I am the founding director of Pioneer School. I have a Masters degree from the University of Idaho in Elementary Education and a Masters in Gifted Education from Whitworth College. I graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977.

When I am not busy at Pioneer School, I coach ski racing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. My husband is a chemistry instructor at Spokane Falls Community College, and we have two daughters who attend college.

Welcome! I joined the Pioneer staff in 2001. I have taught in a variety of capacities in grades ranging K-6 including Curriculum Director, Reading Specialist, Summer School, and Classroom teacher. However, I really started my career when I was in pony-tails and my Kindergarten teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. As I counted to 100 while licking my tootsie roll lollipop, I quickly replied "A Kindergarten Teacher!" I have a Master of Curriculum and Development from the University of Idaho. I also hold an Idaho State Computer Competency Certificate from Boise State University. I have a great love for teaching and for children. What I enjoy most about teaching is looking at the smiles, hearing the laughter, and watching the "Aha!" moments on the student's faces. Each day is filled with excitement and wonder, is ever changing, and never boring. In my spare time I enjoy writing, photography, and watching my bird chase my dog around the house. I am also an artist and a member of the F.R.S.A., which is the Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts.

Judy Wold, second grade, Judy joined the staff of Pioneer in 1990. Outside of school, she enjoys quilting and supporting her 2 grandsons in their sports. Her husband Jim, is retired from Wagstaff engineering. Her daughter, Jennifer Chase, is an administrator with Dist. 81. Judy brings learning alive with her love of children’s literature.

Nicole teaches 4th and 5th grade, she joined the staff in 2006. Nicole has a masters degree from Whitworth Univ. Her husband, Ken, works at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge. Her daughter, Nyomi, attends Montessori pre-school. Nicole brings her expertise as a park ranger to our science classes.

Second/Third and Fourth/Fifth Classroom and Testing Aide, Arliss Rothwell

Optional Classes: Piano, Carol Murray and Violin, Emily Benjamin