Aaron Chavez / ENFJ -TSuperintendent |
About me Aaron is an experienced educational leader who has spent the last 20 years as a classroom teacher, school principal, and district superintendent. These experiences have shaped his career, ultimately leading him to Excelsior Holistic Schools where he focuses on providing a trauma-informed educational environment for his students that come from Spokane and surrounding school districts. My Why: “Everything I do as a leader is to help students and staff get where they want to go in life. Ensuring they receive the skills, training, inspiration, and resources to complete the purpose they’re destined to fulfill.” |
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About me Jenna is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 10 years experience working with children and families in their homes and at school. She specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is passionate about access to care and ethical evidence-based practice. She is new to Spokane but her wife was born and raised in the area. She has 5 children and more animals than she can count. She is very excited to be a part of the Excelsior Community. My Why: I love watching children and young adults learn new things. I love learning as much as I love teaching. Working as a BCBA means that I get to both every day.
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Jenny Jamison/Director of Special Education/ Teacher |
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Rebekah King/ INFJIntermediate Teacher |
About me
From Long Beach, CA where I was a competitive swimmer and lifeguard, then on to college at CSUB. Here I obtained a degree on a full athletic scholarship, and l decided teaching was for me. I became a substitute teacher in the Long Beach School District while I went to school for my teaching certification and master’s degree at APU. Upon graduating, my husband and I moved to Lake Havasu, AZ, where I taught middle school science for 20 years and all subjects k-12 online. A better life for my 2 boys and dogs brought us to Spokane. I enjoy anything sports, outside, or video games. My Why: Growing up I was an average student, but really shy. School made me anxious, and I just wanted to hide. I had a few teachers reach out and try to make me comfortable in their class, and those were the classes I learned the most in. I want those students, who are uncomfortable to have someone there for them, so I teach. |
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About me
This is my 12th year teaching math, science, and technology. My family and I moved to Spokane this summer to work at Excelsior and be close to other family. I love seeing students passionate about whatever and try to give as much options as I can in my classes to make sure students are buying in and feeling it connects to their world. I’m also a musician, photographer, and gamer in my free time.
My Why: My family and faith mean everything to me. We moved to be close to my wife’s parents and my dad’s side of the family. We’ve been heavily involved in our past churches and look forward to connecting in a new one in Spokane. My why for teaching: As mentioned in the bio, I love seeing students inspired, whatever the subject. I want students to see school as relevant and helpful for their future, not just something to get through.
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Jesse Moore / ESFP -THigh School Teacher
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About me
This is my 5th year in Special Education. Before that, I worked in construction. I met my wife in 2014, moved to Spokane and started a family with her. We have three kids and are expecting our 4th in January. I love the outdoors, I enjoy a good history book and like to watch sports. My Why: I want to make a difference in the kids that I work with. I want their generation to be better than mine by educating them in all facets of life whether it be social or academic. |
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Donald Long /Intermediate Teacher
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About me My Why: |
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George Silva / INFJMusic/Barbering/ACC Counselor
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About me
Hi I’m George Silva, I am a husband and father of 2. I am a one-on-one ParaEducator and the Music elective coordinator. I was born here in Spokane but have lived half my life in Fairbanks Alaska. I am a lifelong musician, I toured for many years and even signed 2 record deals in my music career. I love playing guitar, drums, bass guitar, and singing and I still record and perform in a band to this day. I hope to share my love for all things music and have a positive impact on the students here at Excelsior. My Why: |
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About me
I grew up in Seattle, Washington and moved to Pullman, WA to attend Washington State University where I received my degree in Humanities. I have been living in Spokane for the last 5 years. In my free time I love spending time with my fiancé, our puppy and our two cats. I enjoy traveling, video games and anything artistic. I worked for 3 summers at the University of Washington at a summer school for pre-school aged children with both mental and physical disabilities. I then worked in a residential care facility with behavioral clients as a residential counselor assisting the clients with their behaviors. I then spent 2.5 years as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism. I am excited to be a part of the Excelsior team.
My why I believe no story is set in stone. I feel everyone, no matter the circumstances, has the ability to be successful. I strive to come up with new ideas and ways to teach students that may have not been previously thought of. I have always felt in was my life path to help others and provide a safe space for all.
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About me I am an Instructional Assistant for the elementary classroom 4th through 6th grade I have worked for Excelsior since 2014 with pride. I am passionate about what we do and proud of the success we have made. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children starting at a young age, children are my passion. I love the outdoors and in my spare time, I need mountains and Trees. If I could live in a dense forest and cook on a fire every day I would. I am excited to continue my career and serve the youth at Excelsior Holistic schools and continue to help frame the minds of our local youth with the skills to continue their education and better their minds. My Why: I believe every child can! There is hope for all. |
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About Me: I came to Excelsior in November of 2019 with 20 plus years as a reading tutor and Instructional Assistant. Grammar and vocabulary building are my favorite activities when working with students in small groups. Having lived many years in Europe, I enjoy traveling with my family. When not at school or traveling I love reading, sewing, knitting, gardening, and talking to my chickens. My Why: I’m here for the kids that find it harder to negotiate life and school. It can be hard for some to put it all together in a traditional learning environment. Guiding them to find their path, build upon those skills they have, and introduce them to new ideas for learning and self-discovery is my heart’s work. It is my privilege to work with students and watch them cultivate the soil in which they will grow.
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Tony moved here to Spokane at the very beginning of the 2020 school year. Having a background in home care for children with disabilities I found EHS as an opportunity to not only put my skills to use but as a way of learning more. Since starting at EHS I have been involved in care team, outreach, and as a 1-on-1 para. I am excited to see where else EHS takes me, and look forward to getting know everyone.
My Why:
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Hi there, my name is Michael Bray. I was born and raised in California. I moved up to Washington in 2014 and have been here since. I first got my AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College. I then went to Eastern where I got my BSW, and I just recently graduated with my MSW from Boise State University. I have worked many positions at Excelsior and am ecstatic to be back as a Behavioral Health Clinician to continue gaining knowledge and experience. In my free time I like to travel and explore different cultures, especially their cuisine.
My WHY: It was not always easy growing up where I was from. Because of this, I understand how important and valuable it is to have a positive influence in your life to give you motivation, guidance, and support. I want to help and be there for the youth, the same way someone was there for me to help them reach their full potential and succeed in whatever it is they wish |
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Oleta WallaceSchool Secretary |
My Why:
“I love children and to see them grow and develop. All kids deserve an education and a chance to get one. I’m here to help parents/caregivers enroll their children in school and treat them with respect. I’m a haven for the students to talk to without judging them.” |
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I am Jeff Glinski SUDP (Substance Use Disorder Professional) I have worked with Excelsior since May 2008. I provide outreach and education about addiction and substance abuse. I am able to provide assessment, individual and Group therapy. My goal is to help people identify reasons that they use substances and find healthy coping skills that align with their goals to replace use and build self-efficacy.
My Why: “I truly enjoy the education portion of substance abuse education. I enjoy helping youth explore other ways to manage uncomfortable emotions and life situations without the use of substances.” |
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I was born and raised in Spokane and love it here. I attended Spokane Falls Community College and graduated with an AAS Degree in Social Services. I then attended Whitworth University and graduated in 2006 and went on to get my master’s degree in psychology at the University of Phoenix and graduated in 2009. I have held many different positions here at Excelsior. I am now the school counselor who is working on my Mental Health Counseling Associates License. I’m so excited to be working with our youth on a more individualized manner. I love to see our youth learn and grow and be able to build strong relationships with our youth.
My Why: “I’m very quick to build rapport with kids and staff. I love to watch them (students and staff) grow and learn. I’m a positive leader and enjoy leading people.” |
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I have recently moved to the Spokane area and I am extremely excited to be of service to my community! I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the kiddos at Excelsior, I provide one-on-one counseling and supervision for particular students, as well as offer whatever day-to-day support our instructors might need. Some of you may recognize me from our outreach team or our covid response team, please feel free to say “hello” if you see me in the halls or on the roads! I am pursuing a degree in teaching, I have experience from my community college where I was recruited as a writing tutor and supplemental instructor during my time as a student. I wish to expand my credentials and expertise as a Para Educator at Excelsior Wellness for the foreseeable future. As a reformed troublemaker and terrible student, I feel like I have a valuable perspective to offer the kids in my class. As a former security guard and aspiring educator, I feel I make a valuable addition to the excelsior team.My Why: |
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Allea Shomin / INFJ – TPara-Educator/ACC Counselor |
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