Our Board of Directors
Carlene Anders, Board Director, President
Carlene became a licensed childcare provider and preschool teacher September 1, 1997. She previously had a certified teaching contract with the Pateros School District, but following the birth of her daughter in February 1996, she decided to open a child care facility at home. During the past 26 years, her facility has cared for hundreds of children and their families.
Carlene has been a strong advocate for child learning and empowerment. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from WSU in Commercial and Outdoor Recreation. Carlene was elected Mayor of the City of Pateros in November 2016 and served on the following boards: Okanogan County Community Action Council (Board Member); North Central Washington Economic Development District (former President); Okanogan Council of Governments (former Vice-Chair); Okanogan County Transportation Authority (current Vice-Chair). She currently serves on the Thriving Together Board (Board Member) and is a member of the University of Washinton Neonatal Intensive Care advisory committee.
It has been her vision to see the former Pateros Church of Christ facility be available for childcare and education use for Pateros and the surrounding communities.
Scotti Wiltse, Board Director, Treasurer
Scotti Wiltse is the Superintendent/Principal of Pateros School District. She was born and raised in the area and was a 3rd generation graduate of Pateros High School. She went on to attend Big Bend Community College flight program, Central Washington University, and then earned a bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Washington University. She taught middle school math in Brewster for five years prior to getting a teaching position in Pateros. She earned her master's degree from Western Governors University in Curriculum & Instruction. She was the State & Federal Programs Director and has taught MS & HS math, MS science, technology, and Leadership classes. Ultimately, she obtained her Administration Degree from Washington State University. Scotti enjoys horseback riding, gardening, weaving and spending time with her family. Scotti's teaching philosophy revolves around creating "Kids who have a passion and love to learn."
Kayla Johanson, Board Director, Secretary
Kayla Johanson is the School Psychologist at Brewster School District. In her position, Kayla strives to help families navigate various programs for students with disabilities ranging from preschool to young adults. Kayla brings knowledge regarding early intervention services, special education, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the TEEC board. As a mother to young children, Kayla is passionate about helping create a place where parents can feel comfortable leaving their children while they contribute their skillset to the community.
Grace Larsen, Board Director, Vice-President
Grace Larsen is a Family Nurse Practitioner with Confluence Health in Brewster. She graduated with a master’s in nursing from University of Washington in 1992. She and her husband, Jim, have lived and worked in the community since 1998. She currently serves as a Board Director of Pateros School District and is a founding board member of Pateros/Brewster Community Resource Center. Her husband, Jim, is a family practice physician with CHAS in Spokane. Their 2 children are proud graduates of ABC Daycare/Preschool in Pateros and Pateros High School. Both kids graduated from universities in Washington State. Grace is passionate about community health, quality public education, and workforce housing.
Jesus Hernandez, MPA, Board Director
Jesus has proven leadership and planning abilities in multiple settings. Over twenty years of progressive responsibility and leadership roles in workforce development, education, healthcare, and finance. He was appointed by Governors Locke and Gregoire to the Higher Education Coordinating Board where he served nine years, including two terms as Chairman. He’s served in both the health and education sector including twenty years on the Wenatchee School Board championing multiple initiatives with lasting impact. He’s experienced in effective management through team leadership development, goal-oriented and proactive visioning. He has a BA in Business Administration from WSU and a Master’s in Public Administration from University of Washington. Jesus is a certified mediator and a founding board member of the Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center, ensuring bilingual/bicultural mediation services in North Central Washington.
Jesus is currently the CEO for Family Health Centers (FHC) in North Central Washington, which delivers care for all communities in Okanogan County and the north portion of Douglas County through medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, and other programs.
In his spare time enjoys spending weekends with family doing outdoor activities and/or musical events. Jesus raised two sons with his late wife, Melissa, and is now enjoying the recent arrival of Eva Marie with his new partner Christal Eshelman. They both share homes in Omak and Wenatchee.
Diane Hull, Board Director
Diane is a seasoned educator and administrator who served for over 40 years with the Bridgeport School District as Kindergarten Teacher, Building Administrator, and District Administrator, recently retired. She earned her AA from Wenatchee Valley College, then went on for her Bachelor’s of Arts in Education through Central Washington University. She achieved her Masters in Curriculum & Instruction with Administrative Certification from Gonzaga University.
Diane has been a long-time community volunteer in a variety of activities such as sports, Apple Pie Jamboree, Fire Recovery, School Board member and other areas as needed.
“My family has life-long roots in Pateros. My Grandma, my parents, my husband and I, and our children are all proud graduates of Pateros High School. Some of our grandkids are attending Pateros and could become fifth generation graduates of Pateros. Both my parents, as well as my husband and I, have always worked outside the home. We know the importance of quality childcare for our families in our community.”