Education

 

The Adventist network of schools is the largest Protestant educational system in the world and includes preschool, elementary, and secondary schools, along with college- and university-level education. Our schools boast high achievement scores and an array of extracurricular advantages, including a focus on service, leadership, and community engagement. We employ committed, credentialed, and award-winning teachers with a passionate desire to serve Jesus through helping each student find his or her God-given potential. Our colleges and universities produce an array of highly skilled professionals, equipped with critical-thinking skills, a firm sense of vocation and purpose, and a desire to serve their communities.

 

Leadership

  • Fernando Lista Oleynick

    fernando.lista@adventistfaith.com

    805-413-7304

    Fernando Lista Oleynick has served as the Associate Director of Secondary Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2023. He previously worked as an elementary and high school teacher, school principal, and, most recently, as the Superintendent of Education in the Nevada-Utah Conference, where he served for five years. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to Adventist…

    View Bio: Fernando Lista Oleynick

  • James P. Willis II

    jp.willis@adventistfaith.com

    805-413-7312

    James P. Willis II has served as Vice President for Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2025. He previously held the same position at the Southern California Conference. Over the course of his career, Willis has served in six conferences throughout the North American Division, taking on roles that include teacher, principal, associate superintendent…

    View Bio: James P. Willis II

  • Julie Yamada

    julie.yamada@adventistfaith.com

    805-413-7344

    Julie Yamada has served as the Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2014. She previously served as Director of the Pacific Union College Discoveryland Children’s Center in St. Helena, California. Yamada holds a M.A. in Early Childhood Studies with an emphasis in teaching adults from Walden University, as well…

    View Bio: Julie Yamada

  • Lynal Ingham

    lynal.ingham@adventistfaith.com

    Lynal Ingham has served as the Associate Director of Elementary Education at the Pacific Union Conference since 2022. She previously served as an elementary teacher, homeschool facilitator, and associate professor at Pacific Union College. For 14 years, she was the Associate Superintendent of Education in the Northern California Conference. Ingham holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies…

    View Bio: Lynal Ingham