Picture of Principal Brown

Sam Brown, DES Principal

I am overjoyed to be selected as the new Principal of Durham Elementary School! I am a lifelong member of the Durham community; my husband and I are both Durham High graduates and our children have gone through the Durham Schools. With over 18 years of experience in education, the last seven years spent at Durham Elementary, it is a privilege to serve and collaborate with the staff, students, families and community members to continue to meet a common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being, while continuing to celebrate all the traditions that makes Durham such a special place to live and work!

Picture of Teacher Dealy

Polly Dealy, DES Teacher

I am thrilled to be joining the Durham family once again. I attended schools here from kindergarten through high school and feel as though I have come home. My education career is extensive, varied, and long, crossing three states and all grade levels. I completed a long-term substitute position last year in fourth grade at Durham Elementary. After many amazing experiences with the students, I made the decision to come out of retirement and become a permanent part of the Durham community again. I have two grown sons, both residing in different states. Ryan is a fisheries biologist; Chris is a professional artist. I live with my best friend Daisy (she’s a dog) and Buster, my cat. We just moved from Durham into Chico and are adjusting to “city” life well. I love reading, camping, puttering in my yard, and most of all, motivating kids to be their very best!

Picture of Teacher Hawks

Malena Hawks, DES Teacher

My name is Malena Hawks and I have wanted to be an elementary teacher since I was in third grade because of the impact that teachers have on the lives of their students. I am a recent Master of Arts in Teaching and Multiple Subject credential graduate from the University of California, Irvine and I am happy to be returning to the area I grew up in. I am excited to have the opportunity to teach at Durham Elementary School.

Picture of Teacher Dwyer

Christina Dwyer, DES Teacher

My name is Christina Dwyer, I am one of the new teachers at Durham Elementary. I am a Durham transplant of almost 8 years. My daughter will be entering TK. I am so excited for my family to be joining Durham’s school community. I am a second-year teacher but have been passionate about education and teaching I was young.

Picture of Teacher Mahling

Andrea Mahling, DES Education Specialist

I am excited to join Durham Elementary school as a Special Education Teacher. In my 12 years of teaching I have taught P.E., Adaptive P.E., Special Education and coached various sports from elementary to high school. My family and I recently moved to Durham and are involved in sports, scouting and enjoy camping. We are excited to be part of this amazing community and all that it offers.

Picture of Teacher DuBose

Hailey DuBose, DES Teacher

Hello, I am Hailey DuBose. I graduated from Montana State University, Bozeman, “Go Bobcats!” When I am not teaching I am spending time with my husband and dog, Sage. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year.

Picture of Teacher Castillo

Alondra Castillo, DES Teacher

I recently finished the Multiple Subjects Credential Program at California State University Chico, during my time in the program I was a Student Teacher at Durham Intermediate School. From day one of student teaching here, I knew this is where I wanted to be and I am so happy to officially be part of the Durham Elementary School team. I grew up in Surprise Valley (Cedarville) a small town in the North Eastern corner of California that reminds me a lot of Durham. I am so excited to get to know the Durham community and for you all to get to know me!