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I am excited to step into the roll of Interim Head Of School after being the Office Manager for the past 3 1/2 years. I have an extensive understanding of the role, a passion for education, and a deep love for children. I look forward to encouraging our mission of nature-based education and maintaining our child-centered culture. 

I have lived on the Central Oregon Coast since moving from Washington at a young age. I married my husband Eric in 2006 and we have 2 beautiful daughters. I love to laugh and enjoy horseback riding, reading, and outdoor adventures with my family.

I am passionate about kids! I love how kids come equipped with the attributes we aspire for as adults - joy, inquisition, energy, imagination, creativity, trust. I set out each day to create an environment at Neskowin Valley School that allows these attributes to flourish. I want our students to feel celebrated for their individuality. I want our students to grow up to be the adults that embody these natural attributes, without the need to re-learn them. 

Raising my three children has shown me how important environment is in shaping young minds. My children have experienced a number of school environments, from public to private to schooling at home. Coupled with my own school experiences which, sadly, were not very positive, I am confident that the most important impact on a child's development is love! Children need to feel empowered in order to reach their full potential. A loving environment that welcomes creativity and imagination, that celebrates individuality and fosters joy, creates the space for children to feel empowered. That is what Neskowin Valley School is all about!

I came to Neskowin Valley School from a career in business management. After learning the mission and vision of this amazing place, my initial thought was, "I could have enjoyed school!" It was an eye-opening moment in my adult life, having always viewed myself as a "bad student". I realized that I had been an NVS kid stuck in a "rows and desks" environment. I wish my children had been able to experience growing up the "NVS way". Free to be kids, free to explore, free to imagine! 

I am so thankful to be a part of this magical community. Our students are amazing and it is my honor to be sharing in their journey each day.

I'm very passionate about education and giving kids the opportunity to learn by exploring their natural surroundings. I've always enjoyed working with kids, however, it wasn't until I became a Girl and Cub Scout leader as well as a Sunday School teacher, that I discovered my love of teaching. I received my teaching degree in January 2014 from Western Governors University and worked as a reading specialist in the public school system before coming to Neskowin Valley School in 2017.

I was born and raised on the Oregon Coast where I have lived all my life, and I love everything that this area provides. I enjoy spending time with my husband and four kids; horseback riding, hiking, camping, playing on the beach, and the many other activities the outdoors has to offer.  This area provides so many wonderful opportunities that kids can explore and learn from. I am excited to teach your children in this rich learning environment.

Education has always been a passion of mine. At the Neskowin Valley School, the motto “no child left inside” rings true. I believe that nature and the exploration of outdoor activities can lead to creating a love of the outdoors, as well as a deep respect for the environment.

Upon graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Psychology, I traveled abroad to live in Australia where I taught at the Gunbalanya Aboriginal School. It is during this time that I learned about the incredibly valuable cultural knowledge that indigenous populations possess. Upon returning from abroad, I decided to serve my country as a disaster response and environmental protection officer in the United States Coast Guard. Having retired from the Coast Guard with a Masters of Education, I hope to now serve the Neskowin Community and the students at Neskowin Valley School.
 

As a licensed educator having attended Western Oregon University’s Teacher Education program; my goal is to deliver material in a multi-cultural and holistic manner that provides opportunities for all students to achieve the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their educational experience. I strive to foster an environment that is inclusive to everyone and draws on the inherent skills of each and every one the students to achieve their own personal successes. In doing so, my hope is to encourage the development of socially responsible individuals who possess the ability to think independently and learn with confidence.

My wife Lindy and I reside in Rose Lodge, and look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

I have been involved in the education of young children for more than 30 years. I have taught in private schools, church schools, and in the public school system.

I was raised in Pennsylvania, but my husband and I came to Oregon in 1980. We raised 3 sons in the Tualatin area. When my youngest son died of brain cancer in 2014, I told my husband that life was just too short and encouraged him to quit his job and move to the coast. I had just taken early retirement from the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Luckily my husband found a job with the city of Lincoln City because he is not ready to retire yet! We enjoy living out here in "Paradise". I have three grandchildren, but I don't get to see them very often because they live in Canada.

I have a passion for art education and was very fortunate to be among the educators who were trained in Discipline-Based Art Education at the Portland Art Museum in the 90's. Most of my post-baccalaureate courses were in art education. I am the Art Literacy teacher, twice a month, for all the students here at NVS. I enjoy teaching them about various artists and their contributions to the world of art.