about us

Sarah is a native Oregonian with a heart for our education system, her two boys go to Lava Ridge (Kindergarten and Second grades) and she has quickly fallen for the community here at our school!

Sarah loves to be outside whenever possible and making memories with those she loves. Her boys keep her busy with sports games, lizard catching and reading the latest in the Dogman series.

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​You can reach out to Sarah B. with any questions about the PTO, if you are looking for a volunteer opportunity or just ways do become involved with our amazing school community

Mom of a first grade lion, Kat has lived and worked in Bend since 2008. Outside of her job in pharmaceutical R&D, she loves to read, mountain bike, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

Dan and his wife, Susie, have Lions in first and third grade and twin lion cubs that can't wait to start at Lava Ridge in a few years. Dan works in budgeting and financial planning for the City, but in his copious amount of free time he enjoys distance running, playing pretty much any sport, and getting out on the trails with his kids.

Reach out to Dan if you have any questions about PTO finances, budget, or general administrative functions

A mother of three, Sarah Swoffer has been a Lava Ridge parent since 2005. With her older two grown, she is excited to be back at Lava Ridge with her youngest (a second grader). She a local artist, author and licensed teacher with a passion for building confidence through creativity and hands-on projects. In 2020, she founded her own art business, Let's Paint, LLC, where she continues her mission and inspires others to explore their artistic talents. She loves being outdoors, going on adventures, and traveling. Sarah is committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive community at Lava Ridge Elementary.

Reach out to Sarah Swoffer if you have general PTO questions or are wishing to get more involved and wondering what that entails. She is here to help you find a niche that works well for you and your family.

Both originally from WI, Jackie and her husband Dave have been out West since 2006, and in Bend since 2015. Jackie works for the Forest Service running hiring events and outreach activities across OR and WA. In her limited spare time, she runs marathons (slowly) and really enjoys hanging out with her sons who are in 3rd and 1st grade this year

Raised in Bend, and a Lava Ridge alumna, Sarah is thrilled to be back with her two first graders! Sarah loves libraries, travel, and being outside in beautiful Central Oregon. Sarah works in tech and higher education as an organizational psychologist.​

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Reach out to Sarah if you have questions or want to get involved in fundraising efforts! We have opportunities for small businesses to get some attention while supporting our school!

Erica grew up in Bend, ventured east (then south), before returning to our beautiful hometown. Erica was an Elementary Educator and Instructional Coach before staying home with her three kids. She loves to garden, read as many books as possible, cook and bake, and go on adventures. 

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Reach out to Erica if you have any questions about PTO communications, have content to add to our newsletter, or if you’d like to get involved.

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Stephanie has worked with children for 15+ years. She owned and operated a daycare out of her home, then became a Pre-K teacher for several yaers, Stephanie has two children. Her son is a sophomore at Mountain View, and her daughter is a 5th grader here at Lava Ridge. She has also worked at Lava Ridge for the past 3 years, and will continue to do so for the '24/'25 school year.

If you have any questions about becoming a room parent volunteer, please feel free to reach out!