Staff Biographies – Junior High
To contact a teacher, please click on their name below:
Karen Armstrong
I am living proof that a teacher can direct the path of a young person’s life and career path. I had the privilege of having the same caring, direct, and understanding teacher in 4th and 5th grade. I had learning challenges, and she never gave up on me. She inspired me to become a teacher.
I entered the teaching profession thirty-seven years ago. Teaching has become my passion and my journey, not my job. When my sister (also a teacher) died of cancer fourteen years ago, I though about leaving the profession. I was not sure I had the spirit to continue the work. However, God spoke to me in His quiet way and let me know that it was His gift that allowed me to become a teacher in the first place, and it was my duty to use that gift to the best of my ability. So, that is what I have dedicated a great portion of my life doing.
I retired from teaching in June, 2008 and relocated to Whitmore from the East Bay Area to be closer to my daughter and her family. However, I found that I missed teaching very much. I feel so humbled at being given the opportunity to return to the classroom here at Liberty Christian. Additionally, my grandchildren now attend here and my daughter is the Preschool Director.
Each day of school is an exciting day. Being able to praise God openly and prayerfully is awesome! In public school, I had to strategically work His praise into my lessons. Here, He exists in all we do. I thank God every day for the life and abilities He has given me. I now call Liberty Christian my new family!
Walt Leonard
I am the seventh grade homeroom teacher, and teach two Ninth Grade classes as well. I am married and am a father and grandfather. My hobbies are hunting, fishing, and tree service work.
I prefer the junior high – ninth grade age group because it is a challenging time for young people as they struggle for acceptance, identity, and where they are going with their walk with the Lord. There are many opportunities to have positive impacts on their lives.
I teach in a Christian school because I deeply enjoy kids. I feel especially blessed to have the opportunity to instruct and interact with them while being involved in a Christian ministry. The Lord led me to Liberty Christian School because it is one of the strongest faith-based schools in the great Redding area.
My belief is that the student’s spiritual condition and personal character development are paramount. My joy is working with young boys and girls and witnessing their growth in all aspects of their lives. To love to teach is one thing; to love those you teach is quite another.
Dawn Rodriguez
I have been a junior high teacher and K-8th administrator at Liberty for the past nine years and I love it! I began teaching my own children many years ago because I was convicted by God’s Word that it was my duty and calling. I learned that children learn best when they are actively involved in the process and that schooling in an unrighteous atmosphere has far reaching consequences in a child’s life. (Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalm 1)
High academic levels of learning are a priority in my teaching styles and subject matter, yet this does not supersede my emphasis and desire for each student to develop a strong foundation on the Word of God making their faith real and practical in their own lives.
I am ACSI certified with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of San Francisco, a Master’s degree in School Administration and am currently a doctoral student at Columbia International University.
