Staff Directory

My name is Lori Baker and I have taught at Bickel for 15 years.  I have one son and one daughter, they are both grown up and raising their own families. I have 3 adorable grandchildren and my favorite thing in the whole world is being a grandma.  I love to read, set puzzles, play video games and watch my BSU Broncos win football games.  My ultimate dream and bucket list would be to travel around the United States and visit every Major League baseball stadium.

My name is Breanna Hugill and I have been teaching 4^th grade at Bickel for 6 years. Previously, I attended Boise state University. I have 2 children: Declan, who is 6, and Crew, who is almost 2 years old. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my family, but I also like reading and art. My favorite things to teach my students are Science (any topic) and Idaho History. I love seeing how these topics really draw in students and make them excited to learn!

My name is Rachel Idso and I teach fifth grade.  I began my teaching career in 1999 and have taught both fifth and sixth grade.  My favorite subject to teach is language because I am a lover of words.  Words bring life to life.  In 1994, I graduated from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

I do not have any children of my own, but I do count the students in my room as “mine.” Some of my hobbies include cycling (road), hiking, kayaking (leisurely), and basically anything else that takes place outside in the hot sunshine.  If an activity will make me sweat, I am definitely going to want to be involved.

I enjoy teaching at Bickel because it has a “homey” kind of feel to it.  The teachers want to be here and so do the students; it is an excellent fit.

My name is Melissa Keegan and I am excited to be the new School Counselor at Bickel Elementary. I have been in the counseling field for the past nine years, however this is my second year as a school sounselor. I received my bachelor’s degree from The University of Montana and my master’s degree from Boise State University. I grew up in Twin Falls and enjoy all the amazing outdoor activities we have here.  I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer and am thrilled to be a Bobcat.

My name is Shannon Kelly and I am one of the Title 1 teachers at Bickel Elementary.   I teach reading and math to students Kindergarten through 5^th grade.   I’ve been a part of the Bickel family since 2001.  Previous to being a reading specialist, I taught 2^nd grade for 15 years.  It is an absolute honor to work with the students and staff at Bickel.  When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoying the backcountry!

My name is Jennifer McNeil. I teach kindergarten here at Bickel Elementary School. My favorite part of teaching at Bickel is that we have a fantastic staff and a great bunch of students. I couldn’t ask for a better place to teach.  I really enjoy teaching reading because once you learn to read so many doors are opened. I finished my Master’s Degree at Grand Canyon University. I have 3 fantastic adopted children. We also have 4 miniature poodles and 3 little bunnies. Spare time…well…I don’t have much spare time. My kids and I are very involved with 4-H so that takes up a lot of our time. When I can, I love to scrap book and cross stitch.

My name is Rogene Meyer and I’ve taught  ELL (English Language Learners) at Bickel for 9 years and been in education for 39 years.  I have taught in Idaho, Alaska and Australia.  I love working with English Language Learners, they bring a rich background and a willingness to learn.  I received my Bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and Master’s degree from Boise State University.

I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law and two adorable grandchildren.  In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, and traveling. I love working with the staff and students at Bickel.

My name is Kate Milligan and I have worked at Bickel Elementary for 10 years. I’ve held numerous positions that include Playground/Office Aid, an ELL Para for three years, a Special Education Para for two years and currently as Student Mentor. I plan to graduate from CSI in the Spring with both Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice degrees. We have two children and many animals in our family including 4 dogs, a cat, 3 tortoises, birds and lizards. We enjoy family Christmas vacations to Yellowstone National Park.

Hello my name is Katrina Nielsen. I teach Kindergarten here at Bickel. I have been teaching at Bickel for 3 years now as of this year. My favorite subject to teach would be reading. I love to watch my little Kindergarten students begin to see letters as words, and words as sentences, and then start to take off with reading books. I went to college at Boise State University. I do not have any children of my own but I have a 5 year old god-daughter, her little sister I considered my niece, and my biological niece as well. In my spare time I love to read books and play board games. My most favorite part of being a teacher at Bickel is just getting to be with my work family. I love this school and I love everyone I work with. I also love seeing all the students each day of school.

I’m Pam Rahe, the K-5 Special Education Teacher. This is my 19^th year of teaching special education at Bickel (my entire teaching career).  I only teach reading, math, and written language, but I would have to say Reading Mastery Level 2 is probably my very favorite thing to teach.  It has so many great stories that I never get tired of hearing.  I graduated from the University of South Dakota (my home state) and obtained my special education endorsement from Lewis-Clark State College where I met my husband, Steve.  He is a 4^th grade teacher at Morningside Elementary.  We have a son, Seth, in 8^th grade at O’Leary and a daughter, Stephanie, in 6^th grade at Morningside.  We also have a 16 year old dachshund named Doc.  I don’t have much spare time with running my kids to activities, but when I do, I love to read books and watch Hallmark Christmas movies.  My favorite part of being a teacher here at Bickel is definitely my students.  I’m proud to be part of the Bickel staff.

My name is Briana Rieth and I have been teaching since 2014.  My first two years were spent with 2nd graders and this is my third year in 5th!  I’m so grateful for the community of people I get to work with at Bickel.  They’re all incredibly kind, supportive, and fun!

When I’m not at school, I spend as much time with my family as possible.  Other than that, I like to spend time outdoors reading, swimming, kayaking, camping, and snowboarding.

Hi, I am Amanda Spencer and I teach 4^th grade here at Bickel Elementary. I earned my teaching degree from CSI and ISU. This is my seventh year teaching 4^th grade, before that I taught 3^rd grade for two years and Kindergarten for one year.

My absolute favorite subject to teach is reading because I love reading myself in my spare time. I hope that by the time my students leave my class they have grown to love reading as much as I do.

I have been married to my best friend Adam, for ten years. We have beautiful and very independent 3 year old little girl, Avery as well as some fur babies, Bella, Tucker,(dogs) Jasmine,(cat) and Juniper (ferret). My favorite thing to do when I am not at school is spend quality time with my family. I also enjoy reading and doing puzzles.

My favorite part about teaching at Bickel is the people. We have an amazing staff that works together to make sure every student gets what they need to succeed. Not only do we work well together professionally, but we support each other personally as well. I am proud to call all of my coworkers friends.

This is my first year teaching at Bickel.  I am so excited about having the opportunity to teach here.  Both of my sons are also attending Bickel this year.

I started my teaching career at  the Mars Primary Center in Pennsylvania.  It was exciting because I got to teach at the district that I had graduated from.  I taught there for 8 years before I found my way to Wallace, Idaho and later White Sulphur Springs, MT. This is my 14^th year of teaching elementary students.  Teaching has brought me much happiness and many exciting adventures.