The JKBS Team

Commitment

What do you enjoy the most about working with JKBS students?

Kellie Bell: Administrator

I have been the site administrator at JKBS for the last 15 years, but I have been at the school for 21 years!  I love working in alternative education for many reasons, but mostly because we have the ability to do things differently than in a regular classroom.  Many of our students have struggled in traditional education classrooms. Because of our small size, we can find what works best for each student and help them achieve success each day.  It’s such a great feeling when we are able to send students back to the regular schools knowing we’ve helped them overcome some difficulties and given them the tools they need to be successful.







Stephan Kinney: Teacher

I am the teacher at JKBS and I love the alternative education setting because of the wide variety of educational experiences our students can participate in, especially those that take place in the beautiful outdoors around Bishop. My educational background is in science, with an emphasis on life sciences and nature. I taught in Bishop Unified School District for the last two years in several different positions including K-12 Substitute, 8th-Grade Science, Middle School Math Support, and Summer School. One of my favorite things to do as a teacher is teach students about the science of the natural world, with the goal being inspiring them to appreciate their surroundings, wherever they might be. 


The small class sizes at JKBS allow me to build effective and meaningful relationships with my students, which is vitally important in order to support their progress towards their goals. The small class sizes also offer students the opportunity to develop social and emotional regulation skills in a familiar environment that they can then use to their benefit as they transition into other schools or into the workforce. Developing workplace readiness skills is another highlight of the program at JKBS, as students have the opportunity to explore careers and career paths, learn about local career opportunities through community outreach, and develop cooking skills through the culinary program. I am excited to see the continued growth of all the students at JKBS as they progress through our program. 




Andrea Haggar- Bowers: Culinary Arts Teacher

I'm a culinary instructor at JKBS. With over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, I have worked in various roles, including as a chef in fine dining restaurants and Four Diamond Resorts as well as a culinary instructor. I bring real-world expertise into the classroom, helping students understand not just how to cook, but also the principles behind culinary arts.

I believe in fostering a supportive and creative learning environment where students can explore their passion for food and develop essential culinary skills. I emphasize hands-on learning, encouraging students to experiment with flavors, techniques, and cultural cuisines.

Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in the local culinary community, organizing cooking workshops, volunteering at food banks, and collaborating with local chefs to provide students with real-world experiences and networking opportunities.