Jason Smerer

Kindergarten - Discovery

Jason graduated from FHS and completed his student teacher at Endeavour Intermediate.  He is married to a teacher and enjoys hiking with his dogs, camping, and fishing.  He’s excited to have the ability to work with the youth of Fife/Milton/Edgewood and watch them grow as people.

Amber Barnes

School Pscyhologist - CJH & FHS

Amber is a graduate of Seattle University and is married to Chris.  They have two little boys, Owen (4) and Will (2).  She enjoys camping with her family.  She’s eager to get to know students, staff, and to be established in her new role.

Brandon Howard

Social Studies - FHS

Brandon graduated from FHS and then returned to do his student teaching and a long-term substituting job last year.  He enjoys working on his house, hiking, wrestling, coaching wrestling, and learning new technologies.  He’s excited to be teaching in his endorsement area and officially have his own classroom.

Jill Tanabe

Kindergarten - Discovery

Jill has a long history of involvement as a parent and community member in our district.  She is married to Rick and they have two daughters Courtney and Brittney.  In her spare time she enjoys reading and traveling.   She’s excited to meet her students, use the new reading curriculum, and is thrilled to join the Discovery staff.

Marcy Bartsch Korynta

School Psychologist - Discovery & Hedden

Marcy graduated from St. Olaf College and the University of Montana.  She’s previously worked in Anchorage, Alaska.  Recently married to Kyle, a graduate student at UW she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and camping.  She’s excited to become more involved in the early education process.

Michelle Jones

Kindergarten - Discovery

Michelle is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and student taught at Downing Elementary in Tacoma.  She enjoys scrapbooking, cooking, hiking, sewing, and hanging out with friends.  She’s excited to get to be part of a child’s life and make a positive impact.

Elvi Stromberg

German - CJH & FHS

Elvi comes to us after experiences teaching in Maryland, New York, and Bellevue.  She’s been married for 41 years and has one son and one grandson.  She enjoys being involved in various projects including student exchanges, internship programs, and cultural events.  She’s excited to work in such a happy place.

Kyle Kimball

Movement - Discovery

Kyle is a graduate of White River High School and Central Washington University.  His major was Physical Education and he also holds an endorsement in Early Childhood Education.  Kyle previously taught in the Highline School District.  In his spare time he enjoys fishing, wrestling, camping, and hiking.

Dacia LaRue

Science - CJH

Dacia received her both her BA and MA in Education from PLU.  Married for 6 years, she and her husband AJ have a four year old daughter, Lauren.  She enjoys reading, camping, and traveling.  She’s excited to watch her students make new discoveries throughout the year.

Kery Rody

Third Grade - Endeavour

Kery has been married to Mark, a construction superintendent, for two years.  She enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.  She is looking forward to building positive relationships with students on a more long term basis as a guest teacher while their teacher is out on maternity leave.

Kirk Kassner

Music - SLMS

Dr. Kassner comes to us with 39 years of teaching experience in Oregon, Florida, and Washington.  His wife is Dr. Carol Scott-Kassner, a professor.   They enjoy sailing, woodworking, home remodeling, exercising, and stained glass.  He is excited to work with eager students and great colleagues.

Rob Porter

Language Arts/Social Studies - FHS

Rob comes to us from St. Nicholas Catholic School.  He is the proud dad of three boys ages 8, 9, and 13. When he’s not teaching he enjoys home remodel projects, taking the kids to the skate park, homework help, cooking, and cleaning.  He is excited to be teaching his love of writing and history.