As this year’s retiring educators say farewell to work and hello to the next phase of life, we thank them for their service and wish them a long and enjoyable retirement.

This year's 12 retirees have contributed an astounding 286 years of service to our agency. Whether they were here for 7 years or 34, each person listed below made a lasting impact.

They collectively helped thousands of children and families over the years. Although some were called to work directly with students and others were called to support that work, everyone’s efforts ensured students received the services they needed to thrive.  

“Every name on this list represents a career well-lived,” says Catherine Dalbey, chief human resources officer at NWRESD. “Choosing to work with children -- or for an agency dedicated to helping them -- speaks volumes about a person’s character. Staying for decades says even more. I want to thank this remarkable group for choosing to spend their professional lives with us.”  

This year's retirees include:

• Mary Bambusch (2007)
• Patricia Burros (2006)
• Karen Crowley (1992)
• Leslie Franklin (2019)
• Eileen Healy-Forster (1992)
• Laurie Harrison (2004)
• Patricia Jolly (2006)
• Leigh Leslie (2006)
• Ana Morehouse (2003)
• Steve Ryan (2006)
• Don Winkelman (1995)

Let’s take a moment to hear some stories from this year’s retirees and see what they remember most fondly.

Note: Not everyone wanted to be recognized with a write-up, but read on for the people who were eager to share their stories. 

Patricia Burros (2006)

School-Based Administrative Assistant

Patricia Burros has set the tone at Cascade and Pacific Academies for two decades. She is the first face students and families see when they walk through the doors every morning and the last they see at the end of the school day. As a site-based administrative assistant, Patricia ensures the schools are running smoothly.

She is responsible for tracking attendance, communicating with families, managing bus arrival and dismissal, sending messages to families, coordinating staff absences plus the many surprises that pop up throughout the day.

Her calm demeanor has helped students navigate challenges big and small. Later in her career, she set up a food pantry for families to assist families in need because she believes in helping others. 

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Proud of the connections I have made with the students and their families.

What is your favorite memory?
So many, hard to pick one.

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
You are a mirror: people will treat you the way you treat them.

Patricia Burros established a food pantry for dozens of students and their families.  

Quote from colleagues: “Patricia’s vast knowledge of everything about anything within CasPac programs is irreplaceable. For decades, she’s been a go to for everything. Enjoy your retirement!” -Jerome Reynolds

“You’re doing great and I appreciate you!” -Mister Matthew Hanna

“Patricia has been my rock and a truly invaluable support in my work. When I started working here, she really helped me find my footing and was instrumental in teaching me how to do my job. There are so many things that she does behind the scenes that I don't even know about and she does it all to help the students, staff, families and myself be successful; she really cares about our community and all of the kids we serve. Patricia has been the most reliable, knowledgeable and supportive person to work by my side and I feel so lucky to have been able to work with her for the past eight years. I will miss Patricia terribly and, although I am so happy for her to retire, this school will not be the same without her.” -Cara Olson-Sawyer

Karen Crowley (1992)

Special Education Teacher - Pacific Academy

Karen Crowley with her first class of students in 1985. 

In 2001, she was transferred to the PACE program for students who were living at the Straight Ahead Shelter and had intellectual disabilities. Four years later, she was transferred again, this time to Pacific Academy, where she estimates she has taught nearly 1,000 students.

During the past two decades, she has taught any subject that needed to be taught, but has focused on lower level mathematics, health, art, and all of the classes that were required for graduating seniors.  

Karen also led a math professional learning community for years and procured the graduating gift bags for Pacific’s seniors. During her 34 years at NWRESD, she has also been part of numerous data teams and committees, always with an eye for improving things for her colleagues and students.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of? 
I quite often describe my job as every day I come to work and I throw a pebble in the pond. I know it makes ripples, but I never get to see if the ripples reach the opposite shore, I just have to have faith that they do.

Karen, center, with two recent graduates at the 2025 Pacific Academy graduation ceremony. “My students have been my best teachers,” she says. 

What is your favorite memory? 
After 41 years as a teacher there are too many to count, but the reason I love teaching is when you see a student's face light up with understanding as they "get it.” It is still a thrill for me when I see this and it makes me proud of my students and the work I have done.

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
My students have been my best teachers. Through them I have learned humility, grace, and forgiveness. I also learned that I needed to teach the trigraph “-tch” when I received a letter from a 4th grade student apologizing for calling me a B-I-C-K.

Karen Crowley getting ready for her first day of 57th grade in 2025. 

Quote from a colleague:
“It's that time. Please transition to your next period,” a pitch-perfect voice would say over the intercom, preceded by a three-note song. Pacific Academy ran its daily schedule to this message for years, but it wasn't an automated recording. It was Karen Crowley, in real time, using her professional voice and a mini xylophone at her desk. It was symbolic of her baked-in foundational contributions to our program--which included her custom-made birthday cards for each staff member, her signed books and swag bags for graduates, the schoolwide scavenger hunts she organized, and, of course, the Twas the Night Before Winter Break poem she secretly wrote each year, adding every student and staff person to the rhyme like no one else could. It was all to make people feel appreciated. When you experience Mrs. Crowley--either as a student or peer--you cannot help but sense her kindness, joy, wit, and a sneaky humor she uses to make you feel special, all the while maintaining her own equanimity no matter what was happening outside of school. As a teacher and case manager, she gave students their money's worth; she was diligent, willing to work students from bell to bell, a stickler for details, and unafraid to stay late to knock out a pile of paperwork, pretending to cry as others left for home. As a colleague, she always had your back if you needed anything, whether it was finding a stash of pennies for a lab, some timely IEP info, or a hug--often without you asking or even knowing you needed it. Karen started teaching kindergarten in 1985, switching to high schoolers in the NWRESD in 1992, possibly breaking the district record for longevity. Yes, she wants and deserves a huge trophy for the accomplishment, but now, as Karen used to say, “It's that time.” We will miss having her as a school pillar and glue person, someone we’re happy to see each day. We hope she leaves the school the way she always arrived--at 100 miles per hour--so she can quickly transition to her next period with the same focus and devotion she gave us. -Ronald Dolen

Leslie Franklin (2019)

School Psychologist - Tillamook High School

Leslie Franklin joined NWRESD’s school psychology team in 2019, following several successful years with the North Clackamas School District. Prior to her career as a school psychologist, she earned a doctorate in psychology and practiced as a clinical psychologist specializing in children.

Leslie possesses a natural talent for systems-level thinking, always seeking to create efficiencies and implement improvements that benefit students above all else. Her creative leadership shone in her work with her Tillamook School District teams, where she developed comprehensive training materials for functional behavioral assessments and designed systems to streamline communication and tracking for ongoing and upcoming student evaluations.

In meetings, her professional yet warm demeanor makes her a beacon of calm during difficult conversations. She has an exceptional ability to listen to parental concerns, defuse tension, and keep the focus squarely on the student’s needs to move the team forward in a positive direction.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
My connections with kids and their families.

What is your favorite memory?
Working at an alternative high school and having a youth try to suck hash oil off of his hoody as I was trying to pull it out of his mouth. We both ended up laughing so hard (him because he was high and me because the whole scene was ridiculous).

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
Being present is the biggest gift you can give to others.

Quote from colleagues: "Leslie is renowned for her composure, experience, and kindness. She has been supporting children, families, and school teams for over three decades and has brought immeasurable benefit to the thousands of lives she has touched. As a clinician and later school psychologist, Leslie has always been driven to work with populations that require the most support, and has been a fierce advocate for individuals living with mental health needs. I am so grateful to have had Leslie as a colleague and friend!" -Patrick Joyce

“Leslie will be deeply missed for her positive attitude, deep expertise, and collaborative spirit. We wish her the absolute best in her retirement.” -Tina Meier-Nowell

Eileen Healy-Forster (1992)

Speech-Language Pathologist - Beaverton Early Childhood Center

Eileen started her career with Northwest Regional Education Service District in 1992. Her first assignment was working in an early childhood special education classroom at Rock Creek Elementary School in Beaverton. Later on, she worked in similar early childhood classrooms at Jacob Wismer Elementary School, also in Beaverton, and other elementary and middle schools in the Tigard-Tualatin School District.

She has also served on the evaluation team, determining whether children are eligible for Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education services.

Most recently, she worked for our Head Start team supporting preschool-aged students. Looking back, she says she’s proud to have held so many school-based roles, which is what she always hoped to be able to do.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of to have worked with the most passionate, hardworking and dedicated colleagues. It has been a pleasure to have worked with this group of amazing people. 

What is your favorite memory?
During the COVID pandemic, I appreciated all of the contact with families even though it was virtual. We were all learning, and something about that experience brought us all closer. It felt like the parents really appreciated our team. Despite all the challenges, there were many positives that we continue today. 

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
Stay focused on families and students. Try to not get bogged down by job frustrations and instead focus on colleagues and the children we’re serving. Think back to your why. Focus on the good experiences: a home visit or a family’s appreciation.

Quote from a colleague: "Eileen is known not only for her expertise as a speech-language pathologist, but also as a resource beyond the job—someone who gives solid advice about work and life. Many of us text/reach out to her for guidance, connection, hiking ideas, happy hours, parenting tips for infants, teenagers and young adults, or just a good walk and conversation. Congratulations and please know we will still be reaching out for hiking ideas and various other random questions knowing you’ll always be a ready and trusted resource." -Karen Shepherd

Laurie Harrison (2004)

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program Coordinator

Laurie has worked with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing for most of her educational career. She started teaching in 1994 and taught in a residential school for Deaf children with severe emotional/behavioral challenges in the Chicago area. In 1998, she and her husband moved to Oregon and she spent that first school year traveling to and from schools to work directly with students as an itinerant teacher of the deaf.

In 1999, she became the teacher at a new NWRESD middle school program created especially for students who were Deaf or hard of hearing. The program was located at J.B. Thomas Middle School.

From 2000-2004 Laurie was the special education director in the Vernonia School District, responsible for special education, the talented and gifted program, 504, and Title 1A services.

In 2004, Laurie re-joined Northwest Regional ESD, overseeing early intervention and early childhood special education programs in Columbia County and later that year, added educators working in Tigard-Tualatin.

She was excited to become the program coordinator for NWRESD’s Deaf and hard of hearing program in 2005. Since that time, she has supervised educators at a specialized classroom for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing at Groner Elementary School, Deaf and hard of hearing educators, American Sign Language interpreters and ASL assistants who work in our component school districts, and our audiology team.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the work that my team does, every day, and I hope that I have been helpful in removing some barriers to allow them to work their magic. Between challenging parents, students who sometimes make it all the way into high school without a language system, a ton of paperwork and documentation, and their own families and kids, children, pets, and parents who all need time and attention -- I am proud that more often than not they are able to retain their sanity!  

I am also really proud that for the vast majority of my 32 years in special education I have been able to work with the Deaf and hard of hearing population, for which I have a great deal of empathy, respect, and passion. When I was interviewing for my current role I was asked what I planned to be doing in 5 years and I explained that I had been waiting several years for the previous Deaf and hard of hearing administrator to either leave or be hit by a bus, and so I planned to stay for a while if hired in the role. And I did.

What is your favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories is when I was at Groner Elementary and was working with a student on reading. We went through all of the vocabulary and I asked him a bunch of questions related to the story and then some that were only mildly related to the story. He came up to me afterwards to say that he appreciated me for working with him. Even if a staff member prompted him to say this, it was pretty cool. This was a student who, when he was in preschool, we decided to place at Groner Elementary knowing that he was probably there just to learn to have receptive language but we never thought he would be able to sign clearly, himself, due to some motor issues. He is now in high school and has a full language system both receptively and expressively. THE BEST.

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
No matter how stressful work is, and no matter how much passion you have for your job and for the students, your family needs to come first. You can love the reason why you do your job (not the paycheck reason, the KID reason) and you can be passionate about it and amazing at what you do without donating your soul and sanity to the cause. Do your job well, hopefully even love it on some days, and go home.

Students and educators pose for a photo outside Groner Elementary School. Laurie is second from right in the back row. 

Quote from a colleague: “How do I go about summarizing the impact of Laurie’s service to D/deaf Education? It is truly a monumental task. Laurie has given an extraordinary amount of her time, energy, thoughtfulness, and heart to supporting and advocating for D/deaf children and their education. She has served as a teacher, leader, mentor, and trusted advisor to those who directly support D/deaf students at Northwest Regional ESD, while also advocating for D/deaf education across the state of Oregon.

There is no one whose feedback and insight are more sought after or more respected by Teachers of the Deaf, ASL interpreters, and paraprofessionals alike. I, like so many fortunate enough to work with Laurie, have always felt valued and seen as an individual—not simply as an employee. She leads with both grace and wisdom, offering thoughtful guidance and steady support. When challenges arise, Laurie listens, helping others feel comfortable asking for help. She is known to often have an answer ready; and when she does not, she is honest about it, committed to finding solutions, and her follow through is noteworthy..

On a personal level, Laurie has been a special person in my life. She inspired me and encouraged me to become a teacher, proofread not only my essay into grad school, but everything else I wrote of importance for the decade (or so) that followed (IYKYK), and has been the person I turn to when I need perspective for 25 years. I really hope she doesn't change her phone number!

Laurie’s legacy will live on not only in the program she helped build or the systems she strengthened, but in the countless students, educators, and colleagues whose lives she shaped along the way. Her compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication have left an enduring mark on D/deaf education in Oregon and on all of us who have had the privilege to know and work beside her. While her retirement is so well deserved, her presence will be deeply missed. We celebrate her remarkable career with immense gratitude and wish her every joy, adventure, and moment of peace in this next chapter.” -Lee Ann Banning

Patricia Jolly (2006)

Early Childhood Education Specialist

PJ with Cooper at the Tualatin Early Childhood Center in 2024. 

Patricia “PJ” has worked in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education at multiple sites around our region. She started her two-decade career as an early intervention teacher working with babies and toddlers and their families.

For the majority of her career, she worked with preschool-aged children who were experiencing disabilities or delays. She taught in Columbia and Washington counties alike and spent time at Woodside Childhood Center (before the Beaverton Early Childhood Center was created) and Tualatin and Hillsboro early childhood centers.

Inclusion and belonging has been a focus of her work, and for the past several years, she has led classrooms that bring children with and without disabilities together. She helped establish a program at Metzger Elementary in Tigard that gives autistic students the chance to play, learn and interact with neurotypical classmates.

NWRESD started similar programs at the Tualatin Early Childhood Center, and PJ was the lead teacher for these classes. She also co-taught a class for parents to attend with their children called Grown Ups & Me and also a Friends & Me class, where many of those students attended without parents for the first time.

PJ has been on the board of the Northwest Education Association and has served as secretary, Washington County Vice President, and Northwest Oregon Regional Council Treasurer.

She has also served on a NWRESD equity learning team since 2019, representing the Tualatin Early Childhood Center. The team has been working to expand access to preschool opportunities for students with disabilities and developmental delays, with a particular focus on supporting BIPOC students and families. The group is also intentionally creating stronger, more trusting relationships between families, the Tualatin Early Childhood Center educators, and Tigard-Tualatin School District staff.

The Oregon Education Association featured PJ in March. Check out: A Jolly Start to Early Education.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
The relationships built with students, their families, and my colleagues. Being part of the foundation needed to help students continue to thrive and succeed in school and life.

What is your favorite memory?
There are way too many, but I enjoyed the times when everyone got the contagious, uncontrollable giggles during circle time sticks with me.

Patricia, left, and Ginger Gamboa, an early childhood education specialist, at the Cascade Alliance for Equity student-led summit on April 29. 

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
Take care of yourself so you can care for others. Things do not have to be perfect. Be your own advocate to support yourself and make needs known.

Quote from colleagues: “It is hard to capture in words how much PJ means to me and to everyone she has come into contact with. Working with PJ this past year at TECC has been such a joy and truly a highlight of my day!

PJ and I became close friends through our Equity and Union work. She never does anything half-baked — her depth of caring, commitment, and knowledge is unmatched. PJ’s heart for mentoring has touched the lives of countless pre-service and new teachers, and her mentorship extends far beyond the classroom.

Through her many roles in NWEA, OEA, and NEA, PJ has mentored new leaders and encouraged union involvement at the local, state, and national levels. Her impact reaches far and wide, and so many people are better because of her guidance and support.

I am so grateful for PJ and the legacy she leaves at NWRESD. I look forward to watching her begin this new chapter in life — and to attending many more conferences together with PJ as my roommate!

I love you, friend!” —Ginger Gamboa (aka GG)

"PJ made my practicum experience an enjoyable experience. PJ was ready to share all her great skills, ideas, and materials with me. I had such a great time learning from her and meeting the parents and children she was working with at the time of my practicum. She is a very passionate, carring, and selfless person I have met. PJ I wish you the best time on your upcoming retirement!"
-Best wishes,  Luisa Hernandez

Leigh Leslie (2006)

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Leigh’s first job out of college was working for the Texas Association of the Deaf on legislative issues of concern to Deaf Texans. It was during this role that Leigh learned how to become a lifelong advocate, inspired by disability rights advocates Justin Dart, Ann Richards, Stephanie Thomas, and Bob Kafka.  

From the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Leigh worked at the Arc of Texas, a disability advocacy organization. While there, she trained teachers and parents to work collaboratively with one another. Leigh then became the Texas Transition Services Task Force Coordinator, which allowed her to focus on developing grassroots support for getting a transition planning/services law passed in Texas.

When the grant for this position ended, Leigh went to work for the Texas chapter of the advocacy group United Cerebral Palsy. She worked as a director of the High School High Tech program, placing high school students with disabilities into paid internships at NASA!

At this point, Leigh and her family moved to Oregon to be more immersed in nature. She worked as an educational consultant and then decided to go to Lewis & Clark College to get her master’s degree in education. She completed her student-teaching at Tucker Maxon, a nonprofit school in Portland that serves primarily students who are Deaf, hard of hearing or neurodiverse or who have communication differences. She chose Tucker Maxon because she wanted to get more up-to-speed on oral deaf education since she already had a strong foundation with the signing Deaf population in Texas. After she completed her student teaching with Margaret Smith, an itinerant teacher at NWRESD and then at the Washington School for the Deaf, Leigh knew that she wanted to be an itinerant teacher.

Leigh graduated, was hired at Tucker Maxon, and worked there for a while while dreaming of working at the ESD. She was hired at NWRESD soon thereafter, and was in a grass hut in Costa Rica when she learned that she’d been hired.

Leigh worked at NWRESD for nine years, and then moved back to Texas to be an itinerant for nine years before moving back to Oregon to be near her children and her grandchildren, Layton and Lyla. Leigh is retiring to spend time with her mom in Texas while she is still with us, but Leigh will continue to live in Oregon. Leigh plans to travel all summer and then possibly do some subbing and consulting.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Helping to get the first state law on Transition Planning and Services for students with disabilities passed which was then used as the template for the federal Transition law that was passed in 1990.

What is your favorite memory?
One of the funniest memories was when I got a call from a substitute teacher who was upset about having to change the battery in a student's hearing aid because it just took too long to do. She had misinterpreted the written instructions left by the classroom teacher and she was completely disassembling the internal components of the hearing aid rather then just opening the battery door!

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
Try to not judge parents negatively as many of them just do not have the skills, ability, or knowledge of how to deal with many of the issues affecting their child. Many of them are in survival mode and doing the best they can.

Quotes from colleagues: 
"Leigh is not only an incredible teacher of the deaf and support to students, parents, and district staff members alike, she's also one of my favorite people.  From the very beginning of her tenure with Northwest Regional ESD, Leigh has been a positive and optimistic personality on our team. Never ashamed to admit that she loves her job, Leigh retires with a great deal of integrity, skill in establishing strong relationships, equipment knowledge, and a drive to do what is truly best for each of her students even when it goes against the current. Leigh is such an asset to our team that when she left our program and moved to Texas, we kept in touch and I pestered her regularly to see if she was ready to move back, yet.  Our team, our program, and our districts will miss Leigh immensely!" -Laurie Harrison

“Leigh is a double winner at the ESD, working for nearly a decade starting in the mid 2000s, then leaving for Texas; and again returning back to us about 3 years ago.

Much of what I appreciate in colleagues, Leigh  exhibited. She wasn't overly ideological but rather results focused. Simply, she would find what worked and "work it."

In one instance, we had a middle school girl who was withering on the vine. Her language skills were lagging and even stalling because circumstances made getting a needed surgery seemingly impossible. Knowing this child needed the procedure, she worked with the family and others to make it happen.

In another instance, when Leigh saw a gap in services was opening around access to hearing aids, she spearheaded a non-profit/HEART (Hearing Education And Resources Technology) with other ESD employees and the community to meet that need. HEART operated right out of the ESD after hours.

Leigh always moved forward with persistence and a smile. You always felt better after interacting with her- especially when she would surprise you with a muffin, cinnamon roll or maybe a pineapple "just because."

I'd like to see her stay but I also can see the joy she finds in her family and especially her grandkids. It's time. Thank you Leigh Leslie for your service!” -Bret Wonderlick

Ana Morehouse (2003)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist

Ana Morehouse started at NWRESD in 2003 as a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom in the St. Helens High School. In her short three years there, and despite being an ESD employee, she was nominated for Teacher of the Year for her excellent work in the classroom. In 2006, she became an autism spectrum disorder specialist, a position that saw her work across all four counties in our region.

Throughout her tenure, Ana has spearheaded numerous projects to support regional students. She has developed a comprehensive training series for staff, parents, and instructional assistants on topics ranging from evidence-based practices and visuals for the home to specialized topics requested by school districts. During her time at NWRESD, she also completed her master’s degree at Pacific University, focusing on adult learners and professional development—a perfect fit for her role!

Along the way, Ana has garnered deep respect from her peers on the autism spectrum disorder team, fellow related services specialists, teachers, and administrators alike. This is a direct reflection of the immense integrity she brings to her work. She is consistent, steady, reliable, and dedicated to staying current with the latest research and strategies in the field. Lastly, Ana is incredibly supportive of her colleagues, frequently taking it upon herself to mentor and welcome new team members. As the longest-standing member of our team, she will be greatly missed!

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
When I look back at my career, I am most proud of the fact that I dedicated 33 years to special education. Over those years, education, expectations, and student needs changed tremendously, and I continually adapted and grew alongside those changes.

I do not have one single defining moment that stands out above the rest. Instead, I am proud of the relationships I built and the work I did every day with students, families, teachers, and support staff. I am proud that I was able to support children in meaningful ways, collaborate with others, and continue learning throughout my career.

Special education requires patience, flexibility, compassion, and persistence, and I am proud that I stayed committed to that work for so many years.

What is your favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories is the playful banter and laughter I shared with my teammates over the years. Even during stressful times, we always found ways to support each other and keep a sense of humor. Those relationships made the hard days easier and the good days even better.

One memory that really stands out is when several of us rode our bikes on the Banks-Vernonia Trail and stopped for lunch at a small family-owned Greek restaurant. It was a harder ride than expected, but it captured the friendships and connection we built together outside of work.

More than anything, I think what I will miss most is the support we gave each other over the years. Knowing we could count on one another made our team feel like a community, and that is something I will always value and remember fondly.

Ana with colleagues biked the Banks-Vernonia Trail and stopped for lunch. 

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
One thing I learned over the years was to stick with it. There were many times when it felt like I was not making much headway or that the work I was doing was going unnoticed. Then, out of the blue, someone would mention a tip I had shared years before or tell me how much they had learned from me over time. Those moments reminded me that even when you cannot immediately see the impact, the work still matters.

I also learned that relationships mattered just as much as knowledge and experience. People remembered how they were treated and whether they felt supported and respected. One comment that always stayed with me was when someone said, “I like talking to you because you tell it how it is.” I appreciated that because I always tried to be honest, practical, and supportive.

Over the years, I learned that patience, consistency, encouragement, and even a little humor could make a lasting difference. I may never fully know the impact I had, but I came to realize that simply showing up, caring about people, and doing your best every day mattered more than I sometimes realized.

Quote from a colleague: “I consider Ana a friend and very respected colleague. We started off together as new autism spectrum disorder specialists in 2006 and bonded during our many carpools back and forth from Salem during our first year over the many things we shared in common. Being new to Oregon, Ana helped me learn the new area - where to shop, fun things to do, hiking spots, etc. Then, as an expectant and new mom, she gave me lots of tips and helpful advice, too! I always joke that she is my life coach! Just ask anyone on the ASD Team - Ana’s just cool like that! Ana has a great sense of humor, is wise, generous, family-oriented and a cook, baker, and gardener I aspire to be!

She has a strong sense of morals and the highest level of integrity. This comes through in her work as well. Being her supervisor was always easy because I consistently received positive, unsolicited feedback from administrators about her work and they’d always ask, “Is she coming back next year?” with expectant voices. I will miss our chats, talking about difficult cases, and seeing her around the office. I haven’t known NWRESD without her, and it will be a big transition to not have Ana around. I wish her the very best in her new role as a retiree where she will get to focus on her interests and her family even more. I hope she thinks about us just a little bit when she is on her trip to Australia in September!” -Tina Meier-Nowell

Steve Ryan (2006)

Assistant Principal - Cascade, Columbia and Pacific Academies

Steve has played an integral role in our social emotional learning schools programs, first as a speech-language pathologist serving multiple programs, then as a teacher on special assignment supporting Levi Anderson Learning Center, and most recently as assistant principal. 

Throughout his career, Steve has consistently sought to expand the role of the speech-language pathologist to encompass functional communication and social-emotional learning supports for students with complex needs. His work and leadership became so integral to the overall program that he transitioned into a TOSA role, where he continued to strengthen systems of support for both students and staff. During this time, he also completed his administrative license and was subsequently hired as assistant principal when the position was added at Levi Anderson Learning Center.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Looking back on my career, one of the things I’m most proud of is helping create support systems, and routines for students.

Most of my career has been spent working with students who come to school carrying a lot... emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. I’m proud that through all of it, I never lost sight of the importance of relationships, consistency, patience, and humor.

I’m also proud of the work we’ve done to build stronger systems and supports for students and staff. Whether it was improving behavior supports, strengthening our problem solving processes, developing clearer routines, or helping staff work together more effectively, I always wanted our programs to feel supportive, collaborative, and student-centered. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with colleagues over the years. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside amazing staff who care deeply about kids.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that in schools like our SEL Schools flexibility is essential. Everyone starts the day with a plan. Plans change quickly, emotions shift quickly, and our students can go from best friends to mortal enemies and back again before first period is over.

I’m proud of showing up consistently over the years. In this kind of work, being a steady, reliable presence matters. Day after day, year after year, I tried to bring patience, compassion, flexibility, and hopefully some humor to every interaction I shared. I know I didn’t change every outcome or solve every challenge, but I do believe I helped make my schools safer, calmer, and more supportive for a lot of students and staff.

What is your favorite memory?
When I think about my favorite memories from my career, two stories always come to mind.

One was when one of my ASD students got to meet Nicolas Batum and Damian Lillard at Levi Anderson. This student was completely obsessed with Harry Potter and knew absolutely everything about it. I mean everything. He knew nothing about the Blazers or basketball. Instead of being excited to meet NBA players, he immediately cornered Batum and Lillard and launched into a ten-minute nonstop explanation of Harry Potter lore. Batum and Lillard just stood there smiling and listening while he went on and on about characters, storylines, and details none of us understood. It was hilarious, but also really sweet. Watching a student who often struggled socially feel that confident, comfortable, and happy in the moment was something I’ll never forget. It is a good memory.

The other memory is one of the couple of times the power went out while the Cascade, Columbia and Pacific Academies building was full of students. In a regular school that’s probably just an inconvenience. In our world, it held the potential for chaos. These moments always brought people together. Staff stepped up, kids adapted better than expected.

Honestly, those two memories together probably describe my career pretty well: meaningful moments with students mixed with complete unpredictability, teamwork, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that most people are working hard and doing the best they can, especially in environments like ours. Everyone is carrying something, and most people come to work wanting to do a good job and help kids succeed. When I find myself starting to doubt that or feeling frustrated, it’s usually a sign that there’s a communication breakdown somewhere, not that people suddenly stopped caring. Over time, I’ve learned that slowing down, asking questions, clarifying expectations, and really listening usually solves more problems than making assumptions does.

I’ve also learned the importance of paying attention to the quieter people in the room. Some of the most thoughtful, insightful, and grounded perspectives often come from the people who aren’t the loudest or quickest to speak up. Over the years, I’ve learned to intentionally ask, “What do you think?” because those voices often bring balance, honesty, and solutions that others may miss. Talk to the quiet people.

Quotes from colleagues: “Steve is a dedicated, compassionate, and patient leader who is deeply respected by colleagues, students, and families alike. He brings a calm, thoughtful presence to challenging situations and consistently prioritizes meaningful relationships and student-centered practices. His commitment to supporting the whole child and fostering collaborative, inclusive environments has had a lasting impact on the NWRESD community.” -Cathy Jensen

“Happy to help pick up your motorcycle anytime.” -Jerome Reynolds

Don Winkelman (1995)

Application Specialist 3 - Cascade Technology Alliance

Don joined NWRESD in the midst of a technological revolution in schools. Student records were largely paper-based, and he spent the better part of his three decades moving student records and putting them into a series of systems that have culminated in today’s student information system, Synergy.

Today, there are millions of student records spanning across the decades of Don’s career with NWRESD. In our modern digital landscape, with phones far more powerful than previously hulking computers, it is easy to forget how far we have come in our ability to instantly pull up critical information about a child’s grades, health conditions, or attendance. We take for granted that these processes used to take days or weeks and involved dozens of people, or even worse, this information was ignored just because the time involved was too long. Don’s career was spent helping schools manage this transition and helping them start to unlock the power of accessing data in their daily decision-making.  

Don was hired in October of 1995 as a computer/network operator at the Washington Service Center. This was just two years after four ESDs in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties were consolidated into the new Northwest Regional ESD. By 2001, he had moved into a new role supporting our larger data systems, taking on the role of Operations Sun AS 400. In 2006, he assumed his current position of Application Specialist 3.

When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Supporting the school districts with technology.

What is your favorite memory?
All of the wonderful people that I've worked alongside serving the districts.

What is something you've learned over the years that you'd like to share with others?
Technology is ever growing and changing. It is a field where you never stop learning.

Quotes from colleagues: “Today, we celebrate the retirement of Don Winkelman and recognize an incredible career spanning more than 30 years in education technology and support. Throughout his career, Don has been a steady presence, helping schools and districts navigate complex systems with patience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to student services.

Don was instrumental in the setup, design, configuration, and ongoing support of the ORSPED Special Education system. His technical knowledge and dedication were critical to the success of that project, and his work helped create systems that districts relied on every single day to serve students and families effectively.

As technology evolved, Don once again stepped up to lead through change, helping districts transition from ORSPED to Synergy SE - a massive undertaking that required countless hours, deep expertise, and an incredible amount of collaboration and support. What may have seemed impossible to many was handled by Don with professionalism, persistence, and care.

Beyond the systems and projects, Don’s lasting impact comes from the people he helped along the way. District staff knew they could count on him not only for solutions, but for calm guidance and genuine support. His contributions have left a lasting mark on education communities across the region.

Now, after decades of service, Don begins a well-earned retirement focused on what matters most: spending time with his wife, celebrating the accomplishments of his incredibly successful children, and enjoying every moment possible with his grandchildren.

Don, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the countless ways you’ve made a difference over the years. Your work has had a lasting impact, and you will be greatly missed. Wishing you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, family, and many new adventures ahead.” -Kris McFarland  

“Don’s reputation as an authoritative voice for student data systems preceded my arrival at Northwest Regional ESD and CTA. When I did join the team in 2020 I quickly realized why. In my work with Don, starting in the depths of the pandemic and all the way through to the sunsetting of ORSPED, I have rarely found a person with a deeper knowledge of student data, especially in Special Education. Don’s deep knowledge is hard earned across his impressive thirty year career and it is the type of knowledge that will be sorely missed after his retirement. It is also a rare quality to have that depth of knowledge paired with a truly caring public servant. Don is intensely invested in the success of schools and making sure that their teams are well equipped to meet the complexity of modern IT systems.  

I cannot thank Don enough for our years of working together and also all the years that came before. Don’s retirement is the well earned result of his long dedication to schools in Oregon and I wish him nothing but the happiest of times in his upcoming retirement.” -Stuart Long