Chehalis School District Administrators
Chehalis School District Administrators
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About Rick
Rick Goble came to the Chehalis School District in 2014. Prior to his time here in Chehalis, he has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, high school principal, district office program supervisor and then Executive Director for Student Achievement before being named Superintendent in June 2024. Rick graduated from Central Washington University in 1998. While at CWU, Rick majored in History and received a minor in Physical Education. Rick earned his Master of Education degree from Regent University in 2002, his Principal Certification in 2007 and his Superintendent certification in 2013, both from Seattle Pacific University. Rick enjoys hiking, camping, photography and spending time with his family.
Degrees
- B.A.
- M.Ed.
- Principal Certification
- Executive Leadership/Superintendent Certification
- Appointed: 2024
Contact
Read a Message from the Superintendent at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7200 -
About Heather
Heather C. Pinkerton came to Chehalis School District in July 2010. She has been a public servant since 1998. She has worked in business offices for the Lewis County Auditor and the Center for Continuous Learning at South Puget Sound Community College. Immediately prior to Chehalis School District, she worked as an Assistant Audit Manager for the Washington State Auditor’s Office. As Chief Financial Officer, she is responsible for the business functions of the District. Heather is married, has a beautiful daughter, and enjoys traveling with her family. She also enjoys watching Cougar football.
Degrees
- A.A.
- B.A. Business Administration
Contact
EMAIL Heather C. Pinkerton at THIS LINK
Read about our Finance Department at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7200 -
About Kala
Kala joined the Chehalis School district in the 2025-2026 school year as Principal of Orin Smith Elementary and transitioned to the Executive Director for Student Achievement for the 2026-2027 school year. She comes from a family with more than 200 combined years of public education service, reaching back to her great-grandmother who ran a one-room schoolhouse. She has served in public education since 2006 and as an administrator in Washington since 2013.
Before coming to Chehalis, Kala had as Assistant Academic Administrator for Washington Virtual Academy, overseeing a program that served more than 1,000 students and had more than 50 teachers. Prior to that, Kala was an elementary principal in the Kalama and Longview school districts and as a middle school assistant principal/activities director in Longview.
“This district's student achievement goals are something that drew me to Chehalis, and I am looking forward to working even more deeply with this mission - to help prepare our students for a purposeful future and reach our goal of 75 by 35,” she said.
Degrees
- B.A.
- M.A.
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Contact
EMAIL Kala Wofford at THIS LINK
Read about Student Achievement at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7200
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About Leslie
Leslie joined the Chehalis School District in August 2024. She brings more than 20 years of Human Resources experience to her position. Leslie earned her Bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and holds HR professional certifications from both The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Prior to the Chehalis School District, she worked as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Valley View Health Center. Leslie is a W.F. West graduate and is proud to work in the community she was born and raised in and is now raising her family in. Leslie is married, has two daughters and enjoys spending time with her family.
Degrees
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor of Science Degree Business Administration, Human Resource Management Specialization
Contact
EMAIL Leslie Wohld at THIS LINK
Read about our Human Resources Department at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7200 ext. 8209
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About Katie
Katie started with the Chehalis School District at the end of June 2020. Prior to that, she worked in special education in the North Thurston School District. Katie enjoys watching her kids’ sports, 4-H, and orchestra activities. She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and volunteering with her trained therapy dog.
Degrees
- B.A. Elementary Education
- M.A. in Special Education
Contact
EMAIL Katie Howell at THIS LINK
Read about Student Support at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7245 option 3
Chehalis School District Office of Student Support
2025 SW Salsbury Ave.
Chehalis, WA 98532
Office: (360) 807-7245Fax: (360) 748-8767
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About Craig
Craig Curry joined the Chehalis School District in the 2026-2027 school year, bringing with him 27 years of experience in the education field. Craig values strong connections to students and families, has a passion for partnership between schools and communities and has built a reputation for parent engagement, data-driven inquiry, deep learning and courageous conversations that build a culture of collective trust. Prior to coming to Chehalis, Craig served as Principal at Ridgeline Middle School from 2017-2026, while also serving as Next Level Leaders Facilitator, Middle Level Leadership Committee member and Principal Mentor for the Association of Washington School Principals.
Degrees
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B.A. in English
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M.A. in Education
Washington State University, Vancouver
- Principal Profession Certification
- Washington Superintendent Credential
Washington State University, Graduate School of Education
- Currently Studying for Doctorate in Education Leadership
Washington State University, Graduate School of Education
Contact
EMAIL Craig Curry at THIS LINK
Read about W. F. West High School at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7235
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About Kevin
Kevin has 30 years experience in education. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Western Washington University in 1994 and his master of education from Antioch University in 1998. He taught Social Studies at Adna, W.F. West High School, Meadowdale, Skyline, and Highline and also served as Adjunct College Faculty for Centralia College, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University. He also served as Principal of Onalaska High School from 2004-2007 and Principal of Adna High School from 2007-2011. He was hired as the Principal of Green Hill Academic, Lewis County Juvenile, and Lewis County Alternative School/Turning Point in 2024.
Kevin and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, Camden and Callen. He enjoys traveling, golfing, and cooking in his free time.
Degrees
- B.A. in Political Science and History
- M.A. of education
Contact
Read about Turning Point/Lewis County Alternative at THIS LINK
Read about Green Hill Academic School at THIS LINK
Telephone: (360) 740-3520
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About Heidi
With more than 30 combined years serving the Chehalis School District, Heidi loves this school community and its commitment to our students and families. She began her teaching career in 1992, working in special education and coaching at W.F. West High School. She served as Assistant Principal at Centralia Middle School, then in 2019, came back to the Chehalis School District as Assistant Principal for Chehalis Middle School. She began her tenure as Principal of Chehalis Middle School in the 2025-2026 school year.
Heidi is married to Dave and they have three children. She loves and enjoys the people in her life as well as reading and being outside.
Degrees
- A.A.
- B.A.E./B.S.
- M.A. In Ed. Admin.
Contact
EMAIL Heidi Fagerness at THIS LINK
Read about Chehalis Middle School at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7230
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About Dannie
The 2026-2027 school year will be Dannie’s first year as the Principal of Orin Smith Elementary. Prior to joining the Chehalis School District, Dannie served as Principal at McLane Elementary from 2022-2026. Prior to that, she was Assistant Principal at Hansen Elementary and Centennial Elementary, an Administrative Intern at Lincoln Options Elementary and an Administrative Intern at with district leadership for the Olympia School District.
Degrees
- A.A. South Puget Sound Community College
- B.A. with an emphasis on education The Evergreen State College
- Elementary Teaching Certificate and M.A. in Teaching The Evergreen State College
- Educational Administration Certification University of Washington, Tacoma
Contact
EMAIL Dannie Clark at THIS LINK
Read about Orin Smith Elementary at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7225
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About Don
Don is a proud K-12 product of the Chehalis School District. With 24 years of experience in education, he has been teaching at W.F. West High School since 2007. Don has served as a CTE teacher, an assistant baseball coach and a girl’s bowling coach at W.F. West. Prior to that he was a CTE Commercial Art teacher at Selah High School. Don is passionate about the Chehalis community and is actively involved with projects with the Chehalis Foundation, Chehalis Activators, Drew North Foundation, and the Bearcat Booster Club.
In June 2024, Don was appointed as the Assistant Principal/CTE Director at W.F. West High School. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2000 with a degree in K-12 Art Education and a minor in Safety Education. In 2004, he received his Master of Education from CWU, and in 2006, he earned his Principal Certification from Heritage University. In 2014, he completed his Industry Route CTE Certification from South Seattle College.
Don enjoys volunteer work, coaching, and spending time with his family.
Degrees
- B.A. K-12 Art Education and a minor in Safety Education
- M.Ed.
- Principal Certification
- Industry Route CTE Certification
Contact
Read about W.F. West High School at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7235
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About Merisa
Merisa’s passion is to build positive relationships and help the youngest of students create the foundational skills needed for their future success. She started with the Chehalis School District in 2007. She taught first grade, was an intervention teacher and then spent 12 years teaching Kindergarten. During the 2022-2023 school year, she served as the Dean of Students at Lintott Elementary and then was chosen to serve as principal starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Merisa is happily married to Travis and they have a son and a daughter. When their family is not at the ball fields or basketball court, they love camping, hiking, traveling and making memories together.
Degrees
A.A.
B.A.
M.A.
Principal certification
Contact
EMAIL Merisa Wilson at THIS LINK
Read about James Lintott Elementary at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7215
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About Christine
An educator since 2009, Christine joined Chehalis School District as W.F. West High School Assistant Principal in 2022. Prior to coming to W.F. West, Christine served in the Mossyrock School District for 12 years, with the last 6 years teaching Spanish and US History at the secondary level. She is passionate about helping all students succeed and values working with families as partners in that process.
Christine and her husband have lived in Lewis County since 2000 and have four children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, reading, time at the beach and traveling internationally.
Degrees
- B.A. Elementary Education
- M.A. Educational Administration
Contact
EMAIL Christine Voelker at THIS LINK
Read about W.F. West High School at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7235
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About Tommy
Tommy Elder’s educational career started at W.F. West in 2007 teaching Science and coaching multiple sports, including baseball. A proud Bearcat graduate, he accepted the opportunity to become an Assistant Principal at W.F. West High School in 2014 where he worked in many capacities, focused primarily on ASB, Math, and STEM. Starting in 2023 his focus shifted to take on the role of Athletic Director.
Tommy is married to Jessica and they have four amazing kids. When they are not busy running around to sporting events, their entire family enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake and hiking.
Degrees
- A.A.
- B.A.E./B.S.
- M.A. In Ed. Admin.
Contact
EMAIL Tommy Elder at THIS LINK
Read about W.F. West High School at THIS LINK
Telephone: (360) 807-7235
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About Francie
Francie’s became assistant principal for Orin Smith Elementary in 2025. She has been a teacher for 25 years, most recently teaching 5th grade in the Rochester School District. Having grown up in Centralia, Francie said she was already knowledgeable about the high academic standards and positive reputation of the Chehalis School District. This is what drew her to want to apply for the assistant principal opening at Orin Smith.
“The community of Chehalis hasn’t changed. The community and families care about their kids. They love and support their kids and they want what’s best for them,” she said.
Degrees
- A.A.
- B.A. in education with a reading endorsement
- M.A. in education, curriculum and instruction
- Principal certification
Contact
EMAIL Francie Ishler at THIS LINK
Read about Orin Smith Elementary at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7225
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About Brandon
Brandon’s has served as Assistant Principal of Chehalis Middle School since 2025.
Prior to joining the team in Chehalis, Brandon was a PE, Health and AVID teacher at Winlock Middle School.
Brandon’s family moved to Onalaska when he was in 8th grade. He graduated from Onalaska High School and has lived in the Lewis County area since then. His educational career started in 2019 but he has worked in some educational capacity since graduating high school, having served as a coach, paraprofessional and volunteering through Young Life.
Middle School is a unique time in students’ lives but one where Brandon feels a particular calling:
“You plant seeds, you develop relationships and if you do it right, you can make a big difference in their lives.”
Degrees
- B.A.design and instruction
- Principals Certification
Contact
EMAIL Brandon Marskell at THIS LINK
Read about Chehalis Middle School at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7230
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About Joey
Joey’s began serving as Assistant Principal at James Lintott Elementary (grades K-2) in 2025-2026 school year. Most recently, she served as Interventionist at Rochester Primary School. Prior to that, she was a 4th grade teacher at Grand Mound Elementary, a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Napavine Elementary School, a K-6 Special Education teacher at Napavine Elementary School and a Special Education Teacher at Grand Mound Elementary.
Degrees
- B.A. in K-8 Special Education & P-12 Special Education
- M.A. in Teaching and Learning Integrating the Arts in Education
- Administration Certification
Contact
EMAIL Joey Easley at THIS LINK
Read about James Lintott Elementary at THIS LINK
(360) 807-7215