Academic Faculty

Instructional personnel at the J Bar J Learning Centers are selected for their commitment to individualized curriculum, educational excellence, innovation, and a willingness to motivate. All faculty are either licensed or have extensive experience in the areas they teach.


Crystal Weseman
Academic Director

Crystal is an Oregon native whose softball career took her to Chaminade University in Honolulu where she played Division II Softball and played on the Hawaiian All Star Team against the US Olympic Softball team. Crystal fell into the realm of education while tutoring underprivileged youth at Palolo Elementary School which was initiated as part of a Service-Learning program but was compelled to continue through her junior year. Crystal has worked in the private school setting since 2010 and was drawn toward alternative education after her Professional Administrative Practicum hours with Bend La Pine School District’s Alternative Education Program STRIVE, which is now known as Bend Tech Academy. The experience at STRIVE inspired her decision to join the Academy at Sisters Academic team in 2020.  

Crystal earned her Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies with a focus on Education from Eastern Oregon University in 2010, earned Masters in Administration from Concordia University Portland in 2013, and completed her Professional Administrative Licensure Program from Concordia University Portland in 2020. While working towards her Master’s Degree and Professional Administrative License, Crystal worked full time and balanced raising her two adventurous children. 

Crystal and her family enjoy everything that the beautiful state of Oregon has to offer from snowboarding the various mountains to paddle boarding the rivers and lakes. Her after school activities typically include watching/coaching her kids in their athletics or practicing Hot Yoga!


Erik Sieber
Assistant Academic Director

Wanting to be a teacher since the 5th grade, Erik Sieber began volunteering with youth at the Central Oregon Boys and Girls Club during his summer breaks from college, eventually working for the Organization for 3 years while obtaining his Graduate Degree in Education. Endorsed in Social Studies and Language Arts, Erik began teaching over 20 years ago in the Oregon and Arizona public high schools.   He believes in challenging youth to become successful in overcoming their hardships and struggles through hard work and passion.  

Erik is passionate about film, is a voracious reader and tries his best to stay active.  During the winter he enjoys snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor.  In the summer, he loves backpacking and stand up paddle boarding our high lakes and rivers with family, friends and his crazy dog. 


Keith Riggs
Lead Teacher, Science and Math 

Arriving in Bend two years ago, Keith is the newcomer, both to Central Oregon as well as the J Bar J teaching staff. His passion for education and helping others is derived from his parents, both of whom made careers working in different public servant positions. A graduate of the University of West Georgia with a B.S. in Education with a concentration on math and science, Keith began his educational career in 2013 with Arnall Middle School in Newnan, Georgia. He strongly believes in the value of education, and enjoys the opportunity to help shape the minds of tomorrow’s future leaders.

When not working he enjoys spending time outdoors. He and his wife enjoy hiking and backpacking, camping, and exploring Central Oregon. He also enjoys fly fishing the pristine waterways that abound in the region and spending time with friends.


Macklin Kelly
Language Arts and Social Studies 

Bio Coming Soon


Traci Worthington
Special Education 

A true local, Traci Worthington grew up in Bend and graduated from Mountain View High School. She went on to complete her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon and received her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Traci joins us with over 25 years of teaching experience in early childhood, elementary, and high school. In her free time, she enjoys camping, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and spending time with her family of four children.


Jayde Loya
Educational Assistant

  • Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education (Class of 2026)
  • 10+ years’ experience in Art, Music and Theatre
  • Certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
  • 5+ years of experience in a leadership role for youth
  • Active participant in local art and theatre opportunities

Tasha Sundseth
School Registrar