Meet MES Staff!
Office Team
Emily Dahl
emily.dahl@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my 2nd year as Head Secretary and my 5th year at MES. It’s also my 11th year working in schools.
- I have been married to my wonderful husband Curtis for 16.5 years and we have lived in Molalla for 16 years. We have three children together and one crazy dog, Ninja.
- I love gardening, traveling, spending time at the beach, watching basketball and I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Breck Lindauer
breck.lindauer@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Student Success Coach
- 13 years in education; currently in year 8 at MES.
- Got married to Lauren this past fall and we have a sweet rescue dog named Barley.
- Favorite food is Pizza - I would eat it every day if I could!
- Enjoy cooking, traveling (have visited 23 European countries), spending time outdoors, and cheering for the Utah Jazz, Seattle Seahawks, and Oregon State Beavers!
Patty Ehleringer
patty.elheringer@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I’ve been working for the district for 7 years as a Spanish Interpreter.
- I’ve been married for 23 years and I have 4 kids, two boys and two girls.
- My favorite things to do are spending time with my family, hiking, watching movies, and playing games.
Counselor
Nursing Staff
Amanda Bickford
amanda.bickford@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have been a nurse for 15 years, & just completed my 2nd year with MRSD.
- I grew up in Molalla & after an 8 year detour to the East Coast am back home. I even attended MES back when it was just 1-3rd grades!
- I am married with 2 children, 4 dogs, & 2 cats.
- In my spare time I love reading, traveling, camping, and baking.
Specialists
Pam Honer
pam.honer@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This my 14th year of teaching and my 7th year at MES. I have taught in Gen Ed classrooms from KG through 7th grade in Oregon, California, and online.
- I’ve also been a classroom Music teacher and have taught private piano and voice, along with directing several choirs and theatrical productions, from children to adults.
- My husband and I have been married 36 years and have 5 grown adult children. They live across the country from California to Georgia, but we still manage to gather as a family several times a year and just being together is our favorite activity.
Lauri Lemus
lauri.lemus@molallariv.k12.or.us
- PE teacher at MES 1st year
- Educator Year 5
- I love spending time with my best friend/partner Colin and our three kids and dog- Maximus.
- My self-care is going to the gym and working out with friends.
- I love paddleboarding in the summer!!
Supported Education Team
Theresa Loftus
theresa.loftus@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I accepted the position at Molalla Elementary School as the new Learning Specialist for the remainder of the year.
- I may be new to MES but I have worked for over 10 years as a Learning Specialist in this district. I worked at Molalla River Academy, Renaissance Public Academy, and Mulino Elementary School. I taught in Estacada for a year in the Junior High and High School Life Skills Classroom. I also worked in Early Childhood Education.
- I moved to Molalla over 5 years ago with my son and husband.
- My son graduated from Molalla High School and participated in the Special Education Transition Program for the last 3 years.
- I enjoy reading a wide variety of books, visiting different places, and spending time with my family and friends, especially when floating on the river.
Kenny O'Dea
kenneth.odea@molallariv.k12.or.us
I’ve been the Speech Language Pathologist at Molalla Elementary School for 2 years.
In my free time I enjoy swimming, reading, and watching tv.
I used to be a swim teacher for several years.
I have a chihuahua named Greg who acts more like a cat than a dog.
I speak Spanish and studied abroad for 6 months in Santiago, Chile in 2010
Hollie Forbes
hollie.forbes@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Sped IA for 4 years, -PTC mom for 3 years
- Married 15 years to the fabulous Chris and we have 2 awesome kids.
- I love my family and friends, my chickens, camping, and music.
Leslie Bartell
leslie.bartell@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have been a SPED IA at MES for 3 years.
- I have also assisted in the MES library.
- I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
- I have a heart for helping people
- I love: spending time with my family, being a twin to my sister Lyndsey, who is 11 minutes older, being an Auntie to 6 sweeties, ages 4-15, running, specifically long distances, taking long walks, and being active in general. Being outside, especially in the sunshine. Staying at the beach, and being cozy.
Melissa Mowery
melissa.mowery@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This my 1st year at MES. I have been in the education field for 23 years, mainly in Child Development.
- I have been married to my best friend Mark for 8 years. I have a wonderful 25 year old daughter and my sweet 6 year old son.
- We send all of our time together, playing games, hiking, camping, watching movies.
- I enjoy any chance I can get to be creative.
Berta Mendoza-Maldonado
berta.mendoza-maldonado@molallariv.k12.or.us
- 6 years in the school district as an interpreter and instructional assistant
- Married to my husband, and have 2 sons and 2 dogs
- Like to exercise, hike, listen to music, dance, and anything soccer
- Love to garden and spend time with my family
Alison Gunn
alison.gunn@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my first year as an Instructional Aide at Molalla Elementary. I come with a background in education including experience as a 5th grade teacher, substitute teacher, and an instructor in educational centers in Arizona.
- I’ve been a stay at home mom of three for the past 12 years. In that time I’ve been a volunteer at my children’s schools and a co-leader of a couple Girl Scouts troops.
- I have two children attending MES and one at MRA.
- I love rock collecting, going to rivers, lakes, and oceans, and hiking. I’m so excited to be back in education!
Regina Sheaves
regina.sheaves@molallariv.k12.or.us
- IA for nearly2 years.
- I have an amazing granddaughter whom I get the pleasure of raising.
- I’m a Martial Artist with multiple black belts, including a 3rd degree in TaeKwonDo. I worked as an instructor for 6 years.
- I love reading, long walks, and interior design.
- I love Spring because life is renewed and the air is fresh 😊.
Carrie Bartlett
carrie.bartlett@molallariv.k12.or.us
30 years in Special Education (OT and Teacher)
Mom of a 20 year old son in college
Enjoys gardening and arts (knitting/quilts)
Library Team
Nicole Higginbotham
nicole.higginbotham@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have worked in the MRSD for 17 years.
- I started out as the Volleyball coach for the Middle School.
- I have worked as a SPED IA for 14+ years, and also as a Library Assistant.
- My family is a military family of 30 plus years. I have been married for 30 years. I have 3 beautiful daughters, all were born in different states.( Military Kids)
- I am a Nana to our Sweet Melanie. ( 18 Months)
- Volleyball is my sport.
- I am a daredevil at heart.
- I love hanging out with friends, and family. Playing games, trivia, movies, sports, traveling, kayaking, concerts, anything outdoors and having a good time.
- I love ice cream
Laura Wolfe
laura.wolfe@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Instructional Assistant 13 years
- M.E.S. Library Assistant
- Married to Brian for 38 years
- 2 Amazing sons who went to MES along time ago :-) and through Molalla Schools, who are both now Nurses
- 2 Great daughter in laws
- We have a cat, Peanut
- I enjoy kayaking, riding bikes, camping, reading and spending time with my family and friends.
- I love the summer sun!
Custodial Team
Heidi Moore
heidi.moore@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I've been with the school district [MES] in August it will be 3 years. I am the night custodian.
- My favorite season is fall.
- I love spending time with family and friends, i love the outdoors and the river hunting for rocks,
- I love drag racing and fast cars
Jason Griswold
jason.griswold@molallariv.k12.or.us
- A custodian for 12 years at MRSD.
- In 2008 after my USN career of 25 years, my wife of 30 years and I moved to Molalla and have 3 children, two of whom were MES students at one time and 2 granddaughters. Also have a Mini Dachshund, a Cat, and several fish.
- I love to travel the world (7 times around) and across the USA, workout cardio/strength, Anything space (SpaceX- NASA) or Science Fiction (EVERYTHING Star Wars) , listen to music and fly drones as a hobby.
Title 1 Team
Toni Colvin
toni.colvin@molallariv.k12.or.us
- 20 years with MRSD, 17 as a Reading Specialist at Molalla Elementary
- I live on a small farm with my husband and our dog, Charlotte
- We have three beautiful daughters
- I love to read, travel, garden, cook and spend time with my family
Susan Lucht
susan.lucht@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I’ve been a teacher for 35 years. I lived in the Molalla River School District and was a parent and a volunteer and then a substitute teacher. I was hired to teach Music for a few years, and then moved onto 4th grade at Rural Dell. I transferred to MES 2nd grade in 2003. For the past 6 years, I’ve worked at MES as a Reading Specialist.
- I am a Mom, a Grandma, and dog Mom.
- I sing and play drums in a few cover bands in the area! I love music!
Chanon Malmberg
chanon.malmberg@molallariv.k12.or.us
24 years in the district as an IA
Married 37 years with 4 children and one cat
My hobbies and loves are family, friends, gardening, cooking, and traveling
Michelle Koberstein
michelle.koberstein@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my 17th year as an IA at Molalla Elementary.
- I have 4 sons and they all attended MES. They are all grown now but I enjoy spending time with them when I can.
- I enjoy the beach and spending time with my friends.
Jessica Guest
jessica.guest@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have worked here for 4 years.
- I love working on my farm and hanging out with my kids.
- I have been with my amazing husband for 10 years and have 2 beautiful girls.
English Language Team
Amy Collins
amy.collins@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have been a teacher at MES for 20 years, mostly in 5th grade but I have also taught 4th and I was a reading specialist.
- Before I was a teacher, I was a juvenile counselor for 6 years with Clackamas County.
- My husband and I have been married for 23 years and we have 1 son.
- My husband and I are both graduates of Molalla High School.
- We have 2 cats: Hazel and Charley.
- I love to travel!.
Marybeth Roberts
marybeth.roberts@molallariv.k12.or.us
ELD teacher
17 years in district, 20 in education
Married almost 18 years
Have 3, 6 mo. old rescue kittens-2 are 13 lbs and growing still!
Love volleyball, kayaking, humor/puns, reading, nature and traveling
Love the Blazers, yet now a Pelicans fan- to support my guy-CJ McCollum!
Halloween birthday:)
Recess/Lunch Supervision Team
Melinda Roley
melinda.roley@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have worked in this district for 27 years. I’ve been at MES for 22 years.
- My husband’s name is Scott. We have been married for 40 years. We have 3 daughters and 7 grandkids.
- I love to spend time with them whenever I can. They are so much fun! I love the beach on A sunny breezy day.
Heidi Wallender
heidi.wallender@molallariv.k12.or.us
1st year as an IA
Married for 18 years to my wonderful husband, Jason. We have 2 amazing daughters, 1 dog and 1 cat.
I enjoy bowling, golfing, and taking walks with my family.
Sara Ridderbusch
sara.ridderbusch@molallariv.k12.or.us
- IA First year in school, it has been very educational, go figure! I was a dental assistant for 10 years before that.
- Married for 12 years, two girls who attend MES.
- We have a German Shepard and a pitbull, 3 cats and 5 chickens! We love the beach, bike rides, hikes, reading all that!
Karen Mason
karen.mason@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have a dog named Zeke
- I moved to Oregon City and back to Oregon after living in San Diego for 19 years
Rachel Smeltzer
rachel.smeltzer@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my first year as an IA at MES
- I am a mama to three crazy boys who keep me on my toes 7, 6, and 4 and A mama to a spunky tortoiseshell kitten
- We love going to the beach and spending the summer at the river
Kinder Classroom Teachers
Hannah Switzer
hannah.switzer@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Kindergarten teacher at MES for 2 years.
- Married to Caleb.
- I love hiking with my husband and our dog.
- I enjoy cooking and baking.
Sara Hammond
sara.crawford@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Second month at MES as a Reading Specialist.
- Spent two years in West Africa and worked for a cookie company before that.
- Just completed my Masters in Education, got married, and bought a house.
- Have one dog, 6 chickens, a bunny, hermit crab, and fish. Love to craft
1st Grade Classroom Teachers
Julie Ford
julie.ford@molallariv.k12.or.us
- 1st grade teacher. First year at MES.
- 30 years in education
- Married 35 years to my wonderful husband.
- 2 amazing daughters
- 2 friendly golden retrievers
- Love spending time with my family, playing games, traveling, laughing, and reading.
Leslie Johnson
leslie.johnson@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my 20th year teaching at MES and 18th year teaching 1st grade.
- I have been married to my husband for 20 years and we have an 18 year old daughter.
- I am a dog lover and have two dogs (Stormie-Mini Australian Shepherd and Chloe- Pomeranian/Dachshund mix)
- I enjoy going on backpacking trips with my husband and skiing. Running is my stress relief!
- I love bubble gum ice cream and popcorn.
2nd Grade Classroom Teachers
Amy Whitehead
amy.whitehead@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my 18th year of teaching in the Molalla River School District. I have taught in the general education classroom, and worked as a reading specialist.
- My husband’s name is Steve, I have 1 adult child, 4 grandchildren, and 1 dog.
- My husband and I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and riding quads.
Karli George
karli.george@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Kindergarten teacher
- 4 years at MES
- Married 16 years
- I have two boys, 14 and 17
- I have two kitties
- I enjoy paddle boarding, reading, and rollerblading
- I love summer time and traveling!
Taylor Quesada
taylor.quesada@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have worked for MES for 3 years, and I have taught Kinder all 3 years.
- I just graduated from George Fox University in 2021 with a Master’s of Education. (WOO HOO!)
- My husband and I have been married for 8 years now, and we have 2 children (Daniel, 6 and Emma, 4).
- Our family loves to eat, explore, and travel.
- TACOS ARE MY FAVORITE. :)
3rd Grade Classroom Teachers
Karen Drake
karen.drake@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I am in my 16th year of teaching in Molalla School District. I have taught 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade. I love this community because it still has that small-town feeling of closeness.
- Outside of school, I love traveling, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with my family. I love all kinds of art, music and theater.
Emily Trosen
emily.trosen@molallariv.k12.or.us
- 2nd year at MES teaching 3rd grade
- 6th year in education
- Favorite activities outside of school are kayaking, jogging, hiking, early morning walks and reading!
- Oregon State Beaver die hard fan #gobeavs
- Coffee is the way to my heart
Ashley Dugan
ashley.dugan@molallariv.k12.or.us
- First year at MES I am teaching 3rd grade
- I was a Sped IA last year at Mulino
- I have two puppies at home name Duke and Rogue
- I love to be with friends during my free time.
- I am newly engaged!
4th Grade Classroom Teachers
Courtney Annas
courtney.annas@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Have been a 4th grade teacher at MES for 8 years.
- I have 3 kids who all went to MES and through Molalla schools (And I still have one in the middle school here)
- I have a grandson who will be 2 in May
- I love reading, music, and being outside in the sun
Jen Gile
jennifer.gile@molallariv.k12.or.us
- This is my 18th year teaching, 16th at Molalla Elementary.
- I have been married to my husband Matt for almost 9 years. I have two amazing bonus kids, Ben (18) who is going into the Air Force and Elizabeth (17) who is a junior and loves basketball.
- I love to craft using my Cricut and sewing machine making shirts and jewelry.
- I adore spending time with my family, cooking, listening to music and traveling whenever I have the opportunity.
- I also enjoy watching sports on the weekends.
Whitnie Warren
whitnie.warren@molallariv.k12.or.us
- 4th grade teacher, 2nd year at MES
- I coach the JV girls basketball team at Gladstone Highschool-Basketball is 100% my happy place
- I love camping, hiking, and paddle boarding
5th Grade Classroom Teachers
Andrea Isfeld
andrea.isfeld@molallariv.k12.or.us
- Been in education for 14 years, 10th year in the district as a full-time employee–-long term subbed a couple of times before then.
- Married to my husband Adam for almost 12 years and have 2 awesome kids, Leo(7) & Loralai(3 ½).
- I love music, dancing, my Peloton bike and spending time with friends.
- Favorite food is anything Mexican, but especially tamales (they’re gluten free) :)
Debbie Wolf
debbie.wolf@molallariv.k12.or.us
- I have been blessed to teach 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students over the past 32 years!
- I have also coached middle school basketball and varsity volleyball.
- Having lived in Oregon my whole life, I grew up on the McKenzie River, attended Oregon State, and Concordia Universities.
- My husband and I have 3 adult children, one who is also a teacher, and 1 granddaughter!
- I love hanging out with friends, chilling at home, and gardening!