ESD-U Faculty

Michele Davis brings over 10 years of passionate teaching experience to her current role as an Elementary Education Teacher in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. She has held key positions including Title I Director and EL Specialist, enabling her to support students from diverse backgrounds. In her spare time, Michele enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Gorge area through hiking adventures with family by her side. She also unwinds by cozying up with a good book, always excited to let the turn of a page spark her imagination.

What drew you to education as a career?

I was a struggling reader in 4th grade and my teacher Mrs. Miller was the first person who believed in me. She worked with me to get caught up. I love the way she built relationships and invested in her students. I knew I wanted to become a teacher and impact students the way she impacted my life.

Strengths and interests in education:

Strong organizational skills, team oriented, hands-on learning, flexible, and empathetic

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement; Masters of Science in Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education; Reading

Courses:

ELEM 101, ELEM 202, ELEM 303, ELEM 909/910, RDG 105/110, RDG 303, ELEM Test Prep

Dina Sawyer is currently a Special Education Teacher & District Behavior TOSA. In her 15 years of experience in education, she has taught all grade levels (Preschool through High School) as well as provided ABA services while working in clinical settings.

What drew you to education as a career?

I always knew I wanted to work with students who were hurt, struggling, or just needed an advocate. Originally I thought I would go into counseling and got my BS in child psychology, but after working in the schools as a para in intensive needs classrooms, I realized I had much more time to have an impact and effect change in a child’s life while at school.

Strengths and interests in education:

I love all things behavior, especially working with those tricky kids that just need someone to give them the skills to manage in a different way.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

BCBA; Master’s in Special Education

Endorsement areas:

Special Education

Courses:

SPED606

As the Multilingual Education Program Coordinator for Battle Ground Public Schools, Stephanie Welniak taps into her over 13 years of experience empowering diverse learners to implement student-centered initiatives improving outcomes for EL students.

What drew you to education as a career?

I started my career in education as a middle school math teacher. I knew so many students who struggled with math and believed they weren’t good at it. I enjoyed helping students find success by making math comprehensible, meaningful, and relevant to their experiences.

Strengths and interests in education:

I really enjoy designing and facilitating professional development because supporting the work of educators keeps me embedded in current research and effective best practices. I love sharing new information and ideas with teachers and learning from their experiences in return.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Master of Arts in Mathematics Education for Grades 5-12; TESOL Endorsement; Middle Level Math Endorsement; Administrative Certification Grades PK-12; Elementary Education K-8

Endorsement areas:

English Language Learner

Courses:

ELL 101; ELL 404; ELL 909/910; ELL Deep Dive Seminar; ELL Test Prep

Sharyn Hoffert is currently an ORTIi Implementation Coach with over 27 years of experience in education including her work as an adjunct instructor for undergrad Literacy coursework and Reading Specialist/Dyslexia certification. Since earning her national board certification, Sharyn has been a promoter of responsive teaching and is a passionate advocate for a better understanding of how students with dyslexia learn to read. She lives in Boring, Oregon with her husband, two boys, one dog, three cats, and her amazing parents.

What drew you to education as a career?

I am passionate about equipping and empowering K-5 educators to use evidence based instructional practices to ensure that all students become literate.

Strengths and interests in education:

Dyslexia; Responsive teaching

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Elementary Ed K-9

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education; Reading

Courses:

ESU Reading 202

Sherlunda Anderson Smith is currently a Special Education Teacher with over 23 years of experience in education. In her spare time she loves to read and travel.

What drew you to education as a career?

It actually chose me.

Strengths and interests in education:

I love building relationships.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Special Education and Administration/Leadership

Endorsement areas:

Special Education

Courses:

SPED 303/404

Gahlya Auel, Ed.S is the Inclusionary Practices Coordinator for ESD 112. In her 15 years of experience in education, she has worked as a school psychologist and with students from birth through 21 years of age.

What drew you to education as a career?

A desire to advocate for and support students that do not “fit” into the typical box and work to change structural processes that are creating barriers for students.

Strengths and interests in education:

Special education, early childhood special education, early intervention, Universal Design for Learning

Certification/Endorsements Held:

ESA, Initial Admin

Courses:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Setting Up an Inclusive Classroom, Social-Emotional Learning in an Inclusive Classroom

Nadya Bush grew up in Siberia, where the school system required every student to learn two foreign languages. That early immersion in multilingual education shaped her deep belief in the power of language learning and continues to inspire her work supporting multilingualism in all its forms. She is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience in PK‑12 education and a strong commitment to equity, inclusive practices, and data‑driven instruction. Nadya holds a Master’s in Teaching Foreign Languages from State Pedagogical University and a Residency Administrator certification from Washington State University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and a certified PK‑12 GLAD trainer.

Currently serving as Director of Programs and Compliance for Battle Ground Public Schools, she oversees MTSS implementation, school improvement plans, teacher mentoring (BEST program), and federal and state compliance. Her previous roles include Migrant/Multilingual Academic Specialist at North Central ESD, Assistant Director of Special Programs in Wenatchee, and classroom teacher at Eastmont High School and Adult Basic Education Instructor in Wenatchee Valley College.

At ESD‑U 112, Nadya brings her expertise in instructional coaching, professional learning communities, culturally responsive teaching, and family engagement to support emerging educators. She is also an active mentor for student teachers through WGU and EWU and continues to expand her skills with SPED endorsement coursework. Nadya is fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian.

What drew you to education as a career?

Education has always been part of my life. Growing up, both of my parents were school teachers—my mom was a principal, my grandfather was a teacher, and several of my aunts also dedicated their lives to the classroom. I am a fourth‑generation teacher, so you could say teaching is in my blood.

But beyond family tradition, what truly drew me to education is the chance to build confidence in people and give them hope. I believe the future is always bright if you put effort and hard work into your daily life. Every day, I strive to show students and educators that with persistence, growth is always possible. That belief keeps me inspired and committed to this work.

Strengths & interests in education:

Strengths:

• Instructional leadership and teacher coaching
• Implementing MTSS and PBIS frameworks
• Data‑driven decision making for school improvement
• Building family and community partnerships (English, Spanish, Russian)
• Supporting multilingual, highly capable, and McKinney‑Vento eligible students

Interests:

• Culturally responsive teaching and GLAD strategies
• Dual language and biliteracy programs
• Mentoring new teachers and paraeducators
• Bridging special education and multilingual learner support

Certifications & endorsements held:

• Washington State Residency Administrator
• Washington State Professional Teacher with endorsements in:
  • English Language Arts (ELA)
  • English Language Learner (ELL)
  • Russian
  • German
• National Board Certification – English as a New Language
• PK‑12 GLAD Trainer (Preschool GLAD and K‑12 OCDE Project GLAD Agency Trainer)
• Currently taking SPED endorsement courses

Courses I teach at ESD‑U 112:

ELL 303 & ELL 606

Amy Hernández Matsumoto is currently a high school Spanish teacher at Union High School. With over 27 years of experience in education, Amy has also worked as an SIOP Coach, International Traveler Lead Teacher, as well as a WABE & La Cosecha Presenter. She loves to travel with her students and has taken them to Panama, Perú, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Outside of education, Amy owns a restaurant (Pizzeria La Sorrentina) with her husband.

What drew you to education as a career?

I have always wanted to work with second language learners as my father didn’t learn to speak English in schools until he was 9 years old. He was a migrant farm worker and during those times in Washington State it was more of a sink or swim type of system and he was ridiculed for not knowing English and taught to feel lesser than. That was my main reason for wanting to become a teacher. I also just love working with kids and seeing them grow into these incredible human beings.

Strengths and interests in education:

If I could find a way to build in a program where students in the DL program could start in an education program in high school, I would love that.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

K-12 Bilingual Ed, K-12 Spanish, K-12 English as a Second Language

Endorsement areas:

English Language Learner

Courses:

Lesson Planning with SIOP; Intro to ESL

Patricia Jones is currently a Curriculum Developer, Instructional Learning Coach & Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator in K-12 education. She has more than 35 years of experience in all K-12 grades and specializes in very diverse learners in very diverse learning environments.

What drew you to education as a career?

I know teaching to be a calling to serve with love.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

K-12; National Board Certification – ELA Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education; English Language Learner; Reading

Courses:

ELEM 505, Reading 808

Sara Kaviani is currently an English teacher at Battle Ground High School. In her 21 years of experience in education, she has earned national board certification and been a BEST mentor teacher.

What drew you to education as a career?

I enjoy working with diverse groups of people and love the creativity that teaching affords. Teaching is also a lot of fun.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

English and Special education

Endorsement areas:

Special Education

Courtney Larkin is a Special Education Teacher, bringing over 15 years of experience in public education. Courtney holds a Master in Teaching from Washington State University Vancouver and a Principal Certification from Eastern Washington University.

Throughout her career, Courtney has been committed to building inclusive systems that ensure all students can access meaningful learning experiences. Her work centers on strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), supporting educators in implementing effective and equitable practices, and developing systems that prioritize student belonging and outcomes. She has extensive experience in IEP development and compliance, behavior systems, and coaching educators to improve instructional and social-emotional supports.

What drew you to education as a career?

A desire to serve others and create systems where every student has access to support, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Special skills or interests in education:

MTSS; Social-Emotional Learning; Behavior Supports, Special Education Systems; Adult Learning and Coaching

Certification/Endorsements Held:

M.I.T.; K–12 Special Education; General Education; Principal Certification

Endorsement areas:

Special Education; Elementary Education; Educational Leadership

Courses:

SPED 404

Pamela Larsen is currently the creator and director of Salmon Civilization, which brings Tribal perspectives into the classroom. These programs, based on “Since Time Immemorial” (WA) and “Tribal History/Shared History” (OR) curriculums are strength-based, present information through the Tribal cultural lens, and integrate the humanities.

What drew you to education as a career?

A love of working with students, sharing ideas and creativity, finding strengths in each student, and opening young peoples’ minds to new ways of looking at the world.

Strengths and interests in education:

NW Tribal History, Integrated thematic teaching, Studio Art, Trauma Informed Practices, Expressive Arts Therapy

Certification/Endorsements Held:

BA/ MA in Humanities/ Certified to teach High School Language Arts and Art K-12/Train the Trainer for TH/ SH and STI

Courses:

John McCoy Since Time Immemorial Seminar

My name is Heather Lopez, and I am a proud member of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe from the Clatsop and Lower Chehalis people, as well as Kanaka Maoli from Haiku, Maui. I am deeply connected to my Indigenous heritage and committed to preserving and sharing ancestral teachings within my community.

It has been an honor to raise my children along the sacred waters of the N’ChiWana, also known as the Columbia River Gorge, where we remain deeply rooted in our culture and ancestral homelands. My journey as a first-generation college graduate began over 17 years ago when I started my career as an Indigenous educator, nurturing the next generation and preserving cultural heritage through education. Working closely with youth throughout these years has continually reinforced my commitment to education, advocacy, and community empowerment.

My experiences serving youth inspired me to pursue my own educational journey. In 2020, I proudly earned my Master of Arts in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University. This achievement, as a first-generation graduate, reflects not only personal growth and resilience, but also my desire to lead by example for my children and future generations.

My journey is rooted in resilience, cultural identity, and a commitment to breaking cycles of generational trauma while fostering deep community connection and understanding. For the past nine years, I have served with Educational Service District 112’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers REACH After-School Programs as the Program Manager, throughout the Columbia Gorge and Lower Columbia River region, supporting the rural communities of Lyle, Wishram, Wahkiakum, and Naselle-Grays River School Districts.

In addition to my work as an educator, I am a passionate parent advocate and actively serve on the Native Parent Advisory Committee for Educational Service District 112. Family engagement is an essential part of our small communities, creating opportunities to strengthen relationships, build trust, and support youth and families together. Through advocacy and education, I strive to uplift policies and initiatives that support youth well-being, cultural identity, and long-term success.

We are all lifelong students on this sacred journey, learning and growing from one another. I look forward to continuing to collaborate and contribute to meaningful initiatives that honor Indigenous knowledge and empower the next seven generations.

Dr. Dusty Gail Low currently works as a Special Education Teacher and also runs a STEM summer camp. With over 10 years of experience in education, she started as a preschool teacher and then transitioned to a pareducator where she worked in a variety of different classrooms. Dr. Low holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education. She has been married 23 years and has two teenage children, two dogs, two cats, two lizards and several fish. In her spare time, she is a collector of strawberry shortcake and enjoys making crafts.

What drew you to education as a career?

Having my own children then getting a job as a pareducator showed me how special and unique our special education population is. I wanted to be their advocate because in my school I rarely saw the kids with disabilities. They would arrive on the bus then vanish for the rest of the day. I was also a support for the resource room when I was in the fifth grade. I would help and test a girl on her letter sounds, (dibels) then leave and get a sticker. I never imagined I would be doing the same thing 30 years later, but when I looked back, I remembered how great it was to go to that class. It just felt right.

Strengths and interests in education:

Social Emotional Learning – Dissertation focused on this area. SBA testing – Committee member to support analyzing the test for our students, KDP (Kappa Delta Pi) scholarship reviewer.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Special Education Endorsement K-12; Reading Endorsement K-12; Special Education Administration Certificate

Endorsement areas:

Reading; Special Education

Courses:

SPED 101; SPED 202

Devin Kuh is currently the Middle School Math Teacher at the Trout Lake School. He has been teaching since 2013 when he began by teaching Algebra 1, Chemistry, Biology and Media Productions. Since then he’s spent time teaching nearly every math class available in 6th-12th grades along with Spanish, Comparative Literature, AP Physics and Economics. He has also worked extensively in designing and implementing 6-12 Math support programs aimed at identifying and supporting students to close achievement gaps in mathematics. He loves being able to connect with young people and grow their mathematical confidence while hopefully sparking curiosity and passion for the subject.

What drew you to education as a career?

I love working with people, sharing knowledge and math! I first thought about following in my Mom’s steps around fifth grade. I got told that I would need to go to more school after college and quickly shelved that idea, until my AP Calculus teacher said to me, unprompted, that she couldn’t wait for me to come back and be her student teacher. I love the wonder, the beauty and connectedness of mathematics and have never been able to see myself working in a way that doesn’t involve engaging and connecting with others constantly. I’m so grateful to have found a pathway to becoming a math educator and getting to share this passion with others.

Strengths and interests in education:

Connecting math to the real world, developing hands on projects that drive student discovery, flexibility and building relationships

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Bachelors of Arts-Mathematics and Economics; Masters of Teaching Math and Science; Secondary Mathematics; National Board Certification – Math Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education

Kelly Moses is currently an ML Specialist at Oak Harbor Schools serving Navy dependents and their families. In her 22 years of experience in education she has held positions as the Multilingual Director and Federal Programs Director at Edmonds School District and the ELL Coordinator at Battle Ground School District. Kelly is a current member of the OSPI WIDA Teacher Leader Cohort and formerly a member of the OSPI Multilingual Education Advisory Committee and WABE Board. She lives on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington state.

What drew you to education as a career?

My father was a Department of Defense teacher and principal in Germany.

Strengths and interests in education:

Bilingual, German/English, MTSS, UDL, Project GLAD and SIOP

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Administrative; Elementary Education; ELL

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education; English Language Learner

Courses:

ELL 202; ELL 707

Michelle is an educator with over 20 years of experience supporting trauma-informed, equity-focused teaching. She partners with schools and educators—especially in alternative and community-based settings—to create inclusive learning environments that honor students’ lived experiences. Michelle is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers and helping educators build classrooms where all students can thrive.

What drew you to education as a career?

I was drawn to education by my own lived experiences in alternative schools, where I witnessed the power of supportive, inclusive learning spaces to transform lives. I believe deeply in the potential of every student and am committed to helping educators unlock that potential through equitable and trauma-informed practices.

Strengths and interests in education:

Trauma-informed leadership; Equity-centered instructional coaching; Building inclusive, healing-centered school cultures

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Administrator License; Multiple Subject (Elementary) Teaching License

Dr. Sherry Sanden is currently a TOSA in ELA/Literacy at the Goldendale School District. Within her 31 years in education, she was formerly an associate professor of early childhood literacy at Illinois State University. Dr. Sanden’s family is the light of her life including three adult children and seven grandchildren.

What drew you to education as a career?

I am amazed and fascinated by children’s early development, especially their language and literacy learning. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to support that.

Strengths and interests in education:

Early childhood and elementary literacy, especially early childhood and elementary reading and writing instruction

Certification/Endorsements Held:

WA Professional Teacher; Endorsements: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education

Endorsement areas:

Reading

Courses:

Reading 101

Weslee Vann is currently a MTSS Implementation Coach at ESD 112 with over 16 years of experience in education. She started her career as an Elementary School Teacher in Vancouver, Washington. She loved her time as a classroom teacher and the relationships she formed with her students to be able to engage them in meaningful learning. Opportunities arose for her to take on coaching roles that allowed her to reach more students and support staff as an educational leader. She believes that the foundation to providing equitable access to learning for each student is by removing systemic barriers and rebuilding equitable systems of support that are student centered and prioritize the dignity, identities, and lived experiences of the students we serve.

What drew you to education as a career?

I always knew that I wanted to have a career that served others. I spent time during my high school and college years participating in programs that worked with youth which led me to wanting to be a classroom teacher.

Strengths and interests in education:

Always Relationships First.

Restorative Practices, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Inclusive Practices, Equity-Focused Strategies and Approaches

Certification/Endorsements Held:

BA in Liberal Studies, MA in Curriculum & Instruction, K-8 Teaching Certificate; Principal Certificate

Endorsement areas:

K-8 Education, Administration

Courses:

Culturally Responsive Teaching, Equity, PBIS/Classroom Management

Shannon Waunneta McCombs is currently an adjunct professor at Clark College & WSUV. She has over 26 years of experience in education as well as 9 years as an instructional coach. Shannon loves stories, especially those of her students. Creating a community where there is collective ownership in teaching and learning is the favorite part of her career.

What drew you to education as a career?

A desire to increase access and find ways to build confidence and open pathways for more students in the classroom and systemically.

Strengths and interests in education:

Integrating Subjects to Increase Understanding and Engagement; Building Thinking Classrooms

Certification/Endorsements Held:

NBCT Early Adolescence Math; WA Continuing Cert: ELA, Math, Science, Earth Science

Endorsement areas:

Elementary Education

Courses:

ELEM 707

Victoria Wells is currently a middle school science teacher. She has 39 years of experience as a teacher, serving 30 years in elementary education, 1 year in high school, and the last 8 years in middle school. She taught single level, split, and blended classes grades 3 – 5, spent seven years as K-5 library, art, and computer science specialists. She has taught science, computer science, and robotics in her years at the secondary level. Away from school she enjoys watching and participating in live theatre. She is often found gardening, rock hunting, beach combing and spending time with her 93 year-old mother, two grown children and her husband of 36 years. Her classroom is filled with plants, creatures, and science fiction pop culture decor.

What drew you to education as a career?

I was an avid reader, game enthusiast, and learner of new things. My parents encouraged me to explore all of my interests, allowing me to take piano and dance lessons, participate in community and school sports, 4-H, and summer library and native education programs. I didn’t immediately realize that education was where I belonged, but it came to me over time that this was the place where I could continue to learn all my life, and share my joy in learning with others.

Strengths and interests in education:

My love of science runs deep. I have always been intrigued and entranced by the miracles of nature. I got hooked on inquiry science in 1994 and never looked back. In my self-contained elementary classroom, I integrated science, math review, expository writing, and nonfiction reading to make deeper connections for students.I was one of the field tester and state facilitators for the OpenSciEd middle school curriculum in Washington State, and continue to provide teacher leadership in this area through AESD and Carolina Biological. Currently, I have been focusing on bring a wider cultural connection to science traditionally taught in schools.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

BS and MS in Education; Elementary Education K-8; Reading K-12; Math 4-12

Jeanne-Marie Wright is currently an Instructor and Field Supervisor for ESD-U. With over 35 years of experience in education, she has served multilingual learners in a variety of roles: as an ELL Specialist, ELL TOSA and Coach, as well as a general education teacher. Jeanne-Marie has also been an Instructor for Portland State University, Washington State University, Portland Community College, and Clark College in the areas of ESL and Teacher Education. She served on the Washington Multilingual Education Advisory Committee (MEAC), Washington Association for the Education of Speakers of Other Languages (WAESOL), as well as the Washington Association for Bilingual Education (WABE). Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Jeanne-Marie now lives in Vancouver, WA with her husband, Tony.

What drew you to education as a career?

I had some excellent teachers in high school that encouraged me to become a teacher.

Strengths and interests in education:

I am a GLAD and SIOP Trainer and have provided training for teachers K-12 over the past 20 years.

Certification/Endorsements Held:

Continuing Elementary and Secondary Teacher Certificate; TESOL Certificate; ESOL Endorsement

Endorsement areas:

English Language Learner

Courses:

ELL 606; ELL 808

Dr. Sarah Yee partners with leaders across sectors to advance equity and strengthen organizational capacity through executive coaching, leadership development, and strategic planning. Her work is informed by her experience as an Educator of Color and doctoral research on retaining Teachers of Color. She designs professional learning programs, builds communities of practice, and advises leaders on equity strategies, aiming to cultivate vulnerable leadership and support historically underserved communities. Dedicated to educational equity, Dr. Yee works to disrupt systems that perpetuate marginalization and develop responsive systems that enable individuals to thrive.

What drew you to education as a career?

When I was a young person, I was often drawn to working with children and found this work to be instinctively purposeful. Being in spaces with young people has always felt energizing and joyful!

Strengths and interests in education:

Teacher retention, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Equitable practices

Certification/Endorsements Held:

BS in Foundations of Education; MEd in Elementary Education; EdD in Educational Policy, Organization & Leadership: Diversity & Equity in Education

Endorsement areas:

K-8 Professional Teaching and 6-8 ELA & Science

Courses:

Culturally Responsive Teaching