Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer

Born 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
Email Oscar Harris
509-354-7970

Executive Director of Community Relations & Diversity Training

Nicole 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
Email Nicole Jenkins-Rosenkrantz
509-354-5920

Office Manager, BECCA

Growing up in western Washington, Emma moved to Spokane and started her journey with SPS as an attendance secretary at Regal Elementary.  Working with families and partners, she flourished in planning and hosting family engagement nights and resource events for the Hillyard community.  Her skills easily transferred to working in the BECCA process and assisting in Community Engagement Boards.  Emma thrives when working with people and looks forward to providing solutions and connections.  Along with her passion for people, she has a deep love for engaging with nature and sustainability efforts.

Contact

Email Emma Carroll
509-354-5933

Director of Native Education

Tamika 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 Native Education Coordinator. She is dedicated to serving her community and will continue to strive towards creating excellence for all students.

Contact

Email Tamika LaMere
509-354-5936

Restorative Practices & Beloved Community Manager (Northeast Area)

Anne holds undergraduate degrees in Law and Human Services, and will finish her master’s in business leadership (MBL) in 2025. Originally from Hawaii, Anne went to college in southern California and then lived in central Oregon and western Washington during her early career in corporate finance. Nearly a decade ago, Anne moved to Spokane to take up her "heart-work" in family advocacy - initially in the field of family law, serving families in the midst of crisis and massive life change, then in social work, serving families experiencing houselessness, and for the last three years in education, serving families and students in Spokane Public Schools. She specializes in building partnerships across industries and agencies, connecting people to humans who offer hope and resources that can help, and providing them pathways to possibilities that ultimately lead to journeys of restoration and redemption and stories of celebration and belonging. Anne's highest goal as a human working with humans and her aspirations as a leader are to be a "dealer in hope."

Contact

Email Anne Abbott
509-354-5936

Restorative Practices and Beloved Community Manager (South Area)

Chauncey 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

Email Chauncey Jones
509-354-5984

Restorative Practices and Beloved Community Manager (Northwest Area)

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

Email Erin Lipsker
509-354-5936

Restorative Practices and Beloved Community Manager (North Central Area)

Shamerica grew up as a military dependent and lived in a variety of places, including Alaska, Louisiana, Germany, South Carolina, and Washington State. She made Spokane her home after graduating from Whitworth University with her BA in sociology. During her time at Whitworth, she volunteered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County and eventually transitioned into the role of Club Director. In 2015, she began her journey with SPS as the Communities in Schools Site Coordinator and soon became the School Community Specialist at North Central High School. She has earned a master’s degree in social work and looks forward to continuing her advocacy for students, families, educators, and the greater Spokane community.

Contact

Email Shamerica Nakamura
509-354-5936

BECCA Manager

Rebekah 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

Email Rebekah Lawson
509-354-5961

Native Education Liaison

Donna was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. She is Inupiaq Eskimo and Gwich’in Athabascan. Donna received her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013. Donna also worked for Alaska Native Education, and Migrant Education with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District for five years. She joined Spokane Public Schools in August of 2022 after relocating with her family from Alaska.

Contact

Email Donna Sharp
509-354-4200

Student-Family Engagement Liaison

Shon 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

Email Shon Davis
509-354-5936

District Diversion Liaison

Millini was born and raised in the Spokane area and is passionate about the wellbeing of youth in the community. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. Prior to her role with Spokane Public Schools, she worked for 10 years at LCS Northwest as a Sexual Assault and Crime Victim Advocate and Program Supervisor, working closely with youth and their families impacted by traumatic crime victimization. She is aware of the intersectionality of trauma, victimization and its impacts on education. Millini is dedicated to creating safe spaces for students to be met where they are and be supported in ways that guide them to success in a future that brings them hope.

Contact

Email Millini Goodman
509-354-5984

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

Email Shannon Behrens
509-354-5933

School Community Specialist

Janine graduated from EWU with a BA in social work and has gone on to have a diverse career. She was a family service coordinator with early childhood in Airway Heights, then a teacher/facilitator for the Mead Co-op through Community Colleges of Spokane. In 2016, Janine worked as a Family Service Coordinator for Head Start in Spokane, working at the Northeast Community Center and Woodridge Elementary Head Start.  In 2022, Janine was hired as a family support specialist with Spokane Public Schools' preschool program. Janine is an advocate for families, working from a strength perspective and putting supports in place to help individuals find their success.  She is looking forward to working in the RISE program.  

Contact

Email Janine Edelbrock
509-354-5933

School Community Specialist

Diego was born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz. He received his A.A. from South Mountain Community College and went on to earn his B.S. from Arizona State University in psychology and minoring in sociology. While in college, Diego started working for Ohana Homes in 2018, the leading social service company in Arizona. While working in a trauma-informed group home for kids, Diego found his passion to help others. Diego remained working in the group homes until he moved to Spokane in September 2021.

Soon after his move, Diego started working for Spokane Public Schools. Diego found a home with the Department of Family and Community Engagement as a school community specialist. Diego has a diverse coaching background and currently coaches baseball and football at North Central High School. Diego believes that students can achieve any goal no matter their adversities or background through dedication and perseverance.  

“Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.”

Contact

Email Diego Lerma

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.

Contact

Email Natalie Marshall

Student Assistance Specialist

Ryan McCollim holds a BS in psychology from Washington State University with emphasis around child development, trauma, and drug abuse. Ryan was born and raised in the Spokane area and though at one point he tried moving away, he had found there was no place like home. He has served our community through Spokane Public Schools since 2022 and had prior experience with youth exhibiting high-risk behaviors and victims of trauma both locally and nationally. In his free time, you can find him in the woods riding his dirt bike and/or hunting, fishing, or working on old cars. Ryan is dedicated to building relationships within our community and generating opportunity for growth. He aspires to act as the stepping stone toward achieving excellence for all students and families.

Contact

Email Ryan McCollim

School Community Specialist - Native Education

Sadarah is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree tribe located in Rocky Boy, Montana. She was born in Spokane, Washington, attended Tribal school in Montana for a short time and moved to Oregon to continue her education at Chemawa Indian School. There, she became enriched in her understanding of the diverse Native American community of which she was a part, including several tribes that are represented across the United States.

She then pursued a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree at Willamette University where she majored in Sociology with a minor in American Ethnic Studies. Sadarah did not only have the experience of receiving an education from various educational institutions - Public, Tribal, Federal, and Private - she also had the experience of working with Native youth within these various educational institutions as an Educator, Mentor, Programmer, and Residential Assistant. She joined our SPS team in November 2023 and will work closely with Native Education working as a RISE School Community Specialist, applying both her knowledge and experience in serving Native youth within the education system.

Contact

Email Sadarah Witherspoon

Student Support Specialist - Native Education

Marty Whelshula is a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho and Colville Tribe descendant. He identifies himself as a grandfather, traditional war dancer, drummer, and singer. Marty has worked for more than 12 years in Indian Education from Head Start to Tribal College instructor. He worked at Spokane Public Schools' Native Education program as Cultural Facilitator/Instructional Aide back in the mid 1990s. He then moved to the Colville Indian Reservation and served as Indian Education Director with the Inchelium School District where he fully expanded the language and culture program.

Marty developed and taught courses in Tribal Traditional Knowledge, Native American regalia construction, and the Okanagan Salish Tribal language to students grades K-12. Marty also served as Cultural Resource Specialist in a Native American inpatient treatment facility for drug and alcohol addicted youth. He facilitated weekly ceremonies such as Sweat Lodge, Welcoming & Transition Ceremonies. Marty has excellent skills in developing rapport with children and youth. He strives to support students in building cultural resilience and a sense of personal empowerment.

Contact

Email Martin Whelshula
509-354-6611