Meet our Staff
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 since 1998 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 and 29 states.
Julie Yakis
Position: Principal
Education: BA in Early Childhood Education, MA in Curriculum & Instruction, MA in Education Administration with Principal Licensure
Julie 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 Classrooms. She lives in Lebanon with her 2 kids (both attending SHAPA), 3 dogs and chickens. Julie enjoys fishing, gardening and reading.
Position: Executive Assistant
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.
Position: Business Manager
Education: BS in Business Administration
Melissa got her BS in Business Administration in 2013 and has been working in Hotel & School Industries since. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching crime and fantasy shows on the weekends.
Position: HR Specialist
Education: M.A. in Education; B.A. in Business Administration
Kelsey has worked in Human Resources since 2013. She has developed eLearning and online training programs for Fortune 500 companies in addition to being an HR Specialist in various industries including manufacturing, insurance, and school districts. In her spare time, she coaches tumbling for West Valley Youth Cheerleading and enjoys making memories with her two children and husband.
Position: Technology Specialist
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: 9-12 School Counselor, 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: K-8 Counselor