Director of LAC School
Koharik Jarlekian, Director of Lake Avenue Church Preschool, was born and raised in Lebanon to an Armenian family. Along with her sister and two brothers, Kohar attended the Armenian Evangelical Church in Bourj Hammoud. She then later attended and graduated from Evangelical High School, where Christian education was a major part of the curriculum.
The civil war in Lebanon had a tremendous impact on Kohar's life. Kohar was only eight years old when she had to witness both the tragedies and miracles of the war and accepted the Lord at a very young age. As a child, Kohar was put into so many life or death situations in which she was miraculously saved that she felt God had a plan for her and was calling her into His service.
For months and sometimes years, Kohar and her family were forced to live in shelters trying to hide from the bombing. During this time, Kohar came to fully accept Christ and to finally realize the gift He had given to her. She had discovered her love and passion for teaching children. From 1983 to 1987 Kohar taught preschool in Lebanon.
In 1983 Kohar attended a Lebanese Christian college and obtained her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, and Child Psychology. In 1987, Kohar arrived in America with her family. Her son Harout was born in 1989. A year later, her daughter Arpi was born. Kohar returned to college after her children became preschoolers however, since the love of teaching was calling to her.
In 1993 a friend invited Kohar to apply for an assistant teaching position at Lake Avenue Church School. She was hired on the spot. In 1994 Kohar was appointed a lead teacher position, and in the year 2000 she became the school Director. Kohar feels that her experience in those three different positions at Lake Avenue Church School has helped her to become a better Director. She brings to Lake Avenue Church School her gifts, the inner strength, and passion that God has given to her to continue to teach, minister, and inspire LACS family, students, and staff.
