Meet our new staff
& read our teacher updates!
Brad Christensen – SC Teacher
& Emily Christensen – EC Teacher
My wife Emily and I, along with our kids (grades 6 & 7) are thrilled to be joining the VCS community this Fall. We are new to Vernon, and we are excited to see what God has for us in this new chapter of our lives. My wife and I are both teachers and we have been living overseas for the last 17 years. I first started teaching in 2006, after receiving my Master’s in Teaching from George Fox University in Oregon. Although I began my teaching career in a public school in the US, Emily and I moved to Egypt in 2007, where she worked on a Master’s in TEFL and I taught History in a private British school. We moved to Hong Kong just before the Arab Spring, where we both taught in an international Christian school for the next five years. It was in Hong Kong that both of our kids were born, which means that they have both spent their entire lives overseas. I have worked in IB, American, and British school systems over the course of my career, and have taught mostly Social Studies and Spanish. Emily has taught English language learners ranging from elementary to university age. She continues to work part time, teaching for an online university for adults working on their teaching certification. Our adventures have taken us to Egypt, Hong Kong, Estonia, Italy, and Kenya, and we are now looking forward to adding Vernon to that list.
For the last four years, we have been living and working on campus at a missionary school in Nairobi, Kenya. As a family, we believe that Christian education works best in the context of community. We are excited to get to know everyone at VCS, and to get on board with what God is already doing at the school. For my wife and me, it has been a tremendous privilege to see God at work in the lives of the young people whom we teach, and we both see our careers as a ministry that God has called us to. Isaiah 61:3b proclaims: “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.” God has big plans for the students at VCS, and it is an incredible honour to be a part of that work.
Tanner Piers – Elementary Teacher
My Fiancé Jordan and I are very excited to move to Vernon from Edmonton. We both graduated from King’s University this past Spring. Jordan graduated with a psychology degree, and I completed my bachelor of elementary education. We are getting married this August and couldn’t be more excited about our wedding. We love hiking, skiing, hanging out with friends and family, and playing sports.
Jordan grew up in Calgary, and I grew up in Edmonton. We both had the opportunity to attend Christian Schools growing up. I have a passion for Christian education, and I am very excited to be able to teach in a Christian school. It has been a dream of ours to move to Vernon, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Vernon Christian community. We look forward to meeting you all.
Chris Attwater – SC teacher & Shae Attwater – EC teacher
Our family is excited as we prepare to join your community. For the past three years, we’ve served as missionaries in Africa with Mercy Ships International. Before moving overseas, Shae and I were teachers in Regina, Saskatchewan. We met and married in 2008 and have been blessed with two girls, Araina (13) and Amayah (9). Shae’s son Ethan resides in Saskatoon, where he attends law school at the University of Saskatchewan. We look forward to our move to Vernon and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in church, school, and outdoor activities at Silver Star and the surrounding areas.
Chris’s story: I attended Briercrest Bible College for two years after high school and started working in the trades after college. I tried my hand in the construction industry and then switched to mechanics. My teaching career began in 2003 with a focus on Automotive Mechanics, ADST survey courses, and Special Education. My most recent educational role was as Principal at the Christian school onboard the Mercy Ship. I hold a Red Seal Certificate (Automotive Technician), a B.Ed. (Vocational/Technical and English), and an M.Ed. (Educational Leadership).
Shae’s story: I only wanted to teach from a very young age. It has been a privilege to use the gifts the Lord has blessed me with to fulfill this dream for over 25 years. I have always wanted to serve the underprivileged people in my community and the world. To better understand the issues facing many people living in poverty in Canada, particularly our Indigenous population, I attended the First Nations University of Canada (formerly Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) for my B.Ed. I wanted to learn and grow professionally to support students with learning differences and emotional challenges, so I attained an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology. While serving with Mercy Ships, I have worked part-time in the Academy, most recently providing Dyslexia intervention. For the past two years, I have also been a crew Chaplain.
We both believe in the value of Christian education, which upholds Biblical teachings and principles for upcoming generations. I am eager to work in a school where the powerful Word of God is studied and revered (Hebrews 4:12) and where we turn to prayer (James 1:5) while learning and seeking wisdom, glorifying God, and representing a Christ-centered worldview in all aspects of student life and experience.
Juanita Gomes -Finance Manager
I’m thrilled to be joining the team as Finance Manager at Vernon Christion School! I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Mike Gomes, for 22 years, and we have two amazing children. Levi is 13, attending Claro Life school in Kelowna, and Kensi is 10, attending
Kelowna Christian School. Our children have been in Christian education since pre-school, and both my husband and I are extremely passionate about Christian education being a strong foundation for growth in faith, community, sense of self, and belonging. Our family enjoys camping, a good road trip, and relaxing with friends (especially on a patio at a local restaurant!). You can also find me on stage with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and I’m looking forward to my 19th season with them this fall. I am so thrilled to be part of the vibrant Christian community within Vernon, and to see what God has in store, not just for me personally within this amazing community, but to see how He leads the school into growth and strength. I’m looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you and contributing to the VCS community.
Danica Davison – CEA
Hello! My name is Danica Davison. I was born and raised in Vernon and after spending a few years on Vancouver Island, I am thrilled to be home again. When I’m not working, you can find me at the lake paddle boarding, out exploring a new trail or on a quad at the family farm. Wherever I am it’s certain that my faithful dog, Dakota, will be by my side. I had the opportunity to do my practicum at VCS while completing my CEA course last May and I couldn’t be more excited to be joining this team supporting students in a Christ-Centred community. I am passionate about helping, supporting, and cheering on kids. I look forward to becoming a contributing member of the incredible staff at VCS.
Current staff in new roles
Amber Maygard who stepped into our grade 5/6 just before Christmas last year has moved into a full-time teaching grade 5/6 this fall. We are excited to welcome Amber to full-time teaching at our elementary campus.
Andy Overend who has taught grade 6 for many years will be moving up to teach grade 7 at our Secondary campus.
Rebecca Dickau has been subbing at VCS as an EA for a few years and now has moved into a full-time role at our elementary campus.