Newsletter Link
March 2026
From Our Director
We continue to see incredible momentum at Cascadia Tech, and it’s exciting to watch our students grow, achieve, and give back. From an out of this world experiences in Forest Management, to hands-on learning in programs like Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts, to real-world community service opportunities in ITS3, our students are gaining the skills they need to be truly college and career ready. These experiences go beyond technical training; they are shaping compassionate, capable leaders for our community.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible staff and the continued support of our families and partners. Together, we are creating opportunities that truly change lives.
Summer School registration will open May 1 at 8 AM. Visit our website for more information.
If you’re looking for a way to support students at Cascadia Tech, plan to attend the upcoming Annual Foundation Dinner & Auction held on May 2nd.
Enjoy your Spring Break April 6-10th. We will see you back in the classrooms ready to get back to work on April 13th. Enjoy this edition of our newsletter!
We are doing great things!
-Joan Huston
Welcome New Staff
Tai Phong - School Nurse
I’m a school nurse with over 20 years of experience, specializing in medically fragile pediatrics, and I’ll be celebrating 10 years with Evergreen Public Schools this fall. I’m especially excited to be the first school nurse at Cascadia Tech! I also teach CPR/AED, First Aid, and BLS certification. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me hiking, at the beach, painting watercolors, or collecting vinyl records with my husband and our three kids in our fun, chaotic household.
Paige Gregory - Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts Catering Coordinator
I have built a diverse background in the hospitality industry, with experience ranging from Wine Educator to Food and Beverage Manager at a large membership club. Over the past two years, I made the intentional shift toward education, pursuing a path that aligns with my passion for mentorship and development. For more than a decade, I have coached and guided young adults, helping them grow in confidence and reach their full potential. Through that experience, I discovered a genuine love for teaching. Transitioning into education has allowed me to combine my passions for hospitality and teaching in a meaningful way. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community like Cascadia Tech.
Troy Frahm- Diesel Technology Pro-Tech
I have just entered the education field after 35 years of working in semi-truck manufacturing and repair. I spent 25 years at Daimler trucks assembling trucks and another six years at Columbia Body Manufacturing assembling dump trucks. I have just finished my degree in elementary education and hope to transition from a pro-tech to a teaching position in the future. I am 25 years married with five children, nine grandchildren,a dog, and a cat. I weld and build old Chevy pickups in my spare time.
Kathryn DeMun - Dental Clinic Manager
I have a background in Fine Art/Textiles and Graphic Design. While attending college, I worked at a craft store where I was promoted to manager after graduating. After some time, I decided to pursue a new direction and developed an interest in dental assisting. I now bring both my clinical experience and leadership background into the classroom, where I love supporting students as they grow in their careers. Outside of work, I enjoy backpacking, making pizza from scratch, and hanging out with my pugs.
Alicia Johnson - Medical Assisting Pro-Tech
I am a Medical Assistant with over seven years of experience in family medicine, urgent care, and oncology. In addition to my clinical work, I have trained and mentored new staff and students, which has strengthened my passion for teaching and professional development. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and being on the water.
Foundation News
We NEED your help! Support Cascadia Tech Students!
Cascadia Technical Academy helps high school students across Southwest Washington build their future careers. Because the school doesn’t receive bond or levy funds, Cascadia Technical Academy Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) raises money to provide essential equipment, scholarships, and emergency support for our students.
Our biggest fundraiser of the year—the ASPIRE Gala—will be held May 2, 2026, at ilani Casino Resort. Reserve your seat today!
Questions? Contact Dave Cole at 360.604.1098 or david.cole@evergreenps.org
Important Dates
April 6-10 - Spring Break (No School)
April 15 - Career Fair
April 17 - Orders Due for 25-26 Keepsakes
April 17 - E-Waste Recycling
April 20-23 - New Student Orientation
April 22 - Early Release (No Session 2/Cosmo 2)
April 29 - Dennis Kampe Scholarship Interviews
May 1 - Summer School Registration Begins 8 AM
May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 - Progress Report - T5 Ends
May 11 - Report Card - S2 Starts
May 15 - E-Waste Recycling
May 19 - Distinguished Graduates & Dennis Kampe Scholarship Awards Reception (Invite Only)
May 22 - All School Picnic
May 25 - Memorial Day (No School)
Staff Highlight
Chef Andrew McColley CEC, CCE - 2026 Education Service Champion
The video highlights an Educator Award presented by OnPoint Community Credit Union to Chef Andrew McColley, CEC, CCE, Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts Instructor at Cascadia Technical Academy. The award recognizes his dedication to student success, hands-on teaching, and lasting impact in preparing students for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Andrew shares his personal journey, reflecting on how attending the then, Clark County Skills Center as a student gave him direction and inspired him to pursue a career as a chef. After years in the industry, he returned to the classroom to give back, where he has now taught for more than 30 years.
He emphasizes the importance of relationships, relevance, and rigor in education, while highlighting the program’s achievements, including national certifications, industry recognition, and alumni who have gone on to successful, high-profile culinary careers.
The video also honors the memory of his wife, Robbin, who played a vital role in his work and impact. “My wife that I worked with for 35 years just recently passed. She was kind of the face of driving everything because she worked here with us.” Robbin worked alongside Andrew at Cascadia Tech as the Catering Coordinator for more than 20 years, supporting both students and program operations.
Reflecting on their shared impact, Andrew speaks to the deeper meaning of his work: “I didn’t realize how many connections we had together and how much difference was made out there. And you walk away going, did I give enough? You hear that you get more than you give. It’s so fulfilling in your life that when you give fully, it’s amazing how much you get back.”
