Meet Our Elementary School Teachers
Kindergarten Teacher: Kelli Silaski
Mrs. Silaski has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. She earned her teaching degree from George Fox University, graduating with honors. She worked in the Beaverton School District for five years before coming to Pilgrim .
She believes that children learn in multiple and unique ways and wants her students to be able to express their learning through art, music, social interactions and play. Her focus in kindergarten will be that her students will develop a strong foundation in reading, writing and math to build on as they grow and learn in their future schooling. She is a partner with families to teach and support her students in becoming the person God created them to be.
God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. - Colossians 3:12
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher: Alisa Benson
Alisa Benson joined Pilgrim’s teaching staff in 2014. She taught Kindergarten until the present school year. Alisa is currently teaching 1st/2nd grade. Alisa graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1993 with a BA degree in Japanese Language and Culture. In 1996 she was hired by the JET program to teach English in Japan for one year. Upon returning to the states, Alisa returned to school to receive her Masters Degree in Education from George Fox University where she also completed her ESOL endorsement. Alisa spent four years as a substitute teacher in the Beaverton School District before accepting her position at Pilgrim. Alisa enjoys sports and is currently the Athletics Director. Alisa has three children: Kyle, Julia and Payton. Her son Kyle was both a student and athlete while attending Pilgrim until he was promoted in 2016. Her youngest daughter Payton is currently a student at Pilgrim and plays basketball and soccer for the school teams.
You may not understand NOW what I am doing BUT SOMEDAY, you will. - John 13:7
3rd & 4th Grade Teacher: Jill Davitt
Jill Davitt joined Pilgrim Lutheran School this year as a teacher in one of the 1st and 2nd grade split classrooms. Jill first taught at Pilgrim in 1995 as the 2nd grade teacher before taking time to help raise her family in 2001, at which time she became Pilgrim’s librarian until 2005. In addition to her service at Pilgrim, Jill brings 15 years of experience as an elementary substitute teacher at both Pilgrim Lutheran and the Beaverton School District.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah, 40:31
3rd & 4th Grade Teacher: Diana Visser
Mrs. Visser joined the Pilgrim faculty in 1994. She started out teaching first grade part time. After just two years teaching 1st grade, she moved up to teaching 5th and 6th grade. She spent the next 20 year teaching middle school math and 6th grade homeroom. After many successful years in our middle school hall, Diana chose to move down to teaching a combined elementary class. She was involved with our first multi-grade proficiency based classroom team teaching third through 5th graders. She is now teaching a 3rd and 4th grade group with that same model.
She is a grandmother to two handsome grandsons that live in Omaha Nebraska. She also likes to craft and do projects of all kinds around her home. Mrs. Visser’s two children both graduated from Pilgrim. They are currently stationed in Omaha where her son-in-law serves in the Air Force and her son is stationed in New Mexico where he is also serving in the U.S. Air Force.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10