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 30 years. They have three children: Brinsley, 28; Gabrielle, 26; and Josiah, 23. 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 28 years to his beautiful bride, Teri. They have three daughters, ages 32, 30, and 28. 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.

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 32 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 35 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 20 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 second year with Skopos, previously, he has taught in 5th through 8th grade.

Miss K will be teaching for her second year in the 1st and 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 enjoys God's creation—hiking and watching sunrises and sunsets. “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 two 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 five years of previous preschool experience, plus parenting and grandparenting skills, to her position as Preschool Teacher at Skopos Christian School. Mrs. Tia and her husband Joseph, married since 1986, have four grown children and one “amazing” grandson. Mrs. Tia assists with Joseph’s construction business. She was born and raised in Texas. However, as the child of a military father, she lived in many different places. Her favorite was the relocation experiences as a child helped Mrs. Tia to learn and to grow and to 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 Preschool 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 14 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. Rylee was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys spending time with her family adventuring, camping, or just staying in for a movie night. She obtained an associates degree at Clackamas Community College before transferring to Warner Pacific University. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. Ms. Rylee has an immense amount of patience and love for children.

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 Clackamas 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.

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.

Sydney was born and raised in Oregon, graduating from West Linn High School. She has worked with children for over 15 years in children's ministry and in her own daycare business. She has been married for 8 years and has 5 children. She and her family attend Athey Creek Fellowship.

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 a calling to work with children. It was in college that Amanda met her husband, and they have been married since 2010. Together they have 2 children, whom both attend Skopos Christian School. We were blessed to find Skopos during the pandemic, it was fate that led us to Skopos, but its the love of the school and community that keeps us here.