CTE New Faces
REBECCA BROWN
Class taught: Health Science Careers (Pre-Nursing) at SEATech Skills Center
Becca loves the excitement for learning and the light in students’ eyes when they finally understand a concept — that “aha” moment is what fuels her passion for teaching.
Before entering education, Becca worked in Skilled Nursing facilities in many RN roles, as well as serving as the Director of Nursing at the Walla Walla Clinic.
This year, Becca is looking forward to sharing her passion for exceptional patient care with the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Becca was born and raised right here in Walla Walla, and she is proud to be a graduate of the WWCC Nursing Program. She is especially excited to teach students how to provide holistic, person-centered care that addresses every aspect of human needs. “Together, we’ll build a strong foundation for compassionate caregiving.”
KIRSTEN GILBERT
Classes taught: Animal Biology and Vet Assistant at Walla Walla High School
Kirsten is from Medical Lake, Washington, and graduated from the University of Idaho.
Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students grow and gain confidence in themselves.
Kirsten is looking forward to watching her students continue to build confidence and take on new experiences through class and FFA.
MATTHEW STIMMEL
Shop Technician Paraeducator: Construction Technology at SEATech Skills Center
Matt has always enjoyed working with youth throughout his adult life. He loves finding teachable moments in interactions with youth involving life skills, integrity, reputation, and being a lifelong learner. Seeing youth learn and grow in their lives gives him hope that the future will be bright and fun for them! Matt also enjoys coaching and has been coaching sports for years. He has coached high school football, youth baseball, and girls’ softball.
Before SEATech, Matt was a Police Sergeant in Portland, OR, and retired after 25 years of service. He enjoyed working in a fun and vibrant city and had some incredible assignments.
Matt is very excited and thankful to be the first Paraeducator at SEATech’s Construction class. It is an incredible program, and he is honored to come to work and help youth learn the trade and build things. Matt is excited to swing a hammer and see a Holiday Float built, and even possibly a house built for Habitat for Humanity!
Matt grew up in Walla Walla and graduated from WaHi in 1981. He then went to Portland to Warner Pacific College and married a Portland girl, Tracey, his wife of 39 years. After retiring in 2019 and Tracey retiring from being a Firefighter/Paramedic, they decided to come to Walla Walla. They have two kids; Maddie is a school counselor in Boise, ID, and their son, Smith, is a sophomore baseball player at WWCC.
HAYLEY STOUT
Classes taught: Human Body Systems and Sports Medicine at Walla Walla High School
Hayley loves the opportunity to share her passion for sports medicine and the human body with students. “It’s so exciting to grow their interest and watch them get excited about how to take care of themselves and others.”
Before teaching, Hayley got her initial degrees in athletic training. The first 4 years of her career, she worked as an athletic trainer for a high school, and then worked as an athletic trainer for Boeing for 2 years. Both were very different experiences, but she is grateful for what she learned! Ultimately, she missed the high school setting too much while working at Boeing, which is what led her to the position at Walla Walla, and she’s so excited to be here!
This year, Hayley is really looking forward to exploring the area and getting to know everyone. The staff has been so kind and welcoming, it’s made the transition here so easy. As much as she enjoys athletic training, she’s excited for the career change and the opportunity to continue working with students.
Hayley grew up in Western Washington, about an hour and a half north of Seattle. Hayley loves it over here in Walla Walla, but she does miss the ocean and all the close hiking spots. Hayley wanted to experience a different part of the country when she was deciding on college, and she visited a school just outside of Chicago and fell in love with the area, and decided to attend Aurora University. Hayley has done a fair bit of traveling, and Chicago remains one of her favorite big cities. She really enjoyed experiencing a different culture during her time there. She goes back and visits as often as she can! Although she enjoyed her time, the PNW is ultimately home for her, and she missed it too much to relocate permanently.
Hayley loves to travel and is always planning her next trip, even if it’s just a quick weekend trip. She loves to experience new things and is always up for a good road trip/car karaoke session! One of her favorite places in the states that she has been to is Arizona and the national parks there. Abroad, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but her top 2 are probably Italy and Belgium.
