, for fourteen years, and we are blessed with four amazing children, Cameron, our twins Adi and Ana, and Ricky. We attend and serve as the Children's Pastors at Church on the Rock here in Battle Ground. I enjoy spending time with my family, sports, music, and laughing a lot. Jesus has blessed us tremendously over the years, and one of the major blessings has been my position here at FFCS. To have the opportunity on a daily basis to help students see things from a Biblical perspective is something truly amazing and gratifying. This school was founded by people who possess an unshakable faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Many of them are school board members who daily, prayerfully "put their action and resources where their faith is." If the Lord leads you to enroll your children at Firm Foundation, I know from experience that you will be blessed, and that we, in turn, will be blessed by your family. That's the way it goes around here.

Bless you in Jesus' Name!

My name is Katie Lewis. I have taught at Firm Foundation Christian School since 2011. I feel privileged to work in a school where the truth of God’s word is integrated into every subject. I am passionate about challenging students in their learning, creating engaging lessons, and providing a safe classroom environment. I graduated from Multnomah Bible College in 2003 with a degree in Biblical Studies and Educational Ministries. I worked for Evergreen Public Schools as an instructional assistant and finished my Masters in Teaching in 2007 at Concordia University. I taught second grade in Christian school for four years before moving to FFCS. I have been blessed to serve in over 13 countries co-leading high school mission trips with Royal Servants International. I currently attend East Vancouver Community Church where I enjoy learning and serving with my church family. When I am not at school I can be found enjoying time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, cooking, reading, and being an auntie to my adorable niece and nephews. It is a joy to serve my Savior teaching at Firm Foundation Christian School.

Hi, my name is Lynne Hyde and I have been teaching third grade at Firm Foundation since 2007. I graduated in 1991 from Biola University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Bible. I taught fifth grade for two years and sixth for a year. I took a break from full time teaching to be a mom for several years. I did substitute teaching for several years, including two long-term substitute positions in the fourth and fifth grades. I have been married for eighteen years and have three great kids and an adorable chocolate lab named Mocha. We attend Grace Foursquare Church in Camas, where my husband is one of the pastors. When I finished college many years ago, the Lord made it clear to me that I was to be using my gifts within Christian education. It is where my passion and heart are today! I look forward to a great year! God Bless.

Third grade has been my home here at FFCS since the fall of 2006. Spending the day with children is truly a blessing. Imagine starting every day with bright eyes and smiles. Ahhhh! It has been a joy to be a part of Christian education for the last eighteen years. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, I taught elementary P.E. in Vancouver. Within a year, I married Mr. Wright in my hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin, and have been married for 30 years. Together we raised four unique individuals (Adam, Abraham, JoBeth and Angela). God also blessed me with two sweet daughters-in-law (Catherine and Amy). When I am not teaching school, I am teaching swimming lessons and enjoying life with Mr. Wright and my kids.

Hello!  My name is Sonja Einerson and I lead one of the 4th grade classrooms here at Firm Foundation. God placed me at this wonderful school in 2010 where I began in 2nd grade.  I then transitioned to 4th, and look eagerly towards many years to come.  I grew up in the Vancouver area and attended Walla Walla University for a BS in Elementary Education and minor in History. After completing my degree in 2008, I moved to Wenatchee for a year and half to teach 2nd grade followed by Kindergarten. My second school home became FFCS and I couldn't be happier here.  I truly see God working here and count myself blessed to be a part of it. My passion for working with children has always been a big part of my life. I believe each student has amazing potential for great things!  I count myself privileged as a teacher to see that God given capability growing in them each day.

When not grading, planning, or teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, reading, writing, traveling and cooking. I also love taking part in book clubs, bible studies and attending New Heights Church here in the area. I have one precious cat, Oliver (aka: Ollie).

As we journey through each school year, I look forward to partnering with you to give each student a fabulous year in 4th grade. God bless!

Hello! My name is Heather Johnston, and I have taught fourth grade at Firm Foundation since 2006. It has been a joy to work at such a wonderful school these past few years. I look forward to the years ahead.

I graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, in May 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education and middle school endorsements in Science, Language Arts, and Art. I am also certified in both Illinois and Washington. I love to spend my free time in the beautiful outdoors. Hiking, camping, running, playing tennis, long bike treks, swimming in the ocean, skiing, and snowboarding are some of my favorite activities. On a rainy winter day I might also make time for painting (oil and watercolors), knitting, making cards or other crafts. I attend New Heights Church and enjoy the great teaching that is offered.

I am currently working on my masters at WSU. I am just at the beginning, but I anticipate learning a lot along the journey. We are all life-long learners, aren’t we? Blessings to you all, and here we are-ready for another great year at FFCS!

I have been blessed to be teaching at FFCS since 2004. I began my teaching career in kindergarten, moved up to second grade, and have found my home in fifth grade. God has really given me a heart for fifth graders and I have loved spending every minute with them. The staff here has also been such a blessing in my life, and I have made some lifelong friends. I truly believe we have the best teachers.

I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with my Masters in Elementary Education. It is there that I met my wonderful husband, Jeremy. I have one son named Caleb who reminds me every day how wonderful God is to me. I am a huge football fan and enjoy spending time playing video games with my brother and husband. As you can tell I am still a kid at heart. Other interests of mine include reading, listening to music, and spending as much time with my family as possible.

Salutations! I’m Marci Day. I acquired my California teaching credential in 1995. Presently, I hold a Washington State residency teacher certificate. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in the following areas: subbing (all grade levels), first grade, fifth grade, science for upper elementary home schooled students, and manners/ballroom dance for home schooled students and Homelink (grades 2-12) in Battle Ground. God has given me a passion for Creation science.

I have had the privilege of teaching at Firm Foundation since 2008. Each year, I eagerly pray the Lord will grant a successful, Christ-filled year for these fine fifth graders! My desire for our classroom is found in Micah 6:8. “He has showed you, O man, 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.” Thank you for the honor of teaching your children.

The Lord blessed me with a charming, godly, and patient man. We’ve been married since 1992 and have two sweet daughters. After transplanting from southern California in 2005, we have absolutely come to love the people and the beauty of the Northwest! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking and biking with my family. Yacolt Evangelical Free is our home church.

I have been teaching here at this amazing school since 2009. I have been teaching since 1999 and all of that time has been in private Christian education. The first two years of my ministry were spent teaching at the fourth grade level and the rest has been at the middle school level. I attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, for my undergraduate studies and received a BS in Human Development and minored in Elementary Education. I most recently received my MEd. from City University in Vancouver, WA.

I married my prodigious wife in 1994 and moved to Clark County, where she grew up, in 1997. We have two wonderful, beautiful, bright daughters who enjoy ballet and fishing. I appreciate outdoor activities, especially fishing, hiking, biking, and camping as well as working outdoors--be it landscaping, construction or the like.

I am honored and humbled to have the privilege to minister along side such a fine staff in educating your children. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and teaming with you in the growth and development of your child.

Middle School and High School

I've lived in Washington all my life, and I have a wonderful wife who I married in June of 2004, a daughter who was born in January of 2007, and a second daughter, Carolyn Rose, who was born in September of 2009. In April of 2009 I completed my Masters in Education at Washington State University Vancouver; this adds to my credentials of a BA in English, a BA in Humanities, with a major in Electronic Media and Culture, a certificate in professional writing, and an endorsement in math and science for the middle school level. At FFCS I assist the students who are learning online and am also the computer teacher.

We are very blessed to be living in the Pacific Northwest. We see God’s beauty and creation all around us; His divine imprint on each one of us. I hope to instill this love of science as well as a love of learning in each of my students.

I have always loved science. My studies at Biola University and California State University - Fullerton solidified my understanding of Biology. Living so close to the beach was icing on the cake while studying Marine Biology; what a great opportunity to check out the tide pools.

My further studies in Education have given me the tools and resources to be the best educator I can be. I graduated from Washington State University in May 2011. I feel so blessed to have joined the wonderful teaching staff at Firm Foundation Christian School, a group that continues to learn and grow.

God has blessed my with four amazing children. We enjoy a country life, gardening, and a menagerie of critters (chickens, geese, sheep, horses -fostered, cats, and a dog). We can be found exploring nature at the coast, the mountains, or in our own backyard. God is SO good! He is faithful again and again. He has brought us together in this journey.

My name is Tim Snell and I have been on staff at Firm Foundation Christian School since 2010. Currently I teach 6th Grade Math, English, and Spelling; as well as High School Algebra. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of such a supportive group of teachers and staff here at Firm Foundation!
I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2007 with a B.A. in K-8 Education focusing on Science and Mathematics. I am currently earning my M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a reading endorsement from Washington State University.
My beautiful wife Cara and I have been married for 5 years, and we have lived in Clark County since 2009. We attend Summit View Church and participate in a small group learning more about the Bible and God’s amazing works. I enjoy playing guitar, listening to music, reading, and staying active. I also love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and shooting firearms.
I am very excited to have the opportunity to teach here at Firm Foundation, and look forward to getting to know my students and their families!

My name is Marie Hotaling I started teaching at Firm Foundation Christian School in 2009. I am teaching Pre Algebra, eighth grade science, ninth/tenth physical science and health for the ninth and tenth graders. I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to teach here with these wonderful, bright students and encouraging and uplifting staff. I believe that God has led me here to do his work and I am looking forward to a wonderful year.

I went to North Carolina State University and received my degree in Education with a major in Chemistry. I am very happy to be teaching science again.

God has blessed me with a wonderful family. My husband's name is Jim. He is in the Oregon Air National Guard. We have two children, our son James, and our daughter Lauren who attends school here at Firm Foundation. We have a new black lab puppy whose name is Leo. We also have a cat named Belle and a fish named Goldie.

My name is Marie Hotaling I started teaching at Firm Foundation Christian School in 2009. I am teaching Pre Algebra, eighth grade science, ninth/tenth physical science and health for the ninth and tenth graders. I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to teach here with these wonderful, bright students and encouraging and uplifting staff. I believe that God has led me here to do his work and I am looking forward to a wonderful year.

I went to North Carolina State University and received my degree in Education with a major in Chemistry. I am very happy to be teaching science again.

God has blessed me with a wonderful family. My husband's name is Jim. He is in the Oregon Air National Guard. We have two children, our son James, and our daughter Lauren who attends school here at Firm Foundation. We have a new black lab puppy whose name is Leo. We also have a cat named Belle and a fish named Goldie.

Getting to Know Mr. Berg - Middle School/High School Math & Bible

Hi! My name is Peter Berg. I have the privilege of teaching 9th grade algebra and 6th and 7th grade Bible here at Firm Foundation. I love teaching at FFCS along with my wife Cara, who teaches music at our school. I also serve as a youth pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church here in Battle Ground, and I believe that my experience working with children and youth in a ministry setting really compliments my teaching at FFCS. I graduated from Concordia University in 2006 with a degree in Christian Education. I began my work in youth ministry immediately after college and have been loving my calling to serve and mentor young people in their faith. I love the outdoors - fishing, hunting, hiking, or anything that allows me to enjoy God's creation is what I try to do with any free time I can manage to find. Most of all, I find my joy and passion in serving the Lord wherever He leads, and I pray that He will continue to bless this wonderful ministry that is Firm Foundation.

My name is Jake Bechtel. I've traveled the world and have met some of the most amazing people and seen some of the most incredible sights. I am from metro-Seattle and miss it dearly, but I love FFCS and everyone that is a part of this amazing school. I coach varsity football at Prairie High School and love riding my motorcycle year round.

I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a B.A. in Public Relations in 2006, and again in 2010 with a M.A. in Secondary Education. Literature is my passion and I love showing my students all of the most influential writers of the world and what they have done for our society. Without these authors we would be a mundane, colorless world!

I am so excited to join the FFCS staff and work with my middle school and high school students to improve their reading and writing skills. Reading and writing They are all such a blessing to me and I would not trade what I do for anything.

¡Hola! It is a tremendous privilege to be a part of FFCS. It is amazing how God gently guided me to this job. I began teaching at Firm Foundation in the 2008/2009 school year. What a joy it is to teach Spanish for the high school and team teach with the middle school teachers. I have worked in education since 1984, teaching at various grade levels as well as substitute teaching. I received my Bachelor's degree from Andrews University in Michigan and my Master's degree from Grand Canyon University. Our Heavenly Father has blessed my husband, David, and me with three amazing young adult children, Brian, Megan, and Matthew.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1John 3:1

!Que Dios de le bendiga ricamente!

Since 2006, I have been working in a unique and charming upstairs classroom known as The Learning Center (TLC). In a program called ARISE (Actively Reaching Individuals for Success and Excellence), I patiently and enthusiastically guide students as they increase their listening, reading, writing, spelling, and language skills. It is a wonderful blessing to be given the opportunity to work with these students who need additional, individualized one-on-one and small group learning time during the school day. I continue after school with the FFCS tutoring program, which is designed to meet the needs of students who need an "extra boost" in any subject area. I am thankful to be able to pursue these exciting challenges.

Hello! My name is Jodie Workman and I teach physical education classes here at Firm Foundation Christian School. I have been here at FFCS since 2005 and have loved every year. The staff and student's here make this school a wonderful and loving place to work.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart since 1995, and we have three beautiful children who are my life. Our family loves the outdoors. When we are not at a softball or baseball game, we spend our summers camping at different beaches and state parks throughout Washington and Oregon. We love hiking, bike riding, swimming, and taking long walks.

I graduated from Warner Pacific College in 1996 with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. I love Warner, and plan to go back to get my master’s when I have a spare moment. I’m hoping to have that moment before my all my kids are in college. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with your children.

Jodie Workman

I am truly blessed to be the Librarian at FFCS! I have a passion to teach reading and get students excited about reading for pleasure, as well as, purpose. I could not have asked for a more perfect fit than getting to be in the Library reading and encouraging reading to kiddos of all ages. My family has been blessed to be at FFCS since 2005. I've taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Fourth Grade, and Special Education. I am so privileged to teach and have my kids attend a Christ centered school.