Dr. Christine Moloney
Dr. Christine MoloneySuperintendent

“I love raising my family in Chehalis and being the superintendent of the Chehalis School District. I have a passion for education and for helping all students be successful. Our vision is to make sure each student not only graduates but completes a post secondary opportunity leading to a career that they love. I could not be more grateful for our community, alumni and our staff for their dedication, contributions and efforts to make this vision a reality for our students and for generations to come.”

-Dr. Christine Moloney

Dr. Christine Moloney is in her fourth year serving as superintendent of the Chehalis School District. She has over 28 years in education and has a demonstrated history of working in primary and secondary public education. She brings extensive experience in executive leadership, effective organization and system structures, STEM education, instructional design, and curriculum development. Dr. Moloney earned her Associate of Arts and Sciences from Pierce Community College, her Bachelors of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University, and her Masters of Educational Leadership from City University of Seattle. She received her Doctorate of Education (Ed. D.) focused on Educational Leadership from City University of Seattle in 2014.

Before serving as the Superintendent in Chehalis, Dr. Moloney spent 10 years in the Bethel School District as a teacher, dean of students, education specialist, assistant principal and principal, and over 15 years in the Puyallup School District. While in Puyallup, Dr. Moloney was a principal for seven years before moving into instructional leadership as a director and executive director. She became certified as an AVID District Director. Her time at Puyallup culminated in the Chief Academic Officer’s role, where she served as an area superintendent overseeing 8,000 students in 14 schools and 21 administrators. She also served as Principal Faculty for City University of Seattle teaching in the Educational Leadership masters and doctoral programs. Dr. Moloney was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at City University. She has been a field supervisor for superintendent interns as well as principal interns and is a past president of Region 111 Washington Association of School Administrators (15 school districts in Pierce County).

Dr. Moloney is in her third year as a member of the ESD 113 Executive Superintendent Advisory Board and is on the WIAA Superintendent State Advisory Committee. She is a member of the National AVID Superintendent Collaborative as well as the Twin Cities Rotary.

Dr. Moloney and her husband, David, have a daughter, Kat, and a son, Jonathan. Her daughter is currently attending Pacific Lutheran University and her son attends W.F. West High School. Her entire family is involved in the dog show world. Their personal petting zoo consists of two cats, three Irish Wolfhounds and one Norwegian Elkhound. She loves spending time with her family and reading mysteries.

Ed.D. Education, Educational Leadership

City University of Seattle

Superintendent’s Credentials
City University of Seattle

M. Ed. Leadership and Administration

City University of Seattle

B.A. History, Earth Science and 4-12 Teacher Certification
Pacific Lutheran University

A.A.
Pierce College at Puyallup

Email:
cmoloney@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 807-7200

Trisha Smith
Trisha SmithAssistant Superintendent

Trisha has 34 years of experience in public education and serving students and families of Chehalis School District since 2012 as the principal of RE Bennett Elementary School. In 2019, after the opening of James Lintott Elementary and Orin Smith Elelementary she was named the Chehalis School District Director of Teaching and Learning. Now, as the Assistant Superintendent, she focuses on supporting the operations of the district through her work with facilities, technology, state and federal grants, and supporting school administrators. 

Prior to working in Chehalis School District she served as a teacher and school and district administrator in Elma, Tumwater and Napavine School Districts. She earned a Masters in School Administration from Heritage College in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Washington State University in 1986. 

Trisha is married to her husband Ron and they have an adult son, Connor. 

B.A. in Elementary Education

Washington State University

M.A. in School Administration

Heritage College

Email:
tsmith@chehalisschools.org
Telephone:
(360) 807-7200

Heather C. Pinkerton
Heather C. PinkertonChief Financial Officer
Heather C. Pinkerton came to Chehalis School District in July 2010. She has been a public servant since 1998. She has worked in business offices for the Lewis County Auditor and the Center for Continuous Learning at South Puget Sound Community College. Immediately prior to Chehalis School District, she worked as an Assistant Audit Manager for the Washington State Auditor’s Office. As Chief Financial Officer, she is responsible for the business functions of the District . Heather is married, has a teenage daughter and enjoys traveling with her family. She also enjoys watching Cougar football.

A.A.
Centralia Community College

B.A. Business Administration
Washington State University

Appointed:
2010

Email:
hpinkerton@chehalisschools.org
Telephone:
(360) 807-7200

Debby Gregory
Debby Gregory Executive Director of Human Resources

Debby came to the Chehalis School District in August 1996. She began her career in public schools in 1986. She is currently the District’s Executive Director of Human Resources. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Evergreen State College and her Master’s Degree and administrative credential from Heritage University. Debby is proud to say that her children are W.F. West Bearcats alumni. She enjoys spending time with her family and her hobbies are sewing and needlework. Go Bearcats! Go Cougs!

B.A.

The Evergreen State College

M.Ed. Educational Administration

Heritage University

Years in District:

1996 to present

E-mail:
personnel@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 807-7200

Rick Goble
Rick GobleExecutive Director of Student Achievement

Rick Goble came to the Chehalis School District in 2014. Prior to his time here in Chehalis, he has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, high school principal and district office program supervisor. Rick graduated from Central Washington University in 1998. While at CWU, Rick majored in History and received a minor in Physical Education. Rick earned his Master of Education degree from Regent University in 2002, his Principal Certification in 2007 and his Superintendent certification in 2013, both from Seattle Pacific University. Rick enjoys hiking, camping, photography and spending time with his family.

B.A.
Central Washington University

M.Ed.
Regent University

Principal Certification
Seattle Pacific University

Executive Leadership/Superintendent Certification
Seattle Pacific University

Joined District:
2014

Email:
rgoble@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 807-7200

Katie Howell
Katie HowellExecutive Director of Student Support

Katie started with the Chehalis School District at the end of June 2020. Prior to that, she worked in special education in the North Thurston School District. Katie enjoys watching her kids’ sports, 4-H, and orchestra activities. She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and volunteering with her trained therapy dog.

B.A., Post Graduate Program Administration and Principal Certifications

St. Martins University

Master’s of Science

University of North Dakota

E-mail:
khowell@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 807-7245 option 3

Chehalis School District
2025 SW Salsbury Ave.
Chehalis, WA  98532

Office:
(360) 807-7245

Fax:
(360) 748-8767

Rachel Dorsey
Rachel DorseyPrincipal of Orin C. Smith Elementary School

Rachel joined the Chehalis School District in 2001.  Prior to this time, she taught at Toledo Elementary.  Rachel has served as an assistant principal at the building and district level, as well as a teacher and volleyball coach.  She served as a Chehalis Middle School teacher through 2013, when she completed her administrative internship.  She has served as an administrator in the Chehalis School District since that time and is entering her third year as the principal of Orin C. Smith Elementary, where she previously served as the assistant principal. Rachel earned her Associates of Arts from Centralia College in 1998, and her Bachelors of Arts and teaching certificate from St. Martin’s in 2000, with an endorsement in Reading.  She completed her National Board Certification and ELA endorsement in 2008, and in June 2013, she earned her administration credentials from the University of Washington Bothell.

Rachel is proud to say her children, Levi and Lindsey graduated from the Chehalis School District, and is honored to be a part of such a community-supported school district focused on student success.

Rachel and her husband, Brian, have a son, daughter and three grandchildren:  Magnus, Diana and Eliyana.  She enjoys traveling, walking and spending time with her family and friends.

A.A.

Centralia College

B.A. and Teaching Certificate

St. Martin’s University

 

M.A.

University of Washington,

Bothell

Principal Certification

University of Washington,

Bothell

Jonathan Fox
Jonathan FoxAssistant Principal of Orin C. Smith Elementary School

Jonathan joined the Chehalis community in the spring of 2021. His education journey began in Rochester at Maple Lane High School. He then spent 11 years teaching 7th-grade English Language Arts, Social Studies, and CharacterStrong Leadership at George Bush Middle School in Tumwater. “I seek to help students grow both strong hearts and strong minds; to give them hope and a future.”

Jonathan is married to Sally and has 2 lovely and weird daughters. When he is not assistant principal-ing, you will find him playing board games, tending to the animals and garden, wandering, or leading worship at his church.
B.A. with Literature Emphasis
M.A. in Education
Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership
City University of Seattle in partnership with the Puyallup School District

Email:
jfox@chehalisschools.org

Web site:
Orin C. Smith Elementary School

Telephone:

(360) 807-7225

Brenda Pohlman
Brenda PohlmanPrincipal of James W. Lintott Elementary School

Brenda has served students, families, and communities for 27 years. She began her teaching career in 1996. Prior to working in Chehalis, she was a self- management teacher for grades K-6 for the Chehalis/Centralia Special Education Cooperative and taught 4th grade in Centralia. Brenda came to the Chehalis School District in 2003 as a Special Education Teacher at Chehalis Middle School and also completed her administrative internship. She left for a few years to serve as a Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and Supervisor of Special Education in the Tumwater School District. In 2013, Brenda came back to Chehalis and in her words “I get to come home” to lead as the Assistant Director of Special Education for the Chehalis/ Centralia Special Education Cooperative. She then went on to serve as Assistant Principal for Cascade Elementary and R.E. Bennet Elementary. Next, she was Assistant Principal and Principal for James W. Lintott Elementary. She earned her Bachelors and teaching certificate from Saint Martin’s in 1994, Masters in Education from Antioch in 2001 and Administration credentials from University of Washington in 2005.  

Brenda loves working in a school community that is committed to growing the heart and mind of students. 

Brenda and her husband have a son and daughter and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with family, 

B.A. and teaching certificate
St. Martin’s University

M.A. in Education
Antioch University

Principal Certification
University of Washington

Appointed:
2014

E-mail:
bpohlman@chehalisschools.org

James W. Lintott Elementary School
1220 Bishop Road
Chehalis, WA 98532

Office:
(360) 807-7215

Merisa Wilson
Merisa WilsonAssistant Principal of James W. Lintott Elementary School

Merisa’s passion is to build positive relationships and help the youngest of students create the foundational skills needed for their future success. She started with the Chehalis School District in 2007. She taught first grade, was an intervention teacher and then spent 12 years teaching Kindergarten. During the 2022-2023 school year, she served as the Dean of Students at Lintott Elementary.

Merisa is happily married to Travis and they have a 7-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter. When their family is not at the ball fields or basketball court, they love camping, hiking, traveling and making memories together.

Email:
mwilson@chehalisschools.org

Web site:
James W. Lintott Elementary School

Telephone:

(360) 807-7215

Chris Simpson
Chris SimpsonPrincipal of Chehalis Middle School

Chris Simpson came to the Chehalis School District in July of 2006 from the Kent School District where he was a Dean of Students and elementary teacher in both general and physical education. He graduated from Western Washington University in 1996 with a B.A. degree in both Psychology and Sociology. He earned both his Master in Teaching degree and Principal Certification from City University. He earned his additional Administrator Professional Certification from Seattle Pacific University.

He is a proud Dad to three daughters and enjoys spending time with them and watching each of them navigate their different paths in the world.

A.A.
Olympic College

B.A.
Western Washington University

M.A.
City University

Principal Certification
City University

Administrator Professional Certification

Seattle Pacific University

Appointed:
2006 Cascade Elementary, Principal
2012 CMS, Principal

Email:
csimpson@chehalisschools.org

Website:
Chehalis Middle School

Telephone:
(360) 807-7230

Heidi Fagerness
Heidi FagernessAssistant Principal of Chehalis Middle School

With more than 30 combined years serving the Chehalis School District, Heidi loves this school community and its commitment to our students and families. She began her teaching career in 1992, working in special education and coaching at W.F. West High School. She served as Assistant Principal at Centralia Middle School, then in 2019, came back to the Chehalis School District as Assistant Principal for Chehalis Middle School.

Heidi is married to Dave and they have three children. She loves and enjoys the people in her life as well as reading and being outside.

Email:
hfagerness@chehalisschools.org

Website:
Chehalis Middle School

Telephone:
(360) 807-7230

Bob Walters
Bob WaltersPrincipal of W. F. West High School

Bob Walters is a proud 1980 graduate of W.F. West High School. His connection as a Bearcat runs deep. He began his teaching career in Kodiak, Alaska in 1987. from there he went to Snohomish High School where he taught Woodshop, Construction, Physical Education, coached wrestling and served as the ASB advisor. Bob began his journey at W.F. West High School in 2000, serving as Assistant Principal for five years. He then served at Green Hill Academic School as principal for six years and is now entering his 14th year as Principal of W.F. West High School. Bob has been married to his wife, Andi, for 27 years and they are very proud parents of three boys who are all W.F. West Alumni.

A.A.
Centralia Community College

B.A.
Eastern Washington University

M.A. Education Technology Education & Education School Administration
City University

Email:
bwalters@chehalisschools.org

Web site:
W. F. West High School

Telephone:
(360) 807-7235

Tom Elder
Tom Elder Assistant Principal of W.F. West High School and District Athletic Director

Tom Elder’s educational career started at W.F. West in 2007 teaching Science and coaching multiple sports, including baseball. In 2014, he accepted the opportunity to become an Assistant Principal at W.F. West High School where he worked in many capacities, focused primarily ASB, Math and STEM. Starting in 2023 his focus will shift as he takes on the role of Athletic Director.

Tom is married to Jessica and they have four amazing kids. When they are not busy running around to sporting events, their entire family enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake and hiking.

Mark Westley
Mark WestleyAssistant Principal/CTE Director W.F. West High School

Mark has been with the Chehalis School District since July 1, 2023. He started his teaching career in the Centralia School District, teaching 6th grade at Oakview Elementary and a variety of math subjects and P.E. at Centralia Middle School. He then served the Ocean Beach School District in Long Beach, WA as a teacher, Principal and Dean of Students. Most recently, he taught 11th and 12th grade English and College in the High School in the Adna

Mark has four daughters, two step-daughters and 17 grandkids. He loves anything family-oriented, including movie nights and sleepovers. He also enjoys clam digging, hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, road trips, floating in the pool in Arizona and attending Seahawks games.

B.A. Communications

Whitworth University

Elementary Education Certification

St. Martin’s University,

Master’s of Science in Educational leadership

Western Governors University

Christine Voelker
Christine VoelkerAssistant Principal of W. F. West High School

An educator since 2009, Christine joined Chehalis School District as W.F. West High School Assistant Principal in 2022. Prior to coming to W.F. West, Christine served in the Mossyrock School District for 12 years, with the last 6 years teaching Spanish and US History at the secondary level. She is passionate about helping all students succeed and values working with families as partners in that process.

Christine and her husband have lived in Lewis County since 2000 and have four children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, reading, time at the beach and traveling internationally.

A. A. Early Childhood Education
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
B. A. Education
City University of Seattle
M. A. Education: Supervision and Administration

Email:
cvoelker@chehalisschools.org

Web site:
W.F. West

Telephone:
(360) 807-7235

Tim Touhey
Tim TouheyPrincipal of Green Hill Academic School, Lewis County Alternative School, and Lewis County Juvenile Detention Center

Tim is the Principal of Green Hill School, Turning Point (Lewis County Alternative School), and Lewis County Juvenile Detention School.  Since joining the Chehalis School District, two weeks after his wedding in 1988, Tim has taught marketing and business, coached girls soccer, served as the district CTE director, and was an assistant principal at W.F. West High School.  Tim took on his current position at Green Hill and Lewis County Juvenile Detention in 2011.  Soon after, he helped to open Turning Point, the district’s first alternative school.  With a lot of help from his wife, Tim raised two sons, who both graduated from W.F. West and their chosen universities.

B.A. Business Administration
Western Washington University

B.S. Marketing Education
Central Washington University

M.Ed. Business and Marketing Education
Central Washington University

Principal Certification
Washington State University Vancouver (2007)

Email:
ttouhey@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 740-3520

Email:
ttouhey@chehalisschools.org

Telephone:
(360) 740-3520