Miss Okamoto grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated Cum Laude from Millersville University in Lancaster, PA in 1981 with a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. After serving on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ in Arrowhead Springs, CA for three years, she taught third grade at a Christian school in San Bernardino for 11 years. During many of her summers when teaching in California and Illinois, Miss Okamoto served for 16 years as the Elementary Child Care Director for Campus Crusade for Christ’s Staff Training which took place either in California or Colorado.

Miss Okamoto moved to Illinois in 1995 to join the faculty of Christian Heritage Academy to teach sixth grade initially, then taught grade four for 16 years. She joined the administration in 2011 and has served in various administrative roles, including Dean of Faculty, Director of Preschool-Grade 6, Director of Elementary Grades, Principal (PK-12), and Early Education and Lower School Principal.

Miss Okamoto enjoys a good cup of decaf coffee, spending time with family and friends, talking, playing games, and watching a good football game. It is her passion for nurturing children in their academic and spiritual growth, along with her love for Christ and belief in CHA’s mission that has kept her here at Christian Heritage Academy for 27 years.