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!!