Staff Directory
Click on a Staff Member below for more info
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As the assistant principal at Oregon Trail, I want to welcome you to our school. I deeply care about the success of each student. I value the learning process and encourage ALL to find a love for learning. I am committed to students and their families and encourage parental involvement. A student’s time in elementary school is critical and I look forward to working together to make your child’s school year successful.
I’ve worked in education for the last 19 years in many capacities: as an administrative assistant at the District Office, an after-school program director, a teacher and now an administrator. I taught 1st and 3rd grade at Oregon Trail, then moved to the Boise area for 5 years where I taught Title and 4th grade. I returned to the Twin Falls School district last school year to be an assistant principal. I share this position with Oregon Trail and Sawtooth Elementary.
Please know I am available to meet with you in person or talk over the phone to discuss any concerns you may have. I look forward to a great year and to meeting all our students and their families this school year. Go Trailblazers!
My name is Mrs. Bennett and I’ve been teaching since 2009. I graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, which I’ve used to teach everything from Pre-K to 3rd grade! When I’m not teaching, I’m usually with my husband and daughter doing something outdoors. We love to fish, camp, bbq, and just watch movies.
I have taught physical education in the Twin Falls School District since 1989. 4 years ago I retired from my position but did continue to substitute. This year I had the opportunity to return and am looking forward to a wonderful year!
Hall 100 Tutor Room
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Hello! I’m Dana Christensen and I am happy to be teaching Kindergarten at Oregon Trail! I have a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and am working towards my teaching certificate at College of Southern Idaho. My teaching experience includes 11 years of piano lessons, 3 years of online English classes for kids and lots of volunteering in schools and church. I have been raising my 6 kids at home for the last 20 years and love using that experience to help our Oregon Trail students!
Library
Hi Trailblazers! My name is Rachel Christiansen and this is my first year as the librarian at Oregon Trail. I’ve loved reading my whole life and I’m so excited to be here and be able to pass that love of reading onto all the wonderful students! I am a mom to four great kids, three boys that are students here and one two year old little girl. I love to spend my spare time with my husband and kids going on walks, watching movies and playing board games and card games!
Room 106
My name is Mrs. Coombs and I have been teaching for a long, long time. I went to Utah State University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Language Arts. I spent most of my career between Kindergarten and 3rd grade. When I’m not teaching, I am mom to my beautiful daughter Abby, 2 Boston Terrier dogs, 2 cats, and most recently a Leopard Gecko! Our family likes to travel when we can, and we have been very lucky to have been to exciting places like; Hawaii, Disneyworld, Bahamas and Mexico. I also love taking pictures and reading.
I am looking forward to a great school year!
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I have a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University (Mass Communications/Agriculture). I have two children who attend/attended the Twin Falls School District. I like reading, crochet, and being outdoors, and I coach baseball and occasionally basketball for the Twin Falls Parks and Rec department. I’m also a member of an animal rescue group and have several pets of my own including cats, dogs and leopard geckos. I enjoy working in the computer lab as it gives me the opportunity to get to know every student here at Oregon Trail!
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My name is Rachel Kirchmeyer. This is my 8th year of teaching. I spent my first five years teaching first grade in Washington state where I am from, then the last two years teaching second grade in Jerome, Id. I graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska with my bachelors in education. I am now working online to complete my masters in administration as well. I moved to Idaho three years ago with my husband and two dogs. We enjoy adventuring outside, playing with our dogs, watching movies and doing crossfit!
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Born in Mountain View, CA grew up in Spokane Valley, WA. Spent two years as a missionary in Denmark from 1999-2001 (mostly in and around Copenhagen). Attended Brigham Young University for undergraduate work, then spent a semester at Gonzaga Law School before getting a Master’s from Eastern Washington University. Moved to Twin Falls in 2010 for school counseling job, and met future wife at Oregon Trail in 2012. Married Haley in 2016 and bought first house in 2019.
Ms. Larson is a busy, outgoing, positive, energetic teacher and mother. She has five kids, 2 daughters and 3 sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, either at home or on vacation. In her spare time she likes to read, sew, kayak, camp, roadtrip, and crochet. She is a collector of snow globes, precious moments, and The Peanuts Gang. She is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and has been for as long as she can remember. She also enjoys Harry Potter (House Hufflepuff) and Star Wars. This will be her 9th year at Oregon Trail. She grew up in Idaho for the majority of her life. Her favorite time of the school year is the fall when she gets to meet her new class. What gives her the most joy is seeing her students enjoy coming to school and being invested in their own learning. She is dedicated to becoming the best educator she can be for her students as well as a mother for her kids and herself. She hopes to be a positive influence for her students and foster their love of learning.
Mrs. Lopez is married and has two daughters. She enjoys going on family vacations, preferably to a tropical beach. In her spare time she likes to read. She grew up in Illinois, close to Chicago, but has lived in Idaho all her adult life. She is fluent in two languages and understands and can read a bit in a third. Her goal is to someday be fluent in all three. Her favorite time of the school year is in the Spring, when she can see all her students begin to blossom into little readers. What gives her the most joy is seeing her students enjoy coming to school every dayl. She hopes to make a positive impact on all her students and foster their love for learning.
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Mr Matlock grew up loving school. In fact, he loved it so much that he decided to keep coming to school for a career! One of Mr Matlock’s primary goals is to create a positive school experience so that everyone is able to look back at their elementary school years and say they were fantastic years!
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education through Western Governors University. My husband and I own an aircraft maintenance business and have been married since 2007. We have two awesome kids who love taekwondo, and we love cheering them on! I have two cute dogs, Jet and Harper, and love living a country lifestyle. I have a passion for second grade and love helping my students find their own strengths and build their confidence in learning. Oregon Trail is the best place to learn and I am excited to be part of the amazing things that happen here!
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Hello Trailblazers! My name is Mrs. Navarrete and I have been here at Oregon Trail Elementary, teaching first grade since 2013. I am married and have 3 amazing boys, who have kept me busy over the years. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family. We like to do a lot of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and boating. We also like to travel and especially go watch the NFL, NBA, NHL,or MLB games. I also enjoy reading, baking, and crafting.
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This year marks my 8th year in education. I have taught kindergarten, fourth and fifth grade. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Idaho State University and am currently seeking a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. You will find me attending a soccer game or dance competition when I am not in the classroom. My husband and I have been blessed with four children, three boys, and a beautiful girl.
I am so excited to be your Music teacher this coming school year! I graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I am certified to teach K-12 band and choir. While qualified to teach other grade levels, I have found the most joy as I lay the foundation for our students’ music learning in our elementary schools. I hope to help students find their voice and confidence as they sing, move, play, create and learn about music, and I hope to encourage students to become life-long music learners. While in the Twin Falls School District I have taught at Oregon Trail Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, I. B. Perrine Elementary, Pillar Falls Elementary and now I find myself back at the amazing school which is Oregon Trail. I am looking forward to a great year of music making! Check out my website for periodic updates on what your student is learning in music, and information for upcoming performances and performance-based groups for our school. Go, Trailblazers!
I home Schooled my children from 4th grade thru graduation. Started with TFSD in 2012 working in the IRC at Oregon Trail for 7 years, then became a Special Ed clerk. I am beginning my 4th year as a Sped clerk this year.
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For four years, I worked for the Twin Falls School District as a paraeducator in an ERC classroom. I obtained my degree and am now working as a speech therapist (SLPA), and loving every minute of it. Oregon Trail is my home school, but I also could be spotted at other elementary schools in the district as well!
Room 207
Ext. 5416
Hey Trailblazers! I’m Mrs Ruiz and this is my 17th year teaching 1st grade at Oregon Trail. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Development and Elementary Education from Cal State Bakersfield. When I’m not at school my passion is spending time with my husband and two kiddos. We love to travel, fish, snowboard, and just hang out watching movies. I knew from a young age that my heart belonged to education. I love every moment of my job, but especially watching my students become readers. Best job in the world!!! Have a fabulous year Oregon Trail.
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Room 201
Hello parents and students. My name is Ms. Stansell, and this is my 16th year of teaching second grade at Oregon Trail Elementary. I went to Idaho State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2007. I did field experience teaching in 5th grade, and my student teaching in 2nd grade. I am very passionate about my students’ education, and strive to ensure each one reaches their full potential. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy water skiing, snow skiing, backpacking, camping, and spending time with my sons.
I look forward to a fantastic year at Oregon Trail!
My name is Ms. Strom and I have been teaching for 10 years. Prior to teaching third grade I taught 5th grade for six years. I am a graduate of Idaho State University (undergraduate degree) and Northwest Nazarene University (graduate degree). When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, spinning, playing cards with my grannie, being with my family, watching Washington State Football, and relaxing with my fur babies (Winter and Opal). One of the best things about teaching is making meaningful connections with students and families. Have a great year Trailblazers!
I am happy to be part of the Trailblazer team, helping students reach their full potential. I have experience working with a variety of students from all different backgrounds and abilities. When I am not working with students, you may find me volunteering within the school (PTA) or community. I am a wife, mother and pet-parent, who enjoys spending time with my family going on new adventures.
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Room 104
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Hello! I am new to Oregon Trail Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year, but stoked to be part of the Trailblazer family. I hope to encourage learning, teamwork and a fun environment for all of my students. Outside of school I enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, accompanying my family in the mountains, as well as hanging out with my husband and kids. I enjoy crafts and painting, animals and scoring a good deal on clearance racks. I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store for my students and wish everyone the best year ever!
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Room 303
My name is Mrs. Youngman and I have been teaching since 2009. I have taught both elementary and middle school. I went to Boise State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2008. My minors were Social Studies, Geography and Earth Science. I am also very passionate about technology. When I’m not teaching, playing games, watching movies and travelling with my husband.