Executive Counsel
President: Robynn Giese
I currently teach Medical Physics, Medical Chemistry, Disease & Microbiology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Forensic Science at KEC. I have my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and my master’s degree in Instructional Technology. I have been a part of the union during most of my years in KUSD. My leadership experience outside of the classroom includes being as assistant manager at a music store and in a professional kitchen. My leadership experience in KUSD includes being the Director of Link Crew and the SERVE Academy at LLHS, leading professional developments on PBL, Visible Learning, and Technology in the classroom at my site and for the district and organizing curriculum development at KEC.
I was the KEA Secretary for 5 years from 2010-2015. During that time I created the first KEA website and worked to organize the minutes, MOU’s, KEA Contract, and KEA Bylaws in the website for easy access to KEA members. I was then a site rep for KEC during the 2015-2016 school year. I was the KEA Vice President from 2016-2018. During my time as Vice President I revamped the KEA Website, created binders for the Site Reps, created the KEA Facebook page, and started the KEA app with the intention of increasing communication to KEA members. As KEA President, this past year, I have strengthened our union. I built a relationship with our school board with weekend phone calls and the creation of a monthly newsletter to keep our school board members knowledgeable about KEA's work, progress, and challenges, I have worked to amplify our members’ voices by giving a monthly survey that gets presented at the board meetings. I have also increased ways for members to provide input on negotiations by scheduling input meetings on a range of topics to provide a venue for open discourse so that KEAleadership is informed and better able to represent the needs of our members. My goals for next year are to continue strengthening our relationship with the School Board and to also begin building relationships with the PTOs (Parent Teacher Organization) at all of our sites. My constant and recurring goal is to continue working on increasing the regular and transparent communication between KEA Leadership and our members.
President: Robynn Giese
I currently teach Medical Physics, Medical Chemistry, Disease & Microbiology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Forensic Science at KEC. I have my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and my master’s degree in Instructional Technology. I have been a part of the union during most of my years in KUSD. My leadership experience outside of the classroom includes being as assistant manager at a music store and in a professional kitchen. My leadership experience in KUSD includes being the Director of Link Crew and the SERVE Academy at LLHS, leading professional developments on PBL, Visible Learning, and Technology in the classroom at my site and for the district and organizing curriculum development at KEC.
I was the KEA Secretary for 5 years from 2010-2015. During that time I created the first KEA website and worked to organize the minutes, MOU’s, KEA Contract, and KEA Bylaws in the website for easy access to KEA members. I was then a site rep for KEC during the 2015-2016 school year. I was the KEA Vice President from 2016-2018. During my time as Vice President I revamped the KEA Website, created binders for the Site Reps, created the KEA Facebook page, and started the KEA app with the intention of increasing communication to KEA members. As KEA President, this past year, I have strengthened our union. I built a relationship with our school board with weekend phone calls and the creation of a monthly newsletter to keep our school board members knowledgeable about KEA's work, progress, and challenges, I have worked to amplify our members’ voices by giving a monthly survey that gets presented at the board meetings. I have also increased ways for members to provide input on negotiations by scheduling input meetings on a range of topics to provide a venue for open discourse so that KEAleadership is informed and better able to represent the needs of our members. My goals for next year are to continue strengthening our relationship with the School Board and to also begin building relationships with the PTOs (Parent Teacher Organization) at all of our sites. My constant and recurring goal is to continue working on increasing the regular and transparent communication between KEA Leadership and our members.
Vice President: Kathrine Wiley
I am Katherine (Katie) Wiley and this is my second year as your KEA Vice President. I was a site rep for LLHS for two years before being elected VP. I teach the band classes at LLHS and KEC for grades 4-12, which includes the Marching Trojans in the fall. My primary instrument is Euphonium, which I play in a brass quintet that meets once a week. I spend most of my free time remodeling my new house with my wife. We have two rescue puppies who are Lake County locals. I love spending an evening on our deck watching the sunset while the pups keep a look-out for lizards and squirrels.
I am Katherine (Katie) Wiley and this is my second year as your KEA Vice President. I was a site rep for LLHS for two years before being elected VP. I teach the band classes at LLHS and KEC for grades 4-12, which includes the Marching Trojans in the fall. My primary instrument is Euphonium, which I play in a brass quintet that meets once a week. I spend most of my free time remodeling my new house with my wife. We have two rescue puppies who are Lake County locals. I love spending an evening on our deck watching the sunset while the pups keep a look-out for lizards and squirrels.
Treasurer: Niki Emberson
Hello, my name is Niki and I am your KEA Treasurer. I teach 2nd grade at Lower Lake Elementary and I coach volleyball for our Lower Lake Trojans. I am the mother of three amazing children, my youngest is entering kindergarten and my oldest is a high school senior. I LOVE dressing up, laughing and having fun!! But most of all, I enjoy helping others. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Hello, my name is Niki and I am your KEA Treasurer. I teach 2nd grade at Lower Lake Elementary and I coach volleyball for our Lower Lake Trojans. I am the mother of three amazing children, my youngest is entering kindergarten and my oldest is a high school senior. I LOVE dressing up, laughing and having fun!! But most of all, I enjoy helping others. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Secretary: Raya Yapelli
I have two tiny daughters, I am addicted to sweets and my hobbies include: singing, crocheting, and baking. I love biology and teach that subject at Lower Lake High School. I have also ran the high school summer program for three years in a row. I love to be in charge or take the lead and I like to be in the know of what is going on, especially in my workplace. I am looking forward to being more involved in the union and becoming more knowledgeable about all aspects of our KEA!
I have two tiny daughters, I am addicted to sweets and my hobbies include: singing, crocheting, and baking. I love biology and teach that subject at Lower Lake High School. I have also ran the high school summer program for three years in a row. I love to be in charge or take the lead and I like to be in the know of what is going on, especially in my workplace. I am looking forward to being more involved in the union and becoming more knowledgeable about all aspects of our KEA!
Negotiating:
Bargaining Chair: Byron Giese
I'm currently your Bargaining/Negotiating Chairperson, I've served for about 6 years on the Negotiating Team and about 3 years as president. I teach chemistry and physics at Lower Lake High- this is my 13th year there. I taught math in Vallejo and Sacramento before arriving here. My bachelor's degree from Davis is in Managerial Economics with a minor in Communication (I spent most college years as a Chemical Engineer major- that's how I teach science) and my Masters degree is in 'Educational Leadership'.
Bargaining Chair: Byron Giese
I'm currently your Bargaining/Negotiating Chairperson, I've served for about 6 years on the Negotiating Team and about 3 years as president. I teach chemistry and physics at Lower Lake High- this is my 13th year there. I taught math in Vallejo and Sacramento before arriving here. My bachelor's degree from Davis is in Managerial Economics with a minor in Communication (I spent most college years as a Chemical Engineer major- that's how I teach science) and my Masters degree is in 'Educational Leadership'.
Bargaining team: Marcus Humphrey
Hello, my name is Marcus Humphrey (pictured far left) and I will be serving on the negotiations team for the third year now. I teach English at LLHS and have enjoyed it since moving here from San Jose. I enjoy fun activities in the county like the Kelseyville Street Dance, the festivals, and so much more the county has to offer. Additionally, a relaxing day on the lake is great for relaxation and getting my tan on.
Hello, my name is Marcus Humphrey (pictured far left) and I will be serving on the negotiations team for the third year now. I teach English at LLHS and have enjoyed it since moving here from San Jose. I enjoy fun activities in the county like the Kelseyville Street Dance, the festivals, and so much more the county has to offer. Additionally, a relaxing day on the lake is great for relaxation and getting my tan on.
Bargaining team: Chris Emberson
Hi, my name is Chris Emberson and I am on the negotiation team. I teach Physical Education at Lower Lake High School. I have been with Konocti Unified for 13 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, fishing and being outdoors. I look forward to working with all our KEA members.
Hi, my name is Chris Emberson and I am on the negotiation team. I teach Physical Education at Lower Lake High School. I have been with Konocti Unified for 13 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, fishing and being outdoors. I look forward to working with all our KEA members.
Bargaining team: Cindy Strugnell
Hello, I am Cindy Strugnell. I have been here at Konocti for 13 years. I have been a site rep, negotiator (past and returning this year) and grievance for several years. I teach 1st grade at LLES. I am a grandma, love animals, gardening, and outdoor activities with my family. I look forward to working with all KEA members this year!
Hello, I am Cindy Strugnell. I have been here at Konocti for 13 years. I have been a site rep, negotiator (past and returning this year) and grievance for several years. I teach 1st grade at LLES. I am a grandma, love animals, gardening, and outdoor activities with my family. I look forward to working with all KEA members this year!
Bargaining team: John Tyler
Hello, I’m John Tyler and I teach auto shop at Lower Lake High School. 2019-2020 will be my seventh year with the district. This year I’ll be serving on the KEA contract negotiation team and eagerly look forward to that challenge. My life partner and best friend, Kim, teaches at KEC and together we find joy in the little things like kayaking, bird watching and exploring our world. I find the universe to be a fascinating place and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Hello, I’m John Tyler and I teach auto shop at Lower Lake High School. 2019-2020 will be my seventh year with the district. This year I’ll be serving on the KEA contract negotiation team and eagerly look forward to that challenge. My life partner and best friend, Kim, teaches at KEC and together we find joy in the little things like kayaking, bird watching and exploring our world. I find the universe to be a fascinating place and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Benefits Coordinator : Angie Segal
Grievance:
Grievance Chair: Cindy Strugnell
Hello, I am Cindy Strugnell. I have been here at Konocti for 13 years. I have been a site rep, negotiator (past and returning this year) and grievance for several years. I teach 1st grade at LLES. I am a grandma, love animals, gardening, and outdoor activities with my family. I look forward to working with all KEA members this year!
Grievance Chair: Cindy Strugnell
Hello, I am Cindy Strugnell. I have been here at Konocti for 13 years. I have been a site rep, negotiator (past and returning this year) and grievance for several years. I teach 1st grade at LLES. I am a grandma, love animals, gardening, and outdoor activities with my family. I look forward to working with all KEA members this year!
Membership Engagement:
Membership Engagement Chair: Tiffany Bywaters-Kohen
My name is Tiffany Bywaters-Koehn and I have been a science teacher at Lower Lake High School for 14 years. I love animals (I have over 40 pets), I love reading, and when I get the chance I love to travel. I have been a union site rep for the last 9-10 years and I am excited to take on the role of Engagement Chair this coming school year.
Membership Engagement Chair: Tiffany Bywaters-Kohen
My name is Tiffany Bywaters-Koehn and I have been a science teacher at Lower Lake High School for 14 years. I love animals (I have over 40 pets), I love reading, and when I get the chance I love to travel. I have been a union site rep for the last 9-10 years and I am excited to take on the role of Engagement Chair this coming school year.
Ethnic Minority Representative: Nathalie Antus
Education has always been an important part of my Life. I was born to an Ivy League educated father, first generation college graduate mother, and attended one of the best schools in the World, the Singapore American School. After a career in Advertising and Community Development, the patience suddenly gained after the birth of my daughter, led me to the field of Education, which I so love. I am currently a Resource Specialist Teacher at Pomo Elementary, finishing my dual Credential and Master’s Program. Just started my second term as a City of Clearlake Planning Commissioner and am eager to bring to the District a new and international perspective in my role as the Ethnic Minority Representative.
Education has always been an important part of my Life. I was born to an Ivy League educated father, first generation college graduate mother, and attended one of the best schools in the World, the Singapore American School. After a career in Advertising and Community Development, the patience suddenly gained after the birth of my daughter, led me to the field of Education, which I so love. I am currently a Resource Specialist Teacher at Pomo Elementary, finishing my dual Credential and Master’s Program. Just started my second term as a City of Clearlake Planning Commissioner and am eager to bring to the District a new and international perspective in my role as the Ethnic Minority Representative.
Social Media Ambassador: Niki Emberson
Hello, my name is Niki and I am your KEA Treasurer. I teach 2nd grade at Lower Lake Elementary and I coach volleyball for our Lower Lake Trojans. I am the mother of three amazing children, my youngest is entering kindergarten and my oldest is a high school senior. I LOVE dressing up, laughing and having fun!! But most of all, I enjoy helping others. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Hello, my name is Niki and I am your KEA Treasurer. I teach 2nd grade at Lower Lake Elementary and I coach volleyball for our Lower Lake Trojans. I am the mother of three amazing children, my youngest is entering kindergarten and my oldest is a high school senior. I LOVE dressing up, laughing and having fun!! But most of all, I enjoy helping others. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Site Reps
To be announced
To be announced
