STAFF

KAREN WILSON

is the Director and Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher at CGCA Preschool. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a juris doctorate in law. She is a licensed elementary teacher in Oregon and has taught Pre-K, 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-led middle school and high school youth group.  She is married to Mike Wilson, a retired pastor who previously ministered for over 41 years at First Christian Church of The Dalles, and between them they have five children and seven grandchildren. Karen enjoys coffee, reading, hiking, and golfing. 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 and their families to know how much God loves them, and for each of them to choose to follow Jesus.

TIA ANDERSON

is a Preschool teacher at CGCA and often proclaims, “I love my job!” Tia leads her students with grace and kindness, building a foundation for learning where children feel safe and loved. 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 is actively involved in children’s ministry at FCCTD and has co-directed Vacation Bible School for several years. Tia is married to Warren Anderson, and they have five children ranging in age from teens to young adults. In addition to teaching preschool, Tia enjoys baking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

REBEKKA SMITH

is a teaching assistant at CGCA. Before joining our staff, Rebekka worked in the nursery at her church caring for infants and toddlers for over ten years. She is a devoted wife and mother with one daughter and two young sons. We are delighted to have Rebekka on our team.