NEW TEACHERS & STAFF AT NAY AH SHING
Name: Ashley Heise
Position: Administrative Assistant
School you’ll be working at: Nay Ah Shing lower school/Abinoojiiyag
Background: I have worked as an administrative assistant for about 10 years but this is the first school setting.
Education: Business management
Hometown: I grew up in Blaine but live just outside of Milaca now
Family: My husband and I have three big dogs
What are you looking forward to with the new job? I am really excited to work with the kids and learn more about the Ojibwe culture.
Hobbies/interests outside of school: I enjoy anything outside; during the spring and summer I am working in my garden and in the fall and winter I enjoy hunting, fishing and snowshoeing.
Name: P’Jay Bixby
Position: Administrative Assistant
School you’ll be working at: Nay Ah Shing Upper School
Background: I have several years experience working as a math tutor for AmeriCorps and as a paraprofessional within the school systems. I have also been a Medical Assistant with several clinic systems over the years.
Education: I have a diploma in Medical Assisting and am finishing my two-year degree to go on in school to a four-year degree in mathematics.
Hometown: Brook Park, Minnesota
Family: I have two children (my son is 26 and my daughter is 20).
What are you looking forward to with the new job? Getting to know the community and help students realize their potential for learning.
Hobbies/interests outside of teaching: Crafting, gardening, volunteering
Name: Jessica Scalze
Position: Reading Corps Tutor
School you’ll be working at: Abinoojiiyag Elementary
Background: I have had a couple different jobs; dog trainer, mechanic, HVAC, and PCA.
Education: High School and some college
Hometown: Mahtomedi, Minnesota.
Family: Mom, dad, younger brother and sister
What are you looking forward to with the new job? I am excited to help these kids find a passion and love for reading. Reading opens so many doors and can lead to so many adventures.
Hobbies/interests outside of school: I enjoy spending a lot of time outside, camping, fishing, hunting and working in the yard. I love spending time with my family and of course, I read a lot!
Name: Tiamat Gustafson
Position: Elementary Literacy Librarian
School you’ll be working at: Nay Ah Shing Schools
Background: I was a reading tutor and an Assistant Librarian before coming to NAS full time. I love my job and I couldn't be happier!
Education: MLIS, BA Hometown: Ely, Minnesota.
Family: Just me, my mom, and our cat.
What are you looking forward to with the new job? I am looking forward to spending time with the students, learning from them, and supporting their growth.
Hobbies/interests outside of teaching: I love watching movies and being outside!
