Staff
Pastor James Rehder
Pastor Jim has been the Senior Pastor here at Pilgrim since 2000. His monthly articles can be read here.
Jennifer Gruner
Director of Family Ministry
Jennifer has served at Pilgrim since 2005. She plans events for Families, Youth, and Children of all ages.
Jennifer has a Certificate of Christian Education from Trinity Lutheran College and a B.S. in Microbiology from UCLA.
Peggy Polinder
Church Secretary
Ann Smallbeck
Music Director
Sarah McAndrews
Bookkeeper
Preschool Staff
Stephanie Hagen
Preschool Director
Stephanie is a graduate of Concordia College, Seward Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from City University. She has taught for 25 years in Lutheran Schools in Nebraska, Oregon and Washington. She has also served as a Preschool Director, 1st and 3rd grade teacher and Early Childhood Education Consultant for the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church. She enjoys bell choir, worship choir and Children’s Movement choir directing at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Federal Way. She attends Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tacoma.
Renata Jaech
Preschool Teacher – “3’s By Fall” – Extended Care
Renata has taught for 15 years. She also taught as a substitute teacher in Highline School District. She is a graduate of Concordia College in Portland, OR. Renata has taught at Pilgrim for over 11 years. She has taught “3’s By Fall” and worked in Pilgrim’s Extended Care with all ages. Renata attends Pilgrim Lutheran Church and enjoys singing in the church choir.
Nancy McTaggart
Preschool Teacher – 3’s and 4’s – Movement Class
Nancy attended Montana State University for a year. Nancy has worked in church day care and has taught Sunday school in the past. She has received a Child Development and Associate’s Degree from Stout University, WI. She has attended a 20-hour STARS program. She is also taking classes to attain a BA, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She works as an Assistant Teacher and co-teaches the PM class. Nancy has worked at Pilgrim Preschool for over 12 years. Nancy attends Creekside Covenant Church.
Angela Rank
Preschool Teacher – 4’s By Fall (Children are considered 3 turning 4)
Angela attended Western Washington University and graduated with a BS in Psychology. She has worked as a Program Specialist, an Employment Specialist and as an Early Childhood Program Specialist. She has her Child Development Associate degree from Wisconsin Stout University. Angela has taught at Pilgrim Preschool for over 5 years. Angela attends Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
Chris Beroukas
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher – Extended Care – Movement Class
Chris received a two-year college degree from Finland, 1982; a Child Development Associate Degree from Stout University, WI; 20 hours in the STARS program and is currently taking online classes at Bellevue Community College. She will continue online work with Concordia University in St. Paul, MN and receive a BA in Early Childhood Education by Fall of 2008. Chris has been at Pilgrim Preschool for over 13 years. She attends a Finnish Lutheran Church in Ballard, with her parents, and is also a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
Cindy Fleming
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Cindy is a graduate and has a Master’s Degree from Sacramento State University in Early Childhood Education. She has 23 years of previous experience teaching preschool. Cindy has been at Pilgrim Preschool for over 12 years. Cindy attends Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she teaches Sunday School, works with the confirmation students and helps with youth activities.