March Celebrations: ESD 113 Staff

Mar 11 2026

This month, ESD 113’s new Board of Directors Chair, Dr. Harry Carthum, begins a board recognition initiative called “Celebrations.” This new initiative will recognize schools, students, ESD 113 staff, and community partners for the incredible work they do!

This March, we’re recognizing some of the longest-serving ESD 113 employees. They’ve seen ESD 113 through numerous leaders, initiatives, and phases in education, and still choose to show up every day! Many of these colleagues are the backbone of programs and help keep ESD 113 running like a well-oiled machine, ensuring students and educators get the very best.

These employees were here before smartphones, before streaming, and before anyone had heard of a Chromebook. They hammer-timed their way through the 90s and survived Y2K without the computer overlords taking over (...yet). They used dial-up internet, phonebooks, and fax machines. They are the originals (the OGs), the building blocks of ESD 113 excellence, and the ESD 113 Board of Directors is proud to celebrate them!

Meet 14 of our employees who have been with ESD 113 since before 2001 (the year Wikipedia launched) in our ESD 113 Yearbook: “The Ones Before Wikipedia” Edition.

Staff Member	What is one thing you tell others about your work that excites you?
	I get to be innovative and work to improve systems and support for children and youth. This work often has impacts at the State and federal levels. I'm not done yet! -Erin Wick, 1999 Executive Director, ISS
	I love working in Kindergarten and doing Kindergarten groups. They always make you feel like a celebrity. -Kim Mallonee, 1995 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-Licensed
	Working with some amazing people at the ESD and in our districts. -Carrie Harper-Kitzmiller, 1996 Administrator, EdJobsNW
	It’s never boring. -Jeff Krasch, 1996 Warehouse Coordinator, Teaching & Learning
	Creating a safe, trusting, and positive learning environment for children, families, and staff. -Vickie Jensen, 1999 Center Director, Early Learning
	Working with children and families. -Linda Ramsdell, 1999 Teacher, Early Learning
	Watching children and families overcome barriers and seeing their enthusiasm as they reach the milestones they have created for themselves. -Amy DuBois, 1999 Family Health Advocate, Early Learning
	I enjoy working with the kids and the staff. -Teresa Barnes, 1990 Speech Therapy Assistant - Certified
	Seeing the kids being excited about coming to school. -Vickie Ames, 2000 Bus Driver, Early Learning
	Collaborating with teachers in preschool/kindergarten classrooms to provide early intervening services (EIS). -Cyndi Cooley, 1997 Registered Occupational Therapist/Licensed, Special Education Co-op
	What has meant the most are the relationships—working alongside incredible colleagues to support our staff, schools, and community. The trust and flexibility I’ve been given, especially through remote work, have allowed me to serve with dedication while also honoring my personal life. I’m deeply grateful for that balance and the purpose this work continues to bring me. -Nichol Lindsay, 1993 Administrator Professional, ISS
	Teaching the children. -Elva Sanchez, 1999 Teacher Assistant, Early Learning
	Working with students and families. -Nathan Garrett, 1997 School Psychologist
	Something different every day, and teachers are the best people to work with. -Lynne Forbush, 1997 Administration Professional, Teaching & Learning

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March Celebrations: ESD 113 Staff

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