FACULTY & STAFF
ALEXIS ANAYA
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Communities In Schools Director
About Me: Born in Yakima, WA, and raised in Mattawa, Alexis Anaya-Portillo now calls Wenatchee home. A proud alumnus of Eastern Washington University, he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Alexis expresses his joy at being part of the Shocker family, finding a sense of home that resonates with his roots. "It reminds me a lot like home," he says. #AllinforKids
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RITA ARCINIEGA
Custodial Staff
rarciniega@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have worked at Waterville School District for 14 years. I enjoy making sure everything is kept clean in our building and helping students to stay healthy! I am married and have three daughters. I enjoy cooking, reading, making cakes, and spending time with my family.
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MARSHA ASHLEY
Intervention Specialist
About Me: I grew up in Waterville before attending Eastern Washington University and Lesley University for my undergrad and Masters programs. After teaching in other districts for 12 years, I am so happy to be teaching here! I have taught many different grade levels and subjects over the years, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Each age and stage offers something wonderful, unique and challenging. My husband and I have three daughters that also attend school here. We are proud to be part of the Shocker community!
KEVIN AVEY
Maintenance
About Me: I was born and raised in Waterville graduated from Waterville High School! I am an avid hunter and fisherman and my hobby is camping with family and friends.
TAMRA AVEY
Custodial Staff
About Me: I was born in Provo, Utah. I am the oldest daughter and I have 4 sisters and 1 brother. Kevin and I have five kids. Starting age at 24 -38. Three are mine and two are his. I love to camp, fish and hunt and spending time at the ocean looking for sea glass and shells. Kevin and I love to cook. Our specialties are crab and shrimp boil, and bbq smoked ribs. I started working for Waterville School district 3 yrs ago as a substitute custodian. I am now on full time and get the pleasure of working with some wonderful people.
SHANE BIRD
Industrial Arts
About Me: I have been in education for 27 years as a professional educator. I grew up in small town Eastern Washington, and have spent my career working in small town Eastern Washington schools. I love working with students and have been fortunate to have taught from 7th grade through 12th grade teaching various subjects. I am a husband and father, and enjoy spending time with my family. In my spare time I love watching my son in his sports and activities. I am also an avid hunter, and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as I can. I am excited and proud to be a Shocker!
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GERI BLOCH
Occupational / Physical Therapy Tech
About Me: Hi, my name is Geri Bloch I have been a PTA/L in Waterville School District for the past 33 years. I also work for Orondo and Brewster School Districts. I am married to Robin and we have one son Andy. I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends.
ANASTAZIA BURNETT
3rd Grade Teacher
aburnett@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am a graduate of Waterville High School, and am so happy to be back with my own family! I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU. Fostering a love of learning and supporting all students is my passion!
RUTH CHURCH
Bus Driver / Para Educator
About Me: My Name is Ruth Church. I am so happy to be a part of the Waterville family. My Husband and I have been blessed with three children, who all go to school here. My family and I spend a lot of time together doing outdoor activities. Fishing and camping are our favorite.
TY CRAWFORD
Transportation/Grounds
tcrawford@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: My name is Ty Crawford and i enjoy camping, hunting, fishing and honestly anything to do with the outdoors.
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CELIA CUMMINGS
High School Science
cecummings@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am excited to be the new Waterville science teacher for grades 8-12. For the last 5 years I have lived on the Waterville plateau with my husband, Joel, and our three kids, Kal, Curtis and Ava. I grew up in Richland Washington and received my degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington. I love science and math because it is how we make sense of the world and how it functions. Science encourages us to make observations, identify patterns, be curious, ask questions and find solutions. Recently, I have used my skills in science to work with kids in our community through 4-H, tutoring and leading cooperative learning groups. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve our local school by teaching our Waterville students.
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LAILEE DALING
3rd Grade
About Me: I have been in the education arena for many years, as a librarian, para professional and a classroom teacher. I love working with kids and continuing my education to enhance the learning of my students! I have lived in Waterville for 23 years. Both of my children attended and graduated from Waterville School.
KAIONNI DESHAZER
Business Manager
kdeshazer@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I graduated from Waterville High School in 2016. I began as the Accounting/Administrative Assistant here at Waterville in August of 2022, and have moved into the Business Manager role for the District. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we recently started a family with our son, Jet. We love paddle boarding, gardening, downhill skiing, traveling, baking and spending time with family and friends. SO happy to be a full time Shocker again!
LUANN DODGE
1st Grade
About Me: I've been teaching for 14 years. I have a Bachelors degree in elementary education with an endorsement in K-8 reading and early childhood education. I have a masters in teaching English As A Second Language. I'm married and have twins - a girl and a boy. I like to spend time with my family and vacation across the northwest.
GARY FANTOZZI
Bus Driver
gfantozzi@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I moved to the area from Everett, WA with my wife in 2020. I enjoy spending my free time in the great outdoors, hiking PNW trails, camping in the mountains, and going fishing.
JACKIE FINKBEINER
School Nurse
jfinkbeiner@waterville.wednet.edu | (509)-888-8599
About Me: I’ve been a registered nurse since 2006. I graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and got married two weeks later to my husband Kieth. We have three children, Holly, Mac, and Evan. We love living in Waterville! I enjoy baking, gardening, golfing and reading in my spare time, when I’m not chasing kids around following their sporting events!
KIETH FINKBEINER
High School Social Studies / History
kfinkbeiner@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am a proud Shocker (class of '99) and enjoy my roles as JH & HS History teacher, Athletic Director and Boys' & Girls' Basketball Coach. I also love having my whole family here: wife Jackie (school nurse), daughter Holly, son Mac and son Evan. Go Shockers!
JODY FLAGET
JH Science
About Me: I graduated from Waterville School and have lived in Waterville most of my life. I started teaching in 2003 and enjoy teaching and coaching kids. I am married, have two sons in Waterville School District, and enjoy sports and spending time with my family.
MELISSA FLAGET
5/6 Grade Teacher
About Me: I graduated in the state of Minnesota and have lived in Waterville since 2007. I currently teach Elementary PE and High School Art. I enjoy reading and gardening.
SAMANTHA FLETCHER
5/6 Grade Teacher
sfletcher@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have been teaching English and social studies at Waterville since 2015. After graduating from Eastern Washington University, I substitute taught down in the Spokane Valley area for four years before coming to work in Waterville. I am a Wenatchee Valley girl. My family moved to Cashmere in 1995 and I graduated from Cashmere High School. I always knew I would come back to this area, and am happy to have returned. Currently I am working on completing my masters in Social Studies Education through the University of Missouri. Some hobbies include: hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming, kayaking, reading, and baking.
REBECCA FRALEY
Elementary Special Education
About Me:
​I'm so excited to be a Shocker! I grew up in a little town in Eastern Washington and moved to the Waterville area in 2018. I'm a mom to two future shockers, Felton and Mason. As an educator, I have the privilege to see the world through the eyes of a child. Children have an immense amount of knowledge to share with the world, and I believe that it is my job as an educator to provide children with the opportunity to validate their inquiries and honor the work they do. In my classroom, we celebrate neurodiversity! We are each uniquely gifted learners who all think and learn differently. We embrace our challenges and work together to solve problems. We are each learning to take care of our whole-self body and mind. I seek to empower students to empower themselves through self-advocacy, resilience, and mindfulness to foster their success in the classroom, community, and world.
JONATHAN GASBAR
MS/HS Principal
About Me:
Jon Gasbar is a bilingual school administrator committed to personalized and equitable education, instructional coaching, and strong community partnerships. Jon has been a Seattle-area administrator at bilingual and blended learning schools and, most recently, at a project-based learning school. Earlier in his career, he taught at bilingual schools in New York City and Bogota, Colombia. He also trained university and high school students as well as English professors in Indonesia while developing curriculum for educators to use in their own classrooms.
Utilizing the research of collective efficacy and visible learning, Jon has created school cultures where all stakeholders work collaboratively, and in alignment towards collective goals. He believes that all students can meet their greatest potential when they learn in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment with high quality educational opportunities.
Jon is a graduate of Cashmere High School and is excited to return to North Central Washington and support the area in which he grew up. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Spanish, a master’s degree from Hunter College in Bilingual Education, and an administrative certificate from the University of Washington Danforth Educational Leadership Program. Outside of work, Jon loves spending time hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and skiing.
JUSTIN GRILLO
4th Grade
About Me: My mission both in my personal and professional life is to ‘serve, encourage, and discover.’ I have been part of the Waterville School district since 2002 and am fortunate to have my own children being served by the professionals in this district. Throughout my career it has been fulfilling to help our school serve our students and community to the best of our abilities.
HALEY HENSON
Special Education Teacher
About Me: I am proud to say I am a 13 year WHS graduate! I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Science from Central Washington University. I started working at Waterville School in the fall of 2020 and have since acquired my teaching certificates in Special Education and Elementary Education. I have also been the Assistant Cheerleading Coach since the beginning of 2021. I enjoy traveling, skiing, paddle boarding, snowmobiling, playing with my two dogs, and spending time with family and friends. Go Shockers!
AUSTIN HINDERER
Special Education
ahinderer@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: "It is our actions far more than our abilities that show who we truly are." - Albus Dumbledore
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden
TAYN KENDRICK
JH Teacher
tkendrick@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I graduated from Waterville High School in 2000 and attended Eastern Washington University. There I received my BAE in special education. I went on to teach special education in Hermiston, Oregon. I have coached multiple sports and finished my Master’s in school administration. I am excited to work with some of the best kids in the state.
MANDY KOPTA
Para Educator
About Me: I moved to Waterville in 2017 and started working for the school district in 2019. I am married and have 3 daughters that are currently enrolled in Waterville. All three of my daughters race quads so our hobbies are racing, dune riding, camping, boating and traveling. I love spending time with my family and watching my kids do sports and all of their activities.
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LORI LEMING
Bus Driver
About Me:I moved to Waterville in the 3rd grade and graduated from Waterville HS. I left for many years and just moved home 7 yrs ago. As I was looking for employment, LouAnn said to me "drive bus, it'll be fun!!" So here I am! I love it!! Great kids! I also love driving the sports teams!
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SHERRI LITTRELL
JH ELA Teacher
slittrell@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me:
I am so happy to be back in Waterville where my three kids graduated as Shockers. I love teaching and learning new things that help me grow as a person and teacher. My mission statement is: Fueled by love, I strive to inspire and support students to reach their maximum potential socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
JOLEE LOBE
Special Education Director
About Me: : I am a recent and proud graduate of the University of Washington ECSEL Program (Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership). In addition to program administration, my educational certifications are in secondary English, history, and social studies with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and ESA certification in school social work (K-12). For the past 16 years, I have served in the Ephrata School District where I also raised my two, now college-aged, sons. I began in Ephrata as a teacher and counselor, with the most recent 12 years as a school psychologist serving students preschool through 21. While my commitment is to the development of quality educational systems for all students--regardless of disability--I am eager to put my education and experience to work for the Waterville community as your new director of special education!
JILL MOOMAW
Counselor
jmoomaw@waterville.wednet.edu | (509)-888-5592
About Me: I started my journey to become a school counselor in 2003. I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a tangible impact on the lives of children and adolescents. I started my career as a school counselor in 2012, and am convinced it is the most rewarding career I could have pursued. I am married and have one daughter and our family loves to travel and scuba dive together.
CAROLYNN MOSER
5/6 Grade Teacher
About Me: Hello! I am super excited to be working at Waterville Elementary this school year! I just graduated from CWU and this is my first year teaching. I grew up in Yakima, WA, moved to Ellensburg to do school, and moved to Wenatchee about a year ago. I fell in love with the valley, the nature here, and the people here. I am excited to start this school year!
JOHN MULLEN
Spanish / ESL / Leadership
jomullen@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: My love of learning led me into teaching. I have taught for more than 25 years here and around the world. With my lovely wife we have raised 5 adventurous children who like us, enjoy travelling and meeting new people. Every day is a new adventure here.
GINA MULLENDORE
Business Office / Human Resources / Payroll
gmullendore@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have been in the education field for 30 years. I am so fortunate to serve this school, community, and students. I am married to the best guy in the world, and we have five children and seven grandchildren. My hobbies include canning and gardening.
NIMFA PARCELLS
Food Service / Head Cook
nparcells@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have worked for the Waterville school district since 2007. I am originally from the Philippines, and moved to Waterville in 1993. I earned my Associates Degree in Secretarial Studies from Manto University. I love being interactive with all the students and staff. When I am not at work, I enjoy camping, traveling, gardening, and baking homemade pies and Filipino food!
BRENDA PETERSEN
Special Education Para Educator
bpetersen@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am so excited to be a part of the Shocker Family as a Special Education Para. Getting to spend my days with these wonderful kids is a highlight of my days! I was born and raised in a small town and was so excited to be given the opportunity to move to Waterville, where my husband's family is from and raise our 2 girls as 3rd generation Shockers! When I am not at school we love to spend our time out on our little funny farm, camping, riding our side by side or just spending time with my family! Go Shockers!!
ASHLEE PREY
Food Service Clerk
About Me: I am a proud Shocker alum, graduating in 2001. I have been married my high school sweetheart, Dale for 23 years. Our son Travis is a 4th generation Shocker graduate and is currently attending Eastern Washington University. I have worked for the district in some capacity, since January 2011 and newly found my way into Food Service (which I absolutely love). On top of my food service duties, I am the Yearbook advisor and help with awards and scholarships. When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, camping, reading and spending time with my family.
REBECCA RAMSEY
Special Education Para Educator
About Me: I am a dedicated mother of three and an aspiring educator, pursuing my bachelor's degree in special education, enhancing my skills and knowledge to better serve students with disabilities. I find inspiration in nature's beauty. I enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. As a sped paraeducator, I have an unwavering dedication and compassion towards my students. I approach each day with enthusiasm, seeking to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and supported in reaching their full potential. I am so happy to be a part of the special education team here at Waterville School district.
JANET REIERSON
Special Education Para Educator
jreierson@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am so happy to be working at Waterville School again, the same place I started my career almost 30 years ago! We recently moved to Badger Mt., and it is so great being back! I
LOVE working with all kids, but my passion is special education. I so enjoy all the funny things students say, and the love they share so freely. My mission is to love like Jesus, which is a lot!!!
HEATHER RIDLON
Elementary Para Educator
About Me: Hello, I am so excited to be joining the Waterville team. I’m blessed to be working in the Wonders TK classroom. We are busy and having so much fun already and I can’t wait to watch them learn and grow! I grew up in Monroe Washington, graduated in 1990 and married my High School sweetheart Jason in 1993. We then moved to Eastern Washington where I stayed home for thirteen years raising our son Darrell (now 28) and daughter Rebecca (now 23) and took care of numerous other children. I worked at Thorp School for the last sixteen years as a Para Educator, working with kids ranging from Pre-school to twelfth grade. My husband and I have recently moved to this beautiful area and are loving it. I am a grandma to four grandpups, and my spare time I enjoy hosting and spending time with family and friends, I love to BBQ, bake, camp, swim, work in my yard and I love beach time! I’m thrilled to be a Shocker!
TIENA SHERIDAN
Registrar / Athletic Secretary
tsheridan@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have worked at Waterville School since November of 2016. I have lived in Waterville since i was 12 and graduated in 1998 from Waterville High School. I have been married for 19 years and have 3 boys ages 8, 9, and 10. I spend most of my summer involved in swim team, camping with my family, and working in my yard. I love being a part of the school that I spent most of my childhood in and hopefully helping to make a difference, if only a little along the way.
MARICELA SALDANA
High School Secretary
msaldana@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am so lucky to be part of the Waterville School District. I’ve been working for the district for 4 years now. I enjoy spending time with my son and my younger sister. I enjoy going to the lake and going on hikes.
JESSICA SHIFLETT
Transportation Supervisor
jshiflett@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have worked for the Waterville School District for 13 years, as a Para Educator and a Bus Driver. I graduated from Montesano High School, attended Pierce Community College, and have two children who both attend school at Waterville. I enjoy camping, reading, and being at home.
THERESA SHRINER
Para Educator
tshriner@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me:
I was born and raised in Waterville. I went to grade school and high school here. I have three daughters and I love drawing, gardening, baking and being in the same town as my parents. I am blessed to be part of this community! Go Shockers!
NATHAN STEWART
High School Math Teacher
nstewart@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I am excited to be the new Waterville Math teacher for grades 9-12. I have lived in the town of Waterville for the last 5 years with my wife, Andrea, and our three children, Zaylin, Jazahna, and Zacostjzin. I grew up in East Wenatchee and received my degree in Math Education from Central Washington University. I love mathematics because it is logical and provides us with reasoning skills that no other subject teaches so powerfully. Mathematics requires us to take a situation and analyze it, looking for patterns, structure, and always demands us to build on what we already know. I also love the outdoors and anything that we can do in nature, especially exploring the mountains through hiking, mountain biking, and Jeeping.
KIRSTEN THOMSEN
Kindergarten
kthomsen@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I graduated from EWU and have a MA in Early Childhood Development with a reading minor. I have been teaching since 1982, and began my career here at Waterville in 1984. I absolutely love working with children, helping them make new and exciting discoveries. I am happily married and have four children who grew up here in Waterville. I enjoy taking care of my family, spending time with them, and attending to my faith. We are boxer lovers and have four boxers in our family. My hobbies include baking and cooking, reading, and gardening.
MIA THOMSEN
AG / CTE Teacher
mthomsen@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I graduated from WSU December 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and a minor in Horticulture. Then received my master's in agriculture through WSU as well. Go Cougs! I have also earned my National Boards certification in 2021. I love being outside gardening and landscaping! I also love reading in my spare time. I also serve as Waterville’s FFA advisor. In the summers I work on my husband’s family’s wheat farm here in Waterville. I am also a Young Life Leader for the Waterville group. Agriculture means so much to this community, I am honored to get to teach this subject to our Waterville students.
KELSEY TOLLACKSON
School Nurse
ktollackson@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I have been a registered nurse for three years, graduating from Wenatchee Valley College in 2019. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Nursing through WVC. I graduated from Waterville in 2016. I have a daughter named Timber who is a future Shocker! I am a huge fan of Shocker sports, particularly basketball! I am very excited to be back at Waterville School.
CLAYTON VISKER
Music Teacher
About Me: I teach K-12 Music at Waterville School. Prior to working in a K-12 setting, I worked in a college library, meeting with students/supporting with research projects and creating online instructional videos. My undergraduate degree is in Choral Composition, and I completed my master's in teaching in 2018. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, swimming in rivers, disc golf, golf, basketball, reading/learning new things, making music, archery, cooking, playing with my kids, and hanging with my family. I specialize in piano/chord theory and work a lot with audio in my home studio. I live in Coulee City.
CLAIRE WARD
High School English Teacher
About Me: I grew up in Tonasket and graduated from Washington State University. After teaching history and English in Tenino for five years, I was ready to return to my Eastern Washington roots, so my husband and I decided to move to the Wenatchee area. I enjoy cooking, baking, hiking, and listening to plenty of audiobooks/podcasts on my commute. In the summers we enjoy camping and traveling.
CARRIE VAN LITH
Together For Youth Coordinator
cvanlith@waterville.wednet.edu
About Me: I graduated from Waterville High School in 1995. I have a degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University. I have four boys, two of whom graduated from Waterville High School. I have a passion for helping people and love my role in the school as “Miss Carrie” as the Drug-Free Coalition Coordinator, and helper lady. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, scrapbooking, house projects and spending my time with friends and family. I am so proud to be a Shocker!
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