Staff Bios

AVID EC Academy 1 & 2, AVID EC Transitions, AVID EC 9 th & 10 th English

Educational Background:

Masters in Teaching - Western Washington University

BA., English – University of Washington

High School in West Chester, PA and Appleton, Wisconsin

Past Careers: Coordinator for the Lynden Boys and Girls Club, and tutor for Lummi Tribal High School.

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: I absolutely love art, outdoor concerts, camping, and playing soccer. Some hobbies include painting, swimming, and hiking.

Words of Wisdom: "We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship to humanity." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

AVID EC World History; AVID EC US History

Education Background / Past Careers: I was born and raised in Whatcom County. I served in the military for 5 years, living in Texas, Mass., New Jersey, and finally being stationed in Germany for 3 years. I came back to Whatcom County and attended WWU earning a BA in ED, history as a major. I have been teaching here at FHS, where I did my internship, since 1998. I am married, have two sons, and I am currently working on a Master's Degree through Lesley University.

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: In my free time I love to read and spend time with my family.

AVID EC Algebra 1 & 2; AVID EC Geometry

AVID EC Biology

Educational Background:I attended Community College in Alberta where my goal was to be a Dentist. Graduated from Andrews University in Michigan (1973) in Biology and History. Masters Degree in School Administration (1978) - Western Washington Univ.

Past Life Events:

I was hatched in Alberta Canada 1947 (Old eh?).

Married Sue In July of 1973.

Taught in private schools for over 10 years.

Taught in Alaska for 12 years where I was a Principal & Teacher.

Moved to Bellingham 1996 and started teaching at Ferndale High School.

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: I enjoy woodworking, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping, fishing and travel. When it gets cold I like to go someplace warm like Maui or Mexico. I also enjoy art, especially oil painting, some water coloring, and crafts. I love going to San Juan Island in my 19 ft Hewes Craft.

AVID EC Family Coordinator

Education Background:

M. Ed. - Western Washington Univ. (2004)

MA in History (Canadian Studies) – Western Washington Univ. (2000)

BA in History – Univ. of Washington (1997)

Past Careers: Substitute School teacher in Seattle, Wisconsin, New Zealand, and Bellingham; restaurant server (x3); ditch digger; tutor; handyman; white water raft guide; entrepreneur; street musician; and a professional student in Montreal, London, and Napier, NZ.

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: The Great Outdoors, travels, walking, running, playing my musical inventions, ultimate frisbee, hanging out with family and friends, woodworking, reading, and dreaming up new ideas.

Favorite Travel Spots: Road trips spots across the USA, Orcas Island, NW Coast, Lake Michigan, NYC, the Southwest, Mexico. I hope to soon visit Costa Rica or somewhere in South America.

Words of Wisdom: “A person is a person because of other people.” -Zulu saying

Educational Background:

M.Ed in School Counseling - Western Washington Univ.

BA in Psychology - Western Washington Univ.

Past Careers: Worked at a group home for Northwest Youth Services, Whatcom County Crisis Services Program Coordinator for the Crisis Line, Costco, and now school counseling.

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: I love sports: Calgary Flames and NY Islanders hockey, and the Mariners and Seahawks. Favorite places to travel are Las Vegas and Phoenix for M’s

Spring Training. Planning a long trip to Europe in summer 2008!

Happiest Moments: Getting married, July 1 st 2006!

383-9257 – Counseling Office – jdecker@ferndale.wednet.edu

FHS & AVID EC Secretary

Education Background:

Ferndale High School graduate

Attended WWU - 2.5 years

BTC - Certified Dental Assistant Program

Past Careers: Dental Assistant and Bookkeeper, Conference Center Receptionist, Administrative Assistant at Ferndale High School, Commercial Fisherman in Alaska with my husband during the summer months

Hobbies, Loves and Interests: My husband, three grown children, and eight grand "kitties". Playing the piano, reading, walking, hunting for agates and just being outdoors and on the water.

Favorite Travel Spots: Maui, Kaui, Niagara Falls, and Alaska

AVID EC Support & Title VII Indian Education Specialist

Educational Background:

M.Ed. in Administrative Education- Western Washington University

BA. in Communications - Western Washington University

AA, in Business Administration - Skagit Valley Community College

Past Careers: Lummi Cedar Project Youth Leadership Trainer, Churchill Council on Alcohol & Drugs, Prevention Specialist for Churchill, Lander and Perishing School Districts, Paiute/Shoshone Tribes, Recreation Director, University of California at Berkeley, Student Affairs Officer

Hobbies, Loves, and Interests: I enjoy biking, boating, cooking, movies, video games, general fitness, tennis, volleyball, basketball, board games and singing tribal songs.

Favorite Travel Spots: Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Waipahu, and Mexico. I will be visiting New York and DC later this year.