Teachers & Staff
Cathy Corder, Preschool Director
Elementary School Teachers
Jeanne Clancy ~ Kindergarten
Valley Presbyterian School is a wonderful part of my life. I have served the Lord at VPS since 1992. I began teaching Kindergarten in 1996 and worked as a paraprofessional for 4 years prior to that. I have two children who attend VPS. I obtained my BA in Child Development and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University Northridge. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve in this ministry.
Connie Fogg ~ Kindergarten
I count it as a privilege to serve the Lord here at Valley Presbyterian School. Since 1998, I have enjoyed the process of helping young students gather the skills they need to begin Reading and Writing. I share the students’ enthusiasm as they learn new concepts in Bible, Math, Science, and Social Studies. I’m proud of our Kindergarten program which balances academic achievement with social development. At the center of all we do, is an appreciation for our Heavenly Father who made all things and who makes learning possible. It is a joy for me to help beginning students get off to a great start of loving to learn.
Mrs. Faubert ~ 1st Grade
(coming soon)
Nancy Roberts ~ 1st Grade
(coming soon)
Kathy Jamison ~ 2nd Grade
I have been on staff at VPS since 1988. My children started in the infant center and graduated from VPS. I teach 2nd grade, supervise Day Care, and assist the principal. I have a BA in English from CSUN. I completed my Masters Degree in Education Administration at Grand Canyon University, and will be receiving an Administrative Services Credential from the state of California in addition to the Multiple Subject Teaching credential I already possess. I have dedicated my life to children’s ministry here at VPS and at my church home where I give a weekly children’s sermon and chair the board of Christian Education and Social Concerns. God has surrounded me with a wonderful family and good friends.
Miss Hedge ~ 2nd Grade
(coming soon)
Yuri Wong ~ 3rd Grade
I have been a parent, volunteer, and most recently, a teacher at Valley Presbyterian School. I have taught both Kindergarten and 3rd grade for a total of twenty years! My involvement in the school goes back 28 years! All three of my children attended our school from preschool through 6th grade. I am grateful for the deep commitment of Valley Presbyterian Church and School to Christian education. My family has been richly blessed through this ministry and it is a privilege for me to be part of it.
Kathy Casillas ~ 3rd Grade
I have been a part of the VPS ministry since 1982. I started working in day care when I was attending college. I then started teaching 3rd grade in 1985. My husband, Marcos, and I have been blessed with two children, Megan and Matthew, who attend VPS.
Laurel Laird ~ 4th Grade
My family and I moved to North Hills from Atlanta, Georgia in 1998. We found Valley Presbyterian Church through the PCA directory. After we began attending church here, we discovered Valley Presbyterian School. I began teaching fourth grade when our oldest son, Addison, began kindergarten in 1999. We also have Griffen, our younger son. I love teaching fourth grade! I have enjoyed our field trips to Big Rock Creek Camp and Sacramento each year. I am thankful for the fellowship with the teachers and staff. I am thankful that God led us here, and for the many friendships that have developed.
Barbara Thomas ~ 4th Grade
I have been involved in the ministry of Valley Presbyterian School since 1976. I have a Bachelors of Arts Degree from California State University, Northridge, a California Life Teaching Credential, and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology, from Grand Canyon University. Affecting the lives of young hearts and minds for Jesus is a privilege and a blessing. My husband, Eric, and I enjoy outdoor activities.
Judy Luedke ~ 5th Grade
Since 1982, I have been blessed to teach fifth grade here at Valley Presbyterian School. Teaching in a Christian school has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me, and since fifth grade was my favorite year when I was going through school, it is a double blessing to be able to teach the grade I’m most passionate about. The special bond of unity in Christ among our staff and school families makes ministering here both a joy and a privilege for me. I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior at the age of seven, when my family moved from New Jersey to California. I attended a Good News Club in the home of a neighbor who wanted to share the Gospel with children in the community. Soon after that, my parents and my four younger brothers became believers also. I grew up locally, graduating from Granada Hills High School and CSUN where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and my California Teacher’s Credential for Multiple Subjects with special emphasis in English. I met my husband Les at church, and we were married in 1968. We now have three grown children- two sons and a daughter- who all live locally and who are loving and serving our Lord along their spouses. They have given us five delightful grandchildren whom we adore. Our youngest granddaughter is currently attending V.P.S.
Ani Dhima ~ 5th Grade
It has been a privilege teaching at Valley Presbyterian School. I will never forget the love and care the staff and principal poured over me the moment I walked in the door in 2001. Coming from a former communist country such as Albania, it has been a blessing to be able to teach and openly share Jesus with hundreds of students. As we start this new school year, I pray that, by God's grace, VPS will continue to maintain high educational standards and touch lives for Jesus.
Shirley Deedon ~ 6th Grade
I began teaching at VPS when my daughter Jennifer was four years old and my son, Aaron was two. They both began their formal education in our preschool and graduated from elementary school here. As a parent, I am thankful for the solid spiritual and academic foundation VPS helped build in their lives. Jennifer and Aaron are grown now! I love this school, the family of faith that supports it, and teaching 6th grade, a pivotal year of preparation for most youngsters. On a slightly different note, I am a Jewish believer, and when I have free time, my favorite recreational pastime is Israeli folk dancing.
Julie Martin ~ 6th Grade
Valley Presbyterian Church and School has been a part of my life since I was born. I am a 1985 graduate of Valley Presbyterian School. I began serving the Lord as a VPS staff member in 1994 as a paraprofessional and day care worker. I taught at our VPS Preschool for a year as well before settling into 2nd grade in 1996. I also assist the principal and serve as the technology coordinator. I attended California State University Northridge where I received my BA in Liberal Studies as well as my Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English specialization. I also hold a Master of Education in Education Administration and an Administrative Services Credential. My grandmother, Margaret Masters, was a founding member of Valley Presbyterian Church. My parents, Darrell and Mary Martin, are active members with me at VPC as well. I have one older brother, Scott, also a VPS graduate. I consider it an honor to be teaching at Valley Presbyterian School and have the opportunity to give back to the place that gave me a solid academic and spiritual foundation.
Specialists
- Geoff Shaw, Youth Pastor
- Dave Augur, PE Teacher
- Cheryl Morgan, Reading Specialist
