Our Staff

Todd Nicholson

Principal
Todd Nicholson’s background includes serving as a school psychologist, private practice therapist and school administrator. This is his twentieth year as an educator.Todd is passionate about opening pathways of success for students.
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From: Montana
Favorite Band: Journey
Cat vs. Dog: Dog!
Neumann

Teacher
Neumann has taught for over 20 years, in both comprehensive and alternative high school settings. He is thrilled to be part of this new endeavor and look forward to supporting students in their personal and academic growth.
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Shaw

Teacher
Shaw comes from a background in alternative education, with a specialty in social studies. She is very excited to meet everyone and be part of the start of this new school.
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From: Alaska
Fun Fact: Plays Ice Hockey
Cat vs. Dog: Ummmm. Rabbit.
Jeremy

Lead Counselor / CDAC II
Ralls has provided therapeutic services for 4 years with 3 of those years with teenagers. He is excited to support the students along with the incredible staff here at Rivercrest, and looks forward to this ride that we are taking as people learning and growing together.
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Tiffany

Administrative Assistant / Registrar
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From: Connecticut
Favorite Movie Ever: Good Will Hunting
Favorite Author: Lisa Genova
Erin

School Psychologist/ School Counselor
Erin Dvorak is the school psychologist and school counselor for Rivercrest Academy. She graduated from Lewis and Clark College in 2012 with an Ed.S degree. She worked for the last nine years as a school psychologist for Northwest Regional ESD, primarily for the Scappoose School District. Erin also worked at Lifeworks Day Treatment Program, St. Mary’s Home for Boys and in the Tigard Tualatin School District. At Rivercrest, Erin takes on a new role (for her) as school counselor, which allows Erin the opportunity to work with students and their families to ensure that graduation requirements are being met, and to help support and guide students towards their post high school goals. As a school psychologist at Rivercrest Academy Erin supports students with their academic, social/emotional, and executive functioning growth. Erin also supports students who need specific accommodations and modifications implemented when a 504 plan or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are in place.

Erin is a mom to a 15 year old sophomore and a 11 year old 5th grader, and spends her free time biking along the Willamette River and swing dancing to live jazz bands.
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From: California but Oregon feels like home
Favorite Book: Tattoos on the Heart
Cat vs. Dog: Hamster
Sammy

Recovery Mentor
Sammy’s life philosophy is paying it forward. She is proud to stand with the students at Rivercrest who just by showing up here, are proving that they have the capabilities to be their best selves.
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From: Oregon
Cat vs. Dog: Cat!
Courtney

Nurse
Prior to working in schools, Courtney worked in acute care as well as on an interdisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team supporting people living with diagnosed mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorder. She is passionate about supporting students, meeting people where they are at, and helping people access their health goals.
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From: Wisconsin
Favorite Book: The God of Small Things
Christine Otto

Senior Educational Services Administrator / Bridges Director
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From: Texas
Cat vs. Dog: Both!