Administration

Way’. I have 30 years of experience in the field of Education and have completed all coursework in my Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership with the University of Montana. I taught for eight years in grades K – 5, including the Nitsipowahsin Language Immersion School. I worked for two years as Indian Education Specialist with the Montana Office of Public Instruction and six years as School Administrator with the Heart Butte, Montana School District, four years as Principal and two years as District Superintendent. In Heart Butte, a Montana reservation district, team problem-solving and daily attention to effective curriculum and pedagogy to meet individualized objectives, including special needs and behavior issue students; led our school to national recognition as a Distinguished Title I School for closing the achievement gap.

Prior to coming to Omak, I taught Elementary Education coursework for five years at Browning, Montana’s Tribal College and enjoyed a working partnership with the local schools. Coupling theory with in-school practicum hours gave my students a more complete perspective on the challenges elementary school teachers face regarding the diverse needs of their students. Montana state standards served as our guideposts.

I believe that all students can and will do well academically in school if given a safe environment, positive relationships, quality safety nets for social and emotional issues and trauma, and meaningful experiences including creative expression through the arts. All students can do well if there are caring adults who believe in their success and instill a sense of self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and a life-long curiosity to learn. Most importantly, I have a genuine and compassionate regard for our Colville children. I believe in teaching the whole child and honoring parents as partners. I find the profession to be personally rewarding and profoundly meaningful toward enhancing quality of life and improving society.

I am a mother and grandmother. I have four children and five grandchildren (six with our new puppy Bernie). My hobbies include hiking, swimming, reading, crocheting, and of course, spending quality time with friends and family.