We are very discerning in our hiring efforts and the result has been an exceptional staff aligned with the goal of helping your children exceed. Our staff challenges students and gives them the tools needed to excel academically and to become thriving, independent contributors in their communities.
Administration
Andrew DeCoteau Principal andrew.b.decoteau@k12.sd.us
Principal DeCoteau grew up in Belcourt, ND on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. He graduated from Mayville State University in 1985 and began his career as a Kindergarten teacher in Belcourt, ND. There he coached football, wrestling, and track. He went back to school for his Master's degree from the University of North Dakota where he worked as a grad assistant for the UND football team. He accepted his first Principal position at Fort Yates Public School where he continued coaching and was also the Director of Bilingual Education. Over the next 20 years, he served as a high school and elementary principal at various schools across the Midwest.
Karen Montana Administrative Assistance karen.r.montana@k12.sd.us
Originally from Simi Valley, CA, Karen has been employed at the Rock Creek Grant School since 2016. She’s the first voice you hear when you call and is happy to answer any of your questions.
Teachers
Maria Chabel B. Yongco Elementary Teacher
Maria has been teaching for 8 years and has a Master's degree in Education with a specialty in math. She believes that "If a child can't learn the way we teach, we should teach them the way they learn." She maintains a positive attitude with a keen ability to navigate the needs of students, parents, and colleagues. Her best qualities are contentment, patience, and encouragement.
Myla Inocian Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Myla is from Cebu City in the Philippines and says it is her privilege to join us. She has two Master's degrees in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. Myla has 7 years of teaching experience and enjoys using hands on teaching methods to allow the children's creativity to flourish. She incorporates storytelling, singing, and dancing to provide an immersive experience that will be remembered long-term. She believes each child has a unique talent, a desire to learn, and a dream to become great.
Douglas Johnson 5th - 8th Grade
Douglas brings a lot of life experience to the table from serving in the U.S. military, working in the HVAC industry, and playing collegiate football. He also has a degree from Dickinson State College with a double major in Education and Biology. Douglas has previously taught in Grenora, ND and Stephan for the Crow Creek High School where his emphasis was aligning K-12 curriculum.
Bernadette Borja Math Coordinator
Bernadette has been a mathematics coordinator for years and is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of students and parents. She believes every learner is unique in their needs, talents, and way of learning. Born in Iligan City, Philippines, so has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and has been teaching for 14 years. She also helps train students for mathematics competitions in the division and district level.
Dorothy Larson Special Education Teacher
Dorothy is born and raised in Wyoming. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Master's Degree in Special Education. She has taught in many places in South Dakota and Wyoming but enjoyed most of her time teaching in Standing Rock. In fact, she worked for over 20 years with the Standing Rock Early Childhood Program reservation-wide.
Paraprofessionals
Edith Running Hawk Special Education
Edith is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and was born and raised in Bullhead. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education/Special Education from Sitting Bull College. She did her student teaching at Rock Creek Grant School and has taught there for more than ten years.
Jessica Porras SPED Paraprofessional
Jessica grew up in Kenel, South Dakota and graduated from Standing Rock Grant High School. She now resides with her husband in Little Eagle and has 7 children and 1 granddaughter. She's worked for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for 20 years and is a wonderful addition to our team!
Support
Kenny Comeau Facility Coordinator
Kenny was born in Fort Yates but raised in McLaughlin. He attended WYOTech in Laramie Wyoming where he graduated from. After college, Kenny helped his dad run a mechanic shop. From there, Kenny went to work at the McLaughlin school as the ISS coordinator and also as the McLaughlin Mustang football coach. Kenny is in his third year here at Rock Creek Grant School.