Principal

With a passion for leading students to Jesus and fostering Christ-like character, our principal has dedicated his career to nurturing young minds and guiding schools toward success. His journey in education spans over three decades, where he has held various roles, including teacher, principal, and pastor. He has inspired students and staff to embrace the love of God, selfless service, and excellence through visioning, innovative curriculum development, and a strong focus on project-based learning.  He enjoys art, photography, the outdoors, reading, traveling, and his family.

​

Music

Language Arts

Joelle Worf teaches 7th and 8th grade Math and Language Arts. Her favorite part of teaching is building positive connections with students. Mrs. Worf received a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in math from Southwestern Adventist University. She also holds a masters degree in pastoral ministry from Andrews University.  Mrs. Worf has taught in various settings, including public schools, homeschool, and small private schools. She joined the TCAS team in 2023. 

When not at school, Mrs. Worf enjoys reading, studying the Bible with people, walking her dog, and spending time with her family. 

5th and 6th Grades

​

3rd and 4th Grades

B. Ed. Elementary Education

​

Our 3rd and 4th grade classroom is under the direction of Karen Birney. She loves the moments in teaching when students are enthused about something they are learning or when they are in the process of conquering their challenges.
 

Mrs. Birney graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education. She began her teaching experience with four years spent in Canada, followed by 12 years in California. She has been teaching at Tri-City Adventist School since 2004. Her experience includes being a classroom teacher in the elementary grades, and teaching music to grades 1-10.

​

Karen loves camping, hiking, and sight-seeing with her family (husband and two adult children and their families). In her leisure, she enjoys doing puzzles, cooking, and reading.

2nd Grade

Our 1st grade teacher, Katie Johnston, comes to us as a Walla Walla University graduate. She obtained her B.S. in Elementary Education before heading to Texas where she and her family have been for the past decade. Her K-2 experience is from both Adventist and public schools, where she found a passion for active learning.

When she's not in the classroom, Katie enjoys hiking and kayaking, and looks forward to camping with her family. She's excited to see the differences in Coastal Texas and Eastern Washington for all the outdoor activities.

Kindergarten

BA Elementary Education

​

Jessica Smith is our lead Kindergarten teacher.  Jessica holds a BA in Elementary Education from Walla Walla University. Her experience includes teaching in the Touchet and Walla Walla public school systems as well as teaching Kindergarten at Palau SDA Elementary School. We are excited to have Jessica as part of our team of dedicated teachers at TCAS!

Office Administrator

Brian has been married for 30 years to his beautiful wife, Jessica. He attended Walla
Walla University from 1990 to 1994 and then Southern Adventist University from 1996 to
1998. Brian has degrees in Health Promotion and Long-Term Care Administration.
Brian has two daughters – Alexa and Gianna. Alexa graduated from Walla Walla
University in 2022 and lives with her husband Cody in Bend, Oregon. Gianna is starting
her sophomore year at Walla Walla University. Brian enjoys going for hikes, bike rides,
spending time with family, and traveling. Jesus is Brian’s Best Friend. Brian’s favorite
place to be is on the beach – he loves the waves and the power of the ocean. For most
of his career, Brian has served as a healthcare administrator in senior living. Brian is
settling in at TCAS and looking forward to working alongside the teachers,
families, and students. This will be a change for Brian as he serves our kids instead of
seniors, but he still sees it as very important call to ministry. Jesus gave special
attention to children – He appreciated their desire to love and trust Him without any
reservations. May we all do the same. God’s blessings!

​

​

Treasurer