Willamette Leadership Academy
2nd Battalion
(Middle School)
Name: LTC Kathryn Nunes
Position: 2BN Commander Education: BA History from the U of O/MAT from Pacific University, MS Language Arts Started at WLA: 2012 Comment: After working at the middle school for several years as both a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, I am now proudly serving as the Battalion Commander for 2nd Battalion. All cadets have the power to change the course of their life and I feel so honored to be a part of their journey. I get to work with a great team to build leaders every day. Email: knunes@wlacademy.org |
Name: CSM James Brainard
Position: 2BN Sergeant Major Teaches: Military History Education: High School Graduate and some college Started at WLA: 2008 Comment: NO EXCUSES! I pride myself on being fair yet firm, while maintaining open communication with the students. It is very important to me to rise to the challenge of seeing our students become productive members of society. Email: jbrainard@wlacademy.org |
Name: 2nd LT Nick Kroger
Position: Alpha Company Commander Teaches: 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts Education: B.S. in Adolescent & Young Adult English Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio Started at WLA: 2018 Comment: In the classroom, my goal is to develop the skills of reading and writing for each cadet's journey to becoming informed and educated citizens! In addition, my classroom is also a space that promotes a healthy discovery of self, identity, values, and goals. Put together, these two ideals set the stage for cadets to grow and succeed. Each day is a great privilege to be a part of this community and team. Email: nkroger@wlacademy.org |
Name: MSG Adam Neider
Position: Alpha Company 1SGT Teaches: PE and Drill & Ceremony, Criminal Justice, and Land Navigation Education: Started at WLA: 2018 Comment: Email: aneider@wlacademy.org |
Name: 2nd LT Nathan Walteres
Position: Bravo Company Commander Teaches: 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Education: BA History and Political Science Started at WLA: 2015 Comment: I served five years in the US Army, and spent 14 months in Iraq. After the Army I returned to Eugene and graduated from the U of O in 2008 with degrees in History & Political Science. I spent a year working for Bethel school district before coming to WLA. I married an Army girl, and we now have six girls of our own. Email: nwalters@wlacademy.org |
Name: MSG Robert Selner
Position: Bravo Company 1st Sergeant Teaches: Health & Safety, Rocketry, PE, and Drill & Ceremony Education: Started at WLA: 2018 Comment: Email: rselner@wlacademy.org |
Name: CPT Shawn Knoedler
Position: Charlie Company Commander Teaches: 7th and 8th Grade Science Education: Master of Education- University of Oregon, Bachelor of Science- Frostburg State University Started at WLA: 2015 Comment: I’m always looking for new ways to engage my students in learning. I have taught middle school for the past twelve years in a wide variety of settings and I love using my experiences to breathe life into our curriculum. Students in my class can expect a challenging and rewarding year in a supportive learning environment. Email: sknoedler@wlacademy.org |
Name: 1st Sergeant Emily Cote
Position: Charlie Company and Delta 1st Sergeant Teaches: Land Navigation, Journalism & Broadcasting, PE, and Drill & Ceremony Education: 5 years Oregon National Guard, Western Oregon University Started at WLA: 2015 Comment: Very excited to work with the future of America, and maybe even help it along the way! "Nothing Is Impossible!" Email: ecote@wlacademy.org |
Name: CPT Mychel Steckler
Position: Delta Company Commander Teaches: 7th and 8th Grade Math Education: Lebanon HS, Linn-Benton CC, University of Oregon, Pacific University Started at WLA: 2014 Comment: Work background comprises inventory manufacturing management, field research, and data analysis for 15+ years, working with a variety of individuals with varied educational skills. Education background has been providing substitute teaching services for 5 years, in Elementary through High Schools levels and multiple subjects. This includes working with 'at risk' students, and one-on-one intervention. Email: msteckler@wlacademy.org |
Name: 1st Sergeant Jason Schimonitz
Position: Delta Company 1st Sergeant Teaches: PE, Drill and Ceremony, Life Skills Education: Linn-Benton Community College, US Army Started at WLA: 2013 Comment: I am not afraid of an Army of Lions lead by a sheep, I'm afraid of an Army of Sheep lead by a Lion! This job provides me an opportunity to help young people realize the potential they never knew they had. I served 12 years in the Army and had no Idea what I wanted to do after, but I knew there was a hole in my life. I fell into this job, found out it gives me a purpose again, and I feel good being able to give back to society. Teamwork: Start together, Finish together! Email: jschimonitz@wlacademy.org |
Name: 2nd LT Ashley Paige
Position: Echo Company Commander Teaches: 6th grade Math and Science Education: Started at WLA: 2018 Comment: Email: apaige@wlacademy.org |
Name: 1st Sergeant Robert Lockhart
Position: Echo and Fox Company 1st Sergeant Teaches: Color Guard, PE, and Drill & Ceremony Education: 7 yrs Army (Infantry) Human Services, Psychology, Social And Behavioral Science Started at WLA: 2011 Comment: The Choices of Today Become The Memories Of Tomorrow: Make Them Good Ones. Email: rlockhart@wlacademy.org |
Name: CPT Andrew Potterf
Position: Foxtrot Company Commander Teaches: 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies Education: BA English Literature U of O; MA Education U of O Started at WLA: 2015 Comment: Helping students discover literature and a sense of intellectual curiosity is incredibly rewarding for me. I work hard to keep my curriculum fresh and interesting. Email: apotterf@wlacademy.org |
Name: MSG Chad Christiansen
Position: Fox Company 1st Sergeant Teaches: PE, Drill and Ceremony, Keyboarding, and Military History Education: Started at WLA: 2018 Comment: Email: cchristiansen@wlacademy.org |
Name: CPT Debra Artzer
Position: Special Education Case Manager Education: BA in English, U of O and MAT, Pacific University Started at WLA: 2014 Comment: I have been a Middle School Special Education Teacher as well as Case Manager since 2004. I believe the structure and support our students will have here is exactly what kids today need for optimum academic and personal success. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at WLA. Email: dartzer@wlacademy.org |
Name: CWO4 Teila Brainard
Position: Special Educational Assistant Education: High School Diploma and some college. Started at WLA: 2011 Comment: I have worked at WLA for many years now; I love my job and cadets. I strive to help these students know that anything is possible with hard work and preparation. I aim to help every one of our cadets to reach their potential and go beyond what they have expected for themselves. Email: tbrainard@wlacademy.org |
2nd Battalion Support Staff
Name: Mrs. Faith Wolfe
Position: Uniform Manager/Office Assistant.
Education:
Started at WLA: 2014
Comment: I'm a Lane County native. My husband and I live in Eugene with our 3 children, 2 cats, a bunch of rabbits, 1 lizard, and a tank of fish. I love sewing, all kinds of crafts, reading, and playing board and card games. I enjoy working with youth and am happy to be a part of the team at WLA.
Email: fwolfe@wlacademy.org
Position: Uniform Manager/Office Assistant.
Education:
Started at WLA: 2014
Comment: I'm a Lane County native. My husband and I live in Eugene with our 3 children, 2 cats, a bunch of rabbits, 1 lizard, and a tank of fish. I love sewing, all kinds of crafts, reading, and playing board and card games. I enjoy working with youth and am happy to be a part of the team at WLA.
Email: fwolfe@wlacademy.org
Name: Pam
Position: Food Services & Kitchen Manager
Years at WLA:
Comment:
Position: Food Services & Kitchen Manager
Years at WLA:
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