Cascadia Tech News
September 2025
Welcome back! The 2025-2026 school year is off to a great start. We cannot be more excited!
This will be a year of growth and learning for each of you. The administrative team of myself, Shaun Campbell, Tami Oppliger and Paul Huddleston are here to ensure your success. Our doors are always open to assist you. Our goal for you is a positive and challenging learning experience, a safe environment in which to grow academically and socially and for each of you to have fun while gaining knowledge and skills.
From all of us at Cascadia Tech Academy, we can't wait to see how YOU inspire greatness!
We are doing great things!
-Joan Huston
Shaun Campbell
Assistant Director
Tami Oppliger
Assistant Director
Paul Huddleston
Dean of Students
I've taught at a high school level since 2017 and worked as a mentor, teaching life skills to all ages for over 25 years. I worked as an Electrician for 15 years, several other years in various other trades, owned a few small businesses in finance and retirement planning as well. I attended Cascadia Tech's Construction program as a student, and recently took over for Bill Draper, who was always my favorite teacher. I've been married since 2002, no children of our own except two cats who are very spoiled. My goal each day is to make people smile, particularly if they don't feel they have much to smile about. Silly dad jokes and puns are a "go to" to turn even the most stubborn frowns upside down, but often, just being kind is enough.
I taught for 11 years in the Evergreen School District. In 2012, I decided that I wanted to try a new career in maritime and spent another 11 years in the field. Now, my dream job of combining my two careers into one has become reality at a satellite location for Cascadia Technical Academy. It is an amazing opportunity to teach students about an industry that has a growing need for new employees.
Janelle Griffith, Paraeducator
I taught private preschool and kindergarten for five years and this is my 15th year with Evergreen Public Schools. For the past four summers I have worked Summer School at Cascadia Tech and was offered a permanent position as a paraeducator. I am excited to learn different industries and to broaden my horizons. Who knows, maybe I will learn to cook and fly a plane! My husband and I have been married 29 year and we have two beautiful adult daughters. I am the typical soccer mom who loves to read and run, but not at the same time.
Dena Hooser, Counselor
I have worked in education for 26 years, 5 years as a teacher and 21 years as a school counselor. I'm excited to be at Cascadia Tech and love seeing our students in action in their programs! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys, camping, hiking, and being near water.
Press Pyle, Pre-Electrical Instructor
I've worked in education for 18 years as a high school Business, Special Education, and Electrician teacher, and as an electrician outside of education for 10+ years. My wife and will be celebrating our 30-year anniversary in a couple months. For entertainment I enjoy hiking and traveling.
Don LaValle, Aviation Science & Technology Instructor
Sarah Callaghan, Forest Management Instructor
Margaret Rice, Teaching Academy Instructor (East Satellite)
Matt Kramer, Barbering Instructor
Sayge Sword, CTE Teacher Certification Program Support ClerkJulie Arndt, Tool Room Paraeducator
October 6 - Picture Make Up Day
October 22- Early Release (No Session II/Cosmo II)
October 24- Progress Report - PR1 Ends
October 24 - Trunk or Treat
October 27 - Progress Report - T2 Starts
October 31 - NOW School Day
November 5-20 - Sophomore Presentations
November 10 - NOW School Day
November 11 - No School (Veterans Day)
November 14 - Cascadia Tech VIP Tour
November 26 - NOW Early Release (No Session II/Cosmo II)
November 27-28 - Thanksgiving Break
Make-up picture day is Monday, October 6.
Wear your Cascadia Tech uniform.
If getting a "retake", please provide the photographer with your original picture packet with all of the contents.
Cosmetology Salon
Whether it is back to school, getting ready for a new job, getting yourself ready for the big day or just your everyday maintenance, our students can help you look your best.
There are a variety of services to choose from:
Hair Cuts
Spiral Perm
Scalp Treatment
Shampoo Style
Updo Formal Style
Hair Color Services
Hair Extensions
The Salon is open Monday-Thursday 11:45 AM - 5 PM.
Our last appointment is no later than 2:00 PM
Please call for an appointment at 360.604.1080 or book online.
All chemical services on these days will be scheduled at 12:00 PM (no later) to allow enough time for our students to perform the requested service.
All color appointments need an allergy test 24 hours prior to service.
Walk-in appointments are welcome before 1:00 PM
Salon hours, prices, and services are subject to change
E-Waste Recycling
Information Technology students at Cascadia Technical Academy accept e-waste donations.
When can I bring my donation?
3rd Friday of the month during the academic year:
October 17th
November 21st
December 19th
January 16th
February 20th
March 20th
April 17th
May 15th
June 12th - Last Day
Email ray.nelson@evergreenps.org with questions about donation items or an alternative drop-off schedule.
We DO accept:
Computers/Internal Components (Cases, RAM, Hard Drives, Motherboards, etc.)
Printers
Peripheral Devices (Keyboards, Mice, Headphones, etc.)
Miscellaneous Cords/Data Cables (Ethernet Cables, Power Cables, etc.)
Mobile Device (Cell Phones, Laptops, Tablets, etc.)
We do NOT accept:
Cascadia Tech does not accept appliances, TV’s, Styrofoam or batteries
Earth Friendly Recycling will take appliances
Goodwill, West Van Recycling, and Central Transfer and Recycle accept TVs
Ryan Hovde
Dena Hooser
Satellite Locations Now Available
We accept candidates from around the state of Washington at the following locations for the three in-person courses:
Cascadia Tech Academy - Vancouver
Sno Isle Tech Skills Center - Mukilteo
YV-TECH Skills Center - Yakima
CTE 101 - Elements of Teaching (Fall)
CTE 201 - Advanced Instructional Techniques (Winter/Spring)
CTE 302 - Student Personal Development and Leadership (Winter/Spring)
