Meet The Staff
Pacific Learning Solutions has both tutors and retail store clerks working to serve our community.
Nola Smith
Pacific Learning Solutions is owned and managed by Nola Smith, M.A., who established the enterprise in 1986 in Arlington, Washington.
Nola has been in education for four decades.
She earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia College in 1969, along with a 5th year certificate from the University of Washington in 1976 for studying specialized methods courses in education. In 1997 she received an M.A. in Social Science, with Leadership emphasis, from Azusa Pacific University.
Nola has taught in both public schools and private schools, working with students from grade one through grade twelve, along with students in college classes. Througout this time she has also participated in Christian education, both directing and teaching. Nola is vice chariman of the Family Academy board of directors, a ministry that supports family directed education.
Academy Northwest awarded Nola the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year award. From International Learning Solutions of Bloomington, IIlinois, Nola received the Exemplary Award in 1998, the Impact Award in 1999, and the Performance Award in 2000, honoring her for innovative educational programs.
Nola is involved in the community as a member of her church, a member of the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, vice-president of the Downtown Arlington Business Association, a member of Kiwanis, and director of Hometown Holidays celebration in December each year. She is often asked to speak for workshops and community meetings. Nola offers parent workshops throughout the year and speaks at many diversified community functions.
Nola's many interests extend to music. She is a founding director of 21st Century Music Ministries, established in May 2003. This ministry recruits, trains, and sends young talented musicians to perform in the United States and overseas. Nola has also been recorded at Universal Studios singing in musical ensembles and in solo.
Nola is the wife of Sherlund Smith, a retired police captain for Edmonds, Washington. Nola and Sherlund both enjoy horseback riding, raising Golden Retrievers, reading, and all of the blessings of God, which include four grandchildren.
Tutors
Leslie Platt
It seems as though I have worked with kids all of my life, so it was natural for me to pursue an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development. I now have over 30 years experience working with children in public, private, and home school settings.
I have known Nola Smith for over 25 years, and have worked at Pacific Learning Solutions since 1998. In 2001, for my work at PLS I received an Exemplary Award from International Learning Solutions of Bloomington, IIllinois.
A principle that I follow in my teaching is this:
Creating a safe environment prepares the ground for children to learn effectively, and their having the right tools for learning helps them build their self-confidence.
My husband and I have adult children, and we both enjoy our two cats, traveling, photography, reading, gardening, walking, and hiking. Both of us are Certified Biblical Counselors through AACC, American Association of Christian Counselors. I have been leading support groups for about six years.
Rebecca Wesson
Education
1988 - 1985, B.A., Cum laude
Northwest College, Kirkland, WA
1984 - 1983, A.A., Magna cum laude
Northwest College, Kirkland, WA
1983 - 1980, High School Diploma, Valedictorian
Completed High School in three years
Arlington Christian School, Arlington, WA
Family
I am happily married to Douglas Wesson of Oso, a fourth-generation logger.
Hobbies
When I have spare time, I enjoy music (singing, playing the piano), riding my horses, reading historical novels, playing a variety of sports and solving puzzles.
A story from PLS / Why I work at PLS
Working at PLS has deep, personal meaning to me since two of my children have been assisted by Nola's services. Nola and I first met at Arlington Assembly of God church when I was a teenager. She was my vocal coach for a time, inspiring and supporting me while I was competing in musical events. I moved away to attend Northwest College and was stationed overseas as a missionary for fifteen years. Although we lost contact with each other, Nola remained aware of my activities through her friendship with my parents.
When my eldest son, Aritha, became old enough to attend school, I looked for ways to help him excel in the highly-competitive educational system overseas. I wasn't sure if his struggles stemmed from the tri-lingual curriculum, or if he was battling a learning disability. It was through this experience that Nola and I became re-acquainted. Aritha has since flourished in many areas, graduating with honors from the Running Start program and as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He will enter the architectural engineering program at Washington State University in the fall.
Shortly after moving back to the States, my youngest son was diagnosed with learning challenges. He is now benefitting from the curriculum at PLS and I am so thankful for the personal interest that Nola has taken to help my children succeed. I look forward to using my understanding as a parent and my experience as an educator to helping other students achieve their goals.
Janet Scarth
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Oregon State University and working as a manager it became clear that I also wanted to pursue a teaching career. I received my teaching credential from University of Washington in 1986 and taught four years in both public and private schools.
I was privileged to be able to stay home while my four children were young. When my oldest approached kindergarten, God laid it on my heart to home school him. This was the beginning of fifteen years of home schooling my children. I currently am teaching my youngest who is in eighth grade this year.
Over the years I have been the class coordinator for a home school group, taught classes at a parent partnership group, and have taught a variety of unit studies in a co-op with other home school families.
I have tutored at a learning center as well as privately, but as my own children entered high school I became available to join the staff at PLS. Learning is exciting, challenging and a life-long process. I enjoy learning together with my students in a positive Christian environment and teaching to each child's individual uniqueness. Gaining a greater knowledge of who they are, and growing in their confidence of how God wants to use their talents is a goal for me.
David and I have been married for 26 years. We both enjoy helping people in our professions as he is a physical therapist. Our family is active in a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and bike riding. I am active in my church as a lead in children's church, Bible study and a small group. I also enjoy reading, entertaining and spending time with my family.
SchoolBox clerks
Vicki Backstrom
What does a home-school mom do when she finds herself looking to enter the work force once again?
That was myself nearly five years ago. Though I had training as a beautician, had worked in insurance, and had started an education in the medical/clerical field, there was nothing I enjoyed more than teaching! So working at Pacific Learning Solutions was a perfect match.
Since starting at PLS, I have gained a great deal of knowledge, experience, and education. I've become certified as an Interactive Metronome clinician; I've faciliated participation in Essential Learning Solutions; and I've aided in tutoring students. This work has helped me to see the uniqueness of each student and their learning styles, as well as what can be done to unleash the genius within each person.
Having homeschooled each of my own kids and tutoring others for the last 10 years, it has been a natural transition working at the SchoolBox. It has given me opportunity to share with our clients the exceptional selection and quality of the curriculum we offer. Learning new things, camping, hiking and baking have been some of the things I enjoy doing most with my family and friends. My daily goal is to help students succeed and to show them the love of Christ.
Kelly Merritt
My name is Kelly and I am a mother of five children. My husband is a lifelong resident of Arlington and we have been married for fifteen years. Having been a home school parent I know how important it is to have curriculum resources at your fingertips. The Schoolbox provides just that and so much more. It is a pleasure to assist parents and teachers in finding curriculum, classroom visuals, and supplies. However, my favorite part of working at The Schoolbox is helping the grandparents who come in looking for that special toy or game for their grandchild. When I am not working I enjoy sewing, tending my raspberry patch, and hiking with my family.
Cheyenne Huot
Cheyenne Huot has worked at the SchoolBox since 2006. She and her husband live in Arlington raising two middle-school-aged girls. They are home schooling their girls and members of Academy Northwest. Cheyenne has an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. Some of her interests include reading, scrap booking, teaching, singing with her church worship team, and sitting on the beach in the sun.
Cheyenne enjoys working at the SchoolBox for many reasons. Her favorite job is helping others make decisions about school curriculum. She enjoys talking to mothers in the store about their children. Cheyenne’s gift to others in her personal and professional life is that of an encourager. The customers at the SchoolBox are blessed by Cheyenne’s encouraging words.
