Hello, My name is Jim Clinkscales and I currently serve as Principal and part-time 4^th Grade teacher.  I grew up in Chula Vista, California and graduated from Hilltop High School. After seven years in retail I began a career in advertising and multimedia CD-ROM production. My work focused on concept development and the supervision of graphic production. I have been married for 22 years and I have two beautiful children. My interests include golf, painting, and I am teaching myself to play the guitar.  I attained my Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher Education from Concordia University, Irvine and my Master’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Education is from National University. My educational experiences provided me with the framework for developing innovative strategies designed to help students reach their true potential.  I have taught in the Chula Vista Elementary School District and here at Pilgrim Lutheran School. I have taught grades 3, 4, and 6. Pilgrim Lutheran School offered me the opportunity to teach in a Christian based environment and it has truly been a blessing. My experience includes work as a classroom teacher and I served as a member of the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s Behavior Team for 2 years.

Favorite Bible Verse:  Luke 11:9-10  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

I am a California gal. My husband grew up on a farm in Iowa. He is also a teacher. We have 2 children - both teachers. My son-in-law is also a teacher and my daughter-in-law works for a non-profit that helps refugees adjust to life in the USA. And we have one grandchild. We love to travel. I went to college at a small Lutheran University in Nebraska - Concordia- and had a fun time getting used to living in the midwest. I have a degree in education with a major in math and a minor in history. I have taught in Covina, LaMesa, and San Diego CA, Hong Kong, China and Rome, Italy. I have been teaching for over 29 years. I have taught grades K, first, second, third, fifth, and exciting multiage classrooms.

My name is Jahnai Feldmann and this will be my second year here at Pilgrim Lutheran. I received my BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Lutheran Education from Concordia University Chicago in 2009. I began teaching at St. Peter Lutheran School in Schaumburg, IL, where I also taught first grade. After getting married in February of 2010, my husband was stationed in San Diego with the United States Navy and after finishing out my school year in Chicago, I jumped at the chance to teach at Pilgrim here in sunny California. I also coached basketball with an amazing team of young women this year (our A team took first place and our B team took third!). I am currently working on my Masters degree in Teacher Leadership and Administration. I am definitely a life long learner! I am very excited to be teaching in a school that quickly becomes a family!

Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I grew up outside of Porterville, California, a small town in the San Joaquin Valley.  I was raised a country girl and still enjoy open spaces. After attending Porterville College and Pepperdine University, I graduated from Christ College Irvine, now known as Concordia University, Irvine.  I completed the Teacher Education program and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree.  I completed the requirements for my clear credential at University of North Texas.  I also spent some time studying journalism, organ, and music theory. I taught in Arlington, Texas for 3 years, 2nd and 4th grades.  I taught in Harvester, Missouri for 2 years, 6th and 7th grades and junior high Social Studies.  I took time off from teaching when my two children were young, serving as a substitute teacher during those years.  I have taught 2nd grade at Pilgrim Lutheran for 8 years. I have used my music skills planning music and playing piano for chapel, teaching handbells, and conducting the Christmas musical. When I am not working on wonderful, fun things for school, I enjoy reading and playing the piano.  Mostly, I love to spend time with my husband, teenage son, and teenage daughter hiking and traveling and watching movies.  We are all also deeply committed to our church where my husband is the pastor, and my children and I are members of the worship team.

Although I grew up in Ohio, I feel almost like a CA native since I've lived in the Golden State since 1971. Now that my two children are grown I have more time for reading, my favorite pastime; and I enjoy the many wonderful museums, plays, concerts, and sights of San Diego. It's especially fun to take my granddaughter to the zoo and park when she comes for a visit. I graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a B.A. in education and a minor in sociology. My career began at First Lutheran School in Fontana, CA where I taught two years before moving to First Lutheran School in Long Beach. After getting married, I lived in Oxnard, CA and served at St. John's Lutheran School for 14 years before moving  here to Pilgrim. I've had the pleasure of teaching and serving here for the past 20 years.

My name is Colleen Truesdell, (Miss T. to some), and I am a Native Californian!  I grew up 40 miles north of San Francisco in a town called Petaluma.  In 1994, I remarried and moved to San Diego with my 3 children.  My eldest is now 25 years old and my twins will be 21 this September.  I love to read, swim, and travel.  I completed the Liberal Studies program at SDSU in 2005 earning my BA and finished the credential program for teachers in 2006.  I worked as an aid teaching ELL students in a kindergarten program at Kalayaan Elementary in the Philippines for the Department of Defence for 2 years. Afterwards, I moved back to the states and began teaching preschool, 4 yr. old program, at Good Shepherd Lutheran School.  I was with Good Shepherd from 1981 until my move to San Diego in 1994.  I've also been blessed with teaching preschool here, at Pilgrim.  I was with Pilgrim Preschool from 1996 to 2005, but left so I could complete the credential program for teachers.  Afterwards, I substituted for Pilgrim School and for the Chula Vista and Sweet Water School Districts.  In October of 2010, I became the 5th grade teacher for Pilgrim Lutheran School and Church.  I love watching my student's grow not only accademically, but in their relationship with the Lord and I know I have been truly blessed to be here at Pilgrim each and every day!

Favorite Bible Verse:  Honestly, I don't really have a favorite Bible verse.  I find so many verses speak to me and as soon as I think, "Oh, this will be my favorite Bible verse," I happen to come across another verse that I love.  The verse that is speaking to me now is, "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."  Psalm 5:11