Network Charter School’s Staff
Meet Our Administrative Team
Penny Studt (Principal)
Penny is a quiet observer, a curious thinker, a passionate dreamer. Originally from St. Louis, Penny transplanted to Oregon five years ago. She has more than 20 years experience in education. Her roots were founded in alternative education and her teaching habits, and leadership practices, are significantly dominated by this experience. She is a long-distance hiker and runner, a classically trained tap dancer and a small business owner. If you want to distract her, make sure to mention trees, dogs, backpacking or overlanding. She also loves unicorns, the smell of a forest floor after the rain, and pretty much anything else magical!
Contact: penny@networkcharterschool.net
Hayden Wolford (Front Office Manager)
Born and raised in Eugene, Hayden has become especially passionate about the wellbeing of her community. Hayden is also passionate about camping under the stars, reading a good book while rain falls on the roof, and cuddling with her black cat, J. Knoxville.
After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in Humanities and Philosophy in 2023, Hayden feels extremely lucky to find herself in a position where she gets to utilize the lessons she has learned about different perspectives, cultures, and needs of a variety of people. Network is a good fit for Hayden because she understands the importance of hands-on, holistic education that is propagated by an environment where students can be themselves entirely.
Hayden looks forward to being a bright spirit for students, parents, and staff to greet as they walk through the doors of NCS each morning.
Contact: hayden@networkcharterschool.net
Gillian DeBruno
Gillian is a Holistic Mental Health and Wellness Practitioner who has partnered with NCS to provide comprehensive mental health and wellness support for students, parents, and teachers.
With training as a traditional therapist, Gillian uniquely integrates various approaches into her practice to cater to individual needs. She is committed to offering support to students dealing with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, isolation, quarantine fatigue, home life dynamics, friendship challenges, and school performance concerns. Her flexible sessions are available both via Zoom and at the NCS main site, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Gillian's holistic approach and dedication to mental well-being make her an invaluable resource for the community.
Contact: gillian@networkcharterschool.net
Jon Kuhns-Obana (Finance Director)
Jon managed the NCS front office for several years and in 2022 became the Finance Director. Previously, in the administrative sector, he worked for the Oregon Bach Festival, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, and Selectemp.
Jon is also a professional classical musician, and is a member of the Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, and Eugene Concert Orchestra. In addition, he has played internationally, and was the first American hornist to win a position with the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra in Nishinomiya, Japan, an international training orchestra. He resides in Eugene with his husband Marco, a Brazilian-Japanese sushi chef.
Contact: jon@networkcharterschool.net
Denise Velasco (Guidance Counselor)
Denise is committed to bringing out the best in all of her students; she uses both personal experience and accumulated knowledge to build relationship and help bridge educational gaps. Regardless of where they begin, students always walk away from their time with Denise with a fresh perspective on life.
In addition to being a Guidance Counselor, Denise also teaches, as well as co-facilitates an outdoor adventure credit recovery program (OCRAP) that helps students earn credits by engaging in authentic experiences and participating in learning in the moment- adventure style.
Denise is an avid adventurer. Ask Denise how many National Parks she has visited in her life and you’ll be amazed!
Contact: denise@networkcharterschool.net
Brie Huling
Brie is passionate about serving because she loves humans! “It’s an honor to support people in their self-discovery, in finding a gentle and meaningful pathway into themselves and community. Encouraging a brave space, one that offers permission to explore what it feels like to be fully embodied. To submerge in the joy of community while supporting a practice of radical self-acceptance, carried by the collective breath and curiosity is awesome! (and important, scary, and beautiful!) I love that my calling is to offer that point of reflection back to people’s own strength and capacity, especially with our teenage sparklers!”
Brie is a certified 500hr RYT in yoga therapy along with other specialized certificates including an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MSW from Portland State, and a BA in Gender Studies & Sociology from CSULB. Not only does she teach classes, she additionally supports teens in holistic mental health at Network Charter School’s main campus. Brie seeks out adventure around the globe to grow, play, and engage with humans from different cultures and backgrounds. Joy is the medicine that Brie delights in daily!
Contact: brie@networkcharterschool.net
Katriese DeLeon (Student Services Adv)
Katriese is an enthusiastic learner and adventurous traveler. Katriese recently moved to Eugene from Columbus, Ohio.
While studying Spanish and linguistics at the Ohio State University, Katriese discovered a passion for educational equity and the value of linguistic diversity in schools. She spent the 2022-2023 school year living and working in Galicia, Spain as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, and she is thrilled to continue building community relationships and being of service to students and their families through Network. Outside of the office, you can find her painting, trying out new recipes, or brushing up on her Spanish and Portuguese.
Contact: katriese@networkcharterschool.net
Heather Hickcox (SPED Coordinator)
As an advocate for students, Heather focuses on meeting everyone where they are at and helping them build a bridge to learning as well as supporting students in building positive relationships with the amazing teachers and staff at NCS.
In addition to her dedication to the SPED program, Heather also is one of the Co-Coordinators of our ASPIRE program, which focuses on engaging students in Career and College Readiness to achieve their post-secondary goals.
Heather also co-created and manages the Outdoor Credit Recovery Adventure Program (OCRAP) with Denise that supports students through experiential learning outside of the classroom.
Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys various outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and camping with her family in their RV. When she isn’t exploring the great outdoors, she finds joy in reading.
Contact: heather@networkcharterschool.net