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.

Scott Victorson, History, Social Studies, Physical Education

B.A.A. in Outdoor Recreation/ Administration- Central Michigan University

Secondary Education Teaching Certification- Saginaw Valley State University

If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming. –Goethe
Scott grew up in a small fishing village in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in a town named Escanaba. With great ambition he quickly moved on to explore what he was most passionate about, the outdoors. Scott went on to receive his degree in Outdoor Recreation and completed a Semester in the Rocky Mountains with NOLS to receive his Diploma in Outdoor Leadership. Looking down the road Scott saw changes in his life and decided to go back to school to complete his Teacher Certification. Scott earned his Teaching certifications in the subjects of History, Environment Education, Health and Physical Education. Also, Scott has gone through many extensive medical certification courses, such as becoming an EMT, wilderness first responder, and a lifeguard. In regards to how Scott interacts with the students, he possesses a calm, personable approach with clearly defined boundaries and expectations. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, his dog Briggs, traveling, playing and listening to music, and anything and everything that includes an adventure in the outdoors. Scott's future plan is to continue his education and receive endorsements in related content subject, as well as attending a variety of conferences and workshops.

James Pannell

B.S. Special Education, Utah State University

M.Ed. Education Leadership, University of Idaho

Jim has been working with adolescents and their families in the therapeutic and academic community for many years. He enjoys the North Idaho environment and the variety of experiences he is able to develop with the students. Jim’s ability to individually organize and tutor a student’s study plan including organizational skills and time management, advise on college planning and SAT and ACT’s is valuable for teenagers graduating from high school. Jim also enjoys skiing, basketball, hiking and working in the woodshop with the students. Jim has been a professional pilot for over twenty years, enjoys scuba diving, photography and traveling

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.”

Dwayne Davis, Mathematics Instructor

B.S. degrees in Secondary Education and Mathematics with an emphasis in Statistics

Dwayne has worked an assortment of jobs from building construction to postal worker. But, his passion has always been teaching. He spent 49 years in Texas before moving to the Northwest and teaching math in three different emotional growth schools. He is very talented in individualizing classes to benefit each and every student. Among teaching high school math and college blue-print reading, he has also worked for excavation and paving companies, where he created and implemented computer programs to help reduce job costs. While not teaching Algebra to Calculus, Dwayne enjoys bow hunting, skiing, and reading who-done-its. His main interest is watching the growth of each student as they advance through the program.