OSBA Staff
Executive
Haley Percell
Chief Legal Officer and Interim Deputy Executive Director
Haley Percell is a native Oregonian, born in Portland and raised in Wilsonville and Aurora. She attended primary school in the Wilsonville and Canby public school and attended high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon. Haley obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a Spanish certificate from the University of Portland. Haley earned her law degree from Willamette University College of Law.
Haley joined OSBA’s legal department in March 2011. Prior to joining OSBA, Haley worked for over five years as an employment attorney at a small private law firm in Salem, Oregon.
Haley has significant experience in employment and school law litigation as well as counseling and advising clients regarding employment and school law matters. At OSBA, Haley supervises a staff of seven attorneys and three support staff. She provides advice and litigation services to member school districts, charter schools, education service districts and community colleges.
Haley is admitted to practice law in all Oregon state and federal courts and is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court.
Education and Admissions
Willamette University College of Law, J.D., 2005
University of Portland, B.S., 2002
Oregon State Bar, 2005
United States District Court, District of Oregon, 2005
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2008
Professional Distinctions and Affiliations
National Council of School Attorneys Board of Directors 2022-2024
National Council of School Attorneys Member
Oregon Council of School Attorneys
National Association of College and University Attorneys
Oregon Government Law Section Executive Committee Member
Oregon Women Lawyers
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Multnomah Bar Association
Marion County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
West’s Oregon Super Lawyer’s “Rising Star” 2010
Noteworthy Litigation Outcomes
Houston v. Yoncalla School District No. 32, et al. (700 Fed.Appx. 697, 9th Cir. 2017)
Houston v. Yoncalla School District No. 32, et al. (2016 WL 2660189, Dist. of Or., May 9, 2016)
Holder v. Central Oregon Community College, et al. (2016 WL 1725299, Dist. of Or., April 29, 2016)
Dosier v. Central Oregon Community College, et al. (2015 WL 6121907, Dist. of Or., Oct. 15, 2015)
Houston v. Yoncalla School District No. 32, et al. (2015 WL 413803, Dist. of Or., Jan. 29, 2015)
Leighton v. Three Rivers School District (2015 WL 272894, Dist. of Or., Jan. 20, 2015)
Leighton v. Three Rivers School District (2015 WL 6063638, Dist. of Or., Nov. 12, 2014)
Houston v. Yoncalla School District No. 32, et al. (2014 WL 3514984, Dist. of Or., July 11, 2014)
Rodriguez v. Central School District 13J (2013 WL 6576269, Dist. of Or., Dec. 13, 2013)
Rodriguez v. Central School District 13J (2013 WL 6576278, Dist. of Or., Oct. 4, 2013)
Rodriguez v. Central School District 13J (2013 WL 27851, Dist. of Or., Jan. 1, 2013)
Rodriguez v. Central School District 13J (2012 WL 6756945, Dist. of Or., Nov. 14, 2012)
Solo v. Central Oregon Community College, et al. (2011 WL 6759566, Dist. of Or., Dec. 21, 2011)
Presentations
2023
- Hot Legal Topics – Oregon School Law Conference
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Conference
- Gender Expansive Students and Staff: Laws and State Guidance, PACE Webinar
- PACE Legal Updates, Intermountain ESD
- Social Media Do’s and Don’ts, Canby School District
- Public Meetings & Ethics, OSBA Summer Board Conference
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conference
- Laws and Guidance around Gender, Astoria School District
- School Board Member Do’s and Don’ts Best Practices, La Grande School District
- Social Media Do’s and Don’ts, La Grande School District
- School Board Member Legal Responsibilities and PACE Coverage, Grants Pass School District
- Legal Topics for Small Schools, Oregon Small Schools Association Conference
- PACE Update, PACE Agents Day
- Social Media Do’s & Don’ts, Oregon Athletic Directors Association Conference
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Oregon Athletic Directors Association Conference
- Contracting with Third Parties, PACE Day
- Parental Rights, NSBA COSA School Law Conference
- Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat
- Every Student Belongs and Gender Identity in School Programs, Oregon City Equity Conference
2022
- How Not to Get Fired, COSA School Law Conference
- Student Suicide, COSA School Law Conference
- Hot Topics Panel, COSA School Law Conference
- Superintendent Evaluation, OSBA Annual Convention
- Navigating the Complaint and Investigation Process, OSPA Fall Retreat
- Navigating the Complaint Process, Southwestern Oregon Community College
- So Now You’re a Supervisor, Southwestern Oregon Community College
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Southwestern Oregon Community College
- Parental Rights, PACE Webinar
- PACE Legal Update for Coaches, Corvallis School District
- Employment & The Legal Stuff: Incentive Checklist, Harassment, Discrimination, and Other Workplace Investigations, OASBO Summer Conference
- PACE Hot Topics, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
- Superintendent Evaluations and Performance Management, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA Summer Board Conferences
- Adverse Employment Separations, Community College Virtual Training Day
- 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
- Contracting with Third Parties, PACE Day
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Athletic Directors, OADA Conference
- Social Media Do’s and Don’ts, OADA Conference
- The Parent’s Role in Directing the Education of Their Children in K-12 Public Schools, COSA School Law Conference
- Parental Rights Update, OSPA Winter Retreat
- The History and Legal Landscape of Race Discrimination in K-12 Public Schools, PACE Webinar
- Every Student Belongs and Gender Identity in School Programs, Oregon City School District Equity Conference
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The School Administrator’s Role and Legal Responsibilities, COSA Winter Conference
- The K-12 School Employment Contract Renewal/Non-Renewal Process, PACE Webinar
2021
- Student off-campus Speech and School Districts in an age of Social Media, COSA School Law Conference
- Hot Topics Panel, COSA School Law Conference
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Lincoln County School District Administrators, Lincoln County School District
- Holidays—Religious Freedom v. Endorsement of Religion, PACE Webinar
- The School’s Legal Obligation to Prevent and Address Gender Identity Discrimination in Oregon’s Public Schools, OSPA Virtual Fall Summit Conference
- Protected leave update—OFLA, FMLA, ADA accommodation leave, Oregon paid sick time, Oregon paid family leave, workers’ compensation leave, and more!, OSPA Virtual Fall Summit Conference
- Prohibition of “Symbols of Hate” in Public Schools: Free Speech vs. Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying, NSBA COSA Fall School Law Conference
- Public Meetings Law & Public Records Law, Eugene School District
- PACE Update, OSPA Regional Meeting
- The School’s Role in Addressing Student Death by Suicide: Awareness, Prevention and Postvention, PACE Webinar
- 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
- The Human Resource Professional’s Role in Ensuring Equity, Diversity and Non-Discrimination in Oregon’s Public Schools, OSPA Summer Retreat
- The Board’s Legal Obligation to Ensure Equity and Nondiscrimination in Public Schools, Summer Board Conferences
- Contracting with Outside Entities/Third Parties—COVID-19, PACE Webinar
- The Human Resource Professional’s Role in Ensuring Equity, Diversity and Non-Discrimination in Oregon’s Public Schools, OSPA Spring Conference
- Reasonable Accommodations in the Time of COVID-19, NSBA COSA Spring School Law Conference
- Contracting with Outside Entities/Third Parties: COVID-19 Concerns Addressed, PACE DAY
- Reasonable Accommodations in the Time of COVID-19, NSBA Annual Conference
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA 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 School Law Conference
- School Law Hot Topics Panel, COSA School Law Conference
- SB 155 ODE Sexual Conduct Reporting and Investigation Update, COSA School Law Conference
- Navigating the Bermuda Triangle of Employee Leave Entitlements: The Intersection of FMLA/OFLA, the ADA, and Workers’ Compensation, OASBO Conference
- Homeward Bound: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 on Educating Students at Home, NSBA COSA Fall Conference
- Political Speech in Schools, PACE Webinar
- Legal and Policy Update on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Conduct and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse, OSBA Virtual Summer Board
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA Virtual Summer Board
- Contracts During the Covid-19 School Closures and Beyond, PACE Webinar
- Employee Leave During COVID-19 School Closures, PACE Webinar
- Layoff’s and Furloughs: Legal Considerations of Workforce Restructuring, PACE Webinar
- Distance Learning: Student Privacy and safety During the Covid-19 School Closures, PACE Webinar
- Bullying and Sexual Harassment, North Clackamas School District
- Bullying and Harassment, PACE Webinar
- Employment Hiring Practices, PACE Webinar
2019
- Harassment and Discrimination Prevention, Southwestern Oregon Community College
- The Board’s Role in Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse, OSBA Summer Board Conference
- The Board’s Role in Personnel Matters, Oregon School Boards Association Summer Board Conference
- Sexual Conduct and Sexual Harassment Update, Oregon School Personnel Association
- The Board’s Role in Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse, OSBA Annual Convention
- How to Run a Board Hearing, OSBA Annual Convention
- Title IX Compliance, OSBA Annual Convention
- Legal Issues for Oregon Small Schools, COSA/OSBA/UO School Law Conference
- Top 10 Legal Issues Panel, COSA/OSBA/UO School Law Conference
- Suicide Policy and Prevention: SB 52 (and other suicide bills), COSA/OSBA/UO School Law Conference
- Mandatory Reporter Training for Board Members, OSBA Webinar
- CBD & Medical Marijuana: Recent Changes — and What Remains the Same, NSBA Webinar with NSBA
Board Development
Kristen Miles
Director of Board Development
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.
Janet Avila-Medina
Board Development Specialist
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.
Vincent Adams
Board Development Specialist
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.
Jennifer Nelson
Senior Board Development Administrative Assistant
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.
Tandalin Gerber
Board Development Specialist
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.
Communication Services
Alex Pulaski
Director of Communications
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.
Jake Arnold
Communications and News Specialist
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.
Gina Hutchinson
Graphic Design and Print Specialist
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.
Legislative Services
Lori Sattenspiel
Director of Legislative Services
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.
Legal Services
Michael Miller
Interim Director of Legal Services
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
Cade v. Ontario School District No. 8c, No. 2:20-cv-02172-SU, 2021 WL 2555663 (D. Or. June 18, 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
Amy Lopez
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
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
Kara Parker
Assistant Legal Counsel
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.
Tonyia Brady
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
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
Brian Kernan
Assistant Legal Counsel
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
Callen Sterling
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel, Legal Services Team Lead
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
Therese Holmstrom
Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
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.
Presentations
2024
- Where are we now? A Look Back at 2023 Hot Topics in School Law – OSPA Virtual Winter Retreat
2023
- Student Records Management – Oregon School Law Conference
- School Law and Finance – Oregon School Law Conference
- Leave Laws including unpaid leave under the ADA, PACE Webinar
- School Law for Board Members, OSBA Annual Conference
- Preventing Workplace Retaliation Claims Presentation, OSPA Fall Summit
- Public Meetings & Ethics, OSBA Summer Board Conference
- Administrative Professionals and Public Meetings, OSBA Summer Board Conference
- OSPA Summer Conference, Case Law Update for HR Professionals
- Legal Hot Topics, OSPA Winter Retreat
- Every Student Belongs and Gender Identity in School Programs, Oregon City Equity Conference
Operations and Finance
Bryce Carson
Information Technology Manager
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.
PACE Administration
Dave Harvey
PACE Administrator
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.
Policy Services
Spencer Lewis
Director of Policy Services
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.
Rick Stucky
Policy Services Specialist
Rick Stucky has more than 21 years experience in special education and wide-ranging community service experience. He served on the Salem city council from 2001-2007 and on the Salem Planning Commission. He is president of a nonprofit organization with more than 100 housing units for low-income families.
Rick earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Evansville, Indiana, a master’s degree in special education from the University of Northern Colorado and education administration credentials from Portland State University.