Gervais High School Staff
Administration
From the Desk of the Principal
Principal Andrew Aman
(503) 792-3803 x3010
andrew_aman@gervais.k12.or.us
Gervais High School is a school filled with unique, caring and passionate individuals. Our community is rich in diversity with a staff and student body that take pride in their school. We are small but mighty – committing to the success of graduation for all students in our district.
Our enrollment is typically around 300 students. Being a relatively small school – everyone knows your name at Gervais High School. Small class sizes allow for individual attention between students and teachers. The staff of Gervais High School work to value and respect persons of all backgrounds – making our school a welcoming, safe and comfortable place to learn.
There are numerous opportunities for students at Gervais High School. To mention a few, we offer a number of athletics for fall, winter and spring sports. Teachers and staff members host multiple clubs/organizations.
Academically, students are offered chances to challenge themselves to work towards higher level credits such as honors or college credit. We offer a multitude of Career and Technical classes in the areas of Agriculture, Construction, Health Occupations and Art. We are also partners with Willamette Career Academy and have a number of students attend their program part-time.
Having worked in the district as a teacher and administrator for the past decade and a half, It is a privilege being the Principal of Gervais High School and getting to work with members of this great community.
I welcome all questions, ideas, and suggestions. Feel free to stop by and visit. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Go Cougars!
Andrew Aman
Principal – Gervais High School
From the Desk of the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Tucker Brack
(503) 792-3803 x3090
tucker_brack@gervais.k12.or.us
Before accepting the position of Athletic Director/Assistant Principal of Gervais High School, I spent 6 years as the Physical Education teacher at Gervais High School. Before my time in the Gervais School District, I spent 7 years as an Assistant Baseball Coach at the University of Portland, and prior to my time on The Bluff I was the Head Baseball Coach at Chemeketa Community College for 4 years. I am excited about my new role in the Gervais School District and hope to draw on some of my past experiences to help provide exciting opportunities for the students of Gervais.
In my off time I enjoy spending time at home with my wife, Kami, and our daughter McKenna. We are a little crazy in our house we have 4 dogs; Penelope the Sheepadoodle, Abby the Bernadoodle, Hamilton the Bernadoodle, and Barkely the Standard Poodle. We like to call ourselves the Doodles. We also have a cat named Ella, it is a little crazy but it is home! Besides enjoying time at home with my family I enjoy playing golf, watching my Oregon State Beavers, and getting to Coach Baseball with my Dad and Brother, on a field named for my Grandfather.
I grew up in Hubbard, Oregon and graduated from North Marion High School in 2000. I
played 3 sports all 4 years of high school: football, basketball and baseball. Following High School, I was lucky enough to continue my baseball career at Lower Columbia College for 2 years, 2000-2002, and then following my 2 years at LCC, I continue my playing career at Western Oregon University, 2002-2004. Following my senior year at Western I signed with the San Francisco Giants organization, for a very short time, and decided that was not the path for me. I graduated from Western Oregon in 2006 with my B.S. in Physical Education and complete my MAT program at Western Oregon in 2018. I am currently attending George Fox University working towards my Administrator Licensor.
This community of Gervais is very special to me, I consider this home. We have amazing students, all with potential to be successful adults. I feel that it is my responsibility to help our students reach their goals and I hope to bring a positive energy to all through their journey. I am excited for the new opportunity in the Gervais School District and my door is always open, please stop by for a chat. One of my favorite quotes that my wife shared with me is, “If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far, Go together.”
Tucker Brack
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director – GHS
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”
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
Rodriguez, Cristina
503-792-3803
cristina_rodriguez@gervais.k12.or.us
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