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Jackson Hole Graduation Year: 2003
College / Post Secondary: Whitman College (B.A.), Seattle University (Ed.S.)
Current occupation/employer: School Psychologist, Teton County School District
Professional Links: National Association of School Psychologist (https://www.nasponline.org/)
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How did your experiences at Jackson Hole High School help you to reach your educational and /or professional goals? What stands out about my educational roots is the impact the community had (and continues to have) on my professional aspirations. I was born and raised in Jackson. I was educated by teachers and coaches at Wilson Elementary School, Jackson Hole Middle School, and Jackson Hole High School. At “the old” Wilson School, we were a community of learners analyzing water samples while a boardwalk was built to connect Hungry Jacks to Owen Bircher Park. In high school, a community of teammates, coaches, and fans came together through dedication and hard work to experience success. I spent ten years away from Jackson exploring small towns, larger cities, and a few countries. It was an aspiration of mine to return to this community. Since returning, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many colleagues who raised me as well as others who now help to enrich this community today.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned while a student at Jackson Hole High School? My experiences at Jackson Hole High School taught me how to find balance. Teachers taught me about how to successfully study. Coaches taught me to value health/fitness. Peers taught me how to navigate relationships. The community taught me that the outdoors provides opportunities for self-reflection. Since graduation, I’ve always found it important to maintain balance.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment? Hands downs, my greatest professional accomplishments comes by way of individual student success stories that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of. The role of a school psychologist is comprehensive; examples of services we provide include academic/behavioral/mental health supports, evaluation/assessment/data analysis, consultation with teachers and families, culturally responsive services, and crisis prevention and response. Having a direct impact on students and their families is what makes this role rewarding.
What advice do you give current Jackson Hole High School students? Invest in yourself. There is, and will be, a lot of noise and distraction. Embrace the process of learning, find courage in being yourself, take time to understand and learn from others, and be mindful of the big and small experiences.
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