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. 

3rd/4th Grade Teacher

Business Manager

Pastors Gerry and Kim Alston serve as senior pastors of The Refuge, a church they had the joy of founding together. Over time, the Lord expanded that vision to include Roots Christian School where she now has the privilege of teaching the third and fourth grade class. In addition to teaching, she also serves at the business manager for both The Refuge and Roots Christian School, overseeing the practical and organizational side of the ministry.

As a mother of five, Kim spent many years raising and homeschooling their children, which deepend her love for teaching and nurturing young hearts. In the classroom, she strives to create a caring, Christ-centered environment where students feel encouraged, valued, and inspired to grow both academically and spiritually.

Alongside her school and administrative roles, Pastor Kim also serves at The Refuge on Sunday leading the weekly giving segment, a ministry dear to her heart, and serves on the worship team leading the body of Christ into the presence of God through worship.

When not serving at the school or church, Kim enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing with her husband, and spending time with their beloved kids and grandkids. Whatever she's doing, whether through teaching, singing, cooking a meal, or simply being a warrior of prayer and support, Kim is a beacon of light and love to all who come across her path, and it is clear that it is her greatest joy to help others discover the gifts God has placed in them and encourage them to walk in their calling.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

Classroom Aide

Office Assistant

School Grandma

Ms Helen is a dearly cherished member of the Roots team. I'm retirement after 20 years working as an office manager for the sheriff's department, Ms. Helen was looking for a place to serve the kingdom of God with her time. When she heard that Roots was looking for someone to help manage the front office, she knew God was showing her just where to go.

Initially planning to volunteer a few days a week, after just one day, Helen couldn't imagine missing out on seeing students and staff everyday, and immediately began volunteering in the office five days a week. Helen's presence in the office has reinforced and solidified Roots Christian School as a place that feels like home and family.

When Ms. Helen is not spending her time being Roots School Grandma, she enjoys being grandma to three grandsons. She loves to read and play word games, and her happy place is the beach. With her incredible sense of humor and incredibly capacity for positivity and love, Helen transforms every environment she is in. Roots is so blessed to have her and wouldn't be the same without her!

Substitute Teacher