Who We Are
A dedicated committee serving our community.
Statement of Faith
The Apostles’ Creed believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, buried; He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick (living) and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic (catholic with a lower-case c refers to the “universal” church which is comprised of all believers in JesusChrist); the communion of the saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Meet the Committee
Dr. Kerry Irish
Program Director, Bible Coordinator
Dr. Kerry Irish is a professor of American history at George Fox University, Oregons largest Christian University. He has taught there for 30 years and still teaches there part time. Last year, he and his wife moved to La Pine for eventual retirement. He believes the Lord has led him to help organize a Christian school. Gaining the support of many people in the home school community, and shaping the school to help serve that community, has been a major goal for many of those working on the project.
Makela Karissa
Marketing/Finance Coordinator
Makela was a Marketing Director at Mentor Graphics for 20 years, before retiring early to live a simpler life. Makela spent three years in Costa Rica working with kids living in extreme poverty and working at a wildlife rescue. Makela discovered her passion for helping others 15 years ago. She has worked closely with Portland's at-risk homeless youth, women in homeless shelters and women escaping domestic violence. She is now a Marketing Consultant focusing on small businesses and non-profits. Her business and marketing background is ideal for establishing effective new programs to benefit the families in our community.
Vickie Irish
Operations Coordinator
Vickie has recently retired. Prior to retirement, she worked for Shari's Management Corporation. During her time at Shari's, Vickie held several positions; but for the last 25 years she served as Vice President of Training and Human Resources. Vickie and her husband, Kerry, moved to La Pine in 2021 where they built a house and now live full-time. Vickie is enjoying retirement, especially having the time to volunteer in the community and work at being the “best grandma ever”.
Cory Graham
Creative Coordinator
Cory is a homeschooling mom of four children ages 16, 14, 8 and 5. She and her husband, Aaron, just celebrated 19 years of marriage. They met in college and both majored in Multimedia Design & Production. Aaron works for TBN and Cory works for a local charter school in media/visual communications. This winter will be their family's second year living in beautiful La Pine after moving from the Willamette Valley. They love being outdoors kayaking, biking and working on home improvement projects. Cory is passionate about sharing resources to help other families gain confidence in homeschooling their children. She is excited to be a part of developing this program to support local families.
Jennifer Dandy
Communication Coordinator
Jennifer Dandy is a first-time homeschooling mom who recently moved to La Pine with her husband of 16 years (Abraham) and 11 year old son (Dylan). Jennifer has 15 years’ experience in manufacturing management as well as manufacturing production sales and technical support services. Jennifer has a passion for mentoring folks new to the workforce, helping prepare them for a professional environment and build confidence as a returning or first-time employee. In her spare time, Jennifer loves spending time with her furry and feathered family members as well as knitting and crocheting.
Susan Allen
Coordinator Support
As a parent, I have experience with my 2 children participating in public school (Kinder-3rd), homeschool (2nd-Senior in High school) and private school (11th-12th). When we homeschooled, I always belonged to some sort of homeschool support group. After 4 years, I enrolled my children in Heart Christian Academy’s hybrid homeschool program (2 days in the classroom & 3 days at home with me). A year later I started teaching 6th Grade. Eventually, I became a board member and in 2005 became the director of HCA. I held that role until my husband retired in June 2016. At that point, we traveled around the country for a 1½ years until we decided to set up housekeeping here in La Pine, Oregon.
I still enjoy working with the children at High Lakes Christian Church by teaching Sunday School, helping with their Kid’s Night Out and now helping with Amazing Grace’s “Create” class.
Mary Douglas
Music Coordinator
Mary recently retired from Liberty Mutual, after a great 41 year career in various management and continuous improvement positions within their Commercial Underwriting Department. She and her husband (David) moved to La Pine in 2018 to pursue his dream of living in the High Desert, and they enjoy kayaking, biking and many other outdoor activities. All of their family still live in the Portland Metro area, including their children (3), grandchildren (4) and great-grandchildren (2), and they visit them often.
Her goal in retirement is to stay active and to strive to be a blessing to others. Mary currently serves as a Trustee at High Lakes Christian Church as well as leading on their Worship Team. Additionally, she joined the Board of Directors at La Pine Community Health Center this year. She is thrilled to be able to use her decades of chorale and piano accompaniment experience to lead Amazing Grace Home School Enrichments Music program. In addition to ensuring a fun and loving environment while learning & performing music, your children will grow in their music theory & music history knowledge.
Darlene
Coordinator Support
Coming soon!
Cindy Lee
PE Coordinator
More information coming soon!
Nancy Walton
Childcare Coordinator
Nancy has been married to Keith Walton (Amazing Grace's Program Liaison) for 40 years. They have 2 adult children and three grandkids (ages 10, 7, & 3.) Keith & Nancy currently help with home schooling them. Nancy gave her heart to Jesus at age 17. She has been serving in the church since then in various ministries to adults, children and nursery. Nancy became an RN in 1987 and worked in medical, surgical and mental health. She owned her own business for 11 years serving DD adults in daycare and respite care in her adult foster home.
Keith Walton
Program Liaison
Keith retired from the Bureau of Land Management in Salem as a forester in 2015 and helped his Wife Nancy with her home-based business providing care for Developmentally Disabled Adults until moving to La Pine in September 2021. When his three grandkids (ages 3-10) moved at the same time, finding an alternative to public schools became a critical mission for the family. Rather than just praying and hoping for a solution, Keith offered to help in any way he can. He now serves as the liaison between Amazing Grace Home School Enrichment and High Lakes Christian Church.