Coming from Colorado and Arizona, Julie's career in education spans over two decades.  She comes to the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub with experience as a STEM-educator, classroom teacher, instructional coach/leader and college professor.  She is passionate about supporting teachers in STEM education and collaborating with community partners to bring STEM experiences to every student. She understands the challenges rural educators face, but believes that through collaboration and connection, we can achieve our goals together. 

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Julie serves on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Science Teachers Association and the Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA).  She is a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association and a PDS Specialist for the National Council for Professional Recognition.

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Julie holds an A.A.S in Early Childhood Education, a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

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Reach Julie by email at: jcucuel@cgesd.k12.or.us

Originally from Maine, Kate is a Fulbright Scholar with experience teaching English to German students and as a Student Services Coordinator at two community colleges in Maine and Colorado.  Kate has served as the Career Connected Learning Coordinator at Hood River Valley High School and the Associate Director of Student Outreach & Recruitment at Columbia Gorge Community College.

 

As a STEM Hub Coordinator, Kate is eager to continue collaborating with educators, students, families, and community and industry partners to expand access to Career Connected Learning opportunities for students across the region.

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Kate holds a B.A. in German Studies from Bates College and an M.S. in Education from Thomas College. She also studied German Language and Literature through the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau.

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Reach Kate by email at: kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us

Born and raised in the Columbia Gorge, Carolyn is eager to give back to the community in her role as a STEM Hub Coordinator. She has taught children ages preschool through fifth grade at schools throughout the Willamette Valley and the Columbia River Gorge.

 

As an educator and lifelong learner, Carolyn appreciates being part of a program that supports and inspires educators in fostering a STEM-literate generation through meaningful and hands-on STEM experiences.

 

Carolyn holds a B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Western Oregon University.
 

​Reach Carolyn by email at: cfelderman@cgesd.k12.or.us

A native Oregonian, Jennifer began her career working in Silicon Forest (the Portland/Beaverton area) before moving to the Gorge and taking time off to start a family. During the COVID epidemic, with her children at home, she became deeply involved in their education, which led to her contributing to the development of local educational options and sharing her passion for technology as a computer science instructor for middle-grade students.

 

Now, as a STEM Hub Coordinator, Jennifer is excited to aid local educators in bringing innovative tools and resources into their classrooms and introducing emerging technologies to students across the five-county region.

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Jennifer holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Oregon State University.

 

Reach Jennifer by email at: jhart@cgesd.k12.or.us

Nicole is a local of the Pacific Northwest and the first in her immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree. She is also a scholarship recipient and strongly believes in the value of education. Nicole has served as the operations manager for a small startup company, a freelance writer and editor, and a college writing and English tutor for several local community colleges. Nicole is excited to use her skillsets to help increase access to educational services for students.

 

Nicole holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV). She will support both the STEM Hub and Four Rivers Early Learning & Parenting Hub in operations.

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Reach Nicole by email at: ntolmie@cgesd.k12.or.us