debir@sthelens.k12.or.us   503 366 7336  

This is my 16th 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.  

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 12th 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 attends OSU and my daughter SHHS.  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!!