Our Middle School Team

Our humanities teacher, Bill Northend, loves teaching.  His various careers found him for five years as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America, 20 years as a stockbroker with Morgan Stanley, four years as a graduate student and 12 years as a Lutheran Pastor.  In each of those careers he had the opportunity to teach.  But he says teaching full time in the classroom is the most fun and rewarding career he has had.  “I can think of no more meaningful challenge than to help young people learn to think deeply, communicate clearly, and become prepared to find their place in the world. To be a part of this Godly work is an awesome privilege - and kids are just great fun to be with!” Bill and his wife Mary (also an elementary teacher) followed their grandkids to Oregon in 2021 after Bill retired from a church and school similar to Pilgrim.  

...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect... 1 Peter 3:15

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.

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