Staff
Heather Kalowsky
Director, Teacher
I began my German studies as a high school freshman and since then German language and culture have influenced who I am. I have a BA in German Studies from Lewis & Clark College and an MA in German from University of Colorado. I also have an MA in TESOL from Portland State University. I have been teaching German to adults for 20 years and to adults and children at Sophie Scholl Schule for seven years. In addition to teaching, I also served on the board at Portland Kinderschule including two years as board president.
Imke Melles
Teacher
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Oldenburg, in Niedersachsen. After spending half a year in Dublin as an au-pair, I returned to Oldenburg to study. I got my teaching degree in German, Art and Textile design for elementary schools at the Carl-von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg and did my student teaching in Hameln. I live with my husband and our son, who was born in 2006. As I am passionate about my language, I made it a priority to have him grow up speaking German, and I take him to Germany each summer to visit my parents and my brother. I enjoy spending time in nature (the great outdoors or my garden). I also love reading and poetry, gardening, taking pictures, crafting of all sorts, knitting, listening to music and lately I have been interested in cooking good food (as in healthy and nutritious).
IRIS NOACK
Teacher
I bring my aesthetic as a trained graphic artist to my Saturday classes as well. My students can expect readings and worksheets, but also a lot of hands-on learning: maybe we’ll write a play to go with the story we read, or crafts that tie in to the topic.
I grew up in Heidenheim, and lived in Ulm, but particularly enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty. When traveling, I always have my camera with me.
Raingard Kuhse
Teacher
I am a native of Berlin, Germany. I graduated with a B.A. in Art History and spent one academic year on the Paris Abroad Program. I completed two internship programs: Sotheby’s New York and Artist Co-Op Druckwerkstatt Bethanien Berlin. These educational experiences shaped my passions for art history, languages, education and children. You will find that I incorporate art crafting during Sophie Scholl class time while learning German. Teaching a second language is incredibly rewarding. Portland, OR is my home away from home with my two children who are also fluent in German.
Vera Jackson
Teacher
After living in Germany for 25 years, traveling Europe extensively, studying four languages, and earning an MBA, I came to the US in 1993. My family has since moved between a few states and traveled the country.
I have worked as a German teacher for BASF and the Sophie Scholl Schule and interpreted for SolarWorld during their employee exchange program. In addition, I have several tutor students of all ages and write German subtitles for a number of organizations.
Teaching German is one of my great passions, which I hope to pass on to all my students, young and older. Finding relevant, current material, worthwhile exercises, and fun activities and music, all with the underlying objective to foster cross-cultural understanding, while guiding and witnessing the students’ progress is so rewarding.
Verena Hutter
Substitute Teacher
Originally from the Lake Constance region in Germany, I hold an M.A. and PhD. in German from the University of California, Davis. I’ve taught all levels of German, and am excited about the enthusiasm learners bring to Sophie Scholl Schule. Learning a new language means learning about a new culture and ultimately oneself. I stress reading and writing, but ultimately the student’s ability to express themselves and find joy in German is paramount.
Steering Committee
DIETER COHRS - CHAIR
I grew up in a small village near Lindau/Bodensee in the southwestern part of Germany (Bavaria) before going to University studying Electrical Engineering in Munich. I spent a year as a visiting student in the South of England before coming to the US as an expat for Siemens in 1993. Initially I lived in New England and after getting an MBA in Boston moved out to Oregon in 2001 to work for Intel. I am married to an American and have two teenage girls who are both going to Sophie Scholl Schule. In my free time I like hiking, windsurfing, mountain biking, skiing, jogging, gardening, cooking and baking. I have been on the Sophie Scholl Schule Steering Committee since 2013 and am Head of the Committee since 2016. I also love playing the role of Camp Cook at Camp Abenteuer since the Summer of 2016.
Anna Washburn - Committee Member
I was raised in the western part of Germany (near Düsseldorf) and moved to the United States after graduating college. I have been residing in the beautiful PNW since the early 2000s and been the Office Manager for Sophie Scholl Schule since 2014. My children have attended the Saturday program since preschool age and we value being part of the German cultural community.