School district welcomes two new staff members
–The following staff members were approved by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees at last week’s meeting:
Amber Gallagher – Director of Special Education
Amber attended Cal Poly and earned an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry prior to pursuing a master’s degree at California State University, East Bay in School Counseling. She practiced as a School Psychologist for 5 years prior to earning her administrative credential. She has been the Lead Psychologist in Paso Robles since 2015-2016 and supported the enhancement of Special Education supports and services. Through her work, she has brought Suicide Prevention and Intervention training to staff across all school sites, re-aligned the Section 504 process, supported the implementation of inclusive practices within Special Education, provided professional development on compliance/policies/procedures, led PBIS implementation K-12, and increased mental health support through Intervention Specialists and the comprehensive practices of school psychologists. She is overjoyed for this opportunity and looking forward to continuing the collaborative work in ensuring all students are successful.
Kristen Shouse – Director of Student Services
Kristen Shouse comes to us from a diverse background of public service. From a young age she rose to a Director of Programs in a non-profit organization while completing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She joined the Probation Department as a Deputy working with incarcerated youth. She quickly found an additional need within the Probation Department and facilitated the creation and implementation of a program that incorporated vocational training, counseling, and life skills curriculum that helped in keeping some of the most frequent juvenile offenders in a less restrictive environment.
Kristen’s journey led her into the formal educational system after she earned a teaching credential followed by a Master’s degree of Education Specializing in Cross-Cultural teaching. Her experience includes being an English Teacher, AVID Instructor, Department Head, Cross Country and Track Coach, Literacy Facilitator, Site Administrator, District Administrator, and most recently a Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12 at the county level. Kristen has also found time in the midst of her career to build a family. She has two children, Benjamin (9) and Mia (8) who bring her great joy.
Both are particularly interested in science and the arts which drives many of their family experiences and outings. Disconnecting and heading out camping or to an art studio is a favorite past time of the bunch. She is eager to return to her roots with direct interaction with faculty, students, and parents.
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