RHS Staff Bios

Roger White – Principal @ RMS/RHS

Roger began his teaching career 30 years ago in the mountains, teaching outdoor education in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. For the last 26 years, he has taught and led in small, progressive schools committed to bringing learning to life through experiential education, rigorous, relevant, real world projects, teamwork and a focus on community. In 2001, Roger was part of a small team of founding teachers that opened Realms Middle School and currently oversees both Realms Middle and High Schools. When not working, you can find Roger hanging out at local (and far flung) hockey rinks, spending time with his family, or enjoying the outdoors. Email: [email protected]

Zach Harju – Assistant Principal @ RMS/RHS

Zach is excited to be transitioning into a new role in 2021 as Assistant Principal after three years as math, computer science, and Crew teacher at Realms High School. Before that, he taught at a small project-based learning high school in Davis, CA. He is a big believer in the power of small schools and the EL Education model, and believes that his new position will allow him to better support and advocate for all students, families, and staff in our wonderful Realms community. Outside of work, Zach loves to play guitar and explore the beautiful nature around Central Oregon. Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Scalley – Office Manager @ RHS

Jennifer’s nickname is “Unofficial Principal” (at least that’s what the staff call her when Roger is not around!) Jennifer has been the Office Manager at Realms High School since we opened in 2018 and prior to that was the Office Manager at Realms Middle School for 8 years. Jennifer’s favorite thing about her job is connecting with students, supporting staff, and organizing everybody and everything! Jennifer’s own two children graduated from Realms Middle School in 2011 and 2013 and so clearly she has Realms Schools in her blood. When not working, Jennifer loves gardening, crafts, and fostering rescue puppies! Email: [email protected]

Jill Deckman Cooper – Counseling & Curriculum Secretary @ RMS/RHS

Jill has been an active Realms parent since 2018 and is thrilled to join us as a staff member! She is our Counseling and Curriculum Secretary and the smiling face you see at the front window. Jill also helps our students with whatever they may need from the office throughout the day. She worked in advertising for her first career, a flower shop for her second, and as a massage therapist for her third. 🙂 Jill grew up in Georgia and moved to Bend after 23 years of living in Seattle. She is the parent of two awesome teenagers (both current Realms students) and loves to be in her garden when she has free time.  Email: [email protected]

Lisa Johnson – Attendance Secretary & Media Manager @ RMS/RHS

Lisa is excited to start her second year at Realms High School. Prior to Realms she spent 6 years at Mountain View High School. Lisa is our Attendance Secretary, iPad Tech person and Librarian. Her favorite part about Realms is the many advantages that a small school offers. Lisa’s goal is to learn each and every student’s name. When not at work she spends time with her friends and family. Email: [email protected]

Sommer Gard – Accounting @ RMS/RHS

Sommer is a native Californian who has lived in 4 states before settling here in 2016 with her husband and 3 daughters.  She is a Realms parent, turned staff member with over 20 years’ experience in the education system.  She has been an EA, Admin Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and now works at Realms as an Accountant. Sommer has worked for a charter school, at-risk alternative programs, special ed transition program, and in the public school system bringing diverse experience.  In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking/baking, traveling, rock climbing, running, snowboarding, hiking, roller skating and more. Basically, anything active and outdoor is a plus. Email: [email protected]

Allie Chiavetta – Social Studies & English Teacher

Chiavetta is stoked to continue her tenure at Realms High School!  Chiavetta started her career teaching middle school in Mountain View, California.  Since moving to Bend in 2015, Chiavetta has taught in most of Bend La Pine’s high schools but has found a home at Realms High School where she hopes to teach for many years to come. When out of the classroom, she loves traveling and exploring nature with her son. Email: [email protected]

Elinor Wilson – Science Teacher

Central Oregon has been my home for the majority of my life and I absolutely love it here. I completed my Bachelor of Science in chemistry at University of Portland in Portland, OR and a Master of Arts in secondary science teaching at OSU cascades. This is my fourth year as a high school science teacher and my sixth year working in Central Oregon schools. For the last three years, I taught chemistry, AP chemistry, environmental science, and a variety of science electives at Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA). I LOVE science. Being a science teacher at Realms is my dream job! Outside of work, I love to do anything outdoors. I especially love activities that my dog June Bug can join me on! June also gets to come to work with me at Realms. She is a certified therapy dog and has a passion for making people smile and visiting with anyone she meets. Skiing (XC & alpine), biking, climbing, paddle boarding, backpacking, and gardening are some of my favorite outdoor activities. Email: [email protected]

Heidi Dixon – Science Teacher

Heidi is starting her 7th year of teaching and 4th year at Realms High School. She teaches science, mostly chemistry and biology, and Crew. In her science classes she is passionate about equipping our students with the skills needed to analyze and make sense of our natural world and how humans interact with it. This gives way to inspired students who want to make our world a better place to live. When not in the classroom she is usually somewhere outside with her husband, daughter and son either gardening, hiking, boating, biking, skiing or cooking delicious food. Email: [email protected]

Lauren McAllister – Special Education Teacher

Lauren moved to Central Oregon with her husband, 3 kids, and 3 pets in 2021 from Virginia. Lauren taught at a high school in Virginia for 3 years co-teaching Algebra 1 and World History 1, and pre-algebra class. In 2021-22 she was at Ridgeview High School as a Life Skills teacher and is excited to be joining the Realms HS Supported Education team. Lauren is obsessed with all things Star Wars, Marvel and Disney. In her downtime she enjoys spending time with my family and having adventures exploring this beautiful state we live in. Email: [email protected]

Greg Norris – PE & Health Teacher

Hi!  My name is Greg Norris. I was born in Rochester New York and went to college in South Carolina at Wofford college. There, I studied sociology and philosophy and played Division I baseball. After college I went into the Peace Corps in Senegal, west Africa. I lived there for three years where I met my wife Megan and learned 2 African dialects. After the Peace Corps we moved to Mexico where are my wife’s family is from. After two years we moved to California where I earned my masters in education and became a high school Athletic Director and PE teacher for 15 years. I love everything outdoors and enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters Izzy and Lexy. I am so excited to be teaching PE and health at Realms High school! Email: [email protected]

Karen Rose – Art Teacher

Karen has been the sole Art Teacher at Realms High School since we opened. She spreads her love of Art around our school like paint on a canvas… it touches everything! Prior to coming to Realms, Karen taught Art at Pacific Crest Middle School for their first three years and previously at Summit High School. Karen is an avid rock climber, backcountry skier and world traveller. In her life before school Karen led international “Gap Year” trips focused on service, adventure, personal discovery, and independent traveling skills in various far flung and beautiful corners of the globe. Email: [email protected]

Tyler Running – Social Studies Teacher

Tyler (he/him) is joining Realms as a Social Studies teacher for the 2021-22 school year. He is in his fifth year teaching, with experience teaching both middle and high school students in Beaverton. Tyler is passionate about helping students appreciate and excel at social studies, and encouraging them to demonstrate their learning through a variety of means. When not teaching, Tyler enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with his Boston Terrier, skiing, and spending time in Bend with family and friends. Email: [email protected]

Brandon Russell – Special Education Teacher

Brandon (he/him) is joining the Realms HS team in 2021-22 as our 2nd Special Education Teacher. Brandon grew up in the Pacific Northwest and recently moved to Bend with his wife and 16-month-old son. His background includes working with students in day and residential school treatment settings and teaching ESL in South Korea. His current areas of interest in teaching include mindfulness-based education, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice practices. Outside of teaching, Brandon enjoys trail running, ultralight backpacking, and spending time at home with his family. Email: [email protected]

Anita Thompson – Language Arts Teacher

I joined the REALMS High School team in the fall of 2020 as a Language Arts teacher. While I was born in PNW for most of my life, I have lived in places as far away as Chicago and Nairobi. I have been living in Central Oregon since 2004, and I completed both my BA and my MA through OSU Cascades. Working for the Bend La-Pine School District since 2012, the majority of my career has been dedicated to my passion for alternative education. When I’m not teaching, you can find me with my family, on an outdoor adventure, or reading. Email: [email protected]

Yen Ling Wang – Foreign Language Teacher

Yen-Ling (she/her) is excited to start her 2nd year at Realms. As a native speaker of Spanish, raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she has been teaching Spanish to MS and HS students since 2001. One of her passions is to organize travel opportunities for students so they can put their language skills to use and learn about the people and culture first hand. Yen-Ling’s most recent student trips include taking students to Spain, Nicaragua, and Perú. When not working, you can find her SUPing in the local rivers and lakes, hiking, snowboarding or cooking. Email: [email protected]

Rob Wooldridge – Language Art & Construction CTE Teacher

Rob (he/him) has been teaching high school English, mostly overseas, for thirteen years. Three years ago, he returned to the States and started at the Brinson Campus teaching both English and Construction. For Rob, learning is the great goal in life. Email: [email protected]

Jaebird Brown – Inclusion Educational Assistant

Jaebird Brown (they/them) is starting as an EA this year. Jae grew up in Boulder Colorado, and graduated from Howard University with a BA in Radio/TV/Film. A world traveler, Jae lived in 14 cities across five South American countries during a year abroad. They live in Bend with their spouse, Sasha, and a rescued street dog named Peanut. . Email: [email protected]

Caleb Campbell – Fieldwork Coordinator

Caleb (he/him) graduated REALMS in 2014, and Bend Senior High School in 2018 and found himself back at REALMS soon after to be part of the kind of learning he valued so much as a student there. Caleb works as a general ed educational assistant, supporting students in the classroom, coaches our cross country team (go Redtails!) and supports the school’s fieldwork program. Outside of school, Caleb plays ultimate frisbee with the local club “Igneous”, and enjoys mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, and playing music. Email: [email protected]

Olivia Cupp – School Psychologist

Come back soon for info on Olivia! Email: [email protected]

Jen Rule – College & Career Coordinator

Jen (she/her) is excited to start her 4th year as Realms College & Career Program Manager. She works with students in Crew to explore career paths and prepare for life after high school. She takes students on career field trips, helps them find job shadows or internships, and works closely with  juniors and seniors to find their future path and complete applications, etc. You can find Jen adventuring and exploring with her husband and son and friends, climbing, or traveling. Email: [email protected]

Addy Torian – Counselor – RMS/RHS

Addy (she/her) is thrilled to join the Realms community as the school counselor! Oregon born and raised, Addy is coming from Portland with her Master’s in School Counseling from George Fox University. She believes in honoring and empowering the unique strengths of each student and cultivating an inclusive environment where all feel safe, seen, and supported. In her down time, she enjoys practicing mindfulness and adventuring in the great outdoors.Email: [email protected]

Ian Snyder – Bend LaPine Online Student Support Mentor

Ian is a graduate from OSU-Cascades in 2022 with a degree in Computer Science. He is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and spends much of his time out in the mountains. He has a husky-mix named Senja who he adopted as a puppy, and he really wants to adopt another soon! Ian is very passionate about landscape and nature photography, mountaineering, snowboarding, and trail running. Ian has lived all over the western US and in Norway. He speaks German and Norwegian. At Realms he supports students taking online classes. Email: [email protected]

Zach Schulze – Building Engineer

Email: [email protected]

Kathie Spencer – Nutrition Services Lead

Email: [email protected]