As an attendee at Siletz Schools from 1986-1994, and a 1998 graduate of Toledo High School, I am no stranger to small school life. I likely would have graduated from Siletz, but there was no high school in Siletz at that time! In 1999, I married my high school sweetheart, and we now have four children-Conner, 17, Anthony, 14, Sandy, 10 and Lilly, 7. We live in Toledo with our two dogs, Billy and Patty; cats, Buddy, Disney Junior, Charlie, Snow White, and a few strays we feed, and a few bunnies. After graduating from nursing school at Linn-Benton community college in 2004, I started my nursing career with the Lincoln County School District as a contracted nurse (only one year, and part time) and worked at Coastal Pediatrics (off and on for about five years) as a staff nurse as well. From there, I began working with the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) as a family planning nurse, which eventually lead me to work in school-based health centers throughout the county. In 2015, I went back to working with the Lincoln county school district as the nurse for Toledo, Lincoln City, Siletz and Eddyville schools. When Lincoln City began to require more time, another nurse was hired and I acquired Waldport schools in its place. During the years I worked for the school district, I worked with families, children and staff to make sure students with medical ailments were properly taken care of. I taught staff members in my schools how to care for various medically fragile students, and I taught sexual education for the entire school district! All this running around became tiring, so when Eddyville Charter School opened up a position for a nurse in October, I jumped at the chance! As the nurse exclusively for Eddyville Charter School, I am working hard to expand health services for our students right here at school! I’m currently working with the LCHD to see what we can offer. I have also started teaching health for grades K-8, with an occasional appearance in the high school health class. This spring I will be teaching Yoga to staff members, and hope to teach students starting this Fall! Fun fact-my own mother taught yoga to High School Eagles a few years back!
I am proud to be a part of this school and community! Go Eagles!!--Betsy Brooks, RN