GDC Team

Vickie Blanchet:  Program Director

My name is Vickie Blanchet and I am the Program Director for the Grizzly Discovery Center Afterschool Program.  I have been married to my wonderful husband, Curtis, for thirty-five years.  During that time, I have worn many hats:  wife, mother, homeschool teacher, social worker, administrator, and foster parent - just to name a few.  I have two sons, both of who were part of the Newport Learning & Enrichment Center.  My youngest also took several classes through Newport High School.  I have traveled all over the world with my wandering feet taking me to six of the seven continents.  While I am not a Newport Native, I have lived here since 2009 and love the beauty of the area.

I have a dual background in social work and education.  Having a Master's Degree in Social works, I have worked with battered women, children-at-risk, and marginalized people groups.  Additionally, I served as a foster parent for fourteen years, focusing on children impacted by drugs and alcohol.  Sixteen years of my life were dedicated to homeschooling my two children from kindergarten through graduation as well as tutoring other children in math, science, history, and English.

In the nine years that I have worked with the GDC, I have been inspired by my students to learn more, try more, and do more.  I hope to inspire them to do the same.

STRATTON STAFF 

Duncan Heaney:  Stratton Site Coordinator

 

Hi!  My name is Duncan Heaney.  I grew up in the Newport School District, where many great teachers and staff have made impactful impressions on my life.  I hope to do the same for our students.  Outside of school, I enjoy playing guitar for others, sitting down with a board game and friends, and exploring the vast Pacific Northwest.  I'm looking forward to being able to be more supportive this year to our students, their parents, and my staff as we continue to bring opportunities to inspire students' interests and talents.

Cindy Winterton:  Paraeducator ~ 4th Grade

MJ Snow:  Paraeducator ~ 3rd Grade

I'm Miss MJ.  I graduated from PORS in 2024.  I started my journey with the GDC as a volunteer in February of 2024 to obtain the volunteer hours I needed to graduate.  I fell in love with the students and jumped at the opportunity, provided by Rural Resource's WorkSource program, to continue working with the GDC after graduation.  I am now transitioning to a paid position with the school district and looking forward to continuing to work with "my" group of students.  I like to game, watch shows and musical, do research about history, learn about different countries, and read from a variety of genres.  I am continuing at SCC, where I am working on my AA, with the goal of going on to EWU to become a school counselor.

 

Asher Kurp:  Paraeducator ~ 2nd Grade

 

My name is Asher.  I first joined the GDC as a volunteer during my junior year.  After I graduated from NHS in June of 2024, I spent a summer working with a day camp in Post Falls.  Last fall, I returned to the GDC fold to work with the first grade students afterschool.  I love working with children and seeing them grow as they progress during the year.  I will be moving up with my students and working with the second graders this year.

 

Sara Daigneault:  Paraeducator ~ 1st Grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi!  I'm Sara Daigneault, a passionate paraprofessional who works with 1st-4th graders, blending my love for nature, STEM< and cultural education.  With six years of experience in elementary education, I strive to create an engaging and supportive environment that encourages young students to explore and learn.  My background in language revitalization and cultural education enriches my teaching approach, allowing me to incorporate diverse perspectives and language skills into the curriculum.  When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring new technologies.  I LOVE CHICKENS.  My goal is to inspire a love fore learning and the natural world while supporting each child's growth in both academic and cultural contexts.

 

SHMS STAFF 

Constanza Rickey:  SHMS Site Coordinator

Phone:  (509) 447.2426 ext. 8102

Email: rickeyconstanza@newportgriz.com

 

I am Constanza Rickey, Site Coordinator for the SHMS Afterschool Program.  I am happy to bring to our team my experience from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I grew up and later tutored in math, English, and Spanish.  I homeschool my two children and I am passionate about teaching and working with children.  I love making soap and spending time with family and friends.

Anna Watson:  Paraeducator ~ Grades 5-8

My name is Anna Watson.  I've been involved with the GDC since December of 2023.  I love teaching students new and fun things within the program.  When I'm not working, you can find me gardening, quilting, and spending time with my three grandchildren.