OSBA Staff

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Kristen Miles joined OSBA in August, 2016. Kristen began her career in education as a teacher, specializing in early childhood education. She transitioned to district work as a board secretary, then became the Director of the Charter Schools Program at Portland Public Schools, where she served for 8 years.

Kristen has worked extensively with school boards and charter school boards, created and delivered professional development on a wide range of issues, participated in statewide and legislative work groups, and has developed and conducted program evaluations for district and charter schools all over the state. Kristen believes that board work is foundational to student success, and hopes to incorporate this philosophy into her trainings.

Kristen earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Vocal Performance from the University of Oregon, and her Masters of Public Administration from Portland State University, where she graduated at the top of her class.

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Janet Avila-Medina is a strong education advocate. As an OSBA Board Development Specialist, Janet supports board members and helps them develop continuous improvement to become strong leaders.
She holds a Master’s of Public Policy degree from the University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon. Prior to graduate school, she was a coordinator for Early Learning Washington County, a unique partnership between United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Washington County Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked with diverse stakeholders and community partners to create a coordinated and aligned early childhood education system in Washington County.

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Vincent Adams joined OSBA in April 2020 and has served on the Corvallis School Board since 2013. His career spans a service in the U.S. Navy, working in emergency medical services and business management. He comes to OSBA from Oregon State University where he was the director of the Rural Communities Explorer, a program that provides demographic, economic and social information about Oregon’s places and counties. There he was able to learn and work alongside local government officials, nonprofit professionals and active residents as they engaged in data informed decision-making processes.

Vince believes that effective school board governance is fundamental to student outcomes and exists at the intersection of high value information, well-articulated values and collaborative decision-making processes. He strives to keep students at the center as he seeks to empower school boards across Oregon.

Vincent earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in environmental science and a master’s degree in public policy at Oregon State University.

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Jenn Nelson joined OSBA in April 2022 with a wide range of experience in board and local government operations and policy. She began her career as a municipal clerk for the cities of Newberg and Carlton before transitioning to the educational field as a substitute. After working as a teaching assistant in special education, she transferred to the secretary to the board of directors at Newberg Public Schools.

Jenn believes board secretaries and assistants serve in crucial positions to support school boards in doing the necessary work of effective governance to result in student success. She is passionate about supporting and elevating the role of administrative professionals serving Oregon school boards through professional development, shared best practices and statewide networking.

Jenn earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and her certification as a municipal clerk through the Northwest Institute of Municipal Clerks.

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Tandalin was born and raised in Lakeview, Oregon; the county seat of Lake County, the Tallest Town in Oregon, and a region known as the Oregon Outback. Tandalin attended Eastern Oregon University, where she earned a B. Sc. in Liberal Studies emphasizing in Business/Marketing.

Tandalin brings a diverse angle and significant amount of experience to the Board Development team, as she has held the roles of Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Administrative Professional, and Board Secretary to the Board of Directors, followed by the role of Human Resources Director.  In addition, for the past several years, Tandalin has also served as Executive Assistant to the Director and Board of Directors for the Oregon Small Schools Association.

During her career, Tandalin’s greatest focus and passion has been, and will continue to be, achieving student success. She believes when we work together, with one voice, we will provide the best opportunities possible for all students and no child will be left behind.

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Alex Pulaski joined OSBA’s staff as a communications specialist in February 2013, and rose to communications director in August 2016. He has had an integral role in “The Promise of Oregon” campaign, and has worked closely with school board members and districts to address their communications challenges, including crisis communications. He is a product of K-12 public schools and community college.

Before joining OSBA, Alex spent 16 years at The Oregonian as a reporter and editor. Before that he was a reporter and editor at The Fresno Bee. During his reporting career he has covered everything from schools to courts to growth to agriculture and migrant farm workers. In 2000, he and reporter Brent Walth were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting for their series on the politics of pesticides. Alex is fluent in Spanish.

Alex attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif., and received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Cal State University, Fresno. He has a minor in economics.

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Jake Arnold joined OSBA’s staff in January 2017 as communications and news specialist. He is responsible for reporting triumphs, challenges and stories of interest to OSBA members. He also has an integral role in the restructuring of the association’s news products, and helps support the communications needs of OSBA and its members.

Before joining OSBA, Jake spent 15 years working as an editor and writer for The Oregonian, where he rose to copy desk chief and production leader. He has also worked for newspapers in Alaska, California, Kansas and New Zealand, and he has won numerous headline writing awards. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

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Gina Hutchinson joined OSBA in November 2016.

Before that, Gina ran her own freelance graphic design business, providing design support for local companies, non-profits, and individuals. Prior to that, Gina spent seven years working as a communication specialist at a Tualatin-area church. She also gained valuable printing experience working in the pre-press and Mac department at a Portland print shop. Gina enjoys all aspects of design from concept/development to design to production.

When Gina is away from her desk, she enjoys running with her yellow lab, Wrigley, baking, and fishing.

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Lori Sattenspiel, joined the Oregon School Boards Association in August 2007, from the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) where she was the Legislative Director for two years. Previously, Lori was the Director of Operations at OCCA and worked to provide services to the community college board members, presidents, and administrators. Prior to that, she worked as a member services coordinator in the Oregon Senate majority office.

A Dallas, Oregon, native and graduate of Willamette University, Sattenspiel has expertise in postsecondary education funding and policy, and has lobbied on behalf of Oregon’s community colleges at the state Capitol.

She has served in many volunteer capacities, including coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball; and, with daughter Morgyn, training assistance dogs. She was inducted into the Dallas High School Basketball Hall of Fame and has a history starting and operating successful small businesses.

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Michael Miller was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest.  He joined OSBA’s Litigation Services Department in June 2016.  Prior to joining OSBA, Michael practiced civil litigation at various law firms in Portland and Northern California for more than 14 years.  Michael graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts’ Degree in 1998.  He then earned his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2001.

Michael has significant civil litigation experience, with an emphasis in personal injury litigation, premises liability, and general tort defense.  At OSBA, he provides advice and litigation services to member school districts, charter schools, education service districts, and community colleges.

Michael is admitted to practice law in all Oregon state and federal courts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  He is also a member of the State Bar of California and the Washington State Bar Association.

During his free time, Michael likes to spend time with his family and friends and explore the Oregon Coast.

Education and Admissions

Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., 2001

University of Washington, B.A., 1998

California State Bar, 2001

Oregon State Bar, 2006

Washington State Bar, 2016

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2001

United States District Court, Northern District of California, 2001

United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2006

Professional Distinctions and Affiliations

Lewis & Clark Law School Alumni Board of Directors

Oregon Association of Defense Counsel

Multnomah Bar Association

• Events Committee (2012 – 2015)
• YSL Membership Committee, Past Chair

Marion County Bar Association

Oregon Council of School Attorneys

National Council of School Attorneys

Imprint Program volunteer

Noteworthy Litigation Outcomes

Andrews v. Treasure Valley Community College, No.  2:19-cv-1314-SU, 2020 WL 1674119, (D. Or. Apr. 6, 2020)

Andrews v. Treasure Valley Community College, No. 2:19-cv-01314-SU, 2020 WL 1678050, (D. Or. Mar. 18, 2020)

Cade v. Ontario School District No. 8c, No. 2:20-cv-02172-SU, 2021 WL 2555663 (D. Or. June 18, 2021)

Cade v. Ontario School District No. 8c, Civ. No. 2:20-cv-02172-SU, 2021 WL 2561762 (D. Or. Pendleton Div. May 13, 2021)

Presentations

2024

• Where are we now? A Look Back at 2023 Hot Topics in School Law – OSPA Virtual Winter Retreat

2022

• Mitigating Risk & Legal Liability, OSBA Summer Board Conference

2019

• How to Run a Board Hearing (attorney panel), OSBA Annual Convention
• Ethics for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Student Civil Rights and Discipline, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Employment Practices, OSBA webinar

2018

• Avoiding Employment Lawsuits, COSA/OSBA/UO School Law Conference
• Ethics for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• School Law for Board Members (attorney panel), OSBA Summer Board Conference

2017

• Bullying and Harassment, St. Helens School District

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Amy Lopez is a native Oregonian, born in Portland and raised in Ashland. She started primary school in Tigard-Tualatin and moved to Ashland in the fourth grade where she ultimately graduated from High School. Amy played volleyball on a full-ride scholarship at Portland State University and finished college playing softball for the Raiders at Southern Oregon University. Amy obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Southern Oregon University. Amy earned her law degree from Western Michigan University.

Amy joined OSBA’s legal department in March 2018. Prior to joining OSBA, Amy worked for over six years at a private law firm in Sacramento, California representing a variety of public entities in civil litigation matters; school districts were the majority of her caseload. Prior to litigating at a private firm, Amy worked as a public servant for Colusa County Counsel’s Office, and the California Department of Justice in the Appeals, Writs & Trials Section of the Criminal Division.

Amy has significant litigation experience in employment and school law matters in both State and Federal Court. Amy provides advice and litigation services to Oregon’s member school districts, charter schools, education service districts, and community colleges.

Amy is admitted to practice law in Oregon and California state and federal courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education and Admissions

Southern Oregon University, B.S., 2006

Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School, J.D., 2010

California State Bar, 2011

United States District Court, Eastern District of California, 2014

United States District Court, Northern District of California, 2016

Oregon State Bar, 2017

United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2018

United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 2018

Professional Distinctions and Affiliations

National Criminal Justice Honor Society – Alpha Phi Sigma

Honors Scholarship Recipient

Certificates of Merit: Business Organizations, and Advanced Writing

Moot Court Best Advocate

Women Lawyers of Sacramento

Sacramento County Bar Association

Jackson County Bar Association

Marion County Bar Association

Federal Bar Association

Association of Defense Counsel, Northern California

Oregon Association of Defense Counsel

Oregon Women Lawyers

National Council of School Attorneys

Oregon Council of School Attorneys

Law Student Mock Interviews, Willamette University College of Law

Presentations & Trainings

2023

• Minimizing Employment Liability, OSBA Annual Conference

2022

• Public Records – Hot Topics Table, OSBA Annual Convention

2019

• Employment Practices Liability Training, Rogue Community College
• ADA Disability Accommodations and Service Animals, PACE Webinar
• Employee Discipline and Terminations, PACE Day
• Employment Practices, PACE Webinar
• School Law for Board Members Attorney Panel, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Student Civil Rights and Discipline, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Attorney Panel, Douglas ESD Annual Conference
• How to Run a Board Hearing, OSBA Annual Conference
• Public Records Hot Topic, OSBA Annual Conference
• Managing your Public Relations without Making it Your Full-time Job: Records Requests and Complaints,COSA Oregon School Law Conference

2018

• Hiring Practices, PACE Webinar
• Student Civil Rights, COSA Oregon School Law Conference

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Kara graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Oregon in 2003. After teaching English in South Korea for two years, she returned to the United States and began her decade-long career in higher education administration, working at the assistant director level in financial aid offices and registrars’ offices at two of Oregon’s four-year public universities. Kara then attended Willamette University College of Law and graduated cum laude in 2023. She worked as a law clerk and then as an associate attorney in the school law section at Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C. for three years until she joined OSBA’s legal team in February 2024. She is a member of the Oregon State Bar and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

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Tonyia Brady was raised in Dallas, Oregon. She is a proud product of the Oregon public school system. Tonyia attended the University of Oregon and graduated Cum Laude with degrees in political science and history. She then went on to earn her law degree from Willamette University College of Law. Tonyia joined OSBA’s legal department in 2020. Prior to joining OSBA, she worked as an employment litigator at a small firm in Salem, Oregon for over 9 years. During law school, Tonyia worked as a law clerk for the Employment Litigation Section of the Oregon Department of Justice and interned for the Honorable Anna J. Brown, an Oregon U.S. District Court judge. Tonyia has significant experience in employment law litigation as well as counseling and advising clients in various areas of the law. At OSBA, she provides advice, trainings, and litigation services to member school districts, charter schools, ESDs, and community colleges. Tonyia is a member of the Oregon State Bar, United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and the United States District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education and Admissions

• Willamette University College of Law, J.D., 2010

• University of Oregon, B.S., 2007

• Oregon State Bar, 2010

• United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2010

• United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2014

Professional Distinctions and Affiliations

• Marion County Bar Association

• Oregon Women Lawyers

• Oregon Council of School Attorneys

• National Council of School Attorneys

• Oregon Association of Defense Counsel

• Oregon Super Lawyer’s “Rising Star” 2013-2020

Presentations

2024

• Where are we now? A Look Back at 2023 Hot Topics in School Law – OSPA Virtual Winter Retreat

2023

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools – Oregon School Law Conference
• PACE Legal Updates – High Desert ESD
• Parental Rights, OSBA Annual Conference
• Staff Absences and Protected Leaves Presentation, OASBO Conference
• Gender Equality, PACE Webinar
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Oregon Athletic Directors Association Conference
• Social Media Do’s & Don’ts, Oregon Athletic Directors Association Conference
• Employment Issues and the Law, OSPA Spring Conference
• Contracting with Third Parties, PACE Day
• Adverse Employment Separations: Do’s and Don’ts, PACE Webinar
• Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat

2022

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools, COSA School Law Conference
• Hot Topics – Parental Rights, OSBA Annual Convention
• Parental Rights to Student Records, OSBA Annual Convention
• Employment Law and Practices, Rogue Community College
• Employment & The Legal Stuff: Incentive Checklist, Harassment, Discrimination, and Other Workplace Investigations, OASBO Summer Conference
• Adverse Employment Separations, Do’s and Don’ts, OSPA Summer Retreat
• Employee Speech – Curriculum Choices, Campaigning and Political Signs in Classrooms, OSPA Spring Conference
• Protected Leave Update: OFLA, FMLA, ADA Accommodation Leave, Oregon Paid Leave & More, OCCA Annual Conference
• Social Media Do’s and Don’ts, OADA Conference
• Women’s History Month – Pay Equity, Gender/Sex Discrimination, Title IX, PACE Webinar
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Athletic Directors, OADA Conference
• Staff-on-Staff Harassment vs. Employee Speech Rights, Oregon City School District Equity Conference

2021

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools, COSA School Law Conference
• Complaint Process, PACE Webinar
• The School’s Responsibility Around Bullying, PACE Webinar
• Conducting Investigations, Reynolds School District
• Grooming, SAM, & COVID: What you need to know heading back to school, OSSOA Annual Summer Conference
• Protected leave update—OFLA, FMLA, ADA accommodation leave, Oregon paid leave and more!, OASBO 2021 Summer Conference
• Everything you Would Want to Know About Job Descriptions and More!, OASBO 2021 Summer Conference
• Sex Abuse Prevention and Sexual Conduct Legal Requirements, OASBO 2021 Summer Conference
• The Board’s Legal Obligation to Ensure Equity and Nondiscrimination in Public Schools, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Contracting with Outside Entities/Third-Parties, PACE Webinar
• The Human Resource Professional’s Role in Ensuring Equity, Diversity and Non-Discrimination in Oregon’s Public Schools, OSPA Spring Conference
• Employee Discipline and Termination in School Districts – Navigating Complex Statues and CBA provisions, PACE Day
• Student Disability Accommodations and 504 Plans, PACE Webinar
• Employee Disability Accommodations/ADA, PACE Webinar
• Handling Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior Between Staff and Students, OSPA Winter Retreat

2020

• Complaint Investigations, PACE Webinar
• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools, COSA
• Student Speech: Where does student speech cross the line to student discipline?, PACE Webinar
• Navigating the Bermuda Triangle of Employee Leave Entitlements: The Intersection of FMLA/OFLA, the ADA, and Workers’ Compensation Leaves, OASBO Virtual Conference
• Political Speech in Schools, PACE Webinar
• Student and Staff Safety in a Virtual Learning Environment, Oregon City School District
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Contracts During COVID-19 School Closures and Beyond, PACE Webinar
• Employee Leave During COVID-19 School Closures, PACE Webinar

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Brian Kernan was raised in Redmond, Washington. Brian obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. He also studied Mandarin Chinese in college and spent a year in China after graduating from Santa Clara. Brian moved to Portland in 2011 to attend law school. He obtained his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2014.

Brian joined OSBA’s legal department in 2021. Prior to joining OSBA, Brian worked as a Senior Assistant County Counsel for Marion County, where he provided advice on labor and employment matters. Prior to that, Brian practiced civil litigation at two private law firms in Portland, Oregon for over six years. Brian has significant civil litigation experience, with an emphasis on defending employment matters.

Brian is a member of the Oregon State Bar. He is admitted to practice law in all Oregon state and federal courts. In his spare time, he enjoys running, tennis, and spending time with his family.

Education and Admissions

Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2014

Santa Clara University, B.A. and B.S., 2009

Oregon State Bar, 2014

United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2014

Professional Distinctions and Affiliations

Multnomah County Bar Association

Marion County Bar Association

National Council of School Attorneys

Cabinet Member, Oregon Historical Society

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch distinction in Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment (2021)

PRESENTATIONS 

2024

• Teacher and administrator contract renewal/non-renewal process – PACE Webinar

2023

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small School – Oregon School Law Conference
• Leave Laws including unpaid leave under the ADA, PACE Webinar
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Conference
• Contract Non-Renewal and Complaints, Winston-Dillard School District
• Preventing Workplace Retaliation Claims Presentation, OSPA Fall Summit
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Administrative Professionals and Public Meetings, OSBA Summer Board Conference
• Case Law Update for HR Professionals, OSPA Summer Conference,
• Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat
• Investigations, Reynolds School District

2022

• Legal Issues Impacting Oregon Small Schools, COSA School Law Conference
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Convention
• The Holidays are Upon Us – Religious Freedom vs. Endorsement of Religion, PACE Webinar
• Public Records Requests, COSA Pre-Conference
• PACE Legal Update for Coaches, Corvallis School District
• Workplace Harassment Prevention Training, Oregon City School District
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Adverse Employment Separations, Community College Virtual Training Day
• Parental Rights Update, OSPA Virtual Winter Retreat

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Callen Sterling was born and raised in the Midwest. She became a Pacific Northwest transplant when she moved to Oregon in 2009 to attend law school.

Callen has been a member of the Oregon State Bar since 2012. She rejoined OSBA’s legal department in November 2020, after previously working there from 2017-2019. Prior to joining OSBA, Callen worked for Garrett Hemann Robertson, providing legal services to educational institutions on a variety of labor and employment matters. She has also served as a civil rights policy analyst for the Oregon Department of Education, and a deputy county attorney for both Coos and Linn County.

Callen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience from Hamilton College, and a Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Willamette University College of Law.

Callen is admitted to practice law in all Oregon state and federal courts. She is an active member in the community, serving on the Salem Library Advisory Board. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking and exploring Oregon with her family.

Presentations

2024

• Teacher and administrator contract renewal/non-renewal process – PACE Webinar

2023

• Student Records Management – Oregon School Law Conference
• School Law and Finance – Oregon School Law Conference
• Parental Rights, OSBA Annual Conference
• Contract Non-Renewal and Complaints, Winston-Dillard School District
• OASBO Conference, Staff Absences and Protected Leave
• PACE Webinar, Gender Equality
• Employee Leave Laws, Newberg School District Training
• Contracting with Third Parties, PACE Day
• Adverse Employment Separations: Do’s and Don’ts, PACE Webinar
• Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat
• Investigations, Reynolds School District

2022

• Oregon School Law and Finance, COSA School Law Conference
• Executive Session – Hot Topics, OSBA Annual Conference
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Conference
• Navigating the Complaint and Investigation Process, OSPA Fall Conference
• Employment Law and Practice, Rogue Community College
• So Now You’re a Supervisor, Southwestern Oregon Community College
• Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Southwestern Oregon Community College
• Workplace Harassment Prevention Training, Oregon City School District
• Mitigating Risk and Liability, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Complaint Procedures, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Executive Session Hot Topics, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Legal Hot Topics for Rural School Districts, Oregon Small Schools Conference
• Hiring Process, PACE Webinar
• Complaint Policy and Processing, PACE Day
• Women’s History Month – Pay Equity, Gender/Sex Discrimination, Title IX, PACE Webinar
• Staff-on-Staff Harassment vs. Employee Speech Rights, Oregon City School District Equity Conference

2021

• Complaint Process, PACE Webinar
• Oregon School Law and Finance, COSA School Law Conference
• Conducting Investigations, Reynolds School District
• Accommodating Employee and Student Disabilities in the COVID-19 Era, PACE Webinar
• Legal Considerations for Board Members, Sherwood School District
• The School’s Title IX Investigative Responsibilities, the Interplay with SB 155 Sexual Conduct Investigations and the School Resource Officer’s Role, OSROA Annual Conference
• The Board’s Legal Obligation to Ensure Equity and Nondiscrimination in Public Schools, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Board Best Practices, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
• Hiring Dos and Don’ts, PACE Webinar
• Legal Hot Topics, OSSA Conference
• The Human Resource Professional’s Role in Ensuring Equity, Diversity and Non-Discrimination in Oregon’s Public Schools, OSPA Spring Conference
• Employee Discipline and Termination in School Districts – Navigating Complex Statues and CBA provisions, PACE Day
• Charter Schools: Ask PACE Anything, PACE Day
• Employee Disability Accommodations/ADA, PACE Webinar
• School Law for Board Members, OSBA Webinar
• Contract Non-Renewals/Non-Extensions, PACE Webinar

2020

• Oregon School Law and Finance, COSA School Law Conference
• Student Speech: Where does student speech cross the line to student discipline?, COSA School Law Conference

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Therese was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Geography and worked in human resources before obtaining her law degree from Willamette University College of Law in 2012. She has been a member of the Oregon State Bar since 2012 and is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

Therese worked for a workers’ compensation firm and a business law firm, Saalfeld Griggs, before joining OSBA in 2016. Therese was with OSBA for two years and then returned to private practice for another five years before rejoining OSBA in January 2023. While in private practice, Therese defended employers against employment-related litigation, and she has over a decade of experience advising clients on legal compliance and risk management. Therese is familiar with the wide variety of legal issues facing OSBA’s members.

Although Therese is not originally from Oregon, she has embraced Oregon as her new home and has visited each of Oregon’s counties at least once. She enjoys cooking, reading and traveling in her spare time.

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Bryce Carson started contracting for OSBA in an IT capacity Nov. 1, 2015. He then signed on full-time Feb. 1, 2016, as the Manager of Information Systems. Bryce comes to OSBA with over 20 years of professional IT experience. He started out in IT when he entered the U.S. Navy in the early 1980s.

Bryce started his own successful IT consulting company in the early ‘90s. In addition, he served as the IT manager for a Fortune 500 company for 11-plus years. He also pursued several IT contract opportunities in private business.

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Dave came to Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) with over thirty years of experience as a General Manager with a management company. He has experience in building strong client relationships with key administrators in the public and private school environment. In an addition to an Associate Degree of applied science in electronics engineering, Dave has attended numerous training programs from ethics to affirmative action plans, from equity and inclusion to client engagement.

As the Property and Casualty Coverage for Education (PACE) pool Administrator for OSBA, Dave has helped shape the continual improvement of the PACE program. He continues to increase the opportunity of risk and legal counsel trainings and workshops, and online resources to its members. Dave has especially focused on being a face for PACE, by meeting with members in all corners of the state, to listen to all needs in person and creating action plans to address service needs. His goal is to continually and intentionally improve the benefits of PACE, so that all public educational institutions and their students can be safe, informed and thriving.

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Spencer Lewis joined OSBA in July 2014. He is the Director of Policy Services. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a major in mathematics and certificate in secondary education. Spencer earned a juris doctorate from the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law in December 2013. Spencer is admitted to practice law in Oregon and Utah.

Spencer spent more than five years in the classroom, teaching all levels of high school math, and as a bilingual assistant and translator in Russian. He also worked for the Utah State Office of Education as a workshop developer and facilitator, and as an assessment writer. While in law school, he clerked for the Utah Attorney General’s office for nearly two years, served as the Summer Fellow for the Center for Innovation in Legal Education, and worked alongside professors as a research assistant in the law school’s library.

Spencer grew up in Sweet Home, Oregon and is proud to be a product of Oregon public education.

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