Dr. Theresa McDowell oversees Special Education evaluations and works closely with families and staff to build student-centered plans and interventions. She provides clinical supervision for school psychology and social work interns. 

Theresa grew up in upstate New York and has worked for different agencies across the country. Her husband is from Medical Lake and they met when he played baseball for the Houston Astros. They have three girls who grew up in Medical Lake area & played college softball to follow in the footsteps of their dad. Theresa is incredibly proud to be part of a district that is leading important work such as mental health and inclusion for all. 

tmcdowell@mlsd.org

Dr. Robin Andrus oversees Special Education evaluations and works closely with families and staff to build student-centered plans and interventions. Robin provides clinical supervision for interns mental health therapy and school psychology. 

Robin and her children attended Medical Lake Schools and loves the community she's considered home since 1979! Robin believes schools are an integral part of the community, offering authentic learning experiences and mental wellness services for all district and community members! 

randrus@mlsd.org

Lori Koellen oversees nursing services in our District and provides training and mentorship for all health room staff.  She is primarily stationed at Hallett Elementary, planning and coordinating the care of students with chronic or acute health conditions, providing first aid for injuries and illnesses, and administering medications and treatments.

Lori lives in Cheney with her husband and has 5 grown children and 1 granddaughter.  She loves family time and hosting family get-togethers, riding her horses, hiking, and warm weather vacations.  She also loves animals and has horses, dogs, rabbits, chickens and a cat that definitely keep life entertaining!

lkoellen@mlsd.org

Lynee Clay is the school nurse at the Middle School and High School. She coordinates the care of students with chronic or acute health conditions, provides first aid for injuries and illnesses, and administers medications and treatments.  

Lynee lives in Spokane Valley and has three sons.  She loves spending time at the lake with her husband, boys, and two dogs. She also loves to fish, water ski, and ride her bike. In the winter she enjoys snow skiing with her family.   

lclay@mlsd.org

Keri Wissink is responsible for supporting students with a wide variety of communication needs.  She believes it is her responsibility to help students find their unique voices and use their best language to think, learn, affirm their ideas, and develop social relationships. 

Keri loves spending time with her family and enjoys the great outdoors.   

kwissink@mlsd.org

Tori Baldwin has worked for the district as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2013. She helps students find their own unique voice, focusing on language acquisition and use, articulation, relationship building, and social skills.

During Tori's downtime, she loves being active indoors and out. She enjoys paddleboarding, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, traveling, reading, and creating pottery.

tbaldwin@mlsd.org

Kelsey White is the Speech-Language Pathologist that serves Hallett Elementary School. She works with students aged preschool-5th grade that have speech or language needs. She loves helping kids become strong communicators in their own unique ways. 

When she’s not at school, you will typically find Kelsey with her husband, daughter and two big German Shepherds. 

kwhite@mlsd.org

Karlen Wallace has worked in a variety of settings including post-acute care rehab and home health since completing Marshall University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2016. Karlen is passionate about promoting student wellness and mobility. She thrives within a multidisciplinary team and feels fortunate to be part of a student services team which values inclusivity and a whole child/family approach. 

Karlen and her husband have two daughters and enjoy being active outdoors, hiking, traveling, and playing various sports. 

kwallace@mlsd.org

Josee Tareski has been part of the team since 2018, which she feels goes above and beyond to provide wrap around services for every student. As part of the occupational therapy team, Josee addresses fine motor skills, visual motor skills, bilateral coordination and sensory needs. She has a background working in outpatient and early intervention and truly enjoys helping children thrive in their everyday lives while at school. 

Josee grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has practiced in Nevada, Alaska, and Idaho before moving back to Medical Lake with her husband to raise two sons and be near family. She enjoy playing volleyball, tennis and hiking.

jtareski@mlsd.org

Michelle Sylvester has worked in the Medical Lake School District since graduating from OTA school. She loves working with students 1:1 and in the classroom. 

Michelle grew up in Spokane and has a dog named Ruby. Michelle loves art, especially creating it! She likes to travel and glamp, and would love to travel to all the national parks, baseball stadiums, and the seven wonders of the world. 

msylvester@mlsd.org