The Nooksack Education Department provides quality educational opportunities from early childhood through life, in accordance with the Tribe’s need for cultural and economic well-being in keeping with the wide diversity of the Tribe as distinct cultural and governmental entities. The Nooksack Education Department considers the whole person, taking into account the spiritual, mental, physical and cultural aspects of the person within family and tribal context.
Resources
2025-2026 Youth Forms
Please send completed Teen Program forms to the Youth Program Receptionist Lydia
Ljimmy@nooksack-nsn.gov
The Education Department manages several education grants that Tribal members can apply for regarding adult basic education; higher education; adult vocational technical education; career training and technical education; and school expenses and extracurricular expenses.
Applications can be made available and assisted with step-by-step by contacting:
Student Support
For our struggling students, the parent or teacher may initiate the referral process by contacting Nooksack Education staff. We will make sure the school district Release of Educational Records form is signed by parents and we will set up a conference (through email or in person) with the teacher to make sure specific goals are set for students and communication lines are open.
Things we offer:
- After school homework assistance
- Two fully equipped classrooms including tribal library and computer lab
- Summer reading/math programs
- Cultural workshops
- Nooksack language classes
- Liaison for a parent having difficulty communicating with the school
- Staff can accompany parent to conferences or IEP meetings/provide transportation
- Communication with teachers about student performance and homework completion
- One on one tutoring (with a referral) Keith Lindsey 6-12, Charise Wenzl K-5
- Small group tutoring (with a referral)
- WWU Woodring College of Education volunteers every quarter
For more information about the Education Department, call (360) 966-2043
Tribal Education Liaison
Ravenia D. Williams serves the Nooksack Tribe as the Tribal Education Liaison. She is available to assist Nooksack families in communicating with the local school districts.
She can advocate in school meetings regarding attendance, academics, social well-being, bullying matters, cultural sensitivities, IEPs, 504s, BECCA court, and school conferences. Ravenia may also assist in helping you understand your child’s class structure / class schedule if you are having difficulties understanding the log-in process and homework submission dates.
If you need any assistance regarding your child’s schooling or student record, please feel free to call Ravenia at (360) 305-8211.Please remember that school ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION are very important to ensure your child’s educational success.
Youth Academic Intervention Specialist
Nadine Tussey is the new academic intervention specialist and program manager for the Nooksack Tribal Youth Program. She is here to provide 13-18 year olds the support they need to succeed in school. At the tribal program, we encourage students to immerse themselves in culturally enriching activities after school and during school breaks. She provides tutoring in any subject as well as also serving our emerging adult program, focusing on 18-24 year-olds who are working towards their careers.
Education Department Staff
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Teresa Washington
Director
Phone: (360) 966-2043 x4103
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Susan Old Chief
Youth and Education Program Employment Career Administrative Assistant
Phone: (360) 966-2043 x4106
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Dean Ollinger
Youth Department Operations Manager
Phone: (360) 966-2043
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Susan Correia
Youth Academic Intervention Specialist (Iwesteleq)
Phone: (360) 966-2043
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Charise Wenzl
Education and Academic Enrichment Manager
Phone: (360) 966-2043 x4109
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Lydia Jimmy
Education Receptionist
Phone: (360) 966-2043
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Ravenia Williams
Tribal Ed Liaison/Culture Coordinator/Tutor
Phone: (360) 966-2043 x4112