Who we are:  Pictured from L-R: front row: Teacher Sheryl, Teacher Veronica, Teacher Kim back row: Teacher Martha, Teacher Krista, Teacher Deb, Teacher Lori  Krista Tjossem, Director This is Krista's second year here at Mustard Seed and she loves the community here! Krista has a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Studies. She brings with her 15 years of early childhood education experience, 5 as a Pre-K Lead Teacher. She has also been the Director of Children's Ministries and Director of Family Ministries at a Beaverton church. She and her husband, Ivan, live in Tigard and have a 3 1/2 year old named Sawyer, a new! (born Nov. 3rd) named Finley, a chocolate lab named Bosco, and a black cat named Bailey. In her spare time, she loves to sing (and is a classically trained soprano), knit, bead, and read. She has recently taken up running and has a couple of 5K's under her belt. Favorite Bible Verse: "It is good to praise the Lord, and make music to Your name, O Most High." Psalm 92:1  This is Deb's first year here at Mustard Seed! She taught the Pre-K class at St. Andrew's Lutheran and had been there for 13 years. Sadly for them (and luckily for us!) they closed their doors due to remodeling and we were able to hire her on as our lead teacher.  This is Veronica's first year here at Mustard Seed as well! She has taught with Deb for the last 3 years, and we are so excited to have the dynamic teaching team together here at Mustard Seed in our Pre-K class!  Kim began at Mustard Seed in January of 2009, so this is her second year at Mustard Seed. She holds a degree in psychology. She and her husband, Howard, have 4 children- ranging in age from 14-21, 2 cats and 5 chickens. Their family lived in Taiwan and mainland China for 17 years as missionaries, helping to establish schools and teach Sunday School for toddlers to teens. In her spare time, Kim enjoys gardening, hiking, drawing, and reading. Favorite Bible Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20  Martha Hansen, 4's Assistant Teacher AND 2 1/2's Lead Teacher This is Martha's fourth year at Mustard Seed and has spent all 4 of her years as the Assistant Teacher for the 4's classes. She has 3 children, ranging in age from 10-18, as well as 3 cats. In her spare time, Martha enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and hiking. Favorite Bible Verse: " He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4 (picture coming soon!) Sheryl Bane, 3's Lead Teacher This is Sheryl's first year here at Mustard Seed and we are so excited to have her leading our 3's. She has spent years in the education field and has also taught Sunday School. She and her husband, Troy, have 2 children- 8 and 14 as well as a dog, a cat, and 4 fish. She says that between driving her kids to sports, piano, and Girl Scouts she doesn't have any spare time! Favorite Bible Verse: "He is before all things, and in His all things hold together." Colossians 1:17  This is Lori's second year with Mustard Seed. Last year, she was our substitute, but this year she's assisting Sheryl in both 3's classes. She and her husband have 2 children, both of which have gone through Mustard Seed :) |