District and Daycare / Preschool / Welcome Center Staff
Our Core Values:
Through collaborating with our families and the communities we serve, the Gervais School District will meet individual student needs by upholding the following district core values:
Armstrong, Rita
Transportation Supervisor - Mid Columbia Bus Co.503-792-5776
rita_armstrong@gervais.k12.or.us
Buchheit, Steve
Maintenance Worker503-792-3803
steve_buchheit@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles: Maintain and Repair Facilities as needed.
I've worked for 21 years with Gervais School District.
I love sports and spending time with my family.
Camacho, Maricruz
Home School/Migrant Coordinator, Welcome Center503-792-3803 x1022
maricruz_camacho@gervais.k12.or.us
Chesnokov, Effie
Custodial Service503-792-3803
epistimia_chesnokov@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role: GES Custodian.
I've worked for 2 years with Gervais School District.
I enjoy my job and I am always willing to help and I love baking.
Cruz Cruz, Jessica
Preschool Promise and Welcome Center Secretary503-792-3803
jessica_cruzcruz@gervais.k12.or.us
Davidson, Kevin
Maintenance Worker503-792-3803
kevin_davidson@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles: Lawn Care, and Vehicle Maintenance
Educational Background:
USAF Mechanic,
AA Aerospace Technology,
AA Human Resources
Flores, Elizabeth
Preschool Coordinator/Head Teacher503-792-3803
elizabeth_flores@gervais.k12.or.us
Gonzalez Lopez, Felipe
Custodial Service503-792-3803
felipe_gonzalezlopez@gevais.k12.or.us
My Role: GHS Custodian
I like to work, dance, and walk in my spare time.
Helms, Creighton
Director of Student Services and Federal Programs503-792-3803 x4010
creighton_helms@gervais.k12.or.us
Joy-Koer, Phillip
Personnel Clerk503-792-3803 x5012
phillip_joy-koer@gervais.k12.or.us
I joined the Gervais team in July of 2021 and I am looking forward to a long career with the district. I enjoy spending my time with my family hiking, working on crafts, designing and creating clothes, or working on the house and yard.
Lewis, Tracy
Director of Technology503-792-3803 x5070
tracy_lewis@gervais.k12.or.us
I have been with the district since 1998. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and working on projects around the house. I also love to travel to warm and tropical places (doesn’t everyone?) and visiting family and fishing in my home state of Alaska.
Marquez, Celia
Student Accounting Specialist503-792-3803 x5072
celia_marquez@gervais.k12.or.us
I was born in Texas and moved to Oregon with my parents in 1963. I lived in Gervais on 1st Street most of my life and went to Gervais Elementary (Go Raiders!), then graduated from Gervais Union High (Go Cougars!). I have 4 children who all attended Gervais schools. I have 7 grandchildren. I love to cook, quilt and crochet. I do have some college credits from CCC.
Marquez, Chantel
District Nurse503-792-3803 x5076
chantel_marquez@gervais.k12.or.us
I am a Gervais Alumni like many of my coworkers. I feel privileged to be working for the school district my mother attended, I attended and now my children attend. I also work full time at a local hospital. I have been working in healthcare since 2003 and I am thankful to be serving our small unique community. I am happy to feed my passion of helping others through my work as a registered nurse, especially the students of GSD.
Munoz, Gustavo
Director of Maintenance and Custodial503-792-3803 x5062
gustavo_munoz@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles: Maintain Facilities, Supervise Custodians, Supervise maintenance of grounds, Oversee major projects and contractors for GSD
I've worked for 20 years with Gervais School District.
I am a community member here in Gervais and fully vested in doing what I can to help make the facilities the best they can be.
Powers, Julie
Maintenance Dept. and Athletic Secretary503-792-3803 x3034
julie_powers@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles: Athletics 6-12, Custodial/Maintenance Support, Attendance K-12
I've worked for 10 years with Gervais School District.
My Responsibilities This Year: Assisting our AD with coaching staff, scheduling, and student eligibilities, Assisting head of maintenance with scheduling of projects, AP, and custodial support, Working with the secretaries in the district bringing attendance together.
Favorite Quote: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” -Albert Einstein
Segura, Sandra
Administrative Assistant and Data Specialist503-792-3803 x5030
sandra_segura@gervais.k12.or.us
I was born in Mexico and migrated to Oregon at the age of ten. I’m the oldest of four. I graduated from Silverton High School and attended Chemeketa Community college. My hobbies are reading, cooking, gardening, and hiking. I have worked for Gervais School District for 20+ years in various office positions, and I’m currently an Administrative Assistant & Data Specialist at the district office.
Tarula Segura, Gilberto
Custodial Service503-792-3803
gilberto_tarulasegura@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role: GES Custodian
Been with GSD since 2021
I enjoy sports and to run in my spare time.
Woodard, Jill
School Psychologist503-792-3803 x2026
jill_woodard@gervais.k12.or.us
I started working in education in 2002 and have happily served Gervais school district since 2013.
Aman, Fenya
Behavior Assistant503-792-3803 x2022
fenya_aman@gervais.k12.or.us Hi there, my name is Fenya Aman. I’ve been working for the district in different roles for about 20 years and am currently the Student Advocate here. I grew up here in Gervais. I attended the Gervais School District Kindergarten-12th grade. Now I am lucky enough to get to work for Gervais School District and am able to give back to a community that helped raise me. My goal with our students is to help them be successful academically and to help them grow their social/emotional skills, as well. I love this community and I’m so thankful to be part of the Gervais Family.
Braswell, Amanda
Teacher503-792-3803 x2132
amanda_braswell@gervais.k12.or.us Hello! My name is Amanda Braswell and I teach 6th grade Language Arts at Gervais Middle School. I was born in California but mostly raised in Oregon- I love Oregon's rain and green landscapes! I graduated from University of Oregon where I majored in English Literature, and minored in Sociology. Afterwards, I attended Lewis & Clark Graduate College of Education and graduated with my Masters in Teaching (specializing in English Language Arts). This is my 5th year at Gervais teaching 6th grade and I absolutely love it. I appreciate how the smaller school setting allows you to get to know all of the students, and really help them. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy reading, crocheting, watching tv, and spending time with friends & family ( especially my German Shepherd, Piper)!
Camat, Kristin
Teacher503-792-3803 x2118
kristin_camat@gervais.k12.or.us
My name is Kristin Lebsack and I was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon. Go Beavers!!!! When it came time to go to college however, I was ready for a change so I packed up and headed to sunny San Luis Obispo, California. There I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Cal Poly. I worked with emotionally disturbed youth in the community for 3 years before going back to school to get my Master’s of Education in Special Education. Gervais was my first and only interview. After talking with the fabulous Ann O’Connell, our director of special services, I knew this was the place for me. I am starting my fifth year in the district. Last year, I completed my reading endorsement and I am now certified as a Reading Specialist. I am also the Assistant Coach of the Gervais Cougars Girls’ Varsity Soccer team! I am so passionate about soccer that I continue to play on an indoor team.
It is my belief that the school staff, student and parent can make school a positive and successful experience by working together. My goal is for you, the parent, the student and myself to be equal partners in your child’s success this year. One of the goals of middle school is to help prepare your child for high school. To that extent, we focus on improving academic skills, study habits, and independent learning. I run the Learning Resource room in the middle school. As such, my practices look a little different than a traditional classroom. I strive to meet the needs of each individual, whether it be reading, math, writing, or organization. During the school day, I teach one Read180 class and I teach Academic Assist classes. My classroom rules follow those outlined in the student handbook.
I teach Read 180 and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade reading and math support.
Guerrero, Maria
Office Manager503-792-3803 x2020
maria_guerrero@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Gervais High School.
Years in Education:
18 years with GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Office Manager.
My Interests/Favorites:
Love spending time with my family on my spare time.
Hill, Lucas
Teacher503-792-3803 x2122
lucas_hill@gervais.k12.or.us
I was raised in a small town in southern Oregon, and graduated from Crater High School in 1992. I moved to Salem to attend Willamette University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in theater, with a minor in art. After college I worked in a few different jobs before I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I earned my master’s degree in educational leadership in 2002.
I live in Salem with my wife and two sons, our dog, and some backyard chickens. Our favorite things to do as a family are hiking, camping, playing board games, and building with Legos. In the summer I usually teach drama classes in Salem.
I am very proud to be a member of the GMS team. My goal as your 7th grade language arts teacher is to help you find your voice and express the greatness of your heart and mind. Your words are your most powerful tools. You should keep them sharp, keep them clean, and learn to use them well.
Lopez, Elizabeth
Teacher503-792-3803 x2136
elizabeth_lopez@gervais.k12.or.us
My name is Elizabeth Lopez, and I currently teach ELD for both the middle and high school. I studied Pre-medicine Biology at Trinity International University in Chicago. After spending 4 years in Japan, learning to speak and read Japanese, I decided to become an English teacher, and I studied ESOL for teaching at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota where I received a Masters of Arts in Teaching. I am licensed to teach Language Arts, ELD, and Biology by the state of Oregon. My husband, daughter, and mother in law live in Woodburn. We have lived in Los Angeles, northern California, and now Oregon. Each place has had it's uniqueness, but we really enjoy Oregon! Go Ducks or go Beavers? GO BADGERS!!!
Miller, Cassie
Teacher503-792-3803 x2060
cassie_miller@gervais.k12.or.us
My name is Cassie Miller. I grew up on a farm in Molalla with my three siblings. I enjoyed an eight-year career in Gymnastics and when the program was canceled, I joined the track team in middle school, high school and college. Athletics help me earn a full ride scholarship to Clackamas Community College. I then competed for Western Oregon University where I pursued my education in multiple subjects for elementary and middle school education and I returned to Western Oregon University to complete my Masters in Education. A couple unique facts about me are that I competed in the NCAAII Nationals in the 400MH and I worked in Iraq with the military for 1.5 years.
A fantastic moment for me every day is every time a student succeeds at a new skill.
Mulkerin, Michael
Teacher503-792-3803 x2120
michael_mulkerin@gervais.k12.or.us
Hello! My name is Michael Mulkerin. I am proud to work in the Gervais Middle School. I have taught math and social studies for the majority of my nearly twenty years here. I started my career in Brooks as a substitute Librarian and computers teacher. Working in a smaller, family oriented, district has made me versatile. I have taught nearly every subject and coached all the sports we offer. I am glad to say that I have settled into math and coaching girls soccer for the high school. I am currently trying to get a middle school robotics program up and running. Many people express that I am crazy for teaching middle school for so long. That might be true, but I still find my smile when I see kids do new and great things.
I was born in Fargo, North Dakota, but moved to Walla Walla, Washington the summer before my first grade year. I had a great experience in the Walla Walla Public Schools. I admired and respected my teachers. Many of them motivated me to become a teacher. After graduating, I moved to the Willamette Valley to attend Willamette University. I earned my masters in teaching in 1996. I found Gervais and latched on to the community. I am married with two younger children. I enjoy spending time with my family. We like to go swimming on the weekends. When I was a younger teacher, I was a state of Oregon pickle ball medalist. I am hoping to get a chance to show the students some pickle ball this year in our new exercise facility. It is a fun, and uniquely Northwest game.
I teach 7th grade Math and Computers and Sports.
Torres-Tapia, Maria
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803 x2128
maria_torres-tapia@gervais.k12.or.usHello! My name is Maria Torres-Tapia. This is my second year at Gervais Middle School. I am excited to start this year working in the Special Education department. I have prior experience working with various types of students (homeless, incarcerated, students at alternative schools) and am ready for what this year will bring. I try to build strong connections with the students to help them be the best they can in class and have them feel confident to ask for help.
Warberg, Helen
Teacher503-792-3803 x2130
helen_warberg@gervais.k12.or.us
My name is Helen Warberg. I have had the pleasure to teach in the Gervais School District for the past 20 years. Over the years I have taught a multitude of things, but I currently teach eighth grade Math and Science. Of all the grades I have taught, eighth grade is my favorite year. Students are on the verge of just having it all come together. I have had the opportunity to run the Washington DC program for the middle school. Over 200 kids have been able to take advantage of this program. I take great pride in the fact that this program has been able to survive over the years.
Many years in a small school has afforded me to build many relationships with former students and parents. I really appreciate the fact that many former students have come back and said that I have made a difference in their lives.
I was born in Portland, but grew up in Hillsboro. In 1992, I graduated from Western Oregon State College with a degree in Elementary Education. I have both a reading endorsement and an English language Endorsement. When I am not teaching, I spend time with my family. My latest hobby is chasing after my young kids. Before kids, I put myself through college by river guiding on the Deschutes. This past September, I surprised students (both former and current) by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.
I teach 8th grade Math and 8th grade Science.
Woodard, Jill
School Psychologist503-792-3803 2026
jill_woodard@gervais.k12.or.us
I started working in education in 2002 and have happily served Gervais school district since 2013.
Yoshinaga, Aloha
Counselor503-792-3803 2024
aloha_yoshinaga@gervais.k12.or.us
Hello from Aloha!! I am excited to be a part of a spectacular team at Gervais Middle School. I have been in education for over 15 years as a Science Teacher, Graduation Coach, Early College Advisor, and now a Counselor. I am over the moon to be serving our amazing middle school students. When I am not counseling, I enjoy the outdoors, swimming, rafting, snowboarding, camping and exploring new areas in the United States and other countries with my family and friends. I am also a foodie but only eat veggies and seafood. Go Wolverines!!!
Zurita, Laura
Counselor503-792-3803 x3022
laura_zurita@gervais.k12.or.us
Hi there! I still consider myself fairly new to the Gervais School District. I was born and raised in Oregon and have previous work experience with Child Welfare, DHS and with the office of Developmental Disabilities, in both positions I worked as a case manager. I graduated from McMinnville High School, then pursued two Bachelor of Art degrees at Western Oregon University, and obtained a Master degree in Social Work, at Portland State University. I now serve 6th-12th graders as a counselor with the majority of my time housed at the High School. However, I am available to both buildings at all times. I've enjoyed getting to know the students and the community, and I looked forward to a new year. As a first generation latina, I can relate to a lot of Gervais's community struggles within the school system, and family home environment. My practice is based on working with modalities that can help ourselves become more, instill inspiration, empowerment, and self-love by teaching students that there is more to life than what has been given, especially during rough times.
I’m married to a wonderful man whom I’m proud to call my best friend and he's a roofer. We have a beautiful 4-year old daughter named Lyra Fe, and another one coming this winter 2022. I love nature, trips to the beach and sightseeing Oregon’s beautiful parks. My second home is in Mexico and when I can, I visit family and tour the country. I love both of my identities being a Mexican American who is proud to be bilingual-Hablo español!. What brought me to Gervais School District was the wonderful experience I had during my internship with the counseling department at GES in 2019. I loved and respected the schools’ values, support, and community. Since starting at GMS/GHS, I feel part of the Gervais school family, the support and dedication staff, students and families have with each other makes this place rewarding to work with.
~Please do not hesitate to contact me. Por Favor no demore en comunicarse conmigo.