Orcas Island School District has hired a new para-educator, Katie Wlaysewski (pronounced vlashevskee). She is a proud native of Butte, Montana and grew up in a large family as the middle child of six. She has lived and worked in many places over the years, such as Kansas, New York, California and Oregon.

For the last five years Orcas Island has been Wlaysewski’s home. She has worked as the lead teacher at Children’s House in the infant-toddler Center. She has two sweet and energetic children, Rider age eight and Scarlet age six, both of whom attend Orcas Island Elementary. Wlaysewski says she loves her friends and family here on the island.

“I love working with kids and am looking forward to continuing my work in education while gaining experience with school age children. In my down time, I enjoy traveling with my family, attending concerts, and being involved in shows at the Orcas Center. I’m excited about the new school year,” she said.