Halle is passionate about kids thriving in community and learning problem-solving skills for life. After receiving a degree in Social Work from Concordia University in Portland, she earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California. She taught fifth grade for five years at Life Christian Academy and then served as Middle School Principal and Upper School Principal, respectively, after completing administrative certification in WA State. Halle’s husband, Matthew, is pastor at the Lutheran Church of St. Paul in Graham. They have two children.
Cindy has worked with various schools and ministries during her career. She has filled many different positions over the years, including art teacher for middle school. She accepted the position as Director of Operations, which allows her to manage the campus and still work in the K-8 office. She is married to Bill who also has a full time ministry in Puyallup. Cindy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, working on projects around the house, and painting.
Libby has dedicated 20 years to Concordia. Prior to having children, she worked for Magellan Behavioral Health in downtown Tacoma. She currently serves at CCA as the high school office manager. A Pacific Northwest soul, Libby loves to spend time with her husband, Mark, their dogs, and their three children; two are CCA alumni and one graduates in 2023.
Samantha grew up in Chicago and relocated to Tacoma in 2020. She was a college athlete and interned for the Department of Advancement at RMU while earning her degree in Business Administration. She is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Tacoma, where she serves as a Sunday School teacher. She enjoys walking her dog, Ruby, with her husband, Daniel, and attending live sporting events.
Evan Arbogast
Evan Arborgast comes to us from Sound Christian Academy, where he served as Assistant Athletic Director. He is a WIAA-certified athletic director with experience in all aspects of the position. Evan lives and breathes sports and is an avid Seattle Mariners fan. He enjoys watching high school sports, working with kids of all ages, and is well-versed in technology. He is excited to join the CCA team!
Tammy has always had a love for children and studied childhood development as far back as when she was in 4H. Tammy previously worked as a teacher’s assistant at Little Lambs Preschool on the campus of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she holds a position on the preschool’s board. Additionally, she volunteers as Chair for the Board of Education at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. After a few years of volunteering at Concordia Christian Academy, Tammy joined the team as Educational Assistant. She is now the first person. you see when you walk into our K-8 office! She loves spending time with her husband and two kids who both attend CCA. She enjoys scrapbooking, crafts of all kinds, camping, archery, and many other outdoor activities.
Darin feels blessed by the opportunity to be at Concordia Christian Academy along with her two children, serving as an Educational Assistant who has a deep passion for nurturing young hearts with care and insight. Darin has experience as a Children’s Ministry Director and Children’s Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, along with years of dedicated service in Vacation Bible School and Awana. She is committed to guiding children in their faith. Jesus thought kids were a pretty big deal, and Darin feels blessed that He has called her to CCA to walk with them as they discover who God has created them to be.
Caron has been working at CCA since 2009. Her experience includes crossing guard, classroom assistant, and librarian. In 2020, she became the bookkeeper and HR manager. Caron has a special connection with Concordia, as she is a Concordia alumna! In her spare time, Caron enjoys spending time with her family and listening to music.
Angie grew up in Mayville, Wisconsin and has 2 sisters. She has been teaching Kindergarten and coaching volleyball at Concordia since 2004. Angie has a passion for young children and tries to create relevant and exciting learning opportunities for her students. Her goal is to help students grow spiritually, academically and socially. Angie is a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and enjoys traveling, watching movies, playing board games and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Jan received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia University in Portland. She later completed her fifth year at Pacific Lutheran University. Jan has taught first and second grades at Concordia and has many heartwarming stories to tell about her experiences with young children. Jan and her husband, Brian, reside in Fircrest with their five children.
Kristine loves to teach fourth grade and finds it rewarding to see the world through children’s eyes. She follows the motto, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” This was the driving force that led her to enter the field of education, so that she could work in a field that she loves, doing what she loves – teaching children about Jesus and the Christian faith. When she isn’t teaching, Kristine spends time with her husband of 27 years and three children. She feels rejuvenated by drawing, painting, or hiking. Kristine is thankful to be a part of teaching the next generation of future innovative leaders and enjoys inspiring creativity in her students.
Ardyce has experience teaching preschool through fourth grade. Ardyce has four grown children. She enjoys time with family and loves to camp, garden, and cook. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and likes to create cards with rubber stamps. Ardyce attends Immanuel Lutheran Church in Puyallup.
Erica began her teaching career with the Department of Defense in Okinawa, Japan. Following her years in Okinawa, she taught in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Flowood, Mississippi, at public, parochial, and private classical schools. Erica is married to an Air Force servicemember, mother of four daughters, and worships at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton. She is also an age-group coach at the University Place Aquatic Club and an active adult athlete. Erica loves school and enjoys teaching and coaching youth, primarily to help them recognize and internalize their God-given gifts and purpose in this life, in various vocations. She believes in encouraging accountability and responsibility and in embracing a growth mindset through intentional, honest reflection.
Jeanna has had the opportunity to teach in a variety of settings including Middle School, Homeschool, Co-ops, Preschool, and Elementary School. Because her husband is a civil engineer/pastor/counselor and currently an active duty Army Chaplain, her resume also includes customer service and business. Jeanna’s passion has always been to cultivate individuals in discovering their passion, giftings, and purpose in whatever circumstance they are placed in. She loves running, yoga, hiking, camping, drawing, writing, restoring woodwork, and learning the culture of WA State. She considers life to be an adventure awaiting discovery and connection.
Nathaniel Gray has run Track and Cross Country for many years. While at Whitworth, he was involved in many campus ministries. Nathaniel has a passion for studying God’s Word and helping students to develop a close relationship with Jesus. His goal is to teach students how to think biblically about their world and stand for truth as they move through their Christ-centered education. In his free time, he enjoys running, lifting weights, and cheering on the Mariners and the Seahawks.
Natasha has taught in preschool, 2nd grade and the majority of her career in middle school. She loves a good book, working in the garden, the beach and taking outdoor adventures with her family. Natasha and her husband Sam have two kids who attend Concordia. The family worships at Beautiful Savior in Milton, where Sam is pastor.
Terry has rejoined our CCA community as he is a Concordia alumnus. He comes to us after 15 years in Cornelius, OR where he taught 8th grade at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School. Terry has worn many hats over the years, including teacher, choir director, audio/visual coordinator, and coach. He is active in music and has served as a contemporary worship leader at several Lutheran churches. Terry and his wife, Cassie, have two children. He and his family worship at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Federal Way.
Rachael taught Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten for many years in the Lutheran School System. Early Childhood Education was her first love as she believes early learning gives students a stronger start. Working with this age group and advocating for her son who has learning challenges, set her on the path to furthering her education in the areas of Early Intervention and Diversified Learning. Rachael has a passion for helping identify learning obstacles and offering positive solutions that encourage success. When she isn’t here on campus, she loves spending time with her husband and two grown children who both attended CCA.
Sherrie Gibelyou
Sherrie has over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience. She has a passion for helping meet the needs of diverse learners and has dedicated most of her teaching career to finding the best strategies for student success. Sherrie has a husband, Tom, and two grown children; both are CCA alumni. Sherrie and Tom are long-time members at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma.
Nate Boyt
K-8 Office: 253.475.9513
Nate’s musical background is vast. A part of performance groups and an accomplished soloist from age 5, music has always been one of his greatest passions. Playing the trombone and singing in concert and jazz choir paved the way for state-level performances both vocally and instrumentally. In addition to his musical talents, Nate is also a master craftsman and professional AVL production technician. He and his wife, Cori, love to play music together while their toddler interpretive dances along!
Kurt Scearce
9-12 Office: 253.284.4433
Kurt Scearce is a native of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Kurt moved from Washington to New York for his Master’s program and lived in many states before settling back in the Northwest where he lives with his wife, Tricia and two sons. His oldest son graduated from CCA in 2020 and the other graduates from our high school in 2022.
Tami Broden
K-8 Office: 253.284-4433
Tami has been an active and dedicated member of the Concordia family for over 20 years. When her son attended Concordia Elementary and Mount Rainier Lutheran High schools, she was a “classroom mom,” deeply engaged with the Parent-Teacher League (PTL) and MRLH Boosters.
In 2016, Tami began teaching math part-time at Mount Rainier Lutheran High School, transitioning to our current location following the merger of the two campuses. Tami brings a passion for math education and a commitment to helping students confidently grasp challenging concepts. She believes that with the proper support, every student can succeed in math and enjoy the process.
Born in Tacoma, Rick returned to the Northwest in 2001 after many years living in California. He has been a teacher at Concordia Christian Academy since its opening in 2003 (then MRLHS.) With a diverse formal education ranging from aeronautical science to medieval studies, he teaches a variety of subjects and serves as the faculty sponsor for CCA’s chapter of the Junior Classical League in addition to his leadership position with the WA/BC Junior Classical League.
Rick is an avid biker and enjoys singing. He worships at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Lakewood.
Nikki Shannon
9-12 Office: 253.284.4433
Nikki came to CCA after teaching English, Journalism, and AVID in the Puyallup School District for 10 years. Teaching is her second career; she served as an Assistant Vice President for a local bank before resigning to raise children. Nikki and her husband have four children and are grateful for acting as guardians for many international students who call them “Mom” and “Dad” as well. In addition to her classes, she serves as a scorer for the College Board’s AP exams.
Anna Faker
K-8 Office: 253.475.9513
9-12 Office: 253.284.4433
Theresa’s heart for Christian education, particularly Lutheran, stems from attending Lutheran schools during her childhood. She answered the call to become a Director of Christian Education, serving in congregation and school settings. She believes that while our life circumstances may change, the identity God gives us does not. Theresa and her family enjoy board games and outside activities. She attends Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma.
Amanda feels blessed to work with a wide range of students in her work at CCA. Amanda has always had a heart for fostering growth. She worked previously in wheat research in Oregon and for WSU’s Oriental plant pathology extension. In her free time, she likes to pick up an instrument, or some knitting needles, or hop on the road for an outdoor adventure!
Kristina is the librarian at CCA, but she has also served as an educational assistant, where she loves working one-on-one with students who need support.
Jan previously worked in the Bethel School District, teaching Language Arts, Social Studies, and Spanish. After a move to Portland, Oregon, Jan worked with students in the elementary ESL program. Jan enjoys working in CCA’s library and motivating students to develop a love for reading! She and her husband have four children and three delightful grandchildren.
Lynn works in a number of capacities at CCA. She assists in classrooms but is also comfortable helping out in the office or in the Extended Care Program. She enjoys students of all age levels. Lynn has two adult children, both of whom went to Concordia before it had a high school. Her daughter is currently teaching Kindergarten in Colorado, and Lynn loves to assist her whenever she visits!
Before God led Montana down the path to care for children at CCA, she was a stay-at-home mom. Prior to that, she spent fifteen years in the healthcare industry. In her free time, Montana enjoys spending time with her husband and son who currently attends CCA. The family loves to explore the outdoors. Montana also assists with Sunday School and VBS at Our Savior Lutheran Church where she and her husband are members.
Staff Member
Occupation
Phone Number
University:
Example University
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in XX
BIO
