debir@sthelens.k12.or.us   503 366 7736  

This is my 15th 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 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.  

This is an unprecidented time in all of our lives and we strive to team with each family in making distance 
learning as pain free as possible.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything.

This is what I have felt like in the last few weeks, I'm sure you can relate.  
https://youtu.be/hNAbQYU0wpg

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!!