about us

Sarah is a native Oregonian with a heart for our education system, her two boys go to Lava Ridge (first and third 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

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 third 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.

Mom of a second 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 second and fourth 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

Raised in Bend, and a Lava Ridge alumna, Sarah is thrilled to be back with her second 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!

Mallory and her husband, Austin, are grateful to call Bend home and to be part of the Lava Ridge community with their two lions in first and third grade. Their family loves being active together, playing board games, spending time outdoors with their little dachshund, and everything to do with frozen yogurt. 

Mallory has worked for many years as a fitness instructor, encouraging people to push through challenges and find humor in the process. She also enjoys filling in as a substitute teacher at Lava Ridge during the school year, which gives her another chance to connect with students and staff. Mallory is excited to bring her positive energy into supporting our school and helping families feel connected and involved. 

Reach out to Mallory if you have questions about upcoming PTO events, volunteering opportunities, or just want to connect with another friendly face in our school community!

Holly and her late husband, native midwesterners, spent a year traveling in 2013 and decided Bend was the place they wanted to call home.  Now, she is active in Lava Ridge PTO and the proud mom of two little Lions (4th and 2nd grades) and a Lion-to-be (pre-K). Holly is currently taking some time off of her career as an inpatient pharmacist to solo parent the cubs.

She is passionate about food insecurity, mental health and building community, and enjoys reading, hiking, biking, traveling, and raising chickens.

Allegra is the proud mom of TJ, a 4th grade Lion. Since moving here with her husband,
Willie, in 2022, she’s enjoyed putting down roots in a close-knit community filled with natural beauty. A graphic artist with a creative spirit, Allegra lends her talents to the family business
and spends her free time hiking, ice skating, biking, and practicing yoga—usually after keeping
up with TJ’s adventures!

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Have questions about the PTO website or how it works? Allegra is happy to help—just reach out!

Lindsay is a Mom of two at Lava Ridge. After moving to Bend five years ago, she primarily stays home with her kids and pours herself into both volunteering and coaching roles! You might see her out jogging in the neighborhood or being active around Bend with family and friends. 

Lindsay is looking forward to engaging more in PTO lead initiatives this year after working part time within Lava Ridge as an Educational Assistant last school year. Your kiddos may recognize her as their previous ‘duty’ teacher!