Aaron Chavez / ENFJ -TSuperintendent/Principal |
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 accept the position of Vice President, Education Services. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Excelsior team and serve students, parents, staff, and the Spokane community. Learn more about me and what is happening at Excelsior Holistic Schools from my blog! www.CultureIsIt.com 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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Carol Stines / ESFJDean of Students/ACC CounselorDirector of Student Services |
About me
Carol was born and raised in Spokane. Her commitment to youth and safety is evidenced by her tenure at Excelsior for over 28 years. Carol has worked in numerous capacities over the years at Excelsior to include direct service in our vast Residential programs and was Excelsior’s campus supervisor for many years. Combining her education, experience, and passion for youth and connecting them to their futures Carol found a home in the Excelsior school where she has passionately served for 24 years. Carol started as an instructional assistant and worked her way to the Director of Secondary Education. Carol’s passion is to provide a safe, fun and successful learning environment for all students. She believes that every student should be valued and treated with dignity and respect by building trust through positive peer and professional relationships. She takes the time to get to know all the students in the school individually and is the first and last point of contact as she believes that education should empower students to make a positive contribution to our world. One of the best parts of Carol’s job is having the students come back after they have left Excelsior and tell their story of success. Those successes keep Carol coming back to work every day! When Carol is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends at the cabin, fishing, and boating at the lake. My Why: “One of the best things about my job is having students come back to visit…. Whether it is 2 years, 5 years or 20 years to check-in and have the students share their stories of success!”
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About me Hello, I am Aaron Bagnall, and I have been teaching in Spokane for the past 7 years, four of which have been in alternative education. I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. I started here at Excelsior mid-way through the 2018-19 school year and will continue teaching high school. For the 2019-20 year. My hobbies include playing and watching all sports and spending time with my wife (12 years) and 4 amazing children who are 13, 11, 4, and 2. I am an avid Netflix binge-watcher as well and have been known to spend a full day watching an entire series such as Stranger Things. My Goals are to continue to grow as an educator and mentor, and continue to develop and operate a positive and enriching classroom environment! Cheers!!My Why: “I came to the realization that teaching was my calling and passion in 2005. My hope is that I can reach my students, who many have given up on, and develop a bond that can help them rise above the depths of their struggles and building lifelong skills.” |
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About me
I grew up in Spokane and graduated from Rogers High School. Attended Eastern Washington University completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education. I also have a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from City University. My Why: “To encourage kids and support families. Everything I do as a teacher is to encourage kids/students along their paths. To support families, so they can encourage their kids along their path. I work to be student-centered in everything I do, build relationships with others.” |
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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 -TElementary 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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About me Shanti grew up in Moses Lake, Washington & Sandpoint, Idaho & attended Gonzaga University for her undergraduate work in general and special education. She went on to earn her Master’s in Education degree in Mild to Moderate Disabilities at CSUN. She has been teaching and providing therapy in a variety of settings since 1998. Her hobbies include hiking, yoga, research/reading everything she can get her hands on, and hanging out with her son Ian and fluffball pomeranian Coco.
My Why: I come from hippie parents who instilled in us that there is no one path to happiness & fulfillment, that everyone has their own talents, gifts, and voice and that GRIT can help you accomplish anything and everything you set your heart & mind to do! |
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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 was born and raised in the Spokane area. I have worked for Excelsior since 2014. I started here as a Behavioral Support Specialist in the residential unit Olympus. After about 2 years of working in the residential unit, I took a position in Excelsior’s Co-IOP (Co-Occurring Intensive Outpatient) program as a Peer Support Specialist. From there, I transitioned into the WISe (Wraparound Intensive Services) program as a Certified Peer Support. When Excelsior announced that they were opening a holistic school, I took the opportunity to become part of a team that is paving the way for alternative approaches to education. I have an educational background in fine arts and I love to share my passion for art with my art students. Some of my other interests include; hiking, swimming, snowboarding, travel, food, videogames, animals, and nature. My Why: I love working with our youth and seeing the changes they make throughout their journey in our holistic school setting. Our future will soon be in their hands, and I believe every student deserves a consistent and safe learning environment that inspires positive growth. |
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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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My Why: “As a leader, it’s my responsibility to help guide our youth but to also lead by example. I live by 5 core values of Accountability, Dedication, Integrity, Respect, and Teamwork. These are important in order to structure any team. These kids are on our team and it’s our responsibility as captains to develop them into functional human beings and to teach them the tools they will need in order to live life in a responsible way regardless of what situations or issues they’ve experienced in their life.” |
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Trina was the Excelsior employee of the year and was an Instructional Assistant for 13 years in Bellevue, Washington. Trina has supported primary grade teachers in reading, writing, and math. Grammar and vocabulary building are her favorite activities when working with students in small reading and writing groups. My Why: “I have been working with children, youth, and their families for over 30 years. Youth need to negotiate the tricky emotional stuff that makes up life. On top of all that we ask them to learn in the classroom. It can be hard for some kids to put it all together in a traditional learning environment. |
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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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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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Jay Tollefson / ESFJCTE Para-Educator/Master Mechanic/ACC Counselor |
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