Dear Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff,
It is with great excitement I announce Rachel Närhi has been appointed the permanent Branch Manager of SOBT’s West Linn studio. Rachel, already a part of the OBT family, has been working for the past two years as a Teaching Artist in our Education / Outreach department; a position that has allowed her to share her joy and vast knowledge of dance with thousands of school children in the Portland metropolitan area. Rachel previously taught ballet in the Children’s Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet and has had significant teaching and dance studio management experience in schools throughout the Pacific Northwest. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts, in Seattle, WA. Besides overseeing the day to day operations of the school in West Linn, Rachel will be an integral part of the studio's faculty.
Rachel’s first day in her new position is June 20, 2016, and she will spend a week working with the current West Linn Branch Manager, Lea Turner Betts. As thrilled as I am to have Rachel join us, the sad news is Lea’s last day with SOBT will be June 24, 2016. I would personally like to thank Lea for the phenomenal job she has done in overseeing the opening of the West Linn studio. Lea came to us at a critical time and continually rose to the challenge of this difficult assignment. Consequently, the studio has thrived and grown under her care. Thank you for everything Lea and we at SOBT wish you all the best in your future!
Speaking of the future, I look forward to all that lies ahead at our West Linn studio and to the energy, passion, and experience I know Rachel will bring to the strong foundation laid by Lea.
Come dance with us!
Best wishes,
Anthony Jones
School Director
