Joshua McGraw graduated from Western Oregon University with his bachelor degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with endorsements in both Bilingual and English for Students of Other Languages (ESOL) education. He then went on to Portland State University where he earned a masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an endorsement in reading. Josh has been an educator at The Pendleton Early Learning Center since its construction in 2015, working alongside some of the most influential and passionate kindergarten teachers he has ever met. He teaches kindergarten students the most important skills they can ever learn, how to manage their emotions, stand for themselves and to show empathy. Supporting English Language Learners on their journey to becoming proficient in a second language is also one of Josh’s passions in the classroom. Josh currently assists in the development and implementation of a well known social emotional program, Conscious Discipline, within the Pendleton School District. Conscious Discipline being at the forefront of his classroom, he strives to build deep connections with each student in his classroom and all students and staff in the building. Making sure each child and family knows they have an adult who cares is a top priority for Josh.

Maria Davis was born in Sonora, Mexico. Upon moving to the United States at the age of 12, she quickly began to learn and acquire not only the English language but also pick up on new cultural norms. With finding her new home, she graduated from Pendleton High School with honors. With this new found love of education, Maria went on to earn an associates in human services. Upon completion she quickly decided education of students with different abilities was her passion. Going back to school, Maria earned a bachelors degree in Education with an endorsement in Special Education from Eastern Oregon University. She then went on to earn a masters degree in education. Spending 11 years in special education, Maria then moved for two years to an intensive learning classroom within the school system. This classroom was for children with high behaviors and trauma. She then took a leap of faith and became the Child Development Specialist. During this year, she worked to transform programs that benefit our most underrepresented groups of students. Part way through this year the district began to search for a Dean of Students, Maria, unsure she could make a difference in this position was convinced she was the person for this job. Finishing up her second year as Dean of Students, Maria works to train and implement the Social Emotional Learning program, Conscious Discipline with classified and certified staff.

Jolene Hudson was born and raised in Pendleton, Oregon and graduated from the local High School. She then moved onto graduate school where she graduated from Oregon State University with her bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts and then went on to earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Jolene has taught since 2000, having taught a range of grades from third through sixth. Taking a step out of the general education classroom Jolene helped to develop and eventually teach the program for students of a second language for Kindergarten through eighth grade. While teaching, Jolene joined the schools leadership team and became the data specialist for the school. She tracked data for 400+ students so they could be placed into instructional groups at specific levels. During this time she was asked to step into a bigger leadership role, becoming an instruction coach for Kindergarten through sixth grade educators. Jolene also began to lead data focused professional development within the school. Upon being hired within her current district she joined the Conscious Discipline team. With this new role she helps to develop and train staff members on the powers and skills of Conscious Discipline.