Our
Staff
Evan Chandler, 6th Grade Teacher
B.A. in Elementary Education from Wheaton College
Fun facts: Getting married to a former SMCA teacher in October 2018, has lived in the Portland area his whole life except for when he was in college, serves as a teacher and youth director at The Chapel, a foursquare church in Troutdale.
Natasha DeBenedetti, 4th Grade Teacher
B.S. Child and Family Studies, Portland State University
M. Ed. Portland State University
Teaching since 2009, serving at SMCA since 2016.
Fun Facts: My husband and I bought a 100 year old house and enjoy doing projects together in it, including planting every kind of fruit tree we could find. I have two cats and a Shih-Tzu named Olive. I love drinking coffee and gardening.
Larissa Dorokhov, Russian Language Teacher.
B.S. Social Sciences/ Psychology, Warner Pacific College
M.A. Ministry and Leadership, Western Seminary
Has been with the school since its beginning.
Fun facts: all four children are SMCA students, loves Bible and music.
Mitchell Ford, PE coach and Athletics Director.
Fun facts: loves everything athletic, enjoys teaching PE, serves as a counselor at Eagle Fern Camp.
Christopher Green, High school, American Government.
Education: B.S. in Bible Theology and Pastoral Studies, emphasis in Old Testament
Fun Facts: Certified Police Officer. U.S. Director of NavResponder at the Navigators. Seven years in medical administration and information technology. Loves to play soccer and hike. Loves musicals. Has 5 sons.
Hanna Grishkevich, Principal
B.S. English and German Language, Teaching program.
M.Ed. Dallas Baptist University
Ph.D. in Higher Education. University of North Texas.
Teaches AP English, loves teaching Algebra and PE when trying to lose weight.
Has been with the school since its first day.
Fun facts: Has a golden doodle Vincent, loves coffee, Mexican food, sushi, Oregon coast, values friendship, enjoys classical music, gardening, reading and learning.
Marilee Janzen
Geology, Biology, Pre-Calculus, Geometry.
B.S., Biology Education, Corban University
A.A., General Studies, Clackamas Community College
40 Credits, Linfield School of Nursing
Over 8 years’ experience teaching and tutoring!
Fun facts: I live with my out-of-this-world parents and grandmother in Happy Valley. My sister advocates for the unborn in Austria! My younger brother (in L.A.) is an brilliant engineer. My older brother and sister-in-law are both lawyers. They are raising my adorable niece! It’s a joy to see them often!
I love soaking in God’s Word and other terrific books! Floral design, gardening, and exploring the mountains are other treasured pastimes! Finally, I lead Hope Dealer outreaches the homeless. My street friends are very broken and addicted. Humbly pray with me for their freedom and clarity of mind.
Favorite verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps. 37:4).
Olesia Marandyuk, K4 teacher
B.S. Chernivtsy National University, Ukraine
Daily Communication LLS, Language school, Portland
Teaching at SMCA since 2016.
Fun facts: Likes sports, cats, sweets, and spending time with her family. Likes to begin a new day with an inspirational Bible verse and with positive thoughts.
Life verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Alina Matskevich, Russian Teacher, Elementary Campus
B.S. Philology, Belarus State University
Fun Facts: I was inspired to become a teacher by my favorite teacher. She is long time retired and she lives in another country. Till this day we send each other hand-written letters. The hand-written letter holds more emotion and feeling.
Favorite verse: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12
Karen McCord, Reading specialist, Elementary campus.
B.A. in Art, Lewis & Clark
Master’s of Art, George Fox University
Nannette Miller, VP of Instruction (Elementary campus). 1st Grade Teacher.
B.S. Elementary Education, Oregon State University
Serving at SMCA since 2010
Fun Facts: Loves Gospel and Bethel worship music, Children’s Ministries and going on adventures with the family, went ziplining over the summer outside Yellowstone National Park.
Life Verse: Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Jonathan Noble, 7th-8th Grade Teacher.
M.Div. - Theological Studies (2019)
B.A. - Advanced Concentration in Biblical Studies (2013)
Mr. Noble primarily teaches 7th and 8th grade but also teaches the 9th and 10th grade Bible class.
Fun Facts: Mr. Noble knows how to read biblical Hebrew and Greek. In his free time Mr. Noble likes to read, write, and play board games.
David Perry, 5th Grade Teacher.
B.A. English Literature, Minor in Humanities from Western Oregon University
In addition to his teaching duties Mr. Perry is involved in coordinating and leading chapels at the Eastridge Campus.
Has been a friend of the school and its students since 2011.
Fun Facts: Mr. Perry loves all things Nike, being an Uncle, serving others, drinking Coffee, Running and spending time with The Lord.
Nina Perry, 3rd Grade Teacher
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, Western Oregon University
Nina taught at SMCA Elementary campus from 2011-2016, has served as a volunteer coordinator of student ministry and several other programs over the last two years and is thrilled to be returning as a teacher this year.
Fun Facts: Nina loves being an Auntie, participating in her church worship team, driving her big red truck (whose name is Roman) and is learning Russian!
Evelyna Ravlo, K4 teacher (Thursday & Thursday).
Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and Development - Penn Foster
I am a wife and a mother to two beautiful children. Since a young age, I have had a love for teaching. I love watching children’s eyes light up when they understand a new concept. I am passionate about my relationship with Lord and I strive to have that evident in every aspect of my life. I love to sing, play piano, write, sew, and do anything that involves arts/crafts!
Dylan Sobey
M.A. Biblical Studies- Hebrew Scriptures, Multnomah University (in-progress)
M.A. Biblical Studies- Old Testament, Multnomah University (2018)
B.S. Psychology w/ minor in Music, Western Oregon University (2015)
Certified Professional Bible Specialist, ACSI (2018)
Dylan Sobey (“Mr. Sobes”) is an Old Testament scholar and music aficionado. His 2nd favorite part about teaching is when his students gain a deeper love for God through studying Scripture. His favorite part about teaching is seeing when they live out God’s character in their own lives. He can typically be found studying, playing guitar, or watching sports.
Stephany Strull, Music Teacher, Elementary Campus.
B.A. West Coast Baptist College
Singer, song-writer.
Fun Fact: I lived in Germany for six years because my parents were missionaries there. I write my own music and perform whenever I get the chance.
I love outdoors and anything music related. I also love hiking, reading books and having wonderful conversations with good friends.
Irina Tishchenko, VP of Operations, School Registrar & Secretary, Teacher of pre-algebra.
B.S. Biology, Kyrgyzstan
Has been with the school since its beginning.
Fun facts: spends the most time in traffic out of all teachers. First one to come, last one to leave. Strict and fair. The rock of this school.
Loves dark chocolate and plants (house plants, flowers, shrubs). Dreams to live by the coast.