2021-22 RHS Staff – Realms Staff Updates

Administration & Office Team

Roger White – Principal

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

Zach is excited to be transitioning into a new role in 2021-22 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

Greg bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Lisa Johnson – Attendance Secretary

Lisa bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Teachers

Karen Agocs – Art Teacher

Karen bio here. Email: [email protected]

Allie Chiavetta Ochoa – Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Chiavetta is stoked to be starting her 11th year of teaching at Realms High School! Ms. Chiavetta started her teaching career in a public PBL middle school in Mountain View, California. Since moving to Bend in 2015, Ms. Chiavetta has taught in most of Bend La Pine’s high schools, bringing her passion for PBL to all of the classes she has taught. When out of the classroom, she loves exploring nature with her three-year-old son and her dogs. Email: [email protected]

Danny Diamond – Math/Science Teacher

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]

Renee Hamilton – Spanish Teacher

Renee bio here. Email: [email protected]

Michelle Hanford – Language Arts Teacher

Michelle bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Karla Luff Lopez – Special Education Teacher

Karla has been a supported education teacher for over 20 years. She has been at Realms High School since it opened four years ago. She is passionate about helping ALL students reach their fullest educational potential. Karla is a mom to two teenage boys and two rather adorable furry kids. Born and raised in Utah, Karla loves hiking and camping- when she gets a chance! The majority of her summer is spent watching her son play baseball. Email: [email protected]

Greg Norris – Physical Education & Health Teacher

Greg bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Tyler Running – Social Studies Teacher

Tyler 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 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]

Steve Reeves – Social Studies Teacher

Steve bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Aaron Seelig – Science Teacher

Aaron bio here. 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, I have lived most of my life 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]

Makaela bio here. Email: [email protected]

Makaela Thompson – Math Teacher

Yen Ling Wang – Foreign Language Teacher

Yen Ling bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Rob Wooldridge – Language Art & Construction CTE Teacher

Rob bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Student Support & Counseling

Alix Keel – School Psychologist

Alix bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Greg Oliver – Bend LaPine Online Student Success Coordinator

Greg bio here. Email: @bend.k12.or.us

Jen Rule – College & Career Coordinator

Jen 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]

Kem Templin – Campus Security & Restorative Practices

Kem has been on the Brison Campus for the prior three years with Skyline High School. Kem’s hobbies include camping, hiking, travel, cooking and bike riding. Email: [email protected]