Meet our Team
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Oscar Harris
Chief Family and Community Engagement OfficerBorn and raised in the Southeastern part of the United states, Oscar relocated to Spokane in 1996 in pursuit of educational and employment opportunities. To date he has earned a BA in History, a master’s in social work, and an Educational Doctorate Degree (Ed.D) in Transformational Leadership. His research interests include community engagement and advocacy to/for marginalized families and improving the service delivery efforts of agencies.
Contact
OscarH@spokaneschools.org
509.354.7970
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Nicole Jenkins-Rosenkrantz
Director of Community Relations & Diversity TrainingNicole joined Spokane Public Schools in April 2018. Prior to this position she worked at Spokane County Juvenile Court for 17 years in various roles. She is passionately engaged in on-going efforts to reduce the disparities experienced by historically underserved families and youth of color. She believes that her work in the juvenile justice system and public school system gives her a unique perspective and connections that can lead to positive collaborations for systemic change. Nicole views championing the creation of just and equitable outcomes for historically underserved communities as not just a hope and a wish but a necessity. She is a passionate disruptor of the school to prison pipeline through creation of innovative programs.
Contact
NicoleRo@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5920
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Emily Blunt
Office Manager, Family & Community Engagement/BECCA
Emily grew up in Spokane and started working for Spokane Public Schools soon after she moved back to Spokane in 2015. Emily graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Community Health from Arizona State University in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys exploring, baking, crafting, and hanging out with friends and family. The last few years have brought many positive changes to Spokane and Emily’s main goal is to continue to make Spokane the best community possible for everyone.
Contact
EmilyBl@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5933
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Tamika LaMere
Native Education CoordinatorTamika is a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians out of Great Falls, Montana. She is also a descendant of the Cree Nation and the third great-granddaughter of Chief Little Bear. She moved to Spokane as a teen and relocated to Southern California for almost a decade where she earned a bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She moved back to Spokane and earned a master's in social work. She has worked for SPS since 2016 as an Intervention Specialist and is now the Indian Education Department Coordinator. She is dedicated to serving her community and will continue to strive towards creating excellence for all students.
Contact
TamikaL@spokaneschools.org
509.354.4633
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Erin Lipsker
Restorative Practices and Mediation Program Manager
After growing up in Spokane and attending Gonzaga University for an undergraduate degree in history and political science, followed by a master’s in teaching, Erin is thrilled to join the Department of Family and Community Engagement. As a former teacher and the proud mom of three SPS students, Erin is a fierce advocate for teachers, students and their families. With a strong belief that all people deserve to be seen, valued, and supported, Erin works to create inclusive and equitable environments where people can thrive, and communities can deepen their bonds, and cultural awareness. Erin’s heart is rooted in the well-being of the entire SPS family and she is committed to using restorative dialogue and relationships to meet the various needs of all those she works with. This position is an extremely meaningful opportunity, and she is excited to work with this incredible team towards meeting the goal of seeking excellence through equity.
Contact
erinli@spkaneschools.org
509.354.7242
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Patrick Donahue
Community Partnerships Manager/Foster Care Liaison
Pat joined Spokane Public Schools in August 2021 as the Manager of Community Partnerships. He was born and raised in Spokane Valley before attending Washington State University where heearned a BS degree in Psychology and Child and Family Studies. Prior to joining SPS, Pat worked for 24 years at Spokane County Juvenile Court. His last position was the CASA/Guardian ad Litem Program Coordinator of which he worked for 14 years supporting staff and volunteers in their advocacy for youth involved in the foster care system. Using his years of experience with volunteer recruitment and community resource connections, Pat looks forward to expanding our volunteer mentoring program and bridging community organizations to SPS students and families.Contact
Patrickdo@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5936
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Shon Davis
Student-Family Engagement LiaisonShon was born and raised in Compton/Los Angeles, California. He relocated to Spokane in 1994. He is the senior pastor of a local church and a community advocate for youth & families. He has served on multiple City committees and boards such as Spokane Law & Justice Counsel, the Mayor’s multicultural advisory committee, United Way Board member, and Police & Faith Leaders Alliance.
Pastor Shon has founded multiple faith-based programs such as prison re-entry, gang prevention and intervention, youth & family mentoring, and a multicultural church alliance. He is a strong advocate for our marginalized communities and high risk youth. He is committed to providing preventative services to keep our kids out of the criminal systems as well as restorative practices to create pathways for a successful future.
He joined Spokane Public Schools in 2015 as a mentor and gang intervention specialist.
Contact
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Rebekah Lawson
Truancy LiaisonRebekah was born and raised in Spokane, earning her bachelor's and master's of Public Administration from Eastern Washington University. Prior to working for Spokane Public Schools, she worked at Spokane County Juvenile Court in Social Files, Diversion, and the Court Investigation Unit. As a first generation high school graduate, Rebekah understands the complexities and challenges families face in obtaining high school diplomas and college education, and is an avid supporter of public education. Rebekah believes that each child, if given the proper information and appropriate resources, can find their own success and positively impact their life, their families, and their communities.
Contact
RebekahL@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5961
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Shannon Behrens
School Community Specialist
Shannon Behrens was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and graduated from Rogers High School in 2000. She earned her AA in Early Childhood Education and her BA in Human Services. Before joining the DFCE, she worked with children and families for more than 16 years in the Spokane area. Shannon supported the development of safe educational programs for children of all ages while advocating for children and families that need support and resources. As a School Community Specialist, she will assist with family engagement to ensure all students and families have equitable access to resources.
Contact
ShannonBeh@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5933
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Rachel Dannen
School Community Specialist
Rachel was born in Tacoma and grew up in Bremerton and Seattle, WA. She received her AA from Olympic College and went on to earn her BA from Eastern Washington University in Sociology & Criminal Justice, specializing in Social Justice and minoring in Applied Developmental Psychology.
Prior to her work with the district, Rachel served as the Racial & Social Justice Intern at YWCA Spokane and helped pilot its Community Engagement department as the Community Engagement Associate. Currently, she stays involved with the YWCA's shelter program and ongoing racial and social justice work.
As a School Community Specialist, she is passionate about bringing community into our schools through connection and advocacy, helping others discover their own strengths and sense of identity. Rachel assists students and their families in navigating resources, discovering their own pathways to success, and connecting to community as she continues her work with the DFCE.
Contact:
racheldan@spokaneschools.org
509.354.5933
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Chauncey Jones
Community Engagement Board LiaisonChauncey Jones was born and raised in Southern California. He spent summers and holidays in Spokane before permanently moving here in summer of 1994. He graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1995, received an AA from Spokane Community College in 1998, and a BA in Journalism from Eastern Washington University in 2000. Prior to joining the DFCE, Chauncey spent 21 years at KHQ-TV. He has been mentoring youth through after-school programming, basketball and football coaching, and community advocacy. As Community Engagement Board Liaison, he will assist with connecting families to district and community services to promote active participation of families in the education of their children.
Contact
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Mandy Simmons
Student Diversion Specialist
Mandy has worked with youth for twenty-six years focusing on children and teens who exhibit at-risk behaviors. She is passionate about 2-generation mentoring and has worked as a peer support for parents who have children struggling with mental health issues. She models her work after being the support person she needed in her life as she was growing up. She has an AA in Social Services and Biblical Studies.
Contact
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Natalie Sarria-Wiley
Student Assistance Specialist
Natalie grew up in Spokane and attended K-12 in the Spokane Public School District. Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in psychology (2012) and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Central Washington University (2015). After graduating, Natalie served Spokane Public Schools as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 7 years. In 2022, Natalie opened her own practice to provide a safe and welcoming space for BIPOC and other marginalized populations to receive mental health services.
It is Natalie’s experiences working with and studying people that has led her to strongly believe that all people are capable of growth and change, and that people experience the most evolution when they feel seen, valued, and heard. Natalie is eager to bring her experiences and passion to DCFE in the role of a Student Assistance Specialist.
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