Angela Adzima
Hillsboro EA
Angela Adzima is a Digital Curriculum Technology Integration TOSA in Hillsboro School District. She also serves as Vice President to Washington County UniServ and Hillsboro Education Association. With over 15 years of elementary teaching experience spanning 2 states, 3 districts, and every grade K-5 she has a wealth of knowledge and a depth of experiences to share. Angela is passionate about developmentally appropriate, inclusive and adaptable classroom practices and pedagogy that embrace diverse learners and harness technology to enhance education and teacher efficiency. Angela is also a wife and mother of two amazing children and two crazy dogs. Her oldest is an Aspiring Educator at University of Oregon! Angela enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Talia Akre
Multnomah ESD EA
Talia Akre is a School Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist with the Multnomah Education Service District. She works in two middle and high behavior schools catering 100% to students receiving Special Education services. Before working for MESD, Talia worked in Washington Co. at Cascade Academy, another behavior school through NWRESD. Talia got her Masters in Social Work at NYU 11 years ago and started working with youth in New York Schools. She always felt the pull to come home to Oregon. Talia grew up in a family of Oregon educators and is proud to follow in her mom's footsteps by working with the OEA during her tenure in schools.
Mindfulness is not just a daily practice in Talia's life, but a baseline philosophy. Talia started learning about how to bring awareness to the present moment while studying tai chi and yoga in college, and now she regularly uses breath and body awareness in her therapeutic interventions. Talia has seen the power of mindfulness to positively effect the mental health of her students. She is very excited and honored to share her experience with educators from around the state.
Regina Barnett
Lebanon ESPA
Regina is happily married and has four children. She's been with LCSD for 7 years. The last four years she has coached middle school volleyball. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors with her family and their dog Yuki. She is currently a BSP at an elementary school in Lebanon where she teaches small group social emotional skills. Regina has completed two courses on coaching/mentoring and facilitating adult learning.
Thuynga Barr
Clackamas ESD EA
Thuynga Barr is a Specialist with the Early Childhood Special Education Services of the Clackamas Education Service District. She holds an M.E from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a B.S from Arizona State University. In her free time, Thuynga enjoys camping, traveling, and hiking with her husband, children, sister, and friends. Her favorite place to go is the beach.
Korie Blacker
Astoria EA
Korie Blacker graduated with a master's in Counseling in 2014. Before graduating, she taught middle school and high school social studies for 5 years in Virginia. For the last 4 years, she has been working as a school counselor in Astoria, Oregon. Korie is passionate about helping students and staff discover how their feelings and thoughts are connected to overall well-being, using this self-awareness to create change and growth in areas that are important to them. Outside of school, Korie enjoys coffee, traveling, running, and being outside in nature with her husband, Clint, and their dog, Tars.
Ben Bruhn
St. Helens EA
Ben Bruhn has taught Social Studies the last 12 years, most recently at Plymouth High School in St. Helens. He also co-teaches the social studies methods courses in Portland State University’s College of Education. He did community development work around the USA and overseas before earning his MAT in 2012 at the University of Washington with endorsements in social studies, language arts, and ESOL. He earned his administrative license with PSU in 2020 and completed his MS Ed. in 2022. He enjoys developing meaningful connections across and between a variety of local, regional, and state groups to cultivate meaningful change.
Nicole Butler-Hooton
Eugene EA
Nicole Butler-Hooton has taught second and fourth grade in Oregon for 15 years. This year she has followed her passion of coaching teachers and is currently a Mentor TOSA/Instructional Coach in the Bethel School District. She was named the 2021 Oregon Teacher of the Year, becoming the first Indigenous teacher in Oregon to earn this recognition. Butler-Hooton is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians- Chetco Band (Oregon) and the San Carlos Apache Tribe (Arizona). A first-generation college graduate, she values making connections with students, families, and the school community, while centering equity and cultural competency in her teaching. Nicole holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a focus on Ethnic Studies and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oregon, where she was part of the Sapsik'ʷałá Teacher Education Program. She is currently enrolled in an Ed.D program through Walden University specializing in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction.
Susan Caisse
Clackamas CC PT FA
Susan Caisse is currently an English to Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) adjunct instructor for Clackamas Community College, where she has taught beginning through intermediate classes in grammar, reading and writing, and listening and speaking. She earned BAs in Anthropology and Applied Linguistics, as well as her MA TESOL degree from Portland State University. She has been a conference and workshop co-coordinator of the Oregon Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages since 2017. In 2021, with colleagues from the ESOL department, she published an Open Educational Resource, Explorations 1: Grammar for the Experienced Beginner. Her teaching interests involve using technology and teaching digital literacy. Susan has been in love with teaching since she first taught swimming lessons at 17 years of age.
Jessica Classen
David Douglas EA
Jessica Classen has been in education since 2006. She's spent the last three years as a New Teacher Mentor in the David Douglas School District, and prior to that, taught multiple levels of ELA at David Douglas High School. In addition to her work at David Douglas, Jessica has served at the regional and state level as a member of the Coordinating Body of the Multnomah/Clackamas REN and as a TSPC commissioner. She also taught at the now shuttered University of Phoenix MAT program for nine years. She initially received her MAT from Concordia University and later completed the Reading Specialist program there. She also received the Oregon Writing Project's Certificate in the Teaching of Writing from Lewis and Clark.
Imelda Cortez
Eugene Education Association
Imelda Cortez is currently a middle school Spanish Language Arts teacher at Kelly Middle School and is the 4J Vice-President of her local, the Eugene Education Association. She began teaching in 2004 and spent 16 years as an elementary teacher before moving to middle school and returning to teach in the Spanish Immersion program. She enjoys helping students develop a sense of pride in their identities, as well as being a fierce advocate of equity for both educators and students. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with her husband and three sons.
Jeff Crapper
Salem Keizer EA
Jeff taught in the classroom for 19 years, nine of which included teaching PLTW courses, and has worked four years as a TOSA. He has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Health Education with a Minor in Psychology from Linfield College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oregon State University. Jeff is also a Licensed Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer (C-PT), and a National Board Certified Teacher (Early Adolescent- Science). He developed the Biomedical Science Pathway at Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE) and was recognized as the 2019 ACTE National Health Science Teacher of the Year and as the 2017 OSTA Oregon High School Science Teacher of the Year. Jeff leads OEA professional learning on trauma-informed pedagogy, technology, and National Board Certification.
Stacey Dalton
Beaverton EA
Stacey Dalton is a third grade teacher in Beaverton. She is in her tenth year of teaching and is an enthusiastic active member of OEA. She is a dedicated educator that takes the 'life-long learner' approach to education sincerely. She is so excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other educators that pursue meaningful, quality professional development. When not teaching, or seeking out further learning and leading opportunities, Stacey enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and spending quality time with her husband and dog.
Judy Davies
Eugene EA
Judy Davies, M.Ed., is an elementary teacher (currently teaching 2nd grade at McCornack Elementary) with a Reading Recovery certification and Reading Endorsement. Throughout her career, Judy has centered her approach to teaching on the philosophy that representation matters. Her deepest professional pride comes from helping students develop a lifelong love of reading in seeing themselves centered in authentic literature and by using powerful literature (social justice) to facilitate students in finding their voices. Her hope is to lay the foundation of having her students read critically to be civically engaged citizens.
A polyglot fluent in Arabic, Armenian, French, and English, Judy's family moved to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, when she was in her teens--giving Judy the lived experience of adapting to an unknown, dominant culture at a formative age. When not in the classroom, Judy enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog Ginger, and enjoying a good cup of tea with loved ones.
Paula DePass Dennis
Portland AT
Paula DePass Dennis has been an educator in Portland Public Schools since 1989. She started as a bus driver while putting herself through school. She has taught high school and middle school but spent most of her time between 4th and 5th grade classrooms. Between 2007-2017 Paula worked in the Equity and Partnerships Department at PPS as an Equity TOSA. In that role she facilitated a 2-day training called Beyond Diversity for all employee groups. Additionally she coached teachers around their racial equity practices in their classrooms. With the elimination of the Equity Department in PPS, Paula has returned to the classroom teaching 5th grade.
Zoé Diacou
OEA Retired
Zoé Diacou retired early from the Salem-Keizer School District where she primarily taught middle and high school. Then she spent the next three years teaching in Thailand and Viet Nam. She's now on the next leg of her life journey with her feline companion, living in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She is an active volunteer with environmental, health, and social justice concerns.
Leah Dunbar
Lane ESD
Dr. Leah Dunbar is a Language Arts/Social Studies Specialist on the School Improvement Team at Lane Educational Service District in Eugene, Oregon. Her interests lie in Indigenous and Ethnic Studies pedagogies, organizational and societal change, youth empowerment, healing from generational trauma, and dance. Leah has taught a variety of Language Arts courses during her 20+ years in public school education, and is most proud of facilitating Courageous Conversations, an ethnic studies course focused on healthy racial identity development, critical thinking, listening, (re)storying, and community-building co-designed with students who engage education as a strategy for undoing oppression.
Dr. Dunbar graduated in June 2020, earning a Doctorate in Education from the Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership Program at the University of Oregon, where her research was in ethnic studies implementation. Leah's favorite moments usually involve Oregon rivers, her children and those of twin sister Rena, and her dance community.
Jane Elliott
Central EA
Jane Elliott received her certification as a Trauma Informed Specialist through the Center for Cognitive Diversity and has been trained in Restorative Practice facilitation and school implementation by the Center for Dialogue and Resolution in Eugene, Oregon. She is a High School English teacher and now serves as Central High School's Restorative Practice Team Facilitator and Implementation Coach.
Elizabeth Garcia
Corvallis EA
Elizabeth has been working in education for over 25 years as an educational assistant, elementary teacher, middle and high school counselor. She holds a B.A. from California State University Sonoma, and a M.S. in Counseling from California State University Sacramento. One of her passions in education is Suicide Awareness, and Prevention. She is a T4T for Sources of Strength in her district. In addition to working with high school students, she has been a staff trainer for QPR and YouthSAVE. Her current school district is Corvallis 509j, and she has also taught and worked in Northern California. Her interests include reading and learning. She enjoys attending Broadway Musicals with her daughter.
Lisa Hasuike
Tigard-Tualatin EA
Lisa Hasuike is currently a Culturally Responsive Coordinator working for the Tigard-Tualatin School District who supports students at the middle school level. Her work involves partnering with Building Equity Coordinators and being a member of the TTSD Equity Leadership and Restorative Practices Teams. Lisa writes grants for her district, supports and creates community partnerships with affinity and alliance groups, and is a District Equity Leadership Team Student Pillar Leader. She is also a Colleagues of Color Team Lead who supports her district's retention and recruitment efforts through community building work, including serving on the NREN BIPOC Partner Committee and EAC board.
Prior to this role she was a Director of Bands for 15 years and her primary instrument is saxophone. Under her tutelage the Tigard Cadet Percussion won numerous awards. Lisa is a Cohort 2 OEA Equity Sparkie and currently works as an Equity Sparks Facilitator and as a Board Director for OEA.
Sakura Hamada
Portland Association of Teachers
Sakura Hamada is a 1.5 generation Japanese American and she works as a school counselor. She has been active with OEA serving as a building rep, executive member, organizing committee member, and advocacy and affiliate services committee member. She has presented at multiple conferences and professional development events such as the OEA Summer Conference, OEA Winter Recharge Retreat, Oregon School Counselor Association Conference, and district PD on addressing racial aggression and supporting the Asian American Pacific Islander Community in the midst of anti-Asian hate. She is also a co-founder of (Re)Present AAPI Oregon Educator Collective.
Alexis Hennessey
Multnomah ESD
Currently a Behavior Consultant with Multnomah Education Service District, Alexis has a background in both general and special education and has been a certified special education teacher since 2004. Alexis and her family relocated to Oregon in 2016 from Connecticut where she worked in alternative education, juvenile detention center, and public education settings. Alexis will sit for licensure examination in the coming year to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
She was trained as a trauma informed educator in early 2009 while residing on the east coast and is excited to help further the understanding of trauma informed educational practices here in Oregon. Her goal is to share her knowledge and experiences with other educators looking to adjust their practices to provide the most trauma informed\0x202Fapproaches and supports to their students and families. When not working, Alexis enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters as well as watching the Timbers. RCTID!
Alexis has facilitated Becoming a Trauma Aware Educator, Becoming a Trauma Sensitive Educator, and Becoming a Trauma Responsive Educator.
Diane Hicks
OEA - Retired
Diane is an Equity Sparks Cohort Two "Sparkie" and is now an Equity Sparks facilitator. She is proud to be a BIPOC educator with a strong voice for Union values. Diane taught for three decades at the elementary level and is now a proud member of the OEA-Retired board. She co-wrote OEA-Retired's statement on Racial Equity. She also had the privilege of serving three terms on the Committee on Racial Equity, including chairing it for several years. Currently, Diane is also the liaison from CORE to the OEA PAC board.
Rachel Hsieh
Eugene EA
Rachel is currently a TOSA - District Mentor in Bethel School District and in her 12th year as an educator. Prior to being a TOSA, she taught 4th grade in Brooklyn, NY & Eugene. Rachel believes strongly in centering student voice in the classroom and learning alongside her students. She continues to grow in her understanding of becoming an anti-bias, anti-racist educator.
Dena James
Eugene EA
Dena has been working in education for over 25 years as a teacher, college instructor, librarian, and in early childhood. Her education and passions have always been been tied to the multiple narratives of history and cultures in our country and around the world. She strives to have a strong voice for equity and systemic change in education and teaching.
Dena completed her PhD in Educational Leadership while raising her 4 multi-racial children on her own and while serving as a guest teacher in K-12, a special education teacher, a Kindergarten teacher, and a 2nd grade teacher. Her current school district is in Eugene and she has also taught and worked in Portland, Oregon and South Bend, Indiana. Her interests include backpacking, hiking, water activities, cooking, home DIY projects, traveling, making new friends, and learning outdoor and crafting skills.
Dena has facilitated the Planting the Seeds for Equity K-2 book study.
Judy Jesiah
Eugene EA
Judy Jesiah ( B.Sc, PGDBA, M.Ed ) started her career as a Clinical Nutritionist /Business Executive with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Her job was an amalgam of science & business. Her desire to make science education accessible and achievable for all kids encouraged her to get her Master's in Education with an endorsement in Chemistry & ESOL. She currently works as a TOSA in her district and has previously taught physics, biology & chemistry (secondary science).
She loves to garden, cook and take naps during her free time.
Jenoge Khatter
Eugene EA
Dr. Jenoge Khatter is a Social Studies specialist for Eugene School District 4J, board member of the Oregon Council of the Social Studies, and a former social studies methods instructor for the University of Oregon. He taught social studies in the D.C. area, SF Bay Area, and Eugene from 2007-2019, specializing in ethnic studies, critical pedagogy, and civic engagement. He keeps a garden and small orchard with his partner and two children north of the Lorane Valley on land that was unjustly taken from the Kalapuya and Grand Ronde Tribes.
Mattie Lundy
Hillsboro EA
Mattie Lundy is an 8th grade English/Language Arts and 7/8th grade Drama elective teacher in Hillsboro. She earned her B.A. in Education at Western Oregon University and her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University. Currently she is serving on the Climate and Culture committee, has five years experience working as a mentor teacher with teacher candidates, as well as facilitating the after school drama club for the past seven years. With 16 years of experience teaching middle school in Hillsboro and a former graduate of the Hillsboro School District, she is passionate about Trauma-Informed Education and Social-Emotional Learning. She believes in the power of storytelling and how sharing our lived experiences with one another can shape and broaden our equity lens. When she isn't in the classroom or on the stage, Mattie loves spending time exploring our National Parks with her family, working in her garden, and paddling around in her kayak.
Danielle Maire
Lebanon ESPA
Danielle Maire has enjoyed working with students from preschool through high school, and for more than the last five years has found a great place with Lebanon's Seven Oak Middle School. Danielle's current position is a SpEd Instructional Assistant, and previous positions include School Assistant, Behavior Support, and Social and Emotional Instructional Assistant. Her education and experiences earning a Human Development B.A. provided a strong foundation for the various positions and classrooms in which she works and contributes her time.
Danielle is enthusiastic about facilitating and strives to lead, listen, and share ideas and information. Involvement in Racial Equity Group work, Early Childhood Trauma and Adverse Experiences study, Education Support Professionals workshops, Union support and representation participation, and Secretary for the Oregon Council of Education Support Professionals additionally contribute to her experiences.
Mary Michael
Willamette Valley EA
Mary Michael has worked in education for over 30 years. Her classroom experience includes working in every grade level from Kindergarten through Grade 9. She is currently a Mental Health and Behavior Specialist at Willamette Education Service District.
Mary earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University, and her Master's degree in Curriculum Design from Portland State University. Mary also has an ESOL endorsement and earned her Trauma Informed Certification through the Center for Cognitive Diversity. She has been featured in the OEA Today magazine which highlighted her work in Emotional Intelligence.
Mary is a native Oregonian who loves traveling with her husband, Bob, spending time with family and friends, and watching Oregon State football. Go Beavs!
Nedra Miller
Portland Association of Teachers
Nedra Miller has been an educator in Portland Public Schools since 2018. While at PPS Nedra has taught 2nd grade, served on her school's Racial Equity, Black Lives Matter, and Instructional Leadership committees, and has been a Building Rep. In addition, Nedra is co-chairing Portland Association of Teacher's Racial Equity Committee for the second year. Before PPS she worked with Providence Child Development Center, Nike Child Development Center, and Albina Head Start from 2006-2017.
An OEA NEON participant, she has found a great interest in facilitating OEA's Equity SPARKS Retreats for BIPOC Educators and serving underrepresented and underserved communities. Her favorite thing to do is travel with her husband of 20+ years, along with their son and daughter. She may also be found in her garden or in anyone's steam room.
Jean Mittelstaedt
Chemeketa CC FA
Jean Mittelstaedt teaches composition at Chemeketa Community College. She has also taught middle school and high school English. She has a BS. Ed. from Western Oregon University and an MAT and an MA, both in English, from Portland State University. Her professional interests include community in American literature, the teaching of writing, and the use of technology in education.
Stephanie Myhre
David Douglas EA
Stephanie Myhre has been a teacher in David Douglas School District for 25 years. She has taught 2nd-6th grades and served as a TOSA in an elementary building as well as the district office. This year she is the current president of the David Douglas Education Association. Stephanie is passionate about helping students become productive members of the community. Over the past few years, she has worked with her school team to learn about and implement resiliency strategies for both students and staff. Stephanie is the daughter of two happily retired elementary teachers. Outside of school she enjoys tending to her flowers, spending time outdoors, movies, cooking, and connecting with friends.
Alyssa Nestler
Lane County ESD EA
Alyssa Nestler began her teaching career as a preschool teacher with Head Start. She went on to teach in the Springfield School district, where she worked for 10 years. She taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade during those years. She also worked as Literacy TOSA at the district office, supporting Title 1 specialists and providing professional development to instructional staff. Aly earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oregon, as well as a Master's Degree in Education from Pacific University.
Currently, Aly is back at Pacific University as a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership. Her research interests include education policy, teacher leadership, and the development of quality professional learning. Aly holds a research assistantship exploring the impact of school based health centers on student outcomes. She is also an adjunct instructor who teaches on the topic of comprehensive learning, teaching, and assessment techniques for early childhood and elementary literacy development.
Niels Pasternak
Eugene EA
Niels Pasternak is a Student Services Department TOSA and Autism Consultant in Eugene School District 4J and he believes in the core values of Compassion, Responsibility, Optimism, and Inclusion. He currently serves students in eight different middle schools, The Fox Hollow Instructional Center, and the Eugene Online Academy. Niels is the father of two children and has primarily worked as a licensed special educator serving students with moderate to profound impacts from their disabilities for over 16 years. He currently works for OEA as an Equity Sparks Facilitator and a coach for the Educator Empowerment Academy and is teaching a graduate class for Pacific University. Niels is the Chair of the OEA Special Education Committee, a state delegate for the OEA and NEA Representative Assemblies, a member of the Western Regional Education Networks Coordinating Body and Cabinet, and he has taught multiple classes at OEA conferences.
Alyssa Potasznik
Portland Association of Teachers
Alyssa Potasznik is a high school special education teacher in Portland Public Schools. She has been a special education teacher for 14 years, working in Texas, California, and Oregon, serving as a teacher, case manager, and department chair, and a 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. Alyssa received her BA in English and her M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin, and has received additional certifications in literacy, students with autism, and students with visual impairments. She has also served as a mentor teacher and a cooperating teacher for new educators for several years. Alyssa has led trainings at the Arc of Texas Inclusion Works! conference on facilitating meaningful parental involvement in the IEP process, and has testified numerous times in front of the Texas Legislature on bills related to special education. She is especially focused on supporting new special educators, meaningful inclusion, and building strong relationships between schools and families. In her free time, she enjoys cooking (and eating) vegan food, running, and exploring all of the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Cristina Raos
Tigard-Tualatin EA
Cristina Raos is an educator specialized in teaching Bilingual students. She got her Masters in Education from PSU and has ELL and Bilingual Education endorsements from PSU and OSU. She now teaches Spanish 1 and Language Arts for TWI (Two-Way Immersion) students in Tigard High School. However, she taught 7 years in Elementary for the TWI program in 1st and 4th grade. Cristina is from Spain and has been living in Oregon since 2010. She lives in Portland with her bilingual two year old, Ana, and her partner, Kevin.
Billy Ray
Hillsboro EA
Billy is a Social Skills program specialist working with students who demonstrate extreme behaviors. He's a native of Portland, Oregon, and loves everything about the Pacific Northwest. Before he jumped into teaching middle school, he spent ten years in the United States Marines and private security contracting. He loves teaching, advocating for students with disabilities, and diving deeper to help students discover and employ success strategies.
Billy received a political science degree from Oregon State University and a master's degree in teaching from George Fox University. He's passionate about educator health, special education policy, and trauma informed frameworks. When he has a couple of moments to himself, Billy loves to do calligraphy, long distance running, writing, or watching Star Trek with his amazing and supportive partner.
Venus Reeve
Springfield EA
Venus started her career as a special educator in the late 1990's in rural Virginia, receiving her Bachelor's degree with a minor in special education from Old Dominion University. She taught for ten years in a variety of settings including public schools and private institutions. After earning her MS in Special Education from the University of Oregon in 2008, Venus began teaching special education in Eugene and presenting training to para-educators in her area of specialization; supporting students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. She is an active member of Oregon Education Association, OEA, at local and state levels, including hosting Season 7 of the OEA Grow Podcast and working with legislators on SB 283. In 2022, Venus won the OEA Noel Connall IPD Award for leadership and excellence in her work around creating and presenting professional development for educators. She is currently the chairman of the Special Education Advisory Committee to the Oregon Education Association.
Hilary Roach
Siuslaw EA
Hilary was born in Eugene and earned her Masters in Curriculum and Teaching at the University of Oregon. She is in her tenth year in education and is currently teaching 7th grade language arts at Siuslaw Middle School in Florence, Oregon. Hilary endeavors to be a compassionate and equitable educator, and she is committed to lifelong learning.
Hilary facilitates the Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy book study.
Sara Roadman
Eugene EA
Sara is a first-grade teacher in Eugene. She has 14 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She has a reading endorsement and has been teaching kids to read in two languages simultaneously as a French immersion teacher the past 11 years. Sara leads OEA courses on educator wellness. She has been practicing mindfulness in her own life and with her students since 2019. She lives in Eugene with her husband and two teenagers. In her free time, Sara loves nature, long walks listening to music, traveling, and reading.
Janette Ross
Lebanon ESPA
Janette Ross is a SPED I.A Leader at Seven Oak Middle school. She's been in this position for 8 years. Janette loves working with middle school kids, especially when her own kids were at one point at that age. It helps her identify with the students that she works with when she had kids at home that could help her better understand situations that some of our students are in.
Janette facilitates trauma informed education. She looks forward to continuing to grow her skills and skills of other educators by increasing knowledge about childhood trauma and how we can help the students that identify with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Gretta Sagolla
Eugene EA
Gretta Sagolla is the Early Learning Coordinator for Eugene School District 4J. Her classroom experience includes teaching first grade, kindergarten, small group reading, and facilitating data teams. Gretta also worked as a Staff Development Specialist providing professional learning for her district before landing in her current role.
Gretta's professional passions include teaching emergent readers and helping children, staff, and families develop skills to access their calm in order to learn and to live a joy-filled life. In her personal life Gretta is most happy losing time in the woods or paddling through some body of water. The greatest joy of her life is her daughter, who came in 2020. I delight in your eyes!
Christina Salter, MS, NCC
Lane CC EA
Christina has worked in the Oregon Community College system for much of her career. Trained as a professional counselor, her focus has been on helping students maintain their health and wellbeing while progressing toward their educational goals. To this end, Christina utilizes her knowledge of expressive arts therapy and yoga psychology to promote resilience and growth. Most recently, Christina has served as a Human Services faculty instructor and internship coordinator at Lane Community College in Eugene.
Colette Smith
Lebanon ESPA
Colette Smith has been a Media Assistant Leader at Lacomb School for 11 years where she works with Kindergarten through 8th grade students. Bringing excitement for reading is something that she has a passion for. She is the Vice President in her union as well as one of the ESP Mentoring Coordinators. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family as well as volunteering in her community.
Colin Stapp
Chemeketa Community College Faculty
Colin Stapp is a Learning Technology Facilitator in the Center for Academic Innovation at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. He is also an adjunct instructor with Chemeketa, teaching First Year Experience and Technology for Educators. Colin has been in higher education for 30 years and has been involved in educational technology throughout his career. His experience includes online teaching, faculty development, media production and integrating technology with instruction. He is also active in the Oregon Community College Distance Learning Association.
Colin started his college career at Mt. Hood Community College and earned an Associate of Arts degree there. He completed his undergraduate work at Pacific University, and earned a Master of Educational Technology & Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching from Boise State University. Colin leads OEA professional learning on online pedagogy and educational technology.
Erin Taylor
High Desert EA
Erin’s passion for learning and education began early in life and by third grade, she knew she was going to be a teacher, and 18 years ago she began her career as a Special education teacher. Erin has served in many roles in her career including a resource room teacher, behavior classroom teacher, general educator and homebound instructor before transitioning into a district-level behavioral interventionist role. It was during this time that Erin completed a Specialist in School Psychology program through Texas A&M University- Commerce and became a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). When time came for change, Erin relocated to Redmond, OR, where she served as the Behavior Specialist for the Redmond School District. Erin is now a Culture of Care Coach with the High Desert ESD where the CARE coach team supports Central Oregon schools in shifting systems to reflect the collective wisdom of trauma sensitivity, equity, and relationship-focused practices including Restorative Justice. Erin’s passionate focus is in supporting teachers to learn new ways in which to interact with students of diverse needs, classroom management and safety practices, and inclusivity.
When not at work, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, binging true crime podcasts, and refining her Chicken-whispering skills. While a native Hoosier, she considers Central Oregon her forever home and hopes to continue to help the community grow and care for all our residents.
Malory Turner
Northwest EA
Malory began her career in Special Education at the Forest Grove School District, where she started as an Instructional Assistant. Concurrently, she worked as an Inclusion Assistant for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, coordinating community programs and adaptive sports activities. After completing her Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from Pacific University, Malory transitioned to Scappoose Middle School as a Resource Teacher. In this role, she mentored new special education teachers and actively participated in the Special Education Advisory Committee for her district. Since 2020, Malory has been an integral member of the Oregon Education Association Special Education Committee, contributing to the improvement of special education practices statewide. Additionally, she dedicates her time to volunteering at events like the Oregon Special Olympics Youth Games and the Polar Plunge, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and advocacy in the special education field. Currently, Malory is the Special Education Professional Learning Coach for Northwest Regional Education Service District supporting ongoing professional learning for special educators in the region as well as serving in the role of Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Liaison and Regional Technical Assistance Provider.
Lori Wamsley
Mt Hood CC FA
Dr. Lori Wamsley has over 15 years of combined experience as a community college library director, reference/instruction librarian, and teaching library and education courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Lori holds a PhD in Education, a Master's in Library Science, a second Master's in Instructional Design and Technology, and a business degree. Lori also serves as peer evaluator for the Northwest Commission for Colleges and Universities. Her professional interests include assessment, leadership, and instructional design.
Laura Warren
Lebanon ESPA
Laura is a proud para educator from Lebanon. She has been with the Lebanon Community Schools for 28 years serving as a Title I Assistant Leader specializing in Dyslexia Instruction. Currently, she is an ESP on Special Assignment creating and providing PD for classified staff, as well as an ESP Mentoring Coordinator. She serves as the LESPA President, the Santiam UniServ Vice Chair, OCESP Vice Chair, and a member of the coordinating body for the Western Regional Educators Network. Laura also supports the National Education Association where she serves as a micro-credential reviewer and ESP Mentoring facilitator/trainer. She is a proud grandmother and loves to spend time with her family.
Monica Weathersby
Centennial EA
Monica is a southern born multi-racial woman. She has lived all over the U.S. and is currently a 5th grade teacher in an urban school. Her four beautiful children are her rock. Monica is on a racial and empowerment journey that has helped strengthen her foundation. She is continually looking for opportunities to grow and learn in community.
Stephany Weedin
Tigard Tualatin EA
Stephany Weedin is currently an Instructional Coach for Tigard-Tualatin School District. She started her teaching career in Florida and has taught in three states and four districts the past 13 years. She's passionate about trauma informed care, providing hands-on learning, and having equity in schools. Stephany loves collaborating with others, which is why she loves completing courses and other professional development opportunities through OEA. Stephany facilitates courses in the Becoming a Trauma Aware Educator series, Facilitating Online Learning for Adults and the Educator Empowerment Academy.
Stephany loves spending time outside with her children and spouse bike riding, gardening, hiking, and kayaking. She's an animal lover and her family owns a pet tortoise named Shelley. Stephany grew up in Florida but has fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest.
Roxanne Winston
Springfield EA
Roxanne Winston is currently a Special Education Learning Specialist for the Springfield School District. She serves on the AVID site team, the district Recruitment and Retention workgroup, and is a new member to her building's professional development committee.
After graduating from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Sociology and a certificate of concentration in Substance Abuse Prevention, she worked briefly in education as an EA before joining the Department of Justice. Roxanne worked for over 15 years as a Training and Development Specialist and facilitated the Division's new hire on-boarding. In 2018, she earned her MAT from Pacific University with Special Education and Foundational Math, later adding endorsements in Social Studies and Language Arts. A third generation Oregonian, she is a parent to a teenager and enjoys reading, exploring new things or new places, and snuggling with her cat.
DW Wood
Clackamas Community College ACE
DW Wood specializes in online postsecondary course development, implementation, management, and training. She has a Master's degree in Education: Educational Technology and a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco State University. DW has earned both QM Teaching Online certification and professional Project Management certification. She currently serves as Online Learning and Educational Technology Coordinator for Clackamas Community College, assisting both new and experienced instructors with the latest educational technologies and online learning management systems. DW leads OEA professional learning on online pedagogy and educational technology.
What member learners are saying about DW:
"DW was great! Very responsive and accessible, and she was able to meet with me individually to address questions specific to my area of instruction. And the way she engaged with others, and her answers to various questions, showed a definite high level grasp of this material."
