Mr. Christopher Harvey
7th and 8th Grade
I started my career at the Carden Country School in 1997. My daughter Sarah was entering Mrs. Otte’s Junior Primary class, and I had been asked to serve as Director and Middle School Teacher. I was first involved with the school in 1991 when the Lovely Mrs. Harvey saw an ad in the Bainbridge Island Review for the Bainbridge Carden School. After going to an informational meeting, we knew our children would thrive there.
Sarah’s path to the Carden School was straightforward: she followed her three older siblings through Carden. My path was a little more circuitous. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Willamette University in 1984. I worked as a political operative and a retail banker before earning my MBA from the University of Washington in 1991. I then worked in the corporate business world for several years. While my work was interesting, intellectual and cutting edge, it remained unfulfilling. After an epiphany in 1995, I earned my Washington Teacher Certification from Antioch University in 1997.
While the first part of my adult life was important in leading me to this place, I fully believe that God was training me to spend my life here.
Mrs. Sue Ann Lund
5th and 6th Grade
Mrs. Lund has been working with Carden Country School in various teaching capacities since 2002.
During the 2002-2003 school years, Mrs. Lund taught the Junior Primary class, and she frequently substituted for all grade levels at Carden until 2005. In 2006, she became the full time fifth and sixth grade teacher as well as the seventh and eighth grade language instructor.
Mrs. Lund believes that the classroom environment must stay dynamic. She religiously gives each day to God and continues to give Him the praise, honor, and glory for any success that befalls her and the students to whom she dedicates her time and energy.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Lund plays the piano and accompanies the students during their music programs and assemblies.
Mrs. Stephanie Rohl
3rd and 4th Grade
Mrs. Rohl has been involved with the Carden Country School in a variety of capacities since the school’s opening in 1990. During the early years, Mrs. Rohl often assisted in the classroom and worked as a substitute. She served as the Director of the school until 1996, and remains an active member of the Board of Directors. Mrs. Rohl taught second and third grade in 1993-1997, and has been the classroom teacher for the third and fourth grade since 2002.
Originally from San Diego, California, Mrs. Rohl has lived on Bainbridge Island since 1989. She received her BA in Public Administration from San Diego State University. Mrs. Rohl is married and is the mother of two grown children, both graduates of Carden Country School. She is an active member of her church and serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. She also enjoys working with area youth at the Warehouse, a church sponsored teen center.
Mrs. Susan Otte
1st and 2nd Grade
Mrs. Otte connected with Carden Country School in 1991 in answer to a prayer. She knew Mrs. Caron and saw her vision to create a school that was a cut-above other schools and an outreach for understanding the Lord.
Mrs. Otte’s students explore the world of butterflies and insects, sea life and beaches, and reading and arithmetic. She incorporates an enthusiasm for God’s creations while honing the academic foundation laid during junior primary. Preparation and confidence are her goal.
Mrs. Otte holds a degree in home education with an emphasis on child development. She loves being with her family, reading, skiing, and life’s adventures.
Mrs. Penny Helfrick
Junior Primary
Mrs. Helfrick joined Carden Country School in 2002 bringing a wealth of experience in early childhood development. Previously, she spent 4 years teaching at North Kitsap Preschool and several years working with in-home daycare.
Mrs. Helfrick lays the initial academic foundation of reading and math skills, while simultaneously creating a sense of the joy in learning in each child. Her goal is to build a solid academic foundation and allow each student to appreciate education, understand love, grow spiritually, and to experience God’s gifts.
Mrs. Helfrick holds a major in theater arts and music, and an English liberal arts degree. She enjoys piano, training for marathons, and the opportunity to watch the children of school grow.