Staff

Lindsay Kindred teaches kindergarten.  She graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Early Childhood. She was born and raised in Powell, Wyoming where she fell in love with the mountains and everything the outdoors has to offer - which is why she feels so lucky that she gets to live and teach in such an amazing place! She enjoys fishing, swimming, playing with dogs, and working with kiddos! 

Lela Horst Baumann teaches 1st grade. She also teaches music. Ms. Baumann graduated from Hellgate High School in Missoula, holds a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and recently completed her Master's in Elementary Education at the University of Montana. She is excited to embark on her teaching career among the kind, creative staff and students at WGE! She lives in Essex with her husband and greatly looks forward to serving the West Glacier community. 

Kati Knutson teaches 2nd grade. She also teaches PE. Ms. Knutson earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Salish Kootenai College. She lives in Columbia Falls with her three children. Ms. Knutson loves making music, reading to learn new things, playing outside with her family, and teaching and coaching kids.

Kristen Hebert teaches grades 3 & 4. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Great Falls. She also holds a degree in fine art. Originally from New York, Mrs. Hebert made Montana her home in 1997, when a friend told her it was paradise. She loves the outdoors, her passions include skiing and biking with her husband and two children. She enjoys interacting with children and is thankful to spend her days doing what she loves.

Abby Born teaches 4th grade. She has a B.A. in elementary education from the University of Montana. Mrs. Born lives in Whitefish where she loves spending time outside. She loves teaching at WGE!

Melissa Kempke is our art instructor and special education teacher. She also teaches 5th grade.  Ms. Kempke was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and moved to Montana in 2012. Ms. Kempke holds a degree in Art Education, a B.A. in Sculpture from the University of Toledo, a B.A in Elementary Education from the University of Providence in Great Falls, MT, and Special Education endorsement from MSU Billings. She enjoys the opportunity to continue her career and life in West Glacier.

Carolyn Wieringa teaches grades 5–6. She has been with WGE for more than 20 years. Mrs. Wieringa earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Montana State University. She loves working with kids.

Heidi Keaster-Blaize (“Señora”) is our Spanish Instructor and Para Educator.  Señora earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Anthropology with a minor in Latin American studies from the University of Montana in 2006.  She also recently earned her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Spanish endorsement from Montana State University.  Go Grizz AND Bobcats!?!…is that possible? Señora has three young children and loves to go on Montana adventures with her family.  She is grateful for the opportunity to teach Spanish to such a great group of kids at West Glacier Elementary.

Lisa Burrell is our Para Educator and Cub Camp Supervisor. Mrs. Burrell has worked with local children and their families for over 20 years. She lives in Coram with her husband, two young dogs and one very old cat. Mrs. Burrell loves exploring the outdoors, especially with the students of WGE!

Rachelle Aldrich is our District Clerk.