Who We Are
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Laurie Ulmer | Executive Director
Laurie has lived in the valley for 21 years with her husband and two sons, Alex and Nic. She is a private tutor and an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves skiing, hiking, horseback riding, playing ice hockey and traveling. Oh yes, and learning new things. |
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Hilary Kaltenbach | President
An educator for over twenty years, Hilary Kaltenbach currently works as the Program Coordinator for The Bush School’s campus in Mazama. She is excited to continue supporting best practices and innovation through PSFA. Hilary lives in Winthrop with her husband, two kids, and a growing number of animals. |
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Joe Talbert | Vice President
Joe has been a Methow Valley resident from 1994 to 2000 and 2014 to present. Joe is a father, engineer, educator, EMT and a Methow Trails groomer. He loves biking, climbing and skiing in the Methow. |
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Lindsay Evans | Treasurer
Lindsay and her husband Luke have lived in the Methow Valley since 2001. After nearly a decade as a toddler teacher at Little Star Montessori she founded Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery and later purchased East 20 Pizza from her brother. Raised in a family of public school educators, the existence of enriching public school opportunities has always been dear to her heart. Her children, Amelia and Gunnar, attend Liberty Bell schools. |
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Megan Jepson | Secretary
Megan moved to the Methow Valley in 2019 with her husband and two children. She owns Montessori 123, a Montessori language materials company. She hopes to share her love of connection and community to create opportunities for all MVSD students and families. She loves playing hockey, skiing, biking and farming with her family. |
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Christian Moore | Secretary
A British military veteran and environmental security consultant, Christian moved to the valley two years ago. He is the father of four children, two of whom are loving the ILC. When not parenting, Christian likes trail running, nordic skiing and his wife's power yoga class. |
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Steve Dixon
Steve has lived in the valley for 42 years. He is a retired 6th grade teacher, enjoys reading, gardening, farming, children of all ages and an occasional beer while watching football. |
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Bob Winters
Bob is a recently retired educator who finished his career here at Methow Valley Elementary. As a board member, he hopes to add his experiences in public education to the collective expertise of this organization for the lasting benefit of students and their families here in the Methow. |
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Jennifer Duguay
Jennifer Mendro Duguay moved to the Methow in 1972 when she was four, left for awhile and then came back to raise her two kids, Johnnie and Willy, with her husband, Bill. She taught in the Methow schools for around 20 years and is now retired. She enjoys volunteering, riding her pony, reading lots of books, being outside and hanging out with her family. |
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Kristina Johnson Avery
Kristina is a writer and editor focused on climate change. She lives in Twisp and has deep roots in Okanogan County — her great-grandparents moved to Riverside in the 1930s and her mom grew up on a farm there. She has a daughter in third grade at Methow Valley Elementary and enjoys basketball, skiing, and horses. Kristina is excited about expanding opportunities for MVSD students. |
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Rachel Otte | Student Representative
My name is Rachel Otte. I am a 9th grader at the Independent learning center(ILC). I loved being on the cheerleading team this year and look forward to the next three years of cheering. I enjoy the friendships I’ve made at Jamie's Place where I intern for school. I am a devoted fan of Elvis Presley. I enjoy reading and having quiet time. I have a close bond with my grandma and my mom. I’m passionate about art and fashion, particularly interior design and makeup. |
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Dexter Delaney | Student Representative
Dexter has lived in the valley for 7 years and is currently a sophomore at LBHS. Dexter enjoys running cross-country in the fall, Nordic skiing in the winter, and doing track in the spring before adventuring into the wilderness in the summers. When he's not outside, Dexter loves to learn new things and test his vocabulary with Wordle. |
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Liam Keifer | Student Representative
Liam is currently a sophomore at Liberty Bell High School. He runs cross county in the fall, wrestles, and captains the knowledge bowl team in the winter, and plays tennis in the spring. He enjoys reading, playing music, doing math, and being with his friends during his free time. Liam is passionate about taking an active role in the Methow Valley Community, and about working to support the opportunities available to students. |