Abby Miller, RD MDA

Director, Child Nutrition Department
Office: (509) 789 3557
abmiller@esd101.net

Abby Miller, is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a Master’s degree in Dietetic Administration and extensive experience in school food service. Since 2017, Abby has been enhancing school meal programs at NEWESD 101, aiming to bring nutritious food and valuable nutrition education to school cafeterias. Before her role with the ESD, she served as a Child Nutrition Specialist for the Utah State Office of Education. Abby is passionate about the impact of school meal programs on children and communities. At home, Abby is a dedicated mother of four and enjoys spending time with her family on their small dahlia farm.

Kendra Dean, MSW, MNO

Farm to School Partnerships Grant Coordinator
Office: (509) 789 3560
kdean@esd101.net

Kendra Dean spearheads our regional Farm to School program with passion and expertise. Since relocating to Spokane in 2015 from Cleveland, OH, where she earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University, Kendra has dedicated herself to enhancing the local food system. Over the past six years, she has been instrumental in various Farm to Community initiatives throughout the Spokane region. In addition to her professional achievements, Kendra co-manages Dogwild Farm with her husband and delights in exploring the Pacific Northwest through snowboarding and hiking.

Andrea Corcoran

Regional Child Nutrition Specialist
Office: (509) 675 8113
acorcoran@esd101.net

Andrea Corcoran is a dedicated Nutrition Mentor at ESD 101, where she supports rural school districts in navigating the complexities of national school lunch and breakfast programs. Andrea has extensive experience in the food service industry as a former restaurant owner and operator and as a food service director. Andrea effectively combines this expertise with her commitment to enhancing school meal programs. She plays an integral role in ensuring program compliance, addressing operational challenges, and helping rural districts provide nutritious, balanced meals that support students' health and academic success. Outside of work, Andrea is married with three grown children and enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family.

Mindy Wallis, RD

Regional Child Nutrition Specialist
Office: (509) 789 3565
mwallis@esd101.net

Mindy Wallis, is a Child Nutrition specialist championing the cause of small rural school districts at NEWESD 101. Mindy’s role involves guiding nutrition directors and kitchen teams to ensure their school lunch and breakfast programs not only meet federal standards but also promote scratch cooking and reflect the community's food preferences. With a knack for turning guidelines into practical, everyday solutions, Mindy also gets to spark enthusiasm for healthy eating through dynamic nutrition education classes. Mindy’s passion for community nutrition education has been a driving force throughout her career, helping her make a meaningful impact to every school she supports.

Kristy McGuire, RD

Child Nutrition Specialist Contractor for NEWESD 101
Office: (360) 970 8708
kristina0mcguire@gmail.com

Kristy McGuire, has worked in Child Nutrition since 2019. She holds a master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, equipping her with a deep understanding of both nutrition science and physical wellness. Kristy currently works remotely from Olympia, where she balances her professional responsibilities with quality time spent with her husband, two children, and many cats. In her personal time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and watching reality TV.

Margaret Garrett

Farm to School Coordinator
Office: (509) 496 6630
mgarrett@esd101.net

Margaret Garrett is passionate about Farm to School! As a Regional Farm to School Coordinator Margaret is available to provide support to both school districts and local farmers/producers in implementing farm to school activities such as procurement, gardening, and education. Margaret will work closely with the Team Nutrition Mentor to help provide an array of support services to districts in the ESD 113 Nutrition Cooperative. Margaret worked as a chef for 39 years. She has BA from The Evergreen State College in film and video production and her Masters of Nonprofit Leadership form Seattle University. She began her Farm to School Journey as a Food Service Director at Chimacum School District in 2018. Eating a still sun warm cherry tomato standing in the garden is one of the joys of life!

Cheri Hobbs

Farm to School Coordinator
Office: (509) 867 4287
chobbs@esd101.net

Cheri Hobbs is the Farm to School Program Coordinator for ESD 171, dedicated to promoting a healthy approach to food awareness in schools. With extensive experience in food service and a creative approach, she engages students through taste tests, surveys, and growing their interest in food exploration. Her commitment is driven by a belief in the power of good nutrition and its impact on student well-being and academic success. On other days, Cheri can be found creating in the kitchen, tending her garden, and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Josie Norrish

Farm to School Coordinator
Office: (509) 703 1629
jnorrish@esd101.net

Josie Norrish is a Regional Farm to School Coordinator serving Central and Southeast Washington, where she fosters connections between local farms and school districts to promote healthier, sustainable food systems. After graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in Recreation and Tourism Management, she spent over two and a half years traveling through Mexico, Central and South America, and later, Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii. During this time, she volunteered on rural farms, cultivating a deep passion for agriculture. After settling in the Tri-Cities to be closer to family, Josie worked for an organic produce farm, which sparked a transition into Child Nutrition in 2024. Although this role presented a learning curve, it has brought profound meaning and strong connections to her life. She is excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact she can continue to make in her community.

Val Soohoo

Department Secretary
Office: (509) 789 3567
vsoohoo@esd101.net

Val Soohoo has been a member of NEWESD 101 since 2018, serving as a secretary with a focus on providing exceptional support to the Child Nutrition team. Her organizational skills and attention to detail contribute significantly to the department's efficiency and success. Outside of work, Valerie values quality time with family, enjoys playing the piano, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Joanna Livingston

Child Nutrition Mentor, ESD 105, 171, 123
Office: (509) 544 5712
jlivingston@esd101.net

Joanna Livingston joined ESD 123 after a 27-year career in School Food Services, working for the same company. She began her profession as a dishwasher at ESD 112 in 1996, and during that time, she grew in her knowledge and passion for feeding students healthy and nutritious meals. Joanna became a food service director in 2007 for a small private school and eventually joined the Moses Lake School District as the Assistant Director of Dining Services. Currently, Joanna assists 9 districts and serves as the Food Service Director for one. She strives to support students and food service staff at ESD 123 and ESD 105 in their efforts to expand and promote school nutrition. Joanna continues to learn and grow in her passion for promoting health and wellness through the foods served to students across the state. In her personal time, Joanna enjoys being with her grandchildren, working out at the gym, and preparing healthy meals.

Chris Facha, SNS

Child Nutrition Diabetes Specialist
Office: (509) 789 3556
cfacha@esd101.net

Chris Facha is currently serving as a child nutrition diabetes specialist for the NEWESD 101. Chris holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Idaho and SNS credential from the School Nutrition Association. Chris has over 23 years' experience in child nutrition, ranging from nutrition services director in both self-op and contracted districts to being a specialist and USDA Foods administrator at the Oregon Dept. of Education Child Nutrition Section. Chris has a passion for feeding nutritious and appealing food to children. In his spare time, Chris enjoys science fiction shows and movies and working on projects around the house.

Beth Mort, MURP

Regional Farm to School Coordinator
Office: (509) 934 0645
bmort@esd101.net

Beth Mort is the Regional Farm to School Coordinator for ESD 101, connecting school districts with local farms to promote healthy food systems. With over eight years of experience running a small farm that grows flowers, vegetables, and natural dyes, she has gained valuable insights into agriculture and built strong connections with fellow farmers. Beth holds a Bachelor’s in Ecology and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, blending expertise in both fields to create sustainable, food-focused environments. She also runs a permaculture design business, helping clients grow food in their landscapes. Passionate about making food accessible, Beth is excited to support Farm to School and its connection to local food and agriculture.

NorthEast Washington ESD 101

Nutrition Services

NorthEast Washington ESD 101