About Us

Lava Ridge PTO is a non-profit organization that raises money for the good of the school in the form of supplies, educational tools, equipment, including but not limited to: Providing books for teachers through book fairs, encouraging reading through accelerated reading programs, providing teachers grants for classroom necessities, encouraging fitness through Running Club, bringing in a local artist for Artist in Residence programs and supplying needed technology for classrooms.

Mindy grew up in Eugene and moved to Bend 18 years ago. She has been married to her wonderful husband, David for 16 years. They met at Oregon State University and have been together ever since! They have three delightful children, Reuben (9), Haven (7) and Kari (5). Mindy was an elementary school teacher in Bend-LaPine schools until she had Reuben and has had the blessed opportunity to stay home and be a mama since then. She loves road biking, taking walks, gardening and anything that has to do with being outside. Her family has two guinea pigs that she loves to snuggle (pig-time) as her family calls it, and she is very thankful those are her only pets! Mindy is excited to be a part of the Lava Ridge family!

Board Members

Jackie Ayers
President

Originally both from Northern Wisconsin, Jackie and her husband have lived out west since 2006. They have 2 sons; Elliot who’s 6 and in first grade at Lava Ridge, and Theodore who’s 4 and in pre-school. After receiving her MA in History from Washington State University she began her career with the Forest Service in South lake Tahoe California running a Historic Site where she infrequently used her degree; and more often cleaned up the beach, provided tours, and chased bears back into the woods. Jackie moved to Central Oregon in late 2015 when she began working for the Deschutes National Forest as the Admin and Visitor Services Manager for the Bend-Fort Rock District. Most recently, in early 2021, she took on the role of Administrative Officer for the Redmond Air Center. Jackie also serves on the board of the Family Resource Center of Central Oregon. In her down time (which is rare) she likes to run, knit/crochet and pretend to have a green thumb in the garden.

Mindy
Co-Vice President

Katie Speck

Treasurer

Katie is a Bend native (born & raised) as well as her husband Joe. They have 3 boys, Colten & Riley (twins in the 5th Grade) and Cameron (1st grade). Katie works part-time as a bookkeeper and full-time as a mom. She can be frequently seen volunteering at the school, on the sports field (soccer, football and baseball), in the gym (basketball, wrestling and rock climbing) or at the hockey rink. Being a mom of three active boys makes for little downtime, when she does have time, she enjoys time in the outdoors, walking the butte, taking a hike or enjoying some beach time (both lake and ocean).

Bonnie is native to Central Oregon and loves all that it offers. She is married and has two kid’s attending Lava Ridge.

Her and her husband own an Electric Company here in Bend. While she does love working, she also enjoys being a part of the school by volunteering her time.

On weekends her kiddo’s keep her busy playing sports, but they also make time for mountain biking, rafting, and skiing together as a family.

Bonnie
CO-Vice President

Stephanie Wrather
Secretary

Stephanie has been married to Rich for 17 years. They met while working at The Home Depot together. They have two children, Adam (8th grader at Sky View middle school) and Rose (3rd grader here at Lava Ridge). Stephanie is a former early childhood educator where she taught PreK for several years. She and her family moved to Bend in 2021 and have really enjoyed getting plugged in. They love camping, live music, and floating down the river. You will also see Stephanie at Lava Ridge as she works in the office and around campus. She also volunteers as our room parent coordinator. Come say “hi”!--

About Us

Jackie Ayers President

Mindy Co-Vice President