Teachers & Staff

Skopos Christian School is under the leadership of a multi-talented, energetic “born teacher” Mrs. Shaelynne Wachlin. She taught middle and upper grades for 13 years at a small Christian school. Mrs. Wachlin was a nominee for the 2017 OnPoint Excellence in Education Award. Administrators, teachers, and parents praised Mrs. Wachlin. “No teacher, I am confident, is as creative and resourceful and successful on a very, very modest budget as Shaelynne Wachlin in Gladstone, Oregon,” observed a university education professor. “Her successful teaching is jubilant and frankly sacrificial.” A colleague said, “I have had the pleasure of working with Shaelynne for six years. Throughout that time, Shaelynne has exemplified professionalism, excellence in education, and love for her students…. No matter how much a student may struggle behaviorally or academically, Shaelynne finds a positive aspect of that child and nurtures it. Her attention to detail and unwavering commitment to belief in her students have led to consistently high test scores and leaps forward in academic growth.” Over the years, defiant, argumentative, uncooperative, disrespectful students were occasionally transferred from public schools into Mrs. Wachlin’s class, mid-year. Within four months, one such student was a new person, noticed his parents, friends, and coaches. At year’s end, he was a model student. Mrs. Wachlin, who was teaching a split fifth-sixth grade class, had this “model student” for a second year. He continued his amazing progress, finishing the school year with A's. His parents called Mrs. Wachlin a "miracle worker." At Portland Community College, Mrs. Wachlin earned three Associates Degrees, in Science, Arts, and General Studies. At Western Oregon University, she majored in Elementary Education and minored in American Sign Language. Her passion includes the mission field, participating in eight mission trips to Guatemala and in 29 mission trips to Mexico. She brings mission projects to the classroom as well as to the school. Mrs. Wachlin pours her heart and soul into each of her students, showing them the love of Jesus each day. Mrs. Wachlin and her husband Jed, a retired Clackamas Fire District lieutenant, have been married for 31 years. They have three children: Brinsley, 29; Gabrielle, 27; and Josiah, 24. The Wachlin family worships at Athey Creek Church.

Mr. Taylor was born in Oregon City, Oregon, and has lived there for most of his life. He graduated from Warner Pacific University. He has been married for 29 years to his beautiful bride, Teri. They have three daughters, ages 33, 31, and 29. He also has five grandchildren. Mr. Taylor taught in public education for over 30 years, and recently retired. We pulled him out of his retirement to join us at Skopos, and we are so excited to have him. He enjoys golfing, the beach, and coaching baseball.

Born and raised in Oregon, Haley delights in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest; her favorite spot being Manzanita Beach and Hug Point on the Oregon Coast. She is married to husband, David, and their blended family is blessed with five beautiful children. As both Haley and David are musicians, one of their favorite things to do together is to have a jam session with the kids – family band style! Haley is passionate about music and the performing arts. She graduated Cum Laude from Pacific University in 2010 with 2 Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as a minor in Theater. She works as a private voice instructor, and has also enjoyed being a performance artist, a member of many local bands, ensembles, and stage productions. Haley grew up singing in church and loves to be involved in the music ministry, as well as singing sacred music for liturgical services. In 2018, she began teaching at a local Waldorf school and instructed a variety of classes, including winds, strings, and choir. After five years, Haley found the amazing community of Skopos Christian and joined our team!

Mrs. Stuart was born in Redwood City California, and has lived in Oregon for over thirty years. She graduated from Chico State University in California. She has been married 33 years to her husband James. They have three daughters Mary, Naomi, and Sarah. Mrs. Stuart also has five grandkids. She loves swimming, reading, the beach, and most of all spending time with her family and friends. She has attended Calvary Chapel Southeast for most of her adult life.

Mrs. Ferdinand was born in Silverton, Oregon and raised in Milwaukie. She graduated from Rex Putnam High School. She is a wife of 36 years, mother of 2 children, and grandmother to 6 amazing kiddos. She has been in the education field, in one form or another, for over 21 years. She enjoys teaching and watching the minds of the kiddos flourish and grow. She loves the Oregon Coast and goes there as often as she can. Depoe Bay is a favorite spot, and she loves to watch the Spouting Horn and eat at Gracie's Sea Hag. She enjoys BBQ's and game time with family and friends.

Mr. Ferdinand was born in California but has spent most of his life in Oregon. He served in the military, worked in youth ministry, led Bible studies, and foster-parented for 5 years. Mike and Shirley, married since 1987, have two grown children and six “beautiful” grandchildren. “I have a heart for youth and look forward to working with your children at Skopos Christian School,” said Mr. Ferdinand. This is his third year with Skopos, previously, he has taught in 3rd through 8th grade.

Miss K will be teaching for her third year here, in the 2nd grade classroom. Her prior experience included classroom assistance, tutoring young children, and helping students achieve their academic goals in fun and creative ways for 6 years. In her free time, Miss K and her husband enjoy God's creation—hiking and watching sunrises and sunsets with their one year old puppy. “I look forward to sharing my love for God and working alongside Skopos Christian School students, staff, and families,” said Miss "K."

Mrs. Heidi brings over a decade of instructional experience to Skopos Christian. She worked at a local Christian school for nine years in a variety of capacities: preschool assistant, teacher assistant, recess monitor, and lunch program coordinator. She was also the educational coordinator at Children’s World Learning Center for 5 years. Mrs. Heidi is a native of Portland, Oregon, graduating from Rex Putnam High School. She and her husband Bruce have been married since 2001. They have three beautiful daughters. The Koch family helped start a church plant called The Hub NW. They meet in person and broadcast on Facebook live. In doing so, they have reached people all across the U.S. and even have a few watching from Jamaica. They are truly blessed by all that God is doing in their lives. The Koch family motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, You.

Mrs. Tia brings seven years of previous preschool experience, plus parenting and grandparenting skills, to her position as Kindergarten Teacher at Skopos Christian School. Mrs. Tia and her husband Joseph, married since 1986, have four grown children and one “amazing” grandson. She was born and raised in Texas. However, as the child of a military father, she lived in many different places. Her relocation experiences as a child helped Mrs. Tia to learn, grow, and adapt to new schools and new people. “I know firsthand how important the first learning environments are. As one of your child's first teachers in life, I pray that Skopos Kindergarten will be a fun, positive experience and that your child will develop a love for school,” said Mrs. Tia. “I look forward to getting to know each precious child and each parent. My goal is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in my students.”

Mr. Phil lives with his wife in Oregon City, and has had an extensive career as a school music teacher, church musician, and former pastor. He is an Iowa native who graduated from Westmar College (formerly in LeMars, IA). Before retiring, Mr. Phil was the staff accompanist at Wayne State College (Wayne, NE) and the pastor of a local Assembly of God Church. He also works in the Metro area as a freelance accompanist for school concerts and musicals, as well as a piano soloist and substitute church keyboard musician. For the past 15 summers, Mr. Phil has served at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference as one of the Conference musicians. He and his wife Sherry have one married son who lives in Canby with his wife and their two sons.

Ms. Noelle was born in Oregon and lives with her family in the rural Clackamas area. She was home educated, along with her two brothers, and participated in co-op groups. She took science labs at Mt. Hood Community College. She enjoys working at camp, theater, and art. One of Ms. Noelle's favorite things to do is read, and she enjoys a large variety of genres. “I love watching the kids grow with God and watching their relationships with each other grow,” says Ms. Noelle. She is excited to be planning her wedding for next summer.

Ms. Victoria describes herself as a “kid at heart.” She still enjoys youthful games, such as Pokémon Go. Before joining the Skopos Christian School staff as Preschool Assistant, she worked in childcare for 9 years. Not venturing far from her childhood home to Skopos Christian School, Ms. Victoria was saved and baptized at Wichita Evangelical Church in Milwaukie. She testifies, “I have always had a strong relationship with the Lord. I talk with Him every day.” During non-school hours, Ms. Victoria enjoys listening to podcasts and watching Anime (Japanese Cartoons). She works out regularly, including walking and bicycle riding. She feels privileged to work with little ones at Skopos.

Ms. Amanda was born in San Diego, California. A few short years later, her parents moved to Southern Oregon. Amanda spent her childhood in Ashland, but it didn’t take long until California called her back, where she attended a boarding school for high school. After high school, Amanda moved to Portland and attended Portland State University. She received her degree in Child and Family studies, and has always had a passion and calling to work with children. It was in college that she met her husband, and they have been married since 2010. Together, they have 2 children, whom both attend Skopos. “We were blessed to find Skopos during the Pandemic; the love of the school and community is wonderful.”

Miss Lauren was born in Oregon City, Oregon, where she still lives with her parents and three siblings. Before she graduated from Clackamas High School, she took an early education class where she had the privilege of volunteering in a preschool. It was there that she realized she had a passion and calling for working with children. Miss Lauren has a heart for children and loves watching them grow academically, relationally, and spiritually. Proverbs 31:26 says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom and teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” This is how Miss Lauren strives to teach and help here at Skopos. She loves swimming, camping, boating, music, animals, being with friends and family, and most importantly, God. She currently attends Athey Creek Fellowship.