Gervais Elementary School Staff
Administration
From the Desk of the Principal
Creighton Helms, Principal
Gervais Elementary School
503-792-3803 x1020
creighton_helms@gervais.k12.or.us
My values as an administrator are founded on my passion to ensure success for all GES students. I am thankful for the diverse experiences I’ve had to build the leadership characteristics I value most – teamwork, honesty, transparency, and effective communication. I fully intend on leveraging these traits to pursue my number one priority at GES – to ensure that every student receives an education and experience that provides them the greatest opportunity to succeed, both within the walls of GES and beyond them. To accomplish this, our students deserve outstanding instruction from highly qualified teachers, exceptional leadership from
effective administrators, and equal access to opportunities and supports that enable them to develop character, cultivate passions, and explore the world around them. As your principal, I am committed to this endeavor by ensuring that student needs and interests help shape instruction and opportunities through a shared commitment to learning, and that all students have equal opportunity to discover their passions and sense of purpose.
I also highly value frequent collaboration with parents, staff, and community members. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas that you would like to discuss. I look forward to a great year ahead for all of us.
Ballweber, Carrie
Special Education Support Assistant(503) 792-3803 x1113
carrie_ballweber@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Chemeketa Community College
Years in Education:
16 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Special Education K-5 Assistant
My Interests/Favorites:
Spending time at the Beach
Belle, Eliana
Teacher503-792-3803 x1134
eliana_belle@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
I attended Western Oregon University for my BA in Elementary Education, my ESOL Endorsement, and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in STEM Education.
Years in Education:
I began my teaching career at GES in 2018.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I teach kindergarten.
My Interests/Favorites:
One of my favorite hobbies is camping!
Broadhurst, Kerry
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1102
kerry_broadhurst@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Teaching Degree earned from Western Oregon University and Master’s Degree from Portland State University in Curriculum and Instruction
Years in Education:
Been with the Gervais School District since 1998
Grades/Classes/Roles:
5th Grade Math Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
I am a huge Superman fan. Favorite Quote: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.” (Pa Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life).
Chase, Michelle
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1104
michelle_chase@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
George Fox University MAT
Years in Education:
12 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
second grade teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
A person who reads lives 1,000 lives, while a person who doesn’t read lives only one.
Cook, John
Teacher503-792-3803
john_cook@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
George Fox University (B.S. in Elementary Education)
Years in Education:
I student taught at Gervais Elementary School in 2020
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Online Instruction Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
I love board games and tabletop games!
A quote I need daily: “The wise man loves correction”
Dees, Kalynn
Teacher503-792-3803 x1122
kalynn_naulty@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Southern Oregon University, Masters Degree
Years in Education:
Started teaching in 2015 and started teaching in Gervais in 2018
Grades/Classes/Roles:
1st Grade Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
My favorite book is Wonder by R. J. Palacio. My favorite quote, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” -Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Dettwyler, Wynelle
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1108
wynelle_dettwyler@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Western Oregon University – Bachelor’s degree in Education, Master’s degree in ESOL
Silverton Union High School
Years in Education:
Elementary Teacher in Gervais School District since 2000.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
4th Grade Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
I love spending time with my family and going to the beach.
Devine-Jenson, Patricia
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1110
patricia_devine-jenson@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
I went to High School in Heppner Oregon and Attended Eastern Oregon University for my BA, MAT, and ESOL Endorsement
Years in Education:
I am beginning my ninth year teaching and am beginning my seventh year at GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I am teaching Kindergarten
My Interests/Favorites:
I love going to exercise classes, walking my dog, Tate, going to farmer’s markets, and reading many kinds of books!
Fast, Tiffany
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1112
tiffany_fast@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
PSU (BS) George Fox (Masters in Teacher)
Years in Education:
22
Grades/Classes/Roles:
4th Grade GES
My Interests/Favorites:
Spending time with my kids
Gage, Kay
Administrative Teacher on Special Assignment(503) 792-3803 x1028
kay_gage@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
McNary HS Keizer, OR, WOSC undergraduate, WOU Masters in Education, U of O Administrators License
Years in Education:
I started teaching Fall 1983, I joined the GSD fall of 1995
Grades/Classes/Roles:
K – 12 Music, Band, Choir
K – 5 Assistant Principal
My Interests/Favorites:
Playing the piano and singing. Spending time with my family and our dog Lilo.
Gatchet, Theresa
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1118
theresa_gatchet@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
WOU with a Bachelors of Arts in Education Portland State University with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and George Fox with a Reading Endorsement
Years in Education:
Taught 1st grade for 19 years and 2nd grade since 2018
Grades/Classes/Roles:
19 years as a first grade teacher and 1 year as a second grade teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
I love to read and spend time outdoors hiking, boating, and watching my kids play soccer! I love to travel with my family and friends! My favorite quote comes from one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss “the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”
Guerrero, Lilia
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
lilia_guerrero@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Years in Education:
This is my second year at Gervais Elementary
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I work in the Latchkey program
Guzman, Sofia
Secretary(503) 792-3803 x1030
sofia_guzman@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Chemeketa Community College
Years in Education:
I started working in the district in the 2000/01 school year.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Secretary
My Interests/Favorites:
“Live Each Day as if it Were Your Last, Tomorrow is Not Promised”
Hamberger, Bernadette
Food Service(503) 792-3803 x1053
bernadette_hamberger@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
John F Kennedy High/Chemeketa Community College
Years in Education:
23 years and @ GSD 20 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Food Service
My Interests/Favorites:
Favorite thing to do is, spending time with my son & family my granddaughters
Hazelton, Kristi
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1124
kristi_hazelton@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Seattle Pacific University
Years in Education:
19
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Teacher 4th/5th
My Interests/Favorites:
“Young people need models, not critics.” John Wooden
Helm, Stacey
Teacher503-792-3803 x1106
stacey_helm@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Oregon State University, BA
George Fox, MAT
Years in Education:
I became a teacher in 2016 and began working at GES in 2017.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Classroom Teacher 3rd grade
My Interests/Favorites:
“If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!” (Dolly Parton)
Helms, Creighton
Principal503-792-3803 x1020
creighton_helms@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
South Medford High School (Medford, OR)
B.S. from the United States Coast Guard Academy
M.A. Western Governors University
M.S. Penn State University, College of Medicine
Ed.D. from Creighton University
Post-Doc Certificate from Harvard University
Years in Education:
12 years total; 5 years in GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
GES Principal
My Interests/Favorites:
Competitive paper airplane thrower
Impromptu karaoke singer
Looks forward every Monday morning to shout: “Gooooooooood morning Gervais Elementary School Bumblebeeeeeeeeees……”
Jimenez, Gerardo
Counselor503-792-3803 x1036
gerardo_jimenez@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Attended North Salem High school/Graduated from Portland State University with a Masters in Social Work
Years in Education:
Total Years in an education is about 5 years and 4 years at GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
k-5th counseling program/social worker
My Interests/Favorites:
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ― Maya Angelou
Karns, Courtney
Teacher503-792-3803 x1116
courtney_karns@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (Music Education)
Portland State University (Masters in Early Childhood Education)
Years in Education:
12th year in education, 4th year at GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
K-5 Music and Choir Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
Love yoga and travel!
Koos, Barbara
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1160
barbara_koos@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Oregon State University
Years in Education:
I’m in my 30th year teaching and 26th year at GSD
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Elementary PE
My Interests/Favorites:
Hobby: Ocean kayak fishing
Lafollette, Vanessa
Instructional Assistant(503) 792-3803 x1129
vanessa_lafollette@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Horndean Comprehensive School, UK
Years in Education:
20 and 16
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Kindergarten IA & Care Team coordinator
My Interests/Favorites:
Gardening and reading about English history.
Lister, Marci
Teacher503-792-3803 x1130
marci_lister@gervais.k12.or.us
Schools Attended:
University of Arizona (B.A. in English)
Portland State University (B.A. in speech and hearing sciences)
Portland State University (M.Ed. in English and special education)
Years in Education:
I started teaching in 1999 in various roles and have been with Gervais School District since 2021.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
K-5 learning specialist/special education teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
Exploring new places: hiking, road trips, and fine arts destinations
Ludwikoski, Lisa
Teacher503-792-3803 x1014
lisa_ludwikoski@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
B.S.Ed–University of Kansas 1989 / ESOL Endorsement–Corban University 2019
Years in Education:
Three years at Gervais Elementary School and Thirty years in K-12 education (classroom, substitute, catechist, homeschooling)
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Fourth grade teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
Favorite: those occasional, brief moments during student learning when children realize they are witness to, and are part of, something greater than themselves
Obendorf, Elizabeth
Library Assistant503-792-3803 x1040
elizabeth_obendorf@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Chemeketa Community College
Western Oregon University (BA in Literature and minor in linguistics + TEFL Certificate)
California State University San Marcos (MA in Literature and Writing Pedagogy) Started in the fall of 2021
Years in Education:
I’ve been at GES since 2020
Grades/Classes/Roles:
K-5 Library/ STE(A)M specials
Oropeza, Esther
Instructional Assistant(503) 792-3803 x1117
esther_oropeza@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Years in Education:
19 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Instructional Assistant
My Interests/Favorites:
I really enjoy working with children and being a part of this community.
Piazza, Eleanor
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1136
eleanor_piazza@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
University of Oregon, BS Geography, MAT George Fox University
Years in Education:
23 years in education, 13 years at Gervais
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Kindergarten Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
My favorite thing to do is read and walk my dog!
Poissant, Jayme
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1138
jayme_poissant@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
University of Oregon B.A. in Journalism, George Fox M.A.T
Years in Education:
15 Total years in. 14 Years with Gervais.
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Fifth Grade Elementary Reading Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
My favorite thing to do is to sit on the beach with a good book, especially if the author is Jane Austen. “It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” ― Jane Austen
Ramon, Erica
Food Service(503) 792-3803 x1055
erica_ramon@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Years in Education:
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I work in Nutrition Services at Gervais Elementary
Reyes, Diego
Food Service503-792-3803
diego_reyes@gervais.k12.or.us
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I work in Nutrition Services at Gervais Elementary.
Roberts, Deborah
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803 x1119
deborah_roberts@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Sheridan High School
Years in Education:
I have worked in GSD for 4 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Instructional Assistant in the FLC
My Interests/Favorites:
My favorite thing to do is be at home with my kids, dogs, and cat
Rodriguez, Cristina
Food Service Worker503-792-3803 x1051
cristina_rodriguez@gervais.k12.or.us
Grades/Classes/Roles:
I work in Nutrition Services at Gervais Elementary.
Smith, Cindy
Teacher(503) 792-3803 x1146
cindy_smith@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
Western Oregon University- Bachelor of Science in Education
Years in Education:
In education for 22 years and at GSD 20 years
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Third Grade Classroom Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
My favorite book is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Smith, Susan
Teacher, Temporary(503) 792-3803 x1148
susan_smith@gervais.k12.or.us
My Education Background:
Graduated in Elementary Education at Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, ND, Licensed Teacher in Oregon
Currently working on SPED Endorsement through Pacific University, Forest Grove
# of years with Gervais School District: 1st
Favorite Quote:
”Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
So, Stephanie
Teacher503-792-3803 x1114
stephanie_so@gervais.k12.or.us
School(s) Attended:
George Fox University (B.S. in Elementary Education)
Years in Education:
I have been teaching at Gervais Elementary School since 2017
Grades/Classes/Roles:
Third Grade Classroom Teacher
My Interests/Favorites:
I love playing music, especially with friends!
