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!

SANDY HENRY

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Sandy has an extensive job history in the social services providing to under served populations. She has a passion for providing educational opportunities to all who want them, and believes that these efforts will lead to better communities for all of us. Sandy believes in equity and inclusion and backs this believe by serving on advisory committees and boards whenever possible. Sandy is a native Oregonian, a proud Oregon State graduate, and thankful mother to three and grandmother to TWO!

BECKY WILSON

EDUCATION EXECUTIVE ADMIN ASSISTANT


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

TEACHER-LEARNER

Elizabeth Bryant is the Takelma Language Teacher Learner. She is currently studying the language, with a goal to be fluent. She also spends time at the Tribal Youth Council. 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.

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.

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.


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.

TJ COOPER

EDUCATION PROGRAMS MANAGER

TJ Cooper is beyond thrilled to be a part of the Cow Creek Education team. TJ brings quality with

the value of process to her work through her experiences in behavioral, education, housing, LGBTQIA+, and leadership programs with young people. For her work, youth and communities are always in design to discover and develop indispensable qualities of programs that include warmth, courage, structural intelligence, and a delightful, balanced connection between youth and their community. Youth programs are TJ's passion and community-culture work is how she shares it.


KATIE CALHOUN

EHYC PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Katie has been working with people in the community for 5 years, first serving adults with physical and intellectual disabilities as a Program Supervisor, then as a preschool teacher. She is currently the Program Assistant for the EHYC. She loves working with kids in an educational setting.

Going forward, Katie is continuing her education through Eastern Oregon University where she is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a concentration on Social Welfare. You can find Katie on the weekends hanging out with her husband and two children anywhere outdoors. Their time off is always filled with adventures either in the mountains, on the lakes, or at the local parks.

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." 

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.


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Phone: 541.677.5575

Fax: 541.677.5574

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