WHITE PINE CHARTER SCHOOLS

grigsbyna@wpcscougars.org

I  teach English and History and am the Band Director for our MS and HS music department. Graduate of BYUI and Liberty Universities with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I have 3 little heroes at home and enjoy HEMA, writing, and using gaming to stay close to family and friends.

halljo@wpcscougars.org

I’m originally from Edmonton Alberta, Canada. My family and I moved here 2 years ago from Rockville Maryland, where I taught in the Archdiocese of Washington DC, computers for 33 years. Being in such a small school I wore many hats. From Admin, lunch and aftercare supervisor to scheduler and all-around tech coordinator. My first years in Idaho Falls I worked at Lincoln High School, but I wasn’t teaching and missed it. I was very excited when I was asked to teach here at White Pine STEM because I LOVE teaching and especially in a small school/community like this one. This was my first year here at White Pine STEM. I love the atmosphere and the close community. From the time I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I come from a long line of teachers. My Dad, 2 sisters, a brother and 2 of my grandparents all taught. My husband and I have been married for 45 years. We have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. I love the outdoors, hiking, camping, biking and being with my family doing whatever they are doing. Favorite food would be Mexican. I guess my hobby would be cleaning my house and yard. I love to clean and organize anything.

lambad@wpcscougars.org

I love STEM and WP's curriculum. My kiddos have been here at WP since Kindergarten seven years ago. I've been working at WP for three years. I love gardening, hiking, camping and gaming. Love good food, good music and good conversation. My favorite thing being at WP is learning from the students and helping them succeed.

norvielan@wpcscougars.org

Ms. Norviel graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 2012. Soon after she began volunteering in her children's school and fell in love with helping kids learn to read. She quickly began working on her teaching certification. In 2016 she came to White Pine to teach first grade. In 2022, she was Awarded the Milken Educator Award for excellence in teaching. After 7 years in first grade, she completed her Master’s degree in Special Education and moved to as the special education teacher for the STEM Academy.

Ms. Norviel likes to camp and spend time in the mountains. She enjoys starry nights near a camp fire and often likes to poke the fire with sticks. She especially enjoys spending time in the mountains with her 3 boys, who make camping extra adventurous.

paxmanra@wpcscougars.org

5 years teaching 4-6th grade. Loves volleyball, soccer and video games.

swensonda@wpcscougars.org

I grew up in Pocatello and attended Idaho State University for my bachelor's in Social Work. After working with adults and children with disabilities and teaching English in Taiwan I knew I wanted to continue working in education while utilizing my social work background. That's when I decided to get my Master's in Social Work from Idaho State University so I could be a school counselor. This is my 4th year with White Pine. I love it here! When I'm not at school I like to read, spend time outdoors- walking my dog and kayaking, go thrift shopping, and travel.

cotero@wpcscougars.org

I have loved every minute of my more than two decades in education. Starting as a teacher in a private high school in NH where eventually I became department chair then administrator has allowed me to bring a myriad of experiences and ideas that I hope will benefit this very special place - White Pine - that in June of 2021 I began calling home.

With a BA in Fine Arts and certification in Art Education k-12 and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership I am privileged to have worked in both teaching and leadership capacities in the top school in NH and now bring an ambition for excellence and high standards to White Pine where I am fortunate to work with some of the best faculty and staff in East Idaho.

I am brought to East Idaho by my two daughters one of whom permanently resides in Ucon and the other who is living in Utah. With family being the most important facet of my life I am blessed to be near them as they are starting their own adult lives and families.

My free time is enjoyed with my wife as we continue to explore this beautiful area in taking road trips, hiking, camping, and horseback riding in the mountains. We also enjoy traveling back east to see family and friends.

To those in this beloved White Pine community - thank you for being part of something wonderful and for supporting our drive to define 'success for every student' in a partnership with home.

trustal@wpcscougars.org

Hey there, I'm Alysa Trust! My journey in education has been all about staying true to my passion. I've had the joy of teaching in Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms, and I'm currently in my third year as an administrator. Over the years, I've had the privilege of calling several states home, including Tennessee, Georgia, Nevada, Washington, and my current residence in Idaho. Along the way, I've earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, along with a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy, and an additional Master's degree in Educational Leadership. Outside of work, I'm a fan of simple things like Mexican food, getting into the spirit of Halloween, going to the beach, and taking walks with my miniature dachshund, Danny. I've held positions in both business and education, but my absolute favorite workplace has to be White Pine! Go Cougars!