Throughout October, we’re honoring our Information Technology employees for all they do to keep our district connected and running smoothly.
Women hold just 26-28% of IT jobs in the U.S., according to recent statistics. To celebrate them (and hopefully inspire more women to apply for open positions), we wanted to shine a light on several who are working within SPS.
Betsy Lamb, Executive Director Learning Technology & Information Systems: With a degree in Human Development, Betsy started in SPS as part-time assistant secretary at Moran Prairie Elementary School. She earned her master’s degree in education and taught in classrooms for 10 years. Betsy kept learning and was a Math Coach, Extended Day Specialist, and Ed Tech Facilitator and Coordinator. With a deep understanding of our system and the people in it, she stepped up into the IT Director role on a mission to encourage and celebrate the wonder of technology for students and staff.
Rachel Nicholson, Web Development Analyst 2, Application Development and Support: Rachel originally joined SPS in 2013, in the very role she holds now. Previously, she worked in in Software Quality Assurance at a small software company in Spokane. Rachel began programming for fun at 9 years old and coded her first full website at age 15, which led to the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at Eastern Washington University in Computer Science.
Sophia Howe, Applications Analyst I: Sophia studied Management Information Systems at Gonzaga University. A desire to remain in Spokane as an active community member led her to SPS, where she can pursue her passion to use technology in a meaningful way. As the newest member of the Business Plus team, she supports the business processes and technology needs of SPS.
Brea Smith, Student Application Support Specialist: Brea started in SPS as the Records Clerk for the district for 5 years. After taking 6 months off with her first child and obtaining her associate’s degree in Business, Brea returned part time at Havermale as the Guidance Secretary. She later worked as a Data Processor for On Track Academy, The Community School and Shadle Park High School. For nearly three years, Brea has been a PowerSchool Support Specialist for the district.
Andrea Phifer, Office Manager ITSC/Tech Services: Before coming to SPS, Andrea supported technology at both a national wireless carrier and a technology firm that supplied hardware and software support to all the Farm Credit Unions nationwide. Wanting to focus on supporting her children at home and in their education, Andrea accepted a position as Support Secretary at Shadle Park High School. Within two years she transitioned to the role of Data Processor at the same location. Coming back to the tech field, Andrea became Office Manager for ITSC/Tech Services in the Spring 2023.
Katherine Graham, Service Desk & Logistical Support: Katherine got her start with IT in April 2022, after working at East Valley and previously Gonzaga Prep. She has also worked in Inventory, Cashiering, and Loss Prevention at Best Buy. She was a security guard with State Protection Services, and Assessment Administrator for the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) project. Her previous experiences along, with her current studies at Spokane Community College for Network Administration, helped her begin her career in IT. She hopes to continue to grow and progress in the field and join the SPS Network team.
Carlane Collen, IT System Documentation Specialist: Believe it or not Carlane was a cake decorator – of all things – before starting with the SPS IT department. Carlane came to SPS as a summer IT intern while working on her IT degree in college. A few years later, she applied for and received a Help Desk and Logistical Support position. After some time on the Help Desk, she moved into a Tier 2 Technology Support Specialist position, helping staff and students in-person at several sites. Eight months later, she was promoted again to her current position of IT System Documentation Specialist.
Christine Wilson, Operations/Telecom: Christine started as a volunteer at Hutton Elementary School in the 1980s to set up their computer lab. Since then, she has worked with special needs students in Express Childcare, front desk receptionist at the Administration Building, and designed a report card database for summer school. She took on administration of Novell email, report writing and system security for our Human Resources and Payroll systems. She sets up security for our student database and manages our district telephone system. She loves her work, especially when little things she does make a big difference to many.
Lacie Magin, Tier II ITSC Tech: Lacie started her IT Career in 2012 while finishing a bachelors’ program in Information Systems and Cyber Security. Prior to SPS, she had experience in supporting network infrastructure in photography production businesses, as well as AutoCAD Resellers. Lacie moved to SPS in 2016, where she appreciates the flexibility to be an involved parent.
Holly Jonckers, Asset Management ITSC: Holy started in SPS as a Career & Technical Education intern in 2009 by installing technology equipment. Later she worked to install phones and Network switches. Holly went on to work in retail in the technology department at Fred Meyer’s and attend Interface College, where she acquired multiple technical certifications. Holly came back to SPS as an intern and was hired in 2013 as a Computer Support Technician to install technology hardware. She then became a Campus Tech, providing tech support and assisting with technology inventory. Holly later worked to facilitate student technology deployments across the district and facilitate staff computer replacements, which led to her current role as an Asset Manager.
Marsha Tice, Student Applications Support Specialist: Marsha started working at SPS as Data Processor at Shadle Park High School before becoming their Business Office Manager. While at Shadle Park, Marsha served on numerous school and district committees as well as was involved in local and Washington State groups for Educational Office Support staff. She was then offered a position with Technology Services as a Student Applications Support Specialist and has maintained that position supporting schools with the use of our student information system PowerSchool.