WREN Staff
Erika Case
WREN Administrator
Erika (she/her) grew up on the East Coast and moved to Oregon to get her Master’s in Special Education. After more than a decade in the classroom and as a district coach, she became the principal for a K-8 school in the Bethel School District, where she worked with the school team to increase inclusionary practices, center belonging, and build systems of support for all students. Just prior to joining the WREN, she worked as Bethel’s Student Success Administrator and played an integral role in the development of the district’s strategic plan. In all her roles in education, Erika is focused on removing barriers and improving the experience and outcomes for students and educators. Outside of work, Erika spends as much time as she can with her family and two wild aussie-doodle pups.
Miranda Rice
Program Assistant
Miranda (she/her) spent 22 years as an educational assistant supporting students in elementary through high school special education classrooms. In 2020, she joined the WREN as Program Assistant, excited at the prospect of supporting students and educators in new ways, leveraging her organizational skills, attention to detail, and heart for service. In her free time Miranda enjoys spending time with her husband of over 25 years and her two adult children, traveling together and experiencing all things Disney.
Project Coordinator
Michelle Hjelm
Michelle (she/her) has worked in educational settings preschool to grade 12, as well as in nonprofit settings. During her career, Michelle has, and continues to, center and prioritize both personal and professional growth in the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in an effort to help her community thrive. Michelle draws strength from spending time with animals, family, and friends, as well as by being in nature, reading, and reflecting.
Alyssa Leraas
Data and Measurement Coordinator
Alyssa (she/her) joined the WREN team in August 2021. She completed her Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Oregon with a focus in education policy research and analysis. Alyssa enjoys running, connecting with family and friends, and finding new favorite restaurants.
Cameron Yee
Communications Coordinator
Cameron (he/him) joined the WREN team in May 2022, but has been providing a broad range of media production and communication services at Lane Education Service District since 1997. Now as a communications coordinator, he's excited to bring that experience and knowledge to support the WREN's objectives. In his free time, Cameron enjoys watching movies, trying new foods, and telling silly jokes to his wife and daughters.
Lead Continuous Improvement Coach
Aly Nestler
Aly (she/her) worked in the Springfield Public School District for 9 years. During that time, she taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. She also worked as Literacy TOSA at the district office, supporting Title 1 specialists and providing professional development to instructional staff. During her free time, Aly loves going on walks and cooking with her husband and daughter.
Continuous Improvement Coach
Mellie Bukovksy-Reyes
Prior to joining the WREN, Mellie (she/ella) spent nine years as an ELD specialist in Lincoln County, but has been in education for 31 years teaching pre-K to adults in PE, adapted PE, math, and science. Additionally, when she recognized the need for teachers of color in SPED, she pursued a licensure in EI/ECSE and is one of Oregon’s first licensed EI/ECSE specialists with a Culturally Responsive Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® from the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association. Mellie enjoys walking on the beach with her husband of 36 years and is incredibly proud of her two sons!
Erin Hayward
Continuous Improvement Coach
Erin (she/her) was previously a high school social studies teacher in Lane County for 10 years prior to joining this amazing WREN team. During that time, she worked with Student Government, led Positive Behavior Interventions & Support (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in her buildings, and coached both Track & Field and Girls Soccer. During her free time, Erin enjoys traveling with her husband, brunching, and spending time with her three dogs.
Continuous Improvement Coach
Kate Klein
Kate (she/her) has been teaching Language Arts and Social Studies in Lane County with a two year stint in Shanghai, China for 17 years. Her passion in education is the pedagogy of Culturally Responsive Teaching and Ethnic Studies. She has two beautiful children, Nora and Magnus, who fill her life with athletics, music, wild art projects, and most importantly JOY. Kate loves traveling near and far, spending time outside with her hands in the dirt, and singing karaoke.