Kacy Lou is LPSD’s itinerant counselor. She has called Port Alsworth home since 2015 and is overjoyed to be working her dream job combination with Lake & Peninsula School District and Lake & Peninsula Airlines. She is the proud momma of an LPSD junior and is also an avid reader, writer, and novice cross-country skier. Kacy Lou has been working in education for over a decade and has taught English and several electives, but found a passion for melding student support and school administration after serving as a high school principal in Colorado for several years. She received her Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning – Student Services from Liberty University, her Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from University of Alaska – Anchorage, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Ingigenous Education and Mental Health at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks.

Set up a meeting with Miss Leyba by visiting her Calendly.

As a proud Meshik School graduate, Denali is excited and grateful to be working with students as LPSD’s school counselor intern. After working with LPSD students as a classroom aide and tutor, Denali developed a passion for learning and education in rural settings. Denali received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University-Idaho and loves everything related to the brain, psychology, mental health, and learning. Believing that knowledge is power, Denali used her passion to help others understand their brains as she provided mental health services for over six years. Denali is thrilled to finally combine her passion for education and the brain in her role as a school counselor intern. She is currently finishing a dual Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Spring Arbor University. When she is not helping students or studying for school, Denali loves to read, play sports, and listen to podcasts. Completing her internship in the district she graduated from is a dream come true.

Patty McCasland works for Bristol Bay Regional Career and Technical Education (BBRCTE) as the LPSD Career Development Specialist. She taught middle school and high school in Newhalen for three and a half years prior and transitioned into this role this school year. Patty has her Master of Science in Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany and is currently working on a second masters program at St. Bonaventure University for School Counseling. Patty is available to help support students and staff in regards to CTE questions as well as post secondary planning, including: college and trade school applications, FAFSA, scholarships, and facilitating the permit/license exam. Patty really enjoys working with students to support them in making solid plans after they graduate. When Patty isn’t working, she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with her dog, Bauer. 

Set up a meeting with Patty by sending her an email at: pmccasland@bbrcte.org