Faculty and Staff
2011-2012
Susan Baurer, Principal
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Susan Baurer is the principal of Eugene Christian School. She began teaching in 1964 and ECS hired her as a teacher in 1972. She became the principal in 1993. Teaching in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Oregon, Mrs. Baurer has devoted herself to educating children for more than 45 years. During this time she has taught at all levels from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. A graduate of Portland State College, she also completed graduate courses at U of O, LaVerne College, Eugene Bible College, and Western Baptist Seminary. She is married to a pastor-turned-business-owner, and has two grown sons who are ECS alumni, and one grandchild. Since childhood, Mrs. Baurer has always had a great desire to work with children. “I find it exciting and new every day, inspiring, encouraging, and a worthwhile way to spend my life.Children are our future! I believe we should be about the business of educating them for eternity.”
Kimmie Durkee, Pre-K
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This is Kimmie’s first year as our Pre-K teacher and we are excited to have her join our family. She is a graduate of Western and moved to Eugene last year. All summer she has worked as dean of girls at Camp Harlow.
Karina Callahan, Kindergarten
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Karina Callahan taught the Pre-K class last year but has now moved up to Kindergarten. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a degree in elementary education. Karina has been teaching since 1994. For three years she taught in Nebraska, then established her own Pre-K through 4th grade school. Karina also minored in special education and religion. She and her husband, Rob, live in Springfield. Their daughter, Sarah and son Andrew attend ECS.
Judy Buck, 1st Grade
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Judy Buck has been with ECS since 1994. She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten and for the past several years, has taught Second grade. This year, she is teaching our first grade class. Her grandmother was a one-room teacher on the Nebraska prairie and Judy shares her vocation with two sisters, many cousins and even a niece. She attended Boise College and Boise Bible College where she met her husband, Gary, then transferred to the University of Oregon where she received her degree. Mrs. Buck enjoys her family of three grown children and three grandchildren.
Callie Fox, 2nd Grade
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This is Callie Fox’s second year at ECS, but she has been teaching children in all grades from preschool through high school for many years. She received her elementary education coursework at the U of O and finished with a BS degree in Bible and Christian ministry at Eugene Bible College. She recently taught at Life! Lutheran School and Lifegate School. She and her husband live in Elmira. Her two daughters, Betsy and Tiffany, are ECS alumni who have families of their own.
Helen Worcester, 3rd Grade
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Our 3rd Grade teacher is Helen Worcester (pronounced “Wooster”). Mrs. Worcester attended Bible college in Los Angeles and graduated from the U of O in 1975. She taught several grades at ECS before moving to Alaska with her husband, Doug, in 1982. After enjoying many wonderful outdoor experiences in Alaska, they returned to Eugene in 1989. Mrs. Worcester home schooled her four children and taught as a substitute in public schools for several years. Helen especially enjoys Art, Literature, and hands-on activities. Her husband is the pastor of Eugene Community Church.
Pam Bennett, 4th Grade
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Pam Bennett is teaching our blended 3rd and 4th grade classes this year. She taught for many years at Lifegate Christian School in Eugene. Prior to this, she taught four years as a public school substitute teacher. Mrs. Bennett graduated from Oregon State University, and received her Master at Teaching at Pacific University, at the Eugene campus. She has had training with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She has a passion for teaching the love of God to children. Mrs. Bennett and her husband, Luther, have four adult children.
Patty Duncan, 5th Grade
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Patty Duncan teaches 5th Grade at ECS. Mrs. Duncan received her Bible college degree, then spent many years raising a family and helping run a family business. In the late 90’s she returned to school and obtained her teaching license from Northwest Christian College. Her experience includes two years of substitute teaching and one year of teaching Middle School. Mrs. Duncan’s children attended ECS back in the 80’s, so she is right at home here. Mrs. Duncan is a published author, and brings her freelance writing skills into the classroom which ensures many creative writing adventures for the lucky 5th Grade class. She currently has over 250 pieces in print. Mrs. Duncan is also an accomplished artist and teaches after school e-classes (enrichment) in art. “Most of all,” Mrs. Duncan says, “I pray we’ll add ‘precept upon precept and line upon line’ as we fall more deeply in love with the Lord Jesus and His Word.”
Carolyn Hennen, 6th Grade homeroom teacher
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Carolyn Hennen says she has always enjoyed working with children. After babysitting as a young teenager, teaching Sunday School classes in high school, and doing volunteer work in a class for academically challenged elementary age students during her senior year, she felt that Elementary Education was an obvious choice for her college major. Mrs. Hennen attended the University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University in Ashland, and Northwest Nazarene University, where she received her degree. With over 22 years of classroom experience, she has taught, in some capacity, at all Grade levels from Pre-K through 8th Grade. Currently she is the 6th grade homeroom teacher. Mrs. Hennen finds it particularly gratifying and fulfilling to teach in a Christian school, working with parents to prepare children for the future through a Christ-centered, Bible-based teaching program.
Connie Kempf, 7th Grade homeroom teacher
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Since Connie Kempf’s grandmother and great grandmother were both country school teachers, she believes she was destined to become a teacher, too. She says it has been a dream come true to be one at Eugene Christian School. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Rhetoric (Speech & Drama) from the University of Oregon in 1972, Mrs. Kempf taught at Springfield High School while working on an Interdisciplinary Master’s degree in Speech, English and Counseling. In 1976 she received her Master’s from the University of Oregon. For several years during the summer months, Mrs. Kempf worked as a teacher and supervisor in the Talented and Gifted program at the University of Oregon. She has over 35 years of teaching experience and has been been at ECS since 1988.
In Mrs. Kempf’s words, “Of all the places I have ever taught or attended, Eugene Christian School stands out as the best place at which I have ever had the privilege of working and is, I think, the best kept secret in Eugene for high quality education with a Christian emphasis throughout its curriculum. The staff is the best I’ve ever worked with, especially with regard to their level of commitment to Christ and the way they care for their students and for each other.” Connie and her husband, Bob, live in Eugene. Their son, Ted, is an ECS alum.
Bill Altmiller, 8th Grade homeroom teacher, Science, Bible & Math
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Bill Altmiller grew up in the south. His parents were both in education. He is married with three children. His oldest graduated from ECS and recently became an Eagle Scout, and his two youngest are current students. His wife, Terri, teaches an e-class in Ballet. Mr. Altmiller began teaching at Eugene Christian School in the spring of 2003, while completing his degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon. He is certified with ACSI and is teaching math, science and Bible. He says, “Education for our children is my passion and where the Lord has called me.”
Christina Hammond, Middle School History, Computer & Drama
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Chris Hammond teaches computer classes, drama and middle school history. Prior to teaching at ECS, Mrs. Hammond worked in the construction industry for 18 years as an I.T. manager, database manager and accountant. She is currently working towards her masters degree from Seattle Pacific University. Her son, Zachary, graduated from ECS. After serving 3 years on the Board, and assisting with drama productions, she was hired to teach computers and drama in 2000. Mrs. Hammond holds a B.A. degree from the University of Oregon. She and her husband, Duane, live in Springfield and their son is an ECS alum now attending college.
Kristi Parks, Music
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Kristi Parks is our new Music Teacher this year. She has a BA degree in Music from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She taught music at Eugene Bible College for many years before becoming a children’s pastor. She is married and has three children who graduated from ECS. They are currently in high school and college. Kristi has substituted for many years at ECS and has led our Chapel Worship for the last few years. “I consider it a great privilege and joy to teach music and math part time at the school.”
Molly Wymer, Physical Education
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Our new P.E. Teacher is Molly Wymer. She has a Bachelors Degree from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!), and enjoys teaching physical education to our students. She and her family recently moved to Eugene from Sisters, Oregon,where she taught P.E. at Sisters Christian Academy. Molly and her husband have three children, one in college, a daughter, Annie and son Jay who both attend ECS.
Laura Purkey, Capital Campaign Director
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Laura Purkey was hired in July 2005 to start the Development Department at ECS. She has worked in the field of fund raising for many years. Beginning this summer, she took on new responsibilities to lead the Capital Campaign for ECS and help to oversee the move to a new building. Mrs. Purkey’s two sons attended Christian schools so she is a passionate advocate for the benefits of quality Christian education. She was a founding member of Emerald Valley Development Professionals and received the EVDP Emerald Award for Professional Development in 2006. She and her husband, Dan, enjoy serving God, ministering to the poor and encouraging others in their faith.
Becky Harrold, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator
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Becky Harrold oversees the recruitment and retention of families to ECS. She is the “Go to” person for information about enrollment and re-enrollment. She oversees the preview tours and maintains connections with prospective families. Becky’s husband, Cliff, serves on the ECS Board of Directors. They live in Eugene and have two children, daughter Kenzie, and son Trevor who are current ECS students.
Jacquie Strickland, Secretary and Bookkeeper
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Jacquie is the bright friendly voice that greets you on the phone or when you come into the office. She is the ECS receptionist and bookkeeper. Jacquie has worked in various office settings over the years. She volunteered as ECS office assistant for several years and was the substitute bookkeeper before joining our ECS staff in 2006. Jacquie is married to Rob, and a son graduated from ECS and their son, K.J. and daughter, Christine are current students.
Got Questions?
Contact us via email or call 686-9145 to learn more, schedule a school visit, or talk with a teacher!
