Please join us in welcoming these new employees to our PGST team.
If you cross their path, introduce yourself and say "hello!"
Continue reading to learn a little about them...
Miranda Ives
ECE Preschool Teacher Assistant
Hire date-2.24.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
Worked at Fred Hutchenson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for 3 summers.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Lived in Suquamish for 18 years, then moved to Port Orchard in 2018.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love to paint.
Working on my Nursing degree .
Jennifer Simons
Clinic Receptionist Scheduler
Hire date 2.2.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I have worked 14 years in Veterinary medicine, 12 years as an optician assistant in nursing homes and 2 years in a primary care office.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
My Husband and I moved here from Virginia 3 years ago. We LOVE the cooler summers.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love animals, and ended up taking many in while working in veterinary field. We moved across the country with 6 cats and 4 dogs, all in one vehicle.
Collecting rocks and fossils is a hobby, along with travel.
Laurie Patterson
Accounting Technician
Hire Date 1.5.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I have over 20 years working with & managing fixed assets.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
27 years.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love to cook and I am working on a food blog.
Josh Beau Jones-
Tribal Building Custodian
ReHire Date-3.2.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I worked with Northern Asphalt and have some college credits.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I’ve lived around here my whole life.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I like to spend a lot of family time with my kids.
Jacob Fundak 
Academic Coach-Middle School
Hire Date 3.2.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I was the summer youth supervisor and really enjoyed working with the youth so I felt this position was perfect for me.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
24 years
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
This is my first official job.
I plan to further my education and stay to help the community.
Andrea Smalley
Clinic Registered Nurse
Hire Date 3.7.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I’ve been a nurse since 2014 & most recently in behavioral health
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I’ve lived in the Kitsap area for 30 years & LOVE it!
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love being outdoors, from hiking, gardening to picnicking.
Nataley Fidler
Vulnerable Adult Investigator
Hire Date-3.9.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I’ve worked in child protection services along with the native education department for Great Falls Public Schools.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I am from North Kitsap, and recently moved over from Blackeagle Montana
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I enjoy gardening and loom beading. I have two horses whom I spend most my time with.
Lora Burke
Natural resources Enforcement Officer 1
Hire Date 3.16.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
After graduating college, I became an intern, then a technician for Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Natural Resources in the fisheries department.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I have been in the area now just over 3 years after falling in love with the Natural landscapes.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
As a lifelong outdoorswoman, I am an avid hunter and hiker and on off season rainy days I enjoy painting.
Kayleen Fulton
Purchasing /Accounts Payable
Hire Date 4.4.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I worked at Clearwater casino for 6 years and the MFBELC in Suquamish for the last year.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I grew up in the area, and have lived in Bremerton for the last 8 years.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I have 3 kids and my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family.
Graceanne Tarsa
Shellfish Biologist 1
Hire Date-3.31.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
2 years research in Great lakes on invasive species including Zebra and quagga mussles.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Moved to Poulsbo WA from Milwaukee WI in September 2021.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
Love outdoor activities of all sorts and am a avid runner.
Kalina Gutierrez
ECE Classroom Assistant
Hire date 3.22.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I worked a couple summers doing summer youth program with the early childhood and I've worked a couple months with the YMCA.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I grew up on the rez.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love to paint.
I love helping others.
Quanah Joaquin
ECE Rover Infant Toddler
Hire date 3.21.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I’ve worked mostly in food and medical fields. However, I have worked as a chef at a child care facility & also as a martial arts instructor
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Since 1983.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
Competed in Jr. Olympics for the tae kwan do 1995-1998.
Tina Gomez
Heath Services Accounts Payable
Hire date 3.17.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I have experience as an SUD counselor and a lot of administrative background.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Suquamish for 2 years, Kitsap County for nearly 7 years. Before that, I was born and raised in Tacoma my whole life.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I am a mom to 5 kids I birthed, and I’m lucky enough to have gained a couple bonus kids and grandkids when I married Jason.
Toni Jones
Career & Education Department Director
Hire Date 3.16.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I have worked in Education for the past 15 years. Most recently I worked for the North Kitsap School District as the Native American Education Liason at Kingston High School. Previously I worked at the Suquamish tribe as an Education Specialist and Teacher.
I was part of a team that laid the foundation for the tribal school - Chief Kitsap Academy.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I have lived and worked in the area all my life. I was born and raised on Bainbridge Island. My Grandmother and Grandfather raised their 13 children there. My Grandfather came to America from the Phillipines at the age of 16. My Grandmother is from the Shyxay Band in Canada. They met & fell in love in the berry fields. My husband and I have raised our children here in the Suquamish/Poulsbo area.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love to cook and host family dinners.
I have found a new love of lifting weights.
Abbigail Wagner
EC Rover Infant Toddler
Re-Hire date 1.6.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
8 years with one year off in 2020-2021.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
Love of ketchup & naps.
Riz Reyes
Assistant Director Heronswood
Hire date-5.11.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I’ve been in horticulture for over 25 years and have my own business on the side as a garden educator and a floral designer.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I’ve lived in the PNW since 1989, That’s when my family immigrated to the US from the Philipines.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
On top of studying horticulture in college, I also studied dance.
I’m a recently published children’s book author.
Nickolas Miller
Safety Coordinator
Hire date 5.11.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I am retiring from the Navy after 20 years, ready to start a new career.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I have been in the area since the summer 2019.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I am a submariner, I have worked on subs my whole career.
I have traveled to many countries and would like to continue to travel.
Denise Bower
Mental Health Counselor
Hire date 4.27.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I love being a mental Health Counselor.
Really love working with children and their family.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Moved to Bremerton 15 years ago after working in Forks for 6 years at their community mental health services. I have been at Peninsula Psychological Center for the last 7 years.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
Red is also my favorite color just like Danno.
I like cats (yes, I could be that old crazy cat lady someday).
Kyle Loesher
Housing Construction/Maintenance Manager
Hire date-4.27.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
Worked with CBRE for 7 years.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
Grew up here and plan on moving back.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
Great at sports
Love family time
Kiana Charles(Jones)
HR Recruiting Assistant
Hire date 4.27.22
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I worked in HR at Noo-Kayet. I am very tech savy with Paycom.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
I have lived here my entire life. I worked for NooKayet investments for 3 years learning each position and gaining knowledge by on the job training.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love to craft! I am very much into challenging myself to learn new crafts just to know, I know how to do it!
Beading has been my favorite lately but I also draw and paint. I am currently teaching myself to sew. In the near future I plan to make all my children regailia.
I am a mother of 4 & I take pride in my children & who they are as their own tiny people.
Raising them has taught me many things about life & love.
Kaylee Jones
Youth Services Worker
Hire Date
What work experience do you want to share with your new co-workers?
I have loved growing up in our community, working with everyone at any and all of the events, from culture , community & youth center activities. I’m excited to continue to work for our amazing community.
How long have you lived/worked in the area?
My whole life.
What are two interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I love Cultural events!
I’m excited to be working alongside of staff I’ve always looked up to growing up.
