Aletta Stroder
ECE Director
she/her
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does!”
– William James
I come to Faith Lutheran with a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University and a B.A. degree in Political Science and Education from Central State University. I have over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and over 10 years of experience in Human Services and as Director of Programs for various agencies providing leadership, guidance, and enthusiasm.
I’ve traveled thousands of miles to join Faith Lutheran because I believe in the inclusive doctrine it has for the staff, parents, children, and community. It was an easy choice for me to join Faith Lutheran because I also believe inclusivity strengthens teams and, in turn, you get better outcomes, which results in better services and stronger communities.
Romans 12:10 says “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Peter 4-10 says “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. As faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I take great pride in helping and serving others to be whoever they are called to be, and I am excited to be here at Faith Lutheran and ecstatic about what God is about to do!
Terri Heavener
Office Support
she/her
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
– Fred Rogers
I am at Faith by the grace of God. I honestly do not remember sending a resume or filling out an application. I received a phone call requesting an interview. I immediately felt at home and knew I would enjoy working here. I had worked for 25 years in another location and wasn’t sure I would ever find that feeling again. I truly appreciate the staff, parents, and children at Faith and hope to stay for many years. I have a BA in Education with Special Education Endorsement from Eastern Washington University.
Robin Thomas
Administrative Assistant
she/her
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
– Albert Einstein
Faith Lutheran School has a caring and dedicated team of teachers and staff that I am proud to be a part of. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Elementary Education from the University of Washington, I taught fourth and fifth grade in Mukilteo School District for eight years. As a teacher and parent, I understand the importance of patience, love, and humility when it comes to working with children. I was fortunate to be able to take a five-year hiatus from work to spend time with my two boys before they started school. I’ve spent the last 15+ years working in an accounting firm and am thrilled to have the opportunity to see the growth and development of children again.
In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking, running, and gardening. I love to travel to places of great natural beauty.
Karly Ekren
After-Care Teacher
She/her
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein
I’m WA born and raised. I’ve spent nearly my entire life in Redmond, going through K-12 all on Education Hill. I’m a member of Faith Lutheran church and spent many years as a part of the church’s youth group and Bell Choir. After college, I moved home and miraculously found a job as Faith Lutheran School’s Aftercare teacher during the 2023-24 school year. I’ve enjoyed my time here, learning from my coworkers and from the children themselves.
When I’m not working, I pursue my imagination through art, writing, and reading.
Vandhana Sundaram
Toddler Teacher
she/her
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future, John F. Kennedy
I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science from India and am proud to serve as a teacher at Faith Lutheran School. I’m grateful to be part of a community that values academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the nurturing of young minds. I have a deep love for children and am continually inspired by the unique ways they learn, perform, and showcase their talents.
Our faculty is exceptional, and I am motivated by the school’s commitment to fostering compassionate, curious, and confident learners. Originally from India, I moved to Redmond, WA, and am now blessed to be part of the Faith Lutheran School family.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and spending time outdoors with my family. I look forward to partnering with families to support the growth of our students in faith, knowledge, and character.
Sukanyaa Loganathan
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” ~ F. Douglas
Faith feels like my second home, I realized this after spending some quality time with team and the kids at school. It is so motivating to be valued and acknowledged at work. At Faith, we strive to create a nurturing and faith-filled learning environment for our youngest learners, with a passion for education. I was born and raised in southern part of INDIA.I am a polyglot knowing 5 languages Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
This is my biggest strength that helps make great bonds with kids across countries. I graduated from JNTU university with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics. I am happily married for 9years and blessed with two beautiful daughters “Aadhya” and “Avya”. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, baking, and hosting friends. I believe that children are a gift and possess diverse talents and capabilities. It’s important to identify their strengths, help them realize and reach their potential. As an early childhood teacher, my goal is to build a strong pedagogical foundation and create a positive learning environment. I focus on empowering them to be independent with their choices. My classroom`s learning environment promotes fun, growth, and a sense of family. There is always a song to sing, a game to play, or somewhere to go!
Veena Punyarthi
Toddler & K-Prep Teacher
she/her
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
– Aristotle
I am so blessed to be part of the Faith Lutheran community. I am so thrilled to be pursuing my passion as a teacher! I truly enjoy every moment I get to spend in my classroom with my students learning about our world. I am jumping for joy to have the opportunity to combine both education and faith! I am a forever student who loves learning. It is my goal to instill a genuine love of learning in my students, while we share fun hands-on opportunities to discover, explore, and learn. My favorite part of teaching is watching the students grow and learn new things. Their excitement when they discover a new concept brings joy to my heart. I have a master’s degree in human resources.
Annu Chaudhary
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world. -Malala Yousafzai
I hold a Bachelor of technology from India. I enjoy working with children because they are delightful and inspiring; I am grateful to have a job where I can support their growth and nurture their love of learning. There isn’t a day that passes which doesn’t include a hug, a silly story or even a smile which makes my workday! I believe as Early Educators that we help build a strong foundation which positively supports the child’s educational and human journey throughout their life. What I enjoy about working at FLS is that it is peaceful. The teachers are truly devoted to the children’s well-being, and it’s like a family.
I was born in India but moved United State. I now live in Washington with my husband and two daughters. In my spare time I enjoy Yoga, baking, and cooking.
Hema Soni
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
“Children are not vessel to be filled, but lamps to be lit.”
– Swami Chinmayananda
I joined Faith Lutheran in October 2023. I am embarking on an exciting journey into the field of education, driven by my passion for learning and my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. While my background is not in teaching, I bring a wealth of diverse experiences and skills that I believe will enhance the learning environment for my students. I have a BBA in Finance and an MBA in International Business. I am pursuing early childhood training currently.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student has unique talents and abilities waiting to be discovered. I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. I am excited to guide my students on their educational journeys and empower them to reach their full potential.
Swetha Sripathi
Kindergarten Prep Teacher
she/her
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
I am thrilled to join the Faith Lutheran School team. With a passion for early childhood education and over 8 years of experience teaching Pre-K and Elementary classes, I am dedicated to providing young children with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment.
I hold a Master of the Arts and bachelor’s degree in science and education from Osmania University.
I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to Faith Lutheran School and look forward to working with the team to provide the best possible care and education for the children in our care.
Heather Wong
Kindergarten Prep Teacher
she/her
“Giving children encouragement and the gift of time allows them to grow and flourish in preparation for elementary school.”
– Author Unknown
God brought me to Faith for many reasons; most importantly to give children the gift of time – another year to grow academically, socially, and emotionally before entering kindergarten. As a teacher here, I appreciate the fact that we collaborate as a staff, and we have a supportive and caring connection with all of our families. It’s a blessing to see our students grow, mature, and flourish here at Faith Lutheran School! I have a BA in Elementary Education, with Minors in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese from Central Washington University.
Shradha Gautam
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
I grew up in northern India and moved to WA in 2010. With a master’s degree in business administration specializing in Human Resources and an Early Childhood Education certification from Bellevue College, my journey into teaching began during my children’s preschool years. Over the past four years, I have dedicated myself to early childhood education, nurturing each child’s unique qualities and fostering their natural abilities. I believe in recognizing and supporting children’s strengths, skills, and interests to help them thrive. My passion for teaching is driven by a commitment to instilling a love for learning in my students. I live in Sammamish with my family, and in my free time, I enjoy crafting, gardening, traveling, and reading.
Jyoti Sharma
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think” – Margaret Mead
Jaspreet Kaur
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
Ange Badou
Multi-Age Preschool Teacher
she/her
Pastor Debbie Boyce
Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church
she/her
Pastor Debbie began her ministry at Faith in late October 2020. She is enthusiastic about both Sunday morning services and everyday opportunities to learn and worship. She is passionate about her calling as a preacher and providing many ways to hear and connect with God’s word. In her words: “I feel very traditionally Lutheran but want to be innovative.” She’s excited by Faith’s desire to embrace change, even as we strive to identify what that means. Pastor Debbie and her husband, Bill, have raised five kids and delight in the joy of their six grandchildren. For her, they are the people who daily reflect the love and grace of God. Pastor Debbie welcomes the opportunity to visit and get to know you. Don’t hesitate to contact her.