RHONDA HAMERSLOUGH-KOESTER

Founder

After working in many different areas of education and having a vast range of experiences, I have landed in a place where I believe I can make a significant impact.
I am passionate about animals, humane education, and the success of kids. I am committed to education and my desire is to assist educational institutions to foster social-emotional growth in their students and staff. I help districts and schools create a culture that supports the social-emotional growth of their students through professional development, teacher SEL growth, outcomes, and the Pawsitively Social Emotional Learning Curriculum.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being active in a wide range of professional experiences that include business, education, counseling, research, leadership, student assessment, curriculum writing, consulting, non-profits, dentistry, animal shelters, and animal training. Combined with these experiences, having a Master's Degree in School Counseling, an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Psychology, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration & Leadership has afforded me the opportunity to help others in a multitude of disciplines.

I am a Southern California native and currently live in beautiful Missoula, MT with my amazing and supportive husband Douglas, and my shelter mutt Digger.

I am a professional dog trainer, certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. I love assisting schools that have a dog on campus, incorporate SEL with the canine therapeutic component.

MELANIE PUMPHREY-QUAVE

Educational Consultant

There is nothing Mel enjoys more than seeing that “aha” moment in a student’s face. Her approach includes employing every learning strategy and modality to get there. As an Instructional Coach, she is honored to support teachers in their classrooms to achieve that moment for their students. Mel’s educational path includes teaching grades 3-10 in various settings and systems, owning an educational consulting business, and serving as an administrator in the elementary and middle school setting.

Mel obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Loma Linda University and a Masters's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of LaVerne. Currently, Mel serves as Principal at Bases Learning Center, a special education school in Oroville, CA.