Network Charter School’s Team
Meet Our Teachers
Bobby Hurd
With more than 20 years of experience working in restaurants, Bobby brings deep culinary knowledge and a passion for food to the classroom. After two decades in the industry, he shifted into education where he supporting students as a teacher’s assistant, teaching construction, before joining NCS as the Culinary teacher.
Beyond the kitchen, Bobby is passionate about art, music, and connecting with people. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and playing video games with his kids. Bobby looks forward to sharing both culinary skills and life lessons with students, helping them grow in confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
Contact: bobby@networkcharterschool.net
Ethan Krueger
Ethan is a Network Charter School graduate. After graduating from NCS, Ethan attended the University of Oregon where he obtained a degree in mathematics.
Ethan hopes to instill in his students the desire to learn that he discovered at NCS, and in doing so, help inspire students to consider math less of a chore and more of a hobby.
Ethan teaches Math and Language Arts courses through Network Charter School’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: ethan@networkcharterschool.net
Kim Wong
Kim is an Oregon native with a love for travel and a passion for education that empowers every student. In the classroom, Kim teaches social studies courses that highlight social justice issues and strive to ensure students see their own identities and experiences reflected in the curriculum.
As the coordinator of the school’s GED prep program, Kim firmly believes in second, third, and even fourth chances. Every student’s journey looks different, and Kim embraces those unique pathways—whether traditional or not—helping learners build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
Kim’s classroom is a welcoming space where curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion are at the center of learning. Students are encouraged to explore the world around them, connect history to their own lives, and discover the many ways they can shape their communities and futures.
Contact: kimberly@networkcharterschool,net
Wendy McKenzie
Wendy (she/they) has taught science and literature with Network Charter School since its founding in 2003 and has worked with Nearby Nature since 1995. Wendy earned BAs in Environmental Studies and Philosophy from the University of Oregon while working as a Park Host. In Wendy’s NCS classes, students develop a keen appreciation of the natural world as well as a clear understanding of the many threats that face it. Recently Wendy has started a Natural Resources CTE Program with NCS and a Community Science Program at Nearby Nature. She believes that hands-on work and observations in nature is where humans can truly learn (and re-learn) wonder. Wendy also works as an Administrative Assistant for Nearby Nature’s other programs.
She is the mother of the best co-teacher, a Great Pyrenees named Juniper. And in the limited time she is not Nature Nerding on the trails and water, she is playing games and creating art with friends, gardening, or reading sci-fi/fantasy.
Contact: wendy@networkcharterschool.net
Brody Craig
Originally from Louisiana, Brody Parrish Craig (they/them) believes that books allow us to gain new perspectives & carry on conversations we may not have in our day-to-day lives. Growing up, poetry was often Brody’s entrance into new worlds, conversations, & ideas. Brody believes in the liberatory practice of writing & education, and co-creating a world that prioritizes community, connection and creativity. They believe literature and writing courses are key to developing critical thinking skills alongside communication skills, as well as a tool for processing emotions, experiences and creating individual and collective wellness.
Contact: brody@networkcharterschool.net
Finn Fischer
Finn (they/them) is a former Network Charter School student who recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Biology.
They believe in fostering curiosity through hands on learning and collaboration with others.
In their free time, Finn likes to bake, read, train their cat, take pictures of the gorgeous nature around, and do fiber arts.
Contact: finn_f@networkcharterschool.net
Matthew Palotti
Matthew started his journey at Network Charter School in 2022. He teaches math, coding, and physical science. After earning his PhD in physics, Matthew spent seven years teaching physics and physical science at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennessee. He brings the same student-centered, equity-minded approach to education that he used in his college level classes to his work at Network Charter School. Matthew looks forward to incorporating the natural world into all of his classes. When not teaching, Matthew enjoys exploring the wonders of Oregon with his wife, twin daughters, and two dogs.
Matthew teaches Math, Science and Social Studies through Network Charter School’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: matthew@networkcharterschool.net
Chase Clark
Chase was born and raised in Eugene, OR. He began teaching music lessons in May 2010 while attending college. After graduating with a BA in Music Business in 2013, he continued teaching music and worked as an Educational Assistant. With a growing passion for teaching, Chase earned his Master’s in Teaching in 2016 and started teaching music that same year. In 2021, he joined NCS where he found a supportive environment.
When not teaching, you can find Chase playing music with his band, at a fishing hole, or around the poker table.
Chase coordinates the music program through Network Charter School’s member organization Heartwise.
Contact: chase@networkcharterschool.net
Isaac Paris
Isaac teaches art. He is a gamer, an artist and a musician. He is excited to share his passions with students and get them making cool and amazing art.
Isaac has been in Eugene 8 years after moving here from Fairbanks, Alaska. You may recognize him from his efforts organizing events at Spectrum downtown.
Issac teaches art classes through Network Charter School’s member organization MECCA.
Contact: isaac@networkcharterschool.net
Tori Reis
Contact:
tori@networkcharterschool.net
Meet Our Instructional Assistants
Lily Howren
Lily (she/her) is a current student at the University of Oregon, where she is studying Education, Math, and Psychology.
She is passionate about working with students and thrives in the classroom environment as she works toward her goal of becoming a teacher.
Lily believes that building strong, supportive relationships with students is one of the most important parts of education. She strives to create a space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to learn. Her academic interests focus on inclusive, hands-on learning approaches, and encouraging students to become life-long learners.
Outside of school, Lily enjoys hiking Oregon’s scenic trails, attending Oregon Duck football games, and crocheting cozy creations at home.
Jack Taylor
Jack graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BFA in Illustration. Jack moved with his partner to Eugene. Prior to that move Jack was a substitute teacher in Southern California. Now Jack is the Instructor Assistant for the art class.
When he’s not drawing, he’s usually biking around town or caring for his two picky eaters at home: his dog Bluebell and chameleon Mochi.
Kole Kracaw
Kole (he/him) holds a BA (Political Science) from Linfield University and is currently working towards an MPA from Portland State University. Prior to coming to NCS, Kole worked in a variety of roles, including teaching classes for first-time renters with the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association, teaching basic finance classes for newly arrived refugees at the International Rescue Committee in Boise, ID, leading workshops on LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Idaho Youth Ranch (also in Boise), and tutoring math and English at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization in Portland, OR.
In his spare time, Kole loves to bake, read, and go on late-night walks with his partner Dayton and his dog Pepper.
Glenna Nelson
Glenna (she/her) was born and mostly raised near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Glenna left the long, freezing winters after high school for the University of Redlands in Southern California. She graduated with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology, as well as Visual and Media Studies. Before fully growing roots in Eugene, she worked on organic farms in Vermont, got her ESL Teaching Certificate, and taught English in Thailand. Landing back in Eugene, she worked in a variety of educational roles before finding her place at NCS.
Outside of NCS, Glenna is an entrepreneur providing admin services to mental health therapists and counselors for which she’s completed the Small Business Management program through LCC’s Small Business Development Center. When she’s not at NCS, or working behind her computer at home, she enjoys gardening, studying mycology, going to concerts, watching reality tv competition shows, crafting, kayaking, adventuring outdoors, getting creative with cooking and baking, spending time with her family and friends, and cozying up with her kitty cats.