Meet Our Staff

Bethany Ayres, Preschool Director and Kindergarten Teacher 

Bethany is from Madras, OR, and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to QP, with 13 of those years have been spent here in our Kindergarten! She earned her teaching degree from Western Oregon University and loves early childhood education.

She helps some of our youngest students develop their foundational skills and creativity, while developing a love of learning in every student she teaches. For the 2025-2026 school year, Bethany will take on the new role as Preschool Director in addition to her teaching position.

Her favorite saints are: Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joan of Arc

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

The sense of family, tradition, the people I work with, and being able to teach about God's love for us and all people. 

Deanna Sandau, Preschool Teacher 

Originally from Aumsville, OR, Deanna has been a part of the QP community since January 2021, serving as our Preschool 3’s teacher. With 10 years of experience in early childhood education/preschool, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her classroom.

She earned her degree from Western Oregon University loves creating an engaging environment where young children can explore, learn, and grow. 

Her favorite saint is: St Monica

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

The families and getting to share the Bible with my students

Jazmin Ramirez, Pre-kinder Teacher 

Jazmine, from Salem, OR, has been a valued member of the QP community for 4 years, with 9 years of experience in education. As a bilingual educator, Jazmine is passionate about sharing her culture with her students, enriching their early learning experience.

She earned her degree from George Fox University and is committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment for her students.

Her favorite saint is: St John Paul II

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace? 

Being able to pray with my students.

Meredith Hildebrandt, Pre-kinder Teacher

Meredith, a Salem, OR native, has dedicated 26 years to education, with 15 of those years spent nurturing young learners at QP in our early childhood education program. She is passionate about supporting the growth and development of our youngest students, helping them build foundational skills while also introducing them to various subjects and their faith .

Meredith’s dedication to shaping the minds and hearts of young children makes her a valuable asset to our preschool program.

Her favorite saint is: St. Genesius- Patron Saint of actors

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

Sense of community and getting to teach about our faith

Anna Leos, Preschool Instructional Assistant

Originally from Russia, Anna now resides here in Salem, OR. Anna, while new to education, is not new to helping others. She joined the QP community in the fall of 2024, previously she was an instructional assistant at St. Vincent Dual Language Catholic School before it closed in 2023.

With just under two years of experience in education, Anna has a strong background in helping people, having worked as a medical assistant prior to making the shift to education. She earned her medical assisting certification from the Institute of Technology. Anna’s caring and compassionate nature is evident in her work, and she is excited to continue supporting students at QP.

Her favorite saint is: St Olivia

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

Positive and supportive work environment.    

Megan Shine, Pre-Kinder Instructional Assistant 

Born and raised in Salem, OR Megan has been a part of the QP church community since 1991 and joined the school staff in 2021. Though she is newer to education, she has been a mom for much longer, bringing years of experience nurturing and guiding little ones.

She loves working with our preschoolers, helping them learn, grow, and feel at home in their first school experience!

Her favorite saint is: St Mother Teresa

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

The loving, faith based, family environment it offers.

Grace Wolke, Pre-Kider Instructional Assistant 

A Salem, OR native, Grace is new to education and joined QP about a year ago. She has quickly found a passion for working with young learners.

As an instructional assistant in the preschool classroom, she loves spending time with the littles, helping them grow, explore, and develop a love for learning in their earliest years.

Her favorite saint is: St Therese of Lisieux

What do you love most about being at Queen of Peace?

The students and the families