Alumni Employee Focus

Carolyn (Provenzola) Poling, Class of 2003

Carolyn Poling (née Provenzola) is a proud Portland Christian alumna who attended PC from first through 12th grade. She’s married to her senior-year sweetheart, fellow PC graduate Ben Poling (’03) — and together they now have two daughters, one at the elementary campus and one in middle school!

Favorite memories of PC:
“I loved building close friendships with my classmates and appreciated all the extracurricular opportunities — from track and cross country to band and choir.”

Life after graduation:
After earning her degree from Trinity Western University, Carolyn built her career in education and ministry — experiences that made returning to Portland Christian feel like a natural fit.

Current role:
Carolyn serves as an Elementary Education Assistant.

Why she returned to PC:
“When I was little, I wanted to be just like my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Newcomb. I always thought I would be back to teach 2nd grade. While I’m not teaching in a classroom, I love being in a role supporting students of all grade levels so they can do their best!”

Favorite PC teacher:
My favorite and most impactful teacher was Mrs. Dowd in honors and AP English. She opened up a whole new world to me when she helped me see the depth and value of literature. Because of her, I chose to pursue my English Lit degree. To this day, literature is a huge part of who I am, and I love sharing that love with my own kids. Every time I see Mrs. Dowd’s memorial picture in the high school library, I have a quiet moment of gratitude for her impact in my life.

We’re so thrilled to have Carolyn with us and thankful for our PC graduates who return to bless PC!