Our Staff
Jamie Wallen - Principal, 3rd-5th Grade Teacher
Jamie Wallen earned her Bachelor's Degree at Simpson University in Redding, California.
During her undergraduate studies, she had several opportunities to travel to Ukraine
and work alongside Ukrainian Christians teaching and ministering to orphans and traveled
to churches around the country to encourage and uplift the body of Christ.
It was during those trips that her heart for Eastern European people grew, and
it was her desire to become a missionary in Ukraine upon graduation. However, God had
different plans. Instead, after her undergraduate studies, Jamie continued her education
and received her California Multiple Subjects CLAD credential from Chapman University in 2001.
Since then she has worked in a variety of teaching environments, including teaching in
the public school setting, teaching in different Special Education classrooms, teaching
English to foreign students, one-on-one tutoring, and teacher training.
Teaching at Grace Family Christian School is such an answer to prayer for Jamie, and she is blessed to be a part of what God is doing here. Jamie is passionate about teaching her students excellence in all they do, watching them grow and thrive as they learn, and most importantly she loves to teach her students about the love of Christ and how to love Him in return!
Teaching and serving as the Principal of Grace Family School is one of the
greatest blessing in Jamie’s life. She is excited to see God continue to bless our
school and watch every student grow in all areas of their lives. Jamie is passionate
about teaching her students excellence in all they do, and teaching them about God and how
to love Him in return!
Margo Black - Kindergarten Teacher
Margo Black was born and raised in the Sacramento Valley. She was raised in a Christian family and received her call to work with children early on. In her home church, she has played an active role in the children’s ministry, volunteering in areas ranging from directing children’s musicals to coaching youth sports. During her stint working in the Churches preschool however, she felt God’s push to move her volunteerism into her full-time job.
In 2007, Margo earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from CSU Sacramento and then her multiple subject teaching credentials in 2009, with a double emphasis in English and Science. She participated in a mission trip to Pretoria, South Africa during her college years and developed an interest in working with different cultures. As a result, most of her teaching experiences have been in multi-cultural settings from Sacramento to Monterey counties, where she feels like she learns as much from the students as they learn from her.
Having been raised in a small Christian school setting similar to Grace Family Christian School, Margo feels deeply honored to have the opportunity to share the blessings that were given to her with the next generation. She is excited about finally being able to share her passion for God with her students and watch them grow into the men and women that God will call them to become.
Teresa Veillette - 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher
Teresa was born and raised in southern California. She came to know the Lord at the very young age of nine, through a tent revival sponsored by the Ventura Baptist Church. She began teaching Sunday school at the age of thirteen and felt the Lord calling her into full time teaching and Christian school ministry.
Teresa’s teaching career began in the fall of 1982 when she became a teacher’s aide in the kindergarten department of the Christian school she graduated from. She continued in this position for two years while attending Ventura community college. After two years the Lord led her to The Master’s College where she received her degree in Liberal Studies. Upon graduating from the Master’s college the Lord opened up a teaching position in the Fresno area. Teresa’s ultimate desire was to return to the Ventura area and teach at her almamater, Temple Christian School. After one year in Fresno, the Lord fulfilled her desire. Returning to Ventura in 1989 began a sixteen year teaching career at Temple Christian School.
In July of 2004, the Lord moved Teresa into the Sacramento area to be near family. She very quickly received a teaching position at a Christian School in the Antelope area. Teresa has over twenty years of teaching experience in the lower elementary grade level. Her expertise is in teaching reading and kindergarten readiness. Teresa’s goal for her class each year is not only to grow academically, but spiritually as well; learning together to become more like Jesus every day.
Teresa’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Teresa is very excited to begin her journey at Grace Family School and looks forward to spending a wonderful year with you and your child; working together to make your child’s school year a success.
Inna Vinokurov
Inna Vinokurov was born in the Ukraine but immigrated into the United States at the age of seven. She was raised in a Christian family. At the age of 13 she started teaching Sunday school at her church. After teaching for 3 years she became a children’s choir director. Being a choir director of 120 children had its challenges but it was also very rewarding and a big blessing for her. She has had a passion for teaching children ever since she was a child herself.
Inna got her college education at Spokane Community College in Fire Science Technology. On her way to becoming a fire fighter she also has taken 15 units in childhood education and development. In 2001 she became an EMT/Fire Fighter in the state of Washington. After moving to California in 2003 she got married and started a family. In 2009 she volunteered at Grace Family Christian School as a substitute teacher. This year Inna will be substituting and assisting in the classroom with teaching where needed. She is also the secretary for Grace Family Church and School.
She is very thankful that the Lord is giving her an opportunity to be a part Grace Family Christian School. It is a blessing to see these children grow in the Lord and have a great foundation for there future.