Lindsay Kindred teaches kindergarten and is part of the Teacher-Led Team. 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!
Sarah Satterwhite teaches 1st grade. She also teaches PE. She grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. After visiting during her summers and breaks, she made the decision to pack up her black cat, Pepper, and made a move to be closer to her Montana family. She can often be found spending time with her nieces, reading a good book, or trying new things. She graduated from Western Governors University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is looking forward to teaching in West Glacier.
Kati Knutson teaches 2nd grade, music, & 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.
Melissa Kempke is our special education teacher. She also teaches Art and is part of the Teacher-Led Team. 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.
Lisa Burrell is a paraeducator and the supervisor of Cub Camp. She has worked with local children and their families for over 30 years. Mrs. Burrell lives in Coram with her husband and their two dogs. She loves exploring the outdoors, especially with the students of WGE!
Rachelle Aldrich serves as West Glacier Elementary’s school clerk and business manager. She supports front office operations, business services, and daily administrative functions that help keep the school running smoothly. Originally from Billings, Montana, she is the parent of two children and enjoys animals. She is happy to be part of the West Glacier Elementary community.
Introducing New Staff for 2026-2027
Ashley Yeats will teach Spanish. Señora Yeats previously taught Spanish at a public school in Alaska inspired by Waldorf pedagogy. She and her family moved to the Flathead Valley two years ago from Alaska. Her husband grew up in Columbia Falls, and their family has deep roots in this area and in Glacier National Park. Señora Yeats and her husband have three children. She enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, cooking, baking, swimming, and fishing. Señora Yeats is excited to share her love of language and culture with the students of WGE.
Faith Hardee will teach 4th grade in the fall. Ms. Hardee graduated from Hermann High School in Missouri and is graduating this May with an Elementary Education degree from the University of Montana. She is excited to begin her teaching career in such an exciting place! She is moving to Columbia Falls with her fiance this summer and looks forward to spending her free time fishing, hiking and camping! She is eager to join the WGE community and is excited for this new adventure!
Shawn Fagnant will teach 5th & 6th grade in the fall. Originally from Kemmerer, Wyoming, Mr. Fagnant moved to the Flathead Valley in 2018 when his wife began working for GNP. Before moving to Montana, he worked in live media production in roles ranging from production assistant to camera operator, audio technician, and director. After settling in the Flathead, he worked at the Early Childhood Center at FVCC before earning his degree from Western Governors University. He spent the last six years teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade and most recently served as a Technology Specialist. Outside of school, Mr. Fagnant enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking, skiing, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors with his dogs. He is excited to join the team at WGE!
Amy Clever is joining the WGE team this year as a third grade teacher, making her lifelong dream of living in the mountains come true. Ms. Clever has her degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst College in Illinois, as well as her Masters in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University in Chicago. She also has her ESL Endorsement and Principal's Endorsement. Ms. Clever has a passion for the outdoors and loves to hike and boat with her dog, Happy.