Our Staff
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Jill Williams
School Administrator
Jill Williams is a wife and mom of two who graduated from Philomath and is passionate about continuing to contribute to this community. When not working, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with her dog Rumi, taking trips with her family - short or long, filling her house with fresh flowers, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Jill has spent the last decade supporting students preschool through graduate school as a teacher, counselor, and pastor. Her favorite part of education is meeting students where they are and seeing something click when they feel successful, whether that is academically, emotionally, or spiritually. She also enjoys building bridges in the community, and providing resources and support to families. She loves being administrator at Roots and is excited to see how God expands and grows this ministry in the years to come.
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Kim Alston
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Business Manager
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Deena Weeks
Kinder - 2nd Grade Teacher
Deena Weeks is mom to one amazing daughter who will be a part of the Roots student body this year. They are new to the area from Oklahoma, and Deena is excited about partnering with the staff and families at Roots Christian School. When not at Roots, Deena and her daughter enjoy spending time with her great Uncle, the reason they moved to Corvallis. They also enjoy all kinds of adventures. Whether that is a day trip to the coast, a drive to some waterfalls, a rodeo, a fair, or a festival, they love to explore!
From her college years until now, Deena has been in a Christian school setting. She spent her early years as a preschool assistant and the director of the aftercare program while completing her requirements for an Elementary Education degree. Upon graduation, her little school was expanding and was ready to add 2nd grade and this is where Deena would spend 20 years of her career. More recently, she received training to work as an Educational Therapist and has been in a one on one setting working with students in their areas of weakness. It is important to her that her students feel safe, seen, and valued all while learning and growing through a lens that points to God and His Creation.
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Tori Johnson
PreKindergarten Teacher
Tori Johnson comes from a big family! With three older and three younger siblings, all homeschooled, Tori’s home was full of noise, love, and Jesus, and set a strong foundation for the life she lives today. In her downtime, Tori enjoys painting, thrifting, reading, taking trips, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends playing pickleball and taking fun trips all over the world.
Tori has worked with kids in various capacities for more than 10 years. From YWAM, to missions, to nannying, to teaching, Tori has a huge heart for young people of all ages. In addition to PreKinder teacher at Roots, she is Children’s Ministry Director at the Refuge and volunteers regularly with the church youth group. She loves seeing the joy children bring to a room and the way they light up when they learn something new. She loves teaching at Roots and feels blessed to call it her second home.
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Jessi Nash
Preschool Lead Teacher
Jessi Nash is a wife, mother of four, women’s ministry pastor, and early childhood educator. She most enjoys watching her children grow, reading a good book, and deep diving into the Bible. You will most likely find her with something green (her favorite color) in her midst.
Jessi holds her associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has spent the bulk of her career working with ages 2.5 years - 5 years. She approaches everyday in the classroom with the belief that love should be the loudest thing in the room. One of her favorite things about working with children is their child like faith and their sense of wonder. Anything is possible for a child, and she never wants to forget that. -
Madi Conner
Preschool Aide
Madi Conner was born and raised in Philomath, and loves being in a small town community. She lives in town with her husband and her three children. Madi loves to sing, crochet, and is currently trying to teach herself ukulele.
Madi comes to us with 15+ years of experience working with children. She loves spending time playing, learning, and teaching in the preschool. She is excited to be a part of the Roots family, and looks forward to seeing how God continues to grow and strengthen the school.
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Brittany Kinsland
Classroom Aide
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Ms. Helen Atchley
Office Assistant
School Grandma
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Angie Minter
Substitute Teacher