The River Falls School District is pleased to welcome the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year.
Candice DeBriyn
Position: Fifth grade teacher, Westside
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The River Falls School District is pleased to welcome the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year.
Position: Fifth grade teacher, Westside
Hometown: Mesa, Ariz.
College: Arizona State University
Why did you choose teaching? I love kids! Watching kids learn and grow throughout a school year is so rewarding and fun. I can't think of anything else I'd rather do!
Interests/hobbies: I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time outside with my family.
My family is thrilled to be a part of the River Falls community!
Position: Band teacher, River Falls High School
Hometown: Santa Monica, Calif.
College: St. Olaf College
Why did you choose teaching? I love working with students and am dedicated to helping them be successful. I was lucky to find my passion for music and education early on and wanted to play a part in helping students find what makes them excited.
Interests/hobbies: I love playing basketball, going to the beach, spending time with friends, playing and listening to music, and am an avid crossword puzzler.
Position: Social Studies, World History & U.S. History teacher, RFHS
Hometown: Cloquet, Minn.
College: Concordia Moorhead and St. Mary's University for Masters
Why did you choose teaching? I didn't. I started coaching, then discovered teaching.
Interests/hobbies: Travel, foodie, making beverages, riding bike, side by side, golf, hockey
I've also spent the last two summers teaching in Latvia
Position: Speech-Language Pathologist, Greenwood
Hometown: River Falls
College: UW-River Falls
Why did you choose teaching? I love working with kids, sharing laughs and fun times with them, and seeing progress and growth! Communication is so important, and I love helping aid in kids being able to effectively communicate their wants, needs, and feelings with others.
Interests/hobbies: I love reading, walking/hiking, playing pickleball and anything where I can be outside. I’m excited to start at RFSD!
Position: Special Education, Rocky Branch
Hometown: River Falls
College: UW-Stout
Why did you choose teaching? I chose teaching, specifically special education, because I’ve always loved working with kids, it brings me so much joy. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being part of their foundational learning journey, helping them grow, explore, and discover the world. I also love that I get to be silly and creative every day; it makes learning fun for them and for me.
Interests/hobbies: I love to walk/run with my dog and son (I am currently training for my first 10K!), read and listen to podcasts, crochet, and catch all the latest movies! I am also a huge fan of Taylor Swift and ice cream; how can you not be?! I love the "hometown feel" River Falls brings and the sense of community within the town.
Position: Social Studies teacher, RFHS
Hometown: Hastings, Minn.
College: St. Olaf College
Why did you choose teaching? Like many teachers, I had teachers growing up who had an undeniable impact on my life. The availability of kind, knowledgeable, and dedicated teachers can only serve to better our world. It is my greatest hope to be one of those teachers. In terms of my content area, I have always loved social studies. I firmly believe that I understand and engage with the world around me in a more critical, empathetic way because of my understanding of our shared histories as human beings. Being able to support students in the process of thinking critically about the world around them is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I couldn't imagine making anything else my career. I hope to be able to help my students make change that is meaningful to them, think critically, and most importantly, lead with empathy.
Interests/hobbies: I am a huge history nerd, avid reader, National Park enjoyer, and tv-binge-watcher!
Position: Special Education, Greenwood
Hometown: Green Bay-De Pere
College: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Why did you choose teaching? I chose teaching as my profession because I wanted to help kids learn and grow to their full potential. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and growing up I would always make my brother play school with me. I love watching the "ah-ha" moments for kids and seeing how much progress they make over time.
Interests/hobbies: I enjoy being outside, yoga, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends!
Position: Special Education, RFHS
Hometown: Hudson
College: University of Wisconsin-Stout
Why did you choose teaching? I’ve always wanted to teach, and in the past three years, I’ve really enjoyed building meaningful connections with students. Being able to support their growth is what drives me in this profession. I’m looking forward to creating more connections at RFHS!
Interests/hobbies: I love practicing yoga and reading. Being in nature and spending time outdoors is really important to me, and I enjoy trying new things. Last winter, I picked up snowboarding and loved it!
Position: Special Education ID, Meyer Middle School
Hometown: Woodville
College: UW-Stout
Why did you choose teaching? I enjoy working with kids and helping them achieve the skills to be productive citizens.
Interests/hobbies: I enjoy gardening, bowling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Position: Kindergarten, Westside
Hometown: Hutchinson, Minn.
College: UW-Superior
Why did you choose teaching? Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would come home from school every day and play “school” myself. Right after high school, I earned my Early Childhood Degree online. After working as a paraprofessional for a few years, I realized that being in the education field truly solidified my decision to pursue teaching. It gave me firsthand insight into the profound impact educators can have and deepened my passion for guiding and inspiring students. My favorite part about teaching is witnessing those “aha” moments when a student grasps a concept for the first time. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow, learn, and build their confidence.
Although this is my first year teaching at Westside, I’ve been a paraprofessional there for 10 years. I’ve also spent the last two years as a stay-at-home mom, finishing up my schooling. I’m beyond excited to start my teaching journey and couldn’t be more thrilled to be back at Westside.
Interests/hobbies: When I'm not teaching, I love camping and watching my husband and son race dirt bikes. I also enjoy shopping and spending time with family and friends. We’re a big Minnesota Vikings family, so watching the games on TV and attending them in person is always a highlight. I’m pretty laid-back and find joy in all the little moments.
Amanda Rand
Position: Science teacher, RFHS
Hometown: Menomonie
College: UW-River Falls
Why did you choose teaching? I have always loved science, and being able to inspire kids to be curious about the world around them brings me a lot of joy, as well as showing them they can achieve great things if they set their mind to it. I am a science nerd but I'm also a people person and teaching is a great outlet for both.
Interests/hobbies: I love to hike and read. I also love going to see live music and traveling with my husband, and I play the guitar at our local church. Our cats Pete and Cleopatra are very pampered and you may see us walking around our yard with them in harnesses or in their stroller and backpack around town.
I taught at Durand for five years prior to teaching at River Falls, and I'm super excited to join the team! My husband and I both went to college at UW River Falls, and we are excited to be back in town.
Position: First grade teacher, Westside
Hometown: Baldwin/Stratford
College: UWEC for undergrad and UWRF for graduate school
Why did you choose teaching? I knew that I was going to be a teacher from the time I started elementary school. I was the little girl that would come home from school and then play "school" the rest of the night with my imaginary students or younger brother, if he agreed. I have always had a big heart for kiddos and it fills my heart to make connections with them, support them and watch them succeed. I could never see myself doing anything else!
Interests/hobbies: This summer Seth and I took a trip to Banff in Canada. We also spend lots of time watching our niece's and nephew's sporting events. I enjoy walking our dogs, reading books, riding along with Seth in the tractor, crafting and shopping! Besides summer, my favorite time of the year is sweater weather and Packer Sundays! I am SUPER excited to be joining the RFSD community!
Position: Special Education, Rocky Branch
Hometown: Marathon
College: UW-Milwaukee, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Why did you choose teaching? I grew up in a family of educators, and their passion profoundly shaped me. I chose teaching because I want to be the advocate who tells every student: ‘You belong here, and you can succeed.’ I firmly believe that when provided with the right support, environment, and encouragement, all students can truly thrive.
Interests/hobbies: Outside of school, I love being outdoors—whether it’s hiking, biking, skiing, or tending to my plants. On Sundays, I'm cheering on the Packers, and I’m also a big fan of college basketball, especially Duke.
I'm thrilled to join the River Falls School District. My partner and I look forward to becoming part of this welcoming community!
Position: Music teacher, Greenwood
Hometown: Columbia, Mo.
College: St. Olaf College
Why did you choose teaching? I chose teaching because I want to help students feel safe, have fun, and learn how to become members of their community. My parents are both educators, and I have had many teachers that have inspired me.
Interests/hobbies: I love to go on bike rides, craft, sing in choir, and play handbells.
Position: Occupational Therapist, Greenwood (some middle school & 4k)
Hometown: Durand
College: Creighton University
Why did you choose teaching? I became an occupational therapist because I saw firsthand how this profession helped my grandma after a stroke when I was growing up.
Interests/hobbies: My passion is being around all the sports and cheering on my children and husband within all the sports they are involved in. My husband and I both coach. Our children play year-round sports but the sport we all love is basketball. I like to be active, be outside, go for walks or play fetch with our dog, fish and be with family/friends when we can.
Position: Third grade teacher, Greenwood
Hometown: Hudson
College: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Why did you choose teaching? I grew up LOVING school and knew I wanted to work in the field of education. My goal has always been to provide students the most positive schooling experience possible. Learning is so fun!
Interests/hobbies: My favorite way to spend an afternoon is on the golf course. I also love to bake, crochet, watch TV, and cheer on the Packers.
Position: Library Media Specialist, Meyer Middle School
Hometown: Hudson
College: UWEC
Why did you choose teaching? Growing up there were three things I wanted:
It had been in my head from an early age and I just knew that was what I wanted to do.
Interests/hobbies: Super fan of my kids' sports (football, bass fishing team, soccer), game player (Euchre, backgammon, cribbage, etc.), avid reader, and s’more lover!
I am looking forward to becoming a part of the River Falls School District.
Position: Special Education, Meyer Middle School
Hometown: Anoka, Minn.
College: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Why did you choose teaching? I chose teaching because I wanted to make a difference for students with disabilities. I grew up with siblings that had IEPs in school and a parent who worked as a paraprofessional, I saw firsthand the challenges that students face. I knew that I wanted to help students succeed.
Interests/hobbies: I love crafts like painting and crocheting. I’m also a big fan of documentaries. I enjoy going to sporting events with family, but I do have a bit of a mix between both Wisconsin AND Minnesota teams (Skol!, Go Badgers!).
Position: Sixth grade social studies teacher, Meyer Middle School
Hometown: Ellsworth
College: University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Why did you choose teaching? My passion for education started when I was a young student myself. I simply loved learning, and I would often bring my learning stories home to share with my family. I chose to become a teacher to share my passion for learning with the young students of today, and I teach with the belief that every student is important, talented, and deserving of a quality education. I look forward to hearing my students' own stories, learning-related or otherwise, because for me, it is the uniqueness of every student that makes the teaching profession so fulfilling.
Interests/hobbies: I love spending time outdoors doing activities such as running, hiking, and skiing. I enjoy being in nature and finding ways to appreciate our crazy Wisconsin weather during all seasons of the year. I also like to read, bake, and take care of my many houseplants. I am always happy to learn new things and take up new interests, such as my most recent adventures learning how to play the piano.
Position: First grade teacher, Rocky Branch
Hometown: Onalaska
College: Hamline University and UW-La Crosse
Why did you choose teaching? I was a camp counselor for several years. I have a passion for building relationships with my students. I find it essential to involve humor and imagination into my teaching and have lots of fun getting to know my students and building a team.
I am very excited to join the River Falls family!
Interests/hobbies: I enjoy the fine arts, including music and theatre. I like to be outside, read, solve puzzles, and watch true crime shows. I sing and play the piano. A perfect Saturday would be some time outside with friends, family, and good food!
Position: Art teacher, RFHS
Hometown: Arcadia
College: UW-Superior
Why did you choose teaching? I always knew I wanted to work with people in some capacity, and when I was in college, it really hit me that I was missing the creative aspects. By combining those two points, I came to the conclusion that Art Education would be a good fit for me. It allows me to create an environment for students to be creative and gives me the opportunity to join them in the creative process.
Interests/bobbies: The obvious: being creative and throwing pottery are my first joys, so I will get those out of my way. I also like to spend time with our dog, as he has become our child. I also enjoy cooking/baking, gardening, playing volleyball, curling, and snowboarding.
Position: Spanish teacher, RFHS
Hometown: Rice Lake
College: St. Cloud State University, UW-Milwaukee
Why did you choose teaching? Life is difficult and fun. I wanted to be helpful to young people while they were going through their adolescent years.
Interests/hobbies: I play pickleball, walk/hike, ride bike, kayak, side job is driver's education behind the wheel, getting Masters in Reading, travel with friends
Position: Seventh grade literature teacher, Meyer Middle School
Hometown: Holmen
College: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Why did you choose teaching? I chose teaching because I have always loved to learn and enjoy working with other people. I felt like the combination of teaching others, continuously learning, and my love for reading and writing would be a great fit. And I was right!
Interests/Hobbies: I love to try new things! I am teaching myself how to crochet over the past year which has been fun. I am also trying to get back into learning piano. With the rest of my spare time, I like to play video games on my Switch and Xbox, read books (fav genre: thriller), go for walks, snuggle with cats, or spend time with family and friends.
Submitted by River Falls School District
