Preschool Team

Early Childhood Director | Preschool 4's Morning Teacher: Julie Bedard

Julie has served as a classroom teacher and Early Childhood Director for over 20 years, the last 3 at Pilgrim. She has a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction.

Her education and experience has taught her that young children learn best through direct experience with objects and people. It is the job of the teacher to set up the learning environment and schedule in ways that lead the children to learning outcomes. She prefers the term "intellectual" to "academic" in that children not only learn facts but also how to think on their own and solve problems. 

In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading, doing puzzles, hiking and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She also serves as the organist at Pilgrim.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Preschool 3's Teacher: Tara Schleef

Tara Schleef received a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University in 2002.

After teaching a year, Tara chose to start a family and went back into teaching ten years

later. She has two adult sons. She has taught at Pilgrim since 2022. Before joining

Pilgrim Tara taught preschool in Damascus, Oregon for 8 years. In her free time

she enjoys scrapbooking, creating cards, singing in a competitive choir, playing Mahjong

with friends, and walking her dogs.

Tara strives to provide the best learning experience by including hands-on learning that nurtures curiosity, inspires a love of learning, and is fun. She believes preschool should focus on social emotional development as much as academics and be messy! Tara loves preschoolers because they remind us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John

4:16

Preschool 4'S Teacher: Carol Ewing

Mrs. Ewing is  celebrating her 23rd year of teaching at Pilgrim; 30 years total in education. She has previously taught sixth grade, elementary music, and taught preschool in Tennessee, Georgia, and even in the country of Kenya! 

In her spare time, Mrs. Ewing loves spending time with her family and friends, going to musical theater, and being “Mimi” to her four grandsons.

Mrs. Ewing loves to see students discover their God-given talents, and their “aha” moments of learning a new skill.

For the JOY of the Lord is my strength. - Nehemiah 8:10

Preschool 4'S Afternoon Teacher: Kiva Jacobs

Kiva’s family moved to Beaverton from California 34 years ago and loves it here! She earned her AA degree from Portland Community College and taught in the Beaverton School District for 12 years. The last eight years, she has felt privileged to be working with the preschoolers at Pilgrim.

She enjoys reading, quilting and gardening.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Afternoon Preschool Aide | After School Preschool Kid's Club: Lydia Thygeson

Lydia studied graphic design at The Art Institute of Portland and enjoys creative projects of all sorts. She has also worked as an assisted living caregiver and child care aide. She has worked at Pilgrim for 3 years and is amused by how much the preschoolers transform during one year.

“God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one mediator between God and Men, the man Jesus Christ.”

1 Timothy 2:4-5

Preschool 4's Aide | Before School Kid's Club: Ellen Coomler

For the past seven years, Ellen has helped as an Aide in Kindergarten and Preschool at Pilgrim. She retired from the Beaverton School District after 23 years of working with Special Needs High School students. She had a grandchild who attended Pilgrim, so was happy to join our staff. She says the most satisfying aspect of her association here is watching these beautiful children broaden their learning skills, discover friendships, and develop empathy and kindness toward each other.

In her spare time, Ellen is an avid “plant lady” who loves birdwatching, walking, hiking, and cooking. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren.

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10

Preschool 4's Aide | Before School Kid's Club : Karen Huschka 

After serving as a stay-at-home mom of 2, Karen worked as an Instructional Assistant for Beaverton School District for 15 years. She is blessed to have been at Pilgrim for 7 years. 

The curiosity, simple joys and triumphs of the children in her care keep her in awe. 

When not at work, she enjoys road trip adventures, reading, gardening and a monthly ungourmet club.

“We walk by faith, not by sight.”  2 Corinthians 5:7

Preschool 3's Morning Aide: Veronica Kaufman

Veronica is a PLCS alum and began working in the preschool in the summer of 2024. Even though this is Veronica's first official childcare job, she has always loved working with children. Her favorite part of working in Early Childhood is seeing how happy the children are to be at school, and she hopes that having a good preschool experience will help them to have a love of learning that will stay with them for the rest of their school years.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34