Our Staff
Tennille Cyphers-
Director
Edna Cooper
Kindergarten - 2nd
Donna McClellan
Pre-Kindergarten
Tennille is a graduate of Tulane University where she majored in English. Her love of reading and books led her to a career in the public library where she designed early literacy programming for children, from babies through Kindergarten. She led storytimes and programs for kids for 8 years, in both the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Public Library. Her daughter, Sabrina, first came to St. John when she was 3 and Tennille immediately loved it as she loved the library, as a space where childhood is sacred and special, and children are given the tools and space to explore and grow. Tennille has 3 children of her own; her oldest son, Christopher, was born with a congenital heart defect, or CHD, and required over 30 surgeries in his young life. Because of her experiences with Christopher she is a member of the Board of Mended Little Hearts of Coastal Virginia and a graduate of Early Intervention.
Michelle Gonzalez
Readiness Learners
Edna Cooper is our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teacher. Ms. Cooper has been with St. John for 25 years! Prior to joining SJLS, Ms. Cooper was a teacher with Trinity Lutheran School and a Norfolk Public Schools teacher for 11 years.
Ms. Cooper has a Master's degree in Education, with an emphasis in reading. She has also taken Reading Instruction classes at UVA and London City University in England.
Ms. Cooper's multi-grade classroom is always busy! With 30+ years of teaching experience she draws from a multitude of sources to create the best, one-of-a-kind curriculum.
Donna McClelland is our Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. "Mack" has a degree in Early Childhood Development. She's worked with Pre-K and Kindergarten students for over 15 years and has attended over 45 training courses and seminars to keep herself at the top of her teaching game! She became a teacher because she truly loves helping young children develop and learn. "When I see the shine in a student's eye and a smile on their face when they learn a new task or skill, I can feel my heart fill with joy."
Mrs. Mack volunteers with the local Fire Department and the American Red Cross. She's also an avid DIY'er -taking on projects around the house from plumbing to gardening!
Ashley Rebhun
Early Learners
Michelle Gonzalez is the pre-k 3 teacher with St. John. She has been with St. John Lutheran School since 2007. She has a wealth of training and knowledge when it comes to two and three-year-olds. Mrs. Gonzalez came to St. John as an SJLS mom. Her daughter attended SJLS through the first grade. During her daughter's attendance here, Mrs. Gonzalez fell in love with the school so much she became a teacher! She was drawn to SJLS for the strong Christian foundation for the student's education.
In the classroom, Mrs. Gonzalez follows the Pathway for Preschool curriculum. The curriculum allows Mrs. Gonzalez to attend to cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual development. Center-based learning is also encouraged for a hands-on approach to learning.
Early in the morning, you can also find Mrs. Gonzalez with our students who attend early morning care, as well as afternoon extended care.
Ashley Rebhun is an Early Learner's teacher with St. John. She has been with us since 2018. After running a small business, she felt ready for a change. Ms. Ashley has been a Sunday school teacher and knew she wanted to teach children in a Christian atmosphere. She is currently a student at the University of Virginia attending a new Early Childhood program with the Curry School of Education and Human Development.
Ms. Ashley is also an SJLS mom!
Her classroom philosophy revolves around communication; a key skill that is vital through all stages of life. In the Early Learner’s class communication is exceptionally vital as it helps each child with the transition from home to a school atmosphere. On top of learning to effectively communicate, play is also important. These two factors are carried out through art, singing, story-time, sign-language, sharing, visuals, and discussions.