Our Staff

Dedicated teachers do far more than just pass along facts from a textbook; they are the architects of a student’s confidence and curiosity. A truly invested educator recognizes that every student learns differently, and they take the time to bridge those gaps with patience and empathy. Beyond the curriculum, they create a safe environment where making mistakes is viewed as a necessary step toward growth rather than a failure. In many ways, their work reflects a higher calling, acting as an extension of God’s love, grace, and patience in the classroom. By believing in their students’ potential—often before the students even believe in themselves—good teachers ignite a lifelong love of learning and shape the way future generations navigate the world.

Principal/Teacher 6th-8th

janicee@mycvja.org

Mrs. Enquist acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education K-8 at Alaska Pacific University in 2015. She has taught in Washington, Japan, Alaska, and Illinois. Previous to her classroom teaching, Mrs. Enquist taught over 100 illiterate students to read and achieve their grade level in a relatively short time, especially remedying dyslexia. She believes in authentic education that engages students at their level of learning. Providing purpose for learning and utilizing hands-on activities motivates growth in her classroom. Being a Christian, Mrs. Enquist focuses on spiritual and moral values as the cornerstone of education. Diligently preparing her students for successful careers, she expects a high standard of academic achievement. Mrs. Enquist teaches grades 5-8 and is the head teacher (principal) at CVJA.

Teacher 4th-5th

Mrs. LeBrun earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with K-9 certification from Southern Missionary College in 1981. She began her teaching career in a one-room school in West Virginia. Most recently she served in Hermiston, Oregon as principal and teacher of grades 5-8. Mrs. LeBrun highly values building positive relationships with all her students, creating an environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Her classroom is a place where students build strong foundational skills, develop positive work ethic, and experience the joy of service for others. Mrs. LeBrun provides interactive, hands-on experiences that facilitate creativity, analytical thinking, and team work, while also supporting diverse learning styles. Most of all, Mrs. LeBrun is dedicated to helping students develop a genuine, living friendship with Jesus.

Teacher 1st-3rd

ramonaa@mycvja.org

Mrs. Abbott has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She values the learning that has occurred through working for six school districts, but especially appreciates being able to work at CVJA. Mrs. Abbott believes that academic excellence can be achieved, regardless of age or ability, by including enrichment in the learning environment. Students can be challenged, and knowledge broadened, through hands-on learning, projects, trips, and activities. She is convinced that allowing students to be actively engaged increases critical thinking and brings joy. Most importantly, Mrs. Abbott is grateful to be able to teach through the lens of a biblical worldview, emphasizing Jesus so that students may learn to truly know Him.

Student Teacher 1st-3rd

Abigail has attended Ouachita Hills College, a small Christian college in Arkansas, for the past four years. Her major is elementary education and she is excited to do her student teaching at Colville Valley Junior Academy. Abigail has enjoyed working with children since she was a child herself, and so it seemed natural that she would choose to become a teacher. She volunteered at the Dillingham Adventist school in Alaska for a year, and has been a part of the team on many different Vacation Bible School programs. In addition to teaching, Abigail enjoys sewing and knitting, hiking, spending time in nature, music, and cooking. She has a ready smile and will keep children engaged in whatever they do. She is looking forward to working with the kids and learning more about teaching.

Teacher TK/Kindergarten

dellad@mycvja.org

I am a dedicated teacher with more than fifteen years of experience teaching youngsters to read using a variety of phonics programs, adapting them to meet the needs of individual students. My first students were my own three children over thirty years ago when we were homesteading in northern Stevens County, building, clearing land, gardening, and raising children, chickens, dogs and horses. I work to build positive relationships with clear expectations in a pleasant and calm environment allowing students the freedom to share and to be heard, and striving to bring them into a cohesive classroom community. This is humbling and challenging work, but well worth the effort.

Team Teaching

For ten years Teacher Della and Teacher Julia have shared the duties for the CVJA TK/Kindergarten classroom. Typically, Teacher Della leads out on Mondays and Thursdays while Teacher Julia leads out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Collaborating and communicating with each other with mutual respect, they feel that this arrangement is a benefit to their students who get the best of both teachers.

Teacher TK/Kindergarten

jmosey@mycvja.org

It was a dream of mine to become a teacher since my early teen years. I graduated with an Elementary Education degree from Weimar College 39 years ago. I have taught in classrooms in Canada, the USA, and Micronesia. A stand-out school year was the year I taught in a one-room schoolhouse, where every grade was represented, grades 1-8! During the past 20 years, here in Colville, I have been a part of CVJA in numerous ways. Twelve of those years were spent overseeing the Azure Standard Carob Candy-Making business that our students worked in and earned money towards their tuition. For the past 11 years, I have worked as one of the Kindergarten teachers. I have loved every one of those amazing years working with these young children!

Team Teaching

For ten years Teacher Della and Teacher Julia have shared the duties for the CVJA TK/Kindergarten classroom. Typically, Teacher Della leads out on Mondays and Thursdays while Teacher Julia leads out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Collaborating and communicating with each other with mutual respect, they feel that this arrangement is a benefit to their students who get the best of both teachers.

Board Chair

johnd@mycvja.org

A product of Adventist education, obtaining a Bachelors in Business Administration – management, with elementary and junior high school credentials, is a strong supporter of Colville Valley Junior Academy and has served two previous terms as board chairman. John has also been a member of the Colville community for 22 years. For the past eight years, John has worked for the State of Washington as a social worker, helping families in the community and across the State. He has two adult children who both attended, and graduated, from Colville Valley Junior Academy. John enjoys working outside doing landscape and construction and portrait photography.

Secretary

loris@mycvja.org

Teacher Aide 1st-3rd

I first became part of our school community as a parent volunteer, and I feel so blessed that it eventually led to my role as a teacher’s aide. I truly love working with our students and getting to know each of them as individuals; their personalities, their strengths, and even their little groups and inside jokes. One of my favorite things is when students see me and excitedly run up to say hello because of the relationships we’ve built. Each child is unique, and working with them has taught me so much about how to love, encourage, and support children with different personalities, needs, and ways of learning. I’m grateful to be part of their school days.

Music

It is a joy and privilege to serve the students at CVJA as the Music Program Director. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that passion with my students. Professionally, I am a physician and the mother of four wonderful children. Whether caring for patients, raising my family, or teaching music, I value curiosity, compassion, and helping others grow. I believe music is a gift from God that allows us to worship Him, express the creativity He has given us, and build meaningful connections with one another. I hope each student leaves class with a greater appreciation for music and its lifelong joy.

Librarian

My husband and I have lived in our home for 24 years. I retired four years ago and spend most of my time with my family. I love sharing music with my elders at our local nursing homes, volunteering with our local People First chapter, and serving in our community. We are members of the Kettle Falls 7th Day Adventist Church. In fact, that is where I learned of the volunteer opportunity at CVJA. In October 2024, Mrs. Enquist offered me the position as librarian. I am honored to do my very best in our CVJA Library! I love to be part of a school that offers a unique educational experience for children, where they can discover and develop their talents. I love sharing my love of Jesus and listening to students as they explore new books that interest them!

Agriculture and Technology

Reading Specialist

Accountant

michellek@mycvja.org

IT

Janitor

Maintenance

Grounds

Social Media Coordinator

natalietoday@yahoo.com