Teaching and Learning TOSAs
Karen Hughart - K-12 TAG Specialist
Karen Hughart has been a dedicated educator in the Tigard-Tualatin School District since 2000. A lifelong resident of Tigard and a proud alumna of TTSD Schools, Karen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving the community where she was raised.
Starting as a Kindergarten teacher at Metzger Elementary, Karen spent over a decade in early childhood education. In 2013, she transitioned to her role as an Elementary TAG (Talented and Gifted) Specialist, where she has been instrumental in identifying and supporting gifted students across all TTSD elementary schools, focusing on equitable, research-based systems and practices designed to reduce opportunity gaps in education.
Karen’s academic background includes an undergraduate degree from Western Oregon University, a Master’s degree and an ESOL Endorsement from Lewis & Clark College, and a TAG Specialization from Pacific University. She advocates for differentiation to ensure all students receive tailored educational experiences that meet their individual needs.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Karen is an active volunteer in various educational and community initiatives. She contributes her time to Parent-Teacher Organizations (PSOs), Site Councils, District Planning Committees, and local election campaigns that support education in the Tigard-Tualatin area. As a proud parent of two TTSD students, Karen’s involvement extends beyond her professional role, reflecting her deep personal investment in the educational success of her community. Please contact Karen Hughart at khughart@ttsd.k12.or.us
Melissa Juskowiak - K-12 TAG Specialist
With over 15 years of experience in education, Melissa Juskowiak brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a K-12 Talented and Gifted Specialist. Her advanced credentials include a Master’s Degree in Reading, as well as endorsements for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading from Western Oregon University. She also completed a Talented and Gifted Specialization program through Pacific University, and stays current on research in the field of gifted education by attending conferences subscribing to research journals. She is passionate about all students realizing their full potential and developing a lifelong love of learning. Her favorite subject to both learn and teach is math, and she has a deep commitment to providing high instruction to students. Outside of the educational setting, Melissa enjoys strategy games, crafts, reading, and spending time with her family.
Please contact Melissa Juskowiak at mjuskowiak@ttsd.k12.or.us, or both Melissa and Karen at TAG@ttsd.k12.or.us.
Kasey Fernandez – District Library/Media Specialist
Kasey Fernandez (she/they) has a passion for inclusion, research, AI, intellectual freedom, inquiry and creativity. Kasey leads TTSD’s Library Services team where she trains and partners with building library staff to maintain and develop TTSD’s library collections and services. Kasey curates the district’s Sora collection and accepts requests for ebooks and audiobooks. She also advises and support the Art Literacy program alongside the District Art Literacy Coordinator.
Kasey attended college at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (MEd in Ed Tech) and Portland State University (School Library Media). She has roots in Kaua’i, HI, where she met her partner and their three children were born. In her free time, she loves to read (especially SciFi), and enjoy Portland's rich art, music, nature and comedy. Please contact Kasey Fernandez at kfernandez@ttsd.k12.or.us
Chris Lieuallen – Choice Ready/Career & College Coordinator 8-12th grade TOSA
Entering year 21 with the Tigard-Tualatin School District, Chris has filled a variety of roles (ELD, Social Studies, Spanish, CE2) and is currently a part time TOSA supporting choice ready programming as well as the Intercambio Mentoring Program. Within education, he is passionate about fostering opportunities for exploration and curiosity - about the world, about others, and about oneself. In the greater world, Chris is known for always trying new things and picking up new hobbies. His current passions are disc golf, playing bass in a rock band, and crocheting. That can always change. Please contact Chris at clieuallen@ttsd.k12.or.us
Kathryn Stilwell – 7 -12 Literacy & AVID TOSA
With over 15 years of experience in education, Katie has a background in teaching, curriculum development, and instructional coaching. She grew up in Connecticut and went to college in Upstate NY where she majored in Creative Writing and spent a semester abroad studying dance at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. After graduating from the University of Rochester in 2008, she accepted a position with Teach for America and moved to Hawaii to teach 8th grade English Language Arts on the Leeward Coast of Oahu. While there, she earned her M.Ed. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2010. After leaving Oahu in 2011, Katie taught in PPS and Hillsboro starting with ELA and eventually moving toward alternative education. In 2018, she spent a year as the instructional coach for a residential treatment facility for trauma-affected youth in California. Throughout her career, Katie has focused on empowering youth and disrupting oppressive systems. Katie has been with TTSD since 2021 where she began as a College and Career TOSA and now serves as the district AVID Lead and Secondary Literacy TOSA. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia Chicago, with a research focus on the development of antiracist praxis development in white educators. She also teaches as an adjunct professor at Portland State University's Masters College of Education. In her free time, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, dancing, and spending quality time with her dog and friends. Please contact Kathryn at kstilwell@ttsd.k12.or.us
Shawna Giesler - PK-6 Literacy / MTSS TOSA
Shawna is entering her 26th year in education, including 11 years of dedicated service within the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Throughout her career, Shawna has cultivated a deep bench of expertise across a variety of roles—ranging from classroom teacher and ELD/Literacy Specialist to Instructional Coach and Dean of Students. Currently serving as an MTSS Coordinator, she specializes in PK–6 literacy and K–8 PBIS systems. Shawna is passionate about designing the foundational structures necessary to ensure academic and behavioral success for every student. Please contact Shawna at sgiesler@ttsd.k12.or.us