Grace Elementary And Middle School

Janie Andrich - Executive Director

Dr. Andrich loves working with the students, parents and teachers here at Grace! This is her nineteenth year in education, and her fourth year at Grace Lutheran School. She has taught 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades and has served as Athletic Director, chaired WASC accreditation teams, presided over the Pacific Southwest Lutheran Principals Conference, and taught for Concordia University as well as nationally as the chair of the LEAD (administrative network) for Lutheran Educators’ Association. With all of those local and national leadership opportunities, she still prefers the time she spends with our students, their parents, and our staff. Her academic background includes a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design, a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Doctorate in Private School Administration. She holds a California Professional Clear Multi-Subject Credential, and a Professional Clear California Administrative Services Credential. She has been married to her husband, Craig for thirty-three years. They have three wonderful children, Kirsten, Erin and Brian, who attended Christ Lutheran School in Rancho Palos Verdes. They have two wonderful sons-in-law and God has blessed them with three beautiful grandsons. Dr. Andrich has many fond family memories of beach camping trips; youth group overnighters, white water rafting, snowboarding and family holiday gatherings.

Melissa Burns (a.k.a. "Mrs. Lisa"): Rec Club Director

Mrs. Lisa received her training in Recreation Technology from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo. She has been with Grace Lutheran Schools for 5 years. Mrs. Lisa has been happily married for over 28 years to her husband John. They have four daughters, Danielle 24, Saundra 21, and twins Heather and Heide 20. Fun Facts: Mrs. Lisa enjoys reading during her quiet time and walking down the beach. On weekends one of her favorite things to do is...go for a drive.

Jennifer Petry - Director of Students and Teachers

Mrs. Petry is married and has one son, Tyler, who attended Grace for six years. She has worked here for 12 years. Jennifer began working as a teacher's aid in kindergarten. There she began to notice how learning was easy for some students and difficult for others. Many of the teachers she has worked with have inspired and encouraged her to become a teacher. So with a great deal of support from family, friends and colleagues Jennifer returned to college and has since received a B.A. in Psychology, and she has a teaching credential in Special Education. Mrs. Petry is two classes away from achieving her final educational goal, which is a Master Degree in Special Education. “I love the learning environment at our school and the many innovative programs we have to offer. I am very grateful to be wrapped in the loving arms of Grace”.

E-mail Mrs. Petry

Steve Chase: Director of Operations

Mr. Chase received his undergraduate education in Social Ecology and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from U.C. Irvine. He has taught elementary grades in Irvine, Costa Mesa and La Mirada. Mr. Chase worked for Orange County Social Services, Children and Family Services for nearly 15 years. He received his Masters in Social Work in 2002 from the University of Southern California. He is also a licensed E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician) and is a certified instructor for Lifeguard Training, First Aid/CPR and Water Safety (Swim Instructor). Mr. Chase has been on staff with Forest Home Ministries where he continues to serve during the summer months and on weekends during the school year. He has also served with several local area churches including St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach and Irvine Presbyterian Church. Mr. Chase has received training as a trainer by Active Parenting and the National Center for Fathering. He enjoys photography, music, surfing, swimming and reading.

E-mail Mr. Chase

Leslie Ivy - Director of Admissions

Mrs. Ivy has been with Grace Lutheran School for 13 years. Three of those years were spent as a Jr K. and Kindergarten Aide, eight of the 13 years were spent the front office, and the last two years as the schools first Director of Admissions. Mrs. Ivy has been married for 22 years to her husband Kurt, they have one son, Corey. Corey attended Grace for five years and is now a senior at UCLA. Besides her family, Leslie’s passions are her Basset Hound Max, going to the beach and all kinds of music. Fun Fact: Mrs. Johnsen, the Jr.K teacher is Mrs. Ivy’s Sister

Elizabeth Lind - Director of School Administration

Mrs. Lind received her B.S. in Computer Science at San Francisco State University. She has worked at Grace Lutheran School for 4 years starting out as a volunteer in the library. She has been happily married for 20 years to her husband Michael and they have two children. Shelby is in 6th grade here at Grace and Steven is a freshman at Marina High School. When she is not working she is enjoying walking her golden retriever Sonny, quilting and reading Christian novels.

Christie Alaniz - Office Assistant: Bio Coming Soon

Tracy Green - Office Assistant: Bio coming soon

Suzy Reynolds - Office Assistant

Suzy is married and has 2 children, here at Grace, who have been here through preschool. She has been a stay at home mom, working only part time and volunteering here at the school. She is an RN with 20 years of experience in Emergency Room and Pediatric ICU. Her hobbies include jewelry making, sewing and photography.

Faculty - Administration