Meet Our Team

Amy Marie Schroeder began her position with Vine & Branches Lutheran Church and Childcare in August of 2024. Amy Marie is an experienced Administrative Assistant with an extensive background in serving non-profit organizations worldwide. She holds a master's degree in business administration from DeVry University and bachelor's degree in psychology, studying at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. Her previous roles include Director and Case Manager at a rehabilitation center and shelter for homeless women and children, Human Resource Manager and Accounting Specialist at the NCWorks Career Center, and Independent Contractor – Housing Specialist for the US Government. Originally from North Carolina, she has also resided in Virginia, Japan, and the UK.

Amy excels in administrative organization, communications, fundraising, and human resource management. Her passion for helping others shines through in her work with Vine & Branches, where she says her favorite thing about her role is helping to connect the church and childcare with the community and finding new ways to serve others through the love of Christ.

During her leisure time, Amy Marie enjoys traveling with her husband Mark and indulging in her love for reading. You can often find her curled up with a book in hand, accompanied by her two beloved cats.

Amy Marie: churchoffice@vablc.org

Juliya is so glad to be part of this wonderful school community as our Curriculum Coordinator. She spent over 18 years caring for children through both work and volunteering, and is passionate about helping each child thrive in every area of life.

Juliya was born in Krasnyy Luch, Ukraine, in the Luhansk Oblast province. Some of her favorite childhood memories are of summers on her grandparents’ farm in Smolyanynove, helping care for animals and tend the vegetable fields. When her family immigrated to the Seattle area at age six, Juliya experienced the unique blend of growing up between two cultures. Her interest in early childhood development began in middle school and has remained a lifelong passion. Around the same time, Juliya started volunteering in her church’s children’s ministry, which sparked a love for teaching and serving families.

After high school, Juliya studied theology and church leadership through Portland Bible College while completing an internship at a local church. This included hands-on training in children’s ministry, creating warm, engaging, and enriching environments for kids and families. In 2013, Juliya moved to the DMV area, where she met her husband, Joey, at church. They married in 2016 and now have four wonderful daughters who fill their lives with joy and keep them on their toes.

Over the years, Juliya has served in many ministry roles, including children’s pastor and ministry leader, and also led her church’s youth ministry along with her husband for several years. Professionally, Juliya has worked as both a preschool teacher and curriculum coordinator, designing creative lessons that make learning meaningful and fun. She also spent eight years as a nanny, gaining valuable hands-on experience with children of various ages. Additionally, she's held several administrative roles—including financial director, administrator, and project manager, strengthening her leadership, organization, and communication skills.

At home, Juliya is a proud mom who loves watching her girls grow and discover the world. In her free time, she enjoys being with family and friends, getting creative with art and graphic design, and finding small ways to bring joy and fun into everyday life.

“I’m excited to partner with our teachers and families to create a nurturing, joyful environment where every child can learn, grow, and shine!” -Juliya