debir@sthelens.k12.or.us   503 366 7339  

This is my 17th year teaching special education in our District. I am a graduate of the 
two-year Dual Inclusion Masters Degree Program at Portland State University.  I earned 
Oregon Licensure as a highly qualified teacher in both Special Education and General 
Education at the Early Childhood and Elementary levels.  I have also completed the Initial 
Administration Program at Concordia University.  I have two children; Desiree and Neal 
and I could not be more proud of them both.  I have three adorable dogs, Willow, Merlin 
and Frannie, they are known as PBGVs (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen).  They make 
me laugh everyday.

Meredith Hawkins works in my classroom as well.  
She may be reached at: MeredithH@sthelens.k12.or.us

About Ms. Hawkins: 
Hello, I am the Special Education Instructional Assistant working with Ms. Rhoades.  It is my 
13th year with our school district and I have worked with all ages and abilities of students 
from the ESD to high school.  I earned a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Geology.  I moved 
to Oregon in 1997, and have lived here for more than twenty years. My son is an OSU graduate and 
my daughter graduated SHHS and is attending PCC.  They are truly the light of my life. I 
wholeheartedly believe in practicing exercises to strengthen well-being and growth mindset principles.  
During uncertain times, just know your child's mind is still growing every day and I would like to 
support the best methods they need to continue making gains this year.  
We can do this - together!!