The MVSD is pleased to announce that Annika Troyer has been selected to serve as the LBHS/ILC Integration Media Specialist, replacing Laura Bitzes Thomas.
Born in Washington State, Annika became a self-reported, “TCK (Third Culture Kid)” at the age of four when her parents elected to pursue careers as educators for the Department of Defense. Living abroad, Annika attended AFNORTH International School at the NATO Base in Limburg, the Netherlands. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theory of Arts & Literature from Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. Following her graduation from Jacobs University, she attended the European School of Economics in Lucca, Italy to pursue a Master’s Certification in Art & Event Management.
Returning to the United States in 2010, she met her husband, Brandon Troyer and started a family that includes Lucia Rose, their daughter (now a 5th grader at MVE), their dog, Moose, and cat, Ninja. After several adventurous years of exploration, the Troyer’s settled in the Methow Valley. Upon their arrival, Annika was hired by the MVSD as a substitute teacher. Shortly thereafter, Annika was selected to serve as the MVE Integration Media Specialist Paraeducator, working alongside Integrated Library/Media Specialist, Catie Barber.
When asked about her new position, Annika stated, “This is a position I’ve always dreamed of filling. While I’m sad to be leaving a position and the people I love at MVE, I’m thrilled to be taking the next step in my career by joining the team at LBHS!” Given Annika’s love of learning, curiosity about the world, and collaborative nature, we’re not surprised… Consistent with the adage, “The apple (or book) doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Annika comes from a family of educators – Her parents were teachers, her grandfather was a professor, and her grandmother served as a reference librarian in Japan, the place where Annika began her education as a child.
As she steps into her new position, Annika is eager to facilitate changes within the LBHS library to keep pace with advances in technology and the changing needs of the student population. She hopes to create a contemporary media center with new books, easy access to online resources, and areas for both quiet study and conferencing.
Outside of school, Annika enjoys making sushi, evening walks with her family, hot-spring hopping, editing, motorcycle rides with her husband, watching anime, playing soccer, cooking huge hotpots, traveling and, of course, reading!
Please join us as we congratulate Annika Troyer, LBHS/ILC’s new Integration Media Specialist!