ST JOHN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOLS - Key Persons
This is Mrs. Green's 13th year at SJLS. After spending 11 years as a 3rd grade teacher she traded in Expo Markers for tennis shoes and teaches Physical Education for Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Mrs. Hoffman enters her 10th year at SJLS and is also one of our girls' Volleyball coaches. Her dogs are just as adorable as her kids and enjoys spending time with all of them.
Mrs. Allio enters her 2nd year teaching at SJLS. She has taught pre-k (ages 2-5), Intervention K-6, 3rd grade and 5th grade. She is married, and has 3 children, 2 of which attend St. Johns. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Mrs. Pettichord joins our St. John's team after many years at Stockdale Christian. She and her husband have three children, one of which attends SJLS. We are blessed to have join our teaching team this year!
Mr. Williams is a renowned musician and trumpet player. He shapes musicians of the future and also serves on the church ministry team. He enjoys being a new dad to son Colby. He is also a member of the accomplished group Mento Buru.
Chanda Klein begins her 3rd year in the Extended Care program. She loves to bake and enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves rainy days and Christmas is her favorite holiday. She and her husband have three dogs and a beautiful daughter that attends SJLS.
This is Cody's 4th year working at St. John's and his first year in the Security Department. In his free time he enjoys hiking, hunting, and spending time with his wife and their dog Grace.
Teaching young children has been my dream and calling as long as I can remember. I have had the joy and privilege to be in ministry to young children at St. John's for over 40 years. When not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have two adult children who live in different parts of the state. My constant companion is my "fur baby", Milo.
Mrs. Baraibar enters her 7th year teaching Art at SJLS. She and husband have two boys in high school who are alumni of St. John's. Originally from Mexico, she has lived in Bakersfield for 15 years. She is into triathlons at this moment.
Mrs. Wren is starting her second year of working at SJLS. When not at work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Grace.
Job Titles:
- Junior High / Athletic Director
Mr. Hoffman enters his 10th year at SJLS, from Arizona originally. He runs the athletics department including Football, Basketball and Volleyball.
With youthfulness and vigor, Mr. Anwyl has been serving St. John's since 2018. In addition to his leadership duties at St. John's Lutheran School, both of his children attended SJLS and are now attending Bakersfield Christian High School. Mr. Anwyl enjoys reading, worship music, playing the guitar, golf, basketball and loves to spend quality time with his family.
Mrs. Peyton starts her second year teaching at St. John's after many years teaching in Tehachapi. She coaches football and enjoys running. She and her husband have three beautiful children that attend SJLS.
Mrs. Bowman was born and raised in Bakersfield. She received her teaching credential and Master's Degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in Bakersfield. I have been teaching for 21 years. I started at St. John's in January of 2013. I love being a teacher. I have such a passion for teaching children to be lifelong learners and lovers of Christ.
Job Titles:
- Technology / VE - JV Teacher
Jason Weiss enters his 12th year of teaching. He taught for 7 years in Junior High before moving to 5th grade for 3 years, and now enters his 2nd year of teaching technology. In his free time, he loves to golf, spend time with my family, or learn something new he can incorporate into his life or classroom. He and lovely wife have two children, Hudson and Harper. We love watching them grow with their faith in Jesus Christ daily.
Job Titles:
- Upper School Principal, Grades 4 - 8
Mrs. Ellis has enjoyed the journey to where she feels God has lead her. She always wanted to work with children and went to school at Cal State Bakersfield for her Liberal Studies Degree and enjoyed furthering her education at Point Loma University. She started teaching in Arvin at Haven Drive Middle School Math and Science as a special education teacher in 2005. Then her biggest dream came true. She and husband, Brandon, had their son Thomas Jayce (T.J.). Brandon and Jenny have been married for over 22 years. They love to get away as a family and go camping. Their son T.J. graduated SJLS and is attending BCHS. He started at our pre-school at age 3 and 1/2 which guided her to St. John's. She started subbing in and then joined the Jr. High team teaching Art. She has also taught PE, History and Math. Around 2015, she was asked to start a Resource program at St. John's which began with giving support in reading with the lower school and now has grown to include an awesome team that supports K-8th grade students. She loves what she does and feels blessed to be a part of the St. John's family.
Job Titles:
- School Administrative Assistant / Scrip
Mrs. Cleveland came to SJLS in 2022, after a 20 year career with the County of Kern. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband their two high school seniors. Always busy and serving Band Boosters, she loves traveling, riding Harleys, visiting her grandkids, and playing with her 3 dogs Bonny, Bridget, and Buckley. Ask her about her many lives in color guard, roller skating and cross fit!
Ms. Green enters her 6th year teaching Kindergarten, after 4 years serving in the Children's Center. You'll be able to spot her as one of our most spirited on dress up days. She loves coffee and spending time with her family. She lives with her two dogs, Willow and Ellie.
This is my 4th year at SJLS. I am from the Bakersfield area but received my degree from Colorado Christian University. I love being a teacher and working with such amazing families and students. I am happily married with my four sweet dogs and love being with my friends and family.
Mrs. Weiss currently serves St. John's as a second grade teacher. She has been teaching for twelve years. She is married to Jason Weiss, who also teaches at St. John's. They have two kids- Hudson (6) and Harper (3). she loves teaching because everyday is new, she gets to share the love of Jesus with her students daily, and it is incredible to see how much her students grow in a year.
Job Titles:
- Lower School Principal, Grades K - 3
Kelly Pudiwitr was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where she is now married to Dustin, an SJLS alumni, firefighter, and local realtor. They have two children, Addi and Lauren. Addi is now at Liberty after being at SJLS from preschool through 8th grade, and Lauren is now finishing her final year at SJLS in 8th grade. Mrs. Pudiwitr has been in education, both public and SJLS, since 2004. She has taught kindergarten, fifth grade, Algebra, Junior High Language Arts, resource, and has also been librarian. In 2020 she received her colloquy and became a called worker in LCMS. After continuing her education the past two years, she is now the lower school principal of SJLS. When she is not at school or spending time with her family, you can find her at the gym where she enjoys weight training.
Mrs. Williams enters her 10th year teaching at St. John's. She and her husband are amazing parents to son Colby and their two dogs Clyde and Maci.
Mr. Wheeler has enjoyed teaching in Lutheran Schools for 42 years. He moved to Bakersfield in 1997 from the Bay Area where he taught first and second grade for 15 years. He has been blessed to serve at St. John's at different grade levels and in administration. He has been blessed with three wonderful children and enjoys visiting his grandsons and doing activities with my kids.
Ms. Albuja is starting her 3rd year here at SJLS. She has a twin sister so don't get them confused. She enjoys teaching 6th grade and the CAMP KEEP adventures for their grade level. She is also a volleyball coach and loves working with the girls on the court!
Julie Jeffries is excited to be the new nurse at SJLS! She and husband Bryan have two beautiful daughters, Emma June (6) and Lucy (3½). Julie attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and received a Bachelor's Degree in Family Life Services, with a double minor in Child Development and Psychology. She later attended Bakersfield College to become a Nurse. She received her Nursing Degree in 2012. She enjoys the beach with her family or riding her Peloton bike! She is also a huge KC Chiefs fan!!
Mrs. Schrank enters her second year at SJLS after moving from Texas. She has worked in schools as a School Social Worker/Counselor for many years and truly enjoys being a listening ear to all who need it. She and her husband have three kids and they love spending their time at home, the soccer field, church, and all the other busy activities.
Mrs. Appold has served 39 years in School ministry and Administration. After "retiring" she still serves part-time at the school and enjoys crocheting and traveling in her free time.
Job Titles:
- Member at St. John
- School Communications / Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Valenzuela has been an active member at St. John's church for years, and joined the St. John's School team in 2022. From Hawaii originally, then onto San Diego where she graduated from UC San Diego, she has called Bakersfield home since 2010. You'll see Mrs. Valenzuela smiling while serving on the Communications team and the School front office. If not in the office, she'll be around campus capturing content for the school website and social media pages. She loves attending church and school events, and getting to know the students and their parents. She has a young daughter that attends SJLS and enjoys traveling with her husband and their beloved dog.
Mrs. Mora begins her 1st year teaching at SJLS, after teaching in Science in Spain for 3 years. She also worked as a Pharmacist for 9 years. She and husband have three beautiful children. When she's not working she enjoys painting and traveling.
Mrs. Ablin enters her 14th year at SJLS. Teaching our amazing 3rd graders is an absolute privilege. She and Mr. Ablin are also blessed with two grown sons, Bennington and Gabriel.
Mrs. Armstrong is in her first year at St. John's as a teacher, after being a St. John's parent for many years. She has 7 years experience teaching public school in Oklahoma. She and her husband have three children that keep them busy with sports, activities, traveling and playing.
Mrs. Kinsey has served St. John's Lutheran Church since 2004. She moved over to the school side in 2014. She and husband Mike have two successful adult children and an adorable dog named Eevee. Mrs. Kinsey is your go to for all things financial on the school side. She loves the Pittsburg Steelers and her infectious laugh can be heard throughout the day.
Mrs. Destefani enters her 13th year at SJLS. She has two adorable kids at SJLS. In addition to all her library duties, she also coaches volleyball.
Mrs. Cawthon enters her 6th year of teaching. She serves on the church worship team alongside her husband. Their son Sam will be a kindergartener at SJLS this year. She is an amazing baker and sometimes spoils the SJLS staff with homemade delicious treats!
Mrs. Crutcher is entering her 14th year at SJLS. She taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grades prior to coming to St. John's. She and her husband have a daughter. They enjoy sports, playing games, traveling, and quiet Saturdays at home.
Mr. Hollar enters his 2nd year at SJLS. He teaches Science, Media Production and Yearbook. He enjoys spending time with his son and outdoor bike rides.