Our Staff

Head of School  

Deb Jones-Schuler

Since moving to the Valley Deb has been involved in a number of service oriented non-profit organizations.  As the founder of the MVCS, she has taken a role in every aspect of growing a school, from board president to health educator, assistant director and now head of school. In her free time she enjoys playing hard with her family and traveling around the country in pursuit of great skiing!

Patterson Crewleader (1st grade)

Natalie Warner Otto

Natalie's philosophy around experiential education led her to pursue a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction through the University of Denver and the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning. Natalie makes learning meaningful for students by crafting authentic experiences both within and beyond the classroom setting, mentoring children as they explore the natural world and creating opportunities where youth can be of service.  Natalie is devoted to creating a classroom culture where students develop a solid sense of self and collaborate meaningfully with others.  Having taught oversees for the past six years, Natalie and her partner, Jake, are in the Methow, we hope, to stay!

Goat Peak Crewleader (2nd & 3rd grades)

Hana Baker

Raised in Port Angeles, Washington with the mountains and ocean of the Olympic Peninsula as her adventuring grounds, Hana went on to complete her undergrad work at Western Washington University, and then (quite a few years later) received her teaching certificate and Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Denver University and the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in Denver Colorado.  She and husband, Tyler are new parents to daughter, Tova!

Tiffany Crewleader - Humanities & Art(4th & 5th grades)

Deirdre Cassidy

Deirdre joined the MVCS in 1999.  She and husband, Phil Woras, have raised their family in the Valley while at the same time pursuing their passions for outdoor sports and creative arts and music.  They are now proud grandparents!  Deirdre's inspirational talents as an artist have nurtured the MVCS students to create beautiful works of art, stories, dramatic plays and more. 

Tiffany & Gardner Crewleader - Math, Science & Outdoor Education (4th - 8th)

Jake Otto

Jake received his bachelor's degree in natural sciences from the University of Puget Sound and earned his teaching credentials at the University of Denver. He is an avid naturalist who began his teaching career in science camps across the Pacific NW and Colorado.  Subsequently he worked as a full time math, science and writing teacher at Canon City, Colorado. Jake merges the concepts of math and science into real world situations to foster students' critical thinking skills.  He is a teacher who often extends learning into extracurricular activities including hiking groups, recycling programs, gardens, soccer teams. Jake and Natalie are newly married and new to the MVCS - we all hope they find the Methow Valley to be the perfect home!

Gardner Crewleader - Humanities (6th - 8th grades)

Linda Kimbrell

Linda has lived in many parts of the world, Panama, Costa Rica, the East Coast, Colorado.....and always seems to return to the beautiful Methow Valley.  She has been involved with the MVCS for years, first as a consultant and more recently as a crewleader for the oldest students.  Linda's passion for teaching, combined with her world experiences, provides for rich curriculum and adventure for her students.

Goat Peak Assistant & World Language Specialist

Cara Christensen

Cara brings a diverse background of experience and interest to her work at the MVCS.  Prior to joining the faculty of the MVCS, Cara has worked as an Outward Bound instructor, taught elementary school in Mexico and most recently taught Spanish at Little Star Montessori. She is a bright addition to the valley community.

Crew Assistant and Orff Music Specialist

Sarah Fox-Skutley

Sarah worked for many years at the Lost River School in Mazama. Sahe joins the MVCS as a staff person after many hours of volunteer support in our classrooms.  She is a naturally gifted facilitator with a warmth and exuberance for learning that guides and supports each and every student.

Locavores and Orff Music Specialist

Chrissy Post

Chrissy is a gifted educator who has been in our midst for many years now, as a crewleader, specialist, volunteer and now as a specialist again.  She is a back country ranger during the summer months and devotes her winters to bringing the gift of music and learning to the crews.  She also works alongside Tess Hoke in our Locavores program.

Title I Reading & Math Specialist  

Laurie Ulmer