Livingstone Adventist Academy
STAFF
George Personius
Principal
Welcome,
For those of you new to Livingstone Adventist Academy let me extend a warm welcome to you.
Livingstone Adventist Academy is a special place that offers rich and meaningful experiences for its students. Our staff is here to inspire students to know God, seek wisdom and serve others.
This is my fourth year as Principal of Livingstone Adventist Academy, 13th year as a Principal and 36th year in education.
Prior to working as a Principal, I worked as a School Psychologist in the Public School system in Southern California and Southern Oregon for 22 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree at Walla Walla University in Psychology and minor in Biology. Soon after, I earned a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling and Guidance and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Loma Linda University.
I have been married to my wife Michelle for some 31 years and have three children. My oldest son and daughter are attending Walla Walla University. My youngest son attends Livingstone Adventist Academy as a Junior in high school.
This has been a trying time for schools and families trying to navigate through Covid-19 pandemic. We pray that disruptions from Covid will begin to subside this school year and that our students can return to a semblance of normalcy. Our staff look forward to serving and providing excellence in Christian education to your children.
Again, welcome to Livingstone Adventist Academy and to the 2021-22 school year.
Sincerely,
George Personius
Peggy Kroschel
Treasurer/ESL Instructor/Custodial Supervisor
I endeavor to bring sunshine into my life with my radiant smile. A smile which permeates by very being for two reasons: my love for Jesus in all I do and my love for my two sons. Both of my sons graduated from LAA and who are now both attending Walla Walla University. My sons are the true joy of my life.
I thank the Lord daily for my good health which allows me to have the energy to wear the many hats here at LAA. Also, to have the energy to pursue the other interests in my life. I enjoy gardening, whale watching, spending time with my family, and being outdoors.
I was born in California and at nine my family and I moved to Washington State where I eventually attended Walla Walla College (now university). My studies were in office administration having received an Associate of Science Degree. I have lived in the Salem area for the past 30 some years home schooling my boys, working as a payroll clerk, and now wearing the many hats here at LAA.
My goal is to truly live the motto of our school: To Know God, To Seek Wisdom, and To Serve Others.
Peggy Kroschel
Finance Department
Yesenia Ortega
Office Manager
Yesenia Ortega joined our team in the summer of 2022 to serve as the office manager here at Livingstone Adventist Academy. She brings years of experience in both the private school setting and in office management. Yesenia has two children of her own who are currently in middle school here at Livingstone and is married to Pastor Daniel who currently serve as the Family and Children’s Director of the Oregon Conference. Yesenia enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family, cooking, and relaxing by the fireplace.
Dean Carpenter
Director of Maintenance
I am the maintenance man. I began at the Oregon Conference campground and have worked at many of our Adventist locations including Laurelwood Academy and Milo Adventist Academy. I have also spent time working in the public school system. I am a hard worker, and have a huge breadth of knowledge. I belive in doing a job right the first time. I've also taken to keeping our school glued together as we build our new one!
My wifes name is Sharon and I have two kids. My son is Josh and my daughter is Sandy. I enjoy taking vacations at the beach.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Stacey Perry
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Hi, I’m Stacey and I love teaching little learners! For 21 years, I have taught all over the Portland/Salem area, including LAA from 2010-2013. I am so excited to be back and ready for new adventures with my Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. My favorite part about the age I teach is watching young learners explore new ideas with so much excitement and energy. I hope to provide a classroom where students can develop a love of lifetime learning.
I grew up in the California Bay Area and attended Monterey Bay Academy and Pacific Union College, where I graduated with my degree in Early Childhood Education. After our wedding in 2000, my husband and I moved to Oregon, where we have lived ever since. We love exploring our beautiful (adopted) home state. When not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ted and our dog, Milo. I also enjoy reading, running, cycling, kayaking and watching a healthy balance of football and Hallmark Christmas movies.
Sherry Galvez
First and Second Grades
I have used the last 20 years since college to teach grades K-3rd and working as a social worker for the State of Oregon. I jump out of bed with a smile on my face each morning because of the positive difference I'm able to make in the lives of children and young people.
Teaching is more than just a job. I'm on a mission to impact and touch lives, to create smiles on other’s faces and to reflect Jesus to those around me.
When I'm not teaching, planning or organizing you can find me whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen, listening to oldies music, playing in the sprinkler in the backyard, walking around barefoot, doodling, dancing in the rain, singing in the shower and hugging my husband. Other past-times include answering the question “why” for the eleventy-bajillionth time, wiping little noses, playing with dolls and snuggling with my two young daughters.
Nenette Sequeira
Third and Fourth Grades
My name is Nenette Sequeira. I go by Mrs. S, or Mrs. Sequeira in the classroom. I grew up in Northern California. I went to Rio Lindo Academy for High School. I love to travel! I graduated from Walla Walla University in 1991, with a B.S. in Elementary Education and French. This is my eighth year teaching full-time. I have done substitute teaching in public schools and Adventist schools. My husband and I taught in China for 2 years before coming to Salem in 1994. We have: 4 children: Jazmine, Parker, Shasta, and Luis; Two goats, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 reptiles.
Sharon Cutz
Fifth and Sixth Grade
I’m Sharon Cutz, and I’ve been teaching middle school at LAA for 13 years. I grew up in the Portland area as the third of four siblings, all girls. I encountered Christianity as a young adult, being baptized at age 23. My husband, Dave, and I have two adult children. Yard work, running, and reading are some of my favorite activities. My next adventure is to visit Yellowstone National Park.
After raising my children, I attended Western Oregon University, graduating with a major in elementary education with an an endorsement in middle school mathematics.
De'Armond Mitchell
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Hello! My name is De’Armond, I graduated from Southwestern Adventist University in 2017 and I have been teaching now for 5 years total. My first 4 years I spent teaching high school in both Arlington Texas and then in Albuquerque New Mexico. I have taught History, English, P.E. as well as electives like Culinary arts, and Archery. I love getting to work with young people and give them opportunities for experiencing new things and getting to know God through all the awesome stuff that He gives us the abilities to do.
I lived in McMinnville from when I was 7 till 15, so coming back to LAA feels like coming home for me. I am an avid outdoorsman that loves to camp, hike, mountain bike, fish and bowhunt. I also love to snowboard as much as I can all winter. I am a complete sports junkie with loyalty to the Blazers, Ducks and Seahawks. When not running around in the woods you can find me at home cooking, reading, or when I have the free time playing video games. I am beyond excited to be a part of the LAA family and be here to serve your kids.
HIGH SCHOOL
Kirk Betz
Math, Religion II, and Chaplain
Hello friends! I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, graduating from Walla Walla University with a bachelor's degree in engineering with minors in math and business. I met my wife, Christine, during college while working at Sunset Lake Camp in the Washington Conference. I was later hired full-time as Sunset Lake's Camp Manager and Associate Director. After the birth of our son, we moved to Portland to be closer to family. I worked as a general contractor and Christine continued to work in graphic and web design. We now live in North Salem and have two children, Mack and his sister Brooke.
Chaplin and Math teacher, as different as those may seem, is not a type. God has used a comfort zone like mathematics to draw me into teaching and preaching. he has used my curiosity for the unknown to seek a knowable God. I pray God will use the passion and interest He has put into your heart to create a closer relationship with you. I look forward to meeting you!
Katrina Koch
English, Music
Hi, I'm Katrina. I have been a teacher since 2004, teaching in Oregon and Indiana. I teach elementary music, choir, select choir, praise, bells/chimes, and high school English. I have spent some time teaching piano and voice lessons privately, and some time just being Mom. I grew up in La Grande, Oregon. I received a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a minor in English from Walla Walla College (now University) and a Masters in Choral Conducting from University of Oregon. I am certified in Orff-Shulwerk Level One and am actively pursuing more training and instruments. I play piano, trumpet, French Horn, and a little clarinet, violin, and flute. I'm currently exploring recording and audio mixing. I also enjoy sewing, composing music, creative projects, and playing games. I am married to Lorin, who also teaches here at LAA. We have two daughters
Lorin Koch
Registrar, English, Computer, Bells
Hi, I'm Lorin. I have been a teacher since 2004, teaching in Oregon and Indiana. I have taught Bible, history, English, computers, and instrumental music. Currently I teach English, computers, and direct the LAA handbell group. I grew up in Honolulu, HI, and Walla Walla, WA. I received BA (Communication Media & Religion) and MAT (Instruction) degrees from Walla Walla College (now University). I am the son of two music teachers, and enjoy being involved in music of every type. I also enjoys reading, playing sports, and sharing puns. I am married to Katrina, a music teacher. We have two daughters.
Oscar Hernandez
Spanish
Bio to come
Miranda Wood
Religion, History, P.E., Health, Active Living
Mrs. Wood grew up on a small farm with her four siblings in southeastern Montana. She felt the call to pursue working in education when she was a young teen and saw the impact that an Adventist school in Honduras was having in the lives of her friends and in the spread of the gospel mission. During her years in college she worked four years overseas in Cambodia spending her time there between working in small villages and large cities. After returning to the states she pursued a degree in Religious Education at Southern Adventist University while also completing her M.A. Ed. from AIIAS with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Wood and her husband, James, enjoy being outdoors and share the hobby of photography. They fell in love with Oregon during a “honeymoon/photography” trip down the coast.
Robbie Wheeling
Science, Robotics, Gardening
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I graduated from Walla Walla College with a bachelors in biology and a masters in biology with a focus in marine biology. I have taught for Thirteen years in both Oregon and Washington. I enjoy a large variety of science classes and love sharing my passion with others. I enjoy teaching several more specific classes and electives such as robotics, gardening, marine biology, forensics, and anatomy and physiology.
