About Shelly

Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Shelly grew up enjoying summers at Loon Lake. After graduating from West Valley high school, Shelly played basketball at Spokane Falls Community College and then transferred to Eastern Washington University. It was there she earned her B.S in Business Management in 1997 and a B.S in Secondary Education in 1999, and ultimately her Master's in Education in 2009. During college, summer-time was spent working at a fishing lodge in Sitka, Alaska. Long hours and hard work defined this time. It was there she met her husband, Chris, and then together, they continued working each for the next 16 years. Shelly has spent the past 20 years in education, teaching everything from traditional high school, online, alternative, and adult education. Her specialty has always been her ability to connect with her students and establish rapport with them while modifying her teaching to meet the needs of each individual. Solution oriented and friendly, Shelly's experience working with many personalities has given her the ability to think on her feet and work with others to accomplish their goals. Her attention to detail and organization ensure that things get done in a timely and predictable fashion. No one better than her realizes the disappointment of an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided with some foresight and preparedness. Shelly and her husband have seven children. Their family has grown through adoption (international) and foster care. This process has taught them all patience, understanding, and acceptance. Her passion for children from under developed countries sprang from the experiences she had while adopting two children from Ethiopia. She is fortunate to be a part of a non-profit whose goal is family preservation through education and maternal care. In 2015, they returned from living in Ethiopia for two years where they volunteered at a school in Addis Ababa. Shelly has been fortunate to have so many interesting experiences in her life, mom, educator, Alaskan adventurer, African missionary, home renovator, etc. All have greatly prepared her with the ability to overcome obstacles, have amazing forethought, and accomplish what she sets out to do.