Staff Directory
Staff Directory
- Administration
- Teaching Staff
- Counseling
- Office Staff
- Nurse and Health Room
- Library Staff
- Specialists
- Additional Resources
- Instructional Assistants
- Para Educators
- Custodians
- Food Services
Administration

Elise LaMont
Principal
Greetings! I look forward to coming to school every day to be part of the amazing Kamiakin community. My core values include the belief that all students can learn and that education must address the whole child by recognizing and supporting each student's unique strengths, experiences, and needs.
I am deeply committed to Culturally Responsive Teaching and believe that strong relationships are the foundation of student success. I value inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, and creating learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. I love learning from our students and families and believe that our diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences make our school community stronger.
Before transitioning into administration, I spent many years as a high school Spanish teacher, and I am proud to speak Spanish. I am also currently working to learn Portuguese, which has given me an even greater appreciation for the experiences of multilingual learners and families. Building connections with families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work, and I enjoy meeting new people, learning their stories, and partnering together to support student growth and achievement.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns regarding student discipline, athletics, school safety, ASB activities, special education, and/or student intervention systems.
I love serving students by helping them set and achieve goals, prepare for a successful high school experience, and contribute to an inclusive, safe, and welcoming school culture where everyone belongs.
- Elise
elamont@lwsd.org

Stacey Conley
Associate Principal, students A-L
I’m so happy to serve as an Associate Principal at Kamiakin Middle School. For the past four years, I’ve been part of this amazing school community, and for the last two years, I’ve supported our school as Interim Associate Principal. During this time, I’ve come to truly appreciate our students, families, staff, and the entire Kamiakin community. I believe that working together as a team is essential to our success. Collaboration between students, families, staff, and the community helps us grow stronger and achieve more. I’m excited to keep building a school where everyone feels safe, supported, and proud to be a Kamiakin Cougar.
- Stacey
sconley@lwsd.org

Jo Richards
Associate Principal, students M-Z
Originally from Georgia, Jo has served in a variety of roles as both teacher and administrator for every grade level in Florida, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and New Hampshire. He is passionate about ensuring that each student has the opportunity, support, and encouragement to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Excited to make the big move to the Pacific Northwest, Jo is happy to be joining the Kamiakin Middle School community and proudly becoming a Cougar!
A dedicated family man, Jo enjoys weight training, running, and playing with his two young sons. He also loves traveling with his wife together they’ve explored 37 countries. Jo is a devoted fan of the Lakers, Atlanta Braves, and Georgia Bulldogs.

Morgan Douglas
Dean of Students
I'm so excited to be at Kamiakin as Dean of Students. This role feels like a natural extension of everything I care about—supporting students, building strong relationships, and helping shape a school culture where everyone feels they belong.
I grew up in Sherwood, Oregon, and have several family members who were educators. They instilled in me a deep belief in the power of education to shape lives and transform communities. That belief has guided me in my career as a high school math teacher, connecting with students and helping them discover their own strengths.
Outside of work, I share life with my husband, Chris, and our dog, Klaus. I’m a proud nerd (ask me about Star Wars or board games!), a boxing enthusiast, and someone who never turns down a good puzzle. I’m looking forward to getting to know the amazing people at Kamiakin and contributing to the continued success of this incredible school.
- Morgan
mordouglas@lwsd.org
Teaching Staff
A - H

Ashley Anderson
Math

Ashley Bailey
SpEd - Math Resource


Virginia Bratton
LA/SS, Quest

Jenel Bueing
SpEd - TC

Jack Henry Clemens
Math, Math Quest

Chloe Cook
ELA
K - Q

Neil Kells
PE, Athletic Director

Cristina Kollinger-Collesei
Spanish

Kris Lemley
PE, Health

Marie McAllister
Science

David Meza
Orchestra, Comp Lit

Melodie Nagasawa
Math

Kierre Nicholson
Science

John Northey
Band

Lorin O'Rear
ELA

Tyler Paris
Leadership, Reading

Sara Partlow
Science

Rachael Perkins
Art
R - Z

Doug Rakel
SpEd - ELA Resource

Sydney Robertson
ELA

Kelsey Ruth
Geometry

Sonja Saar
SS, Comp Lit

Cindy Simon
Librarian

Jeremiah Skalisky
LA/SS Quest

Kerie TaborDunn
FCS

Reyhan Tatli
ML

Randall Templin
LA/SS Quest

Seema Vaze
Algebra

Counseling
Office Staff
Nurse and Health Room
Library Staff
Specialists
Additional Resources
My role includes collaborating with administration, teachers, counselors, families and community members to ensure that students receive the support they need to be successful. This involves providing equitable services for families and students with varying needs; advocating for students and families; and implementing family engagement programs and learning opportunities, as well as cultural events.
It is my passion to help bridge gaps that may arise due to differences in language, socioeconomic status, social practices, culture, etc. to ensure that all students and families feel connected, supported and valued.
I am honored to serve the Kamiakin community as the Family and Community Engagement Liaison.
I work with families and students needing additional community resources when dealing with challenges outside of the school system. These challenges can include issues around food insecurity, housing, bills, transportation. The goal is to assist families to alleviate challenges at home so their student(s) can excel in school.
Additionally, I am continuously seeking out community programs, opportunities, and resources to connect with and bring into Kamiakin that will benefit our students, families, and school community in a more streamlined approach.
Another major task of mine is providing additional support for students via mentorship and small groups. Students facing higher needs can be referred, whom I can closely work with to address and alleviate any challenge areas.
My role at Kamiakin is to provide behavioral health services such as individual and group mental health counseling, substance use counseling, suicide risk assessments, and suicide/substance use prevention services. I work collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and community partners to support students' overall well-being and connect them with additional resources when needed.
Some of the challenges I can help students with include (but are not limited to): anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, grief and loss, stress, conflict with friends/family, behavioral challenges at school or home, and substance use (alcohol, vaping, nicotine, marijuana, etc.)
My approach to counseling is holistic, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow. I am currently licensed in the state of Washington as a Mental Health Counselor Associate. I am trained in Motivational Interviewing and Play Therapy and utilize skills from other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Counseling services are confidential and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, with exceptions being: imminent threat of suicide, an intent to harm others, being harmed by others, or when client/family gives written permission.
School Engagement Specialist
As School Engagement Specialist for the Juanita Learning Community, I provide support for students with attendance challenges. I partner with these students, their families, and school staff to identify and reduce barriers to success and increase school engagement. This includes administering needs assessments, coordinating interventions to ensure students have access to the services and resources needed to overcome challenges, and filing truancy petitions in accordance with the state’s Becca Bill.
In this role, I serve as a liaison between schools, families, and the King County Juvenile Court. I support students and families as they navigate the truancy process and the court system. Ultimately, my goal is to advocate for the individual needs of students while promoting regular school attendance.
Instructional Assistants
Para Educators

Stella Batzel
sbatzel@lwsd.org

Ancy George
aedwinjalaja@lwsd.org

Martin Chamberlain
mchamberlain@lwsd.org

Alia Helsing
ahelsing@lwsd.org

Klarissa Sell
ksell@lwsd.org

Laura Crocenzi
lcrocenzi@lwsd.org

Lekha Karunanithi
skarunanithi@lwsd.org
























