Yakima Adventist^® Christian School

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Principal

Principal

principal@yacsschool.org

Bio

Kimberly Brownlee, A.s.

Office Manager & Substitute Teacher

office@yacsschool.org

I was born and raised in the Yakima valley. I spent my childhood on our family farm planting, harvesting and selling produce. We also raised a substantial heard of cattle and a small flock of sheep. I was always drawn to the chores that involved the animals which eventually led me to a career in the veterinary world. After high school I pursued my A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology and worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in both large and small animal specialties for 8 years. 

My husband and I were married in 2010 and welcomed our first of three sons in 2014. By this time I had left the veterinary world behind to help run the family farm. I wore many hats around the farm, but my favorites were being in the field harvesting produce and working cattle. The greatest benefit of the farm was having my children right along side me and I loved every minute of it, but when it came time for our oldest to attend school I found myself drawn to be where I could be with him. That led me back to YACS, where I have been the Office manager for the last 3 1/2 years. 

I have loved my time at YACS. I love watching the students grow each year and build their relationships with each other and with Christ. It is such a privilege to be a part of my sons school and to work with all these great kids and amazing staff.  

Jodi Genson

Secretary & Substitute Teacher

Office@yacsschool.org

Heidi Ruud, A.s.

Pre-Kindergarten Director

Mrs.Ruud@yacspreschool.org

I graduated, in 1996, with a degree in nursing and worked as an RN until I had children. When my children started school, I realized I loved being here at the school and helping in the classrooms. I went back to school to take the education classes I needed to be the Preschool Director when YACS launched the preschool program. I have been teaching now for 10 years. It is so much fun! 

My husband, Eric, and I got married in college and have two adult children and a wonderful daughter-in-law.  Our son, Andy, is a state auditor for public businesses in the Spokane area.  His wife, Emma, is almost done with her PT doctorate program.  And our daughter, Alyssa, is a massage therapist in Spokane.  My family is the joy of my life.

My vision for Pre-K is to prepare kiddos for Kindergarten, but most of all for Heaven. When they leave our program, my goal is for them to be sounding out words, counting to 20 and doing simple addition, introduced to a love of science and social studies, but most of all equipped with a love and friendship with Jesus.

Click Here to Learn More about PreKindergarten

Holly Tanner

Kindergarten Teacher

Kinder@yacsschool.org

I am so excited to be the kindergarten teacher again this year at YACS. We are going to have all kinds of fun while we learn to read, work with numbers, and learn about the world around us, all while learning about Jesus and how to be more like Him. 

This is my sixth year teaching kindergarten. Before that I taught preschool for 5 years. Prior to working here at the school, I was a stay-at-home mom. I loved being home with my little ones and now I love spending my days with the young students at YACS. I am married to Russ. We have four kids: Aja, Braden, Chase, and Darian. I have lived in the Yakima area most of my life. Most of my family lives nearby and I like that. Holidays and special occasions are always memorable when there is plenty of family to share them with. I like reading, cooking, and playing games with my family. A good hike in the mountains always makes the day better too, especially if there is a lake or waterfall involved. I enjoy being in the beauty of God's nature. It helps me feel peaceful and reminds me how much He truly loves us because He made beautiful things for our enjoyment.

My vision for kindergarten is that it will be a classroom where a love of learning is developed and a love of Jesus is lived.

Click Here to Learn More about Kindergarten

Carol Hartzell, B.S.

fIRST AND sECOND gRade Teacher

teachercarol72@gmail.com

Why I chose Christian education: My dad was a teacher and I loved helping as a student tutor and grading papers. But when I went to college I wanted to do something different so I took Genetic Counseling. Almost daily classmates of mine would ask me if I was taking Elementary Education. After answering that a few hundred times I changed my major to Elementary Education and have been teaching for over 21 years now. 

Click Here to Learn More about First and Second

Tiffany Waymire, m.a.t.

Third and Fourth Grade Teacher

3and4@yacsschool.org

Hi, my name is Tiffany Waymire. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life. One of the aspects I enjoy most about our community is the changing of seasons. Summer is fun because it is
hot, sunny, and filled with outdoor adventure opportunities. Autumn-spring are great because it is cold and sunny, but more importantly school is in session! I am blessed beyond measure to have a
job I look forward to every day!

I am a graduate of Walla Walla University with both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. I began teaching at YACS in 2008. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my husband, spending time with family and friends, reading, and working on a wide variety of “projects” at home and school.

In our class family, we embrace the personality each of us brings to the classroom as we learn academically, and grow socially, physically, and spiritually. I enjoy teaching all subject areas, but my favorites are Bible, math, science, reading, and art. I refer to my scholars as “my kids” because during our time together they each make permanent footprints on my heart. They continually show me new perspectives, share the different faces of God with me, and are a constant reminder of what is truly valuable and important in life.  I consider each of them a priceless treasure!

Click Here to Learn More about Third and Fourth

Melissia Wallen

Fifth and Sixth grade teacher

Jeff Wallen

Seventh and Eighth grade teacher

Douglas Hartzell, b.a.

Ninth and Tenth Grade Teacher

dchartzell@hotmail.com

When I was a student in high school, I felt called to ministry. I studied Theology for 3 years but soon discovered that ministry is broader than just pastoral ministry. Teaching and working with young people leading them to a saving relationship with Jesus became my mission and I have been in education for over 21 years now. 

Some fun facts about Mr.Hartzell:  He and his family lived in East Africa for 6 years. When he was in high school he worked in Alaska fishing for salmon and delivering fuel to outlying villages. 

Click Here to Learn More about Ninth and Tenth

Tiffany Stratte,  M.ed.

Elementary Music Pk-6

music@yacsschool.org

Tiffany Stratte has a B.S. in Liberal Arts Education and a M.Ed. in Literacy Instruction. She has taught at YACS since 2010 in various positions, most recently as the lower grade music teacher for grades Pre-K through fourth grades and the volunteer assistant library teacher for all grades. 

Here are some fun facts about Mrs. Stratte! She lived in Asia as a child and loves learning about and visiting other countries! She’s been to 10 countries and enjoys collecting items from other countries and cultures. In addition, she loves spending time in nature and has climbed to the top of two different volcanoes multiple times, one in Washington State and the other in the Philippines. 

Mrs. Stratte is excited about another great year at YACS!

Ella Wallace

Teachers Aid- Kindergarten & Kidzone 

Emma Wallace

Teachers Aid- 1st & 2nd Grade

Thalia Duim

PK Lead Teacher

markus mcintyre

Facility Manager

maint@yacsschool.org

Cyrus Duim

Grounds Keeper, Teachers aid - 3rd & 4th grade & Elementary Pe Teacher

Madison Mcintyre

KidZone Director

Audrey Bigelow

Accountant

YACSFINANCE@gmail.com

Joe Stratte

information TECHNOLOGY Director

IT@yacsschool.org