877-882-0980

Devorah McIntosh - Academic Director

B.S. Nursing, Loma Linda University
M.A. Counseling, Loma Linda University
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, University of Idaho

After working both as school counselor and assistant principal in public high school for 15 years, Devorah is taking advantage of the academic intimacy of Northwest Academy. She passionately believes academic success plays a significant part in students' sense of self-worth and accomplishment, allowing students to move toward contributing in a meaningful way to the world in which they will live as young adults. “Northwest Academy provides this for our students, interweaving their academic successes with the critical thinking skills and emotional maturity needed to create fully self-realized young adults”. Nothing excites her more than seeing the students be successful here at the Academy, with a solid plan in place to continue their education.

Gerry Bliss, Biology and Chemistry

BA, MA- Central Washington University

Gerry Bliss’s inquiry approach to science and his sometimes strange sense of humor keeps his students motivated and curious. Gerry received his undergraduate degree with a Major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry- with honors, and continued his education at Central Washington University and Western Washington University with a Masters of Biology in Education. His 9 years experience in the public schools and the 20+ years spent in private business allows Gerry to bring a practical and balanced approach to his teaching. Gerry has always taken a “hands on” approach in science and in his hobbies with includes restoring cars; rebuilding engines, hunting and fishing (only when hunting is closed). He is the father of four grown sons who have shown excellence in each of their chosen fields.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Rawlings, Librarian/ Tutor
BA- Double major in American Literature and Modern History/ Kansas State University
MA- Communications theory/ University of Tulsa

Paul, as both a parent and a grandparent, brings a great sympathy for family health to his work at Northwest Academy. Son Chris and wife Barb have also spent many years working with at risk teens, and this “family affair” brings a whole new perspective to the students during their stay in Northern Idaho. Even Duke, the family’s yellow lab, comes to the school regularly.

Books, of course, play a major role in our librarian’s life. He owned and operated the local bookstore for many years and still scouts for the current proprietor. In addition to reading, music and movies occupy important rolls in what Paul considers his ongoing education.

Paul has also enjoyed a long tenure as a writer, including stints as a newspaper columnist; a contributing editor to Oh Idaho, a state magazine; and as a playwright, having directed several of his own works among the more than twenty stage productions he has mounted using local actors.

Paul has lived in Boundary County, Idaho for almost thirty years, the last fifteen in a home he built with his own hands. Previously, he spent three years at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, as a professor of composition, literature, and communications theory, as well as four years in Boise and Bonners Ferry High Schools teaching senior English and Journalism.

“It isn’t always easy working with these kids, but it keeps me young (I’m now 61) and I love their energy, their humor and their zeal.”

Conceptio'n Mier y Tera’n, Spanish

Certified interpreter and translator I.I.T. Mexico City

Connie has taught languages for twenty years. She studied foreign languages since she was six years old. She currently speaks Spanish, English, French and Italian. Connie was an International Flight Attendant and has traveled extensively through 3 continents. Connie is the Court House Interpreter in our city and has been a translator for Hospitals, textbooks, movies and T.V. series in California. She shares her passion for Languages with her students, and when not teaching Connie enjoys her passion for cooking. She has been a restaurant owner since 1991.

Ben Evans, Language Arts
 
B.S. Psychology, B.S. Sec.Ed., M.Ed- University of Idaho

A connoisseur of fishing, family, and philosophy, Ben joined NWA after a five-year stint teaching and counseling at the University of Idaho. He describes himself as a seamless juxtaposition of romantic and rationalist ideals, and prefers nothing more than a casual day of outdoor chores with wife and daughter. He also enjoys hiking in the backcountry, exploring “roads less traveled,” working on a novel recounting his Alaskan commercial fishing experiences and chopping wood. Ben is carrying out his dream at NWA assisting struggling youth with simplifying and refocusing their lives in the serenity of the North Idaho wilderness.