Superb Specials and Strategists!

Before we leave for Easter Break, we are continuing our monthly spotlight on our amazing Rickard staff. Each month we will be highlighting a different team that makes a huge and crucial impact on our students. This first part of April we are featuring our wonderful Specials and Strategist teams!


Mrs. Jaylen Bauska- P.E. Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my first year.

Tell us about your family: My husband Josh and I have been married for 4 years and we have a beautiful daughter named Nora who turned one years old in March! I'm originally from Velva, ND and my husband is from Snohomish, WA. We met in college and both played college basketball. We have been in Williston for 2 years now and love being a part of this community. We love sports, being outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending time with family/friends.

What’s your favorite school memory?: There are always new and fun memories being made every single day. There are too many to just pick one!

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: I'm not too picky; I'll listen to almost anything.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Americano/any kind of black coffee

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: Where do I begin?! I love everything about Rickard. Ever since I came here, everyone from the staff to all of the students have made it the best! I absolutely love coming to work every day and seeing everyone. Rickard is amazing and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.


Ms. Rose Osbourne- Music Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my second year at Rickard. I was the music teacher here for the 2016/2017 school year. Then, I moved to California for a few years. I was lucky to be able to return to Rickard when I came back to Williston.

Tell us about your family: Our family is myself, my son Brycen, and our 2 dogs Kit Kat and Coco. We like to be outdoors and go camping, ride bikes, go swimming and anything that keeps us active. Brycen is in Mrs. Larson's 2nd grade class at Rickard. He is really enjoying being a part of the Rickard family.

What’s your favorite school memory?: So far my favorite school memory is our 2nd grade winter concert. It was great to see all of the family and friends who came out to support the students who performed.

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: It's too hard to pick one, but my favorite kind of music is Opera. There are so many talented singers it's hard to pick just one.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: My favorite coffee is Caramel Macchiato or just a plain caramel latte

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part of Rickard is just how much of a team all the teachers and staff here are. Everyone does their part to make sure that students feel safe and happy at school. I love how I'm greeted with hugs and smiles by students whether I'm in school or out in the community.


Ms. Maggie Lorenz- Library Media Specialist

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my second year here!

Tell us about your family: I grew up in Harvey, ND where my parents still live in my childhood home. I have one niece (5), Aviana Rose, who is extremely outgoing and loves to talk and tell her stories. I also have a nephew (1), Cameron Oskar, who is always on the move and loves to eat. I also have one, black cat, Luna, who is always on the move and loves to be outside. 

What’s your favorite school memory?: My favorite memories throughout my school career revolve around sports. I played volleyball, basketball, and golf in high school and continued to play basketball in college. My favorite memory from college was when our team made it to the National Tournament my sophomore year and beat ranked North Idaho in the first round! 

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: I’ll listen to anything except for country music!

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Caramel Blended Frappe.

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: Everything! Everybody is so welcoming and the students are amazing. They love to learn and all have such amazing personalities! Every morning I wake up and I am excited to go to work, which is such an amazing feeling to have. I feel so lucky to be able to work at a school that values not only me as a teacher, but also me as a human being! 


Ms. Rebecca Michelson- Library Media Assistant

How long have you been at Rickard?: I started in 2007 at Rickard, so 15 years.

Tell us about your family: My husband’s name is Scott and my son, Isaac, is 22 years old. I love spending time with my family by going fishing, traveling, snowboarding, and watching movies. I also have seven fish, which can be found in my giant fish tank in my living room.

What’s your favorite school memory?: All the friends I have made over the years!

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: Anything from the 80’s or 90’s.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Blended Mocha Frappe with Almond Milk. 

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I love working with the kids and staff. Everybody is so amazing and helpful and will be there for you for everything! Our staff is second to none.


Mrs. Andrea Finders- Strategist

How long have you been at Rickard?: 23 years

Tell us about your family: My name is Andrea Finders and this is my 23rd year teaching at Rickard. I have a wonderful husband, Aaron, who teaches at WMS. We have 3 very busy sons! Kadin is 17 and a Junior at WHS. Lucas is 14 and an 8th grader at ASB and Hudson is a 5th grader at Bakken Elementary School. Our lives are full with our boys’ activities. They are involved in football, cross country, basketball, baseball, track, honor society, band, church and piano. It’s a busy and rewarding time in our household! 

What’s your favorite school memory?: There are so many memories in my 23 years at Rickard! One of my favorite memories was our 4th grade program last year. I have only taught 4th grade for one year in my long career. I loved my students and Ms. Kasy! We finished the year with a farewell program. It was a beautiful ending to a magical year! 

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: Pink is my favorite artist! She’s awesome!  

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Plain black coffee. The stronger, the better!! 

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: The best part about Rickard is our school family! The staff and students here are so loving, hard working and generous. 


Mrs. Amanda Moe- Strategist

How long have you been at Rickard?: 21 years

Tell us about your family: My husband's name is James.  We have been married for 20 years.  He works at CHI St. Alexius Health.  We have three boys.  Ethan is 17, Jace is 15 and Blake is 10.  Our family loves sports, fishing, hunting, hiking, and watching movies.  For the past three summers we have visited a national park for our family vacation.  We have two dogs named Boone and Hank.  

What’s your favorite school memory?: I loved competing in sports.

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: Country music is my favorite!  Garth Brooks is my favorite singer.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Slice of Paradise

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part about Rickard are the students and my co-workers!  They put smiles on my face.


Mrs. Holly Owens- Strategist Paraprofessional

How long have you been at Rickard?: I've been at Rickard for 18 years.

Tell us about your family: My husband and I have 2 amazing kids that kept us busy for MANY years but we've been empty nesters for the past few years. We do have a Goldendoodle, Marlee, that has become my baby. Our daughter, Cassidy, is an MSU graduate with a degree in finance. She got married a few years ago, adding a son-in-law (Cory) to our family, and they have 2 dogs, Jordy and Royal. Our son, Caleb, will be graduating this spring from UND and starting a career as a physical therapist. He will be getting married this fall so we will be (officially) adding a daughter-in-law, Angelica, to the family. He and his fiancĂ© also have a dog, Hank. We LOVE being able to spend time together as a family, and we cherish each and every moment we have with each other! We enjoy being at the lake on the pontoon, playing games, watching sporting events and simply just being together. 

What’s your favorite school memory?: One of my favorite memories is actually from when my son was in 2nd grade. He had to dress up as Frosty the snowman and dance around up on the stage in front of everyone for their Christmas program. It was so funny/cute because he was one of those kids who was very shy in school, so he was forced to get out of his comfort zone, and he was awesome! 

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: I love country music.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Iced white mocha with caramel.

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part about Rickard is that we are truly a school family. We all support and care for one another; this is what makes Rickard the best place to be!


Ms. Jennifer Vallevik- Strategist Paraprofessional

How long have you been at Rickard?: I have been at Rickard for 11 1/2 years. 

Tell us about your family: I have a boyfriend named Wayne. I have three step kids who love to play all sports, especially basketball.  I have three cats Bob, Larry, and Monroe. Each with their own personality. 

What’s your favorite school memory?: My favorite school memory was when I was in first grade and an actual snake got into our classroom. It was curled up by the calendar, and guess who’s turn it was for the calendar? We put it in a garbage can and let it back outside. My favorite Rickard school memory has to be all the great students I’ve met throughout the years. 

What’s your favorite singer/band/type of music?: My favorite singer is Pink. 

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: I like Lotus with any tropical fruit flavor. 

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: That we are all a great family and work together. Everyone is positive and makes the best of every situation.