Jacob Bera
My name is Jacob Bera and I will be the art teacher at
Eagle River Area High School. I was born and raised in
Wisconsin. I earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education (K-12) from
the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. During that time,
I also served my country
in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
It has been a dream of mine to live in Alaska, and I am proud to be a part of
this school and community. I have been married for 3 years to my wife Kari. I
spend most of my free time exploring the outdoors, woodworking, playing music
and making art.
I am excited to begin a fine arts program that explores the history of all cultures,
develops our creative process, promotes self-expression and opens our eyes to
the natural world. I look forward to discovering the arts with the students of
Eagle River Area High School.
Nancy Bertino
IEP Clerical
I am so glad to be working at Eagle River High School. I have worked in the Special Education department at Chugiak High School for 10 years, both as a TA and an IEP Clerical. I have lived in Alaska for over 20 years after having been an Army brat and moving every 1-2 years. I have a daughter and a son in school and enjoy doing family hikes, boating, cabin camping, and reading. I look forward to a wonderful year with the staff and families of Eagle River High School.
Jeanni Blakeney
Special Ed TA
My family and I moved to Alaska in August of 1990. We have been members of the Eagle River community for 16 years. I have been married to my husband, Ross for 25 years and we have two beautiful children. We enjoy everything that Alaska has to offer; fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and socializing with our friends. I have worked as a Special Education Teacher Assistant in the Anchorage School District for 16 years and I love my job! I am looking forward to working at Eagle River High School and getting to know the staff, teachers, students and parents.
Steve Boltz
Hello, I am Officer Steve Boltz, your ERHS School Resource Officer. I graduated high school in San Antonio, Texas and joined the U.S. Air Force as a law enforcement specialist in 1977. During my military career I was stationed in Texas, Korea, Arizona and Alaska, as well as numerous “hot spots” all over the world. My wife, two sons and I made Eagle River our permanent home in 1994. I became an Anchorage Police Officer in 1996 and worked patrol for my first 6 ½ years. For the last 2 ½ years, I investigated physical and sexual abuse cases as a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit. I have a Bachelors' Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates degree in Human Services. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, hunting and camping.
Janet Burmeister
I have lived and worked in the Eagle River area for over twenty years. My children
attended school in Eagle River and graduated from Chugiak High School . Eagle
River is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I look forward to bringing
twelve years of Anchorage School District experience with me to Eagle River
High School . I enjoy traveling with my husband, Richard, visiting my sons in
Colorado , working in the garden during the summer and following the Iditarod
in the winter. Eagle River High School is a great asset to the community and
I am thrilled to participate in its development.
Brian Cain
Hello my name is Brian Cain first I would like to say that I am looking forward
to being a part of Eagle River High School . I am a life long Alaskan; I grew
up in Eagle River valley. I enj oy the outdoors all year - yes the winters too.
I enjoy hunting and fishing whenever I can. I am married and the father of
two boys. We spend a lot of time at our cabin on Big Lake in the summer enjoying
water sports. I have worked for the Anchorage School District for five years
and I have enjoyed working with students of all ages.
Eric Dearborn
Eric Dearborn has lived in Alaska for twenty-five years.
After having obtained a biology degree from the University of Colorado,
Boulder, he came back to Alaska and earned his masters in the arts
of teaching at UAA. Interests include coaching and playing soccer
and hockey, camping, and fishing. Eric lives in Eagle River with
his wife, Karen, and his boys Ryan and Blake.
Joe Dinwiddie
I was born in Anchorage and raised in Wasilla. After
graduating from Palmer High School, I attended college
at Utah State University
where I earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a minor in
economics. I am married, have three children and reside
in Muldoon. I enjoy football, hockey and wrestling as well
as sport fishing.
Markus Doerry
I was born in Germany to German parents, and since my family
immigrated to the U.S. shortly after my birth I grew up in a bilingual
household and still speak German to this day. I grew up in Flagstaff,
Arizona where my father was a literature professor at Northern
Arizona University, and I attended NAU myself and earned both my
B.S. and M.S. in mathematics there. My first full-time job after
graduate school, and the job that brought me to Alaska, was a visiting
contract as a math professor at the University of Alaska Southeast
in Ketchikan. I loved Alaska and knew I wanted to return, so after
going back to Arizona for my high school teaching certificate I
came back and taught high school math and physics in Dillingham
for four years before moving to Anchorage where I have been teaching
math at Bartlett High School for the past seven years. In addition
to teaching I spend my free time practicing and competing in archery
and I also enjoy skiing, hunting, fishing, rock and ice climbing,
volleyball, and having various adventures throughout the great
state of Alaska!
Megan Charles
School Nurse
My name is Megan Doherty and I am very excited to be the school nurse for Eagle River High School. I grew up and went to school in the Eagle River community. I graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science. When I'm not working, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, and snow machining. My fiancé, Scott and I also enjoy traveling and spending time playing with our dogs and cat.
Ja Dorris
I have taught physical education for the past seven years
at Chugiak High School. I have also coached x-country running and skiing
in the
district for the past eighteen years. I also serve as a coach
for the U.S. Ski Team, coaching at several national and international
events.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and
sixteen-month old daughter. When time allows, I love to fly fish.
Carl Edwards
I have fifteen years of teaching experience, thirteen of
those years have been in the Anchorage School District. I have
taught a wide range of science classes, mostly in the chemical
and biological fields. I have enjoyed working with various projects
such as a marine biology grant and Science Olympiad. I have lived
in the Chugiak-Eagle River area all my life. I cannot think of
a better place to call my home and raise my children. My wife Debbie
and I have five children. Three currently attend college, one is
a sophomore at Chugiak High School, and my youngest is at Gruening
Middle School. I love the ocean and mountains and enjoy camping,
hiking and exploring. I am looking forward to teaching science
in the new high school. I feel it will be a great school that will
provide great learning opportunities.
Bob Ellers
It has been my pleasure to live and work in the Eagle
River community for the past twenty years. For the past thirteen
years, I have worked
at Chugiak High School, first as a school psychologist
and then as the special education department chair. Working within
the community
gives me a chance to have contact with students and families,
not only in school, but also in many community activities. At work,
I
strive to put the needs of students first so that they
may receive the best possible education. It is essential to have
clear lines
of communication between parents, teachers, and students.
I continually remind and encourage staff to keep these lines open.
David Ennis
Senior JROTC Instructor
I look forward to becoming a member of the Eagle River High School team. After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, I served 24 years in the United States Air Force and look forward to continuing to serve the Air Force and Eagle River High School as the Junior ROTC senior instructor. Following initial flight training, I served operational F-4E and F-15E tours in the Philippines, North Carolina, Idaho, and Alaska; as well as an Air Liaison Officer tour in Korea, and various staff agency tours here in Alaska. Prior to becoming Eagle River High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC senior instructor, I was the Eleventh Air Force Inspector General, and commanded Detachment 1, 353rd Combat Training Squadron, primarily responsible for supporting and hosting all aspects of Elmendorf AFB portions of the Pacific Air Force’s COPE THUNDER exercises. I have two children who live in California; Duane, age 20, and Jackie, age 16.
Sonnet Farrell
I am very excited to join the staff of Eagle River
High school in the English Department. Ten year ago, I moved to Anchorage,
where
I was a student at UAA and a member of the Women's Volleyball
team. Go Seawolves! I have taught at Chugiak High School
for the past five years. One of the most recent highlights of my
professional
career has been my involvement with the Alaska State Writing
Consortium. In my spare time, I enjoy running, writing, gardening,
and traveling.
I am looking forward to a great opening year at ERHS.
Brad Fleener
Greetings, I bring 14 years of teaching experience in
Alaska to Eagle River High School. I will strive to make
our Career Technology
Department the model department for the Anchorage School
District. With the many hands-on activities offered by
Career Technology, students will learn how to keep up with today's
Technology. I love taking my family boating in Prince William Sound
and I enjoy flying. I have a son at Alpenglow Elementary
and my wife
consults
as a Television and Radio Producer/Writer. I look forward
to a stellar year at the Eagle River High School helping
students in our community
grow.
Evelyn Franklin
I am thrilled to be a new member of the Eagle River
Area High School. I was born and raised in Dallas Texas. I have resided
in Anchorage
for the past twelve years and have spent eleven of them
at the Whaley School. I enjoy spending most of my free time on vacation
with my
six grandkids. My favorite pastimes are reading, bowling,
walking and other various forms of exercise. I am looking forward
to working
with the students and staff from the Eagle River area.
When you see me share a smile.
Jennifer Hall
Family & Consumer Science Teacher
My family moved to Eagle River from Keller, Texas in May of 2005 due to my husband’s job with Pioneer Natural Resources. I have been practicing my FCS skills as a stay-at-home Mom for the past 15 years. I have two children: my son, Tyler, is an 8th grader at Gruening and my daughter, McKenna, is in 3rd grade at Homestead. As a family we enjoy skiing, fishing, hiking, traveling, and exploring Alaska.
Clinton Holloway
Greetings Students, Parents, and Fellow Staff:
I come to Eagle River High School eager to share a wealth
of experience – and a good measure of aptitude – that I've
gathered through a life of exploration, both in texts and in person.
Raised a "military brat" (Air Force), a youth of travels
and exposure to diverse locales and cultures extended a curiosity
in people and places that I pursued further in books. After achieving
degrees in English and history from the University of Colorado, I
returned to Alaska, the state I've considered home since 1978.
I reside in Eagle River with my family, and cherish greatly the community
and setting we live in. I believe in the mission of public education,
and am honored to have a role in preparing our students for their
futures. Besides employment oriented skills, I count character, curiosity,
and consideration among the goals of education. I am dedicated towards
providing a learning/growing experience that is informative, interesting,
and open to all students. I am delighted to soon be contributing
to a tradition of excellence at Eagle River High School. I look forward
to meeting you in this endeavor.
Mary Jo Iagulli
I have lived in Alaska for twelve years, having spent
the last ten years at Gruening Middle School. I have four
grown children and have
been married for thirty years. My favorite past times are
reading, walking, and traveling. A lover of literature and
people, my favorite challenge is to connect someone with a book
that could change an attitude, open a door, or
introduce an interesting character.
Kersten Johnson-Struempler
Greetings! I am extremely privileged to be a part
of the new Eagle River High School staff as one of the
assistant principals. My name is Kersten Johnson-Struempler, I
am a life-long Alaskan and very proud of my Alaskan heritage. My
education and teaching background includes working with students
at every stage of schooling, preschool through high school. Most
of this time was spent working with special education students,
both as a special education teacher and as a special education
consultant. I also have a master's degree in counseling and school
administration. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with
my husband Jed, and our two dogs Willow and Denali. I also enjoy
flying in our Cessna 180, skiing, playing volleyball and softball,
traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Opening a
new school building together is going to be extremely exciting
and I am looking forward to a memorable first year!
Kathy Kale
I have lived in the Eagle River-Chugiak area for 37 years.
My husband and I graduated from Chugiak High School 30 years ago
and raised 4 children who are grown. I have worked for ASD for 15
years. We enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and gardening. I am pleased
to be a part of the new Eagle River High School .
Thomas Klaameyer
Hello, I am Tom Klaameyer. I first arrived in Alaska
on Valentine's
Day, 1989, courtesy of the United States Air Force. After
completing my military commitment, I stayed in Alaska, as I could
no longer
imagine living anywhere else. Subsequently, I completed
my education at UAA and became a teacher. My wife and I have been
married for
13 years and we have two children. We have lived in Eagle
River since 1998 and I am excited to be teaching in the community
in which we
live.
Marty Lang
Language Arts Department Chair
I am honored to be the new Language Arts department chair at Eagle River High School, and I look forward to working with an enthusiastic group of individuals to help foster an engaging, positive, and academic atmosphere at the new high school next fall. I first came to Alaska ten years ago to work the summer season as a tour guide and bus driver in Ketchikan, yet what began as a summer job in tourism to earn money for college, quickly turned into a love for the Alaskan way of life. I returned each summer while in college, eventually arranged to complete my student teaching at Chugiak High School, and was fortunate to receive a teaching assignment there in the fall of 1999. I have now spent six years teaching Language Arts at Chugiak and have served as the co-department chair there for the last three years. As I move over to the new high school next fall, I am pleased that I will continue to teach in and be a part of the Chugiak/Eagle River community—I currently live in Eagle River with my wife Megan and our new puppy, Radar.
Perry Lewis
I first came to Alaska in 1992 while a sophomore in college, and moved here full
time in 1997 after graduation from the University of Maine. (Please don't
count the years — I managed two degrees in that time… honest.)
In what was probably one of their lower moments, I was hired by Chugiak High
School for the 1998/99 school years, and have since gone on to teach seven
rather unaccomplished years of Social Studies. My primary passion lies in United
States history, particularly the Revolutionary and Early National Period. As
any former student can relate, I am prone to LONG units on the Constitution.
I am also known to get rather giddy in the presence of anything written by
Abraham Lincoln. In my non-teaching moments I attempt to maintain control of
my household, however, the presence of four children usually prevent this.
As such, I will often find myself engaging in delusions of grandeur such as
rock stardom or the writing of the Great American Novel.
Steve Litton
It is with great pleasure that I join the staff of Eagle
River High School. It has been a privilege to be a part
of the Eagle River community for 13 years. I have had the opportunity
to watch the growth of our community and the many fine
students
served here by A.S.D. I started out at Alpenglow Elementary
and then moved to Gruening Middle School. I have had the opportunity
to watch these great schools serve many of the same students
through
the years. Moving to Eagle River High School will give
the added bonus of seeing the progress of the many students I remember
as
kindergartners at Alpenglow, middle school students at
Gruening, and now as senior high students. I am known as Mr. Steve
to students
at all of these schools, and no doubt will hear this
again at the senior high. I spend my free time away from school
with my family,
enjoying camping, fishing, and traveling in our 5th wheel.
Chalene Macon
I am Ms. Macon (rhymes with bacon). I have lived
in Alaska my entire life. I was born and raised in Anchorage
; I graduated from Service High School. After high school,
I went on to complete my Bachelors degree in English followed by
my Masters degree in English at the University of Alaska
Anchorage . I then completed my Masters in Teaching this
year, also at UAA. In addition to pursuing my education, I am the
proud mother of two beautiful kids—Avery and Kaliann. When
I am not busy teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family.
I also enjoy spending my time reading. I am currently preparing
myself for the upcoming release of Harry Potter and the Half
Blood Prince.
Although I spend much of my spare time lost in a good book,
I also am an avid sports fan. I enjoy all sports, but I
have a passion for basketball. I spend much of my spare time in the
gym either playing myself, coaching my son, or supporting my siblings.
I intend to continue coaching in the upcoming school year.
Mike Martinson
Band Instructor
I am very excited to teach band at Eagle River High School. I have lived in Eagle River for eighteen years and can’t wait to start teaching music to our great students. For the past eleven years, I have been the music supervisor for the Anchorage School District. Before that, I was an elementary band teacher for the Eagle River/Chugiak area and a classroom music teacher at Ravenwood. Knowing the incredible talent of our students, Eagle River High School will no doubt, soon have a dynamic and fantastic music program.
Desiree Mazany
Counseling Secretary
My name is Desiree Mazany. I'm excited to join the Eagle River Staff. I worked as an Administrative Assistant for the project manager that assisted in building Eagle River High School, so of course I have a special place in my heart for ERHS. I am married and have three children; two boys in college in Colorado and a daughter that is a senior at Bartlett. I enjoy hockey and football and I love to cook and fish. I believe that laughter is the best medicine.
Bill McNew, CMSgt, USAF (Retired)
Enlisted Instructor, AFJROTC
I am extremely excited to join the staff at Eagle River High School and to help build what promises to be a tremendous ROTC program. On October 1, 2005, I retired from the United States Air Force after 28 years. I had the opportunity to work in a variety of organizations at various levels of command during a wonderful career. My hobbies include all outdoor activities, sports, and basketball officiating. I'm also an avid hunter and fisherman. My wife Donna works on Elmendorf AFB and we have two wonderful sons, Michael, 25, and Steven, 23. The goal of AFJROTC is to “build better citizens for America.” I will work hard to ensure cadets in our program are prepared for future opportunities.
Jody Metcalf
I am grateful to be part of this exciting time for Eagle River . I have been
a life long Alaskan and a Special Education Paraprofessional for the last five
years. I look forward to working with our future generation and staff, in the
positive atmosphere of Eagle River High School . I have been married for 22
years and have three daughters, Megan, Molly and Carly. We have good times
camping and being together. I enjoy sports, especially volleyball and soccer.
I have been jazzercising for the last 16 years in Eagle River.
Diane Mew
Twenty-three years ago my husband, Mark and I decided to
venture to Alaska…and what an experience it has been! For almost
18 of those years we have been in Eagle River. Our son, Andy,
a sophomore at Oregon State University can thank Eagle
River schools for his success. Our daughter, Molly, is looking forward
to her freshman year at Eagle River High School. As a family we spend
our time boating in Prince William Sound, hiking and traveling. I
have been a classroom volunteer and/or a school employee for 15 years.
As a kindergarten aide I introduced students to reading
and discovering new things and now as a library aide I hope to keep
that momentum going for them. My goal is to make students feel welcome
in the library and help them discover all that it has to offer to
make their high school years rewarding.
Roger Miller
I have lived in Alaska for thirty-two years and in Eagle
River for eleven. In my life I have worked at several jobs and have
had a variety
of experiences. From these experiences I am convinced that
the social studies are a means whereby we can develop the skills,
knowledge,
and dispositions that help us achieve progress. History,
civics, economics, and all the social studies taught well, can be
a great
benefit to us as we build a healthy society. I look forward
to working with the students and community in building such a program.
Afshan Mohammad
Salam! My name is Afshan Sehar Mohammad and I have
been teaching for the past 21 years. Having worked in Saudi
Arabian International Schools, I have traveled around the globe
presenting workshops on teaching mathematics integrated with science
and arts. Six years ago my family moved from the sand deserts of
Saudi Arabia (120F) to snow deserts of Bush Alaska (-65F)!
With the St. Mary's City School District, Alaska I worked as a
7-12 Math & Science teacher,
K-12 Math & Science Curriculum Facilitator, Career Counselor,
and High School Lead Teacher/Principal. I was also the
student government and senior class advisor, Athletics/After
School Program Director, GEAR UP and Upward Bound Program
District Coordinator, and District's State Examination
Coordinator. As my hobbies, I enjoy sewing, reading and spending
time with my husband, Naseer Sheikh and three children, Reem, Ali,
and Ala'a. My daughter Reem, a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biology
and son Ali, a sophomore in the Business Program, are students at
UAA. My youngest daughter, Ala'a is starting preschool. I appreciate
the opportunity to share and contribute my unique international expertise
and experiences with the Eagle River students, staff and community.
I am eagerly looking forward to the new school year.
Kathy Morales
My husband, Sam and I have lived in Eagle River for 24 years. Our two children
were both born and educated here, graduating from Chugiak High School . We
have enjoyed the fantastic outdoors, hiking the many trails of Eagle River,
skiing the slopes, youth sports, and the strong sense of community that is
Eagle River. I am truly excited to be part of this new school, after learning
the school district ropes at Chugiak High School for the past 6 ½ years.
We have an awesome community and Eagle River High is sure to be an extension
of that community.
Pattie Mullins
Nurse Assistant
My name is Pattie Mullins and I am new to ERHS and I will be the Nurse Assistant. I have lived in Eagle River for two years and my husband and I have four children. We enjoy camping, fishing, and just enjoying all the wonderful things Alaska has to offer. I look forward to working with all the students and staff of this awesome school.
Tracey Murphy
Nursing Assistant
My name is Tracey Murphy and I will be the Nursing Assistant for ERHS. My background is both clerical and in nursing. I have lived in Alaska for two years and have worked for ASD for a year and half. I have three children-my son and eldest daughter will be attending ERHS as a freshman and junior. I look forward to getting to know the students, parents and staff of ERHS and contributing to a positive school climate as both a parent and staff member.
Jeff Parker
I am very pleased to join the faculty of Eagle River High
School. My family moved to Alaska in 1993. I have been
an educator for the past 15 years and have teaching experience
in Special Education
and Vocational Education.
I began my teaching career in New Mexico in 1975 and continued
teaching in the Air Force as an instructor navigator. I
completed my Air Force career in 1992 and returned to the classroom.
I have
taught in a wide variety of Special Education settings
and content areas with many different age groups. My wife and I
have lived in
Eagle River for the past 10 years and have four grown children,
Chris, James, Jordan and Staci, who all went on to college. The
only "kids" currently
at home with us are our four Labrador retrievers. In my free time,
I hunt, fish, snow machine, and spend time with my wife, Karin, at
our cabin near the Kenai River. I am looking forward to helping students
be successful. "Let's howl with the wolves!"
Kelly Parsons
Alaska has been my home for 35 years and I love it! I grew
up in sunny southeast Alaska in the bustling burg of Ketchikan,
and in 1996 moved with my husband to the Chugiak/Eagle River area,
we couldn't be happier. In my teaching career I've
had to take a floatplane to work, teach in schools as small as
5 students and as large as 2,200; I've taught everything
from special needs pre-school health, to English 11 C.P., to my
current schedule of freshmen World History and sophomore U.S. History.
I am excited for the new year and all the new and wonderful experiences
it will bring.
Pam Pawloski
Hello, my name is Pam Pawloski. I grew up in Central New York and moved to Alaska
in July 1996 with my husband Joe who has since retired with the USAF. I have
3 children Christa, Shawn, and Brian and 2 stepsons Jacob and Mathew. I also
have a grandson, Logan who will be 1 year old this June. I graduated from UAA
with my A.A.S. degree in Small Business Management and earned a B.A. from Wayland
Baptist University in Business Administration. Currently I am working on my
MBA by means of virtual campus with Jones University of Colorado. My hobbies
are four-wheeling, reading, traveling, gardening and eating out. I enjoy
spending time with my family especially with my grandson
whom has become the apple of my eye. I'm looking forward to working with the
students, staff and community of ERHS.
Lisa Pranter
I have been teaching orchestra for 18 years. Violin is my main instrument. I began my teaching career in Oklahoma and eventually moved to San Antonio, Texas when my husband started his career in the Air Force as a professional musician. Besides music, my passion in life is animals. I am owned by a 22-year old, one-eyed cat and also by a blind cat. I enjoy being active in animal rescue and volunteer work.
Melodie Radcliffe
Autism Life Skills Teacher
I am very pleased to have been chosen to open a brand new program at Eagle river High School that will serve students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. I have been teaching students who experience disabilities for 22 years in the Anchorage School District and have worked with students will all ability levels. I still enjoy coming to work everyday as I have some of the most unique, interesting and kind students in the education system! It is a privilege to work with these people.
Lolly Rader
Welcome to Eagle River High School. I am excited to be
part of history - the start of a new school. My last seven years
as a math teacher
at CHS have shown me the support and value this community
gives to their schools. We have the opportunity to revisit and consider
many
of the practices surrounding education; we can keep what
works and institute change where it is needed. Together we can work
towards
building a dynamic and successful educational setting of
which the community can be proud.
Kenny Ray
Hello, I am Kenny Ray. I am fifty-four years old and a
twenty-three year veteran of the United States Air Force. I have
been
married for thirty four years to my wife Jeannie, and have
two sons. I have
enjoyed living in the Eagle River area since 1983, where
I have raised my family and have been an active part of
our community. I have worked
for ASD since I retired from the Air Force in 1991. I enjoy
all forms of sports especially fishing. I coached both
basketball and football
in the Eagle River area until 2000. My job as the Financial
Data Control Clerk at Eagle River High School is to ensure
that all books and supplies are ordered. I am glad to
be a part of this team. The positive attitude that is projected
is going to make Eagle River High School the best school
in Anchorage!
Georgene Reekie
Being an active member of the Chugiak-Eagle River community since 1973 and an
Anchorage School District employee for 14 years I am very excited to become
a Wolf and work in the Activities Department. Athletics have always been an
important part of my life. Ice skating is my passion and I've been a skating
instructor at the Harry J. McDonald Memorial Center for 20 years. My husband
Ray is a retired Chugiak High School teacher and my three sons have graduated
from Chugiak High. I'm looking forward to starting my new job at the Eagle
River High School in July..........GO WOLVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary Richards
I began my teaching career at Gruening Middle School
in Eagle River. I taught 7th and 8th grade language arts
there for 8 years and then transferred to teach in the
highly gifted magnet program at Romig Middle School for
2 years. After 10 years of teaching middle school I decided
I was ready for a change and helped open and taught in the English
department at the new South Anchorage High School this past year.
This spring I found my dream home on an acre in Eagle
River and made the decision to transfer to the new Eagle River
High School. I have always considered Eagle River to be my home
and am thrilled to be back in this amazing community. I live with
my fiancé Brian
(also an English teacher) and our Australian Shepherd, Willow.
I love to learn and have spent the last five summers completing
a Masters Degree in English Literature through Middlebury College
's Bread Loaf School of English. I've been afforded the opportunity
to study in Oxford , England the past two summers and this has
been an amazing, eye-opening experience for me. I also currently
serve as a teacher leader for the Alaska State Writing Consortium.
In addition to learning and teaching, I spend my time running,
hiking, gardening, and discovering and reveling in sacred spaces.
Eagle River is definitely one of these spaces for me.
Tom Rollman
My family moved to Alaska in 1969
and to Chugiak in 1972. I attended Birchwood, Gruening, Chugiak,
and UAA. I taught math
at Bartlett for 8 years before accepting a job as a counselor
at Service where I have been for the past seven years. I have been
married for 15 years and have two wonderful children
ages 3 and
6. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family,
hunting, snowmachining, and working on our house. In the summer the
whole
family spends a month setnetting for salmon in Bristol
Bay. I am extremely excited to be part of the new Eagle River High
School
and welcome the challenges it presents. It will be great
to be back working in the wonderful Chugiak/Eagle River community
where
I grew up.
Amy Schwartz
Language Arts Teacher
I feel incredibly fortunate to have begun my teaching career at a brand new school filled with great mentors! I am a product of ASD and am excited about returning to the district. I graduated in the spring of 2005 with a BS in education, and a major in English from The University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I learned a lot about myself during my college years. One of my most significant revelations was that I'm a Northwest girl, and I need mountains and water to feel at home. I'm proud and relieved to be coming out of ‘the roller coaster’ that was my first year of teaching. This year has been both affirming and challenging. I'm excited about a continuing career in field that encourages constant learning and growth!
Kirby Senden
My name is Kirby Senden. My wife (Kristi Askeland Senden)
and I are both born and raised Alaskans. We have a son, Karsten,
and another
on the way. I am a Montana State and UAA alumni. I have
taught and coached at East High for the past seven years and have
been the Athletic
Director for the past two. We recently built a house in
the Eagle River area and we are excited about living in such a wonderful
community.
Janis Smoke
Science is my "thing"! I have a B.S. in Chemistry and
added a teaching certificate after staying home with my children
for ten years. My first two years of teaching were in a small school
in Guatemala; I taught in Tok for five years; then I was fortunate
enough to come to the "big city" and work at Chugiak
High School for a couple of years. Consequently, I have experience
teaching many different science classes with a variety of students.
I am very excited about the challenge of being part of the staff
at ERHS. The best part of my teaching day is when I have a few minutes
to get to know one of my students better—so come visit any
time. Outside of school I am busy with my two high-school
age kids, and in the summer time I am always outside, either gardening
or on
the trail with my horse.
Linda Spink
My name is Linda Spink. I am the Cafeteria Manager at
Eagle River High School . My previous position was as Assistant Cafeteria
Manager at Chugiak High School . The Anchorage School District has
been my employer since March of 1981. My husband and I have been
residents of Alaska since 1980 and have lived in Eagle River since
1990. We have two grown children named Mike and Jeannie and so far,
one grandson named Matthew.
Bobbi Mason
Bobbi Souter is returning to her old stomping grounds.
She grew up in Chugiak, Alaska and graduated from Chugiak High School.
During
her high school years she lettered in volleyball and was
on the Chaparral Dance/Drill Team. Bobbi went on to attend college
and play volleyball
for the University of Alaska Anchorage and graduated with
a degree in physical education. Since then, she has taught at Central
Middle
School, East High School and is currently at Service High
School. Bobbi is thrilled to be joining the Eagle River Wolfpack.
When Bobbi
is not at work, she loves to be active and in the outdoors.
Thornton Stanley
Hello. My name is Thornton Stanley (Stan) and I
am looking forward to a new challenge at Eagle River High School.
I relocated to Alaska in 1995 and have been with the school district
for the past eight years. My birthplace is Birmingham, Alabama, which
automatically makes me a sports fan. I have a ten-year-old son and
I have also been a foster parent for a number of years. I spent 12
years active with the Air Force and continue to be in the Air Force
Reserves. I enjoy sports, tropical fish and spending time with my
son. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of a new
school and team.
Shelly Stroisch
I was born and raised in Washington State and have lived many places since graduating
from high school. My husband Mark is in the Air Force and we have three children.
We relocated to Elmendorf AFB in 1997. I've worked for the Anchorage School
District since 1998. We've enjoyed living in Alaska and chose Eagle River because
of the strong community and spectacular views. I'm thrilled to be at Eagle
River High next year.
Paula Strom
I
look forward to being apart of the inaugural staff at the new Eagle River High School. Last year, I also taught at a new school; South Anchorage High School. My family and I moved to Eagle River two years from Stuttgart, Germany and I am very excited about teaching in the community in which I live. I have had the opportunity to teach in several different locations, Hampton, VA; Manassas, VA; and Stuttgart, Germany. I am anxious to share my love of mathematics with the students of Eagle River High School.
Hui Sun Cremer
My name is Hui Sun Cremer. I came from Tae Jon, Korea and have been married
for twenty-five years. We moved to Alaska in 1989 while my husband worked in
the Air Force. I have two children ages 24 and 22 and an English Springer Spaniel
named Luke. I have been working with the Anchorage School District as a custodian
since 2001 and recently worked at Nunaka Valley Elementary School . When not
working, I enjoy camping and spending time with Luke.
Denise Taylor
Welcome to Eagle River High School! I am thrilled to be
teaching at the new Eagle River High School. I have been an educator
for the past 25 years with a B.S. in education and an M.S. in special
education. I started my teaching career in Illinois and moved to
Alaska in 1978 when my husband was serving in the air force as
an air traffic controller. I have taught in Fairbanks, Palmer,
and Eagle River across the curriculum with many different age groups.
My husband and I have lived in Eagle River for the past 16 years
and have two grown children, Shawn and Shani, who graduated from
Chugiak High School, went on to college, and are embarking on careers
of their own. Ironically enough one is an educator and the other
an air traffic controller. I enjoy traveling in my past time and
spending time with my granddaughter Jayden. I am looking forward
to helping students be successful learners and become responsible
citizens in our community. As Ms. Burnett says, "Let's howl
with the wolves!"
Brandon Thompson
My wife and I are both teachers who moved to Alaska
from Southern California 3 years ago. Eagle River had exactly
what we were looking for and we absolutely love the Alaskan
lifestyle. I am thrilled to teach in and be a part of the Eagle
River community
and am dedicated to making our school and my classroom
an engaging, safe learning environment. In my spare time
I enjoy playing soccer,
downhill skiing, and skijoring local trails with our
Malamute dog, Moab.
Denise Trujillo
Denise Trujillo is the Technology Coordinator for
Eagle River High School. She grew up in Anchorage and graduated
from Service High.
She has a B.S. in Math Education and a M. Ed. in Science
Education, both from Oregon State University. A seventeen-year
veteran of the Anchorage School District, Denise taught
math at Chugiak High School for 14 years before becoming Technology
Coordinator. She is dedicated to student and staff success
in working with technology.In her spare time, Denise enjoys
riding her 4-wheeler near Palmer,
where she lives. She also flies stunt kites and juggles
for fun. Her constant companion is a chocolate lab named Daizy.
Mark VanArsdale
Mark VanArsdale has been teaching in the Anchorage School
District for seven years. He is a Nationally Board Certified
teacher with a background in Biology. Mark has been involved
with the Smaller Learning Community grant in the past and
has a great passion for creating a sense of community within
his classroom and within the school as a whole. He is married
to an Eagle River native and has one child who wonderfully
consumes most of his non-school hours.
Robert Warren
I am a transplanted Minnesotan who has lived and taught
here since 1991. I have taught both at the elementary and high school
level.
I enjoy all sports and outdoor activities and try to engage
in these activities as often as possible with my three sons and wife.
I very
much look forward to a new beginning at Eagle River High
School and am excited to help establish a fantastic new high school
in our community.
