Our Elementary Team
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 Grade Teacher: Kaylyn Jordaan
Mrs. Jordaan, a passionate educator with a rich multicultural background, was born in Zimbabwe and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Southern Oregon University and is completing her Masters in Education. With four years of teaching experience, Mrs. Jordaan has a philosophy centered on creating a student-focused learning environment. She aims to inspire and empower her students to become the best versions of themselves academically, physically, socially, and emotionally, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Personally, Mrs. Jordaan has been married for three years and is a proud pet parent to an adorable cat named Samantha. She enjoys reading, baking, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new places. Her love for travel has taken her around the world, including two years of teaching in South Korea. Now residing in Beaverton, Oregon, she is excited to discover local attractions and share these experiences with her students, embarking on an exciting journey of learning and discovery together.
2nd Grade Teacher: Jill Davitt
Jill Davitt joined Pilgrim Lutheran School in 2020 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 18 years of experience as an elementary 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
Art Program Director : Sarah Olson
Sarah Olson was born in Invercargill, New Zealand, one of the southernmost cities in the world. Her travel-enthusiast parents took her to many locations abroad, ultimately settling in the United States. She has had the privilege of studying at Parsons School of Design as well as the Art Institute of Portland. An accomplished designer who started out in fashion design and children’s illustration, she transitioned to structural interior design to focus primarily on residential remodels. She has been recognized by the Building Industry Association of Washington and received the 2008 Building Excellence Award for Residential Exterior. Sarah came to Pilgrim Lutheran Christian School by way of her youngest daughter attending Preschool. Shortly after enrolling her daughter it was her love of cooking and her enthusiasm to be a part of the school that she took over the role of “Chef” for the hot lunch program. Her drive and passion for the school ultimately led to developing a robust Art curriculum. As a creative educator, Sarah’s goal is to continue to expose students to various mediums and techniques to further their growth within the Arts.
Music Program Director: Katie Erb
Ms. Erb is excited to join the Pilgrim Lutheran team as the new music teacher. She is a recent graduate of George Fox University with her degree in music (voice). She was very involved in choir all four years of college and received many solos and awards for her singing. She has taught private voice & piano lessons as well as group classes. She is an active performer in the Portland area - most recently cast as “Mabel” in Gilbert/Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. She is the oldest of four and enjoys cooking, hiking, and solitude with the Lord when she’s not singing!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
Athletic Director | PE | Intervention Specialist: 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
Librarian: Lois Linnemann
Lois has been a Lutheran educator for 32 years. After earning her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Concordia University, Chicago; she began her teaching ministry as second grade teacher at a Lutheran school in Ogden, Utah. In 1987, she was called to teach fifth and sixth grade at Pilgrim and was a classroom teacher, both full time and part time, for 9 more years before becoming school librarian in 2005. Lois finds joy in working with children and helping them find pleasure in reading. She and her husband, Mark, were married at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in 1988, and together have three children. All three were baptized at Pilgrim and received excellent preschool, elementary and middle school educations at Pilgrim Lutheran School. She says that the teachers at PLCS gave each of her children a strong foundation academically and in their faith, and prepared them for the rigors of high school and college.
“But BLESSED is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8