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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 |
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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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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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. I’m married and have an adult daughter, a dog named Sadie and a cat named Fur Fur. I enjoy many different activities, reading, scrapbooking, hiking, and camping, generally anything outdoors.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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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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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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I grew up here in Spokane on the South Hill. I went to Hamblen Elementary, Chase MS, and Ferris HS. I attended the University of Idaho and the University of Brighton, in England, and graduated with an English teaching degree. I taught English for 7 years, then decided that Special Education would be an awesome field to get into. So, I decided to go back to school to get my Special Education degree. I love it and can’t wait to begin her at Excelsior School.
A little about me is that I love dogs. They are definitely man’s best friend. I’ve had one most of my life. I love video games, and I try to play them when I have nothing else to do. Going to live concerts is something that I really enjoy. I usually try to stay in Spokane, but there are a few that I travel for. Lastly, I love my family. My parents and my brother are wonderful. I probably would not be the person that I am today without them. My Why: Because teaching and going to school make me happy. If I could choose to do any job in the world, I would still choose to be a teacher. I don’t think that I would like to do anything else. |
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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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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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Bree Mitchell /Instructional AssistantYouTube Channel |
” I graduated from Eastern Washington where I achieved my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, before that I lived in Lakewood, WA born in Tacoma, WA. I love to be a support for kids who need it the most and advocate for them in all possible ways. The daily growth in the kids is what continues to challenge me as a professional and personal life.
My Why: I want to create an environment where kids feel safe and wanted every time while also gaining life skills. Everyday is a new day to learn something from a student that can be beneficial in another area. Excited to be at Excelsior!” |
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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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I started at Excelsior at the start of 2021. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Washington University. My educational area of interest is English and Reading, and how language can be used to help students relate their experiences to others. Along with Language Arts, I have a background in teaching music lessons. I enjoy helping students learn to express themselves through music. |
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Tony moved here to Spokane at the very beginning of the 2020 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 a1-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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Debbie WilkeySchool 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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Jeff Glinski
Substance Use Counselor |
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 substances of 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 being 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/ACC Counselor |
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