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Principal Linda Taber is now in her second year at PSAA.
She has extensive teaching experience including multi-grade elementary, Kindergarten, Pre-school, high school teaching and administration, and adjunct professor for psychology. After 23 years of teaching her passion for Christian education has never been greater. Mrs. Taber graduated from Andrews Academy and attended Andrews University before transferring to Penn State University where she received a Bachelor of Elementary Education, followed up with a Master's degree in Human Services and Counseling. She also received various endorsements, and continues to take classes toward a PhD in Educational Administration.
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Vice Principal Gail Orr is a graduate of Pacific Union College with a BA in psychology. She has taught for 34 years. For the last 11 years she has served as Puget Sound Adventist Academy’s vice-principal, registrar and guidance counselor. She keeps students on track for the required graduation credits and assists them in their pursuit of higher education. Helping students explore career options is rewarding for her.
Ms. Orr's goals for the students of PSAA are for them to discover their spiritual gifts and to explore how these gifts can be of service to others. She says, “I would like for students to know above all else that they are of utmost importance to God - nothing will ever separate them from His love for them - and that He has a wonderful plan for their lives.” |
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Leif Andersen is the physical education teacher and athletic director for PSAA (as well as for KSDA school). He also serves as the ASB sponsor and coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team. Mr. Andersen graduated from Walla Walla College with a B.S. in physical education, and a double minor in religion and psychology. He recently finished a 2-year program to earn his Washington State Professional Certification. Prior to the 2009-2010 school year, Mr. Andersen served 3 years as the 8th grade homeroom teacher for Kirkland SDA school. The 2010-2011 school year will be Mr. Andersen’s 5th year of teaching.
Mr. Andersen has many reasons why he enjoys working in the area of physical education, health and fitness. He says, “I personally love sports and staying fit, and I believe that it is an essential part of living a Christian life. Secondly, I see that our society in general is getting more and more out of shape; we need to make physical activity a daily priority, just like we do with eating or sleeping. After all, our bodies are God’s temple!” (1 Cor. 6:19) |
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Vladimir Bokov holds a degree in theology from Andrews University. In his seventh year at Puget Sound Adventist Academy he is the technology director, and teaches Bible III, Computer Applications, and Multi-media.
His goals for his students include for them to become comfortable in a technical world where everything is going digital. His goals for staff include utilizing the latest technology for the classroom at a highly competent level. He also serves
as a sponsor for the Freshmen class. |
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Anika Clark heads our English and Spanish program, a natural fit for her love for literature, writing, and culture. A graduate of Walla Walla University with a B.A. in English and minors in Spanish, Religion, and Education, she has enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm for academics and exploration in her PSAA classroom these past three years. Language is a particular hobby as well, having a hispanic heritage and spending a year as a student missionary in the Dominican Republic, "Communication is another one of those things that is so essential to success and brings students across borders of many kinds."
An art aficionado, she finds, "There is so much to be discovered and celebrated in our world--I am constantly reminded of Jesus' creative genius every where I look. I sense the same inspiration streaming through our students' writing, presentations, music, and artwork, reminding me that we are His children indeed." Her goal is to keep encouraging and enabling students to develop creatively and analytically, skills that open our minds to the Creator all the time. |
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Melissa Clay, our Chaplain, grew up in the Northwest so naturally she loves being on, in and under the water. This is her second year teaching at PSAA. She is also a PSAA graduate, class of 2004. Since then she has obtained a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) Degree, with a concentration in Management, and a minor in Religion from Walla Walla University. She also spent a year in Pohnpei as a student missionary teaching 1st grade. Her experience as a student at PSAA, and as a student missionary, has given Melissa a passion for missions. Melissa says, “I am excited for this school year. It is my desire to help instill an excitement and a passion in each of my students to live boldly and actively for Christ in each area of their lives."
Melissa teaches Sophomore & Junior Bible, Speech and Journalism, and also serves as JV volleyball coach. |
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Amabelle Diamond - ESL
Amabelle Diamond teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) to students working through the challenges of a second language. Her classroom goal is to develop her students' confidence and proficiency with American English. Her teaching strategy is to make English interesting by incorporating the element of fun for the students.
At La Sierra University, Mrs. Diamond majored in English and Business Education and earned her M.A. degree in education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction. She worked as a substitute teacher at PSAA for several years before joining as a full time faculty member from 2004-2009. After taking a year off, Mrs. Diamond returns to PSAA to begin her sixth year teaching ESL.
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Erin was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, living most of her life on the "eastside". She has over 14 years of administrative experience having worked in several divisions over 13 years at Microsoft as well as most recently serving as the Marketing & Administrative Coordinator for a national member organization.
Erin hopes to bring all her skills and abilities to keep the front office running smoothly and to always have a smile and a positive attitude.
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Jorge Gandara - Math & Science
Jorge comes from the great state of Texas. He attended Southwestern Adventist University and Andrews University. He graduated with a B.S. in Education and an Associates of Science from Collin County Community College. He spent a year and a half on the Island of Ebeye in the south Pacific as a Student Missionary. Not a day goes by that he doesn't think back on that amazing experience. "It was humbling to see God work through me to reach others."
Einstein once said that "math is the language nature uses to reveal itself". His goal is to turn back the curtain and show students the wonderful miracles Math and Science show us about the world, the infinite detail God created to amaze us and organize everything, and to open up the imagination to the things that are possible. His hope is for students to see God's fingerprint on their lives. One of his favorite verses is
Eph 3:18-20.
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Estyn Goss is the musical director of Impact. Mr. Goss comes to PSAA with a long history of teaching at the high school and college level. He obtained a B.A. in Theology from Walla Walla College before earning a masters in Music (vocal performance) from the University of Northern Colorado; He founded and led the semi-pro vocal group Consort Columbia for 10 years before taking a break from teaching. His goal in his 6th year at Puget Sound is to help students develop a lifelong talent and passion for singing. |
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Howard Munson is a graduate of Walla Walla College with a BA in History and M. Ed in secondary school administration. He has taught for 34 years. For the last 12 years he has taught Bible and history at PSAA. Mr. Munson conducts a yearly Washington State History Tour and also serves as the Sophomore Class sponsor.
His goals for his students are for them to know God personally and to share and reflect His love to others. He also wants students to understand history and government so they can become tolerant and responsible citizens. He feels the greatest advantage of teaching in a Christian school is sharing Christ with his students, and watching them grow spiritually and mentally. |
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Doug Spencer - Band Instructor
Doug Spencer is the Music Department Director and teaches band and instrumental music at KSDA and Puget Sound Adventist Academy. He is a graduate of the University of Washington with a B.A. degree in Music Education and has taught for over 45 years. He has taught at KSDA/PSAA for 21 years. His goals are to prepare his students to become proficient on the musical instrument of their choice while introducing them to a variety of sacred and secular music literature for a lifetime of music appreciation and enjoyment. Private music lessons are available at PSAA during the school day if students would like additional instruction. The PSAA band performs at a variety of community, school, and church events. The highlight of the school year is a fun-filled and educational 3-day annual music tour for the Academy band and choir to a variety of destinations. Mr. Spencer encourages you to visit the music department and the school in consideration of coming to PSAA for a Christian education where we share Christ through our musical talents.
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Loren Taber - Algebra I
With 34 years of experience in education, Loren Taber brings a broad background to PSAA. He has served in the Seventh-day Adventist school system in the middle grades and as a Junior Academy and Academy principal.
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As a math teacher he has taught Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 in junior academies and high schools. Math is an important subject that is, according to him, "fun to teach and learn." Through it we can see that God is a God of order. |
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5320 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033 Phone: 425-822-7554 |
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