Cabinet

Michelle Whitney has been a part of the Pasco School District for more than 26 years, starting out as a kindergarten teacher before moving on to serve as assistant principal and then principal at McLoughlin Middle School. She’s also served as the District’s Director of Human Resources, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, and Deputy Superintendent.

In July 2016, she was sworn in as Pasco School District’s new superintendent and hit the ground running. She’s been running ever since, overseeing a school district with more than 2,000 employees that serves more than 18,000 students in our community.

Mrs. Whitney is a proud product of Columbia Basin College, where she received her associate’s degree before moving on to Washington State University to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. She also received her Principal’s certification and Superintendent’s credential from WSU.

Sarah Thornton is a dedicated professional with a rich history of service to the Pasco School District. Since 2014, she has played an integral role as the Assistant Superintendent of Legal and Business Services.

Prior to her current position, she has held significant positions within the Pasco School District, including the role of Executive Director of Employee Services and Director of Employee Relations. 

Ms. Thornton's legal background further enriches her career trajectory. Before entering the education sector, she served as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Civil Division of the Benton County Prosecutor's Office, and as an Adjunct Faculty member at Heritage University. 

Her educational journey is one marked by excellence. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College.

Ms. Thornton's role as Assistant Superintendent of Legal and Business Services at the Pasco School District, combined with her background in legal affairs and higher education, speaks volumes about her commitment to fostering an environment of growth, excellence, and community within the educational landscape.

Carla Lobos brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at the Pasco School District. 

Ms. Lobos's journey within the Pasco School District is marked by a series of influential positions that highlight her diverse expertise. She served as a Bilingual Teacher for five years, the Assistant Principal at Emerson Elementary for three years, Principal of Frost Elementary for six years, Principal of Stevens Middle School for three years, and devoted eight years in the role of Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.

Her dedication to education is underscored by her academic achievements. She holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University (EWU) and a master's degree in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction from EWU.

Beyond her impressive career accomplishments, she is driven by a genuine passion for supporting students, staff, and families. Her love for education is evident in her tireless efforts to create enriching experiences for all stakeholders. Whether it's through curriculum development, fostering positive school environments, or advocating for equitable educational opportunities, her impact is deeply felt.

Mira Gobel serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Social Emotional Learning in the Pasco School District. In this role, she has exemplified unwavering commitment to fostering holistic student development and empowering educational leaders.

Her journey in education has been marked by diverse roles, showcasing a breadth of experience that includes being a teacher, high school associate principal, middle school principal, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, and even an Associate Senior Region Director at AVID Center. This rich tapestry of roles has equipped Mrs. Gobel with a profound understanding of the intricate nuances of education at every level.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in K-12 Art Education, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Principal Certification. Currently, she is immersed in an Ed Doctorate program, further enhancing their capacity to drive meaningful change in education.

Her educational philosophy is the belief that educators possess the power to inspire, empower, and mobilize every student. Her passion for creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment shines through in her commitment to uplifting even the most vulnerable and marginalized students. With a profound focus on social emotional learning, she envisions a future where every student shapes their identity and designs their path with courage and purpose.

Raul Sital currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Supports at the esteemed Pasco School District, a role he has held for three impactful years. His leadership in this capacity has contributed to the effective functioning of the district's operations and support systems.

Mr. Sital's journey in education at Pasco School District goes far beyond his current role. He has worked as a dedicated teacher at McLoughlin Middle School, where he imparted knowledge and inspiration to young minds. He also served as a program teacher and manager at Discovery Middle School, and as Principal of New Horizons High School and Pasco High School. In these positions, he honed his leadership skills and made a lasting impact on both students and staff.

His educational journey reflects his dedication to lifelong learning. He pursued his education at Central Washington University, where he earned his teaching credential, laying the foundation for his impactful career. He also holds a Masters in Teaching and Learning degree from Heritage University.

Mr. Sital is passionate about education because he believes in providing the opportunity for every child to reach their dreams and goals. His commitment to creating a supportive and enriching educational environment resonates with his enduring belief in the potential of every student.

Kevin Hebdon has dedicated five years to his role as the Executive Director of Fiscal Services at the Pasco School District, where his financial acumen and strategic vision have played a vital role in the district's success.

Before joining the education sector, he accumulated a wealth of experience in various professional capacities. He spent seven years at Ben Franklin Transit, starting as the Finance Manager and ultimately rising to become the Director of Admin Services. Prior to this, Mr. Hebdon worked for the Washington State Auditor's Office for four and a half years. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of auditing and financial accountability, which continues to inform his work today. In addition to his government and finance background, Kevin spent three and a half years in the personal loans and banking industry, gaining valuable insights into the financial services sector.

His passion for working in education is rooted in his belief that educational institutions have a profound and direct impact on the community in which he lives. He takes great pride in the knowledge that the Pasco School District serves over 18,000 students and their families, providing not only excellent educational experiences but also enriching extracurricular opportunities.

As a father of four children, his desire to be actively involved in his own children's educational experiences aligns perfectly with his role in education leadership. Mr. Hebdon's journey in education finance is perhaps serendipitous, as his first word as a baby was "money." Today, he channels that early fascination with finances into his role as a dedicated financial steward for the Pasco School District.

Anna Tensmeyer, the Director of Public Affairs for the Pasco School District since December 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to effective communication and education advocacy. In her role, Anna aims to keep the community, staff, and families well-informed. She understands the importance of transparent, timely, and accurate communication, and she works tirelessly to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and aware of the district's initiatives and achievements.

Her career has been defined by her dedication to communication and community engagement. Her journey in the field of communication roles started as a Communication Specialist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She also served as the Marketing Director of Gesa Credit Union and as the Marketing and Communications Director at Columbia Basin College.

Mrs. Tensmeyer's academic journey led her to the University of Idaho, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business with a focus on Marketing. 

Her current role as the Director of Public Affairs for the Pasco School District aligns perfectly with her passion for education. She understands the profound impact that education has on students' lives, families, and the broader community. She recognizes that effective communication is the bridge that connects these elements.