Academic Faculty
The academic team at J Bar J Learning Center is thoughtfully chosen for their commitment to student-centered learning, academic excellence, and innovative teaching. Our educators are passionate about inspiring and empowering students, working collaboratively to foster a dynamic and supportive environment where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Erik Sieber, Academic Director
Wanting to be a teacher since the 5th grade, Erik Sieber began volunteering with youth at the Central Oregon Boys and Girls Clubs during his summer breaks from college while obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. After earning his Master’s Degree in Education, Erik began teaching Social Studies and Language Arts over 20 years ago in the Oregon and Arizona public high schools. He believes in challenging youth to become successful in overcoming their challenges through hard work and a positive attitude.
Erik is a fan of film and music, is a voracious reader, and tries his best to stay active. During the winter he enjoys working on projects in his shop, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing with friends and spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor. In the summer, he loves backpacking and stand up paddle boarding our high lakes and rivers.
Erika Olsen, Registrar
Erika is the Registrar for the Learning Center and J5 student programs at J Bar J Youth Services. She has worked in high level administrative settings in the education field in one facet or another for most of her career. She has a bachelor’s in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Michigan State University. She has worked as a curator of education in a museum, long time Director of Operations for a local Montessori school and now in her new role as Registrar at J Bar J Youth Services, to name a few. Erika enjoys living a Pacific Northwest lifestyle, exploring nature and catching as many concerts as she can.
For records requests or registrar needs, she can be contacted at eolsen@jbarj.org.
Traci Worthington, Special Education Teacher
Traci serves as J Bar J’s special education teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Linfield University and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, as well as a TSPC Legacy Teaching License in Oregon. With over 27 years of experience in teaching and administration, Traci is certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), QPR Suicide Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Trainings. She uses humor, empathy, and strong relationship-building skills to help students feel secure and ready to learn.
Outside of work, Traci is the proud mother of four teenagers. She enjoys camping, fishing, paddle boarding, and traveling, especially to experience new cultures. At home, she can often be found cheering from the stands at her children’s activities.
Eric Dickerson, Math and Science Teacher
Eric earned his Master of Arts in Teaching in Foundational Mathematics from Oregon State University in 2022 after working in building materials and construction for close to 20 years. After a short stint as a middle school math teacher, he found a job teaching math and science to high school age students in an alternative education setting and hasn’t looked back. Eric found more fulfillment helping with the success of students in an alternative program, who were previously overlooked or pushed through in public schools, much like he was at that age. Also equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Eric enjoys teaching earth sciences and mathematics and is considering adding endorsements in Science and Social Studies sometime in the near future.
Outside of teaching, Eric is passionate about pool and billiards, loves kayaking and camping in the summer with his wife, two daughters and friends, and enjoys working on construction and carpentry projects around the house.
Jayde Loya-Chamberlain, Humanities Teacher
Jayde has been working at J Bar J in a variety of roles on the academic team and has served as a teacher for the Learning Center for three years. In her classroom, she creates a student-centered environment that blends literature and history, introducing students to classics such as Shakespeare’s plays, The Odyssey, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Her goal is for students to leave class as stronger critical thinkers and more empathetic individuals, equipped to see the relevance of stories and history in their own lives. She is also working toward her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction while obtaining her Principal Administrative License.
In her personal life, Jayde enjoys hiking, gardening, and cooking meals that bring family and friends together. She loves exploring the outdoors of Central Oregon with her husband and their dogs.
Don Courtain, Vocational Classroom Teacher
Don is a vocational teacher who is passionate about helping students develop practical skills and confidence. He enjoys guiding students through hands-on projects and real-world applications, creating a supportive classroom where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
Sam Roberts, Vocational Classroom Teacher
Sam is a dedicated vocational teacher with a passion for working with students. He has taught in both middle and high school settings and is committed to helping students understand the world around them while developing practical, hands-on skills. Outside of work, Sam enjoys exploring the outdoors and discovering new experiences.
David Larson, Educational Assistant
David has been with J Bar J for nine years, beginning as a Resident Monitor before transitioning into his current role as an Educational Assistant five years ago. He enjoys working with this age group because of their authenticity and honesty, finding it rewarding to build meaningful relationships with students.
In addition to his work, David has always been an athlete and also embraces his “nerdy” side with a love of video games. He especially enjoys participating in fantasy football—particularly when he wins.
