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Meet Our New Staff
Ross Parsons
6th Grade Social Studies/English Teacher
Hemingway School
Ross grew up in the Wood River Valley and attended Hemingway Elementary and Wood River Middle and High Schools. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a M.S. in Natural Resources and an Academic Certificate in Outdoor Education. Prior to his graduate work, he received a B.A. in Geography and Spanish from the University of Denver. Before coming to Hemingway, Ross worked as a field instructor at the McCall Outdoor Science School, ski patrolled at Snowbasin Ski Resort in Utah, and was a U.S. Forest Service River Ranger on the Salmon River. When not working, he can be found mountain biking, skiing, or river rafting. He is thrilled to be working with Hemingway students!
Molly Mendelsohn
Speech-Language Pathologist
WRHS, Carey, SCHS
Molly received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Western Washington University (WWU). After graduation, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She took a year off, during which she spent several months in Ketchum working and spending time with her grandparents and mother. She received her masters in Speech-Language Pathology at WWU in 2016 and has since worked in Seattle, WA and Twin Falls, ID in pediatric private practices. She looks forward to becoming a part of a school team, and working with kids of all ages and in various schools throughout the district. When not working, she spends time with family, listening to music, doing out-door activities and exploring her new home of Ketchum, Idaho.
Christy Blackstead
Fourth Grade Teacher
Bellevue Elementary
Christy graduated from Boise State University with her Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She later graduated from the University of Idaho with her Master's of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught Kindergarten and second grade and will be going into her sixth year of teaching in a new grade. When not teaching, Christy enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, running, cooking, and reading. She is really happy to be a part of the Blaine County School District!
Robin Nagy
Special Education BASE Teacher
Hailey Elementary
I am originally from Connecticut - my husband and I moved out west 3.5 years ago. I have a Bachelor's Degree in History and Social Science and a Master's of Education in Special Education. I have served in the military as well as in various positions in law enforcement. I began working with students with special needs and behavioral issues in 2010 and that was when I found my true calling. My first year of teaching was this past school year in the Restorative Processes class at Shoshone. I am very excited to become part of the BCSD family.
Devan Hoehn
ELL Teacher
WRHS
Devan graduated from University of Montana with a degree in Elementary Education and Spanish. However, after spending a semester studying in Chile, she realized that she wanted to pursue English as a New Language. She got her Masters in ELL from Western Governor's University. When not in school, Devan enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing with her husband and 2 dogs. She also likes playing hockey. She is very excited to return back to WRHS as a teacher.
Brooke Carwithen
2nd Grade DI Teacher
Hemingway School
Brooke is returning to BCSD after working in Seattle for 3 years. While in Seattle she taught 4th grade and World Language (Spanish). She and her husband are very excited to be moving back to the valley and settling down where they can enjoy being with family, good friends, and beautiful views.
Danica Robrahn
Art Teacher
Hemingway School
Danica attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a B.F.A in 3D Mixed Media-FIber, a B.A. in Art Education and a K-12 certificate to teach art. An Idaho native, Danica is thankful to be able to live and work in a community she loves. She is excited to join the Hemingway team and continue to learn and grow with her students and peers.
Miranda Jones
Custodian
Alturas Elementary and Hemingway School
I am Miranda and I'm happily married and a Mom to a 3 year old girl. I love the outdoors. I'm from North Idaho and currently live in Bellevue. I love theater and music.
Lorie Barnes Hayes
Paraprofessional
Hailey Elementary
Lorie is a graduate of the University of Idaho and a native Idahoan. She is a long time volunteer in the community and for the school district. Lorie has been a guest employee for BCSD for the last 2 years and is excited about this opportunity at Hailey Elementary. She loves being outside in the valley and hanging with family. Go Vandals.
Kevin Baker
Special Ed Paraprofessional
Hailey Elementary
I graduated from Southern Oregon University with a degree in psychology. In the summers I am a lead counselor at an outdoor adventure camp and in the winter I spend my time at school or on the mountain. During my free time you can find me outside skiing, biking, fishing or anything that allows me to enjoy the great outdoors. I am very excited to join the Hailey Elementary staff.
Abigail Menke
Preschool Special Ed Teacher
Hailey Elementary
Hello, my name is Abigail (Abby) Menke and I am lucky to have the opportunity to work at Hailey Elementary. I am originally from Healy, Alaska where I was born and raised, I spent most my time exploring the outdoors and playing sports. After graduating high school, I attended the University of Idaho where I graduated with a BA in Early Childhood Development and Special Education. Shortly after graduating I accepted a job in Pasco, Washington where I taught first and second graders life skills for one year. Shortly after the year in Pasco I decided to take my journey somewhere else and it brought me here to Hailey, Idaho where I have accepted the Early Childhood Special Education position and could not be happier with my decision.
Gabi Bryant
6th Grade Math Teacher
WRMS
Gabi loves exploring the world and helping others explore too. That's why she moved from Kansas City to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual/ENL Elementary Education with a Minor in Dance from Boise State University. Since graduating, Gabi has traveled and worked with a wide variety of age groups. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, trying new recipes, and spending time with those she loves. Although there's no place like home, Gabi is proud to be a part of the valley.
Lance Doby
Transportation Supervisor
Transportation
I have lived in the Wood River Valley for 14 years. I came here after accepting a position at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center as a Surgical Technologist. After about 6 years in the operating room I transferred to the Manager of the Supply Department. While at St. Luke's I obtained my MBA from Western Governors University. When I am not at work I enjoy camping, mountain bikes, running, skiing, and snowshoeing. I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards of working for the Blaine County School District.
Alexis Farrell
Science Teacher
WRMS
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse and have taught Biology and Anatomy and Physiology in the state of Wisconsin in my five years with high schoolers. In addition to being a classroom teacher I have coached cross country and currently instruct yoga. I always find a way to incorporate mindfulness techniques in the classroom as this has been the game changer to effective teaching. When I am not teaching, I enjoy playing outside with friends and family; you may see me rollerblading, biking, walking with my dog, or tagging along as a "spotter" for my husband who is an avid hunter. Blaine County has made the transition to Idaho beyond welcoming; I am looking forward to my engagement with Wood River Middle School.
Cathy Largent
Paraprofessional
Hemingway School
After moving to the valley almost 30 years ago from Vermont I took a few "leaves" of absence to travel through Africa and sail across the Pacific. I finally settled down and started working as a teacher at Big Wood School. After 15 years I decide it was time to join the "big leagues" and am excited to be part of Hemingway Steam School.
Kevin Quaderer
6th Grade Math/Science Teacher
Hemingway School
This is my 10th year in the classroom, and I'm excited to be part of Hemingway's move towards a whole school STEAM model!
Patricia Short
Principal
Hemingway School
I am thrilled to be the new principal at Ernest Hemingway STEAM School. I served as a principal for the last 5 years at the American School of Recife in northeast Brazil. Prior to that I served as a principal in Ventura County, California. I have taught grades 1-6, served as a Reading Specialist and Middle School Program Specialist. I was raised abroad and graduated from high school at the American School of the Hague in the Netherlands. I graduated from the University of Idaho and received my master's degree from California State University, Bakersfield. My parents are long-time residents of Sun Valley and I have been visiting the area since 1979. I enjoy skiing, hiking, biking and all outdoor activities that our beautiful Wood River Valley has to offer.
Kelsey Buchanan
PE/Health Teacher
WRMS
Kelsey graduated from Southern Utah University, taught PE in St George, UT for many years, and then moved up to Hailey last October as a late hire. Kelsey loves being able to share some of her passions with her students, whether that's by teaching or coaching. It's highly possible you can find her out on the trails, either running or mountain biking. She has loved the opportunities the valley has presented itself ever since moving here, and is happy to be teaching at WRMS!
Rebecca Lange
2nd Grade Teacher
Bellevue Elementary
Rebecca has her degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Boise State University. After graduating from BSU, she taught second and fourth grade in the West Ada School district. After being a stay at home mom, Rebecca returned to teaching. When she's not at school, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family. Rebecca is very excited to be back working for the district she grew up going to school in.
April Sorensen
Child Care
Silver Creek High School
April has worked with children in many different settings for the past 25 years. She has a degree in elementary education specializing in special education. She also worked for many years in a Preschool and coached middle school and high school cheer and dance. She has three children who have all gone to Blaine County Schools and is happy to be working in such a terrific school district!
Chrissy Johnson
Para Pro/Reading Room
Bellevue Elementary
I've been in and out of the school district for 26 years, happy to land here!
Melissa Russell
PK Paraprofessional
Ernest Hemingway STEAM School
Missy graduated from MS State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has enjoyed being a parent volunteer and guest teacher in the BCSD schools. She is excited to join the staff at Hemingway Elementary in the AM and will continue being a guest teacher in the PM. In her free time she enjoys teaching swimming, fitness, traveling, cooking and family.
Cassandra Sturgeon
Custodian
Community Campus
I am 22 years old and a mother of an adorable 18-month-old. I am a local to the Wood River Valley and attended four of our schools growing up. (Bellevue Elementary, Hailey Elementary, WR Middle School, WR High School) I am very excited to be working here!