STAFF

is the Director of CGCA and our Lead Teacher. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a juris doctorate in law. She is licensed to teach PreK-12th grade in Oregon and has taught both kindergarten and first grade, as well as home-schooled her own children for several years. Karen has been active in children and youth ministry for decades. She has served as a Sunday School teacher for 3 year olds through fifth graders, taught children’s church, helped coordinate and teach in Vacation Bible Schools, served in the nursery, and co-lead middle school and high school youth group.  She is married to Mike Wilson, lead pastor of First Christian Church of The Dalles, and together they have five children and six grandchildren. Karen enjoys coffee, reading, and hiking, and she is passionate about the Word of God and Christian education. The greatest desire of her heart is for her family, friends, and the children she works with to know God loves them, and for each of them to choose to know, love, and follow Jesus.

KAREN WILSON

is one of our Preschool Teachers at CGCA.  Tia was born and raised in The Dalles and has been working with children of all ages since high school.  She especially enjoys working with young children and has lovingly cared for infants through preschoolers as the nursery director for FCCTD since 2011. Tia has also been an in home childcare provider for many years.  She has been married to Warren Anderson for over twenty years, and they have five children ranging in age from pre-teen to young adult.  Tia enjoys baking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

TIA ANDERSON

is our newest preschool Teacher, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous work in a Christian preschool for many years as both a Teacher and Director. She understands the importance of teaching methods and activities that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, fun, and effective for preschoolers. Rachel is called to Christian early childhood education, and it shows in her genuine love and affection for the children she teaches about God, themselves, and their world. Rachel is a hometown girl, having grown up and graduated high school in The Dalles. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Ben Bertrand, and they have four children ranging in age from middle school to young adult.