Meet the Education Staff
JESSE JACKSON
EDUCATION PROGRAMS OFFICER
Jesse Jackson is a Cow Creek Tribal member, born and raised in southern Douglas County. He has two children and has been married to his wife for fifteen years. Jesse has attained two bachelor’s degrees; in Education and Archaeology, from Oregon State University in 2013, and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Concordia University in 2017. He’s taught social studies courses for grades 7-12 (i.e., anthropology, personal finance, U.S. government, U.S. history, global studies, etc.) and has been a 7-12 principal too!
In his personal time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family and pets, fishing, hunting, gardening, swimming, flint knapping, assisting with cultural tours, and more! He is very excited to be a part of the education team and looks forward to serving Tribal members with their educational and cultural needs!
JENNIFER REID
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Jennifer Reid is an educator with over 15 years of
experience in education. She began her career in museum education at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Working with K-12 teachers as the
Education Specialist for Teacher Programs at LACMA inspired her to become a teacher herself. She taught special education at the Los Angeles Unified School District and English language learners at District of Columbia Public Schools.
Jennifer was previously the Head Start Manager at the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation before joining Cow Creek. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art History & the Visual Arts from Occidental College and her master’s in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the proud mother of a Tolowa daughter.
BECKY WILSON
EDUCATION OFFICE MANAGER
Becky is a native to the ‘Burg, and has spent the last 16 years working in fields involving both youth and education. She enjoys being able to make a difference while evolving with the ever-changing needs of students. Becky believes education is the foundation of any community whether through formal education, vocation, or passing on culture and values to younger generations.
When she’s not working, Becky likes to read, dabble in photography, and work on house projects. She loves spending time with family, regards being an auntie to her two nephews as the very best thing in the world, and she treasures the time she gets to relax with her guy Levi and their fur babies; Cleo, Marv, and Billie.
ELIZABETH BRYANT
TAKELMA TEACHER LEAD
Elizabeth Bryant is the Takelma Language Lead Teacher Learner. She is currently studying the language, with a goal to be fluent. She also spends time at the Tribal Youth Council. She is a Cow Creek Citizen. You can find Elizabeth at home with her family, and spending time with her dog. She loves the outdoors, and can identify a large majority of Pacific Northwest Flora and Fauna. She is currently working on her basketry skills, and would like to finish a basket cup that holds water!
KODI SIDOTI
TAKELMA TEACHER-LEARNER
Kodi is a Cow Creek Tribal member. She is the Takelma Language Teacher/Learner. She is a mom of three, and is happily married to her husband. She has traveled as far as Alaska, and then down to Florida where she got her Associate’s degree in computer animation. In her off time, you can find her at home spending time with her family. Beading and art projects are her favorite hobbies. Halloween is her favorite holiday so you will always find something spooky in her office or at home.
RUSS COX
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Russ Cox is a proud member of the Cow Creek Tribe, Thomason Family. The past 22 years, he’s worked in the field of Hospitality Management and Operations. Ten of those years, he’s enjoyed working for the Tribal owned Seven Feathers Casino, Creekside Hotel, and now the Education Department. From his late grandmother, Rena Denny Cox to his dad, Tom Cox, (and extended family members) he takes personal pride in supporting programs and giving back to the Tribe. His objective is that his own children will continue to contribute to the future success.
Russ is Certified Professional through Society for Human Resources Management Program. He is excited to explore this new career change working in the Education Department, specifically in Tribal workforce development.
STEPHANIE JACKSON
TCC EXECUTIVE ADMIN ASSISTANT
Stephanie is a graduate of Days Creek High and after graduation she started working for the Cow Creek Tribe at the Bingo Hall. She worked until her second child was born, took a sabbatical and came back to work when her youngest was a toddler. At the same time, Stephanie started attending UCC to work on her Medical Office certificate. She ended up working for the Evergreen Medical Clinic and then slid on over to Cow Creek Health and Wellness Clinics. She was recruited to be the smiling face that greets at the Tribal Community Center. At TCC she fills a variety of roles including the Tribal Librarian.
When she isn’t attending one of her children’s events, she loves to read historical fiction. Stephanie is married to a Cow Creek Tribal member and is the proud mother of three.
HALEY PENUEL
EHYC PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Haley graduated from Oakland High School in 2017, immediately ventured to Kauai, and wound up moving to the Big Island. She has been living back and forth between Oregon and Hawaii for the last 6 years.
Haley has returned to Oregon with the intention of being more involved with her Tribe. Living amongst other cultures, highlighted the importance of community and support from her own people. Her plan is to attend college this fall and major in Psychology, perhaps doing social services or behavioral therapy with Indigenous/Hawaiian youth.
She says, "I am incredibly grateful to be here at EHYC. It’s a blessing, and
I’m happy to be here."
JORDYN JONES
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Born and raised in Roseburg, Jordyn brings a heartfelt commitment to supporting youth within the community. Having worked previously as a youth peer support specialist, Jordyn understands the importance of providing guidance and encouragement to young individuals. Outside of her professional life, Jordyn finds fulfillment in a variety of hobbies, including reading, gaming, and various crafting activities. You can also find her spending time with her two cats, Moo-Moo—and Korra, as well as her puppy, Pork Chop.
STEFANIE ARENTS
YIMÌSA´ DIRECTOR / HEAD TEACHER
Stefanie has been teaching in the early
childhood field for over 26 years and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is always willing to learn more in this important field by attending conferences. Providing fun, self-motivating and creative activities while fostering a child’s learning is just a few of her contributions to the children and the Yimìsa’ program. Stefanie feels fortunate to be a part of this amazing school. Stefanie and her husband Robert moved to Oregon a few years ago and are enjoying all the beauty Oregon has to offer. They love to go for hikes, visit wineries, explore waterfalls, and covered bridges on the weekends.
GRETJA WENTLAND
YIMÌSA’ PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Gretja is a Teacher at Yimìsa’ Preschool. She holds a Child Development Associates and has close to 20 years experience working in programs for infant/toddler age to Kindergarten. Gretja is
passionate about working with children of all ages but Preschool is her favorite and plans on continuing teaching at Yimìsa’ for many years to come.
SYDNIE BENNETT
YIMÌSA’ TEACHERS ASSISTANT
Sydnie joins Yimísa Preschool with a love for helping little minds grow with 4 years experience working in HeadStart programs, 1 year as an IA in a LRC classroom, as well as helping in the elementary wing during her time at Days Creek High School. After working in such a large program, she is excited to be a part of a classroom with so much support. Sydnie enjoys spending time in the mountains with her dog and
boyfriend, cuddling with her cats, spending time with family, and buying new plants.
FEEDBACK WELCOME: Please share your comments and insights regarding this new site with info-education@cowcreek.com.
SEARCH
CONTACT US
2371 NE Stephens Street Suite #100
Roseburg, OR 97470
Email: info-education@cowcreek-nsn.gov
Phone: 541.677.5575
Fax: 541.677.5574
© 2025 COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED