Meet Our Staff
Pastor Hally Thorp Preschool Director
I currently serve as the Children's Pastor at Calvary Christian Assembly. I also work as our Calvary Preschool director. I have always loved working with kids and I started working with children of all ages from birth through 6th grade in 2007.
Working closely with the teachers my goal is to help develop our curriculum and lead our month chapel. I love teaching and writing curriculum that is highly adaptable to be able to meet the needs of our individual students.
I grew up in this area and started out my ministry at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, I worked in children's ministry for 10 years before joining Calvary Christian Assembly (CCA) in 2018. I am a graduate from Edmonds-Woodway High School, Shoreline Community Collage and Global University. In 2015 I became a licensed minister with Northwest Ministry Network.
Along with my husband and two boys we enjoys pets, traveling and spending time together.
Kothra Lidstrom Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Kothra Lidstrom, and I love to work with preschool age children! My love for these children started at the age of 16 when I began helping in the preschool classes at church on Sundays. After graduating from high school, I started working at Calvary Christian Assembly’s child care center. During my 10 years there, I taught the pre-Kindergarten class, was the Curriculum Coordinator, and eventually became the director for a year.
My husband Todd & I have grown up attending CCA and live in Shoreline where we have raised two wonderful children - Chelsea (31) and Sean (25). They are both married now, and just recently we welcomed a little granddaughter to our family! We enjoy hiking & camping, RVing, sailing, road trips, reading, and visiting with family & friends.
For the last 15 years I have been the Preschool Coordinator at church and teach the 4’s-K class on Sundays.
I’m excited about teaching in a preschool setting again. I look forward to meeting your children, finding fun ways to help them grow & learn, and nurturing them in a safe, loving environment.
Tami Rutan
Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in the Midwest where I met my husband at college and we started our family. In 2016 we took a leap of faith and moved our family across the country to Seattle. Our second daughter was born shortly after. My husband works for a not for profit called Community Dinners, where we serve a free meals and minister to people each week in neighborhoods all across the city. We love this city and its people.
I have over 10 years experience working with and teaching kids. I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Evangel University and have worked in Daycares, been a teaching assistant, a 6th grade teacher, and most recently a stay at home mom to my two daughters.
Some things I like to do are explore the city, go hiking with my family, and bake. My favorite book is Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and I plan on sharing it with my kids as they grow up. I have a heart for families and other moms and am excited to get to know you and your preschooler!