Willamette Leadership Academy
1st Battalion
(High School)
Name: LCOL Kyle Belknap
Position: 1BN Commander Education: B.S. Geology, M.A. Secondary Education Years at WLA: since 2014 Comment: In order to realize success we must listen, learn, and share the aspects of humility, strength, wisdom, commitment, and perseverance. Once we have these, we become part of a community that will expand infinitely. Email: kbelknap@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 
Name: CPT Jessica Johnson
Position: Executive Officer and Career Counselor Teaches: AP Human Geography and College/Career Readiness Education: MA in Teaching from Willamette University, BA in International Studies from Western Oregon University, and AA OT from Lane Community College. Years at WLA: since 2015 Comment: One of my favorite things about teaching is that although I hope to impact the lives of my students and broaden their horizons, I've grown from their perspectives, too. My hope for the students of WLA is that they continue to grow in the self-confidence and imagination to reach higher, the humility to learn and earn real respect, passion and compassion to help others, and the drive and discipline to fulfill their goals. With these things, they will change the world. Email: jjohnson@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: SGM Jason Schimonitz
Position: 1BN Sergeant Major Education: HS Graduate Years at WLA: since 2011 Comment: I am 1SG Schimonitz. I have 3 years of college (mostly general education), I never thought I would go back to school or work in one. I served the U.S. Army for 11 years, was only deployed 3 times, was injured and went through the Wounded Warrior Program in Ft. Lewis. I had no idea what to do with my life or what purpose I could serve that would give me a sense of pride in helping others out (military life style). A student told me about this school, and encouraged me to apply, though I thought for sure I wouldn't be qualified. I found out that I love my job, it's rewarding to me when a student overcomes their personal obstacles, grows positively, creates goals, and rises to the challenge. Email: jschimonitz@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: 2LT Tyson Migliaccio
Position: Alpha Company Commander Teaches: Geology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology Education: Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Oregon State University. Master of Science in Science Education from Oregon State University. Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: I was born in raised in Oregon, and it has always been a dream to be a science teacher. I firmly believe that with enough support and determination, anyone can achieve anything they want. While I do enjoy leading class from the front of the room, my favorite part about being a teacher is getting to work one-on-one with students and helping them find that "Ah-HA!" moment where something finally makes sense. Email: tmigliaccio@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 1st Sergeant Chadwick Laing
Position: Alpha Company 1st Sergeant Education: 6 Years United States Army as an Aviation Mechanic. Years at WLA: Since 2016 Comment: The only easy day was yesterday. Email: claing@wlacademy.org Phone: (5f41)246-2842 |
Name: CPT Stephen North
Position: Bravo Company Commander Teaches: English 11 & 12, AP Language & Composition, and English Test Prep Education: Bachelor of Arts: English. Master of Secondary Education in English Years at WLA: since 2015 Comment: This is my third year at WLA and I taught eighth grade English in Las Vegas the two years prior. I have worked in many different job fields, but nothing has been as rewarding as teaching. I feel it is the job of every teacher to broaden students' perspectives, to show them the possibilities life has to offer them. Email: snorth@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: MSG Ryan Pauli
Position: Bravo Company 1st Sergeant Education: Associates of Applied Sciences in Integrated Media with an emphasis in broadcasting from Mt. Hood Community College. Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: I served 13 of the best years of my life in the Army as a mechanic. I was deployed twice to Iraq, where I was given the opportunity to see and learn about another culture. I have traveled the world and have seen much that it has to offer. I have learned and experienced a lot in my life and I hope to bring some of that to Willamette Leadership Academy and apply it to how I lead and mold my company into leaders. Email: rpauli@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: CPT James Gregg
Position: Charlie Company Commander Teaches: Algebra 1 & 2, College Now Algebra 2, and Trigonometry Education: MA Mathematics from Villanova University, Villanova PA, BA Mathematics from Shippensburg University, Shippensburg PA, Machinery Repairman Class School, Naval Training Center, San Diego, Calif. Two years teaching experience high School AP mathematics at a private academy and five years teaching experience teaching developmental mathematics and transfer level mathematics at community college and university. Years at WLA: since 2014 Comment: Born and raised in Pennsylvania. Served five years active duty in the United States Navy. Stationed aboard U.S.S. Holland, AS-32 for four years on Site 1, Holy Loch Scotland, Submarine Squadron 14 as the sole Machinery Repairmen for Engineering. In addition to my duties manufacturing custom precision machine parts for the Sub Tender , AS-32, I engaged in regular technical mountain climbing throughout the North West Highlands and was a Sailing Instructor for the Site One Sailing Club on the Firth of Clyde. I believe that all my students given the proper motivation have the ability to master the amazing art, science and language of Mathematics. My mantra is "The only bad question is the one you do not ask." Email: jgregg@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: 1st Sergeant Beard
Position: Charlie Company Master Sergeant Education: 5 Years Army, 2 years College Years at WLA: Since 2016 Comment: Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory. Email: jbeard@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: 2LT Cole Graybill
Position: Delta Company Commander Teaches: Social Studies Education: I graduated from Missouri State University in 1997 and am certified in Social Studies grades 5-12 and have taught grades 6-12. Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: I enjoy traveling and have taught in Vermont, New Hampshire, Missouri, Oklahoma, and now Oregon. Email: cgraybill@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: MSG Robert Peel
Position: Delta Company 1st Sergeant Education: Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: Email: rpeel@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 2LT George Frost
Position: Echo Company Commander Teaches: Credit Recovery Education: Bachelors in Secondary Language Arts and a Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: 2Lt George Frost was a 10-year teacher from Arizona before coming to Oregon in 2016. Mr. Frost spent one year as a substitute teacher before working at WLA. Email: gfrost@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: MSG Tyler Plaster
Position: Echo Company 1st Sergeant Education: Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: Email: tplaster@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 1st LT Kate Klontz
Position: Fox Company Commander Teaches: Freshman and Sophomore English; Creative Writing, Research Writing, and English Test Prep Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Master of Education; Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado. Years at WLA: Since 2016 Comment: Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. Email: kklontz@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)-246-2842 |
Name:
Position: Fox Company 1st Sergeant Education: Years at WLA: Comment: Email: Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: MAJ Shannon Cheney
Position: Golf Company Commander Teaches: Pre-Algebra, Geometry, and Humanities Education: Graduated from HSU with a BA Years at WLA: Since 2006 Comment: I started my career at WLA as a 2LT, teaching a self-contained class of 6th and 7th graders. Over the next several years I moved up in grade and in rank. Within four years I was teaching at the high school and held the rank of Major. Every year, I am dedicated to both our cadets' education and progressing our school. My goal is to continue to make Willamette Leadership Academy a place where cadets learn academics, career skills, as well as social and emotional education. Each year our cadets are growing up and it is our job to give them the tools to mature into knowledgeable and confident young adults. Email: scheney@wlacademy.org Phone Number: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 1st Sergeant Deanne Blackburn
Position: Golf Company 1st Sergeant Education: 4 years National Guard, Lane Community College Human Services and CADC Years at WLA: since 2014 Comment: Everything happens for a reason, it's up to you to learn from it. I enjoy helping our youth discover their potential so they can have a promising future. Email: dblackburn@wlacademy.org Phone: 541.246.2842 |
Name: 1LT Meranda Green
Position: Hotel Company Commander Teaches: Spanish, ELD, and Intro to Psychology Education: BS of Psychology from Portland State University. Years at WLA: Since 2016 Comment: "Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression." -Haim Ginott. I came to Willamette Leadership Academy because I have seen the difference the academy makes on the students as well as staff and parents. I love teaching and want to help the students make good lasting impressions. Email: megreen@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: MSG Zachery Stewart
Position: Hotel Company 1st Sergeant Education: Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: Email: zstewart@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 1LT Satoshi Robertson
Position: India Company Commander Teaches: CTE: Small Engine Mechanics, Home Maintenance, Agriculture Education: High School Diploma, US Army, and United States Marine Corp Years at WLA: Since 2001 Comment: "Semper Fidelis" always be faithful no matter what. Email: srobertson@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 2LT Melissa Keyser
Position: Juliet Company Commander Teaches: CTE: Criminal Justice Education: 10 years in the Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic/ Orderly Room clerk. AA in Criminal Justice and BS in Criminal Justice from Pacific University Years at WLA: Since 2016 Comment: I am married and have one son, 3 step sons, and 1 step daughter. My goals for this year are to teach all the cadets that I come in contact with is that there is no task to tough and if they put their minds to work they can accomplish anything that they would like to do. The world is theirs; they just need to take a hold of it. Always remember: NO TASK TOO TOUGH. Email: mkeyeser@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 1st LT Maria Gutierrez
Position: Lima Company Commander Teaches: CTE: Beginning Foods Education: Years at WLA: Since 2015 Comment: Email: Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: CPT Stella Hubbard-Lohonyay
Position: Special Education Case Manager Education: BA in Journalism/University of Oregon and a MAT in Special Education/Pacific University Years at WLA: Since 2015 Comment: I have more than twelve years experience working with students in Special Education. I am excited to support students, their families and teachers here at Willamette Leadership Academy. Working with Special Education students is my life passion. I also enjoy spending time with my own children, a son and daughter who are both students at the University of Oregon. Email: slohonyay@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: 2nd LT Judy Thomas
Position: Special Education Case Manager Education: graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Liberal Studies (for an elementary teaching credential). Did a year of Education studies from National University. MA in Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy from University of Texas at Arlington. Classes for special education and ESOL endorsements from Portland State. TAG classes from UCSD. Counseling classes from Grand Canyon University. Years at WLA: Since 2017 Comment: I am happy to be here at Willamette Leadership Academy. I've been teaching for over 15 years and look forward to working with our students in the coming year. Email: jthomas@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
1st Battalion Support Staff
Name: Jamie Sebold
Position: Adjutant Education: High School Diploma Years at WLA: Since 2011 Comment: I have seen a huge change in the attitudes of these students. I have also noticed that they seem to have a lot more respect for themselves and others. Email: jsebold@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: Shonna Helm
Position: Student Services and Student Records Education: Associate of Arts Fashion Merchandising Years at WLA: Since 2013 Comment: "Brighten your corner of the world." Email: shelm@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: Malynda Thompson
Position: Food Services/Kitchen Manager Years at WLA: Since 2014 Comment: Phone: (541)246-2842 |
Name: Nancy Vrijmoet
Position: Uniform Manager Education: Master of Music, University of Oregon; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Oregon; Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, California State University, Chico Years at WLA: Since 2015 Comment: Helping the young people of Willamette Leadership Academy get suited up is a most rewarding experience for me. Each day I am treated with respect by these amazing students. I invite families to stop by the uniform shop, located in the hall near the cafeteria, whenever I can help with any need, large or small. Before accepting this job I taught in Eugene's School District 4j for twenty-six years. Willamette Leadership Academy's First and Second Battalions are, in my opinion, two of the finest educational opportunities in the state of Oregon. Email: nvrijmoet@wlacademy.org Phone: (541)246-2842 |
