Empowering Excellence

Celebrating the Women Leaders who are Shaping Education at Valley Catholic School

If you have visited the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus recently, you may have noticed the presence of women in primary leadership roles across all five Valley Catholic Schools. The defining requirement to be a school principal is not gender, but the strength of leaders who are deeply committed to the mission of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and leading a Catholic school. The collective influence of these campus leaders extends far beyond administrative roles, as they serve as inspirations and mentors for students, faculty, and the entire SSMO campus community.

An exceptional team of four accomplished women as principals, and an imaginative and creative music school director, this supergroup aims to enhance the Catholic education experience at Valley Catholic School. Together, they plan to promote collaboration, introduce new ideas and work towards upholding a shared commitment to excellence.

All five women deliver fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into their respective domains. From pioneering experiential learning programs to incorporating modern technology, their contributions have elevated the educational experience for students across all grade levels.

Stellar Women Leaders

Amber Ploussard

Amber Ploussard, Principal at Valley Catholic Early Learning School, is the first touchpoint for students embarking on their educational journey. Her innovative approach to early education combines nurturing care with engaging learning experiences, laying a strong foundation for lifelong scholastic achievement.

Ploussard’s dedication to the growth of Valley Catholic Early Learning School extends beyond the confines of the classroom. She leads school-wide initiatives
that promote a deeper connection with faith into daily activities. One such initiative includes student-led prayer time, a powerful practice that encourages students to take ownership of their spiritual journey.

Additionally, the school actively participates in community service endeavors, partnering with organizations like the KGW Toy Drive and Northwest Children’s Outreach. These events not only benefit the wider campus community but also instill a sense of empathy and responsibility in our youngest Valiants.

Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga

Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga, Principal of Valley Catholic Elementary School, ensures that students not only thrive in their studies but also grow into empathetic and compassionate people. Dr. Ayesiga embraces diversity and establishing a sense of belonging— creating an environment where meaningful conversations can flourish.

Dr. Ayesiga envisions enriching the long-term success and growth of the school by fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse and vibrant community at the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus. She sees the multitude of diverse cultures and backgrounds as an invaluable asset.

To create an inclusive school culture, Dr. Ayesiga strives to connect on a personal level with every student, parent and staff member. She envisions meaningful conversations beyond the customary greetings, believing that this approach creates a stronger sense of belonging.

While not framed as an initiative, Dr. Ayesiga cherishes the all-school Mass that unites students from Early Learning, Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. This gathering, particularly the tender voices of younger children singing and echoing “Amen,” holds immense beauty for her.

Building robust relationships with parents, faculty, and staff is paramount to Dr. Ayesiga. She emphasizes open lines of communication and places a special emphasis on face-to-face conversations for parents. This, she believes, creates a deeper connection and understanding.

Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer

Guiding students through the formative years of adolescence, Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer, Principal of Valley Catholic Middle School, provides steady leadership. She would like to continue cultivating an environment where students thrive academically while also blossoming as empathetic and civic-minded people.

Dr. Gfroerer envisions contributing to the long-term success and growth of the school by instilling the Catholic faith and the Sisters’ mission into every
facet of the school’s program. She aims to create an environment where both staff and students feel a sense of belonging, akin to a second home, one that challenges and values them.

To create an inclusive school culture that cherishes diversity, Dr. Gfroerer emphasizes grounding the school’s mission in its Catholic identity. “By keeping Christ at the center, we acknowledge that all of us are made in God’s image, thereby nurturing a faith-filled environment that fosters Christ,” she said.

Dr. Sara Bruins

At Valley Catholic High School, Dr. Sara Bruins leads the charge, steering the high school towards a pinnacle of academic excellence. Her visionary leadership has cultivated a vibrant high school community, where students are not only primed for higher education but also inspired to effect positive change in the world.

Dr. Bruins envisions contributing to the long-term success and growth of the school by creating an environment where students find safety in expressing their true selves. This includes providing a rich array of academic and extracurricular activities that challenge their intellect, nurture a profound understanding of their role within a community, and facilitate personal faith formation. Additionally, Dr. Bruins aims to craft a high school experience that instills a desire to become active alumni, contributing to the future generations of Valiants.

To build a positive and inclusive school culture that cherishes diversity, Dr. Bruins emphasizes the paramount importance of fostering genuine relationships. She believes that true belonging is established by authentically connecting with one another, demonstrating a sincere interest in each person, their backgrounds, and beliefs. Dr. Bruins advocates for open and honest conversations, valuing varying perspectives, and encouraging empathy and understanding for situations that may differ from our own. She also recognizes the vitality of celebrating and sharing joyful moments together, emphasizing that schools should be spaces of acceptance and happiness.

Beckie Hocker

Beckie Hocker, the Valley Catholic Music School Director, brings a symphony of passion and expertise to her role. Her dynamic approach has transformed the music school into a hub of artistic exploration, nurturing talents of all ages and instilling a deep appreciation for the art form.

In line with her vision for Valley Catholic Music School, Hocker emphasizes collaborative efforts with colleagues in fine arts, aiming for growth in both the music programs within the schools and the music school itself. The ultimate goal is to become the top choice in music education within the community, gaining widespread exposure.

To ensure that the music education at Valley Catholic Music School remains innovative and relevant, Hocker believes in hiring music professionals who are actively engaged in performance, recording, and music education associations. This experiential knowledge is shared with students through recital performances, competitions, and community venues.

Hocker’s philosophy towards music education is deeply personal, stemming from her own musical upbringing. She strives to convey the joy and fun she finds in music

— hoping to inspire students in their practice and skill development. Her approach is gentle yet firm, setting realistic expectations for growth through dedication and practice. Hocker also places great emphasis on sharing musical talents with others, seeking opportunities to perform within the campus and wider community.

The entire Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus community celebrates women leadership and the innovative direction of all five of these women. The Valley Catholic School Leadership Team finds their inspiration through all of the Sisters who have contributed to the more than 120-year ministry of Catholic education on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Campus.

These women leaders embody the Sisters’ Core Value to Celebrate God and Life.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and Valley Catholic School recognize these Sisters for their contributions to the more than 120-year ministry of faith-based education on the Sisters’ campus.