Gervais Elementary School Staff
Ayala, Melissa
Secretary503-792-3803 x3030
melissa_ayala@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
keep the front office running smoothly
communicate with parents, students and staff
track all high school attendance
My Education Background:
Gervais High School Graduate
Chemeketa Community College
Portland State University
# of years with Gervais High School:
1st yr. at Gervais High School
8 yrs with GSD
20 yrs. in education.
Favorite Quote:
“Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.”
Bettis, Sheena
Teacher503-792-3803 x3138
sheena_bettis@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Health Sciences Teacher
Leadership Advisor
My Education Background:
BS, Microbiology, OS (Minor in Chemistry, certificate in medical humanities)
Masters in Public Health, OHSU
# of years with Gervais High School: 5
Classes that I Teach and Responsibilities This Year:
Health A/B
Wellness Occupations
Medical Skills
Community Health
Leadership Advisor
A/V Club
Favorite Quote:
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.”
Bowman, Tim
Teacher503-792-3803 x3111
tim_bowman@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Teach Social Studies
My Education Background:
BS, Education, Western Oregon University
# of years with Gervais High School: 26
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Government
Senior Survey
Geography
Favorite Quote:
“Reasons or results.”
Brack, Tucker
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director503-792-3803 x3090
tucker_brack@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Support the Principal and Athletics
My Education Background:
North Marion, K-12
Lower Columbia College
Western Oregon University Undergrad
Western Oregon University MAT
# of years with Gervais High School: 6
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Strength and Conditioning
Favorite Quote:
“The Enemy of Great Is Good Enough”
Bustamante, Suzanne
Teacher503-792-3803 x3140
suzanne_bustamante@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role(s):
FLC Special Education Teacher
My Education Background:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 Masters Degrees
# of years with Gervais High School: 6 years in November
Responsibilities This Year:
I am the High-Needs Special Education Teacher
I run the Functional Learning Center
I also run the transition program for students over 21 years of age
Favorite Quote:
”You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi “Work and you’ll get what you need; work harder and you’ll get what you want.” -Prabakaran Thirumalai_
Dilson, Megan
Teacher503-792-3803 x3122
megan_dilson@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Ag Teacher
FFA Advisor
My Education Background:
Crescent Valley High School
BA Animal Science OSU 2010
MA Ag Education OSU 2013
# of years with Gervais High School: 5
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Animal Science
Intro to Ag
Welding
Forestry
Food Science
Veterinary Science
Favorite Quote:
“Takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place”
Enciso-Anaya, Jasmin
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
jasmin_encisoanaya@gervais.k12.or.us
Hello, my name is Jasmin Enciso Anaya, I am an instructional assistant in the Functional Learning Center (FLC) supporting students in their general education classes at GHS, and I also translate for the Special Education Department. I attended Citrus Hill High School in California and graduated in 2011. I also earned two associate degrees from the Riverside Community College. Then I transferred to California State University of San Bernardino, where I earned my B.A in Psychology in 2014. I am currently attending the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. This is my second year working in the GSD, and I enjoy being part of this community. I am grateful to be able to support our students and their needs.
Favorite Quote:
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
Enfield, Amber
Teacher503-792-3803 x3120
amber_enfield@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role(s):
AVID Teacher/Coordinator
Social Studies Teacher
My Education:
Molalla High School, Oregon
AAOT Clackamas Community College 2007
BS in History WOU 2009
MAT WOU 2011
I student taught at Gervais High School in the 2010-2011 school year. After that I subbed here and other districts until getting hired full time at GHS in 2015.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”
~Anne Frank
Figura, Ryan
Teacher503-792-3803 x3132
ryan_figura@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Language Arts Teacher
My Education Background:
Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Moraine Valley Community College 2008
BA in English Language & Literature, Montana State University 2013
MAT Teaching English Language Arts, Lewis & Clark College 2017
# of years with Gervais High School: 3
Classes that I Teach This Year:
English 10
Language, Power, and Social Justice
Favorite Quote:
“Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Fike, Dawn
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
dawn_fike@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Assisting students with classwork
Helping students with daily living skills, recycling, etc.
Helping students learn appropriate social behavior
My Education Background:
Chemeketa Community College
I was in the USAF and trained at Fort Sam Houston Medical Training Center
Concorde Career Institute, Certified Medical Assistant Jacksonville, FL
# of years with Gervais High School: 10 yrs.
Responsibilities This Year:
assist in the FLC classroom
Favorite Quote:
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” -Maya Angelou
Funderburg, Grant
Teacher503-792-3803 x3112
grant_funderburg@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Resource Teacher
My Education Background:
MA Teaching in Special Ed, Pacific University 2016
BS Public Policy and Administration, WOU 2012
Southridge High School, Washington
# of years with Gervais High School: 5
Responsibilities This Year:
Academic Assist
Support Special education students
GHS Testing Coordinator
Favorite Quote:
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” -Mark Twain
Garcia, Sofia
Teacher503-792-3803 x3130
sofia_garcia@gervais.k12.or.usMy Role: Spanish Teacher
My Education Background: AA at Chemeketa Community College, BA in Education from Western Oregon University
Classes That I Teach: Spanish I-IV
Quote: “It is never too late to be who you might have been.” – George Elliot
Hamlin, Holly
Teacher503-792-3803 x3150
holly_hamlin@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Math Teacher
NHS Advisor
My Education Background:
BA – Mathematics and Education, Bethel University MN
MSEd ESOL, Western Oregon University
# of years with Gervais High School: 4
Classes that I Teach and Responsibilities This Year:
Algebra I,
AVID 9,
Accelerated Algebra,
Accelerated Geometry,
Algebra II,
NHS Advisor,
Equitable Grading Team,
Favorite Quote:
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” -Aristotle
Jackson, Janelle
Teacher503-792-3803 x3114
janelle_jackson@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
P.A.W.S.
Credit Recovery
My Education Background:
Graduated from Sherwood High School,
Graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Arts,
Graduated from George Fox University with a Masters in Teaching.
# of years with Gervais High School: 1st
I grew up in a family of educators and it has always been my dream to be a teacher. I love small schools and communities. I have two children who keep me busy with all their various activities and my husband and I love going to the beach and camping. Some of my favorite things are: Snickers, reading a good book, and hanging out with our dog Bella.
Favorite Quote:
“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”
Joy-Koer, April
Teacher503-792-3803 x3128
april_joy-koer@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Teacher,
Junior Class Advisor,
Chess Club Advisor.
My Education Background:
Mt Hood Community College (AS),
Portland State University (BS),
Portland State University (Med).
# of years with Gervais High School: 6
Classes that I Teach This Year:
STEM,
Chemistry,
Physics,
Environmental Science.
Favorite Quote:
”Be the change you want to see in the world”
Lader, Becki
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803 x3040
becki_lader@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Librarian Assistant,
support for students
My Education Background:
Marshall High School, Portland
# of years with Gervais High School: 4
Responsibilities This Year:
assist all credit recovery students
assist all P.A.W.S. students
Favorite Quote:
“Be an active participant in your own rescue.” – River Raft Guide
LaFollette, Kate
Teacher503-792-3803 x3148
kate_lafollette@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
AVID 11,
American Literature.
My Education Background:
AAS in Horse Management from Linn Benton Community College,
B.S. in Speech Communication from Oregon State University
Currently in MAT Program at George Fox University.
# of years with Gervais High School: 2
Classes that I Teach This Year:
AVID 11,
American Literature.
Favorite Quote:
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” -Maya Angelou
Liege, Lecia
Teacher503-792-3803 x3118
lecia_liege@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Math Teacher
My Education Background:
Cerritos HS, California
UC, Irvine BA in Psychology, Minor in Biology, 1984
Concordia University, Portland, Master’s in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, 2016
Years with Gervais High School: 3
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Geometry
Pre-Algebra
Advisory – 11th Grade
Advanced Topics in Algebra & Geometry
Favorite Quote:
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
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!!!
McCargar, Lindsay
Teacher503-792-3803 x3126
lindsay_mccargar@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
CTE Teacher
Department Head
My Education Background:
Bachelors of Arts in Physical Education Western Oregon University,
Masters of Arts in Teaching Western Oregon University.
# of years with Gervais High School: 16
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Woods 1,
Woods 2,
Construction 1,
Architecture & Engineering.
Favorite Quote:
“Life is like a baseball game. When you think a fastball is coming, you gotta be ready to hit the curve.” -Jaja Q
Miller, Becky
Office Manager503-792-3803 x3020
becky_miller@gervais.k12.or.us
I am a Gervais High School graduate- Go Cougars! I began coaching high school Volleyball in 1999 and started working full time in the GHS office in 2003. My fondest memories will forever be my own experiences on the athletic court/field and my time coaching some pretty wonderful ladies- who became part of my family. I live on a small farm outside of town with my husband and our 3 very busy boys. Our lives are consumed with their sporting events and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
“See a Need, Fill a Need”
Moreno, Estella
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
estella_moreno@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Helping Students in the classroom
Helping where I am needed
My Education Background:
Graduated from Gervais Union HS
# of years with Gervais High School: 12 yrs.
Responsibilities This Year:
Supervision duties
Helping in the classes assigned.
Favorite Quote:
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and the shadows will fall behind you.” -Walt Whitman
Oropeza, Andrea
Counselor503-792-3803 x3024
andrea_oropeza@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
to support all students in feeling empowered to shape their future academic goals, cultivate their personal/social & mental health, and develop and work towards their career aspirations.
My Education Background:
Bachelors of Social Science with a Minor in Spanish at Western Oregon Univ.
Masters of Education in School Counseling.
# of years with Gervais High School: 1st
Favorite Quote:
“The opposite of success is not failure…it’s being stuck. You have a unique gift that’s meant to be shared. When fully aligned with this everlasting GIFT, an unshakeable confidence becomes REAL!” -Jennifer Villarreal
Orschel, Sarah
Teacher503-792-3803 x3142
sarah_orschel@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Classroom Teacher,
Sophomore Class Advisor
My Education Background:
BA in Art: Art History – Portland State University,
MAT – Concordia University
# of years with Gervais High School: 5
Classes that I Teach This Year:
Intro to Art & Design,
Photography I & II,
Graphic Design I & II,
Print Production & Design.
Favorite Quote:
”Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, art is knowing which ones to keep” -Scott Adams
Palmer, Samantha
Teacher503-792-3803 x3124
samantha_palmer@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
English/AVID Teacher,
Drama Club Co-Advisor,
GSA Advisor,
(9-12) OBOB Coach
My Education Background:
Tacoma School of the Arts (HS), 2011,
Linfield College (BA), 2015
Currently attending George Fox (MEd).
# of years with Gervais High School: 3
Classes that I Teach This Year:
English 12,
AVID 12,
Theater
Favorite Quote:
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” -Kahlil Gibran
Pizer, Tami
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
tami_pizer@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role(s): Instructional Assistant,
My education: Tigard High School and Portland Community College
Years in Education: I started in education in 2003, and have worked at Gervais High School since October 2019.
I provide instructional and behavioral support for students. I look forward to getting to know new students each year and building stronger relationships with students that are coming back. I enjoy going to sporting and community events, and seeing my students’ there.
“Find your strength in flexibility”
-Maureen Joyce Connolly, Little Lovely Things
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
Roberts, Sterling
Choir Teacher503-792-3803 x3156
sterling_roberts@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Choir Teacher,
Music Club Advisor.
My Education Background:
Rancho Cucamonga HS – Rancho Cucamonga, CA (also home of the Cougars 🙂 )
University of California, Irvine – Irvine, CA (BM Vocal Performance, 2010)
Portland State University – Portland, OR (MM Conducting, 2016 & MEd Education, 2017)
# of years with Gervais High School: 1st
Classes that I Teach This Year:
GHS Choir
Favorite Quote:
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” -Ella Fitzgerald
Ruiz Fuente, Rafael
Teacher503-792-3803 x3160
rafael_ruizfuente@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role: Strength/Conditioning/PE Teacher
My Education Background: Leopoldo Cano High School, Valladolid, Spain, Physical Education Degree, 1992
Total Years in Education: 28
Total Years with Gervais High Schoo: This is my first!
Classes that I Teach and Responsibilities This Year: Strength/Conditioning and anything PE related
Schultz, Ben
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
ben_schultz@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
IA,
Boys basketball coach,
Read the morning announcements
My Education Background:
AA, Chemeketa Community College,
BA, Western Oregon University.
# of years with Gervais High School: 6
Responsibilities This Year:
FLC PE,
FLC Science.
Favorite Quote:
“Remember the past, prepare for the future, live for today.”
Shirley, Kristen
Teacher503-792-3803 x3136
kristen_shirley@gervais.k12.or.us
My Role: Life Science Teacher
My Education Background: BS in Biology at Warner Pacific, MA in Teaching at George Fox
Classes That I Teach: Biology, Environmental Science and Forensics
Quote: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” – MLKJ
Simmons, Brad
Teacher503-792-3803 x3134
brad_simmons@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Teacher
Basketball coach
My Education Background:
BA: Business Economics – Willamette University
Teacher License – California State University, Long Beach
MS Mathematics – Portland State University
# of years with Gervais High School: 22
Classes that I Teach and Responsibilities This Year:
Introduction to Business
PreCalculus
Financial Algebra
Calculus
Assistant Basketball Coach
Favorite Quote:
”Mathematics is the language in which God wrote the universe.” -Galileo
Valle, Marisol
ELL Assistant503-792-3803
marisol_valle@gervais.k12.or.us
My Education Background: Woodburn High School Graduate, Warner Pacific University
Favorite Quote: "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” -John Maxwell
Weidemann, Pam
Instructional Assistant503-792-3803
pam_weidemann@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
Helping students meet their goals.
My Education Background:
GHS Alumni Class of ‘03,
BA Interdisciplinary Studies – WOU ‘08.
# of years with Gervais High School: I’ve worked at GHS since 2020, GES since 2015, and a variety of positions with the district since 2001.
Favorite Quote:
“I never lose, I either win or learn.” -Nelson Mandela
“Do or Do Not, There is No Try.” -Yoda
Wrinkle, Whitney
Teacher503-792-3803 x3042
whitney_wrinkle@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
English Teacher
My Education Background:
Bachelor of Science in English, Western Oregon University,
Master of Arts in Teaching, George Fox University.
# of years with Gervais High School: 14.
Classes that I Teach This Year:
English 9,
Language Arts,
Language, Power, and Social Justice.
Favorite Quote:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill
Zurita, Laura
Counselor503-792-3803 x3022
laura_zurita@gervais.k12.or.us
My Roles:
GHS BASE Coordinator,
Offer social/emotional support to GMS/GHS,
1:1 counseling/mediation with students.
My Education Background:
B.A., Psychology,
B.A, Spanish,
Masters in Social Work.
# of years with Gervais High School: 1st
Responsibilities This Year:
Oversight of BASE curriculum,
Counseling (6th – 12th),
Monthly Celebrations.
Favorite Quote:
“Give a man a fish and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you’ll feed him for a lifetime.” -Chinese Proverb
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.