Cascadia Tech News August Edition

From Our Director

Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year! We cannot be more excited!

This will be a year of growth and learning for each of you. The administrative team of myself, Shaun Campbell, Tami Oppliger and Paul Huddleston are here to ensure your success. Our doors are always open to assist you. Our goal for you is a positive and challenging learning experience, a safe environment in which to grow academically and socially and for each of you to have fun while gaining knowledge and skills.

From all of us at Cascadia Tech Academy, we can't wait to see how YOU inspire greatness!

We are doing great things!

-Joan Huston

Welcome New Staff

Kristie Delo, Applied Medical Sciences, Year 1 Instructor

I am a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with over 20 years of experience in the medical field and a genuine passion for teaching and serving my community. I have been a proud member of the Evergreen School District for more than two years, where I enjoy supporting and making a positive difference in the lives of students and families. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, camping, and, most of all, spending quality time with my family.

Nicole Romine, Applied Medical Sciences Pro-Tech

I have been working in the healthcare profession for 25 years. My journey began as a high school student at Cascadia Technical Academy, where I earned my CNA certification during my junior year. From there, I continued to advance my education and career, eventually earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

After spending the past three years in healthcare management, I am excited to bring my experience and knowledge to the next generation of healthcare professionals. My heart is now focused on inspiring students to pursue careers in nursing and helping them understand the many opportunities available in the healthcare field. CNAs are the foundation of nursing!

Deb Norman, Barbering, Year 1 Instructor

I am a hairstylist and barber with 30 plus years of experience and have been a licensed instructor since 2008. I had the privilege to teach summer school and am excited to now be working with staff and students to help prepare them for a rewarding career in the beauty industry.

Brendan McCarthy, Criminal Justice Pro-Tech

I was raised in Manchester, CT, am a graduate of Fordham University in NYC and I was a high school history/social studies teacher and coach in Connecticut for 10 years. My family and I moved to Vancouver in 2005 and I joined the Clark County Sheriff's Office in 2008. With CCSO I served as a patrol deputy, detective with the Children's Justice Center and School Resource Officer, assigned primarily to Heritage HS. My wife and I have been married since 1992, and all three of my children were educated in the Evergreen Public School system, graduating from Mountain View before all attending and graduating from college. I've coached football at Heritage and baseball at Mountain View and I'm excited and honored to join the Cascadia team and Criminal Justice program!

Jason Brown, Criminal Justice Pro-Tech

I served as a Correctional Officer with the Washington Department of Corrections for five years. Prior to that, I served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman and deployed three times in support of military operations.

Before joining Cascadia Tech Academy, I worked for Battle Ground Public Schools, first as a Campus Security Officer and later as a Behavior Intervention Specialist. These experiences have strengthened my passion for working with and mentoring students who are interested in criminal justice and public service.

I am excited to be part of the Cascadia Tech Academy team and look forward to helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed for successful careers in the criminal justice field.

Nicole Schmidt, Fashion Design Instructor

After spending over 20 years in the design industry, I felt ready for a new chapter and discovered my true passion for teaching after earning my CTE certification in 2021. Following some wonderful experiences subbing in Evergreen Public Schools, I knew I had found the perfect fit during my long-term subbing stint right here at Cascadia Tech. I am so excited to step into the role of Fashion Design Instructor and give back to our community by sharing my love for design with the next generation.

Alicia Johnson, Medical Assisting, Year 2 Instructor

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.

Kara Killorin, Nurse Care Coordinator

I have been a nurse for 35 years and have worked as a school nurse for 15 years. This is my 12th year in Evergreen Public Schools and my first year at Cascadia Tech Academy as the Nurse Care Coordinator. I am super excited to be part of the CTA team! In my free time I love spending time with my three adult children who live in Wyoming, Seattle, and Vancouver.