Get to know staff

Mr. Jon Jeans

My name is Jon Jeans. This will be second year as Principal at Stephenson, after being Principal at Rieke for 6 years. This will be my 35th year as an educator. Leading a school is a fantastic creative journey. I believe in being a catalyst for all children to reach their potential. I believe in schools being a joyful place where all members of the community feel welcomed, seen and heard, and strive to excel. I have a wife, way TOO MANY animals (feel free to ask!), and 2 children, a daughter and a son, both now at Ida B Wells High School. In addition, I am a singer-songwriter and leader of the rock n roll band Sproose (check us on Spotify etc) who play some all age shows during the year. This summer my family took our first cruise to Alaska, it was amazing! I live nearby, and when wearing my hat around the neighborhood, I am Mr. Jeans your neighborhood Principal.

Ms. Miranda Simonoff-Counselor

Ms. Sarah Batten-Instructional Coach

Hello Stephenson!

I am Sarah Batten and rostered on Team Stephenson as Instructional Coach to ensure every student has an opportunity to knock their learning out of the park. I signed up with PPS 20 years ago as a parent, classroom volunteer, PTA and Foundation board member before becoming an educator myself. My educational leadership is grounded in my love for children, fueled by my passion for student learning, guided by my decade of teaching students, and informed by my previous career in business strategy, marketing and communications. 

Some of my favorite daily activities are my morning coffee routine, after dinner board games with my family and snuggling with my kitties. If you see me in the mornings riding my ebike to school or doing laps in the pool at SWCC, please say hi! 

Go Lions!

Mr. Georg Herrin

Hello, my name is Georg Herrin. I am the full-time admin assistant, and this will be my 5th school year at Stephenson. I moved to Portland in 2019 from Montana to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing at PSU, and I have stayed ever since. I have a wife and three cats. Some of my hobbies are reading and writing, playing drums, and baking. At Stephenson, I enjoy helping things run smoothly and supporting our staff, students, and families in creating an excellent educational community. 

Ms. Kristi Gaylord- Secretary

Hello Stephenson!  I have been your dedicated afternoon school secretary since 2024.  I love being here, and I love working where my kids are!  I live a couple blocks from the school with my husband, two kids, a dog and two cats.  We are new to this area and we're having fun exploring all the beautiful parks and local eateries.  My favorite activities include reading, puzzling, paddle boarding and dog walking.

Ms. Rachel McMinn-Health Assistant

Ms. Kara Little-Library Media

Hi! I’m Mrs. Little, previously Ms.Soulas. I’ve proudly taught 1st grade at Stephenson for more than a decade, and now I get to be the Teacher Librarian. I feel so lucky to share my love of reading with ALL of our students.

Being the librarian at Stephenson feels a little like being at a Food Cart Pod—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! And while we don’t actually eat books (something I keep reminding my 16-month-old…), I can’t wait to see students devour stories and make this space their own.

I am at the school on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. My email is still my maiden name, and even though my name has changed to Kara Little, I promise I care a lot :)

Ms. Kelly Jacobs-Music

Victoria Ashton-Guida-CB Classroom

Hi! I’m Victoria, the new CB Room teacher here at Stephenson. I have recently celebrated completing my Masters in Special Education at Portland State University. I am also a parent to a 12 year old son that has non-verbal autism/adhd. I always think of our parenting journey as being on the backroads. This is not the adventure on the “freeway of life” my husband and I envisioned when we were dreaming of or family but because of all of the twists and turns that having a child with significant support needs has taken us on, we have learned to look at challenges and wins differently than we ever expected, much like taking the back roads on a long road trip. Sometimes you’re cruising and enjoying the view, other times the road is bumpy or maybe not paved and you are hoping and praying that you find your way to your destination. 

One of those twists was finding pure joy in volunteering in my son’s classroom when he was in elementary school. I loved meeting his classmates and being of assistance to his teachers. Being able to share all of the tools that I had picked up from the therapists and service providers we experienced gave me a real sense of purpose. What started as a way to help out, became a personal passion. It is a privilege to work with the students to reach their potential. I strive to have clear communication with our families to know how to best serve your children.

I’m a proud Minnesotan from the Twin Cities, I moved to Portland at the turn of the millennium and met my husband. We live in a little house in North Portland and spend our time figuring out creative ways to raise our son. I love a good group fitness class because it’s not in my nature to run uphill before dawn so if I have people with me… I’ll do it! I live for all things music, arts & culture, enjoy all the wonderful things the Pacific Northwest has to offer and prefer to avoid a crowd. I truly believe we are all growing and learning everyday. I love to get amazed at the growth we see in our students. I am so happy to be part of the Stephenson Community!

Mr. Julian Grivel-PE

As the PE teacher, I believe Physical Education is a team sport—where everyone is supportive, and our successes are built on trust and collaboration. Just like in team sports everyone has a role to play and no one is left on the sidelines. It’s important that a PE program teaches more than just physical skills; it needs to build teamwork, resilience, and respect. In our gym, our team succeeds when we are growing together, learning new skills, and cheering each other on.

Go Stephenson Lions!

Amy Gretencort - Art

Bio coming soon.

Ms. Dana Bussey-Kindergarten

Hello! I’m Dana Bussey (rhymes with “bouquet”). I use she/her pronouns. This is my twentieth year teaching, seventeen of these at the kindergarten level.

I grew up in Madison, WI and attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Spanish. I moved to Portland in 2004. After several years doing development work for a nonprofit organization, I went back to school to get my teaching license and received my Masters of Education from PSU in 2006. In 2016, I happily settled in at one of Stephenson Elementary’s kindergarten classrooms where I truly appreciate this wonderful community of students, parents and educators. Every year I have the privilege of welcoming our youngest learners and their families to the amazing Stephenson community.

I live near Multnomah Village with my husband, Stefan, our son, Finnian (16) and our daughter, Sylvie (12). I love singing, running, dancing, reading and exploring the Pacific Northwest with family and friends.

Mr. Michael Rocha-Kindergarten

Hello everyone!
I am excited to be teaching Kindergarten this year. I have been an educator for 15 years, including time as a teacher librarian. Before that, I worked in various roles supporting students and learning. I am originally from Austin, Texas, but I have called Portland home for the past 25 years. I enjoy anything art-related, from visual arts, theater, music, and fiber arts to gardening, hiking, cooking, animation, graphic novels, and silly dad jokes.

Ms. Jennifer Podichetty-1st/2nd grade

My name is Jen Podichetty. I love teaching and learning! I am so excited to be teaching and learning alongside a new group of first and second grade friends.

My husband Giri and I have two children, a freshman and  junior at Ida B. Wells High. As a family, we love to travel to locations near and far. This summer we went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

For me, teaching is kind of like being a tour guide. Each day, I have the privilege of guiding a group of learners to make new discoveries and learn more about themselves and the world around them while gaining new skills and knowledge. And, I never exactly know where their questions and interests will ultimately lead us along the way.

Ms. Caroline Pickett-1st/2nd Grade

Hello my name is Caroline Pickett. This is my fourth year at Stephenson, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this wonderful community. This will be my third year teaching 2nd graders and my first year teaching 1st graders. I am looking forward to learning alongside my students this year. I have been teaching and working with students for 10 years. I started my career in outdoor education working on Catalina Island as a Marine Science Instructor. This job started my passion for teaching. Seeing students grow their confidence through outdoor activities is magical. In 2023, I received my Master’s in Elementary Education from Portland State University. I truly love teaching and working with students. It is such a joy! 

I grew up in Santa Barbara, California. My husband and I moved to Portland in 2020. In my free time I love hiking with my dog Willow. I also love surfing, and try to get out to the coast as often as I can! I love being outside, but I also enjoy watercolor painting when the weather isn’t so nice.

Ms. Nina Eminina-1st/2nd Grade

Ms. Courtney Brockway-3rd Grade

My name is Courtney Brockway. I have been teaching  at Stephenson for 14 years! I absolutely love this community and feel fortunate to call this my home away from home. 

I love inspiring students to believe that they can do hard things and try to model that myself! I recently overcame my crippling arachnophobia, which is something that I never thought was possible! We are all life long learners and can do hard things! 

I am known as the school cat lady. My husband Josh and I are huge critter lovers (which includes spiders now)! We have 5 silly & snuggly cats. We also care for a colony of beetles and a pair of millipedes and are determined to become friends with all the crows in our neighborhood.

Ms. Jennifer Cleary-3rd grade

Hello! I’m Jennifer Cleary, and I have the privilege of teaching and learning alongside the incredible third graders at Stephenson. I’ve held this role the past 13 years but my connection to the Stephenson community spans more than two decades. Both of my children attended this school, and over the years I’ve worn many hats—parent, classroom volunteer, substitute teacher, piano instructor, and even the occasional accompanist.

One of my passions outside the classroom is gardening, and I often find  parallels to teaching in the garden. Like seedlings, children arrive bursting with potential. It’s a joy to create an environment that challenges and encourages them to flourish. 

🌼 The newest sprout in our family garden is my sweet grandson. You might catch us exploring the playground or wandering the trails at Tryon Creek—always learning, always growing.

Ms. ReCher Kim-4th Grade

My name is ReCher Kim. This is my 15th year teaching the amazing 4th and 5th graders at Stephenson Elementary. 

During the professional development session with our new principal, Jon Jeans, I was asked to think of a metaphor for teaching. Riding a roller coaster immediately came to mind. For me, teaching is an exhilarating ride, one filled with breathtaking peaks, unexpected drops, and some wild twists and loops along the way. 😀

I started out my teaching journey with the excitement of a first-time roller coaster rider: just full of anticipation and just as much nervous energy. As the years went by, I learned to embrace the exhilarating rush of witnessing my students soar when they finally grasp a tough concept, and the challenge of helping them get back on track when things don’t go as planned. Teaching definitely requires the courage to embrace the unpredictable. 

Every year is like riding a brand-new roller coaster, and I can’t wait to start this year’s journey with my new 4th graders!

Ms. Tina Jacobs-4th grade

Mr. Kevin Dilg-5th grade

My name is Kevin Dilg. I'll be teaching 5th graders this year at Stephenson. I have been a PPS teacher for seven years, teaching upper elementary students at schools in North Portland and at the Online Learning Academy. Prior to that I taught in Gresham, Oregon and Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  Altogether this will be my 23rd year in education!

I live in Northeast Portland with my wife, my daughter who is entering 5th grade, and our two sibling cats, Kiki and Potion. Nerd-culture is really my jam - I’m into anything comic book, sci-fi, and/or fantasy related, but I also love food, travel, exercise, and basketball - Go Blazers!

As a teacher, I strive to create an environment in which students feel comfortable being their genuine selves and where differences and uniqueness are celebrated. Students in my class will know that they can achieve anything with persistence, and that learning can be a whole lot of fun!

Ms. Wendy Connolly-5th grade

Hello, my name is Wendy Connolly. I teach fifth-grade students. This will be my fifth year at Stephenson. I enjoy spending my days with students; every day is an adventure. We start off going in one direction, but always end up in many surprise destinations. I guide the students, but they tend to lead themselves on this amazing adventure called fifth grade. 

It is an honor to be the student's last destination in elementary school. I make the year memorable, heartfelt, with increased independence for what lies ahead.

Ms. Christine Boyd-ESL

Hello! My name is Christine Boyd, and I am so excited to be back at Stephenson for my fifth year supporting multilingual learners as they develop their skills in English. Before taking on the role of teaching English language learners, I worked as a classroom teacher for more than a decade and also worked as a guest teacher and was an active classroom volunteer while my own children were young. I currently teach at three schools, so you can find me at Stephenson on Monday mornings and all day on Thursdays. It’s such a privilege and a joy to work with my students, this staff and the Stephenson community.

 When I’m not teaching, you can find me hiking, paddle boarding, swimming and doing whatever I can to be outside in nature. I also enjoy playing games and reading and I always look forward to having my grown kids come home for a visit.

Ms. Sarah Parker-Learning Center

Hello! I am Ms. Sarah Parker and this will be my first year teaching in the Learning Center at Stephenson. However, I have been with the district for 13 years. I am thrilled to be part of the community. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, dogs and friends. I feel that teaching is like being a pack leader. I offer leadership to guide learning and boost confidence. In the future, you may see Wren (the little black dog) at Stephenson. She has an amazing disposition and loves working with children. She is a quick learner and passed her Canine Good Citizen Test on her first trial. We are planning on completing her therapy dog certification soon.

Mr. Sol Flores

Ms. Kirsten Player-Smith-Paraeducator

Hello! I was a classroom elementary school teacher in Everett, Washington and our local Beaverton School District before leaving to provide private tutoring to local Portland families. I have changed gears again, and now work as a para educator for the wonderful children at Stephenson. I find teaching is a bit like being on a roller coaster; there are changes around every corner. One moment you are having the time of your life, and the next you are holding on for dear life hoping you don’t derail. But teaching, like the proverbial roller coaster, is the best ride ever, and one you want to do again and again.    

KeAnna Cox-Paraeducator and Student Teacher

My name is KeAnna Cox, but I am mostly known around the school as Ms. Kiki! :) This year, I am working part time as a paraeducator in our Communications and Behaviors (CB) classroom and also have the privilege of student teaching alongside Jen Podichetty in one of our 1st/2nd grade blend classrooms. This is my 5th year at Stephenson and with the district. I was born in Des Moines Iowa, grew up in Madrid, IA and attended/graduated from Madrid Elementary/Jr High/High School (with about 55 kids in my class!). I received my Associates Degree from Des Moines Area Community College in 2016, and graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Child, Adult, and Family Services. I am currently a student in Portland State University's Elementary Education Licensing Program (LEEP) and am on track to graduate in June of 2027. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Tyler, and our dog, Daisy Zo. I participate as a tutor, a respite/Direct Support Professional, and occasionally help families with childcare. I enjoy crafting, hiking, roller skating, reading, watching terrible reality tv, and making genuine connections with others. :) 

Samantha Cook-Paraeducator

Hi there! I am Samantha Cook, also known as “Teacher Sam” to our students. I am one of the paraeducators supporting our Communication Behavior classroom. This is my second year with Stephenson! Previously I subbed as a paraeducator throughout the district, taught high school social studies, and then I transitioned over to college and career advising. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my cat, Sasha Fierce, as well as baking, reading, traveling, musical theatre, collecting American Girl items, and making friends with cats while on walks in my neighborhood.

Natalie Hermann-Paraeducator

Hello! My name is Natalie Hermann. I am excitedly returning for my second year at Stephenson Elementary as part of the CB paraeducator team! I joined our school community last fall after graduating from university right around the corner at Lewis & Clark College. I am a born-and-raised SW Portlander and have an increasing passion for mentoring young students and helping them build confidence and community. My favorite parts of my job are sharing “ah-ha” moments with my students and cultivating their curiosity! This past summer, I followed my own curiosity by biking across North America with my partner. Taking on that challenge reminded me of exactly what we are capable of when we dream big. It also reinforced how far a little encouragement can go, and I can't wait to bring that positive energy back into the classroom this year!