K-5 Faculty

KINDERGARTEN

Julie Handyside

Julie Handyside

Full Day Kindergarten

jhandyside@northstarcharter.org

I was born in Laramie, Wyoming and grew up in Eastern Oregon.  I earned my
teaching degree at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Oregon. I earned
my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2012.  I have lived in
Idaho for the past 23 years and have taught fourth and fifth grades for several
years. The last eight years I have been teaching full day kindergarten. 

I have two children.  My son Nathan lives in Nampa and is a crew manager.
My daughter Kellie graduated with a BS in psychology and has since earned
her master’s degree in non-profit management.  She currently lives in
St.Louis.  I love being a parent and take pleasure in sharing their challenges
and triumphs. I also love teaching; it is right up there with parenting. ☺

Art is one of my passions.  I enjoy oil painting, charcoal and pastel drawing, as
well as ceramics.  During middle school, high school, and college I took as
many art classes as I could along with private lessons.  I have a minor in art
and enjoy teaching and encouraging my students to love and appreciate the
many elements of art. In kindergarten we are able to explore a huge variety of
mediums. 

Other things I enjoy include reading, quilting, camping, fishing, white water
rafting and horseback riding.  I love to hike in the mountains or just sit by a
lake.  Anything outdoors and I’m game.

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Allison Johnson

Allison Johnson

Kindergarten

ajohnson@northstarcharter.org

Ms. Johnson grew up in Temecula, California with a huge love for teaching and singing. After years of pursuing a career as an opera singer, Ms. Johnson decided to follow her passion of teaching instead by earning her Bachelor’s from Grand Canyon University in Elementary Education in 2019.

This will be Ms. Johnson’s second year teaching at her favorite-est school ever, and her fourth year teaching her favorite-est grade in the whole wide world… Kindergarten! Allison is thrilled to call North Star her home and loves that she can be a smiling face to welcome new North Star students into our amazing community of learners. Her classroom is an intentionally joyful place full of bright cheery colors and a smile ear-to-ear for every person that walks in.

Ms. Johnson still loves to sing and is so happy that she can use both her passion for singing and teaching together in the classroom. Outside of school Ms. Johnson loves reading, writing, attending church and spending time with family and friends.

Kimberly Roth

Kimberly Roth

Full Day Kindergarten (AM)

kroth@northstarcharter.org

Kimberly Roth is a native Idahoan, born and raised in Boise.  She graduated from Capital High School and earned her teaching degree from Boise State University.  She has been married eighteen years to her high school sweetheart, Joe. They have two children, Brynnleigh, fourteen years old and Carson, nine years old. As far as the other members of the family…two adorable goldendoodles named Winston and Millie Mae. 

Outside of teaching, Kimberly keeps busy attending extracurricular activities for her children.  This year, Brynnleigh will be cheering for Owyhee High School and Carson plays football and basketball.  Kimberly also enjoys hiking the foothills, time on the greenbelt, bike riding, jogging, family game nights, time with friends and her church family. 

This will be her eighteenth year teaching both Kindergarten and first grade, but this will be her first year at North Star Charter School.  Teaching 5 and 6 year olds really has a piece of her heart.  She is grateful to be a part of the staff at North Star and looks forward to teaching in this great community she has heard of for so long.  She is excited for a year of fun, growth and building relationships with students, families, and staff.  

Sarah Saul

Sarah Saul

Full Day Kindergarten (PM)

ssaul@northstarcharter.org

Sarah Saul grew up in Puyallup, WA. She attended Northwest Nazarene University and immediately fell in love with both the Boise area and Kevin, the captain of the soccer team. She and Kevin got married and started their adventures, which have included several long-distance moves and 5 homes built together.

Sarah ended up graduating from California State University, Bakersfield. After, her & Kevin decided to move back to Idaho. Sarah worked at HP until her daughter Graci was born in 2006. Graci was joined by sisters Natalie in 2007 and Charlotte in 2010. She went back to work when Charlotte started preschool, teaching at Barbara Morgan STEM Academy and then Eagle Elementary.

Life with three teenage daughters is busy, but in her free time, Sarah likes to watch her girls play
lacrosse and soccer, camp, and spend time with family and friends. This will be her seventh year
teaching Kindergarten and she is excited to be a part of the North Star community.

She is passionateabout creating a positive classroom environment and helping her students develop a love of learning. She also loves the way her students make her laugh every day.

 

FIRST GRADE

Shalayne Asin

Shalayne Asin

First Grade

sasin@northstarcharter.org

Shalayne Asin was born in Tucson, Arizona. She moved to Boise 17 years ago with her amazing husband, Todd, and loved it. She is the mom to three wonderful children; Adison, 16, Avery 12, and Tanner, 9.  Her three children all love North Star as much as she does! She is excited to start her third year here at North Star teaching the wonderful first graders again.

She graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education focused on K-8, with a Literacy endorsement, a Reading Specialist certificate for both K-8 and 8-12 and a history minor. She has taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and Kindergarten. She is passionate about teaching and the students that she teaches. She strives to encourage their delightful sense of wonder and individuality in and out of the classroom. One of her favorite things each year is to get to watch as the students grow in confidence, grasp new ideas and come to see that learning is an exciting and fun experience. She strives to make her classroom a welcoming, happy environment that inspires students to want to learn.

She enjoys biking, swimming, taking long walks with her family that usually end up at a park, and just about anything out in the sunshine. She likes snowshoeing and sledding with her family. She loves to read, as do her children. They spend a great deal of time reading, at the library and just hanging out in the bookstores

Charleen Loper

Charleen Loper

First Grade

cloper@northstarcharter.org

Charleen Loper grew up in Southern California and fell in love with her husband who grew up in Nampa, Idaho. They spent five years in California and moved to Idaho to raise their children, who all became Boise State graduates.  Mrs. Loper graduated from Boise State University in 2008 with her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. Prior to coming to North Star Mrs. Loper taught kindergarten for two years before realizing first grade was her true passion.  

Mrs. Loper encourages her students to have a positive outlook and to believe in their ability to conquer any given task. She promotes kindness, respect, and a collaborative classroom atmosphere where children are excited to learn and grow both academically and personally. During her free time, Mrs. Loper enjoys reading, working on creative projects, riding her bike, and especially spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite colors are, of course, blue and orange! Go Broncos!  She looks forward to working together with her students and their  families to create a classroom of caring and kind lifelong learners.

Courtney Massimino

Courtney Massimino

First Grade

cmassimino@northstarcharter.org

Courtney Massimino is a native Idahoan born in Idaho Falls and completing her education from Boise State University, earning a degree in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education.

She has been a 1st grade teacher for over 20 years, 11 of them with North Star Charter, with a passion for teaching students how to read and write.  She strives to ensure the success of all the students in her class and firmly believes that setting goals, both personal and academic, leads to achievement at all levels in the classroom. 

Mrs. Massimino is married to a fellow Boise State alumni, Dan, and has two sons, Vincent (12th Grade) and Xander (9th Grade).  Both attend Owyhee High School and love hanging out with friends, playing video games and cheering on rival NFL teams, making for noisy weekends in her house!   

When she is not working, Mrs. Massimino loves to travel, camp, fish (she’s the best fisherperson in their house!), and spend time with her family. She LOVES being at North Star and is looking forward to another great year of learning!

SECOND GRADE

Sheri Drain

Sheri Drain

Second Grade

sdrain@northstarcharter.org

Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Sheri Drain always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Sheri grew up loving school, while excelling in many sports such as volleyball, swimming, and track throughout her school years. Wanting a small town feeling she decided to attend Northern Arizona University where she went on to earn her Bachelors of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities. She then taught in the Phoenix area for the next 7 years until her family relocated to the Boise area in 2002.

Sheri was then fortunate enough to stay home with her two young children until they were of school age when she then returned to the classroom. Always wanting to continue to educate herself, she then went to earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. While Sheri has more than 20 years’ experience in teaching at the elementary level as well as special education and administration, she continues to love most of all working directly with students. She joined the North Star team in 2009 and looks forward to many more years of teaching at what she believes to be the best school in Idaho. It brings her such joy to see students’ excitement as they grow both socially and academically.

Rebecca Franks

Rebecca Franks

Second Grade

rfranks@northstarcharter.org

Rebecca Franks was born in Twin Falls Idaho. Her family moved to New Mexico for five years, and then to Utah where she graduated high school at Logan High. She completed her undergraduate degree at Boise State University in Bilingual/ESL Elementary Education in 2002 and did her student teaching in second grade and sixth grade in Nampa. In 2007, she completed her Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction and Bilingual Education. Rebecca has taught first, third, fourth, fifth, and second grade! She loves the challenge each one brings. Rebecca has taught first through sixth grade in her 21 years of teaching. Each grade level has been her favorite! They all have something special and unique!

Rebecca has been married to the love of her life, Bryan, for almost 23 years and they have one daughter Abigail who keeps them very busy! The three of them stay very active together whether it’s fishing for bass on the Snake, or golfing, riding bikes, or ATV’s. When she isn’t busy chauffeuring Abigail to her competitive dancing events Rebecca loves to craft, sew, garden, cook, and read!

Rebecca is an incredibly passionate person. She believes that all children are capable of amazing things! She strives to create a cooperative classroom where students are challenged to do their best and be successful learners. She believes in creating independent creative thinkers and doers.

Lisa Holt

Lisa Holt

Second Grade

lholt@northstarcharter.org

Lisa Holt has lived in Eagle, Idaho since 1998. She graduated from BYU Provo many moons ago in Elementary Education. This will be Lisa Holt’s thirteenth year of teaching, ten of which have been at North Star Charter School in the second grade. She feels blessed and honored to be able to come to work each day and be a part of this community and teach these students. She is very involved in the school and the community.

She is the mother of four daughters and feels like she hit the jackpot with them. She only has one still living at home with her who will graduate this year. The others are off pursuing their interests in careers, college, and life.

Ms. Holt loves tennis and wishes she could find more time and energy to play. She also enjoys camping, walking, reading a good book, and a good movie.

She is looking forward to another great year here at North Star Charter. She believes each year is a new beginning and there is growth for all kids awaiting them. She believes in making a good connection with each kid and strives hard for them students to feel safe to take risks in her classroom. She tries hard to build a community within her classroom of mutual respect and admiration. She loves teaching and second grade is the best.

THIRD GRADE

Teresa Eardley

Teresa Eardley

Third Grade

teardley@northstarcharter.org

Teresa Eardley is from Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she received a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After graduating, she taught in Utah, South Carolina, and Tennessee. She and her family returned to the West and has been teaching 3rd at North Star since 2011. She loves teaching 3rd graders and watching the students learn and grow.

Teresa is married to Jared. They have one daughter, Savannah, who is married to Michael. They are currently working on their BA’s at BYU-I. Teresa also just became a first time grandmother. Teresa loves to read, bake anything chocolate, and play games. Her favorite place to travel to is Disney World. She is looking forward to an amazing year at North Star. 

Mary Ann Peik

Mary Ann Peik

Third Grade

mpeik@northstarcharter.org

Maryann Peik was born and raised in San Diego, California. The Peik family was looking for a change in pace and decided to call Eagle, Idaho home in 2017. She completed her education degree in Diversified Liberal Arts with an English Language Learner emphasis from the University of San Diego in 2001. After some time, she decided to further her education and graduated with a Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University in Gifted and Talented Education.

Maryann is an experienced teacher who has worked in different environments, but she is most comfortable teaching 3rd grade. She finds that third-graders have a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Maryann is dedicated to creating a welcoming and secure classroom where students feel free to make mistakes and learn from them. She is excited to be returning to North Star Charter for her fourth year.

Maryann enjoys spending her free time attending her daughter’s theatrical performances, tending to her garden at home, and exploring the scenic state of Idaho. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and they have three daughters: Hannah, who is currently studying Mechanical Engineering and Astrophysics at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and is 19 years old; Emma, who is 15 years old and studying theater at Idaho Fine Arts Academy; and Nora, who is 10 years old and currently in the 5th grade at North Star. Go Huskies!

Erin Waller

Erin Waller

Third Grade

ewaller@northstarcharter.org

Long-time Eagle resident, Erin Waller, grew up in Allendale, New Jersey. She has always had a
love and interest in educating children. After graduating from Penn State University, Erin
immediately put her teaching credential to use, teaching kindergarten and preschool in New
Jersey. Erin was also an owner of a preschool as well as one of its teachers. Erin took a hiatus to
raise her large family and was excited to return to teaching in 2010. She taught 4th grade at
Rolling Hills Public Charter School and absolutely LOVES teaching third grade and being a part
of the incredible North Star staff.

Each year, Erin hopes that her students in her class feel valued and comfortable in her classroom
environment so they are happy and enjoy coming to school. Her goal is to reach each student
based upon their individual learning style so that every student is appropriately challenged. Erin
looks forward to building lasting memories with each of her students!
Erin and her husband, Ken, enjoy spending time catching up with their six children, Stephen,
Katelyn, Ryan and Sean (twins), Kevin, and Morgan, over family gatherings. She also has three
grandsons, Asher, Max, and Yukon and three granddaughters, Zoe, Nadia and Kodiak that she
loves spending time with.

Erin’s other passions are cooking, camping, planting flowers, riding her bike, dancing, reading,
doing house projects and watching “chick flicks.” Personal motto: “Believe you can and you’re
halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt-

FOURTH GRADE

Jensa Anderson

Jensa Anderson

Fourth Grade

janderson@northstarcharter.org

Born in Southern California, Jensa grew up with 5 siblings enjoying tons of family beach time. She was actively involved in basketball and volleyball growing up and even attempted coaching. She twirled baton, played piano and guitar, was a scholar athlete throughout high school, and enjoyed the outdoors through surfing and snowboarding.

Mrs. Anderson went to Utah State University where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and met her husband of 22 years. She taught sixth grade English and Social Studies in Utah before moving back to Southern California. There she taught middle school science for two years then took a leave of absence from teaching to be home with her children full time. Her family settled into Idaho seventeen years ago and love calling this place home! She has three fantastic kids (ages 18, 15, and 12), all of whom attended North Star. She loves watching them grow into smart and kind humans. As a family they enjoy camping, white water rafting, fishing, traveling, and playing with their dog, Sam. When not with her family, Mrs. Anderson can be found reading, organizing, practicing photography, singing, playing volleyball, or turning her face towards the sun.

She has been a Paraprofessional at North Star since 2017 and taught the online program during our “Covid Year.”  Mrs. Anderson is so excited to return to teaching full-time in 4th grade! Connecting with students and helping them love learning is her life’s passion. It’s going to be a remarkable year of growth!

Anna Gable

Anna Gable

Fourth Grade

agable@northstarcharter.org

This will be Anna Gable’s first year at North Star Charter. She was raised in Boise, ID and eventually attended Northwest Nazarene University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Ms. Gable student taught in 4th grade, and it quickly became her favorite grade! She loves teaching Idaho History as well as building relationships with her students.
 
During her time at NNU, Anna played collegiate volleyball. She stays connected to the game now by coaching for Boise High School, as well as coaching club volleyball. When she is not teaching or coaching, Ms. Gable enjoys traveling, being active, and spending time with her boyfriend and her puppy.
 
Ms. Gable strives to make a positive difference in her student’s life. She encourages students to think creatively and independently, and to become lifelong learners. She looks forward to building relationships with her students and their families this school year!
Mariah Rodeghiero

Mariah Rodeghiero

Fourth Grade

mrodeghiero@northstarcharter.org

Mrs. Rodeghiero was born and raised on a ranch in Eastern Montana. She attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT and moved to Boise, ID with her husband, Mark, in 1995. Mrs. Rodeghiero completed her Elementary education degree at BSU.

For eight years, she taught second, third and finally fifth grade where she successfully team-taught part time with Casey Hawkins, North Star’s Elementary PE teacher. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho. Mrs. Rodeghiero took a break from teaching to stay at home with her son, Gavin, now seventeen, who is a senior at North Star. She also has twins, Ivy and Royce, who are in 8th grade at North Star.  She team taught third grade for five years with Mrs.Leatherman, now She decided to go back full time once all her kids were in school full time.  It was at this time that she decided to embark upon a new adventure in 4th  grade.  She loves being in the classroom! Her hobbies include spending time with family & friends, camping, scrapbooking and relaxing up North.

FIFTH GRADE

Tamara Michel

Tamara Michel

Fifth Grade

tmichel@northstarcharter.org

Mrs. Tamara Michel grew up in Central California. After
graduating high school, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to pursue a career in law enforcement. Mrs. Michel worked in the field of law enforcement for 14 years.

Mrs. Michel graduated college with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach and a teaching credential from California State University, Monterey Bay.

Mrs. Michel is married to her amazing husband, Art, and has two fantastic sons, Quinton and Mason. Quinton is a junior at BSU, and Mason is a freshman at The College of Idaho. The Michel family’s trio of dogs (two female Boston terriers and a male rescue that strongly resembles Scooby Doo) are a huge part of their lives.

Mrs. Michel made the transition to teaching not long after her sons were born. Although she enjoyed the field of law enforcement, she felt education was a more prolific career to have while raising her children. This school year will be her seventeenth year teaching, her fifth year at North Star, and her first year back in 5 th grade. Mrs. Michel has taught multiple ages ranging from first to seventh grade.
She looks forward to an amazing year as a Husky!

Ashley Loos

Ashley Loos

Fifth Grade

aloos@northstarcharter.org

Ashley Loos has taught fifth grade for 13 years and this will be her tenth year at North Star.  Mrs. Loos attended Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho for both undergraduate and graduate school, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

She desires to make a difference in the lives of her students, to help them grow in their education, and push them to be successful citizens. She believes that student relationships are key and it is her ultimate desire that students trust her as a person and as their educator. Mrs. Loos is excited and looks forward to another year of teaching at North Star Charter!

Mrs. Loos loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband of six years Steve, her son Brantley (2), angel baby Taysen (40 weeks) who went to heaven on January 23, 2023, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Autzen Avalon (4). Together they love spending time at their lake cabin in Northern Idaho on the Pend Oreille River. Their favorite summertime activity is boating and picnicking where they play a competitive game of Sequence. Mrs. Loos especially loves to wakesurf and slalom ski, but anything to do with water or sunshine, she is there. Her passions include discovering new places through travel, cheerleading, football, and spending time with family and friends

Natasha Franks

Natasha Franks

Fifth Grade

nfranks@northstarcharter.org

Natasha Franks was born in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Idaho when she was 6 years old. Natasha attended her school years in Meridian then moved to Moscow where she attended the University of Idaho. Natasha graduated from U of I with a bachelors in Elementary Education with an endorsement in History. She taught 3rd grade in Nampa, but is happy to be moving back into 5th grade (this was the grade she student-taught & loved!).

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Franks can be found outside walking the greenbelt with her beloved golden retriever named Bentley. She loves sushi, hanging out with friends, going boating, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Franks has a passion for teaching, continuously learning, and building connections with students and their families. She looks forward to a new start at North Star Charter!

 

SPECIALISTS

Carrie Benton

Carrie Benton

Librarian

cbenton@northstarcharter.org

Growing up, Carrie was fortunate enough to have lived all over the United States and overseas. After graduating from high school in Idaho, she attended Boise State University. With a degree in psychology and a new husband, she decided to make Boise/Eagle her new home.

Carrie was excited to take on the role as North Star’s librarian in 2004. She loved the close-knit community and high achievement focus found at the school. A move to Tokyo, Japan with her family in 2009 necessitated her departure.

She continued her work in the library at the American School in Japan while she lived in Tokyo. The experience was life-changing and rewarding. After returning to Eagle in 2015, she was grateful to assume the role of North Star librarian once again.

Carrie has a daughter in school at The University of Texas and a son at Boise State. When her son graduates, all members of her family will have graduated from Boise State University. Go Broncos

Cami Dabb

Cami Dabb

K-5 Computer Specialist

cdabb@northstarcharter.org

​Cami Dabb was raised in Kennewick, WA. After high school, she attended Brigham Young Universitywhere she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. In 2004, Mrs. Dabb married to her husband, Curtis. They have four children; one daughter who is currently in 9 th grade and three sons. Her sons are in 7th grade, 4 th grade, and 3rd grade. Her children keep her busy with all their different activities. She loves to watch her kids participate in music and sports. Her family loves to travel and explore outdoors. The family dog, Ginny, adds some fun to the family. Ginny is a three-year-old Vizsla. She is very energetic and loves meeting new people.

Mrs. Dabb has been a computer specialist for two years. She has enjoyed helping kids learn to utilize technology in their education. She is excited to bring her skills and knowledge to North Star Charter School.

Casey Hawkins

Casey Hawkins

Elementary Physical Education

chawkins@northstarcharter.org

Mrs. Hawkins grew up in a rural town, Mariposa, CA, just outside of Yosemite National Park. She has always been actively involved in sports and anything that has to do with the outdoors. Her love of children and passion for teaching have been with her since she was a young girl.

After graduating on the Dean’s List with a Bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State and earning a teaching credential from Chapman University, Casey moved to Grandview, ID, in October of 1995. Midyear, after three months of subbing, she was offered a fulltime second grade position at Mountain Home AFB. She spent the summers of 1996 and 1997 teaching Spanish speaking migrant ed. preschoolers. In 1997, she moved to Eagle, ID and taught in the Meridian School District for the next eight years. She has also spent twenty-four summers tutoring students in math. Every position she has filled with passion and excitement.

When her boys arrived into this awesome world, it was apparent that she needed to be at home more; however, as much as she loved being home, she also needed to keep her feet in the classroom. While getting her Master’s degree in Administration, she also shared a fifth grade teaching contract for three years with Mrs. Mariah Rodeghiero, one of North Star’s amazing fourth grade teachers. This was an incredible opportunity that she thought she would enjoy until retirement…until she stepped foot into her first charter school.

Upon viewing what charter schools could offer students, immediately she knew it was part of her next phase of life. She was impressed and excited about working with a group of teachers that were all grounded in the same beliefs. She has spent the past fifteenteen years successfully teaching with some of her greatest friends at a charter school; her students’ enthusiasm towards learning and their ISAT scores prove that the method North Star has to offer is exceptional.

Casey has been married for twenty years to her best friend, Dan Hawkins, Asst. Fire Chief at Mt. Home AFB. They have three adorable lil’ men (ages 19, 17 1/2 and 16), so life is incredibly busy attending sporting events and enjoying quality family time. Together they enjoy biking, snow skiing, waterskiing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

Casey looks forward to her first year teaching K-5 PE and her 26th year as a teacher. She can’t wait to meet and develop working relationships with her upcoming K-5 students and their families.

Danica Holladay

Danica Holladay

Elementary Counselor / IB Coordinator

dholladay@northstarcharter.org

Danica was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She grew up playing soccer and riding horses. She had a love for school and learning which guided her into the field of education. In 2012 she received a B.S. from Eastern Washington University in Applied Developmental Psychology. She then returned to Spokane and attended Gonzaga University where she received a Masters in School Counseling in 2014.

Since moving to Boise in 2015 life has been full of fun for Danica. In August 2015 she joined the North Star Team. In 2016 she met Trevor and in October 2018 they got engaged. In May 2019 she graduated with her second Masters in Educational Leadership. Then on July 6th, 2019, she married Trevor and became Danica Holladay! Most recently in June 2020 they bought 7 acres and look forward to making this slice of heaven into their forever home!

Entering her 6th year at North Star she will continue her role as the elementary school counselor, as well as the IB coordinator for the juniors and seniors! She loves the opportunity to work with such a range of students!

When she is not at North Star you will find her and Trevor doing almost anything in the outdoors. Some of their favorite things are fishing, hunting, camping, and being with their animals! She is SOOOO excited for this new year with the best school community there is!

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Kendyl Owen

Kendyl Owen

Elementary Special Education

kowen@northstarcharter.org

Kendyl Owen was born in Eugene, OR and moved to the Boise area when she was in the 3rd grade. She graduated from Lewis-Clark State College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Shortly after graduating, she returned home to Boise and started working at North Star as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Miss Owen quickly realized her passion was in the education field and returned to school in 2019 to complete her teaching credentials. One quick year later, she graduated from Boise State in 2020 with her Master’s in Teaching Special Education. She came into her teaching role with a great amount of experience with children with disabilities. She has a sister who has Autism and serves as her greatest inspiration in life. Miss Owen has also spent time as a developmental therapist, youth development professional, and a long-time nanny.

When she is not at North Star she enjoys spending time with her friends & family, working out, reading, or hiking the foothills with her golden retriever, Huntley. Miss Owen loves teaching at North Star, seeing that it is the very place where she found her passion for teaching!

Jillian Molina

Jillian Molina

Elementary Science

jmolina@northstarcharter.org

Jillian knew she wanted to be a teacher when she went on a Mission Trip to New York as a 16 year old. She was given the opportunity to teach small groups of students at an after school program and decided then and there that she wanted to become a teacher. Since then she has made every step towards making that dream her reality. Jillian received her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from California Polytechnic State University in 2014 and went on to get her credential and Master’s in Education at UC Davis from 2014-2016. She worked as a 7th & 8th grade Science teacher for two years and then taught one year as a 4th grade teacher.

In 2018, after she had her first daughter, she chose to stay home doing part-time work to spend more time as a mom. She started teaching part-time for Tech Trep Academy in 2020 when she and her family moved to Idaho. She enjoys spending time with her family which consists of her husband and three kids – Hazel, Nora, & Ezra. Teaching science is her passion and she is excited to continue to teach at North Star Charter School.

Patrice Rex

Patrice Rex

Elementary Science

prex@northstarcharter.org

Patrice Rex was born and raised primarily in Utah, with a few summer excursions to Virginia where
she worked as a full-time nanny. She spent her teenage years playing lots of basketball, volleyball,
softball and running track, and particularly loved basketball and high jump. She has always been
curious about the way things work and natural processes, especially human physiology and life
sciences. Mrs. Rex believes her love of science can be traced back to the times that she spent
accompanying her grandfather on his Forest Service rounds throughout Utah and Idaho.

She attended Brigham Young University on an academic scholarship and graduated with honors in 1998
with a degree in Zoology and a minor in Biochemistry. Mrs. Rex has taught and tutored science and
math in Utah, Nevada and Idaho. She is currently finishing a Master’s in Science and Science
Education through Montana State University.

After her first child was born, she was a stay at home mom and part-time tutor for 10 years. She
returned to teaching in 2009. She holds Secondary Teaching Endorsements in Biological Science
and Natural Science. She also has an Elementary Teaching Certificate. Mrs. Rex is extremely
excited to be teaching science at the elementary level and getting kids excited about science at a
young age. She loves to do lots of “hands-on” lab work and watch students make discoveries.

Mrs. Rex loves to spend time with her husband of 29 years and her two kids (ages 23 and 18).
Some of their favorite activities include traveling, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, playing games
and doing puzzles. She also loves to read, play sports, watch college football, garden and take naps.
She has been an Idaho resident since 2006 and loves living here.​.

Abbie Schwin

Abbie Schwin

Elementary Music Teacher

aschwin@northstarcharter.org

Abbie Schwin grew up in Kuna, ID. She graduated from Nampa Christian High School , and in 2021, she went on to double major in K-12 Music Education and Applied Voice at Northwest Nazarene University. 

Last July, Mrs. Schwin married the love of her life, Ryan. They live in Nampa and enjoy the outdoors together.  In their free time, they go hiking, camping, swimming, skiing, and love to spend time with their friends and family. Mrs. Schwin also loves to play guitar, singing and listening to music. Her favorite genre to sing is jazz and she occasionally has gigs throughout the Treasure Valley area. 

Mrs. Schwin has loved being a part of the North Star family, and cannot wait for year 2! She is very excited to continue to share her love for music with her students.

ABOUT NORTH STAR CHARTER

North Star Charter School (NSCS) is a K-12 public charter school located in Eagle, Idaho. Founded in 2003, NSCS provides students a world-class education characterized by a safe, supportive and structured learning climate that encourages high academic achievement, intellectual confidence, leadership and virtuous citizenship. The school’s charter articulates the vision of its founders to think critically and to become virtuous citizen leaders in our local and world community.

We Look Forward to Getting to Know Your Family!

Our main admission entry points are kindergarten, sixth,  and ninth grades. Applications for other grade-levels are fully considered, but admission is solely based on space availability due to student attrition.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

NSCS is committed to improving student achievement through high expectations for student engagement and meaningful preparation for postsecondary education and careers. Explore our Elementary, Middle and High School divisions.

HUSKY ATHLETICS

North Star athletics is committed to developing our student-athletes in an educational-based environment. Through a positive coaching atmosphere, student-athletes will be encouraged to expand their athletic abilities. 

CAMPUS LIFE

Our students receive an exceptional learning experience enabling them to reach their full potential and discover their place in a world of possibilities.

Phone:
208-939-9600 (Main Office)
208-939-9645 (Attendance Line)
FAX: 208-939-6090

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