Meet Our Office Team
Dr. Jesse Watson
Position: Executive Director
Education: Ed.D. Organizational Leadership, M.S. Educational Leadership, M.I.T. Teaching, B.A., NBCT
Jesse has worked in education for 23 years as a teacher and an administrator. She has been the executive director at SHAPA since 2012. Jesse spends her time living off grid and homesteading on 67 acres. She enjoys gardening and traveling. Jesse has traveled to 16 countries.
Julie Yakis
Position: Principal
Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, MA in Curriculum & Instruction, MA in Education Administration with Principal Licensure
Julie has taught in private schools and virtual charter schools over the past 12 years. She graduated in April 2024 with her Administration degree from George Fox University. This is her first year as a Principal with SHAPA. She is a huge advocate for students who have experienced all forms of Abuse, Trauma, and/or Bullying. She has training in Trauma in Education and Inclusion Classroom. She has taken several classes with OSU on Agriculture in Education. In her last teacher role she created and ran the school’s Reading Intervention Program. She lives in Lebanon and enjoys gardening, crafting, helping on her parents’ hobby farm and reading.
Position: Business Manager
Education: BA
Position: Technology Specialist
Position: School Counselor, Early College Coordinator, 504 Coordinator
Education: BS in Psychology and Honors, MA in School Counseling, Nationally Certified Counselor
Kale has a passion for reducing the barriers impacting students’ lives and actively advocates for the success of every student. He holds post-graduate specializations in Trauma & Crisis Management, Grief and Loss, Students with Special Needs, Anxiety and Stress Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and more. Kale lives in Sherwood, OR with his wife and two dogs. In his free time, he loves spending time with family, adventuring in nature, and reading, and he is always up for any game!
Position: Executive Assistant
Position: Janitor/ Handyman
I have many years of experience in the Janitorial business. I have been taught to clean almost any surface or fabrics. I am a proud Father of 4 Boys with a passion for skateboarding and to be a better person than I was yesterday 🙂
Position: Registrar
Susan joined SHAPA in 2018 as the Registrar and Attendance Secretary. She previously spent 17 years in the dental insurance industry as a provider relations representative. Susan places a high value on customer service and strives to assist families, students, and the teaching staff to ensure smooth transitions and clear communications.