ECLC Staff Info

Alison Dundas

My name is Alison Dundas and I am currently the family service coordinator for the ECLC.

I grew up in Coeur d’ Alene, where my family, husband Patrick, son Parker, and I currently live.

I attended elementary school at Borah, middle school at Lakes and high school at Coeur d’ Alene Senior High. When it was time for college I was really adventurous and stayed home with my parents and went to school at North Idaho College. During my NIC college years I became pregnant with my only child, Parker, who was born August of 1996. It was this pregnancy and the birth of my son which helped me to realize my true calling in life, the education of young children. It took me awhile but I finally graduated from NIC in May of 2001 with my associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I earned my bachelors degree in Family Life Education from Concordia University St. Paul in May of 2008.

While I was going to school I worked at Kootenai Medical Centers’ employee child care center, KMC Kids. I worked as a 2 year olds teacher and preschool teacher from August, 1997 until June, 2001. After graduation I started work for School District 271 as a School Plus teacher working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children at the Coeur d’ Alene High School child care center.

In December, 2001 I started working with the Coeur d’ Alene Tribal Head Start as the 3 year olds’ lead teacher. After working as a teacher for 8 years I was able to apply and start the Family Service position for the ECLC. I love working with children and families and look forward to working with you and your family to meet your goals.

Amanda Najera

Hello! My name is Amanda Najera-Montejo. I was born and raised in St. Maries, Idaho, with my three brothers. They now live throughout the world; my oldest brother in Helsinki, Finland, as a civil engineer; my middle brother in Moscow, Idaho, studying to become a college professor; and my youngest brother, serving in the military artillery unit, moves about where he is placed, which includes various U.S. bases, Iraq, and later Afghanistan. My parents still reside in St. Maries, Idaho, supporting the timber industry, (Remember: Paper not plastic!)

My household is working on becoming bilingual, English/Spanish. My husband is from Tabasco, Mexico, where his Mother, Father, Brother, and 7 year old son live. We hope to visit soon. I have two boys, Dallin 5, and Luis 2. They both attend ECLC. Dallin will go to kindergarten in the Fall. Luis will attend Early Head Start for one more year before progressing to Pre-School. As for myself, I have a technical certificate in Culinary Arts, CPR/First Aid Certification, and will be working on my CDA. I also hope to obtain either an Associates or Bachelors degree in Child Development. I believe that education is an ongoing part of life and I am eager to discover, learn, and refresh my knowledge.

As one of the new toddler teachers for the Ponies classroom, I am excited to have the opportunity to bring several new activities and ideas to the classroom. I am looking forward to working with all the toddlers at ECLC and getting to know the families better, also. Our children are of great importance. Parents and teachers have been provided with great, and fond memories from our children. They are our now, and they are our future. I feel that, it is our responsibility to love them, nurture them, and respect them in order to help them achieve individual success. I take pride in knowing that I may be a part of this development. Therefore, I am always open to suggestions and other ideas for improvement. I would like to send out this invitation, to parents and other care providers, to feel free to discuss any of these important topics with me.

Avis Villegas

My name is Avis Mae Villegas and I am a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. I moved to Plummer in May of 2000 to help care for my mother who turned 87 in May. My younger sister Frances also lives in Plummer.

I’m the mother of one son Robyn who shares a home with me in Worley. I first obtained a Foster license when I was 27 and living on the Kalispell reservation in Usk, Washington. I also worked for the Cusick School District as a JOM Teacher’s Aide. This was my first experience working with large numbers of children. I’ve been hooked ever since.

After I moved to Omak, WA I worked at North School there as a Teacher’s Aide and obtained a Foster license through the Colville Tribe, then a State Foster’s license. While still living in Omak, I trained to be a Certified Nurses Aide, working at the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center. This opened up a new avenue of interest for me. I’ve loved working with the very young and the very old. My most recent job was at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Youth Shelter and now here at ECLC. I’ve loved working at the shelter since 2005 and feel fortunate to be hired here at ECLC.

Brenda Palmer

Greetings everyone! My name is Brenda Palmer. I am a Coeur d’Alene Tribal member and the mother of five, 4 wonderful sons: John “Sox” Tsawklai, Sr., 28; Joseph Biles, 23; Brandon Biles, 22; John Lahey, 19; and one gorgeous daughter, Marie Tsawklai (14). I have four grandchildren: John, Sylas and Angel Tsawklai and Terrance Biles. My parents are the late Joseph LaMere and Mariane Nomee. My maternal grandparents are Bill and Tillie Nomee.

I grew up here on the reservation, but currently live in Spokane with my son, Brandon. I recently made the move to ECLC after 10 years at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, where I was working as a manager/supervisor. I am hopeful and excited to be one of the many wonderful staff members here that contribute to the future of the Tribe. And I think we all need to remember all of our children and grandchildren, for they ARE the future of our Tribe. I look forward to my time at ECLC and I am very glad to be here.

Caressa Brigman

- ECLC Infant Teacher

Hello I’m Caressa Brigman I am a member of the Spokane Tribe. I have lived here on the Coeur d’Alene reservation for the past 6 years. My fiancé is Aaron Allen aka Tony. We have 4 children Kaila, Anthony, Kadin and Alexxus. I grew up babysitting, and I love being around children. I am currently going to North Idaho College for my Child Development Associates. I got hired in April to work at the ECLC as an infant teacher.

Carol Blessing

- ECLC Health and Safety Coordinator

I started my life in Boise and was the oldest of four children. I have two sisters and a brother. I also have two caring parents still living in the Treasure Valley. My husband, Terry, and I will be married 32 years in February. We have three children, two daughters and a son. We are proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, four boys and three girls. I LOVE being Grandma that is my favorite job. Terry and I have lived in North Idaho since 1981. We now live north of Worley where we have been for the past 9 years. We enjoy watching the seasons change and the wild life that lives on and around our pond.

My education started in Meridian Idaho where I was raised on a farm. I graduated from Meridian High School in 1974. I have an AA degree from NIC in general studies and a BS degree in El. Education from U of I. I am currently working on my MAED/CI (Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction). I am starting my 3rd year as the Health & Safety Coordinator for ECLC. In 2005-2006, I was a lead head start teacher. In 2004-2005, I was a toddler teacher. I enjoy being part of the ECLC staff and the community.

Chelsea Hodge

My name is Chelsea Hodge. I am 21 years old and I am very excited to be a teacher in the Little Angels classroom! I live in Kellogg, ID with my boyfriend and our dog and our two cats, but do not yet have any children of our own. I am returning to my original goal in life by soon working to obtain my CDA and then my Associate’s in child development. This is my first time working with children in this type of setting and couldn’t be more thrilled to get started!

Elva (Cookie) Allan

Elva is a Special Projects Manager in the Office of Legal Counsel for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. She has worked as the Legislative Affairs Officer in the Office of the Chairman, Community Planner in the Planning Department, and Director of the Tribal Head Start Program, all for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. She has a Master's in Public Administration, a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Eastern Washington University. Elva is married to husband Chief, has a daughter, Sophia, 3, and another child on the way.

Dee Haynes

Hello, my name is Dee Haynes. I have lived in Plummer, Idaho for 28 years. I am an enrolled Colville Tribal member of the Chief Joseph Band. I have been married to my husband Rod for 35 years. We have five children and 11 grandchildren and one on the way. My education background consists of: graduated from the Institute of American Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico; one year of Fashion Design in San Francisco, California; and two years of bible college at the Good Shepherd Indian Bible College in Mobridge, South Dakota. I have been the Head Cook here at the Head Start since my grandchildren first started about 11 years ago. I enjoy cooking very much, as well as going to PowWows, beadwork, and other crafts.

Dianne Allen

My parents are Donald Matheson (Puyallup) and Pauline Camille (Coeur d’Alene). Together with 6 brothers and sisters, I lived here, Muckleshoot, but mainly in Fife, Washington. I graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane.

I am married to the love of my life, Michael Allen, Sr. (26+ years), have 3 children, Caj, Buck, and Rosanna, and six grandchildren who keep me young. In 1980, I volunteered to help at a Head Start pumpkin carving event. That is when I realized people actually get paid to play with kids!!! I applied for the next position opening and began my life’s career.

After 4 years as Head Start teacher, I returned to school and completed 2 degrees: B.S. Child Development and Family Relations, and B.S. Elementary Education. I am ABT for my M.S. in Child Development and Family Relations. I worked for the University of Idaho and held many part time and temporary positions for Head Start and our tribal school, before serving the tribe for 11 years as Education Director. My dream came true when I was made ECLC Director in June of this year. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, playing with grandchildren, watching football (Seahawks and Rams), and serving God through active participation in Living Water Ministry.

Ida Gustin

I am a past Head Start Parent (85-87) who applied for an Administrative Assistant position in 1993. I was the Admin Assistant for 3 years before being offered the position of Program Manager for the First Steps Program, which I still currently hold. I am the 3rd eldest of 7 children to Domnick & Ida Curley. I have lived in Worley for the past 23 years with my daughter, Sunni Jo Mullen. We are both proud to be Coeur d’Alene Tribal members. I am married to Don Gustin who is a log truck driver. In May of 2005 I received an AA degree from North Idaho College with a emphasis in Early Childhood Development.

Janai Rykowski

My name is Janai Rykowski. I am an Infant teacher. I am currently taking classes for my C.D.A and my A.A. at N.I.C. I have 3 daughters. Emma is 9 and is in the fourth grade. Brooklyn is 7 and in the second grade, And Melodie is 3 and is a preschooler at E.C.L.C. I have been working at E.C.L.C for about two years I started out as a sub, and then was hired on as a teacher.

Janelle Lam

First Steps- Speech and Language/Developmental Services

Marital Status: 7 years – 2 children 5yrs. and 2yrs.,1 Bassett amd 3 goldfish

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Science. Graduate work in Speech and Hearing Science.

Work Experience: Started my Speech and Language career in 1992 working in St. Maries, ID for Southlake Special Services serving; St. Maries, Plummer, Worley, and Harrison. I became the preschool coordinator for all three districts and taught preschool in Fernwood. After a few years I started working for the State as part of the Infant Toddler program and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe First Steps program. Working for First Steps facilitated me becoming the disability coordinator for the Head Start program and then becoming the Education Coordinator for a few years. I now am back to providing Speech/Language and developmental services to the Early Childhood Learning Center through First Steps.

Jaymie Sather

I am so excited to begin this new adventure! I started last February as a substitute, worked through summer care, and have now been given the opportunity to teach at the ECLC. I am eager to serve your children and families in growth and learning through the year!

I am a single mom to a wonderful two year old girl. If I ever have free time, it is usually spent doing laundry, finding something crafty to do, dancing, or (my absolute favorite) reading into the wee hours of the morning!

I have been studying early childhood for three years now. I am currently finishing my Associate of Arts in Child Development at North Idaho College and working on my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education at the University of Idaho.

I have been working with young children for the last three years in various centers, settings and cities in northern Idaho. I have some background (and a personal interest) in American Sign Language and like to use it in the classroom to facilitate language growth. Thank you for sharing the joy of your children!

Jennifer Lawrence

My drive to serve children and their families began early as my mother is invested in the education of young children, teaching Human Development courses at Washington State University. I worked hard during my college years at the University of Idaho to receive three degrees. My areas of study include: Child Development and Family Relations, Special Education, and Elementary Education.

I began my career in high school and continued in college working and volunteering for centers that provide services for children with disabilities, schools, and the local library. After college I continued building my experience working for the Palouse School District in Palouse Washington as a supervisor for their Child Care and Early Learning Center. In, January 2005 the Coeur d’Alene Tribe offered me a job in their Early Childhood Learning Center and I was excited to accept.

I believe that working with children and families is the most important job in the world. Parents, families, and the local community trust those who provide services for them with their most precious item in the whole world…their children. I strongly believe through safe nurturing environments, strong relationships with families and surrounding communities, strong classroom teachers and a caring staff, we can provide an educational experience of which staff, families and the community can be proud.

Jessica Wilson

My name is Jessica Wilson and I am the proud parent of two very rambunctious boys who love to play sports.

I first began working for Head Start as a Teacher Aide/Bus Aide when it was in the modules up on P Street. It was there that I realized what my calling in life was, to work with children and their families. After trying my hand at preschool, I moved to the toddlers and then on to the infants when we moved into this lovely building of ours. I can say that I have played many roles here at the ECLC, and would not change a single on of them. I have touched many children’s lives and plan on touching many more in the community.

Jessie Ragan

Hello! My name is Jessie Ragan. I am 25 years old. An interesting fact about me is that I am a twin, and also have three other sisters. I am a descendant of the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe. My Great Grandmother was Lucy Finley. I am very proud to be a descendant of such and influential person in our tribe.

I have two children, a first grade daughter and an 11 month old son. During the past four years, I have had experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. I earned my Child Development Associate Credential through Mountain States Early Head Start, and am currently working toward finishing my Associates Degree in Child Development at North Idaho College. My greatest passion in life is helping in the development of young children. I love to watch them learn and grow. It’s a joy to be able to use my knowledge and experience on the tribe with your children!

Sincerely,
Jessie Ragan

Joanna Curley

Tribe Affiliation: Salish, ECLC Position: Toddler Teacher

Born and raised in Montana. I moved to Idaho in 1981. I have two children, Rae and Robert Bearstail. My hobbies are watching my son play football and basketball, and reading. I am the fourth child out of seven, born to Domnick and Ida Curley. Work history; one summer weighting trucks at the Tribal Farm, 3 years at Head Start, 8 years at the childcare (ChildQuest), 9 months at Tribal School F.A.C.E program, then back here to ECLC as a Toddler Teacher. My future plans are to go back to school to further my education. Right now in all my years working with children (something I really love) I earned my Child Development Associate (CDA).

Jonita Perry

Hi, my name is Jonita Perry, and I work for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Early Childhood Learning Center. I am doing my CDA on-line. I have a CPR card. I have 3 children of my own and 5 step-children; only 3 of the step-children live with me. We live in Worley on Bald Eagle Lane.

Kathryn Jordan

My name is Kathryn Jordan and I am 25yr old. I live in Spokane, WA with my boyfriend Matthew and my 18month old Son Sam. I am working on my AA degree and working toward getting a BA in Elm Ed. To be a Kindergarten teacher. I love children and love working with them. I have held numerous jobs working with young children. I am very happy to be working here at ECLC. I hope to get to know the community and the people around here better. Thanks!!

Kimberly Hill

Hi my name is Kimberly Hill. I’m the new toddler teacher in the Bear Cubs room. I’m a Spokane Tribal member. I have lived on the Spokane Reservation and graduated from Wellpinit High School in 1995. I moved to the CDA Reservation in 2006 with my boyfriend and our two children. We live in Desmet. I started subbing here at ECLC in February. I look forward to working with the children and the rest of the ECLC staff.

Lynne Wetterlin

First Steps Position: Pediatric Motor Therapist (Occupational Therapist)

Marital status: Married to the same guy for 31 years
Children: Son- Cory & his wife Laura & baby Lorelai
Daughter- Kara and her boyfriend Elmer

Educational Level: Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado 1974 Fresh out of school, I worked in the L.A. area in a hospital with disabled adults. In 1977, my husband and I moved to St. Maries, Idaho. I work with children in the schools and at home visits in St. Maries, Worley, Plummer, and Harrison. I worked part-time while my children were young. In 1995 my husband became ill from Nutrasweet (aspartame) poisoning from drinking Diet Pepsi and I began working full-time by adding Colfax, Washington to my caseload. Currently I do both physical and occupational therapy with children. I love playing with “purpose” with kids. I love moving, touching, healing little bodies. I also like teaching teachers and aides what to do with a handicapped child. I have deep compassion for parents who struggle to do what is best for their disabled child. I try to be their advocate in the school system. I also love telling a concerned parent that their child is just FINE after I run an exploratory motor test for them. My soul knows KIDS ARE COOL.

Marcelle Moe

I live in St.Maries, Idaho. I have worked at ECLC since January of this year. Before I became a Toddler Teacher, I worked as a substitute teacher. I enjoy working with all the beautiful young children. Learning their names was a problem but now I am doing so much better with all of their names. I love children and am delighted in every new thing that we discover together. Their energy and sweet smiles makes me love my job.

I have worked as a manager for a large retail store in C’da, Spokane and Seattle. I loved that job but I traded it for marriage and raising four children. I was married to a great guy for 23 years and worked in his business as the bookkeeper and his partner. He passed away in the year 2000. I have earned two Associate degrees from North Idaho College. One is in Business Management and the other one in Graphic Design and Art. Presently, I am taking classes in Child Development to work toward another Associate degree in Child Development.

It is good that I enjoy the learning process.

Maria Isenberg

My name is Maria Isenberg. I came from California to work in Idaho. I was working in Public Preschool and Agencies like consultants, and I am a CPR instructor. Why I like to teach? Many reasons! I will put some:
To empower and inspire all parents to teach and to advocate for their Children To show them how they can To be a resource for support in their efforts To be able to teach as many children as I can reach, regardless of family income, race, or background.

Melvin Moses Sr.

Hi, my name is Melvin Moses, Sr. I have been with the Head Start program for 11 years. I started working with children in May of ’94 when I went to work at the Child Quest Day Care Center. In August of ’95, I went to work for the Head Start program.

Missy Boleck

I am originally from Portland, Oregon, but I’ve lived all over the place (Las Vegas, Colorado, California, and Washington). I have lived on the CDA rez for a little over 13 years and have worked for the Tribe in one entity or another (BMC/WC, Benewah Market, Social Services, and now ECLC) since 1994. I have worked at ECLC since November 2005, first as the Administrative Assistant and now as the Receptionist. I enjoy being at the front desk greeting all the children and their families.

I have 4 children (Justeen 20, Cheyenne 13, Cameron 8, and Sophia 15 months). I am also the proud granny of my first grandson (Gage 3 months). My hobbies include camping, playing pool, playing on the computer, watching reality T.V. and listening to music (mostly Country - but I like Rock, Metal, and some Hip Hop, too). I love watching professional sports and my favorite teams are the Denver Broncos (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), and Jimmie Johnson #48 (NASCAR). I’m more than a fan, I’m a fanatic!

One of my goals for the future is to go back to school and get my AA degree in Computer Technology. I have been accepted to Interface Computer School and start in November. After I get my degree I plan to start my own business on the side doing webpage design and computer repair/troubleshooting.

Nancy Katzdorn

Hi everyone, my name is Nancy Katzdorn and I am a preschool teacher here at the ECLC. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have worked in early childhood education for 7+years. I have been married 23 years and have one child who is 19 years old. My favorite color is green. My favorite past time is cross stitching and spending time with my family. I also enjoy spending time with my rottweiler, Carl in dog training classes. I’m really excited about the new school year and spending time with you and your children. Please feel free to come check out the fun and exciting things we do here at the ECLC.

Nicole Campbell

I have been married for 31 years to Michael and am the proud mother of eight daughters and one son. I have fourteen grandchildren.

I live on a small farm with three goats, 9 chickens, 2 dogs and 10 cats. My passion is gardening. I have been caring for children all my married life, so becoming a Toddler Teacher was an easy choice. I believe in developing positive social/emotional skills through compassion and love. I will bring my love of gardening and the natural world to the classroom. I will be offering activities that will be teaching respect of nature and our world around us.

Patrina Campbell

My name is Patrina Campbell and I am 31 years old. I have a husband named Carmen and seven children. My children are Jazmine 14, Damon 12, Jamie 11, Karmen 10, Angelita 7, Regina 4, and Hodges 3. I’ve lived in Spokane, WA most of my life and moved to Plummer in 2002.

In September 2002 I started volunteering in my daughter’s classroom and was hired as a substitute on September 25, 2002. My daughter Angelita graduated from ECLC and my two youngest are currently attending. In the spring of 2005 I was finally hired a full time teacher. The following fall I started classes to get my Child Development Associate and I am one class away from receiving it. I am also taking classes toward my Associate of Arts in Child Development.

The only hobby I have is walking, besides watching my children play sports. I like walking around our community. I think sometimes we take our beautiful surroundings for granted. I’m glad I moved to Plummer and found ECLC. It has changed my way of living- TREMENDOUSLY! I see myself as a better person-especially a better mother.

Phillip Fulton

Hello my name is Phillip Fulton I am enrolled Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. I am married to Elizabeth Bob. We have been married for 9 years and have 3 beautiful kids Shyleen 7 yrs old and twin boys Nathan and Christian 6yrs old. I graduated from Auburn High school in 1988 and I attended from American Indian College in Phoenix Arizona and graduated in 1998 with an AA in Business management. I have worked here for two years and have really enjoyed working with children in this center watching the differentl change in their stages of growing and developing their skills that will help them in their education later in life.

Phyllis Farnworth

Born and raised in Spokane Wa ( youngest of 6) married to my wonderful husband for 19 years. We have 5 beautiful children Tawna 22, Anthony 20, Gary 18, Patrick 17, Brandi 15, and a beautiful grandbaby girl Kiahnna, 1 year and another grandbaby due some time In late October early November..

I have been involved as a parent/ teacher in the Early Childhood Education Field for 17 years — all within Early Head Start / Head Start. I have been teaching at the E.C.L.C. for 5 years now. I have my Associates of Applied Science W/ Special Education emphasis in Early Childhood Education.

I enjoy spending time with my family traveling, camping, fishing, boating, watching movies, bowling, or just hanging out at the home.

Polly Hodgson

My name is Polly Hodgson. I am a cook at the ECLC. I have worked here at the ECLC for three years now. I was born and raised in this area and have lived here all my life. I graduated from Plummer High School in 1998, and worked at the Casino for 6 ½ years. I have two boys; Sean, 4 and Patrick, 2.

Robert Sweeney

My name is Robert Sweeney, and I am originally from Massachusetts. I have been living here in Idaho since December and teaching here at the ECLC since February. My mom is a retired teacher and now a nanny. My sister is the Director of a school in Massachusetts and I have two other sisters that are also preschool teachers. That talked me into giving teaching a try. I loved it and have been teaching preschool and kindergarten now for about eight years.

Robin Linn

I teach in the little learners toddler room. I moved up with the babies from the infant love class. I have worked with young children for 13 yrs. I did take a break to go back to college and earned a certificate in Human Services as a Mental Health Specialist. The best part of my job at ECLC “is having the relationship with the families.” I am continuing my early childhood education and I’m currently working on my AA.

Shannon Taylor

Hi, my name is Shannon Taylor. In 1999 I started working for the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe. I worked as a Teacher’s Aid for the Tribal school for a short time and later started working for the Coeur d’ Alene Tribal Wellness Center in the Learning Tree Child Care. I managed the Learning Tree Child Care for about 3 years. Upon leaving the Learning Tree, I moved on to the Coeur d’ Alene Tribal Early Head Start as a Toddler Teacher. I worked as a classroom teacher for 3 years and 1 year as a Resource Specialist. I just recently moved into the family services division as a family service advocate. Although I miss working in the classroom with the children, I enjoy working more closely with families.

I was born and raised in the area and currently reside in Plummer with my 2 dogs, Sawyer and Tucker.

Shelley Thomas

My name is Shelley Thomas and I live in Pinehurst with my husband of thirty years, Steve on the proverbial street Memory Lane. We have three “little angels” of our own who have grown up and flown from the nest. My experience encompasses fifteen+ years in early education and care. In fact, I was employed at the ECLC when the first flood occurred. Prior to that, I was the Child Development Specialist for Mountain States Early Head Start, CDA class trainer and former Director at the NIC Children’s Center. All of those positions presented extensive training opportunities including, completion of the Program for Infant Toddler Childcare in California and an AS in Child Development/Elementary Education from NIC. After many years of working directly with adults, I decided to pursue my true passion once again. The pull of working directly with young children again in a classroom setting has brought about my return to the ECLC, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work in the Little Angels classroom.

Stacy Church

My name is Stacy Church; I’m the Transportation Director and Maintenance Director for the ECLC. I’ve been here for about 4 ½ years.

I was born in Pendleton, OR in 1966. I moved to Plummer in 1976 and worked all kinds of different jobs, from auto body to building roads with the Forest service.

In 1998 I decided to do long haul truck driving and drove truck for two years, but got tired of not seeing my kids and wife. So I quit and started working for a farmer in Tekoa, WA driving heavy haul. Then winter came and I was laid off from that job and Terrilynn asked me to drive bus for the CDA Head Start and I’ve been here ever since.

Sven Rae Sjostrom

Background and Education: My name is Sven Rae Sjostrom and I am a proud Oregon native. I was born in Burns, Oregon in 1976 my dad worked for U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biologist. I moved around a lot in my young age. After Burns we moved to Portland, then to Montana, then Utah, and then finally to Idaho where I still reside.

I went to high school at Bear Lake High in Montpelier, ID in 1994. I was not sure what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to work with children and also wanted to work in the outdoors. I graduated at UI with a Bachelor’s in General Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education. I moved to Avery, ID to start my wild land fire-fighting career in 2001. During the off season I enrolled back into school at North Idaho College to study pharmacology. I fought fires in the summer and attended school in the winter from 2001 to 2004. I obtained a certificate in Pharmacy Technology in the summer of 2003.

During the spring of 2004 I worked as a sub for ECLC and got hired on as a Childcare teacher of the fall of 2004. I have taught two full school seasons at ECLC and have just completed the course work to obtain my Child Development Associate. My hobbies are fishing, basketball, traveling, hiking, and most important of all football. I am a huge football fanatic, I follow primarily college football. My favorite teams are the Idaho Vandals and the Oregon Ducks.

Tami Schneider

My name is Tami Schneider. I have been blessed with four children; three boys and one girl. I began working for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Head Start program in 1999 when my oldest son began attending the program. I was a teacher for six years before becoming the Health/Nutrition Coordinator for the ECLC and I am currently the Operations/Office Manager for our program. During this time, I completed my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood and I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in March 2007. If all goes well, I plan on continuing my education to pursue my Master’s degree shortly thereafter. This all keeps me very busy, but my favorite thing to do is to spend time with my children; especially watching them play sports!

Terri Stafanick

About Me: I grew up in the Big Sky Country of Montana with two sisters and one brother. My parents have been married for 60 years on Valentine’s Day, 2006. I have one son who lives in Helena, MT and works as a programmer/analyst for the State of Montana.

My husband Al and I live in the country near Tensed, Idaho and have one horse, three cats and two dogs.

My hobbies are quilting, yoga, long-distance power walking, boating, 4-wheeling and working on our property. Most of my family is in Montana and my husband’s family live in the Plummer, Clarkston and Orofino areas.

ECLC: During the last several years, my husband and I worked on many construction projects in the eastern part of the country and after returning home, I started working in the office at EHS/HS.

Tori Thomas

Hello, my name is Tori Thomas. I am 20 years old and have lived in Coeur d’Alene my entire life. I am the new floater for the Love and Little Angels classrooms. I am very eager and excited to be a part of the ECLC staff! I can’t wait to learn everything I can to help care for the children here. In the near future I do plan to get my CDA, which will help me on my journey even more!

Trish Clark

My name is Trish Clark and I’m a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. I resided on the reservation most of my life and my mother is Lucille Bassah. I grew up in Desmet, Idaho with nine brothers and four sisters, my grandparents and numerous cousins. I graduated from Plummer High School in 1984. During high school I played Basketball, Volleyball and Track. After graduation, I moved to Snohomish, Washington and married my husband Tim Clark of twenty-one years. We have four children, Michelle 21, Timmy 20, Vincent Luke 14 and Mariah 9. We reside in Plummer, Idaho.

I started my Head Start experience in 1988 by being a parent volunteer in my daughter’s Head Start classroom (Rainbow Room). At the same time my Head Start teacher Mrs. Kennison was the Head Start Director and had encouraged me to be involved with Head Start. So I started small, I supervised children while they held their PC meetings and was a bus aide for a while, until a position opened up in the three’s classroom. From there I held several positions with the Head Start program until now. I also have other work experience when I lived in Everette, Washington, I worked at the Everette Community College Early Childhood Program for a year and a half. I also ran a Day Care out of my home and worked as a House Relief Parent for the Youth Shelter.

My hobbies are playing basketball, working out at the Wellness Center, listening to all kinds of music, taking walks and relaxing when I can. Most importantly, spending time with my family and doing fun outings with them.

Valerie Lozon

What’s up, My name is Valerie Sherelle Lozon and I am 21 years old and was born February 14th, 1985. My parents are Rhonda Lozon of Desmet and John Lozon of Plummer. I am the middle child in our family. I have two brothers; Quilly and John plus two sisters; Shelby and Cecelia.

I am a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. I grew up on our reservation in Desmet, ID. That is where I attended school from Head Start through 8th grade. I then went on to high school at Lakeside in Plummer, ID. Things didn’t work out as I had planned so I dropped out when I was a sophomore. So after a few years passed, I decided to get my GED. During that time I had a daughter, Shyree Michelle Lowley. She is now one-year-old.

She has been attending the ECLC since she was three months. I began work as a sub at ECLC June of this year. I am now a Teacher’s Aide in the St’sha class. So now I’m taking on-line classes at the IT building to earn my CDA. I just want to say I really appreciate everything this program has done for me and my daughter.

Lim’ Lamsh Sincerely,
Valerie S. Lozon

Vicky Nomee

Vicky Nomee is a member of the Colville Tribes. She has been working in the field of Early Childhood for approximately 30 years. She has worked for the Colville Tribes as the Director of Early Childhood Education for 9 years. Other positions she has worked in for her tribe are lead teacher, assistant director, and home visitor. Vicky also has experience working with the federal government on an interesting pilot project that required her to live on 4 reservations during a 2 year period. Each stay ranged from 2 weeks to 3 months. The purpose of the project was to assist the programs in reaching compliance with Head Start requirements. Vicky has also worked as a training and technical assistance specialist for approximately 6 years with Three Feathers Associates of Norman, Oklahoma.

Vicky is married to Joe Nomee and has 2 grown children, Camille Martin of Worley and Tony Desautel back on the rez. She’s the proud grandma of Tori Stanger-Desautel, as well as Jerry and Camille Martin’s children, Kathryn, Jordan, Vesta, and Jerry, Jr. She has lived in Worley for 2 years. She moved with the intent to semi-retire, but is currently working full-time as the Programs Manager for ECLC.