Teachers

Carla Aannerud: English 10, 11 & Bridge to College English

Email: aannerudcarla@newportgriz.com

Hi! I grew up on the west side of Washington, graduating from Peninsula High School in 1987. Not long after I moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where I spent 26 exciting years. At the University of Alaska, I earned my Bachelor of Art majoring in English and minoring in Fine Art. My husband and I moved to Newport in 2015 to be closer to my family! I started as a paraeducator working at Sadie Halstead Middle School. Since that first year, I have worked in the special education department at Stratton Elementary and here at Newport High School. Recently, I began working on my Masters in teaching, secondary English and will be student teaching with Mrs. Burnham in the 2nd trimester of this year! I LOVE being a GRIZ and hope to continue teaching and inspiring our great students in the years to come! In my free time, I love to travel, pursue my love of creating art, and play with my six dogs. Woof!

Chris Altmaier: CTE Computer Science & Cybersecurity

Email:  altmaier@newportgriz.com

Born and raised in Newman Lake, later I lived in Spokane while attending Spokane Community College and later Eastern Washington University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Information Management.  I started at Newport High School in 2014 as the Librarian, adding Robotics as a club and class and later adding Computer Science Essentials, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cyber Security.  In 2017 I became the Newport School District Director of Technology.  I have 4 boys all attending Schools in the district, and continue to love what I do.  Newport has become a large part of our lives and we cannot image it any other way.  GO GRIZ!

David Bradbury:  World History & Strength & Conditioning

Email:  bradburydavid@newportgriz.com

Most people would call me a “Lifer,” although I wasn’t born in Newport.  Just hours after birth (in Coeur d Alene, Idaho), however, I was brought right back to this place I call home.  After graduating from NHS in 1992, I earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern Washington University.  I’ve enjoyed the better part of almost 30 years as an educator - teaching and coaching more than 30 different subjects in three different states and four different school districts.  I’m married to my best friend (Lisa Bradbury - NHS Class of ‘95) and live just two doors down from my heroes (my mom and dad).  Both of our kids are graduates of NHS too!  When I’m not holding court on the day’s topic in World History, I may be found coaching our NHS Clay Target Team, fishing, hiking, camping, barbecuing, or busting tires! 

Lisa Bradbury: English 9, Academic Prep & Intervention

Email: bradburylisa@newportgriz.com

I am proud to say that I am a Grizzly through and through. I graduated from Newport in 1995 and I have lived in Newport most of my life. I went to college to earn my teaching certificate at Eastern Washington University (EWU) and two years later went back to EWU to earn my masters degree.  This is the start of my 21st year of teaching and I truly love working with my students. I learn something new from them everyday. I teach Freshman English and Academic Prep and the Intervention Specialist. I want my students to see value in themselves and believe that they can accomplish what they start. I also believe that the best way for me to help my students realize this is through servant leadership. Go Griz!

Rhonda Burnham: Honors English 10, EWU English 12, Microsoft 1 & 2, & Leadership

Email: burnhamrhonda@newportgriz.com

In 8th grade,  I knew my career pathway was to go to Eastern Washington University and become a high school teacher.  What I didn't know was that I would get to teach in this amazing Newport community!  The Grizzly family has blessed me beyond words, I love my Griz Ohana!  I teach Honors English and several Business CTE courses, but the job duty I most enjoy is serving our student body as one of the ASB Advisors for NHS.  

Amanda Driver: Agriculture

Email:  driveramanda@newportgriz.com

I was raised here in Pend Oreille County.  I attended Washington State University and Eastern Washington University.  I majored in Animal Science, Elementary Education: Reading, and minored in Art.  I have been in education for 19 years, working in Newport since 2017.  We live on a ranch in central PO County.  My three boys attend school here at Newport.  Supporting students and families is my favorite part of working in education.

Jannell Earle: Science

Email: earlejannell@newportgriz.com

I joined the Newport Griz Family in 2014 as a Science/Math teacher.  I received both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Eastern Washington University majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Aquatic Ecology. I am certified in Science, Biology, Mathematics and Career and Technical Education (CTE).  I have always enjoyed the learning environment and now I have the dream job full of curiosity and discovery each day!

Angie Grant: Special Education

Email: grantangie@newportgriz.com

I was born in Spokane and graduated from Ferris High School. I received my Associates Arts Degree from Spokane Falls Community College, my Bachelors in Special Education from Eastern Washington University, and my Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.  I moved to Diamond Lake 15 years ago with my husband Alex, and I am in my 11th year of teaching Special Education in the Newport School District. There is nowhere else I would rather teach! Go Griz!!

Kati Henshaw: Health, HBS, Med.Assisting & Fire Science

Email: henshawkati@newportgriz.com

I am proud to say that I attended K-12 here! I worked for the US Forest Service as a wildland firefighter for eight years. When I was ready for a new career, I became a Medical Assistant where I worked in Community Health for ten years. I still carry a certification in Medical Assisting and recently completed classes to become an EMT. I am also a CPR/First Aid Instructor. The technical skills, human connection, and compassion in Healthcare make it a very rewarding career, and I love opening that door for our students! After living in other parts of the country for most of my adulthood, I am so happy to be back in beautiful Newport. I love my dogs, riding my motorcycle, and teaching at NHS!

Alex Joanis: Science

Email:  joanisalex@newportgriz.com

I was born and have spent the majority of my life in Southern California. After graduating from high school, I studied Chemistry at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. My university research experiences centered around teaching and chemistry education, and I went through training in my teaching credential program to prepare myself to teach in a high-needs school district. I found a job teaching at Wellpinit High School on the Spokane Reservation immediately upon graduation and spent the first five years of my post-degree teaching career there as their sole high school level science educator. I've taught over eight different science courses in my time as a teacher, and while there are fun units and labs I've devised for each of them I will always have the most fun teaching chemistry. I started teaching at Newport in 2023, and the students have been wonderful to work with. My greatest hope for my future at NHS is that students leave my classroom with more confidence in their capacities as science-learners than they entered with.

Cathy Johnson: Special Education

Email:  johnsoncathy@newportgriz.com

I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington.  Over the past 34 years, I have been part of the Newport Grizzly community as a parent, paraeducator, and teacher.  I attended Western Governors University and Grand Canyon University, where I attained both a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a master's degree in Secondary Literacy.  This is my 11th year of teaching.  GO GRIZ!!!

Levi Litowitz: Media & Sports Broadcasting

Email: litowitzlevi@newportgriz.com

I graduated from Newport in 2016 and went on to earn my bachelors of Science at Washington State University, Go Cougs! Here at Newport we have a fully functioning radio and tv station, as well as an online streaming service, this is a very unique program, one of three in Washington State. Students are responsible for all aspects of these three services. And I am responsible for making sure they know what they are doing, so I teach sports and media broadcasting. I am also the head track and field coach and this is my 3rd year coaching here.

Todd Matthews: Honors English 9, EWU English 101, & Yearbook

Email: matthewstodd@newportgriz.com

I graduated from Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, Washington in 1986. I then worked as a car salesman and a warehouse worker until I attended Central Washington University earning a degree in Fine Arts and English. I then attended University of Puget Sound and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. I started teaching Art and Yearbook at Enumclaw High School and then White River High School. Following my wife's career path, my family and I moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where I owned an Art Gallery. My wife’s career then took us to Phoenix, AZ and then on to Los Angeles where I taught in an inner city high school for another 8 years before taking a job as an assistant principal in Watts. We then decided to move back home to Washington and I found the position I currently hold, teaching Eastern Washington University English 101 and 201, Honor English 9, and the drawing, painting, and ceramics classes at Newport High School. I have coached soccer for eight years, and football for eight. I love this town, community, and school. Go Griz!

Brandon McDaniel: Auto Tech

Email: mcdanielbrandon@newportgriz.com

My name is Brandon McDaniel. I started coaching for Newport about 6 years ago as an assistant football coach and have been involved with Newport Schools ever since. I am currently a Career and Technical Educational (CTE) teacher for computer science at Sadie Halstead Middle School and automotive technology for the high school. I am the head wrestling and tennis coach as well as the offensive coordinator for our football team. Coaching and teaching is my passion and I love being a part of growing our students and athletes into confident young men and women. I truly value the relationships that continue to grow with both the staff and the students here at Newport.

Kati Moser: Special Ed. & Life Skills

Email: moserkatie@newportgriz.com

I grew up in Friday Harbor, Washington and graduated from high school there in 2006. After graduation, I attended Washington State University and completed my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. I have taught almost all ages of students in the special education programs. I began teaching at Forks High School on the coast for 3 years. Then moved to Spokane where I taught in the Mead School District in an elementary resource room. When moving to Newport in 2017, I landed a job at Stratton Elementary for 3 years then moved to the high school in 2020 to teach in the Life Skills Program. I absolutely love teaching at Newport High School. The students and staff make coming to work everyday so rewarding. I am proud to work and raise my family in such an amazing community and school district! Go Grizzlies!

Steven Munson: Band & Choir

Email:  munsonsteven@newportgriz.com

I was raised in Montana and Idaho, graduating from the Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy in 2010. I went on to Whitworth and Indiana University to pursue studies in French horn performance and education. I taught K-12 music the past five years in rural Rosalia, Washington, and have done occasional performance gigs in the Spokane region with groups like the Cd'A Summer Theater and the Spokane Symphony. Currently I am teaching band and choir at NHS and SHMS. My wife, daughter and I are excited to be here in the mountains of Newport. A huge thank you to all I've met and the warm welcome you've given me and my family!

Sarah Noble: Mathematics

Email: noblesarah@newportgriz.com

I graduated from high school just down the road at Riverside.  I then went on to earn a Bachelor's of Mathematics from Western Governors University  and a Master's of Counseling and Psychology from the University of West Alabama.  Both of those degrees were earned through distance learning online.  I have taught nearly all math classes from 7th grade through precalculus.  I am a self-proclaimed math nerd, and proud of it.  Math is my favorite! :) 

Dave Pomante: PE and Strength & Conditioning

Email: pomantedavid@newportgriz.com

I have forty years of teaching and coaching experience at the high school and college level. I received my bachelor and master's degree from Whitworth University.

Melissa Smith: Spanish & Financial Literacy

Email: smithmelissa@newportgriz.com

I was born and raised in Southern California. Upon graduation from high school, I attended both Vanderbilt University and the University of Madrid. I majored in Spanish and minored in Mathematics. My teaching experience spans three decades and three states: North Carolina, California, and Washington. I have taught Spanish, Washington State History, Algebra, Geometry, Financial Literacy, and Leadership. I have been in Newport since 2013 and have no intention of moving away. I love this school district and this community! Go Grizzlies!

Travis Stott: CTE Welding, Fabrication & Construction

Email:  stotttravis@newportgriz.com

I grew up in north central Montana on a cattle ranch.  I went to a 2 room school until the 7th grade.  I went to high school in Choteau, MT and graduated in a class of 43.  I got an associates degree in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinarian from Ricks College (BYUI) and my teaching degree from the University of Idaho (Go Vandals!).  I like to hunt, love to fish and enjoy lots of outdoor activities.  I was an assistant Football coach here from the fall of 2000 to the spring of 2021.  I teach welding, fabrication and construction and love my job!  I have been the shop teacher at Newport since 2000 and will be for a while yet.

Elyce Tallman: CTE Art (Painting, Drawing & Ceramics)

Email:  tallmanelyce@newportgriz.com

I'm proud to say that I graduated from Newport in 2010! After attending EWU for a Bachelor's degree in studio art, I worked for the Grizzly Discovery Center after school program and started my pottery business.  Later, I went to Gonzaga for a Master's of Initial Teaching degree and taught 6th grade for five years before coming to the high school to teach art.  It's exciting to teach what I'm passionate about, especially being able to teach where I grew up!  I'm looking forward to many more years being part of the GRIZ FAMILY!

Peggy Wells: Mathematics

Email: wellspeggy@newportgriz.com

I am a graduate of Eastern Washington University.  I have taught all levels of math in the thirty three years I have been in education. Math is the vehicle I use to get to know students and help them develop tools for learning.  Watching kids grow into adults and seeing them continue to be complex thinkers, effective communicators, and self-directed, life-long learners after they leave high school is what keeps me coming back year after year. Please know I will always have your kid’s best interests in mind. Our partnerships are crucial in fostering their success.  Please feel free to reach out any time. I am anxious to familiarize myself with the “Grizzly Way”.  Always remember, “ A Day Without Math Is Like A Day Without Sunshine”.

Amy Whitney: EWU US History, US Government & EWU CWP

Email: whitneyamy@newportgriz.com

Why I Am A Teacher: Students are the future leaders of our nation and world.  Learning about the history of our great nation, the foundations of our government, and our responsibilities to our cities, our countries, and the world helps ensure a brighter future for all of us. I received my Bachelor's in Arts, from BYU, and my Master's in Teaching, from Whitworth. I have lived in 10 states and countries, learning to appreciate many different cultural aspects from the wonderful variety of people I was privileged to live around. I love learning other languages and cultures. 

In addition to teaching social studies, I have also taught: Ballet, Boy Scouts, Choir, English, German, Seminary, Violin, and Zumba.

Administrators & Support Staff

Steve Bouldin: Principal

Email:  bouldinsteve@newportgriz.com

Email:  mackeybrett@newportgriz.com 

Email: piercesaraya@newportgriz.com

I love my job!  I am Newport High School’s College and Career Resource Specialist and the district's Special Programs Director (Career and Technical Ed. (CTE) Director, Testing Coordinator, and Professional Development Coordinator).  I love being a part of the growth in our district; supporting students, staff, and programs.  I grew up on a ranch outside of Oroville WA and after graduating in 1990, I went directly to Washington State University where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Microbiology.  After working as a Medical Lab Tech.  for several years in Colville I returned to college, but this time at Eastern Washington University for my Master’s in Teaching and was hired at Newport High School.  Over the years I coached volleyball, softball, and basketball and have taught a variety of traditional Science and Math classes and all 4 courses of the PLTW Biomedical Science Program.  In 2017, I left the classroom to join our District’s Administrative Team, earning my Administrator/Principal certification from WSU and my Career and Technical Education Director Certification through the state of Washington.   My husband and I have genuinely loved our 23 years in the Newport community and the opportunities our two children, Tessa and Nolan have been able to pursue.  I look forward to helping all our young Grizzlies find their path.

Officer Aannerud: School Resource Officer

Email: mailto:aannerudtodd@newportgriz.com

Officer Aannerud is the School Resource Officer for the Newport School District. Fun fact about Officer Aannerud, he has more take offs in a plane than landings.

Kelly Boyer: Student Assistant Professional

Email: boyerkelly@newportgriz.com

My name is Kelly Boyer and I am one of the newer staff members out here in Newport! Throughout my life, I have lived in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Phoenix, Arizona, St. Louis, Missouri, and Spokane, Washington. I graduated from Mt. Spokane High School, did my undergraduate program through Whitworth University, and did my graduate program through Missouri Baptist University. I have really found my heart to be with the students who need extra support.  My job as a Student Assistance Professional involves all sorts of prevention and intervention services to students who struggle with substance use and occasionally mental health as well. So far, I have loved being a part of the Newport community! Go Griz!!

Amy Thomasson: Behavioral Health Student Assistant ProfessionalEmail: mailto:thomassonamy@newportgriz.com

Amy Thomasson grew up in Noxon, Montana and is the mother of eight great children. She has lived in Newport for just over a year and loves attending the local high school sports events. She enjoys animals and has many pets ranging from an axolotl to a quarter horse. Amy has a degree in history and is working on her master's degree in trauma counseling. She can help students with building resilience, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and processing trauma. She will also be leading groups on topics like anger management and goal setting. Amy is available on Fridays here at Newport High School.

Stephanie Phillips: Administrative Secretary

Email:  mailto:phillipsstephanie@newportgriz.com

Stephanie Phillips is from Colville, Washington. She has a husband of over 30 years and they have four grown children.  Stephanie started working in high school offices directly after graduating college in 1994.   Over the years, she has enjoyed helping students, staff, parents and the community as they navigate their way through High School. To Stephanie, the community of Newport High School is a fun and caring place full of wonderful people who are guiding their students through the journey of earning their diploma. Stephanie is glad to be part of such an inspiring community. Go Griz! 

Crystal Mitcham:  Registrar

Email:  mitchamcrystal@newportgriz.com

I was born and raised in the Yukon Territory in northern Canada.  I attended college in Alberta and earned my Bachelors of Education with a minor in English in 1996.  After a few years of moving around I landed in Arizona where I lived for 10 years.  I was so happy when I had the opportunity to come north to WA!  I have worked for Newport School District in various roles since I moved here in 2011.  I have five kids that have grown up here: four have graduated from Newport High School and my youngest is graduating next year.  I followed my kids up from the elementary school all the way to the high school.  I am currently the registrar and I enjoy coming to work every day! Newport has been a great place for us to call home.

Teddi Armstrong:   Attendance & Athletics Secretary

Email: mailto:armstrongteddi@newportgriz.com

I grew up on a wheat farm & cattle/sheep ranch near St. John, WA and graduated from St. John/Endicott High School in 1991. I did a stint at college and discovered I only wanted an MRS degree so I moved up to the Sandpoint area where I met my amazing husband, Scott, and we were married in 1998.  We have two wonderful free-range kids, Angus & Maisi, and a son-in-law, Kohler. I started working at Stratton Elementary in 2007 when Maisi was in Kindergarten and I’ve been here ever since, with a move here & there to wind up at NHS, which has proven to be my favorite roll so far.  I get to greet everyone coming through the door and thoroughly enjoy the students, especially the ones I knew in elementary school. My job is never the same from one day to the next and the NHS Staff is AMAZING! We all LOVE OUR GRIZ!!! (Yes I was a cheerleader in high school. 😆)

Debbie Huling:  Credit Recovery Paraprofessional

Email: hulingdebbie@newportgriz.com

I am fortunate to be starting my 32nd year with the Newport School District. In these years I have now worked with all grade levels. Beginning in Pre-school then moving into kindergarten, then first grade and then into Behavior Intervention, where I have spent the majority of my years with the district. I took a short break in January 2020 to move to the High School where I worked in the Grad-Point Program when Mrs. Tate retired. In this program I worked with students needing credit recovery, students who were working with BYU, and students who just needed elbow room in their schedules. With the start of the 2022-2023 school year I have returned to behavior intervention with the High Schools new In-School Intervention room. I am looking forward to my new adventure. In my free time I enjoy time with family and friends, gardening, landscaping, quilting, and reading.

Hannah Kienert:  Paraprofessional

Email:  kienerthannah@newportgriz.com

I have lived in the area for over 20 years and am so proud to be a Grizzly! I earned my B.A. in Human Resources from the University of Idaho. I have an undying passion for learning and joined the Newport School District family in January 2022. As a paraeducator, I am helpful wherever I am needed! I love to see students learn and succeed. I plan to earn my certification in teaching in the next couple of years so I can continue to teach and inspire the next generation.

Amy Morningstar: Paraprofessional

Email:  morningstaramy@newportgriz.com

I was born in Bellevue, WA and we moved to Southern California when I was 5. We bought our house here in 2015 but did not move up here full time until 2017.  I currently am going to school to be a Special Education teacher and i currently work with various students as a Para Educator. Both my kids are in the school district and one is graduating next year. This place is home to us and I’m thankful this is where  we chose to live. I love this district and this town. It is our home. Go grizzlies. 

Mary Poisel:  Paraprofessional

Email:  poiselmary@newportgriz.com

I was born in Spokane WA and lived in multiple locations around Eastern Washington. We moved to Newport my 8th grade year and remained here until I graduated from Newport High School in 1989. After graduating I became a nanny in New Jersey, went to Bible College, got married, had children. and much more. I returned 20 years later with my husband, Ivan Jr., and our 4 children. (All graduates of Newport High School also).  I began work at NHS in the fall of 2023. I love being an Alumni back in our school district supporting our teachers, students, and community. 

Honey Smith: RN

 Email:  smithhoney@newportgriz.com

Hi! I'm Honey. I've been a Registered Nurse for 10 years. I worked in Seattle Children's Cardiac and Transplant Unit for most of my career before moving to Newport to live a simpler life. My family and I own a large farm in the area. We are passionate about knowing where our food comes from and giving animals a life of respect. My husband is a firefighter and we have two kids together. We love this small and tight knit community we are raising our kids in. I love working in the Newport School District because of the amazing students, staff and families I see on a daily basis. Go griz! 

Pepi Storro:  RN

Email: mailto:storropepi@newportgriz.com

I was born and raised in Idaho and attended Teton High School. After graduation from high school I attended Idaho State University where I achieved my BSN in Nursing followed by an MS in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University.  I have been an RN for 42 years and have worked in multiple settings.  I have 20 years experience as a school nurse in both Idaho and Washington. My husband and I have a large family with 5 children,  their spouses, and 15 grand-children plus 2 puppies. When we all get together there are 27 of us and total chaos reigns supreme.  I love working in the Newport School District. It is an amazing place to be.  Go Griz!!!

Kelli Youk: Communications Disorders Specialist

Email: youkkelli@newportgriz.com

I was raised on a farm in rural Montana, graduating high school from Conrad, MT.  I attended Montana State University before transferring to Washington State University, where I received my BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2002.  I completed my MA from Washington State University in 2004.  I worked for 5 years at Spokane Ear Nose and Throat Clinic as a Speech Language Pathologist with focus on Auditory-Verbal therapy for children and adults with cochlear implants.  I then worked for Infant Toddler Network in Kootenai County for 3 years doing birth to three intervention.  After that, I worked for 7 years as the SLP for the West Bonner County School District before coming to land here with the Newport Griz family!  My husband and I have lived here for over 20 years, and feel truly blessed to raise our three children here.  I love serving the community doing something I truly enjoy!