Who is Mrs. Friesen? 

Hello! My name is Caity Friesen and this is my second year at RHS and 5th year teaching science. My passion is to introduce young adults to the wonders of the natural world and to help them succeed in whatever life throws their way. I’m very thankful to be in a position to serve students in the process of sharpening their skills and exploring the study of life/physics alongside them. While science is my academic passion, my true calling is to help build community by caring for future generations. I love to not only teach, but to guide students in learning lifelong skills and disciplines that will help them beyond succeeding in the classroom. I’m very excited to partner with you all this year!

A little about me... I grew up in Hockinson, WA and then stayed local to complete my undergraduate work in biology at Washington State University in Vancouver. As a child I was always curious about animals and ecosystems as I grew up watching Crocodile Hunter and taking trips to the Oregon Zoo. By the time I entered university, I soon realized my passions were ignited as I wrote my first research paper about the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking and its impact on our world’s ecosystems. My academic pursuits then led me to environmental and biological sciences. When I was a junior at WSUV, I had been serving in a youth mentoring program with my local church for 5 years and soon I realized my conviction to serve the youth in SW Washington.

After deciding to become a teacher, I graduated with my bachelors degree and then took the opportunity to journey abroad to see other cultures of the world in order to become a better well rounded teacher to a diverse set of students. I embarked on a 6-month journey around the world with an organization called YWAM. During this time I travelled to over 10 countries, including Norway, Morocco, Northern India, Bali in Indonesia, with several other stop-offs along the way! Once I came home, I worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge and began my graduate work achieving a Masters in Teaching from WSUV. I began my teaching career in Longview, WA in 2019 and just recently moved to Ridgefield High School. My time in teaching so far has occurred in what most have called the craziest teaching years of their lives (2019-present). During these difficult years I am excited to say my love for teaching has grown! My experience with supporting the young adults in my classroom these past few chaotic years has shown me I am where I am meant to be. I love walking alongside students in their journey to adulthood and showing them new things the world has to offer. I continue to be humbled by the amazing students that come into my class and love watching them grow into confident young people. 

Lastly, I made my move to Ridgefield, WA in order to be closer to my home in Battle Ground where I recently have started my family with our baby boy, Hank born last december.  This summer I spent everyday with my son going on walks, learning to crawl, babble, and climb all over every surface of our home. I am excited to start another year at RHS! Please let me know of any questions you have and welcome to biology and environmental science with Mrs. Friesen.

I look forward to getting to know you better, GO SPUDDERS!

Sincerely, 

Caity Friesen